Iraqi Elections 2025: Between a Crisis of Trust and a Chance for Change

As Iraq approaches its parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025, debate has reignited over whether the democratic process still holds meaning in a system burdened by corruption, division, and public disillusionment. These elections are not just another political event--they are a litmus test for the survival of Iraq's political order and its ability to renew itself more than two decades after the fall of the previous regime.

The General Context

The Iraqi government confirmed the election date following lengthy consultations within both the parliament and the electoral commission.

The vote comes amid public tension and a political atmosphere still shadowed by the 2019 Tishreen protests, whose demands for ending sectarian power-sharing and overhauling the system remain largely unmet.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani seeks to secure a second term through a broad political alliance, while opposition and independent forces are rallying around a reformist and youth-centered discourse.

The Political Landscape

Iraq's scene today is divided between major blocs and emerging movements:

Political Bloc Electoral Base Orientation Coordination Framework South and Central Iraq, Pro-Iran, conservative Sadrist Movement (unofficially) Baghdad and South Popular--reformist Sovereignty Alliance, Anbar and Nineveh, Sunni-- tribal Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Erbil and Duhok--Kurdish nationalist Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Sulaymaniyah, Left-leaning, Kurdish Civil and Independent Movements Baghdad, Basra, Nineveh Protest-based, civic. Competition will be intense, but traditional forces still control financial and media power, leaving independents facing an uneven battlefield. In Baghdad, the epicenter of political decision-making, votes are likely to split among the Coordination Framework, Sadrists, and independents.

Forecast: voter turnout around 35%, with continued dominance by traditional Shi'a blocs.

In Basra, despite oil wealth, residents remain frustrated by polluted water and unemployment--a divide is expected between Framework loyalists and clan-backed independents.

In Nineveh, with its ethnic and religious diversity, a delicate balance is expected among Arabs, Kurds, and Christians, with security concerns lingering in the Nineveh Plains and Sinjar.

In the Kurdistan Region, the KDP remains dominant in Erbil and Duhok, while the PUK holds Sulaymaniyah--though growing youth anger over corruption and nepotism challenges both.

Structural Challenges

An electoral law favoring large parties at the expense of independents.

The influence of money and weapons on voter behavior.

Youth apathy, stemming from disillusionment with politics.

Low trust in the Electoral Commission and accusations of politicization.

Together, these factors will determine whether Iraq's system can still be reformed from within.

Possible Scenarios

Scenario One -- Status Quo Persists (60%)

The Coordination Framework maintains its majority; sectarian power-sharing continues.

Scenario Two -- Rise of Independents and Reformists (25%)

A strong youth turnout gives rise to a civil bloc demanding real reform and new legislation.

Scenario Three -- Crisis of Legitimacy or Partial Postponement (15%)

Low participation or disputes among factions could lead to partial delays or re-voting.

The International Position

The UN and EU have expressed readiness to monitor the elections.

Iran aims to safeguard its influence through allied forces.

The United States observes closely, testing Iraq's independence of decision-making.

Regional neighbors, especially Turkey and Jordan, view the elections as a way to stabilize regional dynamics.

The Stance of the Assyrian people

Amid this political turbulence, most Assyrian parties have announced their boycott of the elections, denouncing the manipulation of the Christian quota seats by dominant powers.

Control of Christian quota seats by external forces with no real programs or history of defending the Assyrian people's rights, often winning through non-Christian votes.

Exclusion of respected national figures, such as Joseph Sliwa, head of the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d'Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), and Issam Behnam Matti Daaboul, former deputy head of the HBA and ex-governor of al-Hamdaniya.

Erosion of Christian community trust in the electoral process and the Commission.

Weak state authority in areas like the Nineveh Plains and Sinjar, undermining free choice.

These parties have called for amending the quota law so that Assyrian people's votes go exclusively to their genuine representatives. Meanwhile, some youth voices advocate symbolic participation to ensure their people's voice remains present in parliament.

This reveals a crisis of representation--a growing sense among Assyrian members that their political role has become largely ceremonial.

Yet, it also stands as an assertion of awareness and rejection of marginalization, a reminder that no national reform is complete without justice for Iraq's historical communities who have helped build the nation for millennia.

Our Assyrian people's parties and organizations have also taken varying positions, predominantly leaning towards boycotting and quiet political protest rather than active participation.

The 2025 Iraqi elections are more than a contest for seats--they embody the struggle between hope and despair, between those who still believe in reform and those who have lost faith in the entire process.

If Iraqis truly seek change, they must transform protest into informed participation, turning the ballot from a symbol of frustration into a tool for renewal--one that restores meaning to democracy and offers the nation a new chance to rise from the cycle of failure.
Venezuela deployed thousands of troops near the Colombian border on Thursday in response to the US military buildup in the Caribbean, where US media reported a new strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat.

The United States has sent several military vessels to the Caribbean Sea and launched a series of deadly naval strikes on boats in recent weeks, a campaign that experts say is illegal.

At least 27 people have been killed in the US strikes so far, with the military buildup sparking fears in Caracas that the ultimate goal is a change of government in Venezuela.

Caracas has launched military drills, including the deployment of 17,000 troops in Tachira state, which borders Colombia, according to the commander there, General Michell Valladares.

While President Donald Trump weighs whether to expand US military action from the sea onto land, the admiral overseeing the naval strikes announced he will step down.

The latest boat attack on Thursday left survivors among those on board, media outlets including CBS, CNN and NBC reported, citing unidentified US officials.

The Pentagon did not respond immediately to an AFP request for information about the number of survivors or their condition.

In a significant escalation, Trump indicated on Wednesday he had authorized covert CIA action against Venezuela and was considering further action against the alleged drug cartels.

"We are certainly looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

A day later, Admiral Alvin Holsey announced he would leave his position as head of US forces operating in Central and South America.

The head of US Southern Command gave no reason for retiring just a year into his tenure, which follows multiple top US military officers being dismissed in recent months.

Venezuela's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro has decried any attempt by Washington at "regime change" and criticized "coups d'etat orchestrated by the CIA."

Its vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, also denied a report that she had negotiated with the United States to oust Maduro.

Under Maduro's direction, the Venezuelan military carried out exercises in the country's biggest shantytowns this week after another US strike.

AFP journalists saw troops deployed on Thursday in Tachira, where the three main bridges connecting Venezuela with Colombia are located.

Venezuelan forces were also stationed in southern Amazonas state, which borders Colombia and Brazil, and multiple coastal areas.

Trinidad and Tobago, located off the coast of Venezuela, is investigating whether two of those killed in US strikes at sea were its citizens, officials said on Wednesday.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro recently called on the United Nations to open a "criminal process" against Trump for the attacks, which he believes have also killed Colombians.

Washington has not released evidence to support its assertion that the targets of its strikes are drug smugglers, and experts say the summary killings are illegal even if they hit confirmed narcotics traffickers.
Key Points

Despite operating in 170 countries and earning half its revenue internationally, IBM faces minimal financial impact from current tariff policies.

Big Blue's imported goods represent less than 5% of the company's overall spending, limiting tariff exposure to under 1% of total revenues.

The company is actively sourcing alternative suppliers for tariff-laden components, despite the relatively small financial impact.

10 stocks we like better than International Business Machines 

Trade tariffs are mixing up the global economy in 2025. The Trump administration has issued double-digit import fees on goods from most countries, with even higher rates in markets like China and India. Some of these tariffs are currently in effect, while others are pending, with a patchwork of countermeasures issued by the targeted countries. To keep an eye on this messy situation, check out The Motley Fool's tariff and trade investigation tracker -- a living document that does all the hard data-tracking work for you.

Few companies are more international than IBM (NYSE: IBM) -- Big Blue even has "international" in its name. It runs research labs on six continents, has more employees in India than the United States, and runs business offices in more than 170 countries. Almost exactly half of IBM's revenues were collected in the Americas in 2024, which also includes Canada and Latin America.

Surely this global giant must feel the pinch from criss-crossing tariff policies, right? As it turns out, IBM isn't too concerned with the ongoing trade tensions.

Image source: Getty Images.

How exposed is IBM to the tariff tango?

There are different ways to figure out IBM's tariff exposure. I could take the complicated web of current and future tariff rates, apply them to each of IBM's products and services in various countries, and create an intimidating spreadsheet. Or I could look for management's statements about the tariff challenge.

The company helped me out by addressing the unpredictable tariff policies in the first-quarter earnings call. This call took place on April 23, three weeks after Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement.

"Over the last several years, we have strategically diversified and streamlined our supply chain," said CFO Jim Kavanaugh. "Goods imported to the U.S. represent less than 5% of our overall spend and under current U.S. tariff policy, the impact to IBM is minimal."

Why IBM shrugs at tariff headlines

That brief statement means a couple of things to me:
Gaza as seen from the border with Egyptian Rafah in August.
Silicon Valley is betting on AI startups that compete  and collaborate  with consulting firms.

These companies are helping to automate market research, data analysis, and operations.

Companies like Parable, Prologue, and Profound have all raised funding in the past few months.

For decades, the consulting and tech industries have moved in tandem: Silicon Valley develops new technology, and the big consulting firms help companies deploy it.

But the latest breakthroughs in AI are upending that relationship.

As companies like OpenAI and Anthropic churn out AI models, a cottage industry of "consultancy tech" startups is emerging. Some are leveraging AI to help consultants work more efficiently, and some are hoping to eat their lunch.

Multiple investors told Business Insider that interest in such companies has picked up in Silicon Valley over the past year.

Thomson Nguyen, cofounder and managing partner of venture capital firm Saga, said it's unlikely that these AI consultancy startups will ever take on the established players. "If you're a Fortune 500 company building AI infrastructure for your call center, you'll still hire the Big Four  and you'll have the budget for it," he said.

The more likely scenario is that these startups will cater to mid-market businesses  making under $100 million a year  that are too small to hire a McKinsey or Bain, he said.

PromptQL, an enterprise platform launched by open-source unicorn Hasura, aims to automate some of the work of a typical consultant. It helps clients build custom AI analysts by integrating their internal data with the foundation models they already use. Once deployed, these AI analysts can perform tasks typically handled by data scientists or engineers  and continuously learn and adapt to their environments over time.

PromptQL also offers access to its team of expert engineers, who help companies operate their AI analysts and shape broader AI transformation strategies  at a rate of $900 an hour.

"It's not as good as a McKinsey consultant, but it's instant," Tanmai Gopal, PromptQL's cofounder and CEO, told Business Insider.

He later told Business Insider that the platform's "killer feature" has been its capacity to provide "AI accuracy at scale without requiring messy data to be prepped or moved elsewhere."

Gopal said he's noticed that the consulting tech space has grown substantially in just the past few months.

"This year is when we're starting to see more and more specialized AI; AI that can learn; AI that can absorb the context of your business," he said. That means there are now significant opportunities for AI analysts, he said. "It's definitely emerging, because that is where the most valuable problems are."
Around the world, stablecoins are coming under a fairly consistent and convergent regulatory regime. They must be backed by real, high-quality assets, are subject to regular audits, and issuers are prohibited from paying interest upon stablecoin balances. The prohibition on interest payments appears in the GENIUS Act in the U.S., Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA) in the European Union as well as similar legislation in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Making the prohibition on interest payments stick may prove difficult. One much-discussed driver of this prohibition on interest payments is the idea that it will help to keep liquidity inside the traditional banking system, where regulators and supervisors have a better grasp on risk management. Whether or not the argument is a good one, however, its unlikely to be effective, and worse, efforts to get around could have some unintended consequences.

While they dont call it interest, some crypto exchanges are already offering rewards that seem to approximate interest rates for holding assets in stablecoins. Additionally, if no rewards are offered, its also simple enough to quickly move assets into and out of yield bearing offerings like AAVE. Some payment services, like Metamasks Mastercard debit card, will even do this instantly and automatically for you when making a purchase so you can just leave your assets in a yield bearing offering at all times.

In Europe, the rules embedded in MiCA give regulators wider latitude to prohibit end-runs around the prohibition on interest payments such as rewards and automated portfolio management. This would prohibit stablecoin providers from bundling these types of solutions together or offering rewards. However, stablecoins are considered bearers assets (e.g. very much like cash) in most major markets and that means, among other things, that users can move them around and do with them as they please. Unlike bank deposits, which remain at least partly under the control of the bank in which they are deposited.

In practical terms, this means that regulators can prohibit stablecoin issuers from paying interest but they cannot stop the owners of the coins from plugging those assets into DeFi protocols that do pay interest.

Right now, with U.S. and European interest rates even for basic accounts at around 3-4%, even paying a small transaction fee to put your assets into a yield bearing DeFi protocol is worth it. Earning 4% APR on $1,000 for 28 days is worth $3.07, far more than the likely cost of conversion to and from stablecoins, at least on the most efficient blockchain networks. Obviously, if we return to a zero-interest rate era, the value proposition gradually disappears.
Tadodaho Sid Hill, takes a break from meetings to pose for a portrait outside of the Onondaga Nation's longhouse, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, on the Onondaga Nation territory in central New York. (AP Photo/Lauren Petracca, File) AP

GEDDES, N.Y. (AP)  Before white settlers came to Onondaga Lake, before the city of Syracuse grew along its shore, before the pristine waters became one of the most polluted bodies of water in the United States, it was a sacred place for the Onondaga Nation.

Local officials aware of that history have expressed a desire to transfer a parcel of lakeshore land back to the Onondagas, one of the native peoples who populated and governed much of upstate New York and parts of Canada before the American Revolution. But after 14 years, the effort is stalled amid issues related to taxes, the lakes cleanup and, most recently, a nearby statue of Christopher Columbus.

Both sides are frustrated, though a deal is not out of reach.

Its not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason, said nation member Betty Hill on a recent visit to the lake. They know that it belonged to us, they know that it was part of our history for thousands of years.

Like other Indigenous people, the Onondaga have been trying to reacquire more of what was once a vast expanse of land in the state, beyond their federally recognized territory.

But reacquiring property along the lake would be a particular prize.

Sacred lake, tainted lake

Industrial buildings sit on the shores of Onondaga Lake, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Lauren Petracca, File) AP

Onondaga Lake is revered as the place where a figure known as the Peacemaker, helped by Onondaga leader Hiawatha, brought the warring nations of Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy.

Many people believe the confederacy influenced the drafters of the U.S. Constitution.

The nation eventually lost its foothold on the lake, which became polluted in the 19th and 20th centuries as industries dumped mercury, salt and other contaminants into the water. The lake is much cleaner now after restoration efforts, but there are still signs warning that its fish may be harmful to eat.

Yet the lake is still a living relative to our people, according to Sid Hill, the Tadodaho, or chief, of the nation. He told Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon in a letter this March that We have ceremonies which need to be practiced on its shores and other obligations.

County lawmakers considered returning some land in 2011 following advocacy spearheaded by an Onondaga ally, Lloyd Withers.

Legislators passed a nonbinding resolution to return a parcel by a shopping mall in Syracuse, but that area turned out to be too polluted. A second resolution in 2016 supported the eventual transfer of a to-be-determined parcel of land.

Little progress has been made since.

Goodbye, Columbus?

Some nation members believe the county is coming up with issues to foil progress. As an example, they point to the statue of Columbus that has stood atop a pillar in downtown Syracuse since 1934.

A statue of Christopher Columbus stands in downtown Syracuse, N.Y, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Hill) AP

The Onondagas support plans announced by the mayor of Syracuse in 2020 to remove the statue of Columbus, an Italian explorer who helped the Spanish establish a colonial foothold in the Caribbean and later suppressed revolts by Indigenous people. They view the statue as a symbol of oppression and plunder standing in the heart of their traditional homeland.

The statue is still standing years later amid a pushback from supporters, who see Columbus as a symbol of Italian American pride.

It became mixed up in land talks this summer. An aide to McMahon told Withers in an email that if the Onondaga lakeshore land transfer is to serve as a symbolic gesture of healing and partnership, then demands to remove the Columbus statue seem at odds with that goal.

The email suggested the nation embrace an alternate idea of adding a statue of Hiawatha as a way to potentially help bridge the divide between two very passionate sides.

Betty Hill, who is married to Sid Hill, said placing a Hiawatha statue next to Columbus is beyond insulting.

I guess thats politics for you. You give up something for this, and Ill trade you off for this, Sid Hill said. What do we have to trade? We dont have anything. We have just a small piece of land left.

McMahon said he was merely seeking clarification on the issue from the Onondagas. The county does not have control over the statue and it is not a bargaining chip, he said.

An elusive deal

What McMahon does want, however, is for the Onondagas to pay taxes on other parcels of land that have been reacquired by the nation at county auctions.

He also wants a commitment the nation will not sue over the lakes cleanup, which has been criticized as insufficient by Onondaga leaders.

If they can be addressed, then I think we can get to the table, and I think we can hunker out a deal, McMahon said.

The tax issue could be the trickiest one to resolve. An attorney for the Onondaga, Joe Heath, said that under state law, it isnt required to pay taxes on land recognized as Onondaga territory in the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua.

In the meantime, Betty Hill said the Onondagas are not going anywhere.

Were not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy, she said.
Located across from the Moravian Church and surrounded by community landmarks like the post office and farmers market, the building at 2 N. Main St. in Nazareth is ideally situated for a cafe. Photo courtesy of Lehigh Financial Group

Jennifer ONeill is trading her corporate software sales career for something more personal: opening Circle Cafe on Main in a historic stone building at the heart of Nazareths Center Square.

The longtime Nazareth resident purchased the property at 2 N. Main St. and is converting the former salon into a cozy cafe inspired by European establishments.

ONeill hopes to open by Christmas with what she calls a soft launch.

It was everything I never knew I always wanted, ONeill said about discovering the historic building. The windows, the views, the aesthetics of the building just spoke to me. I knew this was the place.

The career change came after more than 20 years in corporate software sales and was sparked by a family trip to Europe and ONeills desire for more meaningful work. The buildings location across from the Moravian Church and near community landmarks like the post office and farmers market made it ideal for a cafe.

ONeill secured financing through an SBA loan arranged by Lehigh Financial Group LLC, with Jeff Barber guiding her through the process.

The cafe will feature what ONeill describes as a boho, historic vibe with deep peacock walls, a velvet couch, and natural lighting. She plans minimal structural changes while adding new flooring, fresh paint, and a fully equipped kitchen with a convection oven, commercial refrigerator, and other professional-grade appliances.

Circle Cafe on Main will serve homemade quiches, soups, flatbreads, and pastries, plus convenient take-home dinners. The menu will exclude deep-fried items and include deli-style pasta and potato salads inspired by ONeills New Jersey roots. Beverages will feature seasonal homemade iced teas, lemonade, and coffee brewed from Electric City Roasting beans.

Its about high-quality, convenient food that brings people together, ONeill said. I want it to be a place where people feel at home, whether theyre stopping in for a quick lunch or spending an afternoon with friends.

Renovation began last week, with A&E Drafting overseeing the buildout and managing subcontractors. ONeill hopes to complete construction in time for the towns holiday celebrations.

Opening by Christmas is the dream, she said. It would be amazing to open our doors when the town lights the tree and welcome people in for coffee and warmth.

Updates on the cafes progress will be available through the Circle Cafe on Main Facebook page.

Generative AI was used to structure and organize information for this story, based on data provided by Lehigh Financial Group LLC. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff.
Books of evidence were served on two men who are accused of attempting to aid an escape from Portlaoise Prison.

Desmond Collins (20) of 31 Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick and Michael Shannon (29) of 80 Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick are each accused of attempting to aid an escape from Portlaoise Prison at Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 17 last.

The men are each accused of attempting to convey 11 mobile phones and drugs into the prison and possessing a makeshift knife and purple screwdriver/chisel at Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 17, 2024.

Garda Lisa Murray told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that she had served books of evidence on both accused in the body of the courthouse.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the DPP had consented to both men being sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on October 28.

Judge Susan Fay noted the DPP had consented to the accused men being sent forward for trial. She issued the standard alibi warning and sent the defendants forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 28.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick described the allegations as quite serious and she requested legal aid for two counsel for each of the accused. Judge Fay granted legal aid and bail to both men on the same conditions as set in the district court.
A book of evidence was served on a farmer who is accused of harassment and sending threatening messages in Laois.

James Norton (36) of Killooley, Blueball, Tullamore, Co Offaly, is accused of harassing and sending threatening or grossly offensive communications to a man and a woman at Cloncannon, Mountmellick on a date between June 18, 2021 and November 14, 2024.

Garda Lisa Murray said she served a book of evidence on the accused at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said the book contained two counts of harassment and two counts of sending threatening and offensive communications. He said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on October 28.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was a self employed farmer who has around 30 acres and rents a further 88 acres of land. She said the man earns a modest income and she requested legal aid for a solicitor and barrister in the case.

Judge Susan Fay asked about the thirty acres and she was told they were located in a rural area. She then granted legal aid and remanded the defendant on bail to appear before Portlaoise Circuit Court on October 28.
A mother residing in County Kildare has called on the government to prioritise carers who work to assist those with disabilities and / or mental health issues Ireland.

The call was made by Noeleen Eustace, who recently started a petition paying tribute to her late son, Kelvin Brennan, who died by suicide back in May of this year.

Through her petition 'Kelvins amendment', which is currently live on Uplift.ie, Ms Eustace hopes to put pressure on the government to recognise Dual Diagnosis in the official Mental Health Act 2001.

She explained in the description of the petition that Dual Diagnosis refers to when a person has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time.

"There isnt one specific DSM-5 diagnosis for dual diagnosis," Ms Eustace notes. "Instead, its a description of having any combination of a mental disorder from the DSM-5 and an SUD."

In the case of her late son Kelvin, he had been engaging with services from the age of five, but he was not diagnosed until he was 13 years of age, when he advised his mother that he was feeling suicidal.

Kelvin then got a diagnosis privately at the age of 13 of Aspergers Syndrome, Generalised Anxiety, Sensory Processing Disorder and Dyspraxia.

She added: "Because Dual Diagnosis is not recognised, Kelvin then spent the next 13 years trying to access services, every door was shut.

"In one year alone, Kelvin and I presented at Naas [General Hospital] A&E to try and get treatment for Kelvin. We attended there 60 times, only to be refused time and time again."

Her petition was aimed at the Minister of State at the Department of Health attending cabinet with special responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler, who is a TD for Fianna Fail.

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DEPARTMENT RESPONSE

The Leinster Leader asked Minister Butler about the 'Kelvins amendment' petition.

In response to this newspapers query, a spokesperson for the Department of Health issued the following reply: "Every death by suicide is tragic and is an immense loss for individuals, families, friends, and communities.

"Reducing rates of suicide and self-harm is a key priority for Minister Butler and the government, and part of this is ensuring that people have access to the services they need.

"This is being achieved through the implementation of 'Sharing the Vision', Irelands national mental health policy, and through the successor to 'Connecting for Life', Irelands suicide reduction strategy, which is currently being developed."

The spokesperson also claimed that the government is "committed to a more integrated and holistic approach to the development of mental health, Dual Diagnosis and primary care services".

Mary Butler TD, who is the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health attending cabinet with special responsibility for Mental Health. Photograph credit: fiannafail.ie

They continued: "'Sharing the Vision', our national mental health policy, recognises that people with a Dual Diagnosis should have access to appropriate mental health services and supports and recommends several actions for Dual Diagnosis, with the implementation process led by the HSE.

"The Mental Health Bill 2024, which is currently before the Seanad, does not specify any mental health difficulty or mental illness, including Dual Diagnosis.

"A person with a co-existing mental health difficulty, along with another condition such as a substance use issue or an intellectual disability can access inpatient mental health services where the person meets the criteria for involuntary admission."

The spokesperson also maintained that a person presenting with Dual Diagnosis is "already accounted" for in the current provisions of the Bill, and should be able to access services based on need.

They elaborated: "Outside of the Mental Health Bill 2024, a person can also access Health Service Executive (HSE) mental health services, if they are professionally assessed as requiring appropriate care.

"'The Model of Care for People with Mental Disorder and Co-existing Substance Use Disorder' was launched by Minister Butler in May 2023 and was endorsed by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

"The definition of Dual Diagnosis for this model of care is 'the co-morbid disorders due to substance use and / or addictive behaviours along with the presence of mental disorder(s)'.

"It recommends the development of 12 Adult Specialist Dual Diagnosis Teams nationally, and four Adolescent Hub Teams."

The spokesperson concluded: "One of the key components of the Model of Care is the establishment of specialist teams to support individuals with Dual Diagnosis, and funding of over 3 million has been provided by Minister Butler to support the recruitment of Dual Diagnosis teams to-date."

READ NEXT: Changes proposed for well-known Kildare town business

CRITICISM

However, the Departments statement has done little to alleviate the concerns from Noeleen, in addition to her sister and the late Kelvins aunt, Shirley.

Noeleen works as a social care worker, while Shirley works as a social worker.

Responding to the first three paragraphs of the statement, Ms Eustace told the Leader: "I find this response to be an insensitive one; Mary Butler is not in reality, where people are not getting in the door even though they are literally begging.

"One suicide is too much especially when the individual had sought help, like my son Kelvin, and also Maxine Maguire and Adam Loughnane; three people who sought help numerous times and yet died by suicide [The late Maxine Maguire died in February 2017, while Adam Loughnane died by suicide last February]."

Regarding the spokespersons mentions of the 'Sharing the Vision' policy and 'Connecting for Life' strategy, Shirley had this to say: "'Connecting for Life' is only being developed, it is not in place.

"Looking at 'Sharing the Vision', it involves the collective response to many disciplines, which is positive, but can it be explained how long this will take to implement?

"In theory, it looks good, but staffing, securing proposed locations and training will take time."

Shirley also asked: "What is proposed or planned for the interim? How will individuals with suicidal ideations be supported?"

In response to the spokespersons point on the Mental Health Bill 2024, Noeleen relented: "This is not the reality of what is happening in A&E departments; once a substance abuse issue is mentioned, the person cannot get a bed."

And when the spokesperson maintained that a person presenting with Dual Diagnosis 'is already accounted for in the current provisions of the Bill', Noeleen countered: "There are no joined up services. Kelvin tried to avail of a community detox programme and was refused by his doctor and ARAS Addiction Services in Newbridge due to the risk involved.

"A doctor, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, does not have to commit to a community detox plan for an individual; another door shut."

In reference to the spokespersons point that a person can also access HSE mental health services, Noeleen said: "Kelvin was deemed in need of in patient treatment by St Patricks Hospital but not the HSE.

"What is the difference? money versus lack of beds? Or need?"

Regarding the spokespersons point on the Model of Care, Noeleen had this to say: "This is a start, however, it has not happened yet. How long will this take to implement?

"The 'Sharing the Vision' policy never got fully implemented, only partially."

Citing a 2025 figure from the Mental Health Commission, she added: "There are around 51,000 people seeking help for mental health issues in Irish A&E departments yearly.

"We need to prioritise carers, people with disabilities / mental illnesses."

Lastly, Noeleen concluded by pointing to a figure from the Central Statistics Office, which recorded 512 deaths by by suicide back in 2021.

Noeleen's petition for Kelvin ('Kelvin's amendment') can be viewed here.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).

In addition, you can also visit https://www.aware.ie/.
A woman in her 70s has died following a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Limerick on Saturday morning.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses of the collision which happened on the N21 at Templeglantine West in Limerick at approximately 11:50am.

Emergency services and Gardai attended the scene following the report of the collision.

The female driver of one of the cars aged in her 70s was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick, where she was subsequently pronounced deceased.

A female passenger of the second vehicle also aged in her 70s was conveyed to University Hospital Kerry for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Gardai stand down search for missing father and son following new development

A forensic collision investigation will be carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI).

Motorists are being advised that the road is currently open following the incident.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who was travelling in the area between 11am and 12pm on Saturday, October 18 to contact them immediately.

Road users with camera footage including dash-cam from that section of the road during the relevant period are being asked to make it available to the investigating officers.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Bruff Garda Station on 061 382940, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
This is a real game-changer. It is earth-shattering, said an industry expert of the LOreal-Kering Beauty deal. It has implications for everyone.

For his part LOreal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus said, I am delighted to forge this long-term alliance with one of the worlds most prestigious, creative and visionary luxury groups. The addition of these brands significantly expands our reach into new, dynamic segments of luxury beauty. Through Creed, we will establish ourselves as one of the leading players in the fast-growing niche market.

This strategic alliance marks a decisive step for Kering, said chief executive officer Luca de Meo in a statement. Joining forces with the global leader in beauty, we will accelerate the development of fragrance and cosmetics for our major houses, allowing them to achieve scale in this category and unlock their immense long-term potential.

Beyond beauty, the companies said they are joining forces to explore business opportunities at the intersection of luxury, wellness and longevity.

The 50/50 joint venture agreement is valued at 4 billion euros, payable in cash at the closing, which is expected to take place in the first half of 2026. LOreal will also pay royalties to Kering for the use of its licensed brands.

The partnership will also include 50-year exclusive licenses for Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga, which will start at the close of the transaction. These will join other designer fragrance brands already in the LOreal Luxe division, which includes Yves Saint Laurent (a Kering brand), Armani, Valentino, Prada, Miu Miu, Jacquemus, Mugler, Azzaro, Maison Margiela, Viktor & Rolf, Ralph Lauren, Diesel and Cacharel.

Kering acquired Creed, the oldest existing high-end niche fragrance house, in June 2023 in a blockbuster deal estimated at between high 2 billion euros to 3.5 billion euros.

In a joint announcement, the companies said the binding agreement encompasses the acquisition of the House of Creed by LOreal , and gives LOreal the rights to enter into a 50-year exclusive license for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance and beauty products for Gucci, commencing after the expiration of Kering s current license with Coty for that business.

Kering and LOreal have made it official: The two French giants announced that they are forming a long-term strategic partnership in beauty and wellness.

Story Continues

For Kering, it will provide a much-needed injection of cash to reinvest in its struggling brands, and is a bold move by de Meo, who took the reins in September and has wasted no time in making changes. In addition to a deal for the beauty, industry sources indicate he is also looking to shed the companys eyewear business. Both were key pillars of the strategy implemented by former CEO Francois-Henri Pinault, who seems to be abiding by his pledge to give de Meo free rein in executing his own vision even as Pinault remains company chairman.

To build a beauty company takes a lot of time, and its very different from fashion, even though there are synergies on the brand side, said Laurent Droin, a partner and investor in Felix Capital.

For LOreal, it makes a lot of sense, because its a unique opportunity to acquire a real luxury beauty portfolio, he added. This makes sense for both parties.

Many insiders predict the deal could reshape not only the markets landscape, but also force some company and brand marriages that were not on the horizon otherwise.

A deal could be pivotal for midsize beauty brands held by private equity concerns, which had been banking on LOreal to acquire them as other major beauty groups struggle to find their footing.

With this deal, LOreal is significantly bolstering its position in perfumes  the beauty markets largest category driver over the past six years, since the coronavirus pandemic began. Within that, niche fragrances are the strongest segment.

Overall, the worldwide fragrance market is highly fragmented and large  expected to generate sales of $62.11 billion this year, according to Statista. The categorys growth might be mitigating currently, but its outlook remains strong. This in part is due to fragrances expanding scope that is morphing, moving into new geographies such as Asia and the well-being sector with functional attributes.

Fashion fragrances, which sell particularly well in the West, are increasingly serving as launchpads for fashion-branded makeup, an increasingly hot category in the East.

Many industry analysts werent surprised that Kering is abandoning its efforts to build a beauty business on its own. Kering spent 3 billion euros on Creed and they are selling everything for 4 billion  the value destruction is incredible, said one insider. Its very tough for these firms to take beauty in-house. Burberry tried it a few years ago and Coty picked up the beauty business because they realized they couldnt do it. Kering is the same.

As it is, the deal will almost certainly have implications for the major players in the category, including Coty Inc., the Estee Lauder Cos., Puig and Interparfums.

It puts more pressure on everyone, Droin said.

The move comes at a time of great change in beauty. As first reported by WWD in June, Cotys future remains uncertain as the company explores potential sell-offs of its luxury and consumer divisions, according to industry sources.

Cotys Luxury division includes fragrance brands such as Gucci, Burberry, Jil Sander and Hugo Boss. If LOreal acquires Kering Beauty and Coty does look to divest its prestige fragrance holdings ultimately, it could intensify the scramble to take over those brands.

Meanwhile, the Estee Lauder Cos. is increasingly leaning into its perfume activity. Last week, its CEO Stephane de La Faverie said fragrance is the future of the group, as it inaugurated La Maison des Parfums, a prospective innovation arm for perfume, in central Paris. That is meant to accelerate its fragrance business around the world.

Puig was in the running to acquire Kering Beauty, according to an industry source. A Puig spokeswoman could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Already a number of fragrance licenses held by Puig  such as Valentino, Prada and Miu Miu  have migrated to LOreal.

Questions remain about another possible big LOreal acquisition. The company is among the three preferred bidders listed in the will of Giorgio Armani, who died on Sept. 4. After 12 months from the opening of the will and within 18 months at most, an initial 15 percent of his namesake company could be sold either to LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, EssilorLuxottica or LOreal.

On Sept. 12, LOreal said in a statement: We will study, with great consideration, this opportunity building on our long-shared history.

Giorgio Armani and LOreal have had a long-standing fragrance and beauty license, which was renewed in March 2018 to run through 2050. Fragrance and eyewear represent a significant portion of Armanis global revenues.

On the M&A front, LOreal had been cherry-picking brands to acquire on an individual basis, most recently including Color Wow and Medik8. It also won the fragrance license of and acquired a minority stake in Jacquemus. In 2023, LOreal took over Aesop in a major deal.

Industry sources believe the LOreal-Kering Beauty partnership could trigger concern among private equity executives.

LOreal made a clear choice between acquiring a pre-backed indie brand and a big acquisition like this, said one industry expert. They are on a tear at a time when everyone else is asking: Should we buy Makeup by Mario or whats happening with Glow Recipe? this person continued, referring to two buzzy indie brands that are said to be pursuing sales. LOreal sees the entire market, from mass to high-end.

Some niche perfume brands owned by PE players are reaching or have recently reached critical mass, whereby they could be ripe for a sale soon. Industry sources named as examples Parfums de Marly and Initio Parfums Prives, held by Advent International, and Kayali, the perfume brand earlier this year that was bought from parent company Huda Beauty by Mona Kattan and General Atlantic.

Kering began taking its fashion and jewelry-related beauty activities back in-house in early February 2023, when it announced the appointment of Raffaella Cornaggia as CEO of Kering Beauty.

There were great expectations. Luxury goods companies have been taking back full control of the brands they own in a bid to obtain greater consistency, synergies and power.

Since the birth of Kering Beauty, beside acquiring Creed, the division has focused on relaunching Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga fragrances with perfume collections. Balenciaga fragrances also have an individual store. Those businesses remain small.

In June 2024, Kering took a minority stake in niche perfume brand Matiere Premiere.

Two jewels in Kerings crown are Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. The Gucci fragrance license, expected to expire in 2028, brings in a sizeable income. One industry source estimated it generates $1.1 billion in net sales annually.

It is understood that under terms of Cotys contract, should Kering wish to break it prior to 2028, Kering would have to pay Coty the expected annual revenues each of the remaining years.

For LOreal, the timing will be perfect  by 2028, they will have integrated the Kering brands and blown out Creed and it will be easy for them to absorb Gucci, said one source, and this way Kering doesnt have to write Coty a big check to buy out the contract.

Kering has been dragged down by steep declines at its once star brand Gucci and a bulging debt load. At June 30, net debt amounted to 9.5 billion euros.

The group recently named a new designer at Gucci, Demna, who moved over from Balenciaga, where Pierpaolo Piccioli stepped in, and has been closing stores, selling real estate and reducing headcount after a dismal start to this year that saw group net profit plummet 46 percent in the first half.

To help reduce the debt ratio, Artemis, the Pinault familys holding company that owns 42.3 percent of Kering, would keep its options open about selling its 29 percent stake in German sporting goods firm Puma. Industry sources say that Kering is also considering spinning off its eyewear division, among other divestitures.

A Kering spokeswoman could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

In 2016, Kering took back its eyewear business from Safilo Group SpA and grew the entry-level category in-house. Industry experts said that gave Kering the confidence to make a similar move in beauty.

During recent analyst meetings, Kering had been touting eyewear and beauty as solid revenue earners at a time when fashion has been highly cyclical. But big change is afoot under de Meo.

We will initially focus our efforts on the most effective levers to improve the quality of our capital allocation and generate a tangible operational rebound, he said on Sept. 9. We will have to continue to reduce our debt, cut our costs and, where necessary, rationalize, reorganize and reposition some of our brands.

A day later, Kering and Mayhoola jointly announced that the current ownership structure of the Valentino house will not change before 2028 at the earliest, marking an amendment to their shareholders agreement inked at the time of Kerings acquisition of a stake in Valentino in 2023.

As per the original deal, when Kering bought a 30 percent stake in Valentino for 1.7 billion euros in cash, the French group had an option to buy 100 percent of Valentinos capital by 2028. Mayhoola could become a shareholder in Kering, with the purchase price linked to the Italian fashion brands performance.

This was already a signal, when Kering said they would not exert their right-to-buy option, said Karine Ohana, managing partner of independent investment bank Ohana & Co.

In the first half of this year, Kering Beautys sales were 150 million euros, up 9 percent on a reported and comparable basis. In the second quarter of 2025, the divisions sales rose 12 percent in like-for-like terms, driven especially by Creed womens fragrances strong performance, Kering said.

In 2022, the year before Creeds acquisition, the brand generated revenues of around 250 million euros with a high EBITDA margin. Opportunities for brand development included the Asia-Pacific region, where it had limited exposure; travel retail, where it had little to no presence, and womens scents, which could be expanded.

The Creed deal came after Kering was in the chase to acquire Tom Ford International, which eventually was bought by that companys existing beauty licensee, the Estee Lauder Cos., for $2.3 billion. Kering was also reportedly interested in acquiring luxury brand Byredo, which was snapped up by Puig, for an estimated 1 billion euros.

Maybe Creed was too big an acquisition for Kering, another industry source said. If they had started smaller it might have been better, but clearly putting 3.5 billion euros in one asset puts so much pressure on people and the beauty division.

The multiple paid for the brand was extremely high, especially for a non-native beauty-player to pay.

Once you have that kind of money invested in your business, you need to deliver, the source continued. It was a big bet to start with Creed. They should have built it more steadily on the long run without too much investment.

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North Leitrim is 'devoid of infrastructre' Leitrim/Sligo senator Nessa Cosgrove told the Oireachtas this week where she held up a map of the existing and planned rail network to illustrate her point/

Speaking this during a special debate on the All Island Rail Review. Senator Cosgrove stated that the review recognises that there are significant gaps in the rail networks coverage.

Never, she said was a truer word said. Donegal, North Leitrim, North Sligo and into the North of Ireland are devoid of rail infrastructure.

Contrasting the situation today with that experienced of 100 years ago, Senator Cosgrove added: Recently I visited the homestead of one of our heroes of 1916, Sean MacDiarmada, in Kiltyclogher. While Kiltyclogher feels remote today, the tour guide made the point that in 1915 MacDiarmada made his way to Dublin from the local Glenfarne station, part of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway. Glenfarne and Kiltyclogher did not feel remote in 1916, they were a central part of a unitary island with a functioning rail network. The very title of the All-Island rail review makes clear that the border does not make sense in terms of rail infrastructure.

Recognising improvements in some cross-border infrastructure such as the proposed instatement of a spur from Letterkenny to Derry, as well as from Portadown to Mullingar, Senator Cosgrove claimed that the lack of attention, the absence of railways, and the lack of ambition to build rail infrastructure, is symptomatic of the neglect shown to the North-West region as a whole.

READ MORE: Short notice cuts at civic amenity site in Leitrim sparks criticism

Moving on to the existing infrastructure between Sligo and Dublin, the Labour Party Senator stated that:

the frequency, length of journey time and capacity all need to be improved. To move passengers from road to rail, Rail travel needs to be quicker and more efficient. In terms of frequency Sligo is relegated to an ambition for a two-hourly service. Not a great level of ambition considering that the timetable is nearly two hours at present.

It also directly contradict exchanges that I have had with senior members of Irish Rail, who have told me explicitly that they are targeting a move to an hourly service within the next few years. I would like to know if the Minister of State could clarify that. Is there going to be a move to an hourly service?

A more urgent immediate ambition, and one which has been proven will work, thanks to the great work of an Engineering Graduate of ATU Sligo is the delivery of an early morning commuter train from Longford to Sligo, and possibly an evening return train. This would benefit students, workers, tourists and people attending medical appointments.

I was reassured to hear on RTE Radio Barry Kenny of Irish Rail say that he hoped in the relatively short-order to be delivering this and that it does not want all the commuting to be focused on Dublin.

Returning to the absence of catering services on the Sligo-Dublin line, an issue which she has highlighted on many previous occasions Senator Cosgrove said that reintroducing some form of catering would be an easy win before concluding with a suggestion that an Addendum (be) put into the All-Island Rail Review dealing exclusively with and discriminating in terms of the West and North West. It is in public ownership and that section of the railway should be included in the review.
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Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. Philip Morris, Southern, and Clorox have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of up to 4%.

Philip Morris

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) is a multinational tobacco company that offers cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products under the IQOS and ZYN brands.

Don't Miss:

Philip Morris has increased its dividends every year for the past 17 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Sept. 19, the board raised the quarterly payout from $1.35 to $1.47 per share, equal to an annual figure of $5.88 per share. Currently, the dividend yield on the stock is 3.69%.

The companys annual revenue as of June 30 stood at $39.06 billion. The company on July 22 posted Q2 2025 revenues of $10.14 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $10.30 billion, while EPS of $1.91 came in above the consensus of $1.85.

Trending: Arrived Home's Private Credit Funds has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%*, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.

The Southern Company

The Southern Co. (NYSE:SO) is an American electric and gas utility holding company.

Southern has raised its dividends consecutively for the last 24 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on April 21, it increased the quarterly payout from $0.72 to $0.74, equaling an annual figure of $2.96 per share. More recently, in its dividend announcement on July 21, the company maintained the payout at the same level. Currently, the dividend yield stands at 3.02%.

Southern's annual revenue as of June 30 stood at $28.36 billion. The company on July 31 posted Q2 2025 revenues of $6.97 billion and EPS of $0.92, both beating the consensus estimates.

See Also: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.81/Share Round  10,000+ Investors Are Already In

Clorox

The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is a global manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products, with a diverse portfolio including cleaning and disinfecting products, food products, and personal care items.
MAYOR John Moran has been selected to join the first ever class of a European city leadership programme.

Limerick's first citizen joined some of his counterparts from across Europe - including Dublin, plus the British areas of South Yorkshire, Blackpool, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire at a summit .

He was one of more than 30 mayors from 17 countries across Europe selected to participate.

READ MORE: Keeping the memory of Limerick music legend Johnny Fean alive

Established and led by Bloomberg Philanthropies together with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative will be delivered by LSE Cities in collaboration with the Hertie School in Berlin.

Mayor Moran said: It is a great honour for me as mayor and for Limerick to be selected as part of the inaugural Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative. Limerick will stand alongside other forward-looking cities across Europe, in what is an opportunity to forge lasting partnerships, learn from global best practices and bring fresh ambition to the way we govern and

serve our communities.

The mayor believes the inclusion of Limerick in this programme suggests many influential people are noticing Limerick's development.

I look forward to collaborating with this dynamic group of leaders to shape a stronger, more resilient urban future,

not just for Limerick, but for cities across Europe, Mayor Moran added.

It is a nine month programme.

Alongside Mayor Moran on the programme is Dublin City Council chief executive Richard Shakespeare.
GARDAI in Limerick are continuing to investigate an arson attack on a camper van in Rathkeale on Friday night.

It occurred on Thomas Street shortly after 9pm. A video of the fire, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the flames rising high into the night sky.

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Woman, 70s, dies following two-vehicle road traffic collision in Limerick

One local told Limerick Live it was reckless in the extreme.

I dont know the background to it but that was crazy stuff. The town would be busy on a Friday night with people out and about having a few sociable drinks and youd have children out a bit later as there was no school the next day.

If anybody was walking by when it went up there could have been tragic consequences, they said.

No injuries have been reported.

A garda spokesperson confirmed they received a report of criminal damage by fire to a camper van in Rathkeale at around 9.10pm on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The fire was extinguished by Limerick Fire and Rescue. Investigations are ongoing, said a garda spokesperson.

There have been a number of serious incidents in and, in the vicinity, of Rathkeale in recent months. They include a man being shot, an attempted chemical attack on a man in a pub and four houses being firebombed.

The towns population will swell dramatically from next month as members of the Travelling community traditionally return home from Christmas.

Local councillor, Adam Teskey has reiterated calls for extra gardai that he has made on a number of occasions.

The Fine Gael councillor said now, more than ever, we need more gardai.

That is the message I'm sending loud and clear to Phoenix Park and especially to the incoming garda commissioner that it's not just Dublin that needs to be resourced, our rural towns and villages in particular, said Cllr Teskey.
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HOURS after Munster's Tadhg Beirnes typical towering display against Leinster in Croke Park, wife Harriet shared the sad news that their beloved French Bulldog had died.

Harriet, who has almost 50,000 followers on Instagram, paid a touching tribute to their beloved pet Otis on social media this Sunday.

READ NEXT: Local shopkeepers retire after decades of service in Limerick village

Otis, beyond heartbroken and devastated. Sweet dreams our special little boy, we love you so much and will miss you forever, wrote Harriet, alongside a photo of Otis (pictured below).

The post has received over 6,000 likes in the space of an hour with over 100 comments from people expressing their sadness. Jodie Matthews (Lawson-Wood) and Limericks Louise Cooney are two well-known faces in the world of fashion to express their regret, saying they were "so sorry".

Many had got to know Otis through Instagram as Harriet has shared photos of the French Bulldog, including in a too cute Christmas jumper.

Otis was a big part of the Beirne family in their Limerick home.

The couple, who are expecting their first child, wed in Kilkea Castle in County Kildare in 2022.

The weekend should have been a joyful one for the Beirnes as Munster had a massive 31-14 bonus point win over Leinster. The team captained by Tadhg defeated their biggest rivals for the first time in five attempts, and for the first time in a regular season game since 2018.

On his seasonal debut after his heroics for the British and Irish Lions in Australia, Tadhg was many supporters' man of the match. The forward came up with two trademark turnovers in two minutes close to his own line when Munster were under the cosh.
The All About AI | Tech4Good Awards and Summit is back with its second edition on November 28, 2025, curated by Mint and Salesforce. The event serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate the impactful application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the social and non-profit sectors. The awards arent just about recognising technology but celebrating the human stories and tangible impact behind these innovations, highlighting solutions that directly impact the quality of life of the masses.

Register for the 2025 edition here.

The 2025 edition of the summit will bring together industry leaders, technology experts and AI specialists to discuss advancements, strategic partnerships and approaches to driving meaningful change through technology, focusing on technology roadmaps and policy implications for social development. In its second edition, nominations for the awards extend beyond Indian frontiers to include Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines.

The Award Categories All About AI | Tech4Good Awards and Summit 2025 will focus on projects that demonstrate clear, measurable societal impact. This emphasis ensures that the solutions awarded are practical, scalable and provide validated evidence of success in addressing complex social issues.

Arundhati Bhattacharya, CEO & Chairperson, Salesforce India in conversation with Dr Shailesh Kumar, Chief Data Scientist, Jio at the 2024 edition.

The awards will recognise contributions across six critical areas of social good,

Best use of AI for empowering people with disabilities: Recognising technology that enhances accessibility, independence and overall quality of life for differently-abled populations, including the development of adaptive technologies and tools for early intervention and diagnosis.

Best use of AI for sustainability: Highlighting solutions that address climate change, promote clean energy adoption or improve resource management and conservation. This includes AI applications focused on monitoring biodiversity, optimising supply chains for a circular economy and reducing carbon footprints.

Best use of AI for financial inclusion: Focused on AI models that provide equitable access to banking, credit and essential financial services for underserved communities. Projects may include innovations in micro-lending, credit scoring for the unbanked, and effective fraud detection for marginalised users.

Best use of AI in agriculture and food security: Celebrating innovations that boost crop yield, optimise resource usage and strengthen the food supply chain. This category covers everything from predictive analytics for soil health and water management to tools that reduce post-harvest losses and ensure distribution efficiency.

Best use of AI in health and sanitation: Acknowledging AI tools that improve disease detection, expand access to healthcare services, or enhance public hygiene and sanitation. Submissions could involve remote diagnostics, personalised treatment plans, or infrastructure monitoring to prevent public health crises.

Best use of AI for education and livelihoods: Recognising projects that personalise learning, bridge skill gaps or create new economic opportunities for individuals. This includes platforms that offer AI-driven vocational training, language translation for diverse learners and tools that match job seekers with relevant employment opportunities.

Harsh Mariwala, Founder & Chairman, Marico delivers the Chief Guest address at last year's edition.

New Categories Two important special categories are included to support future talent and diversity in the tech ecosystem. The Young Innovators Award encourages students to submit AI projects that offer solutions to real-world challenges, fostering an early spirit of innovation and public service. The Women Innovators Award is intended to recognise women who are innovating with AI solutions in the sector, aiming to promote gender diversity and celebrate female leadership in technology.

Two winners will be selected for each award category  in Gold and Silver  after a thorough review. The jury, which will span across industry, Government, academia and media, will be announced soon.

The applications opened on October 15 and will close for all entries on November 5. The awards night and summit are scheduled for November 28, 2025.

Some insights from the inaugural edition The inaugural All About AI Tech4Good Awards were held on November 27, 2024, at Mumbais Jio World Centre, setting the stage for the celebration of AI in public welfare. That edition, presented by Salesforce, received over 128 entries spanning a wide range of industries and social initiatives. The high participation underscored the momentum for technology designed to address social challenges in India, validating the need for a dedicated platform focused on this sector.

Embibe wins Gold at the Mint all About AI Tech4Good Awards 2024

Beyond the awards, the 2024 event hosted thought leadership discussions on the ethical and practical applications of AI. Highlights included a fireside chat featuring Arundhati Bhattacharya of Salesforce and Dr Shailesh Kumar, Chief Data Scientist at Reliance Jio, discussing AIs role in accelerating digital transformation and public welfare. Furthermore, a dedicated panel focused on Responsible AI: Keeping Humans in the Loop, delved into the necessary balance between technological innovation and ethical governance in deployment.

The evening also featured a keynote address from Harsh Mariwala, Founder and Chairman of Marico, who spoke about the synergy between purpose and scalable innovation. The winners from the first edition demonstrated the breadth of AIs potential for social impact across various sectors.

Gold winners included organisations working on solutions ranging from sustainable fish farming (Aquaconnect in Agriculture) and waterless robotics for solar panel cleaning (Taypro in Environment), to pioneering early cancer detection (AIIMS with Ioncology.ai in Health) and creating personalised learning paths (Embibe in Education). Another notable winner was Sarvm AI, recognized for empowering nano-businesses. These examples established the standard for outcome-driven AI that the 2025 edition seeks to build upon and surpass.
(Bloomberg) -- One of Singapores biggest law firms is set to file claims against the Swiss government by the end of the year, seeking compensation for hundreds of Asian bondholders of Credit Suisse AT1 debt that was wiped out in 2023.

Drew & Napier plans to go ahead with so-called investment treaty claims for Japanese bondholders first, followed by Hong Kong and Singapore investors, according to a director at the firm thats representing about 560 bondholders from the three jurisdictions.

A court decision in Switzerland that the writedown of the Credit Suisse AT1 bonds was unlawful is the first step in righting the wrong done to our clients, said Mahesh Rai, whos working on the case thatll seek to recover losses that had amounted to about $300 million from the Swiss government.

Switzerlands finance ministry declined to comment, in response to a query from Bloomberg News.

The Swiss Federal Administrative Court this month sided with complainants who had argued that a March 2023 decree to write down 16.5 billion Swiss francs ($20.8 billion) of the AT1 bonds  under a government-brokered rescue of Credit Suisse by UBS Group AG.  was unlawful and should be revoked.

Still, investors hopes will be tempered by how long the legal process will take, and whether any payout is ultimately likely. The complete writedown of the AT1 bonds had caused a furor, given that typically shareholders absorb losses before bondholders.

Under bilateral investment treaties, Drew & Napier had to send trigger letters to the Swiss government, which it did in December 2024 and May this year. The firm is now starting the claim, since the treaties require the parties to negotiate for a six-month period after the issuance of the letters.

Their action is based on treaties that Switzerland has with Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong for decades. These treaties offer protections to individuals and companies carrying out investments, including safeguards against the expropriation of their investments and unfair treatment by the governments.

Rai said the firm is positive about the prospect of success and is still signing on affected bondholders. Litigation-funding firm Omni Bridgeway Ltd. has agreed to pay the investors legal fees.

--With assistance from Noele Illien.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd (KPL) has won relief in the Supreme Court, which stayed a modified Bombay High Court order that had restrained the company from licensing the Kirloskar trademark to other group companies.

In the order made public on Saturday, the division bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan held, We are of the prima facie view that the order dated 10th October 2025, which expands the scope of the restraint imposed earlier vide order dated 25th July 2025, ought not to have been passed when the appeal is pending for consideration and full facts in respect of any earlier licensing of such Kirloskar mark within the group companies have not been discussed.

The Kirloskar trademark has been used by several group firms since the 1920s. But by 1965, the founding family decided a single company should control the brands use and integrity. This led to the formation of KPL, which became the custodian of the trademark for the benefit of all Kirloskar entities.

The matter basically revolves around a plea that Sanjay Kirloskar, the owner of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL), filed with the Bombay High Court, asking for an injunction against Kirloskar Proprietary Ltd's trademark licensing. However, in its July ruling, the Bombay High Court declined to stop KPL from obtaining a licence for the Kirloskar trademark.

In their July order, a bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice MS Karnik observed that There is no justification at the interim stage to restrain Kirloskar Proprietary from creating licensing rights in respect of the Kirloskar mark in accordance with its Articles of Association, this being the existing arrangement for the last 50 years.

The bench also stated, Even as per Kirloskar Brothers own case, the use of Kirloskar marks was never intended to be, nor it is exclusive to one company.

Court orders This July order was later modified on 10 October by the Bombay High Court, barring KPL from granting or transferring the Kirloskar trademark rights to other group companies operating in similar or competing sectors. This change was made after KBL filed an interim application requesting a revision of the earlier order.

Between 2015 and 2018, KPL decided to revise its long-standing user agreements after seeking legal advice. On 2 April 2018, it asked KBL and other group companies to sign new trademark agreements. KBL declined and instead filed a civil suit in Pune, triggering the ongoing dispute.

In June 2024, KBL applied for registered user status and, according to KPL, continued violating earlier agreements. KPL then issued a breach notice, which KBL challenged legally.
A former director of Gstaad Hotels Pvt. Ltd, which previously owned the JW Marriott Hotel in Bengaluru, has moved the Supreme Court challenging an appellate tribunals order that upheld insolvency proceedings against the hospitality firm.

Mint has seen a copy of the petition filed by Deepak Raheja.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in July directed initiation of the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) against Mumbai-based Gstaad Hotels after one of the companys financial creditors, Omkara Asset Reconstruction, moved the bankruptcy court over dues worth 666 crore.

In August, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) affirmed the bankruptcy courts decision to declare Gstaad Hotels bankrupt.

The ARC (Omkara Asset Reconstruction), having stepped into the shoes of the original lender, was bound to establish its locus and compliance with the mandatory requirements of law, which it has failed to do, Raheja stated in his petition filed before the Supreme Court last week. The (insolvency) proceedings initiated by such an entity are, therefore, a nullity in the eyes of law.

Per Rahejas petition, Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd had originally extended a credit facility to Gstaad Hotels. However, the loan was assigned to Omkara Asset Reconstruction later by way of a loan assignment deed, it stated.

Inflated claims Raheja added in his petition that he was in the process of invoking the jurisdiction of the NCLT under section 60(5) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code against what he alleged were exaggerated and inflated claims by Omkara. Section 60(5) of IBC grants NCLT exclusive jurisdiction over all matters related to the insolvency resolution of a corporate debtor.

Without prejudice to the rights and contentions in that proceeding, it is submitted that the alleged quantum of debt is grossly overstated, and inclusion of inadmissible amounts has artificially inflated the claim to justify the CIRP, Rahejas petition stated.

The lower tribunal (NCLT) transgressed from its remand directions while passing its order on 8 July 2025, he said in the petition. NCLAT had earlier remanded the case back but on limited issues that were not fully decided. However, instead of focusing on those specific points, the tribunal re-examined the entire case, including matters that had already been settled, Raheja added.
Springs plan is simple in its essence: Go back to retail fundamentals. That means sufficient staffing to ensure the customer service that justifies shopping at a department store instead of online or at a discounter; well-maintained stores with more visually appealing product presentation; and newer brands rather than the same-old, same-old, over and over againall while keeping costs down. Ultimately, his strategy aims for a Macys with fewer but more appealing stores, complemented by e-commerce. The goal is to go to from the current 449 locations, to 350 or so, including the 125 priority stores that will get disproportionately higher investment for things like more staffing and new lighting.

Indeed, the brands performance was awful for years. Customer service scores dropped year after year, contributing to sales falling from an all-time high in 2014 of $28.1 billion to just above $22.3 billion a decade later. The company has closed hundreds of stores because customers took their business elsewhere amid the retail apocalypse set off by the rise of Amazon and the soaring popularity of cheaper retailers such as Target . Meanwhile, brands trying to elevate their own images were tiring of the subpar presentation their products had at many Macys stores: Ralph Lauren , Coach, Nike , and Levis, among others, took their products off the shelves.

We had to have a moment of reflection and say, Were not as good as we think we are, Spring said. We can be proud of Macys history, but we cant be proud of Macys current performance.

Neil didnt take pictures of things that didnt exist, Spring told Fortune in an interview at Macys headquarters in New York. The venerable department store had long been in denial about the depth of its problems, said Spring, who took the reins of Macys Inc in early 2024 after a successful decade-long stint as CEO of its Bloomingdales division.

Its an attitude the CEO himself sees as essential for the 167-year-old retailer to carve out a new place for itself in todays retail world.

But perhaps the biggest change Saunders saw, he told Fortune, was Springs openness to criticismas shown by his willingness to engage with one of the brands harshest critics. This was a really big sea change, Saunders said.

Saunders had to admit, he was impressed. Their merchandising is sharper, Saunders told Fortune. There is greater neatness on the shop floor. Theyre starting to elevate the shopping experience.

At the well-appointed Macys in the upscale Topanga Westfield mall in Los Angeles in June 2024, Spring walked the brands former bete noire through the improvements he was starting to roll out at 125 priority stores: elegantly styled mannequins and more staffers in key areas; double the staffing in the womens shoe department; and three times as many in the dresses area. There were even live human beings manning the fitting rooms.

Respected retail analyst Neil Saunders had for years regularly posted pictures on social media showing extreme messiness at Macys storesmounds of unfolded sweaters strewn on the floor or shelving that had fallen into disrepairon social media. Now he was getting an individual tour from the department stores new CEO, Tony Spring.

Story Continues

There are promising signs that, at very long last, Macys has found a turnaround plan that is taking. Last quarter, Macys reported its best comparable sales performance in 12 quarters. Sales only rose 1.1% year-over-year but thats a victory at a time shoppers are hamstrung by economic anxietyand an encouraging sign that Spring might be onto something.

Attitude adjustment

To have any hope of a successful turnaround, Spring felt that Macys needed a cultural reset first, to inspire a workforce battered by years of falling revenue, store closings, and staff reductions, and get buy-in to his strategy. The big impact were finally seeing comes from the fact that were all singing from the same hymnal, said the 57-year-old Spring.

Macys, founded in New York City in 1858, benefits from a huge reservoir of goodwill among its 40 million annual customers, many of whom remember trips to the department store as kids, to get outfits for their graduations or to sit on Santas knee. The Macys Thanksgiving Day parade in Manhattan, watched by millions around the country on TV every year, has cemented the brands place in American culture.

But while many associate the brand with its Manhattan flagship and its famously elaborate window displays during the holiday season, Macys has for decades been primarily a mall-based department store chain with hundreds of large emporia in suburbs across the country. Its a shopping format consumer have been shifting away from since the 1990sand Macys is no exception.

At its peak just over a decade ago, Macys had more than 773 namesake stores. The company, which also owns Bloomingdales and the beauty chain Bluemercury, became a Frankenstein behemoth after a $11 billion mega-merger in 2006 in which it absorbed several regional chains, including Filenes, Marshall Fields, Foleys, Hechts, and Kaufmanns and slapped the name Macys on all the stores. That mega deal also led to a massive challenge for Macys: Too many of the brands stores were clustered together, cannibalizing each others customer base.

Over that period, Macys bureaucracy swelled, and the individuality of the regional department store chains it had absorbed faded.

They didnt ever manage to create one unifying culture from all these parts they mushed together, said Kathy Gersch, president of the consulting firm Kotter International.

In addition to the priority stores, Macys will keep open another 225 stores or so once it is done closing a few dozen more locations in the next few years.

In the 2010s, Macys continued to grow, aided by the implosions of long-time rivals Sears and JCPenney. But those gains masked Macys problems. Amazon, with its low prices and fast delivery, took market share, but so too did T.J. Maxx where shoppers could snag designer clothes for much less, and Ulta Beauty, which poached many of the beauty customers who were among the most frequent visitors to Macys.

The more Macys business was squeezed, the more it cut back on spending, creating a vicious cycle that undermined the service standards and pleasant atmosphere needed to justify higher department store prices.

Case in point: A decade ago, Macys tried to save on staffing by turning its footwear section into self-service open-sell areas, a short-lived but disastrous move. If you want open sell, you can go to TJ Maxx, said Saunders.

Macys, like many other retailers, fell into the trap of putting more merchandise on the selling floor to reduce how many times workers would have to re-stock shelves. But that created a messy, cluttered look more reminiscent of a clearance store.

The overly dense selling floors also made it hard to do storytellingcalled visual merchandising in retailwith mannequins. More staffing was also an obvious need for the jewelry and handbag sections, where customers want to be shown the higher-priced items from cases. Its not rocket science, said Spring Its back to the standards of retail. And its something customers told Macys directly: In Springs first months, the company surveyed 60,000 current and former customers to get a deep understanding of what they want.

Spring pointed to the companys missteps last decade, as investors grew impatient with Macys and its middling performance. So desperate was Macys to mollify Wall Street that in 2015 it announced that it would install smart mirrors in fitting rooms. (They often didnt work properly, and were seen as an expensive flop.) We became enamored with shiny objects and feeling we needed to keep up with everyone instead of playing our playbook, said Spring, who as an executive at Bloomingdales was on Macys leadership team and saw firsthand the chains problems.

In 2015 an activist campaign by Starboard Capital, which saw little value in Macys retail business, sought to pressure the company to spin off its best real estate. It was the first of four activist campaigns by various firms targeting Macys in the past decade.

The pressure to keep costs under control became more urgent during the pandemic when Macys was fighting to stave off bankruptcy. And Wall Street is still keeping Macys on a tight leash over its expenses.

One anecdote Spring likes to tell is from a decade ago, when as director of stores for Bloomingdales, he conducted a store visit with other executives. He and the suits were intercepted by a shopper who told him that everywhere she went, staff would ask her how she was doing. Anticipating a compliment, Spring recalled, he heard a complaint instead: Nobody could even wait for the answer, she told him. The reproach was like a punch in the gut, Spring said.

It was a good reminder that we were so focused on training people to say the line, that we forgot to explain to people why, Spring said. The why is that it makes a chat feel less transactional, even as it gives a store worker insights into what else a customer might need or want to buy.

Springs training is in hospitality: He studied hotel and restaurant management before starting at Bloomingdales as a management trainee in 1987, and his first ever job was in the service industry, at a Burger King in the 1980s. He wants that hospitality mindset to take hold and for store workers to feel their job is about more than folding clothes and manning cash registers. It is also about injecting the shopper experience with romance and theater, an endeavor that he argues can make the job more fun and fulfilling: Were all driven by psychic reward.

Still mid?

Armed with some promising results, Spring has been working to attract new brands to Macys and bring back others. In July, he landed a coup when Abercrombie & Fitchs childrens business started selling its products at Macys. Other brands Macys has recently added include Reiss, Good American, and Theory. Spring is also betting he can get important partners to come back to many of the Macys stores they abandoned.

Spring is quick to acknowledge that Macys still has much to prove. But his early results have sparked hope that at long last, it is turning a corner.

And even if critics such as Saunders are mollified by the moves Spring has made, they also say theres more to be done. Macys is still middle-of-the-road, Saunders said. They need to keep elevating the experience.

And that is exactly what Spring intends to do, tapping into the cherished associations many Americans have with Macys.There is so much love for this brand, he said. If we put our best on the table, we have the chance to win their business back.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Mumbai/New Delhi: Indias largest steelmaker JSW Steel Ltd expects the oversupply in India to be short-lived, with the long-term demand set to stay strong, joint managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Jayant Acharya told Mint in an interview. He said the temporary supply-demand mismatch, caused by several large capacity additions coming online at once, will be absorbed as the country's rapid urbanization, infrastructure push and rising consumption drive steady growth in steel use in the coming years.

Domestic steel prices are currently under pressure despite safeguard duties on imports, underscoring the industrys tightrope between short-term surplus and long-term expansion. Acharyas outlook suggests bullishness on Indias growth-led demand cycle even as the global market grapples with cheap imports and trade protection measures.

I am not at all worried about the capacity. Yes, capacities are lumpy; so when they come in a few months' gap, you may see a little bit of supply exceeding demand, which always then evens out," said Acharya, adding, "But I do not see any reason for concern at all."

Since the beginning of fiscal year 2026 (FY26), Chinas hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices have risen 4.5% in rupee terms, while domestic prices fell 5% despite a 12% safeguard duty, according to an Elara Capital report of October. Chinas HRC prices act as a lead indicator for global steel prices.

India had imposed a temporary safeguard duty in April in a bid to shield local producers from cheap Chinese imports. The duty period is expected to expire this month.

Steel capacity doesnt grow evenly every year; it comes in big chunks, said the CEO. At the same time, Indias steel demand is growing around 9% annually, meaning an extra 25-30 million tonnes (mt) of demand in the next two years, he said.

Also Read | How JSW Steel won back Bhushan Power and why it matters

But since any new projects announced now will take four to five years to start production, the current pipeline wont be enough to meet this demand. Thats why adding more capacity now is important to keep up with the countrys growing steel needs," Acharya said.

Roadmap to 50 mtpa target

JSW Steel, India's largest steelmaker by domestic capacity, aims to achieve 50 mt of annual domestic steel manufacturing capacity by 2030, equivalent to about one-third of the total steel consumed by India in FY25.

JSW Steel has a pipeline to reach 41.9 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by FY28 from 34.2 mtpa as of now. An upcoming electric arc furnace (EAF) project at Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh will take the capacity to 42.9 mtpa by FY29. Beyond that, the company is evaluating options to expand capacity across its existing facilities at Vijayanagar, Bhushan Power & Steel (BPSL), and DRI plant at Salav in Maharashtra, along with a major greenfield steel plant at Paradip, Odisha.

Progress on POSCO joint venture

JSW Steels 50-50 joint venture with South Korean steelmaker POSCO is progressing steadily, with land identification and documentation underway in Odisha.

The two steelmakers announced plans to set up a 6 mtpa plant in August, likely in Odisha. This would be POSCOs third attempt at entering the Indian market. The two companies intend to spend a total of 70,000-80,000 crore ($8-9 billion) to set up the plant, Mint had reported earlier.

We are looking at options for pieces of land in Odisha, depending on the proximity to iron ore, city and the port," Acharya said, adding that the 900 acres of land it came to own through the acquisition of a company Resources Pvt. Ltd could be one of the options. The company aims to finalize the land in the coming six months, after which it will move for environmental and forest clearances before starting the project.

Also Read | JSW Steel eyes strong H2 as domestic demand and policy support bolster outlook

He said POSCO brings strong technological capabilities. The South Korean steelmaker has not been able to set up a greenfield in its earlier attempts, but that is where JSW Steel will bring in the expertise of local presence and with the ability to do project execution faster", Acharya said.

Policy support and trade protection

Apart from just the proposed safeguard duty from Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), there is need for additional trade protection measures to safeguard domestic producers from dumping, particularly as India continues to account for a large share of global steel demand growth, JSW Steel's CEO said.

The steelmaker expects the finance ministrys approval for a three-year safeguard by November. The DGTR has recommended a staggered rate on imports of hot-rolled flat products of non-alloy and other alloy steel: 12% for the first year, 11.5% for second year and 11% for third year.

Other trade measures that could supplement this kind of a safeguard which is existing for products either through anti-dumping or through any other process of trade measures country-wise or otherwise," Acharya said.

He said the call for policy support was in line with various countries' reactions to the ongoing trade conflicts. For instance, the EU (European Union), which has country-based import quotas, has proposed to reduce the quotas and increase import duties. Trade restrictions such as tariffs, quotas and import duties by some of the key markets could result in diversion of steel shipments to India, Acharya said.

We are the fastest growing economy in the world and therefore the basic demand in the country is high, and there are many looking at India as an opportunity," said Acharya, asserting that as a country, India should allow trade, but not dumping.
Bengaluru: Wadia Group's Bombay Realty is preparing for a comeback in real estate, as it aims to monetize its land parcels in Mumbai and exploit the momentum in the residential sector, a top company official said.

Over the past few months, the company has put together a fresh team, and recently appointed a new chief executive to head the real estate business.

The developer is planning to first launch a premium residential project named Three ICC at the Island City Center (ICC), a gated community, in central Mumbai's Dadar locality this year.

The project, which will have around 500 units across three wings, will be developed over 4.5 acres, of the overall 17-acre land parcel. The first wing will have large residences, with private sundecks, with a price tag of 15-30 crore.

The project follows One ICC and Two ICC, two residential towers at Island City Center, that have been already been delivered.

The group already had a real estate arm, but formally launched it as Bombay Realty in 2011 with its flagship Island City Center project. However, the company pursued it in a staggered, uneven manner.

Over the past 2-3 years, the company, backed by the Wadia Group, has been planning to revive its focus on real estate, take up new projects and monetize its land holdings. But it is only this year that it started acting on it.

Shares of Bombay Dyeing closed little changed at 172.65 apiece on the BSE on Friday.

The renewed focus on rebuilding the business is being led by Jeh Wadia, the younger son of Nusli Wadia, chairman of Bombay Dyeing.

Real estate has emerged as one of the most promising growth sectors in India, and we believe the timing is ideal to strengthen our presence. For the group, real estate represents both a high-potential growth engine and a strategic diversification opportunity. Over the last few years, the residential segmentespecially the premium and luxury categorieshas seen a sharp rise in demand, backed by improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and a shift in consumer aspirations post pandemic," Rohit Santhosh, chief executive officer, Bombay Realty, said in an interview with Mint. Santhosh joined the company in mid-September.

Also Read | IBC reforms will benefit distressed real estate projects, experts say

Besides the launch of Three ICC, the company is also planning future developments. It aims to unlock its existing land parcels, both in Mumbai and beyond for projects. It is evaluating opportunities across residential, commercial and mixed-use formats, and aspires to establish a strong pan-India footprint over time.

The Dadar land itself has potential to do more projects, after the soon-to-be-launched Three ICC.

At Bombay Realty, we have a unique advantage: large, self-owned land parcels in prime locations across Mumbai. This allows us to develop projects without the cost pressures faced by developers who have to acquire land at current high valuations. Combined with the Wadia Groups strong balance sheet and legacy of trust and quality, we are entering this phase with a position of strength," Santhosh said.

Property analysts believe that though the real estate sector is quite crowded and competitive, corporate developers enjoy the distinct advantage of their brand value.

This is a good time to be in real estate. Developers backed by conglomerates or corporate groups are doing very well as home buyers display a clear preference for branded developers," said Anuj Puri, founder, Anarock Property Consultants.

Bombay Dyeing's brand and reputation, and its retail customer reach is substantial, and that would help its real estate business as well, Puri added.

In 2024, Bombay Dyeing concluded a two-phase deal with a unit of Japan's Sumitomo Corp., selling 22 acres of prime land in Mumbai's upmarket Worli locality for 5,200 crore, in possibly the largest land transaction in the country.

The company had said in 2023, when the deal was first announced, that the sale would help it pare debt and strengthen the balance sheet.

For now, Bombay Realty is focusing on its first launch after a long real estate sabbatical.

Mohit Ramsinghani, head of sales, marketing and customer relations, Bombay Realty, said that enquiries about the project have been encouraging, and given the appetite for luxury projects, they are expecting a good response from home buyers.
Indian consumers went on a shopping spree on Dhanteras this year, spending 1 lakh crore in total, driven by high rates of gold and silver prices purchases despite their steep price increase.

According to Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), gold and silver prices accounted for 60,000 crore of the total sale, which is an increase of 25 per cent as compared to last year, as buyers rushed to purchase the precious metals.

The gold and silver buying spree on Dhanteras came despite gold prices increased to 1,30,000 per 10 gram.

"The past two days have seen an unprecedented rush in jewellery markets," said Pankaj Arora, national president of All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation, which is CAIT's jewellery wing.

Silver prices have also seen a sharp uptick on Dhanteras 2025, climbing roughly 55 per cent to 1,80,000 per kilogram as compared to 98,000 last year. However, demand for silver on Dhanteras remained robust on the back of consumers flocking the bullions as they rushed to make safe investments, CAIT said.

In Delhi alone, sales of gold and silver exceeded the 10,000 crore mark on Dhanteras, according to Arora.

Silver sales surge 40% on Dhanteras According to another jewellery body, high gold prices on Dhanteras resulted in a robust demand for silver, with the white metal outpacing the yellow metal in terms of sales.

Demand of silver coins increased sharply, recording a 35-40 per cent surge this year as compared to the last, as per another industry body quoted by PTI.

Despite high prices, sentiment remains upbeat, driven by strategic purchases. Silver coins and puja items surged 40 per cent year-on-year, marking silver's rise as a smart, value-focused investment, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Chairman Rajesh Rokde was quoted as saying by PTI.

Gold buying volume dips, but value increases According to Rokde, Dhanteras 2025 saw an overall dip of around 15 per cent in the sales volume of gold.

Dhanteras 2025 has seen a 10-15 per cent dip in overall volume compared to last year, but value is up sharply... we expect festive sales to cross 50,000 crore, he told PTI.

Gold prices surged 63 per cent as compared to Dhanteras last year to a record high of 1,32,000 per 10 gram, but saw a modest price correction driven by profit booking.

In Delhi, gold price on Dhanteras dipped to 1,32,000 per 10 gram from 1,34,000. In Mumbai, prices of gold corrected to 1,28,000 from 1,30,000 on Saturday.

Silver prices in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities also saw a correction.

Also Read | Diwali stock picks 2025: 12 Muhurat trading picks by JM Financial

The overnight dip in gold prices triggered gold purchase on Dhanteras even further, as consumers flocked to buy coins and bullion in 1-50 gram denominations for investment, early weddings, and lightweight jewellery.

Average transaction value rose 20-25 per cent despite volume dips from high prices. Most encouraging is the 35-40 per cent surge in silver coin sales, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where buyers opted for budget-friendly investments and ceremonial gifting, GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta.
New Delhi: Indias exports to Nepal recorded one of the steepest declines among its major trading partners in September, as youth-led protests and a political transition in the Himalayan nation disrupted cross-border trade. Shipments to Nepal fell 16.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) to $516.62 million, even as exports to other key markets such as Spain, China, and Brazil surged, reflecting Indias ongoing push to diversify its trade base.

The sharp fall underscores how political unrest in Kathmandu can quickly shake up one of New Delhis closest economic relationships. The turmoil stalled logistics and hit India's export of key goodsfrom petroleum and steel to pharmaceuticals and food itemshighlighting the fragility of Indias overland export routes. Other top exported goods hit included plastic raw materials, two- and three-wheelers, machinery, engineering goods and food items.

Also Read | As Nepal plunges into crisis, Indian FMCG giants weigh business risks

Indias exports to Nepal had last declined in June, by about 4% y-o-y to $593.81 million.

During April-September, Indias exports to Nepal were at $3.66 billion, up 1.9% from a year ago.

India is a key trading partner for Nepal, and it has a sizable trade surplus. In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), India exported goods worth $7.32 billion to the neighbouring country, while imports were at $1.2 billion. In FY24, exports were at $7 billion while imports totalled $831 million.

Indian goods reach Nepal almost entirely by road, as the landlocked Himalayan nation lacks seaports. The road routes were disrupted during the violence amid protests and the subsequent change in government in September.

Nepal had plunged into turmoil after massive youth-led protests against corruption, nepotism and joblessness. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and home minister Ramesh Lekhak were forced to resign, and former jurist Sushila Karki was named the new prime minister.

The unrest erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, sparking accusations of censorship. Demonstrations turned violent in Kathmandu, leaving many dead and injured as security forces opened fire.

In September, Indias exports to Nepal were affected by domestic instability within Nepal. The recent disruptions created uncertainty, prompting Indian manufacturers to pause shipments temporarily, said Sankalp Gurjar, assistant professor (geopolitics and geoeconomics) at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, adding that the fall in exports reflected a mix of geopolitical factors and Nepals internal instability rather than any fundamental shift in trade patterns.

There is some concern that China might try to encroach on Indias trade position in Nepal. However, geography and market dynamics limit this risk," Gurjar added. "While China can supply strategic or niche goods, Indian exports of general products are likely to remain dominant, supported by long-standing historical, political, and cultural ties.

There was no response from a commerce ministry spokesperson to Mint's emailed queries till press time.

Elsewhere, India expands markets In sharp contrast, Indias exports to several large and emerging economies posted strong double-digit growth during September, reflecting New Delhis strategy to expand its trade footprint beyond traditional partners.

Shipments to Spain jumped 150.8% to $987.7 million, the sharpest increase among Indias top 20 export destinations, driven by higher demand for petroleum products, textiles, iron and steel and telecom instruments.

Exports to Brazil climbed 25.8% to $749.9 million, while those to China surged 34.2% to nearly $1.5 billion, buoyed by stronger orders for ores, chemicals, and intermediate goods.

The sharp rebound in China-bound shipments came despite the broader global slowdown and ongoing trade frictions in major economies.

India's exports to Germany, Italy, and the UK also rose in September, reflecting resilience in demand for the country's engineering goods, pharmaceuticals and apparel despite continued global headwinds.

Indias exporters are navigating shifting global trade dynamics, including stringent tariff measures by the US on several categories of goods. The full impact of those levies began to play out in September, prompting Indian exporters to seek alternative markets and diversify their product base.

In August, US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhis oil purchases from Russia, taking the total levies on Indian exports to 50% from 27 August. The US has been demanding a stop to energy purchases from Russia, alleging the trade gave Russia financial muscle in its war against Ukraine.

Indias merchandise exports held firm in September, rising 6.7% y-o-y to $36.38 billion, even as shipments to the US fell nearly 12%.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister of Finance P Chidambaram on Sunday asserted that India's growth rate of 6.5 per cent is not a moment of celebration, but rather an indicator that the nation is stuck in the lower-middle income trap. He argued that the country lacks the "ideas or intrepidity" to break out of this situation, calling for Manmohan Singh-like courage.

A growth rate of 6.5 per cent is not a moment of celebration. It means that India is stuck in the lower-middle income trap without the ideas or the intrepidity to break out. It is a time for summoning Manmohan Singh-like courage, Chidambaram wrote in a X post (formerly Twitter).

Income stagnation and how to fix it? Chidambaram further highlighted that India's persistent average growth rate of 6.5% over several years is dismal as it keeps the country in the lower-middle income group. To exit this classification, India's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $2,650 (in 2024) needs to double.

I think an average growth rate of 6.5 per cent a year over several years is dismal. That rate keeps India in the group of countries with a lower-middle income. India's GNI per capita of USD 2650 (in 2024) needs to double to get India out of the lower-middle income group. If India's current rate of growth is sustained, it will take nine years to achieve that goal the former Union Minister posted on X.

Concerns over capital formation decline Chidambaram pointed to a significant decline in capital formation, which he views as a critical issue. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) has dropped from 35.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007-08 to 30.1 per cent of GDP in 2024-25.

Whereas, the Private Fixed Capital Formation (PFCF), which is a part of the total GFCF, has also fallen from 27.5% of GDP in 2007-08 to 23.8% in 2022-23, Chidambaram said quoting last available official data.

Rising unemployment in the nation Speaking about private capital shying away from India, Chidambaram said that the primary reason is the trust deficit between the government of India and the industry.

He also added that unemployment rate for the educated unemployed people is 29.1% since there are no jobs in the country for this particular group.

Also Read | The leaders and laggards in export growth in September

There are no jobs for the 'educated unemployed', and the unemployment rate for this group is 29.1 per cent. Youth unemployment' rate is 45.4 per cent, Chidambaram added.
IIM Bangalore Placements: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore has completed the Summer Placement 2026 for the PGP and PGP-BA 2025-27 batch, according to the official website.

According to the announcement, all 601 students who participated in the placement round have successfully secured offers from 137 companies which participated in the placement week, which started from 13 October 2025 and ended on 18 October 2025.

All 601 IIM Bangalore students who participated in the placement round have successfully secured offers from 137 companies

Consulting, Finance, Product Management, Sales and Marketing, General Management, and Analytics were among the diverse domains from which the students have received offers.

Leading global recruiters shared highly positive feedback on both the students performance and the efficiency of the overall process, said Tapas Ranjan Pati, the head of Career Development Services at IIM Bangalore.

Companies which offered jobs at IIM Bangalore  1. Consulting firms: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Accenture Strategy, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, McKinsey & Co., EY Parthenon India, Deloitte, PwC, and Capgemini were among other companies which gave offers to the students in the summer placements.

2. Finance firms: Goldman Sachs, HSBC Bank, Citibank, ICICI Bank, Bank of America, Axis Capital, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Blackstone, Barclays, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley, Motilal Oswal, WhiteOak Capital, were among the companies which offered jobs to the students during the placement round.

3. IT/Product Management firms: Google, Adobe, Samsung SRI-B, Qualcomm, Apple, Microsoft, Salesforce, and eBay were among the firms which offered jobs to the students during the 2026 summer placement round.

4. FMCG/Retail firms: Hindustan Unilever (HUL), Amul, ITC, Coca-Cola Co., Wipro Consumer Care, Dabur, Diageo, Marico, Nestle, Pidilite, Puma, Philip Morris, were among other companies which gave offers to the students in the summer placements.

5. Manufacturing/Infrastructure firms: Tata Steel, Samsung Electronics, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, Asian Paints, Castrol India, KPIT, Satyam Auto Components, were among others.

6. Conglomerate offers: Reliance, Aditya Birla Group, Tata Administrative Services, Vedanta, Adani Group, Mahindra Group, and CKA Birla Group.

7. Healthcare and Other firms: Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's Lab, Glenmark Pharma, Zydus Wellness, American Express, Amazon, Jiostar, Flipkart, Myntra, Bharti Airtel, NPCI, Visa, and Tata Play were among the firms which offered jobs to the students during the 2026 summer placement.

According to the website announcement, Management Consulting accounted for 46% of the total offers received by the 601 students who participated in the placement round, compared to 38% last year.

Offers for Investment Banking and E-commerce roles also witnessed an increase, while the Healthcare sector also recorded a 70% increase. IIM Bangalore also said that nearly 30% of the participating organisations were first-time recruiters at one of India's top business schools.
Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra and MP Raghav Chadha are blessed with their first child together on Sunday, and it's a boy. Announcing the news on social media, Chopra and Chadha shared a joint statement.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha blessed with boy Their announcement post reads: He's finally here! Our Baby Boy! and we literally can't remember life before! Arms full, our hearts fuller.

First we had each other, now we have everything. it added.

Chopra was admitted to a hospital in Delhi, where she spent most of her time during pregnancy.

Yes, Parineeti Chopra has been admitted to a hospital in Delhi. Raghav is with his wife during this special time. They are expecting the arrival of the baby anytime now, a source told Hindustan Times.

Raghav Chadha stayed by Parineeti Chopra in hospital Reportedly, Raghav Chadha, Chopra and the Chadha families stayed by the actor's side at the hospital.

The whole family is so excited about the arrival of the baby and they are all by Parineetis side. This Diwali feels extra special for them as it is bringing even more joy and celebration with the little one on the way, adds the insider.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha announce pregnancy Chopra and Raghav Chadha announced the news of the actor's pregnancy in August, 2025. They shared a post on social media and wrote: Our little universe  on its way. Blessed beyond measure.

Their post came with a picture of a white and gold-themed cake. 1 + 1 = 3 was written on it with the shape of baby feet made out of frosting, referring to the arrival of their first child.

They confirmed the news of their pregnancy days after Chadha dropped major hints.

It happened at comedian Kapil Sharma's show, where Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra made a joint appearance. He talked about good news briefly.

During the show, Chadha said in a segment that they will have good news soon. Denge, aapko denge good news jaldi denge! (Well give you good news soon)," the AAP leader said.

Parineeti Chopra and MP Raghav Chadha's love story Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha got married in September 2023 after their engagement in Delhi.

They dated in secret for some time before making public appearances together.

The actor previously revealed that she met Raghav Chadha for the first time in London at an award ceremony. However, she said that she didn't recognise him at first.
Sabrina Carpenter made a dazzling debut as both host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, combining sharp humour, self-awareness, and infectious pop energy  all while reviving one of the shows most beloved characters, Domingo.

Welcome back, Domingo! The Manchild hitmaker opened the night with a cold open that immediately sent longtime SNL fans into a frenzy.

The sketch reunited Chloe Finemans iconic Kelsey character and her close-knit girl squad, including Carpenter herself. In true nostalgic fashion, the group broke into song to recount their wild Nashville night out, narrating every chaotic detail to Kelseys bewildered husband Matt (Andrew Dismukes).

Watch the skit here:

Set to the tune of Taylor Swifts The Fate of Ophelia and Lady Gagas Abracadabra, the musical retelling was capped off with the much-awaited reappearance of Marcello Hernandezs Domingo  bursting in with his trademark melodrama to declare his love for Kelsey, serenading her with Alex Warrens Ordinary.

Domingos return drew roaring applause from the audience, marking a crowd-pleasing comeback for one of SNLs standout characters.

Also Read | SNL star Kate McKinnon to play Aphrodite in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3

Sabrina addresses controversies surrounding Man's Best Friend' album cover Carpenter then transitioned into her opening monologue, where she playfully tackled the chatter surrounding her latest album Mans Best Friend. Since then, my new album Mans Best Friend came out, which Im so excited about. But some people got a little freaked out by the cover, she said with a knowing grin.

Watch her monologue here:

Im not sure why. It was just this: me on all fours with an unseen figure pulling my hair. But what people dont realise is, thats just how they cropped it. If you zoom out, its clearly a picture from the 50th anniversary special of Bowen helping me up by the hair, she continued, as an edited version of the image appeared onscreen. After Martin Short shoved me out of the buffet line.

Leaning into her risque pop persona, Carpenter poked fun at her own reputation. Everyone thinks of me as this horndog pop star, but theres really so much more to me, she quipped. Im not just horny, Im also turned on, and Im sexually charged. And I love to read. My favourite book is the encyclopedia. Its so big and its hard

The monologue, equal parts cheeky and clever, cemented Carpenters comedic timing and charm  proving shes just as comfortable commanding the SNL stage as she is the Billboard charts.
Tim Curry has never been one to sugarcoat things, and his latest revelation proves it again. The 79-year-old British actor has shared a surprising story about working with Donald Trump on Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - and says the US Presidents true colours showed within seconds of him stepping onto the set.

At the time, Trump was not a political figure or a reality TV personality. He was simply the flashy owner of New Yorks Plaza Hotel, where several key scenes of the 1992 Christmas classic were filmed.

Curry, who played the suspicious concierge at the hotel, writes about the experience in his new book, Vagabond: A Memoir, which looks back at his decades-long career and life after the stroke that left him partially paralyzed in 2012, as per The Mirror.

Tim Curry on his experience working with Trump In an interview with The Guardian, Curry recalled, He was very anxious to find Chris Columbus, the director. According to Curry, Trump said Ive got to get Marla to meet Chris Columbus because shes a brilliant actress." To which Curry replied, Yeah, Im sure. The Marla in question was Marla Maples, Trumps then-girlfriend, whom he later married in 1993.

Curry also shared another awkward encounter - this one involving Trumps first wife, Ivana. While staying at The Plaza during filming, he said Ivana knocked on his door to ask if he liked his suites decor.

Do you like the way it looks? she asked Curry. I loathed it actually, Curry said with his trademark dry wit.

Trumps cameo in Home Alone 2 Home Alone 2, which grossed over 280 million worldwide, featured Trump in a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo where he gives young Kevin McCallister - played by Macaulay Culkin - directions in the hotel lobby.

The scene has since become both a pop-culture relic and, for director Chris Columbus, something of a regret. Columbus told the San Francisco Chronicle that he wishes it was gone. Its become an albatross, he said.

Still, the cameo remains untouched. Partly out of concern, Columbus joked that cutting it might have sent him back to Italy or something.

Over 30 years later, the film still remains as a holiday staple. Though, for Curry, the memories of working with Donald Trump seem a little less fun than the movie itself.

FAQs Who did Tim Curry play in Home Alone 2? He played the Plaza Hotel concierge who becomes suspicious of Kevin McCallister.

What did Tim Curry say about Donald Trump? He said Trump revealed his true colors almost immediately and was eager to promote Marla Maples.

Why was Donald Trump in Home Alone 2? Trump owned the Plaza Hotel at the time and reportedly asked to appear in the film as part of filming permission.
China is gripped by an insidious problem that is eroding its economy: It is trapped in a cycle of competition so fierce that it is destroying profits, driving a brutal rat race among workers and fueling a deflationary spiral.

This is involution," a once esoteric term that has come to define life for many in China and capture the biggest problems in the worlds second-largest economy. Involution, simply stated, means that, even as China pursues global dominance in industries of the futureartificial intelligence, renewables, roboticsmuch of its economy is in a race to the bottom that threatens to devolve into widespread stagnation.

Price wars and excess supply are also increasingly a geopolitical liability. China is now entering its fourth year of falling factory-gate prices, and consumer prices have barely budged, a sign of inadequate demand. Squeezed at home, Chinese manufacturers are exporting more and more, while governments around the world are complaining about an influx of cheap Chinese goods hurting local industries.

View Full Image .

As U.S.-China trade tensions have reignited, the Trump administration is betting that these vulnerabilities in Chinas economy give Beijing the weaker hand in negotiationsand that the U.S. can inflict more pain on China by targeting its exports with additional tariffs.

Involution will be top of mind over the coming week at a major policymaking meeting of Chinas leaders, who face a high-stakes balancing act as they discuss the countrys next five-year plan. Technological innovation is expected to remain a defining feature of Beijings road map, yet this industrial policy could reinforce or accelerate the pattern of overproduction and price wars, even as policymakers weigh new initiatives to boost domestic demand.

What is involution, exactly?

You wont find involution in economics textbooks. Generally, it means excessive competition, but it has become a shorthand for a range of maladies, especially deflation and overcapacity. The term in Mandarin is neijuan. In anthropology, involution is used to describe a kind of change without progress.

When the word first became popular on Chinese social media in 2020, it was mostly used by young people in China to describe the grind of education and work.

The whole game is meaningless, crushing, exhausting," said Xiang Biao, a director at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Germany. They want to step out of it, but yet they cannot find a way, because everyone is doing it."

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Then, involution started being used to describe a similar dynamic in industries where a mismatch of supply and demand has spawned aggressive price wars.

What causes involution?

Amid a property-market downturn over the past few years, China cranked up manufacturing as a growth engine, funneling subsidies and loans to producers, especially in high-tech areas favored by Beijing, such as electric vehicles and solar panels. At the same time, the real-estate slump has weighed on consumer confidence, leading households to guard their savings and watch their spending.

When there are too many products and not enough demand, companies resort to price cuts to bring in customers and unload excess inventory. Take the auto sector, where China has more than 100 EV makers all fighting to survive. After a flurry of price cuts and promotions by EV makers earlier this year, customers could buy one BYD model for less than $8,000. According to a survey by the China Automobile Dealers Association, just 30% of car dealers were profitable in the first half of the year and almost three quarters sold at least some cars below cost.

That might be good for consumers in the short run, but it can also hurt households by putting companies in cost-cutting mode: limiting wage growth, pausing hiring, shedding employees and squeezing everyone else along the supply and sales chain.

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Workers are feeling the pressure. Chinese employees have long complained about the countrys 996" work schedule9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. Lately, workers joke that the schedule has been updated to 007"midnight to midnight, seven days a week.

Is involution new?

This isnt the first time China has dealt with overcapacity, but the current iteration is far more widespread, according to economists. During the last major bout of deflation roughly a decade ago, excess supply was mostly concentrated in state-owned enterprises making commodities such as steel. Beijing around 2015 embarked on supply-side policy changes, setting production quotas, guiding mergers and shutting down zombie" factories.

This time around, private companies across a variety of sectors are affected, making a top-down approach more challenging. The economy is growing at a slower pace, the property market is still in the doldrums and unemployment, especially for young people, is on the rise.

Its uncharted waters," said Chen Bo, a senior research fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore.

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What do economists think?

Tackling involution at its root, many economists argue, would require a fundamental restructuring of the economic system that puts consumer spending in the drivers seat, rather than leaning on investments and manufacturing. Until then, involution is the price to pay for Chinese leader Xi Jinpings goal of industrial self-reliance and global leadership in advanced technologies.

Involution is both a feature and a bug of the China model," said Larry Hu, chief China economist at Australian investment bank Macquarie Group.

Advisers inside and outside China have long advocated for a rebalancing of the economic system so that household spending becomes a bigger driver of the economy. The International Monetary Fund in its latest World Economic Outlook report recommended that China pursue such a shift and scale back industrial policies.

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Boosting consumption could involve measures such as shoring up the property market, widening social services and pensions, adjusting local-government performance evaluations to focus on consumption, rewriting the tax system to encourage spending rather than production, growing the services sector in fields such as healthcare and tourism, and generally increasing government spending to stimulate demand.

What is China doing about it?

Beijing had previously dismissed concerns from the U.S. and Europe about Chinese overcapacity, but Chinese officials have since embraced anti-involution" and fighting disorderly price competition."

Policymakers face a dilemma: cut production drastically, which risks a collapse in growth, or move too slowly and risk letting the problem fester.

China so far is taking a gradual, supply-side approach. Piecemeal guidelines from various governmental bodies have centered on stopping below-cost pricing and curbing capacity in oversaturated sectors with measures such as tightening regulations and discouraging new investment in production. The efforts so far focus on several industries where involution is particularly pronounced such as steel, coal, batteries, electric vehicles and food delivery.

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Recent economic data suggest the efforts are starting to make some inroads. Growth in industrial production and investment has slowed in recent months. Profits among industrial firms surged 20% in August. Producer-price deflation narrowed in September.

A recent editorial in the Peoples Daily, the Communist Partys official newspaper, acknowledged issues in Chinas economy but suggested they are growing pains in the countrys industrial transformation. The editorialone in a series published under a pseudonym lending them the authority of Chinas top economic policymakersdoubled down on Beijings tech-focused industrial policy.
Oil notched its third straight week of losses on Friday as traders grew increasingly concerned about oversupply.

West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) traded at $57.54 per barrel, while Brent futures (BZ=F) settled at $61.29 per barrel at their lowest level since May. WTI and Brent closed out the week down more than 2%.

Back-and-forth tariff sparring between the US and China and a recent deescalation of tensions in the Middle East have weighed on the energy markets over the past week.

President Trump said he had a "productive" call with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of an upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, adding that he and Putin plan a second summit in Budapest.

Any progress toward ending the war could unlock more Russian crude onto global markets, intensifying supply concerns.

Meanwhile, US crude stockpiles increased for a third straight week, also raising concerns about too much oil in the world market.

The International Energy Agency reinforced that view earlier this week, trimming its demand forecast while raising its surplus expectations for 2026 as production from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies increases.

Wall Street has been warning of a supply glut going into 2026.

Goldman Sachs predicts Brent will fall to $56 per barrel, while WTI will drop to $52 per barrel.

Year to date, both Brent and WTI are down more than 18%.

Oil notched its third week of losses on Friday as traders grew increasingly concerned about oversupply. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ines Ferre is a senior business reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ines_ferre.

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Startups from Silicon Valley to Europe and beyond are racing to develop cheap, reliable systems to counter hostile drones appearing over airports and global shipping lanes far from the battlefield in Ukraine.

The systems explode, collide, fire pellets, jam radios, beam lasers and even shoot nets like Spider-Man.

The different approaches reflect the multifaceted threat. Hostile drones come in all shapes, sizes, speeds and altitudes. Some attack while others snoop. They fly alone or in swarms.

The setting also dictates the response: Thwarting battlefield attacks in Ukraine requires a different approach from protecting infrastructure against spying drones in a crowded European city. Whatever the situation, equipment must be deployable quickly against fleeting incursions and cost no more than its target.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary-General Mark Rutte this past week announced a new initiative to help alliance members detect and thwart incoming drones. Across NATO, governments and companies are racing to catch up with Ukraine, which has been forced by Russias invasion and relentless attacks to innovate drone defenses.

Most solutions are experimental and have limitations, from cost to range, scalability and reliability. Experience shows a layered approach with several systems for detection and response is most effective.

View Full Image Drones were spotted last month near Copenhagen Airport and other airports in Denmark.

Interception is very hard," said Sven Kruck, co-CEO of surveillance drone-maker Quantum Systems, which is developing its own interceptor. Designing autonomous drones that are precise enough to reliably hit fast-moving targets yet cheap enough for mass production is a challenge no company has yet to master. In the end what you want, if you can, is to get the pilot."

Serhiy Sternenko, a Ukrainian activist who raises funds to buy interceptors for his countrys military, sees them as one part of a broader arsenal that Kyiv needs to counter Russian drone attacks, including electronic warfare systems, ground-launched rockets still in development and mobile air-defense groups traversing fields to shoot at drones.

NATO militaries are taking lessons from Ukraine. The U.S. Army over recent months has tested battlefield drone defenses for its troops in Europe, under a program dubbed Project Flytrap. Poland, which faced incursions by Russian drones in September, has beefed up all its defenses. The U.K. recently announced it would cooperate with Ukraine to produce its Octopus drone interceptors in a British factory, providing Kyiv with defenses while learning from its experience.

Germany, which is also moving to tap Ukraines experience, recently fast-tracked legal changes giving armed forces and the federal police more leeway in taking down hostile drones, after intrusions repeatedly shut Munich Airport, the countrys second largest.

The countrys armed forces earlier this month picked Munich-based Tytan Technologies to develop an antidrone system for some bases. The company, created in 2023 by two former students at Munichs Technical University, produces a semiautonomous interceptor that looks like a small airplane. This automation allows one pilot to target up to eight hostile drones at once using several interceptors.

The interceptors are being tested in combat in Ukraine, where they are integrated into the militarys network of sensors that detect intrusions, said Max Enders, Tytans head of business development.

Swedish startup Nordic Air Defence is testing highly maneuverable interceptors as light as 9 ounces, designed to smash into drones at up to 170 miles an hour, at altitudes up to around 6,000 feet. Its Kreuger 100 projectiles, less than 2 feet long, can be launched from guns, hand-held tubes or crates holding more than a dozen. The company is pricing its interceptors at around $5,000 apiece and plans to start delivering them next year.

San Francisco-based Mara, a finalist in a recent U.S. Army innovation competition and Project Flytrap participant, is developing compact drone interceptors for critical infrastructure and military equipment, even in motion. Mara is demonstrating its dirt cheap" Spike interceptors for other U.S. and NATO military forces, and recently began working with Ukrainian units. The company hopes to win an order from the countrys military, contingent on successful field testing next year, said Chief Executive Daniel Kofman.

Projectiles arent the only counterdrone technology. Electro Optic Systems of Australia, which builds ultraprecise lasers to track satellites in space, is now rolling out high-powered units to zap drones. The system blinds or burns through several drones almost simultaneously and can hit up to 20 drones a minute, said Chief Executive Andreas Schwer. Other companies in Israel, Europe and the U.S. are also developing antidrone lasers.

Lasers are best for close-range defense because their power declines over distance. Electro Optic Systems lasers, which have been used in Ukraine, work well for protecting military assets or public infrastructure such as power plants and government buildings, said Schwer.

Microwave systems, now being developed in the U.S. and other countries, may hold more promise than lasers, especially against drone swarms, if they can be refined to fry electronics across a swath of sky.

Ukraine has so far set the standard for drone defense. Years of relentless drone barrages from Russia have forced innovation, and the latest result is a fleet of interceptors that Kyiv says have already demonstrated success in downing Shahed drones heading for Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

View Full Image Ukraine has been hit repeatedly by Russian drone attacks, including a barrage that also included missiles that targeted Kyiv on June 17.

View Full Image A member of an antidrone team launching an observation drone in southeastern Ukraine in June.

Sternenko, the activist, said he has raised funds to buy almost 3,500 interceptor drones for the Ukrainian military from Ukrainian producer Wild Hornets. The interceptors have a 70% strike rate, he said, and cost around $2,200, a fraction of the price of an air-defense missile.

Interceptors are only part of a broad antidrone strategy. Antiaircraft batteries, such as the German-made Gepard, a tank-like vehicle that shoots explosive rounds, are highly effective against low-flying aircraft. Downing large, high-altitude combat drones may require missiles.

But antiaircraft batteries have limited range and missiles are expensive.

The key to effective defense, experts say, lies in the C4 layershort for command, control, computing and communicationwhich identifies intruders and quickly determines the best response.

Ukraine has been a lab for drone development since the start of the war. Peter Thiel-backed Quantum Systems, which makes mainly surveillance drones, was among the first Western companies to donate materiel to Ukraine back in 2022.

Now Quantum Systems is well established there, with its own design, R&D and manufacturing operation and well over 1,000a drones patrolling Ukrainian skies every day, said Paul Strobel, Quantums spokesman.

The companys experimental JagerGerman for Hunter"interceptor takes off vertically using propellers, then a solid-fuel rocket shoots it up 15,000 feet in 5 seconds before electric motors take over again. Once locked on its target, it rams it with minimal human intervention.

While physical interception is required in a combat zone, it may not be the best approach when dealing with drones hovering over a crowded stadium or a nuclear power plant, said Strobel. In this case, authorities may be better off tracking the intruder all the way back to its pilot.

For such situations, Argus Interception, a spinoff of a German university project, has developed A1-Falke, a drone that targets intruders with nets and brings them back to base.

View Full Image The A1-Falke capturing a drone during an exercise in Hamburg last month.

The German military recently demonstrated the systems capacity during a military exercise in Hamburg. During the test, the drone took off, locked on to an orange hexacopter drone, captured it and brought it back down intact.

Our use case is minimally invasive intervention in the sky," said Sven Steingraber, a former naval officer and co-founder of Argus. It is designed for cases where you want to physically intervene but need to rule out collateral damage."
New Delhi: Indians turned up in droves at jewellery stores Saturday to buy gold and silver, keeping the Dhanteras tradition alive undeterred by the record high prices of these precious metals.

However, total gold order volumes fell 1015% from a year ago even as sales value jumped sharply, according to the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC). Yet, festive purchases are expected to cross 50,000 crore by Sunday evening, it added.

Dhanteras, which marks the first day of Diwali, is an auspicious occasion when Indians typically buy silver or gold. While Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, wedding-related gold purchases have also commenced.

The sentiment is strong despite high prices," said Rajesh Rokde, chairman, GJC.

Consumers are buying strategicallygold coins are leading demand, and hallmark-certified lightweight jewellery is performing well. Silver items, especially coins and puja articles, have surged nearly 40% over last year. Silver is no longer a secondary choice but a smart, festive investment for value-conscious buyers," he added.

On Saturday, consumers mostly bought lower-grammage gold and silver to mark the annual tradition, according to industry experts. In Delhis Lajpat Nagar market, silver stores opened earlier than usual with shoppers making a beeline to buy small coins, chains, and idols of gods.

While some consumers are choosing smaller quantities or lower grammage in gold and higher on silver due to pricing considerations, the overall billing value has seen a marked increase," said Samit Guha, managing director and chief executive of MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd, which sells gold and silver coins and bars. While cautious buyers are opting for lower karat (K, a measure of purity), the overall demand remains robust and continues to show growth over the previous year."

In terms of grammage, silver sales were slightly higher than gold, while gold sales were stronger at lower weights, Guha added. Overall, this year, we have witnessed approximately twice the billing value compared to last year, reflecting strong consumer preference for our premium 24K gold and purest silver minted coins and bars at 999.9+ purity."

Key Takeaways Gold prices in India have surged about 66% this year, yet Dhanteras sales by value are set to cross 50,000 crore, although order volumes fell 1015% from last year.

This Dhanteras, consumers favoured gold coins, hallmark-certified lightweight jewellery, and silver items, with silver sales rising nearly 40% year-on-year as buyers adapted to high gold costs.

Schemes like Tanishqs zero-deduction gold exchange and increased first-time buyers at Kalyan Jewellers signal strong sentiment, with overall billing values nearly doubling over last year at leading retailers.

Rising prices

International gold prices have increased 58% this year (as of 17 October, Friday), marking the steepest annual gain in 45 years, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

In September, gold prices rose 11.6%, followed by another 7.9% jump in the first two weeks of Octoberbreaking past the $4,000-per-ounce mark for the first time ever, the council said in a statement on Friday.

Gold prices in India have mirrored this trajectory, climbing 66% year-to-date. On Friday, the price of 24-karat gold (the purest form) was about 1,32,953 per 10 grams in Delhi, while that of 22-karat gold was about 1,21,883 per 10 grams.

But strong investment-led demand for gold has more than offset the slowdown in sales volume, according to WGC. Indians are also buying gold for the peak wedding season, which typically stretches from November to February, although consumers are opting for lower-carat (lower-weight) pieces, affecting overall retail volumes, the World Gold Council said.

Indias gold jewellery consumption in tonnes fell 17% year-on-year in the AprilJune quarter, per WGC; globally it declined 14%. Meanwhile, demand for gold bars and coins increased 7% on-year during the three monthsthe eighth consecutive quarter of growth.

However, here toothe impact on affordability was reflected in growing demand for coins weighing under 10 grams.

Exchange offers and buybacks

Gold and silver stores have been offering several incentives to capitalise on Indias festive-season tradition.

Last month, Titan Co.s flagship jewellery chain, Tanishq, rolled out a campaign offering 0% deduction on all gold categories, even as low as 9 karat, as part of its old-gold exchange programme.

Despite record-high gold prices, were witnessing renewed enthusiasm this festive season. Consumers are viewing price volatility as a strategic opportunity to reinvestwhether through gold coins or by upgrading their existing jewellery," said Ajoy Chawla, chief executive, jewellery division, Titan.

Our Zero Deduction Gold Exchange Programme has seen a sharp rise in traction, with its contribution increasing from the usual 3536% to 3840% since Navratri (22 September2 October)," he added. Overall growth is being driven by higher-ticket values, while buyer growth remains in early single digits."

While jewellery stores with several outlets are witnessing a preference for lighter jewellery, high-end independent stores catering to weddings are experiencing strong sales with minimal impact on volume. In contrast, smaller stores are struggling, the World Gold Council said.

Our festive pre-book offer has seen encouraging participation. Notably, about 40% of the buyers this season are first-time customers, indicating robust demand and renewed enthusiasm among shoppers," said Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director, Kalyan Jewellers Ltd.

In terms of trends, gold and silver coins continue to see exceptional demand, often exceeding supply in some locations. Within the jewellery category, diamond sets are seeing renewed interest, reflecting a broadening aspiration among consumers," he added.

Sachin Jain, managing director, World Gold Council, said sentiment for gold jewellery, coins, bars, exchange traded funds, and digital gold remains upbeat.

Customers are doing token purchases and heavy pieces are also being bought. Due to record number of price increases the industry has also passed on some benefits to their consumers by offering healthy discounts," Jain said. Overall, we expect gold-buying interest to remain strong through the current festive season and upcoming wedding period."
Diwali firecrackers cause raging debates every year around this time due to rising air pollution levels, especially in the Delhi-National Capital Region. Attempts at banning firecrackers have had a mixed effect, with many brazenly flouting the rules.

The Supreme Court has stepped in once again. Earlier this month, the court conditionally allowed the use of certified green crackers, acknowledging the need to balance celebration with public health.

While this promises a cleaner alternative, the critical question remainsare green crackers a genuine solution or mere greenwashing that fails to address the severity of air pollution? Mint explains:

What led to the launch of green crackers?

The legal battle over firecrackers was sparked by a public health emergency. Air quality in Delhi-NCR plunged to life-threatening severe or hazardous (AQI 500+) levels during Diwali in 2016 and 2017.

This led to the landmark 2018 Supreme Court judgment in the case ofArjun Gopal vs. Union of India. The ruling established a fundamental principle that cultural practices cannot supersede the Fundamental Right to Life (Article 21).

In its ruling, the Supreme Court banned traditional firecrackers that use harmful heavy metals such as barium nitrate, and directed manufacturers to develop less-polluting alternatives. This decision was the genesis of the green cracker concept, shifting the approach from total prohibition to regulated, transitional reform.

Despite the 2018 ruling, Delhis continuing air crisis has led government agencies, including the National Green Tribunal and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, to ban all crackers, including the green variety, every year since 2020. To be sure, burning of farm stubble in neighbouring states also contributes to Delhis pollution crisis during winters.

The Supreme Courts recent order to conditionally allow green crackers was delivered in the context of the M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case. The court explicitly allowed green crackers on a test case basis", citing the failure of the absolute ban, which had resulted in the illegal use and smuggling of highly toxic, conventional crackers.

What exactly are green crackers?

Following the Supreme Courts 2018 ruling, the Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchNational Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) was tasked with facilitating the development of green crackers. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), under the Union commerce ministry, was given the mandate to test the efficacy of the final product.

Green crackers are not entirely pollution-free; rather their formulation causes less pollution. According to CSIR-NEERI, only crackers that emit at least 30% less particulate matter, or 20% lower PM emissions along with a 10% reduction in the emission of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can be considered green.

Use of chemicals like barium nitrate, lithium, mercury, arsenic, and lead are banned, alongside measures such as eliminating the use of ash while requiring the use of dust-suppressant additives. Further, cracker sizes were required to be shrunk and their noise level to be below 125 decibels (dB) at a distance of four meters from the point of bursting.

CSIR-NEERI has released three proprietary green variantssafe water releasers (SWAS), safe minimum aluminium (SAFAL), and safe thermite cracker (STAR).

Also Read | Why do we remain in the dark about the harmful effects of light pollution?

What was the response from firecracker manufacturers?

The dramatic shift in regulations had a direct impact on firecracker manufacturers, especially those in Tamil Nadus Sivakasi. The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) estimates that Sivakasi accounts for 95% of Indias firecracker production.

But many firecracker manufacturers were quick to see the writing on the wall and collaborated with CSIR-NEERI to come up with green alternatives. Manufacturers fronted 40% of the cost involved in setting up a specialized testing facility in Sivakasi under a public-private-partnership model.

The only centre for testing firecrackers until then was in Maharashtras Nagpur, about 1,600 km away by road, which made the process time-consuming and inefficient.

TANFAMAs vice president G. Abiruben told news agency PTI that almost all firecracker manufacturers had shifted to green crackers, including small-scale producers.

Do green crackers truly cause less pollution?

According to CSIR-NEERI, approved green crackers emit 30% less particulate matter in a lab setting. But the effectiveness of this is often lost in the real world. The 30% reduction in emissions per cracker might seem significant, but considering the millions of crackers burst during Diwali, the emissions add up.

Despite the bans and severe restrictions, firecracker manufacturers in and around Sivakasi earned about 6,000 crore in sales last year, according to The Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association. This shows the sheer volume of crackers sold during Diwali.

In Delhi, where firecrackers were entirely banned in 2024, thousands of kilograms of crackers were seized. Delhi residents burst firecrackers despite the ban.

Another significant challenge is that every batch and every variety of firecracker produced cannot be tested and certified. The question remains whether these crackers are truly green.

The final hurdle: enforcement and awareness

Considering the fragmented nature of Indias firecracker industry and the fact that most producers and sellers are small-scale businesses, it is difficult for authorities and consumers to ascertain which crackers are really green and which are counterfeit.

To ensure traceability and authentication, the government and CSIR-NEERI mandated that all legally compliant green crackers carry an encrypted QR code linked to the manufacturers licence and the official CSIR-NEERI or PESO logo. However, such packs can be easily copied.

It is only with strict policing and enforcement that fakes can be weeded out. But there are two challenges here. One is identifying whether a manufacturer is actually licensed to produce and distribute firecrackers. Two is testing whether such firecrackers meet the green standards. Thats easier said than done. Theres also the issue of consumer awareness, or lack of it. Most do not even look for the QR code.

Ultimately, while the chemistry of green crackers offers a possible solution to the perennial issue of Diwali-linked pollution and respiratory issues, the ability of such measures to deliver depends on enforcement and compliance. Thats the hardest battle of all.
The festive season is in full swing, with people thronging to jewellery shops to buy gold on the back of auspicious occasions like Diwali and Dhanteras. India has logged a record sale in gold this year despite high prices, and the rush is expected to continue.

Consumers are rushing to jewellery shops as makers are running discounts for Dhanteras and Diwali, with some companies offering up to 100 per cent off on making charges, while brands like Tanishq are offering gold coins on certain purchases.

The auspicious timing, coupled with massive discounts have resulted in long queues in jewellery shops, with customers waiting for hours to get their billing done.

However, this can be avoided if you choose to buy gold jewellery online.

Many top brands, including Tanishq, Senco Gold and Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, PC Chandra Jewellers, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, and Joyalukkas sell their gold jewellery online.

E-commerce platforms like Amazon are also selling branded gold jewellery on their website and app.

This is a convenient way to buy gold, with your jewellery being directly delivered to your home without the hassle of standing in long lines or braving the crowd to get hand on your favourite piece.

But one may wonder, is it even safe to buy gold jewellery online? Here is a guide to understand.

Is it safe to buy gold jewellery online? The simple answer is, yes. However, you need to be careful about a number of things.

Also Read | How to check gold purity and hallmark before purchasing?

The first step is to buy gold jewellery from trusted sources, like the official website of a jeweller or from verified sellers on e-commerce platforms like Amazon.

These websites are generally safe and will deliver your gold jewellery within the stipulated time.

Things to keep in mind before buying gold jewellery online Choose a reputable website: As mentioned above, you need to choose a reputable website, like the official portal of a registered jeweller. Brands like Tanishq, Senco Gold and Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, PC Chandra Jewellers, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, and Joyalukkas have online websites and apps where they sell gold jewellery.

Look for hallmark: In line with government standards, every jeweller is required to provide BIS hallmark on their gold articles, including gold jewellery. For 22 karat hallmarked gold finesse stamp is 916 and for 18 karat hallmarked gold jewellery finesse stamp is 750. You must check the BIS hallmark certification on the purchase you are making.

Return and exchange policy: before buying gold jewellery online, carefully go through the jeweller's return and exchange policy. Ideally, there should be a 30-day window for you to return or excahnge the item. Also read the terms and conditions under which any damaged jewellery will be accepted.

Understand pricing: It is also important to understand the final price of your gold jewellery that you are buying online. The final price of gold jewellery includies the current market price, making charges, GST and other taxes, and sometimes shipping charges.
Kazakhstans energy ministry is in contact with the nations oil producers following a drone attack on the large Orenburg gas-processing plant in Russia, the ministry said in a statement.

The strike may impact Kazakh oil production, the ministry said, as the Orenburg facility has stopped accepting gas from Kazakhstans Karachaganak project, the statement said.

Karachaganak, near the nations shared border, is one of Kazakhstans three key oil and gas projects. Because oil and gas there are co-produced, operators cant cut gas output without also reducing crude.

Any slowdown at Karachaganak would put pressure on overall production of oil within Kazakhstan.

Drones overnight struck the plant in the Orenburg region, some 1,700 kilometers east of Kyiv but only about 150 km from Karashyganak.

The attack sparked a fire at one of the plants units, regional governor Yevgeny Solntsev said Sunday on Telegram. Flight restrictions were imposed for a time at Orenburgs airport, Interfax reported, citing air transport officials.

Ukrainian hasnt commented on the attack.

Russia over the past month has reported a growing number of drone attacks deep inside its territory, with some reaching nearly 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border  further testing the countrys air defenses. Ukrainian UAVs have targeted facilities as far afield as Siberia and the Ural mountains.

Drones also targeted the Samara region overnight, according to the local governor, who didnt specify what was hit or whether there was damage.

Local Telegram channels claimed an oil refinery may have been struck, though theres been no official confirmation. The area is home to Rosneft PJSCs Novokuibyshevsk refinery, a producer of petroleum products with a capacity of 170,000 barrels per day.

Separately, Ukraines air force reported 62 Russian drones over its territory overnight, 40 of which were shot down or suppressed.

The Russian defense ministry said it struck a HIMARS rocket launch system in Ukraines Chernihiv region, about 18 km from the Russian border.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Buy or Sell: The Nifty 50 ended the week on a strong note, gaining 1.36% to close at 25,709, supported by positive global cues and optimism surrounding the Trump administrations plans to hold and meet further tariff-related discussions with Prime Minister Modi.

Broader markets also witnessed healthy participation, with several key indices advancing between 13%. Among sectors, Realty led the rally with a robust 2.5% gain, while FMCG, telecom, and financial stocks added around 2% each, reflecting broad-based strength across sectors.

Technical Analysis On the technical front, Nifty broke above the key 25,600 resistance level for the first time in a long period and sustained comfortably above this crucial psychological mark on a weekly basis, closing near the next resistance zone of 26,000.

The index had earlier established a strong base near 24,30024,400, coinciding with the 200-day EMA and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level, thereby reinforcing its bullish foundation.

Throughout the week, it consistently traded above 25,00025,300, tested resistance near 25,600, and successfully closed above it at 25,709. Fresh support for the index is now placed at 25,40025,600, while resistance remains at 26,000 and 26,500 levels.

Also Read | Is it safe to buy gold jewellery online? Key things to know to prevent frauds

Nifty Outlook Nifty is expected to trade within the new range of 25,40026,000 in the coming week, with a decisive move above 26,000 likely to trigger the next leg higher toward 26,500.

As per derivatives data, the highest Call open interest is concentrated at the 26,000 strike, followed by the 26,500 level, indicating potential resistance zones. On the Put side, the highest open interest stands at the 25,000 strike, followed by 25,500, suggesting strong support levels for the index.

Bank Nifty Outlook The Bank Nifty also maintained its bullish momentum, closing above the 57,000 mark and recording a fresh 52-week high at 57,713. The index continues to find strong support in the 56,50057,000 zone, with resistance seen at 58,50059,000 levels.

Both PSU and private banks contributed positively to its uptrend, reflecting strength across the banking space.

Overall, the market sentiment remains constructive, with sustained momentum likely if Nifty holds above 25,600 and Bank Nifty maintains strength above 57,000.

Traders are advised to follow a disciplined buy-on-dips strategy in selective stocks while closely monitoring global developments and geopolitical cues for further directional clarity.

Stocks to Buy this week

Stocks to Buy this week

1. Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL): Buy at 126-130; Target at 140; Stop loss at 121.

2. Reliance Industries Ltd (RELIANCE): Buy at 1,400-1,420; Target at 1,480; Stop loss at 1,360.

3. Tata Elxsi Ltd (TATAELXSI): Buy at 5,350-5,380; Target at 5,600; Stop loss at 5,300.
This week the market started on a muted note derived from the subdued expectation of the ongoing domestic Q2 result. While escalating US-China trade tensions, highlighted by President Trumps threat of an additional 100% tariff on China, also dampened global and domestic sentiment at the start of the week.

China has tightened export controls on rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential for electronics production. However, the tension eased temporarily as Trump diminished the tone when the US market reacted negatively. Nevertheless, anti-trade worry continues, and both the parties have plans to increase other barriers like port fees for ships docking as much as $50-60 per tonne.

However, as the global market stabilised, Indian equities got traction with initial good gains from banking and pharmaceutical stocks. Investor sentiment improved after the government invited private sector professionals to lead State Bank of India senior leadership positions, including one MD post. This marks a change in policy to shift toward allowing private participation in public sector enterprises, aimed at enhancing efficiency and governance. Pharma stocks rallied as the US revived the Biosecure Act, aiming to cut biotech ties with flagged foreign firms, especially from China, providing a strong boost to Indian CDMOs.

Also Read | Muhurat trading: Kotak Securities lists 7 stocks to buy for Samvat 2082

By midweek, the domestic market inched higher, led by a dovish comment by the Fed chair on a rate cut in the coming policy as the downside risk on the unemployment rate increased, and also considering an end to its quantitative tightening, which sparked the global market sentiment. The US 10-year yield declined while the rupee gained with the support of RBI operation. This is also indicative of a possible momentum shift in FIIs inflows to India, which sold 2.5 lac cr in the last one year. However, for this, Indias earnings growth has to improve, regarding which a rebound is expected from Q3 (Dec) onwards with a rise in household spending. Additionally, the MSCI India premium valuation has contracted below its long-term average, suggesting the potential for faster renewed FII inflows if earnings growth materializes.

By weeks end, domestic equities extended their recovery, supported by optimism around IndiaUS trade discussions. An Indian delegation is in the US to negotiate specifics and seek a win-win outcome, with both sides tentatively targeting November 2025 to conclude the first phase of the agreement, in line with directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump issued in February 2025.

While near-term momentum remains positive, sustained market performance will depend on earnings growth and commentary from ongoing corporate results and developments in global trade. Sentiment is lifted in expectations of a change in earnings cycle, early signs of FII inflows supported by dovish commentary from the US Fed, and a softer dollar index. FII net brought in 8,000cr in the first half of Oct compared to consequently selling off the last 3 months ( 80,000). India was amongst the worst emerging market peers in 2025, led by heavy FII selling.

What's ahead for the stock market? Now the market is developing as a safe bet on a medium-term basis. Downside risk is limited, while upside risk is opening with change in earnings view, Fed cut and the Indo-US deal.

The market continued its upward momentum, reaching a new 52-week high, largely driven by consumption-oriented stocks anticipating improved volume growth. Global economic disruptions like escalating anti-trade talks and slowing economic data have made investors jittery, prompting them to seek refuge in gold, which has surged to a new all-time high. Despite these global uncertainties, the resilient domestic economic performance has bolstered investor sentiment, keeping Indian equities insulated this week.

The author, Vinod Nair, is Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) Non-metro cities drove this year's online Diwali shopping boom, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total e-commerce volume, with tier 3 cities contributing over 50 per cent, according to industry data.

As per the industry data analysis of over 4.25 crore shipments by logistics intelligence platform ClickPost, these regions now represent the fastest and largest drivers of festive e-commerce, solidifying non-metro Indias role as the epicentre of order volumes and growth.

"The scale of non-metro India is staggering. Tier 3 cities alone accounted for 50.7 per cent of all orders in 2025. Combined with Tier 2 (24.8 per cent), Bharat represents nearly three-quarters (74.7 per cent) of the total order volume, confirming its role as the undisputed engine of e-commerce scale," it said.

Festive demand was further boosted by Durga Puja, which saw fashion orders surge by 14.3 per cent during the pre-Puja week and Karwa Chauth, when cosmetic buys nearly doubled fashion purchases.

Despite the complexity and volume increase, Indias logistics networks maintained a steady average delivery time of 2.83 days for festive shipments. The share of same-day hyperlocal deliveries surged 42 per cent year-on-year to reach 8.7 per cent of all orders.

Cash on delivery remained the preferred method in Tier 3 cities, comprising 52 per cent of orders, even as prepaid digital payments dominated higher-value transactions nationwide.

The average order value jumped 32.5 per cent year-over-year (from 3,281 in 2024 to 4,346 in 2025).

"Were entering a new era of Indian retail; one where Tier 3 towns out-order metros, where COD still rules the heartland, yet prepaid dominates the premium basket; where home-upgrades, not just outfits, power festive spend. What that means is, investments in speed, fulfilment, inventory intelligence and localised offers are absolutely foundational.

"The smart players are already preparing for next years curve: same-day-blueprint in hundreds of towns, tailored assortments, and delivery models built for both 1 lakh orders and 1 minute gratification," Naman Vijay, co-founder and CEO of ClickPost, said.
RBL Bank, whose majority stake is set to be acquired by Dubai-based Emirates NBD, expects the first tranche of capital from the lender to come in within five to seven months after receiving regulatory approvals, according to reports.

According to Reuters, "RBL Bank CEO said that he expects the first tranche of capital from Emirates NBD to come in over five to seven months after the necessary regulatory approvals."

One of the largest banking groups in the Middle East, Emirates NBD, is set to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank Limited for $3 billion or 26,850 crore. This will be the largest-ever foreign direct investment and equity fundraise in the Indian banking sector, according to reports.

Also Read | RBL Bank transforms from laggard to multibagger with 105% surge in 8 months

Emirates NBD to acquire 60% stake in RBL Bank As Mint reported earlier, the proposed investment will be made via a preferential issue of up to 60 per cent of the share capital of RBL Bank, including a mandatory open offer for the purchase of up to 26 per cent stake from the public shareholders of the bank, as per Sebi regulations.

The bank will issue 95,90,45,636 shares to the UAE-based investor at 280, lower than Fridays closing price of 299.70 on the NSE.

Also Read | RBL-Emirates deal shows RBI is warming up to foreign capital

RBL Bank chairman Chandan Sinha said that the bank will be able to capitalise on Emirates NBDs strong credit rating and its established relationships with companies, banks, and financial institutions across India.

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) - Investment Banking, J.P. Morgan and NeoStrat Advisors advised Emirates NBD on the deal. Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. was the legal advisor for ENBD and AZB & Partners for RBL Bank.
A bowl of kheer appears before me and Anuradha Joshi Medhora, chef and co-founder of The Silver Train restaurant, challenges me to identify the main ingredient. The silken kheer is sweet, of course, but theres a hint of savoury that I cant quite place. Medhora reveals that its made with garlic.

The waters of the Yamuna were quite polluted, so Jahangirs hakims prescribed garlic for his delicate stomach. The palace khansama came up with this bennami kheer recipe by boiling garlic in milk," she says. Other unusual dishes like kaleji ka raita (liver in yoghurt and mustard) and ande ka halwa (eggs folded into khoya, saffron, and sugar) also originate from the palace kitchens of Jaipur and Awadh respectively. Medhoras love for food and appetite for research clearly show in the menu of The Silver Train, which opened last month inside the spanking new Gourmet Village at Phoenix Palladium in Lower Parel.

Born in Indore, Medhoras earliest memories were of grand dinner parties hosted by her parents and grandparents. She was also introduced to the cuisine of the erstwhile royal families through her friend circle at boarding school and college across Indore and Pune. She moved to Mumbai in 2004 and worked in advertising and marketing for a few years, before the lure of kitchens led her to launch Charoli Foods in 2015. Charoli started as pop-ups where I served the royal food of Malwa in western Madhya Pradesh, which was the food I grew up eating. I wanted to take it to people so as to preserve these recipes," says Medhora, who is not a trained chef, but has learnt on the job. Being a research nerd also helped as she pored over archives and gathered recipes and oral histories from family and friends, translating them into immersive pop-ups and curated catering.

View Full Image Inside the restaurant.

While Charoli Foods highlighted the cuisine of Malwa, Medhora realised that the wide range and depth of Indias many royal kitchens needed a larger platform. An offhand conversation with friend and now business partner, and seasoned restaurateur Shravan Juvvadi led to The Silver Train (he is also the founder and CEO), named after the miniature silver serving train that once circled the laden tables of Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia I of Gwalior.

The USP of the restaurant is its thali, a silver platter of daily-changing dishes that give you a taste of the royal kitchens of Gwalior, Hyderabad, Awadh, Travancore, Kashmir, and beyond. It begins with tamarind water to aid digestion and ends on a sweet note with shrikhand that Medhora says is in memory of her late grandfather. In between, you may savour Thanjavur usal (tamarind-laced moth bean curry) or Jodhpur-style panchratna dal, or apple gourd from the Bhonsle kitchens of Nagpur, or Mewars dahi bhindi. Servings are unlimited and you can also add one dish from the a la carte menu.

This menu offers a choice of serving sizes, so you can order the starters and mains in portions of one, two, or four. Choose from dishes like smoky and flaky machhli jaali kebab (twice-marinated freshwater sawal fish barbecued on an open flame) or the perfectly rendered junglee maas chaap (a shikaar or hunting recipe where the meat is cooked with only three ingredients  desi ghee, red chili, and salt). A particular favourite at my table is the Malwa ke kathal kebab or jackfruit seekh kebab served with a hung curd dip drizzled with hot honey. The recipe comes from Nimatnama, a 15th-century recipe book from the Malwa Sultanate. The kebab has no chillies as they hadn't yet arrived in India," says Medhora.

View Full Image A dessert of 'kalakand' from the menu.

The mains feature dishes like the rather moreish Bilaspuri baingan bandhejan where aubergine is stuffed with caramelised onion masala, tied with a thread, and slow-cooked in ghee with a sticky lemon syrup. Or the mild-flavoured Dogra chicken kofta in a rich onion and yoghurt gravy, or badaam nariyal ke jheenge, a prawn dish that combines Mughal and Maratha flavours. Accompanying these are assorted naans made the old way; there isnt a drop of water in it, we knead the dough in yoghurt and milk and let it ferment," says Medhora. Theres also an extensive rice section, featuring dishes like Dogra ka guchhi pulao (Kashmiri morel pulao), begum ki biryani (from the kitchens of Bhopals Begum-Nawabs), and even dahi chawal that comes with four regional tadkas or tempering for you to DIY. The bar menu was not yet available when we visited but we did try a couple of sherbats  the deliciously piquant Spice Bazaar (clove, kokum, ginger, and mint leaves) and the not-so-great Chameli Bagh (jasmine, lime, coriander, soda).

While the rest of the menu remains staunchly traditional, Medhora has added a playful twist to the dessert section, so the orange kalakand is encased in brandy snap and served on betel leaf, and everything is to be eaten together taco-style. On the other hand, the creamy kulfi on a stick is cloaked in a pistachio white chocolate shell and sprinkled with sea salt. We want to make the food of the royal palaces popular and its history more known; we want to make it accessible to everyone," says Medhora. By blending history with hospitality, The Silver Train turns royal dining into an experience that feels both timeless and deliciously new.

Also Read | A cookbook from Jahangirs royal kitchen

Prachi Joshi is a Mumbai-based travel and food writer.
Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is among the most profitable software stocks to invest in. On 14 October 2025, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) unveiled its strategic vision at the Oracle AI World 2025 Keynote, a conference that highlighted the companys partners allocation of over $1.5 billion to AI training and development.

Throughout the conference, there was one idea that kept stealing the spotlight: a focus on seamless AI experience across the companys ecosystems. As Juan Loaiza, EVP at the Database Team, highlighted:

Its important to understand AI is a huge focus for us in the database team. We have over 100 different projects going on in AI. Were using AI throughout everything.

Oracles (ORCL) Strategic Innovation Boosts its Dividend Appeal

With billions pouring into AI architecture, a large part of Wall Street fears the chances of an AI bubble. In other words, there are concerns about the current hype surrounding AI-related stocks, which have led to their higher prices without a solid financial foundation. If the excitement dies down, Wall Street expects a considerable decline, advising caution and urging investors to assess AI companies before investing. Oracle has been one of the companies leading the investment race with some significant announcements made recently.

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is a Texas-based company that provides solutions for enterprise information technology environments. Incorporated in 1977, the company offers Oracle cloud SaaS, cloud-based industry solutions, Oracle Cloud license and on-premise license, and Oracle license support services.

While we acknowledge the potential of ORCL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
The Instagram algorithm had decided that I was looking for a lifestyle of optimisation. Reels on the advantages of starting your workday at 3am or 1pm, depending on the content creators views, were clamouring for my attention.

Some ads suggested tools to maximise sleeping hours so I could fight procrastination and Get Sh*t Done" before deadline. In between were memes of how 1 January 2025 felt like it was just this Monday, and why only January and Monday come so early. Of all the content thrown at me this past week, a productivity gurus reel to help with rawdogging" caught my attention. Earlier slang for unprotected sexual intercourse, rawdogging" is now Internet-speak for doing nothing for a few hours to hone focus, increase creativity and improve ones quality of life.

Were all chasing time, trying to squeeze the most out of every second, turning to all sorts of hacks and tips, looking for ways to find free time". Yet, free quality time seems perpetually out of reach.

For context, the time spent by Indians on self-care activities", which includes sleeping and personal hygiene, has declined steadily since 2019, while time spent on socialising and employment has gone up, according to the 2024 Time Use Survey data published by the Union statistics ministry. A rural-urban comparison shows that urban Indians spend more time on employment compared to their rural counterparts, who have more time for self-care, though rural Indians spend more time on unpaid work (such as domestic chores, which usually fall to women) and producing goods for their own use".

We are living in a world where hustle culture is on steroids," says Amit Nandkeolyar, an associate professor of organisational behaviour at Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.

Our relationship with free time"to be spent leisurely doing activities that bring us joy or with loved ones without worrying about work or choresremains ambiguous.

We are being made to feel that time is scarce and we need to ensure that every second offers some kind of commodity-like return. Thats why you have services today that say give a gift of time, which is interesting because time is in your hands and you can do with it whatever you want. The problem is that we are made to believe that leisure time is time wasted," explains Nandkeolyar.

ANOTHER COMMODITY

One reason our relationship with time has become so transactional is to do with the way it has been commodified. E-commerce platforms promise to deliver everythingfrom groceries to smartphones and Diwali gift hampersto your doorstep in 10 minutes or less. On a quick commerce app, you can get a mish-mash of items, including a swastik design clay set, two avocados, snowflake-shaped string light, and a one-gram 24k gold coinall in eight minutes.

These are the kind of services designed for the people weve become, always trying to hack" time and always glued to screensIndians spent five hours daily last year on mobile screens, nearly 70% of it devoted to social media and gaming, going by a report by consultancy firm EY, published earlier this year. This figure excludes the hours they already spend online on their laptops for work. In many ways, people have become more available to others but less available to themselves.

Many people thought they would continue to live the slow life in the post-covid world," says Rahul Advani, cultural anthropologist and insights and strategy manager at Mumbai-based strategy consultancy Plum Insights. Instead, we went into overdrive, maximising every moment. The definition of time has changedearlier, we used to experience time because we didnt have control over it. Now, time has become all about filling it up. The increasing desire to be bored is actually a response to the fact that time, something so fluid, has become structured or constricted." Hes referring to the trend of people stepping away from constant stimulation, especially social media, and allowing themselves to be bored or do nothing for a certain number of hours to promote creative thinking.

This paradox of doing more and doing it faster and smarter in order to have free time" has led to other services for the ever-busy. Smart rings, organisers and other devices promise to help make time for you. Even leisure is about doing things quickly: consider custom music playlists that apps serve based on your mood and tastes. You dont have to scroll through different genres to discover something you like. Its all served on a platter within minutes, helping you save time and energy.

Concierge services across the country offer lifestyle managers" for hire, who help the wealthy with chores that range from the mundane (buy gift for betas birthday; unpack suitcases) to the unusual (deliver masalas to hotel room in Uppsala with instructions for the chef). Some of these tasksplanning gifts or special celebrationswould once have been personalised and a way to express ones feelings.

One Gurugram-based lifestyle management company has a campaign to suggest that time is the biggest gift, and promises to finish your tasks to free up time for loved ones during the festive season. Packages run from 2,000-40,000all to give you the gift of time. By delivering groceries in minutes, picking gifts for family members or clearing your calendar, these apps and services are helping you save time and use it for moments that really matter. Saving time costs money today.

But, can anyone or anything really buy time? You can save time," Nandkeolyar says. Now whether you spend that saved free time scrolling Instagram while playing with your kid, or check mails when you wake up in the middle of the night, it depends on you. Time management is not a big task if you follow some strict rules. Attention management is, because even during free time we are trying to multitask, taking away the joy from leisure."

Multi-tasking has its benefits but this blurring of work and leisure has made people forget that not every hour needs to be milked for all its worth.

NEVER ENOUGH

The introduction and evolution of productivity tools indicates that theres no clear answer to one of the biggest mysteries: Why is time never enough, despite the tech and services available to help us complete our tasks faster?

Nandkeolyar offers an explanation: Time is porous with no sharp edges. What people forget is that time depends on how society views it; its a cultural construct. Why do we return home from the office in the evening? Why is Chhath Puja performed at a certain time in the day? Its all our construct."

Times use is up to us, but it is measured. The industrial era introduced clock time to help decide how much work one can perform in a certain number of hours. Thats from the economics perspective. The sociological view is what we do with the time we have," Nandkeolyar continues.

But there is no doubt that time-saving" aids may have ended up speeding up our expectations of how much time a task should take, and making us impatient. Consider the speed with which we complain if something isnt delivered on time or our impatience if an app takes too long to load. Our patience levels have gone down considerably. The only time I see people now wait (for anything) is when they queue up outside a matcha place that has gone viral or when a new iPhone or some limited-edition sneakers reach the store," says Advani.

Offering his take on why more people complain of less time in a culture obsessed with personal productivity, Advani says, Because we are able to do so many things in one day, we end up trying to do more things than we can handle."

If theres one answer to carving out free time with no strings attached, it is intention. The groceries will get delivered, the lifestyle manager will decorate the house for Diwali. But its up to you to decide how many times you check your notifications on your phone, watch or ring.

Also Read | Why Adam Grant believes simplicity is simply overrated
Indian tourists who are planning to visit Japan will soon be able to make digital payments in the foreign country using their Unified Payments Interface (UPI) systems, as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed an MoU with NTT DATA, a digital business and technology services firm.

NPCI's subsidiary, NPCI International Payments Ltd., signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NTT DATA's Japanese counterpart on 7 October 2025, as the initiative aims to facilitate merchant transactions nationwide.

What will this initiative bring? As part of this agreement, NTT DATA Japan merchants will be able to accept UPI payments, which will, in turn, enable Indian travellers visiting Japan to make digital UPI payments by scanning the QR codes on their mobile devices.

NPCI and NTT DATA's collaboration aims to make digital transactions easier and reduce their dependence on cash, credit cards, or other forex cards while people are travelling.

This move also aims to access the potential of UPI for merchants and consumers in the Japanese market.

Also Read | UPI payments will now be PIN-free! Key things you must know

By initiating the partnership for UPI acceptance in Japan, we aim to make shopping and payments more convenient for Indian tourists, while helping Japanese merchants capture new opportunities, said Masanori Kurihara, the head of payments at NTT Data.

Expansion of UPI The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system was launched in India in 2016, and since then, it has changed the way people carry out digital payments and fostered financial inclusion in the nation.

According to NPCI data for September 2025, India recorded a total of 19.63 billion UPI transactions worth 24.9 trillion that were processed.

NPCI data for September 2025

Mint reported earlier that UPI volumes increased 31% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis. The report also mentioned that the total value of the UPI transactions stood at 24.85 trillion as of August 2025.

Also Read | ChatGPT can now complete UPI payments and order groceries from BigBasket

Rupay's partnership with Japan's JCB International In efforts to boost the international travel experience for RuPay JCB cardholders, the Indian global card payment network RuPay announced a partnership with Japan's JCB Co. Ltd subsidiary JCB International.

This move will enable the RuPay JCB cardholders to receive 25% cashback for all Point of Sale (POS) transactions at stores in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and the Philippines till 31 December 2025.

RuPays partnership with JCB continues to create meaningful value for our cardholders as they travel abroad. With the festive and year-end holiday season being one of the busiest periods for international travel, this special cashback program ensures that our customers can enjoy greater savings and convenience across five vibrant countries, said Kunal Kalawatia, the chief of products and marketing at NPCI.
Air India has scheduled an additional flight from Milan to Delhi today to bring back home 256 passengers who have been stranded in Milan since last Friday, October 17.

The passengers' trip was delayed after their original flight, AI138, was cancelled on Friday due to a technical issue. The airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANN) had encountered the technical issue upon landing in Milan, preventing the aircraft from operating the return journey to Delhi.

This disruption left passengers stuck in Milan while they were returning home for Diwali.

Assistance and compensation provided Air India said in a X (formerly Twitter) post that the Flight AI138D will depart from Milan at 1900 hrs (local time) and arrive in Delhi on the morning of 20 October.

The airline also noted that it has extended all immediate assistance to the affected passengers, including providing hotel accommodation and meals. Full refunds or complimentary rescheduling were also offered as per passenger preference, the post said.

The airline reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its passengers throughout the disruption, stating, "We remain committed to extending support and assistance to our passengers at every step."

Recurring technical issues for Air India Milan-Delhi route This cancellation of flight AI138 on 17 October is the latest in a series of technical disruptions on the Air India Milan-Delhi route. A similar incident occurred on August 16 this year, when an Air India on the same route was cancelled due to a technical issue, identified during pushback.

According to Air India, a maintenance task was identified just as the aircraft was preparing for departure. The subsequent delay caused the operating crew to exceed mandatory flight duty time limitation norms, making it unsafe and impermissible for them to continue.

Flight AI138 operating from Milan to Delhi on 16 August was cancelled due to a maintenance task identified during pushback, and subsequently due to the crew coming under the mandatory flight duty time limitation norms, a spokesperson with Air India said.

Air India offered similar assistance in August as well, providing hotel accommodation, full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling as opted by the passengers. It also promised alternative arrangements to fly passengers to Delhi as soon as possible.

Other cases of Air India cancellations Earlier on August 3, two Air India flights were also cancelled due to technical issues. Flight AI349, which was scheduled to fly from Singapore to Chennai on Sunday, August 3, was cancelled because of a maintenance task identified before departure, requiring extra time for rectification.

Also Read | Air India adds over 170 more weekly flights between major Indian cities
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for his comments over spending on diyas and candles during Diwali celebrations.

In an apparent reference to expenses by the Uttar Pradesh government during Diwali, Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that a lesson should be learnt from places abroad where, during Christmas, the entire city remains illuminated for months.

"... I don't want to give a suggestion. But I will give one suggestion on the name of Lord Ram. In the world, at the time of Christmas, the entire city is illuminated, and it remains illuminated. And that goes on for months. We should learn from them," Akhilesh Yadav said.

He asked, "Why are there repeated expenses on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it? What can we expect from this government; such governments should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights...," Akhilesh Yadav said while responding to a question on Deepotsav celebrations..

BJP leaders hit out at Akhilesh Yadav: Apologise to Hindus Hitting out at Akhilesh Yadav over his "Diwali-Christmas" remark, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said his comments "is not only against the lamp-making Prajapati community."

Sudhanshu Trivedi said, ...I would like to tell Akhilesh Yadav and the entire country, lighting 'ghee ka diya' indicates that the country was so rich in ancient times that every house was capable enough to light 'ghee ka diya'. We should take pride in this.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav to begin Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar from Aug 17

Meanwhile, UP's Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said in a post on X, "SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, you are requested to stop insulting the Hindu faith for the sake of appeasement and vote bank politics."

"In Indian culture, lighting lamps is a centuries-old tradition, symbolising light, harmony, faith, and devotion. You have committed the despicable act of snatching the employment of the Prajapati community, who sell Diwali lamps," Maurya said.

He demanded that Akhilesh Yadav should "immediately retract" his statement and "apologise to Hindus".

Also Read | Rinku Singh now engaged to Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj

Anti-Sanatan UP BJP chief Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary termed Yadav as "anti-Sanatan."

In a post on X in Hindi, said, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's anti-Sanatan mentality has once again been exposed. The SP chief, who once tampered with Hindu customs and beliefs, is now not shying away from criticising their festivals as well.

Congress reacts Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "...The country is secular. It has not yet become a Hindu nation. No government can spend public money on religious matters."

"Neither lamps nor candles can be purchased with government money. The Uttar Pradesh government claims to have lit 1,50,000 lamps. Where is the money coming from? This money belongs to the public, and the Constitution prohibits its use for such purposes...," Rashid Alvi said.

But look at the influence of the Western mindset, which makes them feel guilty. So, what is happening has made the mindset of INDI Alliance very clear, that they hate Indian culture, Hinduism and the prosperity of Prajapati community...

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi doubles down on India-made products ahead of Diwali

Ayodhya's grand Deepotsav celebrations Ayodhya is set to celebrate Deepotsav from Sunday (October 19), marking the homecoming of Lord Shri Ram. The grand Deepotsav festivities are scheduled to begin at 5 PM and will continue till 8 PM on Sunday, Oct 19.

The aarti ceremony, featuring 2,100 performers, is expected to set a new world record.

According to ANI, a record 26,11,101 lamps will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, creating a divine spectacle that will not only dazzle the eyes but also fill hearts with devotion to Lord Shri Ram.

Following the lighting of lamps, there will be a light and sound show, culminating in a fireworks display.

Also Read | Diwali 2025 stocks: Sugandha Sachdeva picks four shares to buy for medium term

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi will participate in the Deepotsav being held Sunday evening at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu River. He greeted saints and mahants in Ayodhya ahead of the celebrations.

The Deepotsav, held under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, is now a symbol of faith, unity, and devotion. It continues to reinforce Ayodhya's identity as a global hub of spirituality and tourism, ANI reported.

Diwali, also called Deepavali, marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. During this exile, Mata Sita was abducted by Ravana, leading to the eventual battle and triumph of good over evil.
The Delhi High Court has clarified that permanent alimony is not an automatic right after divorce  especially if the spouse seeking it is financially self-sufficient. The ruling underscores that the purpose of alimony is to prevent destitution, not to equalise incomes or serve as a financial windfall.

Also Read | Hrithik Roshan moves Delhi High Court to protect his personality rights

The court observed while dismissing a plea by a senior government officer who had sought permanent alimony and compensation from her former husband, an advocate. The couple married in 2010 but separated within a year, and their marriage was dissolved on the grounds of cruelty by a family court in August 2023.

In its order dated October 17, the bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar noted that the woman, a Group A officer in the Indian Railways Traffic Service, earns a substantial income and has no dependents. These facts, the court said, show she is fully capable of maintaining herself without financial assistance from her former spouse.

Quoting the ruling, The Indian Express reported that the judges found the womans approach indicative of financial motives rather than emotional ones: When a spouse, while ostensibly resisting the dissolution of marriage, simultaneously predicates consent thereto upon payment of a substantial sum, such conduct inevitably indicates that the resistance is not anchored in affection, reconciliation, or the preservation of the marital bond, but in pecuniary considerations.

The court stressed that Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act empowers judges to grant permanent alimony and maintenance. Still, the provision is fundamentally equitable in nature and contingent upon proof of genuine financial necessity. It is designed to ensure that a spouse without independent means is not left destitute after a divorce  not to offer additional financial comfort to those already capable of self-sustenance.

It is a settled principle that permanent alimony is intended as a measure of social justice, and not as a tool for enrichment or equalising the financial status of two capable individuals, the bench observed. In this case, there was no evidence of financial hardship, health issues, or significant disparity in the parties incomes that would justify judicial intervention.

Also Read | Nagarjuna expresses 'gratitude' as Delhi High Court offers protection to personality rights
The Allahabad High Court on Saturday rebuked the Uttar Pradesh police for unlawfully detaining an interfaith couple and directed officials to ensure their safety and freedom. The court also ordered that the couple be escorted to a place of their choice, sharply criticising officers for acting under social pressure rather than upholding the law.

What did the Allahabad High Court say? A Division Bench comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant censured the police for detaining the couple and emphasised that the woman, being a major, could not have been taken into custody under any legal provision.

Also Read | Allahabad High Court grants police protection to interfaith live-in couple

"The plea that the girl had to be kept at 'One Stop Centre' and the petitioner no.2 was detained at the police station because of the social tension in the area due to the different religions of the parties is not acceptable and cannot justify the detention of the aforesaid persons," the Court said, according to Bar and Bench.

The Allahabad HC judges said detaining individuals due to public pressure was even more illegal and ordered departmental action against the officers involved.

"A person can be detained by the police or other state authorities only under law. A detention under social pressure but without authority of law does not make the detention legal but only increases the illegality of detention," the Bench observed.

"In a democratic country governed by Rule of law, the State Government and its law-enforcement machinery are expected to use their power to protect the liberty of a citizen and not to succumb to social pressures and curtail the liberty of citizens," the Court added.

Why was the couple detained? The interfaith couple, represented by advocates Ali Bin Saif and Kaif Hasan, had earlier appeared before the court but went missing soon after. The Bench took up the matter on Saturday  a non-working day  after a habeas corpus petition was filed seeking their production.

On Saturday, Sub-Inspector Harimaan Singh from Aligarhs Akrabad Police Station produced the couple before the court. Government Advocate Patanjali Mishra represented the State.

According to the States submission, the woman was produced before the Judicial Magistrate on October 17, where her age was verified and she was declared a major. She told the court that she had left her home voluntarily and wished to stay with the man, following which the Magistrate set her at liberty the same day.

What did the couple tell the court? During an in-camera interaction, the woman reaffirmed her statement, saying she had married the petitioner and wished to live with him.

The girl has reiterated her statement given before the Judicial Magistrate and states that she has married the petitioner no. 2 and wants to go and stay with the petitioner no. 2. The validity of the marriage is not relevant for the decision of the present Habeas Corpus Petition. The girl is major, the Bench noted.

The couple further alleged that after leaving the court on October 15, they were abducted by the womans father and others with police assistance and taken to Aligarh. The woman was confined to a One Stop Centre, while her husband was detained at a local police station.

How did the court respond to the police defence? The States counsel argued that police acted to prevent unrest due to social tension over the interfaith relationship. The Bench, however, categorically rejected this justification.

The custody of the parties by the police was illegal and violated the fundamental rights of the girl and petitioner no. 2 under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the Court held, ordering their immediate release.

The Court also observed that the Investigating Officer continued probing the case even after the woman had clarified her voluntary decision before the Magistrate.

What happens next?

The matter will next be heard on November 28, with a direction for the Senior Superintendent of Police, Aligarh, to appear personally before the Bench.
Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Saturday welcomed the revival of construction work on Bengalurus long-delayed Ejipura Flyover, calling it a positive development and taking a swipe at the previous BJP and JD(S) governments for failing to prioritise the project.

Also Read | Second No Kings protest organised against Trump administration is the US

This is a positive development which will greatly relieve traffic congestion and has been 10 years in the making, which previous BJP and JDS governments did not prioritise. Putting this on a priority track is a good move, Shaw wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Check out the post here:

She was responding to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumars post announcing that full-scale construction of the flyover along the KoramangalaEjipura stretch has resumed. We are committed to completing the project by June 2026 and ensuring this vital link serves our residents without further delay, he said.

The Ejipura Flyover, intended to ease one of Bengalurus worst traffic choke points, has been stalled for nearly a decade due to repeated delays. Shaws latest remarks signal a shift in tone from her previous criticism of the government over Bengalurus civic infrastructure.

Earlier this week, Shaw had sparked a public exchange with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar after highlighting a foreign visitors criticism of poor roads and garbage near Biocon Park. I had an overseas business visitor to Biocon Park who said, Why are the roads so bad and why is there so much garbage around? Doesnt the government want to support investment? Shaw posted.

Also Read | Is the Indian stock market closed on Monday for Diwali 2025?

Shivakumar had responded sharply at the time, saying, If she wants to develop them (roads), let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads.
Its a quiet Tuesday evening inside the Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters cafe in Koramangala, Bengaluru. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hangs in the air as Im handed a device that looks fairly simple, black in colour and something between a headband and a headset, except it doesnt cover the ears. There are no flashy screens, no blinking lights, no music to play. It isnt built to count your steps or track your sleep. Instead, it goes a step ahead and is aimed at speaking to your brain.

This might feel like a slight tingling," says Jai Sharma, co-founder of Mave Health, a Bengaluru-based mental wellness startup, as he connects the headset to an app on his phone. He taps a button on his phone. A few seconds later, I feel it, a faint, rhythmic pulse against my forehead, subtle enough to ignore but impossible not to notice. Its called neurostimulation, and it promises to do what few wearables have dared to attempt: calm the mind, ease stress, sharpen focus and, in some cases, assist in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD) or addiction.

For years, Indias wellness tech has revolved around metrics and tracking: how fast you ran, how well you slept, how many calories you burned. But startups such as Mave Health, Marbles Health, InnerGize, UK-based Mindspire and Israel-based BrainQ are rewriting that script. They are building devices that dont just measure mental wellbeing, but aim to improve it.

Their approach combines neuroscience, design and accessibility with the ambition to bring brain-tech out of laboratories and into everyday life. These startups are running pilots, seeking regulatory clearances and raising early rounds of capital to make neurostimulation both affordable and mainstream.

To be sure, these devices and their underlying technology are at an early stage, with limited data or evidence as to their efficacy. Medical professionals made it clear to Mint that even if they do what they claim to do, they are not a silver bullet for mental illness and certainly not a primary health treatment. They emphasized that these wearables can at best work as an adjunct, or when traditional methods such as drugs and other treatments have failed, and decided by a doctor on a case by case basis.

The core tech

Mental health in India and globally, to a large extent, has traditionally been treated with antidepressants or therapy, based on assessments by psychologists or psychiatrists through clinical evaluations and questionnaires. For more severe cases, treatments may extend to neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or electric shocks, and, more recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). These are non-invasive stimulation methods that target specific regions of the brain to alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.

View Full Image Mental health has traditionally been treated with antidepressants or therapy. (iStockphoto)

tDCS, used by Mave Health and Marbles Health, is a gentle brain-stimulation technology that works by sending a very small, safe electrical current through your scalp to specific areas of the brain. This current helps certain parts become a little more active or calm, depending on the need.

The tech has been around for decades, used in labs and research, but its only in the last few years that there has been a resurgence due to advances in hardware (smaller, safer, wearable devices), better understanding of stimulation parameters, and clinical research that supports its use for mood disorders, depression, anxiety, cognition and rehabilitation, among others.

However, the technology has been largely absent in India. According to Lakshay Sahni, founder of Marbles Health, only a few big hospitals had a machine that uses this technology as it is prohibitively expensive. The traditional machine is large and complex to use.

Mave Health, founded in 2023, was born out of personal tragedy. When a close friend of the founders, who had struggled with depression despite being on therapy and antidepressants, took her own life, it forced them to confront how little they understood about mental health. We were engineers, not people who talked about mental health," Sharma said. What began as an attempt to understand what went wrong soon turned into a deeper exploration of why existing treatments often fail to deliver results.

View Full Image Portable devices from companies like Mave Health target specific conditions, such as anxiety or depression, by stimulating the prefrontal cortex.

Marbles Health, founded in 2020, was born out of a shared passion for neurotechnology and a personal experience with mental illness. Founders Ramya Yellapragada and Sahni met during a fellowship programme. Both had seen close family members struggle with long-term mental health issues, conditions that medication and therapy failed to alleviate. Their search for answers led them to discover neuromodulation, a clinically proven but costly technology available to only a handful of patients in India. Seeing how transformative it could be, they decided to make it widely available.

Today, Marbles Health manufactures portable, easy-to-use tDCS devices and supplies them to clinics, while Mave Health imports devices from Denmark and offers them through a subscription model to select people.

The key difference lies in form factor and accessibility. Traditional neurostimulation machines used in hospitals are large, modular and designed to treat multiple disorders by changing electrode placements," said Mave Healths Sharma. Portable devices like ours target specific conditions, such as anxiety or depression, by stimulating the prefrontal cortex, making them far more affordable and convenient for regular use."

Marbles Health goes a step further by collecting brainwave data, enabling medical professionals and individuals to track progress and better understand a patients mental health, turning what was once a purely clinical procedure into a more personalized, data-driven experience. Theres no standard as to how to evaluate this brain data at the moment, but the goal is to create that standard by analysing the huge amount of data we can get from the patients using the device, with artificial intelligence," said Sahni.

Marbles Health collects brainwave data, enabling medical professionals and individuals to track progress and better understand a patients mental health, turning what was once a purely clinical procedure into a more personalized, data-driven experience.

To use the device, a user simply places it on the head and starts the stimulation through an app on a phone or tablet. Each session runs for about 20-30 minutes, and most doctors advise completing a course of roughly 5-20 sessions for noticeable results.

Other startups such as InnerGize, based out of New Delhi, are also building neurotech devices that target the vagus nerve to shift the nervous system from a fightorflight" response to restandrestore," which indirectly impacts the state of the brain.

Wellness or clinical?

While Mave Health positions its headset as a wellness device that doesnt require medical regulation, Marbles Healths EASE takes a more clinical route. It is Indias first portable neuromodulation device approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the body overseeing medical device licensing and imports, and validated by the All India Institute Of Medical Science, Delhi. It has been used in over 3,000 sessions nationwide in less than six months.

View Full Image Marbles Healths EASE is a portable neuromodulation device approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.

Theres strong research backing tDCS technology, but the distinction lies in regulatory rigour. Clinical devices such as Marbles EASE require medical certifications and must undergo post-market surveillance to ensure safety and efficacy. Wellness wearables, by contrast, depend largely on user feedback and testimonials rather than clinical validation.

Mave Health is focusing on stress and anxiety from a lifestyle standpoint rather than a treatment standpoint at the moment, according to Sharma. Marbles Healths EASE addresses problems ranging from stress, anxiety, to ADHD, OCD, addiction and chronic pain management.

India has concrete rules that say that all medical devices are regulated under the Medical Device Rules (MDR), 2017, enforced by the CDSCO. tDCS devices do fall under these rules, but if a company avoids making explicit medical claims (for example, treats depression), and instead uses wellness-focused language (enhances calm, supports focus), they can operate in a regulatory loophole. Much like how real money gaming companies used linguistic loopholes to avoid regulation by marketing games of chance as games of skill to avoid gambling prohibitions, until they were forced to stop by an Act of Parliament.

We are not saying that stimulation is the answer to all problems and people will get treated with 100% efficacy. We are just saying that this is one pillar, with a shorter period for effect and no side effects," explained Yellapragada of Marbles Health. With stimulation, you can achieve the same effect in 20 sessions that medication will take two months for," she noted, adding that it doesnt have to be taken lifelong, as is sometimes the case with drugs. You can sustain the changes using exercise, therapy or yoga."

At Mind and Brain Hospital in Bengaluru, which uses Marbles Healths device, over 1,000 sessions have been conducted in six months. Currently, users can access the device either at clinics partnered with the company or at home in Delhi through its supervised at-home service, launched recently.

At Mind and Brain Hospital in Bengaluru, which uses Marbles Healths device, over 1,000 sessions have been conducted in six months. Currently, users can access the device either at clinics partnered with the company or at home in Delhi through its supervised at-home service.

Mave Health, meanwhile, works with a select cohort of about 20-25 individuals at a time, who subscribe to and use the device as part of its programme, which also includes consultation sessions with psychiatrists, weekly therapy sessions, and fitness and yoga classes.

Ultimately, these startups envision a future where such devices could be used independently, at home. Doctors, however, warn that neurostimulation is not a replacement for antidepressants or psychotherapy. It can benefit patients with treatment-resistant depression, showing similar or better efficacy than medications in select cases, but not universally superior," said Dr Khushboo Hatekar, assistant professor of neurology at Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune. She added that neurostimulation may help when conventional options fail or cause side effects.

Dr Rituparna Ghosh, senior consultant psychologist at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, also added a note of caution: They work best when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan supervised by a qualified mental health professional. The key is personalization; what works for one patient may not work for another, and clinical judgment remains essential in determining the appropriate role of these technologies."

The scale

Mental illness manifests in many forms, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and its impact often runs deeper than symptoms alone. For many patients, the struggle is daily and relentless, whether it is in being functional, holding on to a job, dealing with other human beings or even managing simple routines.

View Full Image For many patients with mental illness, the struggle is daily and relentless.

Moreover, the stigma around mental health still keeps people from seeking help, while access to affordable treatment remains limited, especially outside big cities. Therapy and medication are expensive, often inconsistent, and rarely covered by insurance.

As a result, countless individuals fall through the cracks, caught between social neglect and an overstretched healthcare system, a gap that turns what should be a treatable condition into a lifelong battle.

This massive treatment gap has created an opportunity for scalable tech-led interventions. According to consulting firm Redseer, around 200 million Indians need mental health care, yet only 10-15% of them are actually receiving it.

The countrys mental health market was valued at about $20 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $27 billion by 2033, according to research firm IMARC Group. Despite this growth, investors and experts say the category will remain a niche for the next few years before it moves into the mainstream.

Eyeing the opportunity, leading early-stage investors, including All In Capital, Bharat Founders Fund, Whiteboard Capital and Antler India, as well as prominent entrepreneurs such as Zomatos Deepinder Goyal, Boats Aman Gupta and CREDs Kunal Shah, have infused a modest amount of funding into Marbles ($289,000; amount in latest round not disclosed), Mave ($720,000) and InnerGize ($760,000).

View Full Image A screengrab from InnerGizes website showing its backers.

Mental health neurotech is still a new concept for most Indians," said Maanav Sagar, managing partner at Bharat Founders Fund, which has invested in Mave Health. Limited awareness, scepticism around brain stimulation, and early access barriers (since adoption is concentrated in metros) will slow down mass uptake initially."

Yet, the long-term opportunity remains significant. With nearly 900 million internet users and wearables now shipping at scale, data-driven mental health products are becoming more viable, said Kushal Bhagia, founder sn partner at All In Capital, another investor in the Bengaluru-based startup. Policy support is strong, medical devices are regulated under MDR 2017, and a dedicated PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme is driving investment and exports. Indias medtech push and import substitution trends also create a clear export opportunity for locally developed neurotech devices."

Bhagia explained the market potential with numbers: depression and anxiety affect roughly 91 million Indians. Even if only 10-15% are diagnosable and reachable digitally, and 2-4% are open to non-pharma alternatives, thats still around 3.5 million potential users. At a device price of up to 25,000 and 3,000-6,000 in annual software revenue, the near-term serviceable market stands at about 11,000 crore," Bhagia said.

For most companies in the space, India is only the beginningthe ambition is global. We want to reach one in five homes worldwide; its never going to be just India," said Sahni of Marbles Health. Were already in talks in the UK, and US expansion will follow soon." Mave Health is also in the process of expanding to the US.

The road ahead

Mave Health currently offers its device as part of a two-month holistic plan priced at around 40,000. Marbles Health, on the other hand, sells its devices to clinics and hospitals for about 2.5 lakh each. These clinics then charge end users between 900 and 2,000 per session, depending on factors such as location and population density. For these businesses to sell the device directly to customers, or scale meaningfully, however, the cost will need to come down further.

Some devices may create a false sense of treatment adequacy, preventing people from seeking professional help.  Rituparna Ghosh

Beyond affordability, experts warn that without robust clinical trials and regulatory oversight, unproven products could end up doing more harm than good. Some devices may create a false sense of treatment adequacy, preventing people from seeking professional help when they genuinely need it," said Dr Ghosh. She added that the growing medicalization of normal human emotions is also concerning. Not every period of sadness requires technological interventionthese devices may create anxiety about normal mood fluctuations."

Then there are concerns around data privacy, device accountability and safety monitoring. Consumer-facing startups often lack the resources and infrastructure for comprehensive post-market surveillance or user support, leading to uncertainty about responsibility if something goes wrong.

Ultimately," Dr Ghosh said, we need standardized assessment criteria and independent third-party validation systems to help clinicians and individuals distinguish genuinely useful tools from digital snake oil."
An Indian man in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, was arrested for threatening people with a pistol-shaped lighter in Siam Square. The man, identified as Sahil Ram Thadani, created the ruckus on Monday at around 4 pm in front of the Novotel hotel, according to a report by the Bangkok Post. Initially seen dancing in broad daylight on a bustling street, he eventually began hurling abuses at random people. Thadani did not stop there; he started pointing an objectpresumably the gun-shaped lighterat passersby, causing panic among onlookers in one of Bangkok's most popular commercial zones.

As security guards intervened to pacify the situation, he was seen sitting on the ground and, despite officials instructions to stand up, he refused and continued shouting.

He was later heard sobbing and requesting that the police be called, before ultimately apologising for his conduct.

Police and security personnel rushed to the scene, attempting to calm Thadani, but he continued acting aggressively and allegedly threatened officers. He was eventually restrained and taken into custody at Pathum Wan police station.

No real firearm involved Authorities confirmed that the object he brandished was not a real firearm but a lighter shaped like a pistol. Thadani has been charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance. Police indicated that his erratic actions may have been triggered by hallucinations linked to cannabis use.

A police report revealed that Thadani had previously served as a director of three companies in India, all of which are now defunct. Authorities are investigating how long he had been in Thailand and whether he has any prior history of disruptive behaviour.

Indian tourist arrested in Pattaya for stealing  16,000 from transgender In a similar incident, a 34-year-old Indian man was arrested in Pattaya, Thailand, for allegedly stealing 7,000 baht (approximately 16,100) from a transgender woman he had met on Walking Street, a popular nightlife area. The victim, 27-year-old Nong Ploy, filed a police complaint on July 18,.

According to Ploy, she met the man at an Indian-themed pub on Walking Street, where they conversed and later went to his guesthouse to continue drinking. Upon arrival at the room, the man allegedly persuaded her to take a shower. When she emerged, she noticed him closing a safe in a suspicious manner and discovered that 7,000 baht had been stolen from her bag. When she attempted to leave, the suspect reportedly blocked her exit.

Hotel staff, alerted by her cries for help, intervened and contacted the police. Ploy told authorities that the man appeared intoxicated and possibly under the influence of drugs, displaying erratic behaviour, including sticking out his tongue and acting strangely.
Los Angeles bound Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight from Denver is making headlines after its windshield cracked midair. Following the mishap, the United Airlines flight was diverted to Salt Lake City, aviationa2z.co reported. The shocking incident on the aircraft, bearing flight number UA1093, was reported on Thursday, October 16.

As per the report, a total of 140 passengers and crew were onboard the aircraft, registered as N17327, when the tragic incident occurred, leaving the pilot injured. Before safely landing at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), the aircraft descended by almost 100 feet, from 36,000 to 26,000 feet, media reports suggest. Meanwhile, the passengers endured a six-hour delay to complete their journey to Los Angeles through a replacement Boeing 737 MAX 9.

Los Angeles bound United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight was diverted to Salt Lake City after its windshield shattered midair.

Indicating a high-energy impact, images shared online by JonNYC show bruising on the pilots arm in addition to scorch marks on the windshield. Following the much greater than a simple structural crack, the pilots promptly followed the protocol of emergency situation before diverting to the nearest suitable airport. The pilots initiated a 26,000 feet descent before landing safely on runway 16L.

Mishap cause  'Space debris or meteorite'? Based on the scorch patterns and impact marks the cause of the impact is speculated to be space debris or a small meteorite, according to aviation enthusiasts, aviationa2z.com reported. It is important to note that the aircraft's windshields are specially designed to remain unaffected by bird strikes and pressure changes. However, the bodies of aircraft's bodies cannot withstand the impacts from high-speed debris traveling at orbital velocities.

Also Read | China Eastern Airlines to resume Shanghai-Delhi flights from November 9

United Airlines plane clips tail of another aircraft In an unrelated incident involving United Airlines aircraft, a plane heading for its gate collided with another plane at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. In the incident, the first plane clipped the tail of another United aircraft. The incident occurred on October 18, Saturday, authorities informed AP.

The airline officials in a statement said that no one was hurt in Friday's incident and the 113 passengers on Flight 2652 from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, were able to leave the plane normally after a delay. According to officials, the second plane had its horizonal stabiliser struck and was not moving when the planes collided.

Also Read | Air China flight diverted after battery in carry-on luggage catches fire

However, a passenger named Bill Marcus onboard the plane that rammed into another plane informed CBS News Chicago that he didn't even realise anything happened until the pilot said there would be a delay to document something. Suggesting that it took about 40 extra minutes for the plane to get to the gate, he became aware about an issue when he saw a number of people gathered around the right wing.
Quantum computing firm Rigetti Computing (RGTI) recently received a Street-high price target of $50 from analysts at Benchmark, indicating potential upside of 13% from current levels. The upgrade marks a giant leap from the earlier target of $20 per share.

Analyst David Williams believes the quantum sector is accelerating, and that Rigettis long-term strategy is well-supported by its execution. Moreover, the contracts that the company has managed to gain also position Rigetti for growth.

More News from Barchart

Investors welcomed this price target raise, as the stock gained 5.3% intraday on Oct. 7 following the news release. Should you consider buying RGTI stock now?

About Rigetti Computing Stock

Headquartered in Berkeley, California, Rigetti Computing specializes in developing superconducting quantum processors and quantum computers. The company designs and manufactures quantum chips, integrates them with control architectures, and provides cloud-based access through its Quantum Cloud Services platform. Rigetti focuses on delivering scalable, high-performance quantum computing solutions to address complex problems beyond the reach of traditonal computers.

With ongoing innovation and research, Rigetti Computing aims to transform industries such as healthcare, energy, and materials science by advancing quantum technology from its base in Berkeley and its fabrication facility in Fremont, California. The company has a market capitalization of $15.5 billion.

RGTI stock has been on a tear over the past year as the company has unveiled some significant developments amid the rapid growth of the quantum computing field. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has gained a whopping 4,600%, while it is up 193% year-to-date (YTD). RGTI stock reached a fresh 52-week high of $58.15 on Oct. 14, although it is now down 23% from that high.

www.barchart.com

RGTI stock is trading at an eye-watering valuation. Its price-to-book ratio sits at 32.97 times, which is considerably higher than the industry average.

Rigetti Computings Operations Are Growing

On Aug. 12, Rigetti reported its second-quarter results for fiscal 2025, which showed some financial weakness. Revenues declined by almost 42% year-over-year (YOY) to $1.8 million. Total gross profit also dropped from $1.99 million in Q2 2024 to $566,000 in Q2 2025. Rigetti's net loss per share jumped from $0.07 to $0.13 over the same period.
No Kings Protests in US: Millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday in one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in United States history, as the No Kings protests spread across all 50 states to denounce President Donald Trumps leadership and policies.

How large were the No Kings protests in US? According to organisers, more than 7 million people participated in demonstrations across 2,700 cities nationwide, marking what they called one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in US history.

In New York City, more than 100,000 protesters filled Times Square, waving placards reading No Kings, Democracy, Not Dynasty, and Power to the People.

Smaller yet significant crowds gathered in Denver, San Diego, Charlotte, and San Francisco, while large processions were reported in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago.

No Kings Protest: Why are Americans protesting? Demonstrators expressed outrage over a range of Trump administration policies  from immigration enforcement to perceived attacks on democratic institutions.

Organisers said key themes of the protest included threats to democracy, ICE raids, troop deployments in US cities, and cuts to federal health and welfare programmes.

Were here to remind this government that the United States is a democracy, not a monarchy, said one protester in Washington. We dont take orders from a king.

The protests come amid a prolonged federal government shutdown, as Republican lawmakers and the White House remain at an impasse with Democrats over a funding bill  a backdrop that has intensified public frustration.

Were the No Kings demonstrations peaceful?

Despite the vast turnout, the day was largely peaceful. Police in several major cities reported minimal disturbances and commended demonstrators for their cooperation.

In San Diego, police thanked the crowds for their conduct. Thanks for keeping it classy, San Diego, said SDPD Lt. Travis Easter in a video on social media. More than 25,000 people gathered peacefully and responsibly, he added.

In Charlotte, police confirmed there were no arrests or incidents. We appreciate everyone who came out and helped make this a safe and respectful event for all, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) said in a statement.

However, Denver Police reported a handful of arrests after a small group of protesters ignored dispersal orders. While most demonstrators left downtown after the planned march, a smaller group remained, officials said.

How did the No Kings protests unfold nationwide in US? In San Francisco, hundreds gathered on Ocean Beach, forming human letters to spell out No Kings and Yes on 50.

Hayley Wingard, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, said it was her first protest: Only recently I began to view Trump as a dictator.

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined marchers along Market Street, wearing a symbolic broken crown  a gesture widely shared on social media.

In Portland, the demonstration took on a more festive tone. Around 40,000 protesters marched through downtown streets, with hundreds donning inflatable animal costumes. If Donald Trump ordered a riot, Portland delivered a carnival, one observer remarked.

FULL STATEMENT FROM NO KINGS PROTEST ORGANISERS In one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in U.S. history, nearly seven million Americans gathered today, 2 million more than June, in over 2,700 cities and towns for the No Kings Day of Peaceful Action, standing together in nonviolent defiance of authoritarianism and affirming that this nation belongs to its people, not to kings.

With more than 2,700 lawful and peaceful protests across all 50 states, today's mobilization was 14 times larger than both of President Trump's presidential inaugurations combined, marking a historic moment of unity and resistance. From rural communities to major metropolitan centers, the message was clear: America will not be ruled by fear, force, or one man's power grab.

While the Republican-led government shutdown continues to wreak havoc, forcing hundreds of thousands of families to go without pay and cutting off critical services, the people they represent are stepping up to lead. Across districts, neighbors are organizing, marching, and demanding a government that serves the many, not the powerful few.

Our work continues in big cities and small towns around this country and we will not back down to President Trump's continued abuse of power. There will be regular opportunities in the coming days and weeks to take action with No Kings and we will be regularly sharing community rights resources.

In response to this historic day of action, the No Kings Coalition issued the following statements:

"Today, millions of Americans stood together to reject authoritarianism and remind the world that our democracy belongs to the people, not to one man's ambition," said Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, Co-Founders, Indivisible. "Authoritarians want us to believe resistance is futile, but every person who turned out today proved the opposite. This movement isn't about a single protest; it's about a growing chorus of Americans who refuse to be ruled. Trump may want a crown, but in this country, there are no kings."

Whats next for the No Kings movement? Organisers say Saturdays protests were just the beginning of a broader movement intended to defend democratic norms and hold the administration accountable.

With tensions rising in Washington and the shutdown continuing, activists say they plan to sustain pressure through continued marches, local actions, and digital campaigns.

As dusk fell across the country, many protesters vowed to keep up the fight  chanting, No kings, no crowns, no tyrants in our town.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday, October 19, announced that the authorities received a tip off about a drug-carrying submarine' approaching the United States through a narcotrafficking transit route. Suggesting that America will not tolerate narcoterrorists he claimed to have destroyed the illegal drug trafficking watercraft.

In a post on Truth Social, he stated, It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route.

Confirming that the US Intelligence unit received information about an illegal submarine, he said, There were four known narcoterrorists on board the vessel. The vessel, which was attempting to smuggle mainly Fentanyl and other illegal narcotics into the country was destroyed while it was on the narcotrafficking transit route.

25,000 Americans would die if. According to the post, two of the terrorists were killed. At least 25,000 Americans would die if I allowed this submarine to come ashore, the 79-year-old asserted. The legal procedure to return the two surviving terrorists, who hail from Ecuador and Colombia, is ongoing.

Asserting that US will not tolerate narcoterrorism and terrorist activities related with it, he wrote, No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. Under my watch, the United States of America will not tolerate narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs, by land or by sea.

With the post, Trump added a video of the semi-submersible vessel cruising through the waters. The video posted by the White House official account on X shows black-and-white footage of the strike. In the video clip, the vessel can be seen navigating through the rough waves with its front portion submerged below the surface.

As the vessel proceeds, a series of explosions strike it, one detonating over the vessel's rear. The video ends with floating debris of the semi-submersible.
US government shutdown: With Thanksgiving nearing, millions of Americans now face the grim prospect of going hungry as a bitter political stalemate in Washington threatens to halt food stamp payments next month, leaving 42 million people caught between partisan brinkmanship and an empty plate.

Why are millions at risk of losing food aid? Millions of vulnerable Americans could soon lose access to food assistance as the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt critical welfare programmes. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  better known as food stamps  is expected to run out of funding in just two weeks, according to US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

So youre talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown, Rollins told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

Roughly 42 million people rely on SNAP benefits each month, making it one of the largest anti-hunger initiatives in the United States. With an average benefit of $188 per person, the programme serves about one in eight Americans.

What led to the funding crisis fuelled US govt shutdown? The current funding lapse stems from a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over a federal spending package. The impasse forced the US government to shut down on 1 October, disrupting agencies nationwide.

Like other members of the Trump administration, Rollins placed blame on Democrats, claiming they were prioritising politics over people. She wrote on X that Democrats are putting their political agenda ahead of food security for American families.

Also Read | US Govt Shutdown Prolongs After Senate Rejects Funding Bill, Mike Johnson Fumes

Democrats, meanwhile, argue that Republicans are at fault for refusing to negotiate on a spending deal that would extend enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies.

How much funding is left for SNAP? The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently warned states that funds will not cover full November benefits if the shutdown continues. It asked states to delay November payments until further notice.

While SNAP has a contingency fund of about $6 billion, next months benefits would require around $8 billion, leaving a $2 billion shortfall. Asked if the USDA would make partial payments, officials pointed to Rollins remarks that funds will be depleted within two weeks.

What has been the reaction from states? New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticised the federal directive halting the processing of benefits, calling it a deliberate and unprecedented decision intended to inflict pain on millions of hardworking American families.

The federal government should instead do everything in its power to prioritise our most vulnerable and make funding available for this critical program, Hochul said in a statement on Friday.

Already, 17 states have stopped accepting new SNAP applications, since their systems cannot process separate payments for October and November. Other states that can do so continue to distribute benefits to new enrollees.

Could the Trump administration intervene again? The administration recently diverted $300 million in tariff revenue to sustain another nutrition aid initiative, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programme, which supports about seven million mothers and children. That infusion is expected to keep WIC operational through the end of October.

However, a senior USDA official told CNN there is not enough tariff revenue to also cover the SNAP shortfall for November.

Also Read | US Govt shutdown continues as Senate rejects stopgap funding bill for 10th time

This situation mirrors the 20182019 US government shutdown, when food stamp funding was similarly at risk. Then, the USDA invoked a 30-day payment provision to ensure benefits were delivered  though the move proved unnecessary after the shutdown ended.

What are advocates saying? Experts warn that the potential halt in SNAP benefits could have devastating consequences, particularly with Thanksgiving approaching.

Food stamps provide critical assistance to families who need the help to be able to eat, said Gina Plata-Nino, acting director of SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center. The November benefits are especially important with Thanksgiving on the horizon, she added, noting that food pantries are already overstretched.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities also urged the government to act. We cant let households who need help purchasing food become another casualty of this shutdown, said Ty Jones Cox, the groups vice president for food assistance.

What happens next? Unless Congress reaches a funding agreement or the administration identifies emergency resources, millions could lose access to food aid by November.

Advocates stress that swift intervention is essential to prevent hunger across the country. For now, the future of the nations primary food assistance lifeline hangs in political limbo  with tens of millions of Americans waiting anxiously for Washington to act.
Israel launched airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza and suspended all aid shipments on Sunday (October 19), accusing the militant group of violating a fragile ceasefire by staging a deadly ambush that killed two Israeli soldiers in Rafah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the attack represented a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, prompting a large-scale retaliation against what it described as Hamas terror targets.

Blatant violation of ceasefire In a statement, the IDF said it struck dozens of Hamas terror targets, including weapons depots, firing positions, and command posts.

We responded to a blatant violation of the ceasefire, the army said, adding that six kilometers (3.7 miles) of underground tunnels were destroyed using more than 120 munitions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to take strong action against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian officials said at least five people were killed in the strikes, which extended as far north as Gaza City.

Aid suspended, Rafah crossing closed Israel has also halted all aid transfers into Gaza until further notice, an Israeli security official told the Associated Press. The Rafah border crossing with Egyptpreviously expected to reopen this weekwill remain closed indefinitely, officials said.

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any attempt by Hamas to breach the ceasefire line would provoke military fire.

The yellow line will be physically marked, he said. Any violation or attempt to cross it will be met with fire.

Hamas denies violations, blames Israel Hamas denied orchestrating the Rafah attack and said it remained committed to the truce.

It seems the occupation continues to violate the agreement and fabricate flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes, said Hamas official Ezzat al-Risheq on Telegram.

The groups armed wing said it was unaware of any incidents or clashes in Rafah, adding that it was committed to all that has been agreed upon including a ceasefire in all areas in Gaza.

Hamas later announced it had recovered the body of another Israeli hostage, which it would hand over if conditions allow.

US monitoring situation closely The renewed violence comes as US mediators, including Vice President JD Vance and senior envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, prepare to travel to the region to preserve the ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump on October 10.

The US State Department warned on Saturday that it had credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas, though the group dismissed the claim as false and aligned with Israeli propaganda.

Path to peace remains fragile Though the ceasefire halted two years of bloodshed, mutual accusations now threaten to unravel it.

Hamas says Israeli strikes have killed 46 Palestinians in recent days, while Israel insists it has acted only to prevent incursions across the ceasefire line.
The Israeli military said it had begun resuming enforcement of the Gaza ceasefire after accusing Hamas of violating the agreement, signaling an end to retaliatory strikes that followed earlier attacks on its forces on Sunday (October 19).

In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas violations, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it.

Fatalities in Southern Gaza Gazas civil defense agency reported at least 33 deaths across the territory due to Israeli airstrikes, updating an earlier toll of 21. Israels military said it struck dozens of Hamas targets, including tunnels and command posts, after troops came under fire in southern Gaza.

Major Yaniv Kula, 26, and staff sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, were the first Israeli fatalities since the ceasefire took effect on October 10. The IDF confirmed both soldiers fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip.

The yellow line will be physically marked. Any violation or attempt to cross it will be met with fire, warned Israels Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Aid suspended amid tensions Israeli authorities halted transfers of aid into Gaza until further notice following the reported ceasefire violation, according to a security official. The Rafah crossing with Egypt, previously expected to reopen, remains closed indefinitely.

Hamas denies violations, accuses Israel Hamas rejected claims of ceasefire violations in Rafah, insisting it remained committed to the truce.

It seems the occupation continues to violate the agreement and fabricate flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes, Hamas official Ezzat al-Risheq said on Telegram. The groups armed wing added it was unaware of any incidents or clashes in Rafah and reaffirmed commitment to all that has been agreed upon including a ceasefire in all areas in Gaza.

Hamas announced it had located the body of another Israeli hostage, which it intends to hand over if field conditions allow, while warning that continued Israeli strikes could prevent such transfers.

US monitoring situation slosely The US State Department had warned late Saturday of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas, prompting US officials to caution that measures would be taken to protect civilians and preserve the truce.

Hamas dismissed the allegations, calling them false and aligned with misleading Israeli propaganda, accusing Israel of orchestrating violence in Gaza and disrupting security.

Fragile ceasefire at risk The nine-day-old ceasefire faces its first major test as both sides accuse each other of violations. Israel insists its actions target only militants who attacked its troops, while Hamas claims deliberate escalation by Israel.

Also Read | Suspicious hunting stand near Trumps Air Force One exit under FBI investigation
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels detained around two dozen United Nations employees on Sunday, a day after storming another UN facility in Yemens capital, Sanaa, The Associated Press reported citing a UN official a saying.

Jean Alam, spokesperson for the UN resident coordinator in Yemen, told the news outlet that the detentions occurred at a UN facility in Sanaas southwestern Hada neighborhood. The group includes five Yemeni nationals and 15 international staff. Another 11 UN workers were released after questioning.

UN calls for immediate release Alam said the UN is in contact with the Houthis and other parties to resolve this serious situation as swiftly as possible, end the detention of all personnel, and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa.

Communications equipment seized A second UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity, as per the news report said the rebels confiscated all communications devices from the facility  including phones, servers, and computers  as part of the raid.

Multiple UN agencies affected The detained employees reportedly work for several UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Pattern of crackdown in rebel-held areas The Houthis have intensified their crackdown on UN and international organizations operating in rebel-controlled regions such as Sanaa, Hodeida, and Saada province. Over 50 U. staffers and other aid workers have been detained in recent months, according to UN officials, as per the news report.

Death of UN worker in custody Earlier this year, a World Food Programme employee died while in Houthi detention in Saada, further raising concerns about the treatment of aid workers in Yemen.

Accusations of espionage rejected by UN The Houthis have accused detained UN and international organization staffers of espionage  claims the UN has strongly denied, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
A daring theft at the Louvre museum in Paris saw eight priceless objects from the French Crown Jewels stolen in a meticulously executed operation that lasted just minutes, officials said. The world-famous museum was forced to close on Sunday after the thieves accessed the gallery at around 9:30 a.m. local time.

Items stolen As per SKY News, French culture ministry confirmed the stolen items included:

-Tiara from the set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

-Necklace from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

-Earring from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

-Emerald necklace from the Empress Marie Louise set

-Pair of emerald earrings from the Empress Marie Louise set

-Brooch known as the "reliquary brooch"

-Tiara of Empress Eugenie

-Large corsage bow brooch of Empress Eugenie

A ninth item, reportedly the crown of Empress Eugenie containing more than 1,300 diamonds, was recovered outside the museum but broken, according to French authorities.

Professional, quick operation Authorities reported that the thieves used a basket lift to access the Seine-facing facade, forced a window, and smashed display cases in the Apollon Gallery  home to the Crown Diamonds, including the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia. They fled on motorbikes, with no injuries reported.

Security concerns The heist occurred in broad daylight, just 250 meters from the Mona Lisa, highlighting weaknesses in museum security amid concerns over overcrowding and thin staffing. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, examining the basket lift, and interviewing staff to determine how the thieves gained entry and whether they had inside assistance.

French media reported four perpetrators: two dressed as construction workers using the lift and two others on scooters, but authorities have not confirmed the exact number.

Race against time Art detectives warned that authorities are in a race against time to recover the items before they are dismantled or melted down. The Louvre, the worlds most visited museum, attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily, and this heist is considered one of the most audacious museum thefts in living memory.

Also Read | Thieves strike Louvre in brazen jewel heist as the worlds most visited museum shuts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on US President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stressed the need for stronger action, comparing Russia to Hamas and highlighting the scale of the ongoing war.

Putin is something similar but more strong than Hamas, Zelensky said speaking to NBC News. The war is bigger and Russias army is the second biggest in the world, and thats why more pressure is needed.

Zelensky added that he is willing to join the upcoming Budapest summit, emphasizing Ukraines central role in any peace negotiations.

If we really want to have just and lasting peace, we need both sides of this tragedy, he said. How can there be some deals without us about us?

Tomahawk missiles and US support Zelensky had hoped the US would provide long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could strike deep inside Russia. While Trump did not commit, Zelensky noted he was encouraged that the President did not outright reject the idea.

Its good that President Trump didnt say no, but for today, didnt say yes, Zelensky said.

Putin has warned that supplying such missiles would mark a qualitatively new stage of escalation. Zelensky claimed that the Russian leader fears their delivery.

He [Putin] is really afraid that we will use them, Zelensky said.

Trumps Budapest summit Trump announced after his phone call with Putin that he will meet the Russian president in Budapest, Hungary, for a second round of in-person talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Zelensky confirmed his willingness to participate: Im ready, he said.

Escalation in Ukraine Zelenskys visit coincided with renewed Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts. He asserted that Russia is escalating airstrikes due to its weak position on the battlefield.

We are not losing this war, and Putin is not winning, Zelensky said.

Thats why he really escalates airstrikes He wants an energy disaster this winter by attacking us.

Stance on territory and peace talks Zelensky ruled out giving up more territory to Russia, stating that peace talks must happen under calm conditions, not during ongoing attacks.

If we want to stop this war and to go to peace negotiations urgently and in a diplomatic way, we need to stay where we stay, not to give something additional to Putin, he said.

Peace talks have to take place in quiet. Not under missiles, not under drones.
In 1967, a helicopter from United States Steel carrying a team of geologists made an accidental discovery after landing in a remote corner of the Amazon rainforest: a giant iron-ore deposit that would become Carajas, one of the worlds richest mineral regions.

The setting today may feel less like an Indiana Jones script, but a similar mining partnership between the US and Brazil could once again take shapethis time around the critical minerals that are roiling modern geopolitics.

As Donald Trump and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas governments seek to mend their differences, the development of strategic metals like rare earths stands out as an unusual area of shared interest. Chinas move to weaponize its dominance of the rare earths supply chain in response to Washingtons tariffs has opened the door to potential producers, including Brazil, Australia and India.

While the US has an ambitious plan to rebuild its own mining industry, Washington will need all the help it can get if it wants to challenge Chinas near-total dominance. Enter Brazil, a mining powerhouse thats geographically close to the US and home to the worlds largest rare-earth reserves after Beijing.

Brasilia has talked about a critical minerals strategy for decades, with little to show for it. A strategic alliance with the US, the countrys largest foreign investor, could finally give it momentum. Beyond a few existing efforts, the issue is likely to loom large when foreign affairs minister Mauro Vieira meets his counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington this week, setting the stage for the first Trump-Lula bilateral.

Lula could play the rare-earth card as a bargaining chip to lift the steep tariffs Trump announced in July, capitalizing on the presidents renewed appetite for doing business with Brazil. That would be a deal both sides could sell as a win, particularly given the national security implications for the US.

But the leftist leader will have to tread carefully: His nationalist Workers Party, ever suspicious of any real or imagined whiff of imperialism, wont tolerate an exploitative arrangement akin to Trumps earlier deal with Ukraine.

Also Read | Cold War II alert: Rare earths could tilt the global balance of power

To ease those fears, Lula could push for the development of domestic refining and magnet production capacity, an idea aligned with his governments industrial policy ambitions and reportedly floated with the Joe Biden administration in the US before Trumps return to power.

For the US, any additional supply chain that challenges Chinas dominance is a wineven if it develops abroad. Plus, it would help counter Brazils relationship with Beijing, already its main trading partner and destination for most of its ores and commodities. Collaboration with the US could give Brazil the incentives and critical mass needed for its rare earths industry to finally take off. For all its huge reserves and many encouraging projects, Brazils rare-earth production remains close to zero.

Were behind in a business thats now at the centre of a global conflict. China is closing its market, and the US is investing heavily at home," Fernando Landgraf, a critical minerals expert and professor at Sao Paulo University, tells me. It would be very interesting if the US were interested in a joint venture to refine rare earths in Brazil, adding more value here."

Brazil also offers a key advantage for US investors: Despite its legendary bureaucracy and tight regulation, it remains an open destination for foreign capital, including in strategic sectors. Brazilian subsidiaries of American firms can even qualify for financing from the national development bank, BNDES, which is currently looking to back 56 projects focused on strategic minerals. The success of Latin Americas largest economy in developing other metals key to the energy transition (including nickel, copper, graphite and lithium) further bolsters its credentials.

And then, theres niobium: Brazil accounts for about 90% of its global production, essential for stronger, lighter steel alloys used in everything from turbines to smartphones. A single private Brazilian company, CBMM, dominates niobium output after decades of building a new supply chain, confirming the countrys huge potential in these industries. In 2011, a Chinese group and a Japanese-South Korean consortium bought a 15% stake each in CBMM, strategically placing themselves years ahead of any US competition.

Of course, mineral diplomacy is just one of several topics expected to be on the bilateral agenda, many of them contentious, including the situation in Venezuela, the expansion of Brics, the turmoil in Haiti, and Brasilias tough hand against Big Tech and ethanol. But the opportunity is there. Trump and Lula wont seize it out of ideological affinity. But they might just do it because it makes perfect business and strategic sense. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Latin American business, economic affairs and politics.
These are harrowing times. Amid soaring inequality, political leaders in many countries are cutting programmes and services that benefit the poor, while stoking fear and anger against migrants and refugees. Their noble-sounding intentionssafeguarding individual freedom, promoting prosperity and protecting citizensare often a fig leaf for a policy agenda designed to enrich themselves and their wealthy cronies.

This deterioration in the practice of politics can be attributed to many causes. One of the most important may be found in the deterioration in how economics is practised.

Also Read | The growing gap: Why India must tackle inequality to ensure stability

Economics is often described as a scientific discipline, which studies if-then propositions without reference to morals and values. But scientific findings do affect our values and normative judgements, and claims of scientific objectivity can be used to rationalize actions that offend our moral sensibilities. In fact, the logic of mainstream economicsin particular, the long-dominant neoliberal ideology, which emphasizes growth, efficiency and market freedomhas often justified and even encouraged greed, exploitation and extreme inequality.

This may well be built into the discipline. A 2012 study based on the Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sens capability approacha framework for evaluating economic arrangements that focuses on peoples ability to live the kinds of lives they value, not simply on material wealthfound that some educational approaches can help make people more caring and cooperative.

But other studies indicate that students of economics tend to behave more selfishly than others, indicating that economics, as it is taught, may well promote selfishness as a normal or even desirable ethical principle.

The problem, argued another Nobel laureate economist, the late Kenneth Arrow, in a relatively unknown 1978 paper, is that the model laissez-faire world of total self-interest" that neoclassical economics envisions would not survive for ten minutes" in a world of any complexity." Markets cannot function unless economic actors, even competing firms and individuals," reliably honour reciprocal obligations." In other words, they depend on trust and cooperation.

Arrow also challenged the tendency of mainstream economics to treat freedom and equality as contradictory. The neoliberal logic is that any amount of inequality is natural and fair, and thus any intervention to reduce it erodes freedom: one reaps what one sows. If you are very wealthy, you must have earned it, such as through hard work or innovative thinking, and you should be free to enjoy the spoils of your contributions.

But, as Arrow pointed out, when a few" are making the major decisions on which human welfare depend[s]," they are doing so in their own interests."

In Arrows view, freedom and equality were close to identical" in many contexts." Actions that undermine equalitysuch as strike-breaking and more subtle forms of economic pressure" cause the freedom of workers" to be much restricted," and the absorption of the economy by a small elite" implies that formal democracy and freedom" are a sham."

Ultimately, Arrow wrote, institutions that lead to gross inequalities are affronts to the equal dignity of humans."

Also Read | Watch those disparities: We must track the state of Indian states

The philosopher Isaiah Berlin put it succinctly: Freedom for the wolves has often meant death for the sheep." This warning is particularly prescient today, when the wolves have enormous resources to channel towards the political leaders and causes of their choosing, as well as unprecedented digital tools for influencing public opinion.

As yet another Nobel laureate economist, Joseph E. Stiglitz, observed, the principle of one person, one vote" has given way to one dollar, one vote."

An excessive focus on economic self-interest, however, is only part of the problem. Virulent nationalism also contributes to rising inequality.

There was a time when the nation-state was a vital institution for organizing economic life and national pride had a role to play in supporting progress. But in our globalized world, cross-border flows of people, goods and capital are both inescapable and important drivers of prosperity not least for the wealthiest few.

At the same time, the super-rich and the politically powerful often cynically stoke nationalism to advance their interests. It is a time-tested formula: people who are fighting wars in defence of the nation will not mobilize against inequality of wealth or power and may even increase it.

National pride is a relic of the past. Now is the time for global cooperation on collective goals, from mutually beneficial trade arrangements to just and inclusive climate action. But getting there will not be easy: like functioning markets, multilateral action on shared challenges depends on trust and cooperation.

Also Read | Understanding poverty in India demands a nuanced assessment

The French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseaus stag-hunt game illustrates the challenge. If two hunters each hunt a hare alone, the reward is small but certain. If they choose to hunt a stag together, they stand to gain far more, but only if they can count on each other to do their part; otherwise, they end up with nothing.

Likewise, by bolstering faith in cooperation, multilateral organizations like the International Labour Organization and the International Court of Justice can help countries to achieve more than they ever could on their own.

But strengthening these and other cooperative institutions will require us to recalibrate our moral compass. Rather than viewing an exclusive focus on self-interest as rational, or limiting our compassion to those who look, sound or pray like us, we must value humanity more than nationality. 2025/Project Syndicate

The author is a professor of economics at Cornell University and a former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.
Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is among the most profitable software stocks to invest in. On October 16, Canaccord Genuity reiterated its Buy rating on Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) with an unchanged price target of $300, implying a potential upside of nearly 27% from the current price level. This optimism stems from what the firm calls the companys reimagined platform for the Agentic Enterprise, citing improvements in data, agentic, and application solutions.

The financial services company highlighted the companys enhanced sales capacity and extended commercial licensing options. Whats even more interesting is that Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) anticipates annual recurring revenue (ARR) spend to increase due to the customers who have transitioned to the Agentic Enterprise model by three to four times, resulting in a potential multiplier effect of its Agentforce vision, as the firm notes.

Why Dividend Investors Should Watch Salesforces (CRM) Innovation Edge

While emphasizing management projects, Canaccord Genuity acknowledged that meaningful results could take around a year to materialize, with key indicators for these improvements appearing soon.

Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is a California-based provider of customer relationship management (CRM) technology. Incorporated in 1999, the company connects companies and customers together through its core offerings, including Agentforce, Data Cloud, Industries AI, and Slack.

While we acknowledge the potential of CRM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
The Tata Group is no stranger to trouble. The 157-year-old industrial group has weathered multiple stormsboth external and internalin the past. A new in-house leadership crisis and shareholding dilemma is now rocking its boardrooms and will severely test its resilience. On trial is also the groups famed governance model, which has acquired some dents over the past two decades or so. One thing is inescapable: this is a full-blown leadership crisis and resolving it will be key to assuring the group a durable and stable future.

Internal dissension and public sparring among trustees of Tata Trusts, which collectively hold over 65% in the groups holding company, Tata Sons, has exposed the edifices structural faults. These trustees are responsible for, among other things, nominating directors to the holding company and providing broad corporate direction.

These trusts, in turn, depend on dividend payouts from Tata Sons to finance their charitable activities. Tata Sons, for example, paid over 1,712 crore to the seven trusts for 2024-25. Trustees on the board of Tata Sons are expected to keep other trustees updated about key governance decisions; this is where, ironically, trust has broken down.

Also Read | Trust issues: Boardroom fractures at Tata signal a deeper governance reckoning

The open schism within Tatas board of trustees also has the government concerned. The governments unease about large fault-lines in one of Indias leading corporate groups is probably justified, especially when the group is engaged in some mission-critical economic activity, such as the manufacture of semiconductors and defence equipment.

There are other systemic stability issues as well. The Tata Groups turnover of over 15.3 trillion represents around 4.6% of Indias GDP for 2024-25; and the value of the groups listed companies accounted for close to 7% of all-India market capitalization. Hopefully, the government will limit its involvement to just expressing concern.

The infighting is symptomatic of two problems in the group. The first is the portentous shadow of the Mistry Groups 18.4% stake in Tata Sons. The Mistry Group wants to liquidate this stake to pay off debts, but Tata Sons rules discourage sales to third parties; differences over valuation have also impeded past buy-out attempts.

Meanwhile, the spectre of Tata Sons being forced to go public has found support among the Mistrys and their supporters in the Tata system (mainly because it means large tax savings), but is being opposed by everybody else.

Also Read | Why Tata Sons should not be forced into a public listing by RBI

The Tatas have negotiated near bankruptcy in the past by borrowing from friends and family, and then converting that debt into equity. The Mistrys own those same shares today. It is also true that the Tatas had once requested the Birlas to help protect Tata Steel from hostile takeovers, an act that led to the Birla group owning more shares in the steelmaker than the Tatas.

In line with an understanding between J.R.D. Tata and G.D. Birla, the Birlas played a passive role for decades till those shares were sold down. Today, the Tata Group needs to resolve the Mistry group impasse by letting the Mistrys monetize their stake. But both sides must reach an optimal solution; this should not be a zero-sum game. Whatever is needed must be done to bring an honourable closure to this unseemly episode in an otherwise long but bumpy relationship.

The groups past crises were always resolved through decisive leadership. The current public bickering is probably a manifestation of the groups leadership vacuum. This is not a comment on the capabilities of either Noel Tata (chairman of Tata Trusts chairman) or N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons. Both have proven themselves, apart from having sufficient business and leadership experience. However, with Noel Tata 68 years old and Chandrasekaran aged 62, the group must start planning for the future now.

Moreover, the split leadership between Tata Trusts and Tata Sons is clearly not working. Ratan Tata, by integrating the disparate trusts and chairing them, was able to give the group some cohesion and leadership. But it has only been a year since his demise; also, the composition of both entities has probably impeded common leadership. It may be argued that common leadership was not always the case, but its the ideal choice today in the context of the groups business dynamics.

Therefore, what the group needs right nowto sort out both the split-leadership conundrum and set the group on a sustainable future pathis to initiate a search for a new leader.

While there is some merit in appointing a non-family professional to head Tata Sons, as Chandrasekarans appointment has proven, a family member may be necessary if the incumbent is to head both organizations and act as a bridge between them. It may also be time to look within the extended family for a likely successor, preferably somebody younger.

Given that J.R.D. Tata was appointed chairman of Tata Sons when he was only 38, or Ratan Tata when he was only 53 (and Cyrus Mistry at 44), they should identify a likely candidate now and appoint the person vice-chairman for a limited period as an understudy to both Noel Tata and Chandrasekaran.

There have been other deputies in the past: Naval Tata, J.R.D.s confidant and sounding board, was appointed deputy chairman of Tata Sons in 1962, and N.A. Soonawala as vice-chairman in 2000.

Given the mounting pressures of competition and technological change, apart from the groups need to stay committed to founder Jamsetji Tatas core values, Tatas current leadership may have little time to spend on interpersonal squabbles.

The author is a senior journalist and author of Slip, Stitch and Stumble: The Untold Story of Indias Financial Sector Reforms @rajrishisinghal
Corinne Byerley, a stay-at-home mom, recalled days when she felt lonely, overwhelmed and, at times, paralyzed with anxiety and self-doubt.

Byerley, who had neither health insurance nor money for psychotherapy, said she was intrigued hearing a former MTV star talk up Lexapro on a podcast in 2023. She searched for the drug on TikTok, her go-to information source, and found #lexaprotok and similar niche online communities, where women in their 20s and 30s praised the benefits of antidepressants.

She posted a video asking for help, and someone recommended Hers, a telehealth company. Byerley answered a questionnaire, and an online nurse practitioner prescribed a generic version of Lexapro. A bottle arrived days later.

Byerley, of Canton, Texas, posted TikTok videos of herself running to the mailbox for a pill package and taking a dose, using such hashtags as #lexaprobaddies and #gethelpmama. In the months that followed, she gushed over the pills to her thousands of followers.

For a time, Byerley belonged to a social-media movement that has given antidepressants a makeoverfrom a stigmatized medicine to a healthy lifestyle accessory for enlightened and empowered young women.

Millennial and GenZ influencers, some paid by telehealth companies, evangelize antidepressants on TikTok and Instagram using such hashtags as #livelaughlexapro, #lexaprogirly, #lexaho and #zoloftgang, recasting the medications as pop-culture touchstones.

On TikTok, #antidepressants has surpassed 1.3 billion views. Views for #lexapro have more than tripled since 2022, surpassing 500 million, according to an analysis of data from analytics firm Exolyt by The Wall Street Journal. User shares per video tagged #ssri also nearly quadrupled from 2022 to 2025.

Byerley, 34, touted benefits of the medicine, but later felt emotionally numb, had brain fog and a loss of libido, she said. Byerley held off telling followers for months, reluctant to acknowledge her faded sex life and embarrassed about gaining weight.

The nurse practitioner who prescribed the medication had told Byerley initially that any side effects are generally mild and usually subside quickly."

At first, Byerley made light of some of the side effects, telling TikTok followers that, overall, I feel like Im doing really well."

Antidepressant use in the U.S. grew during the pandemic, especially among young women in their 20s and early 30s, according to studies and a Journal analysis of 2023 federal data.

Social-media chatter about the medications went viral around the same time.

On TikTok, views per video with any one of the top four antidepressant-related hashtags all grew sharply from 2022 to 2025, according to a Journal analysis of Exolyt data. Likes, shares, and comments per video also rose. Positive posts with each of the four top hashtags on TikTok outnumber negative ones by almost two to one, Exolyt data show.

Many people have been helped by antidepressants, the most common of which are so-called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including sertraline, also known as Zoloft, and escitaloprambrand name Lexapro. They have been on the market so long that grandparents, parents and children in the same family now take them.

Yet the rosy picture painted by cheerleading TikTok and Instagram influencers glosses over potential adverse effects. Some suffered side effects that diminished rather than enriched their lives but kept quiet about it on social media.

Antidepressants are portrayed by influencers and in online ads as lifestyle medications, said Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, a psychiatrist and former FDA official who runs an online clinic to help patients taper off psychiatric medications and minimize withdrawal symptoms. People know their favorite celebrity whos taking them."

Yet mental health, he said, is about more than taking a pill.

Keeps me sane

Influencer Alix Earle, who has 7.7 million followers on TikTok, disclosed in a December 2022 video that she has been on Lexapro for anxiety since high school.

In the video, which got 6.1 million views, the 24-year-old shook a prescription bottle of pills and urged watchers to talk to a therapist if they have similar symptoms.

A representative for Earle said she wasnt available for comment.

Another 24-year-old woman in the U.K. told the Journal she had given up on antidepressants after trying them twice and feeling nothing but emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction. She decided to try a third time after watching Earle talk about the pills in a way that made them seem no more risky than prescription glasses, she said. The medication again delivered no relief, the woman said, but instead set off cognitive problems and emotional numbness that continue more than a year later.

Only 15% of people with major depression experienced a substantial benefit from taking antidepressants beyond the placebo effect of pills that look like real medication, a 2022 study found. The findings were based on participants in 232 antidepressant randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials submitted by drug developers to the Food and Drug Administration from 1979 to 2016.

Most people who take antidepressants feel better only because they are taking a pill, said Dr. Marc Stone, a former FDA official and the studys lead author. Large improvements, however, are much more likely from the drug than a placebo, he said. Scientists dont yet understand who will benefit from the drug.

The potential benefit of antidepressants has to be weighed against such risks as sexual dysfunction and withdrawal effects, including anxiety and restlessness, Stone said. My biggest concern is having the discipline to say, Lets stop the drug if youre not having a major improvement," he said.

The ease of obtaining antidepressants onlineand the sometimes limited follow-up by telehealth providersmean patients might take the drugs longer than they need to, some psychiatrists say. The median length of antidepressant treatment in the U.S. is five years, one study found, despite limited evidence about the effectiveness of such long-term use.

A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of patients on antidepressants for more than two years had moderate or severe withdrawal symptoms.

Mackenzie Tidwell, 24, describes herself as a proud Zoloft consumer on TikTok. She posts videos sharing about her anxiety and medication with more than 5,700 followers while dancing, putting on makeup and sipping Starbucks.

The Murfreesboro, Tenn., resident, a case manager for foster children, started taking Zoloft in April and said she feels better. Tidwell had struggled with anxiety, depression and disturbing thoughtsfor instance, that someone had poisoned her water bottle.

In July, Tidwell posted a video titled Zoloft chit chat" and said her side effects had been mildtiredness and nausea for a few days when she started and when she upped her dose.

If youre seeing, like, crazy horror stories online dont assume that thats going to happen to you," she said. Ive had a great experience so far. Dont let social media scare you."

No shame

Telehealth companies, including Hims & Hers Health, have tapped into the burst of online enthusiasm and made it easier than ever for patients to try antidepressants.

Some influencers who speak highly of their antidepressants are paid sponsorship fees by some of the same companies they recommend to followers. The financial ties are typically disclosed with such hashtags as #herspartner, along with #ad or #sponsored.

Hims & Hers has plowed more than $521 million into digital marketing since 2021, with Hersthe business unit aimed at womenspending a significant chunk on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, according to estimates from MediaRadar, an ad-tracking firm.

Hers advertises Depression Meds from Your Sofa" for women and offers a Balance Blend Rx," which mixes an antidepressant with supplements for stress and better sleep.

Hims & Hers said it serves patients with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety. Medical guidelines in the U.S. generally recommend psychotherapy, medication or a combination to treat mild or moderate depression.

The company ran an influencer campaign in 2022 and 2023 that targeted young women with a simple message: Dont be ashamed to take medications for depression and anxiety. Hims & Hers paid between $3,000 and $10,000 to influencers for making Instagram and TikTok posts, a person familiar with the deals said.

Were proud that these efforts have helped people connect with qualified clinicians and get the care they need," a Hims & Hers spokesperson said.

The company said its platforms medical providers, who include nurse practitioners and doctors, prescribe medication only when necessary. The providers also are trained to help patients taper off and stop medications, the company said, and the platform allows for unlimited messaging between patients and their care team.

The medication had numbed her sex drive and caused her to sweat profusely in her sleep, Okamoto said. On a podcast a few months after her paid posts for Hers, she skewered the medical profession for pushing antidepressants.

Psychiatrists would ask if she had been feeling sad or anxious, Okamoto said, and almost automatically leaned toward increasing her dose. They made her feel as if she were expected to be numb and emotionless," she said, rather than acknowledging that sadness is sometimes just part of being human.

It feels like Im just putting on a lot of Band-Aids," she said in the podcast, instead of pushing myself to just really address the problem at the root cause."

Okamoto, 27, said she worked with Hers because the medication was initially life-changing. She is getting married next year, she said, and eventually wants to quit antidepressants because she doesnt want to take them while pregnant. Okamoto credited exercise, yoga and other therapies such as acupuncture for helping while she reduces her dose.

In 2019, Ariella Sharf revealed to her Instagram followers that she had been taking antidepressants to cope with anxiety and depression. Without Zoloft, I struggle silently," posted Sharf, who has been taking antidepressants since college.

The 32-year-old now has a different message for her 6,500 followers: The pills she credits with saving her life also nearly broke me," Sharf said.

Zoloft made her emotionally numb, took away her appetite and left her sweaty and sleepy, she said in an interview. Her doctors never discussed taking her off the medication. It was just, like, You need this like a diabetic needs insulin," she said.

Sharf decided last year to taper off Zoloft. In recent months, she described on Instagram her body shakes, dizziness, nausea creeping up my throat," and eyes and lips drier than the Sahara desert."

Emotionally, mentally, and physically excruciating in ways that make no sense," she wrote at the end of July.

Its really beautiful to see people talking about how hard they are to come off of," she told the Journal. A lot of doctors dont believe it can be as bad as it can be."

She hears from followers suffering similar pains. Theyre so glad they found somebody talking about it," she said. They feel less alone."
Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, and ahead of the festival of lights, Google has released a unique interactive experience on its search page. Departing from its usual practice of commemorating events with static or animated Doodles, the search engine has introduced an innovative Graphics Interchange Format (GIF).

How is it appearing? When you search for Diwali on Google, a colourful GIF appears at the bottom right of the page. The festive graphic shows a traditional Diwali setup, featuring a large, ornate golden lamp stand topped with a figure shaped like a peacock. Several lit diyas (earthen lamps) are also visible

The Diwali GIF appears at the bottom right. Also note  you can keep clicking on the image to make it progress.





Clicking on the image reveals an illustration of Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped during Diwali. A plate of food  which appears to contain sweets like laddoos and jalebis  also pops out. The scene is brightly lit by numerous small earthen lamps (diyas).

Googles Interactive GIF Celebrates Tradition and Sweets.

Choti Diwali 2025 Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali is a festival that celebrates victory of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, over the demon Narakasura. The second day in the auspicious Diwali festivities symbolises the removal of ignorance and evil. This year, Choti Diwali is being celebrated on October 19.

5 Days of Diwali: 2025 Dates Dhanteras: Saturday, 18 October 2025

Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Sunday, 19 October 2025

Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day): Monday, 20 October 20

Govardhan Puja (Annakut): Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Diwali Timing: Lakshmi Puja Time: 7:08 pm to 8:18 pm

Pradosh Kaal: 5:46 pm to 8:18 pm

Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 pm to 9:03 pm

Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi observance, significance On Choti Diwali, a bitter berry called kareet is crushed under the feet. This is symbolic of killing the demon Narakasura who symbolises evil. So the crushing of bitter berry indicates removal of ignorance.

It is believed that on Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna took oil bath after killing demon Narakasura. The day is thus considered important to take ritualistic oil bath before the sunrise.

On Choti Diwali's morning, age-old ritual of Abhyang Snan, a holy bath taken before the sunrise, is performed. Devotees apply an ubtan of rose and ganga water and sesame oil on the body before taking a bath. The day is thus referred as Roop Chaudas or Roop Chaturdashi.
Samsung fans waiting for the Korean giants upcoming flagship series may experience excitement as well as disappointment. Several leaks and rumours are circulating in the tech world that hint at big changes coming to the non-foldable Galaxy smartphones. Some may look at it from a fresh perspective, while others may find their dreams shatter.

Galaxy S26 Pro could replace the standard S26? A new report from SamMobile indicates that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro could actually be the Galaxy S26. What does it mean? The Pro variant, about which we have been hearing for a long time via leaks, could be a way for Samsung to compete with Apple in the base variant category.

Notably, the report indicates that the Galaxy S25 successor could be the Pro variant, a major change in Samsung's marketing strategy. This move is expected to signify a direct competition with the higher-end flagships of Apple, rather than going head-to-head with the base variant of iPhone 17.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge may be replaced by S26+? Moreover, another report from 9To5Google suggests that the Galaxy S26 Edge could be dead and might be replaced with the alleged Samsung Galaxy S26+. The successor to last year's ultra-thin smartphone may not arrive, as it reportedly could not survive in the market due to poor sales. While users can expect some minimal changes, like a revamped camera design in the Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks, the middle variant of the S26 lineup may have more to offer than the base variants.

A new report from SamMobile indicates that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro could actually be the Galaxy S26.

Meanwhile, Samsung has launched the new Galaxy M17 5G, a budget-friendly smartphone, in India. It features an Exynos 1330 processor, a 90Hz AMOLED display, expandable storage of up to 2TB, a triple rear camera setup, and One UI 7.
Angelina Jolie brought old Hollywood glamour to Rome as she graced the red carpet for the premiere of her latest film Couture at the 20th Rome Film Festival on October 18, 2025.

But that wasn't it. Angelina turned heads with her massive, gorgeous back tattoo.

Angelina Jolie is a goddess as she stuns in a plunging black dress Angelina Jolie turned heads on the red carpet at Romes Auditorium Parco della Musica on Saturday, arriving for the premiere of her latest film in a striking caped backless gown that showcased her extensive back tattoos.

The actress stunned in a backless black Alberta Ferretti gown that beautifully revealed her intricate back tattoos  a look that instantly set social media ablaze.

She completed the look with black stiletto booties, sheer stockings, and a pair of sparkling jeweled earrings that added just the right touch of glamour.

Also Read | Angelina Jolie gets emotional remembering late mothers cancer journey

Keeping her signature effortless style, the 50-year-old actress wore minimal makeup, letting her natural beauty shine, and styled her hair long and straight, flowing down her back to complement the dramatic gown.

Internet reacts to the pictures Fans couldnt contain their admiration, flooding platforms with praise and heart emojis. One wrote, Angelina Jolies back though. I MEAN  (sic) while another declared, Pls she is a goddess  (sic). Others dubbed her MOTHER (sic), cementing Jolies timeless status as a fashion and cultural icon.

Jolie, known for her poise and understated charm, was all smiles as she posed for photographers and greeted fans. She was joined by co-stars Anyier Anei and Louis Garrel at the event, where the trio discussed their experiences working on the emotionally layered film.

More about the film 'Couture' Directed by Alice Winocour, Couture tells the story of three women confronting illness, ambition, and identity during Paris Fashion Week.

Jolie plays Maxine Walker, an American filmmaker navigating her creative vision while battling breast cancer and family struggles  a role that marks one of her most introspective performances in recent years.
The second No Kings protest was organized on Saturday in most US states. The nationwide protests are taking place against the president of the United States, Donald Trump. The protestors believe Trump behaves more like a dictator or monarch instead of a democratic leader. This is the second wave nationwide No Kings protest, organized by progressive organisations that oppose Trumps agenda.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the protest was a hate America rally and other Republicans have also labeled it as anti-American. Connecticut House Republican leader Vincent Candelora told NPR that the protests were divisive, but the residents can exercise their right to organize protests. "I think our democracy is still strong as ever  but, you know, they're free to express themselves," Candelora told the publication.

Actor John Cusack supported the protestors on Saturday as he attended the protest in Chicago. The actor said that the Trump administration can Go to hell!. The actor further mentioned that Trump does not understand Chicago, as per The Independent.

What is the No Kings protest? The aim behind the organisations joining hands in protest is to dismiss what they describe as Trumps authoritarian agenda. The No Kings protest, therefore, is also known as the No Tyrant or No Monarch Day. The first round of No Kings protest was organized five months after Trump's second term as the US president. Protestors were opposing the administrations decisions regarding issues like birthright citizenship, federal diversity, protection for transgender people, inclusion initiatives, and more.

The second wave of protests was fueled by increasing tension over immigration raids. Protestors cited that widespread immigration detentions were carried out by often masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Furthermore, protestors raised voices against the Trump administration hindering environmental protections and federal education resources. The second wave of protests included more than 2,500 demonstrations across all 50 states of America, which is 450 more than what was initially planned in June.

Peaceful protests Despite criticism from Republicans and the Trump administration, the protests were rather peaceful and colorful. In many cities like Portland and Los Angeles, protestors were spotted wearing inflatable animal costumes and singing and dancing with placards in their hands, thus giving a message of hope. The No Kings protest upholds the idea that America was founded in opposition to monarchy and should be ruled democratically.

FAQs What is the point of the No Kings protest? The No Kings Day protests are a series of protests against Donald Trumps administration and its policies, which, as per the protestors, are non-democratic.

Do you need a permit to protest in the USA? No, one does not need a permit to protest in the USA as long as the traffic and pedestrian flow are not disturbed.
BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum (FSF) 2025 will open on October 27 and run through October 30 in Beijing, organizers announced at a press briefing on Friday. Themed "Global Financial Development in an Era of Innovation, Transformation and Restructuring," this year's event is expected to draw more than 400 senior guests from more than 30 countries and regions, serving as a major platform for international financial dialogue.

The forum is being co-hosted by the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the People's Bank of China (PBC), the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA), the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), the Xinhua News Agency and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Zhi Haijie, an executive secretary general of the organizing committee and deputy Party secretary and head of Beijing's Xicheng district, stated at the press briefing that this year's forum will focus on the course of financial reform and development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), and further refine the "Five Major Articles" on sci-tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance.

A series of important financial policies will be announced during the FSF 2025 Annual Conference, Zhi noted.

Zhi also announced that PBC Governor Pan Gongsheng, NFRA head Li Yunze and CSRC chairman Wu Qing will attend the forum and deliver keynote speeches.

According to the organizers, the main and parallel forums will feature 27 thematic sessions and six investment and financing matchmaking events, while 11 sub-events are scheduled for the FinTech Conference, said the organizers.

The main forum will consist of seven sessions, including the opening and closing ceremonies, with authoritative interpretations of domestic and international economic development trends and financial regulatory policies to help guide public expectations.

The main forum will tackle key issues in international finance and explore strategies for deeper cooperation and innovation. The PBC will lead discussions on navigating the complexities of international financial governance in a rapidly changing global landscape. The focus will be on enhancing cooperation among nations to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth. The Xinhua News Agency will host session on how the integration of finance and technology can drive high-quality industrial development. The session will explore the role of fintech in empowering traditional industries and fostering innovation.

The forum will also serve as a platform for discussion on financial risks, regulatory frameworks, and the inclusive development of capital markets, along with the release of significant financial policies. The Fintech Conference, a dedicated segment of the forum, will focus on the role of fintech in advancing digital and intelligent transformation in the financial sector, said the organizers.

"The world is undergoing rapid changes unseen in a century. A new wave of technological and industrial revolution is deepening, driving profound adjustments in the global economic landscape and fundamental changes in people's production and lifestyles," Zhi said. The global financial system is experiencing multiple paradigm shifts, the logic of global capital allocation is being restructured, and international financial governance and development models are undergoing multiple tests.

Amid these global transformations, this year's forum will focus on promoting the high quality development of global finance, calling for greater consensus on innovation, renewed momentum for transformation and coordinated actions to reshape the system, with the goal of building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global financial architecture, Zhi said.

Since its launch in 2012, the FSF has been seen as a barometer of China's financial reform and development and a national platform for policy communication and financial real economy interaction, and a platform for China to contribute to global financial governance and international financial dialogue. The 2025 edition will witness deeper internationalization, an improved exchange ecosystem and a richer participant experience, according to the organizers.

One of the key highlights of this year's forum is its higher level of international engagement.

The forum will feature a record five overseas satellite venues across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Participants will include heads of major international financial organizations and senior executives from leading global institutions, as well as guests from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global South, and representatives from international business associations and foreign diplomats stationed in China.

Financial centers such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Casablanca, Frankfurt and Hong Kong will also send delegations to the event, the organizers said.

The forum aims to enhance participants' communication experience. The layout of lounge and exchange areas within the venue has been optimized to encourage better interaction. The digital platform system has been upgraded with enhanced online interaction features, making it easier for attendees to communicate during the event. These improvements aim to facilitate more meaningful exchanges and collaborations.

Beyond the formal sessions, the organizers will host a range of evening events to further encourage interaction. Networking receptions and cultural performances will be organized to provide a relaxed setting for attendees to connect. Moreover, the forum will actively support smaller, themed events such as "Client Nights" for financial institutions, offering a more personalized and focused platform for engagement.

In addition to evening networking and performances, the forum will support smaller themed events, including "Client Themed Nights" for financial institutions. The diversity of participants has also been expanded, with invitations extended to private enterprises and innovation-driven enterprises.

On-site facilities and a digital platform have been upgraded to improve networking. Evening client themed nights and cultural events such as "Beijing Financial Street Night" and live music performances will further enhance informal exchanges among participants.

Financial Street itself will come alive during the event with enhanced lighting, floral displays, smart transport, interactive installations and a month long "Financial Street Forum Shopping Season," featuring markets and promotions to strengthen the forum's "forum + consumption" linkage.

SOURCE Global Times
A county councillor has expressed her fury at another local authority for encouraging those looking for social housing to go to soft touch Longford. Councillor Peggy Nolan voiced her anger during a recent sitting of the County Council and said she makes no apologies for insisting that housing priority be afforded to people born in Longford, and were lifelong contributors to the county like their families before them.



The Longford councillor pointed out that on more than one occasion that people with no affinity to Longford were succeeding in securing a local authority house ahead of those that had grown up in the county.

PICTURES | Thousands of people flock to Longford Leader Build and Renovate Expo 2025



She said, We built more local authority houses than any other county in Ireland but theyre not going to the people who are working here, went to school here, were born and raised here, and are contributing to the life that once was Longford. All you have to do is walk down the town and youll see what Im talking about.



Before Im called anti anything, Im all for fair play, it doesnt matter where youre from, if youre entitled to a house, absolutely! But when you have young couples from this town who have been here all their lives contributing, and likewise their families before them, they have to be afforded some sort of priority and I dont make any apologies for saying that.



During her address, Cllr Nolan highlighted her frustration with what she described as the housing teams new way of doing things, adding that it was consequently preventing councillors from doing their jobs. She also emphasised the need for her previously requested special meeting on housing so it could be discussed just what exactly is happening.



I would like to know who is benefitting from this? she asked. Can I just give an example? A couple of months ago, I was waiting to see a member of the housing team in the housing offices in Market Square and I got chatting to a lady from another county who was waiting also. She told me she had been looking for a house for ages so I asked her why she had chosen Longford; if she had family or friends here. Oh no! Where shes from, they haven't built a local authority house since 2009, and people are being told by that city authority to come to Longford, because were the soft touch.



Addressing Cllr Nolan, Director of Services for Housing, Communities and HR Samantha Healy, asked for clarification as to whether it was the response within the housing team that she would like to have a meeting about or the specific issue that she had given an example of.



In response, Cllr Nolan said, Its not the response because the people Im working with, Ive been working with since they took up the position and theyre brilliant. I cant ring up now and seek a meeting with the people Im used to seeking a meeting with, I have to put it in an email. Making reps I cant do by phone or by email.



Before, you could go in and make a case and it would be dealt with with empathy and compassion, and the specific case before them would be taken into account. Now its a box ticking exercise that I just cant cope with. I need to be able to tell the stories behind the boxes.



Im not giving out about the team thats in housing. Im here to give out about and question the new regime that isnt working for councillors, its working against us. Its preventing me from doing what I know best.

Read more: Gardai are investigating weekend fire bomb attack on Longford house



Ms Healy replied that a number of members had raised the issue with her and so she proposed that the allocation scheme come back for review to the SPC, so it is on the forthcoming SPC agenda in October.



Upon repeatedly pressing for a date for the emergency special meeting to sort the matter at hand, Cllr Nolan was told it would be facilitated shortly.
A dog-owner has been convicted and fined 450 by Longford District Court over an incident that arose from his pitbull not being muzzled and on a lead while in public.

Mr James Mahony, who was living in Barraghbeg, Drumlish at the time, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with an offence under the Control of Dogs Act 1986.



The court heard how on January 23 this year, at Barraghbeg, Drumlish, a woman was out walking her dog when she encountered Mr Mahonys American Pitbull Stafford Terrier/Boxer.

She said the pitbull began pulling at her dog, and refused to let go.

She told Gardai that she had called on Mr Mahony for assistance but he was unable to separate them.

Once the animals were parted, the woman said Mr Mahony put a lead on his dog and continued walking in the same direction as her, frequently stopping to verbally abuse her.

The woman described him to Gardai as intoxicated, and supplied a photo she had taken of him during the altercation.

The court heard how following the incident, she brought her dog to the vet which resulted in the animal requiring 18 stitches, the bill for which came to 387.

Mr Mahony, who refused the courts offer of legal aid, told Judge Owens he was pleading guilty but added that, her dog bit mine, he just wanted to play. She made a mess of it by screaming and that made my dog excited.

He said his dog, Buddy, always greeted people by jumping up on them and that he had been living in the area for over a year without any problems regarding his dog around other animals.

Mr Mahony - who has since moved back to Dublin - explained his routine of putting Buddy on a lead once they were on the main road however Judge Owens reminded the defendant that when it came to a particular breed of dog there are requirements.

If you had complied with those requirements, she said,  we wouldnt be here today.

Prosecution Sgt Enda Daly told the court that Mr Mahony had some previous convictions but nothing dog-related.

In delivering her verdict, Judge Owens told the defendant, I appreciate you have now left the area so there wont be a recurrence here, but I have two options. I do think that this was a once-off situation.

Youve explained that when you got onto the main road, that your habit was to put on the dog lead, but the dog should never have been off the lead when in public or without a muzzle. I can give you the opportunity to compensate the injured party or you can take the fine.



Mr Mahony told the court he would take the fine.

You will have a conviction recorded against you, Judge Owens reminded him.

Ill take the fine Judge, he replied.

Mr Mahony was convicted and fined 450 with nine months to pay.

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President of ICMSA, Denis Drennan, said that the unanimous position of all involved in the farm and agri sector was that the Government has to begin addressing the looming crisis around succession and generational renewal on family farms in county Longford and across the country.

Mr Drennan, who was commenting on the Budget 2026 announcements and expressing his disappointment, said those family enterprises were the foundation for Irelands 16 billion agri-food sector.



The ICMSA President said while welcoming the extension of the tax reliefs on Slurry Storage, Stamp Duty and Capital Gains Tax reliefs, they represented an extension of very important existing reliefs.

There were, he pointed out, no new initiatives.

In relation to expenditure, Mr Drennan noted the retention of dairy beef initiatives and the additional funding for the TB Action Plan that, he stressed, must work while being fair to farmers.

Mr. Drennan said that the overwhelming feeling of farmers would be disappointment and that disappointment would focus on the failure to deal with income volatility.

Every reputable survey shows that the single biggest obstacle to getting young people interested in farming is income volatility.

If we want to get the next generation farming then we are going to have to deal with that and whats so frustrating for certainly ICMSA is that we have already put forward the means of dealing with that problem, said Mr. Drennan.

Noting that the Programme for Government contained a commitment to deal with this unmanageable volatility in farm incomes and that last years Budget committed to considering a solution, the ICMSA President said that the Government had decided that it couldnt be bothered yet again and seemed quite content to wait for the crisis in attracting the next generation of farmers to become a blaring klaxon and flashing red light.

They (the Government) have been given a very workable and highly regulated measure that will deal with this volatility problem in a much more effective and fundamental way than the present averaging system.

But, frankly, there just isnt the energy to deal with a problem that left unaddressed is inevitably going to detach Irish farming from its family foundation and move the whole system to the factory setting that you see elsewhere in Europe - and not to their advantage either, said Mr. Drennan.

The Government has to address income volatility in a structured manner, and they have to begin making farming more attractive to the next generation - Budget 2026 didnt even try, said Mr. Drennan.

ICMSA has repeatedly put forward workable and supervised solution that would address this obvious problem and give both current farmers and the next generation the degree of predictability that they want.

"We put forward the solution again and hoped  on the basis of the commitment given in last years Budget  that wed see action this year.

"That commitment has not been delivered in Budget 2026 and on this basis farmers and everyone concerned with just preserving our invaluable farming sector will adjudge Budget 2026 a disappointing non-event he concluded.

READ NEXT: Situation for Longford people seeking a home is 'horrendous' says auctioneer

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Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on October 17, 2025 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A pair of regional banks spooked markets this week.

The event raises questions about credit risk lurking under the surface of an otherwise robust market.

Market experts on Friday said they didn't see a wider crisis brewing.

A new banking crisis or a flash in the pan?

That's the question traders were asking themselves on Thursday as a pair of regional banks sent stocks plunging after giving updates on their lending businesses.

It proved to be the latter, for now, as stocks erased some losses to rise into positive territory on Friday. The two offending banks, Zions and Western Alliance, saw their shares recover slightly following Thursday's drop.

Yet, this week's spasm of bank volatility should serve as a clear reminder to investors that sometimes the risk to the market isn't where most people are looking  in this case, rather than a sudden unwinding of AI bets, it was a shock in the credit ecosystem that caused the brief panic.

To recap: Zions Bancorp disclosed a $50 million charge-off on a loan underwritten by San Diego-based California Bank & Trust, one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Western Alliance, meanwhile, revealed a lawsuit against a borrower it alleged had committed fraud. Zions fell 13% and Western Alliance lost 11%.

By Friday though, both stocks were back in the green, with Zions up 4% and Western Alliance up 2% around 11 a.m. ET. The wider market also looked poised to recover from Thursday's swoon. The momentum can be attributed to positive earnings reports from Truist Financial, Regions Financial, and Fifth Third Bancorp, which soothed fears of widespread credit issues on Friday morning.

That said, credit risk is still in the air, and some high-profile bankruptcies and Jamie Dimon's latest comments highlight that.

Where are all the cockroaches?

"When you see one cockroach, there are probably more Everyone should be forewarned on this," said JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, warning investors to brace for more credit-market upheaval.

Dimon was referring to the recent bankruptcies of subprime auto lender Tricolor Holdings and auto parts supplier First Brands, both of which have become poster children for the risks lurking in the booming private credit market.

The term private credit refers to the sprawling world of non-bank lenders, a patchwork of private equity firms, hedge funds, and specialty lenders that extend loans to companies that might have a harder time getting in the door at a major bank.

However, banks are major sources of financing to private lenders, which can help explain why worries about credit broadly have spilled over into the banking sector.
The areas where four anti-Hamas militias operate inside the Gaza Strip. (Google Maps annotated by Long War Journal)

To weaken Hamass grip on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli government initiated a campaign to arm rival groups within the enclave, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in June. The first of these groups, the Popular Forces led by Yasser Abu Shabab, surfaced in May as a direct challenge to Hamass authority. Backed by Israeli funding and logistical support, additional anti-Hamas militias soon emerged, seeking to erode Hamass control from within. These groups, particularly the Popular Forces, have complicated Hamass internal governance and drawn retaliatory attacks.

Below, FDDs Long War Journal outlines the principal anti-Hamas factions currently active in the Gaza Strip, including details about their leadership, size, and operations.





The Popular Forces

Size: 500-700 fighters

Area of operation: Rafah, Gaza Strip

Leader: Yasser Abu Shabab, who is a member of the Bedouin Tarabin tribe, was reportedly jailed before the war by Hamas for criminal offenses. Shabab has also been accused of leading a gang that stole aid from trucks.

Deputy commander: Ghassan Duhine, also a member of the Tarabin tribe. Pro-Hamas media outlets claimed that Duhine was a member of the Palestinian Authoritys security forces and a former fighter of the Salafist-jihadist group the Army of Islam. In addition, he reportedly spent time in jail for multiple criminal offenses, including drug trafficking.

Additional info: The Popular Forces emerged in early 2025 as an anti-Hamas faction. The group presents itself as a civilian movement formed to protect Palestinians, secure humanitarian aid, and restore order amid the wars chaos. In one of its first known offensive against the ruling Islamist group, the Popular Forces claimed responsibility for an assault on a Hamas position at the Khan Younis University College of Applied Sciences. The Popular Forces alleged that Hamass Arrow Unit was hoarding confiscated aid there. Hamas responded by branding the group as a front for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to reinforce this suspicion when he acknowledged that Israel had provided weapons to clans opposing Hamas.

Dozens of the militias fighters, including Shababs brother, have been killed in clashes with Hamas.





Counter-Terrorism Strike Force

Size: ~40 fighters

Area of operation: Qizan al Najjar, Khan Younis Governorate, Gaza Strip

Leader: Husam al Astal, a former officer in the Palestinian Authoritys Preventive Security Service, was accused by Hamas of involvement in the 2018 assassination of Hamas-affiliated engineer Fadi al Batsh.

Additional info: Astal was previously associated with Yasser Abu Shababs Popular Forces, from which he reportedly broke away to form his own unit. On August 21, Astal announced the formation of the Counter-Terrorism Strike Force on Facebook. In a show of support, Ghassan Duhine, the deputy leader of the Popular Forces, commented, All the support, my brother commander Husam. One body, one road, one weapon; we will eradicate terrorism.

In his role as leader, Astal has described himself as a protector of civilians and the founder of a safe humanitarian zone free from Hamass control. He has called on families and displaced civilians to take shelter under his protection.

Astal has used social media to recruit Gazans to fight against Hamas and instructed those who are interested to contact him via WhatsApp. Based on Astals social media posts, most of the militias leadership appears to be members of his family, some of whom have been affiliated with Fatah.





Popular Army-Northern Forces

Size: ~40 fighters

Area of operation: Beit Hanoun, North Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip

Leader: Ashraf al Mansi. There is no reliable publicly available biographical information on this individual.

Additional info: Ashraf al Mansis militia has established a base of operations in an abandoned school roughly 500 meters inside the Israeli-controlled zone of northern Gaza.

Hamas has accused Mansi and his fighters of serving as informants for Israels Shin Bet intelligence agency and described them as criminals involved in the drug trade. A source aligned with Hamas claimed that Al Qassam fighters [Hamas] engaged in clashes with Mansis faction in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia areasa report echoed by social media accounts on October 10. Four days later, on October 14, Mansi published a video denying that a Hamas crackdown had occurred and declaring that his forces had seized control of several areas in northern Gaza.





Shujaiya Popular Defense Forces

Size: Tens of members of the Hilles clan

Area of operation: Shujaiya, Zeitoun, and Tuffah, Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip

Leader: Rami Hillesa member of Fatah, according to pro-Hamas media, and a former member of the Presidential Security Services. Hilles is a resident of the Tel al Hawa suburb of Gaza City.

Additional info: Gazas Hilles family, long aligned with Fatah, has a history of friction with Hamas dating back to the Islamist groups 2007 takeover of the Strip. Clashes between Hilles loyalists and Hamas forces reportedly intensified after Hamas launched a post-ceasefire purge targeting rival factions. Pro-Hamas media claimed that on October 13, the organizations security units arrested and killed several Hilles family fighters.

Adding to speculation of outside support, Israels Ynet reported that Rami Hilles had received operational assistance from the Israel Defense Forces.

Despite the Hilles clans contentious history with Hamas, its leadership structure has sought to distance the family from the Popular Defense Forces, essentially framing Rami Hilles and other militia members as a rogue faction. On September 22, the Hilles clan stated that it denies any ties to Rami Hilles and reaffirms its commitment to the Palestinian national cause.

Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East.
Dear Eric: Should I tell a coworker that many of her workmates are criticizing her as selfish and self-centered? She got married a year ago, but didnt go on a honeymoon then because the couple, who are both in their 40s, had just returned from two weeks in Europe.

Now theyve decided they want a dream honeymoon at a luxury resort. To pay for it, theyve created an account on a crowdfunding honeymoon website and are letting everyone know theyd like it if wed all chip in. The items she wants include airfare, a rental car, side trips, resort fees, and cash starting at $75.

I gave her a nice wedding gift a year ago, as did many of our coworkers. Were modestly paid teachers, and a trip to South America is well beyond our budgets.

Shes let it be known that shes disappointed that were stingy and thus shes nowhere near her goal. Behind her back, people are criticizing her as being clueless and bad-mannered, both for asking us to pay for her delayed honeymoon and then criticizing us for not being more generous.

I dont want to say anything to her (or give her money). But I fear that if I dont tell her, no one will, and shell have no idea why shes at risk of losing friends. Would it be a kindness to say something? And if so, what should I say? Or should I take the easy route and keep quiet?

Fellow Teacher

Dear Teacher: My goodness, was there a sale at the audacity store? I wonder where some people get it. Its perfectly fine to make it easy for people to give gifts and show their love, but its inappropriate, and rude, to criticize people for not ponying up the dough, especially when a gift has already been given. Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.

Sheesh.

While it would be kind to tell her that others are chafing at her request, I cant help but wonder how useful it would be, considering that neither insight nor common sense were listed on her registry. Instead of taking on the burden of communicating the groups negative feelings, consider just talking to her about how youre feeling. If you decide that this is a relationship you want to salvage, tell her that youre happy for her, but it rubs you the wrong way to be called stingy for not giving her a second gift. As a friend, hopefully, she can listen and adjust her attitude.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm, right, flips the puck past Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) AP

There were a lot of things Marco Sturm liked about his teams effort in Saturdays 4-1 loss at Colorado. The play of the Bruins top offensive players was not on that list.

He was happy with Jeremy Swayman, who made 34 saves in his first back-to-back start.

He liked the play of his penalty kill which held the Avalanches elite man-advantage scoreless in five tries.

He liked his defense and overall defensive zone play, which forced a high percentage of Colorados 37 shots to the perimeter.

He liked how his third and fourth lines handled themselves.

Our grinders, four games in a row now, theyve been our best players, he said.

But?

Boston managed just 14 shots on Scott Wedgewood. Four of those came from Viktor Arvidsson, whod been dropped to the third line. Three were from fourth-liner Johnny Beecher, who had the Bruins only goal in his first game of the year.

None of those was by David Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm or Morgan Geekie.

Our top guys were not the top guys again. You look at Colorado and our team. That was the difference, said Sturm, comparing his own top players to Colorados, which got two goals by Nathan MacKinnon. It doesnt matter which team you are. Your best players have to be the best players. That was the difference tonight.

So he benched Pastrnak for the last 7:55 and Elias Lindholm for the last 12:05. Pavel Zacha played just four third-period shifts.

"I really like our D-Zone. I liked our kill. Our goalie was great. Defense. These guys work," Sturm said. We need the rest to dial in and buy in with what we want to do. Its not going to get easier. We have to learn from it and move on.
The conversation surrounding a potential leveraged buyout (LBO) of Target Corporation (TGT) has intensified this October, as DA Davidson, an investment firm, reignited talk of the retail heavyweight possibly going private. The idea isnt as far-fetched as it sounds. Targets share price has tumbled more than 33% year-to-date (YTD), and the stock remains down nearly 43% over the past five years, a reminder of how far the company has fallen since its pandemic-era highs.

Adding to the intrigue of Targets share price drop, the retailer just rolled out its biggest Circle Week to date, spanning Oct. 5 to 11, with savings up to 50%. This aggressive promotional strategy is an urgent bid to spark demand and recover lost ground during a challenging year, especially as TGT stock remains deep in red territory.

More News from Barchart

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserves recent rate cuts, including a quarter-point reduction that lowered benchmark lending rates to roughly 4.1%, have brightened prospects for leveraged financing. Thats precisely the kind of environment where buyouts thrive. With borrowing costs easing and valuations compressed, the question now is whether the red bullseye could soon belong to private hands. Lets find out.

Targets Financial Strength

Target Corporation, with a market cap of $40.42 billion, operates as a retail chain that offers general merchandise across apparel, home goods, food, and essentials to U.S. consumers. The companys dividend remains steady, with an annual forward payout of $4.56 per share and a yield of 5.22%.

The stock performance has weakened sharply, with the shares currently priced at $90.26, falling 33.42% YTD and 42.26% over the past 52 weeks.

www.barchart.com

Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 11.77x, below the retail sectors median multiple of 15.89x, while the PEG ratio of 2.54x also trails the sector median of 2.71x. This suggests Targets valuation remains compressed relative to peers, potentially supporting the LBO thesis promoted by DA Davidson.

The companys second-quarter 2025 earnings report, released on Aug. 20, provided more in-depth insight into its current financial standing. This showed net sales of $25.2 billion, down 0.9% year-over-year (YoY), though improving by nearly two points from the first quarters pace.
All roads have reopened following a shooting that left a 28-year-old woman shot in the chest early Saturday morning in Hyannis, police told MassLive.

The incident happened at around 4:16 a.m. at 174 Main St. When Barnstable Police arrived, they found the woman with a gunshot wound to the chest and immediately provided assistance.

Hyannis Fire and Rescue arrived and drove the woman to Cape Cod Hospital, the Barnstable Police Department said in a Facebook post. She was flown to a Boston hospital for further treatment.

The Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team assisted Barnstable police with two active scenes located within the 100 block of Main Street, the department said.

As a result of the investigation, traffic was routed away from the area of Main Street between Center and Pleasant streets but these roads have since reopened.

A preliminary investigation suggests the shooting was not a random act, police said, and anyone with information regarding the shooting are urged to contact Barnstable Police Sergeant Adam Ruggieri via email at ruggieria@barnstablepolice.gov.

Police did not immediately respond to MassLives request for an update on the womans condition as of 4:30 p.m.
The Trump administration said Friday that it had paused $11 billion in funding for infrastructure projects in some Democratic-led cities, including Boston, raising concerns about the status of $600 million pledged to help replace the two Cape Cod bridges.

However, questions remained about the flow of money after state officials said they received no official notice of the decision.

The Army Corps of Engineers has committed $350 million to replace the Sagamore Bridge and $250 million to replace the Bourne Bridge, the pair of 90-year-old structures carrying traffic over the Cape Cod Canal.

On Friday afternoon, Russell Vought, director of President Trumps Office of Management and Budget, posted on X that the government shutdown had drained the Army Corps of Engineers ability to manage billions of dollars in projects.

The Corps will be immediately pausing over $11 billion in lower-priority projects & considering them for cancellation, including projects in New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore, he said.

The Democrat shutdown has drained the Army Corps of Engineers' ability to manage billions of dollars in projects. The Corps will be immediately pausing over $11 billion in lower-priority projects & considering them for cancellation, including projects in New York, San Francisco,  Russ Vought (@russvought) October 17, 2025

As of Friday afternoon, neither Gov. Maura Healeys administration nor the Massachusetts congressional delegation had been officially notified of any change to the funding, the governor said in a joint statement with Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Rep. Bill Keating, the congressman representing the Cape and Islands.

The Cape Cod Bridges are federally-owned assets that carry millions of travelers a year, and are essential for the safety of Cape Codders and visitors from across the country and the world, the group, all Democrats, said. This project is moving forward with funding appropriated by a bipartisan Congress and lawfully awarded by the federal government. Our focus remains on rebuilding both bridges and delivering the safe, reliable transportation infrastructure that our residents, visitors and businesses deserve.

The Army Corps operates the federally owned bridges, which provide the only route for vehicles between Cape Cod and the Massachusetts mainland, including for emergency evacuation.

But the bridges are functionally obsolete, Healeys office said Friday, and nearing the end of their usable life.

The federal government has committed to providing $1.72 billion for the projects, including the money pledged by the Army Corps. The state will also put up $700 million. The total cost to replace both bridges is estimated at $4.5 billion.

The government shutdown began Oct. 1 when Congress could not agree on a funding plan for the government.

The New York Times reported Sunday that there appeared to be no end in sight to the shutdown as it approached its three-week mark.

Republicans hold both houses of Congress, but to pass the budget are seeking the votes of Democrats who want any spending agreement to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and preserve health care coverage for millions of Americans.

The longest government shutdown in American history lasted 35 days from December 2018 into January 2019, in Trumps first term. At 19 days as of Sunday, the current shutdown is the third-longest on record.
A 66-year-old Lakeville man was killed Saturday night in a two-vehicle crash on a rural road, police said.

The man, whose name authorities did not release, was pronounced dead at a local hospital following the crash around 7 p.m. on County Street, according to the Lakeville Police Department.

The man had been driving one of the vehicles involved in the collision, police said. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle were both hospitalized with injuries police described as not life-threatening.

Lakeville police officers are investigating the crash alongside the Massachusetts State Police, the department said.

Officials did not specify what may have caused the crash.

No additional information on the incident was released.
Five zip codes in Massachusetts are among the 100 most expensive places in the nation to purchase a home, according to a study from the real estate data and research company PropertyShark.

On average, the five areas  in Bostons Back Bay, Nantucket, Marthas Vineyard and the Boston suburbs of Weston and Wellesley  saw their median home sales reach more than $2.4 million this year.

Miami Beachs Fisher Island topped the list of the United States priciest zip codes, with home sales ranging from a minimum $1.41 million up to $23.7 million this year. Its median sale of $9.5 million led a zip code in San Mateo County, California, where the median sale reached $8.3 million, and a Long Island, New York, zip code that hit $5.9 million.

Bostons 02199 zip code, which surrounds the Prudential Center, had the second-highest median home sale in the U.S. in 2021, at $5.5 million. This year, its median sale was roughly $2.57 million, leading Massachusetts but placing 54th nationally, according to PropertyShark.

Nantuckets 02554 zip code trailed at $2.5 million, placing 63rd nationally, after hitting $2.9 million last year.

It was followed by the 02535 zip code in Chilmark, on Marthas Vineyard, which reached a new high of $2.48 million and ranked 64th nationally.

Westons 02493 saw its median sale hit $2.4 million (72nd in the U.S.) while 02481 in Wellesley reached $2.25 million (80th).

Connecticuts 06878 zip code was the priciest place to buy a home in New England, at $2.75 million. Six other Connecticut zip codes also landed in the top 100, the third most for a state after New York and California.

For the first time, according to PropertyShark, New Hampshires most expensive zip code topped the priciest spot in Massachusetts.

New Castle, New Hampshire, reached median home sales of $2.65 million, tying the record high for the state set by a zip code in Rye Beach three years ago.

Here is PropertySharks complete list of the 100 most expensive zip codes in the U.S. this year.
Protesting the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, people gathered Saturday throughtout Massachusetts and around the world for No Kings demonstrations.

A map indicating which communities were holding protests suggested about 100 in Massachusetts were officially signed up to participate.

Some groups lined up along busy roads, others filled parks and town commons. All manner of homemade signs  creative, profanity-filled and everything in between  could be seen bopping up and down through many communities crowds.

Inflatable costumes were another common sight, with some protesters explaining it emphasized the positive and non-violent nature of the demonstrations.

MassLive asked readers to share photos from around Massachusetts from their communitys No Kings event. Check them out below:

20 1 / 20 Readers share photos from 'No Kings' protests throughout Massachusetts

Saturdays No Kings effort was the third mass mobilization since Trumps return to the White House and came against the backdrop of a government shutdown that not only has closed federal programs and services but is testing the core balance of power, as an aggressive executive confronts Congress and the courts in ways that protest organizers warn are a slide toward authoritarianism.

Associated Press material was used in this article.
A group hunting in a Massachusetts state forest Saturday morning discovered the skeletal remains of two people, along with an abandoned car and a suicide note, authorities said.

The remains were found deep in the Freetown-Fall River State Forest, a 5,000-acre wooded area in Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said in a statement.

Police received a call just before 10 a.m. Saturday from the hunters, who were in the forest for the opening day of pheasant season, the Fall River Police Department said.

The hunters directed police to a Honda Accord located far into the forest off Copicut Road, an access road.

Arriving at the persons location, local police, Environmental Police and Massachusetts State Police troopers found the remains of two adults near the vehicle alongside the suicide note.

The remains were in the immediate area of the vehicle, Fall River police said.

Authorities brought the remains to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsies. Quinn said an investigation into their deaths is active and ongoing.

The Fall River police said all current evidence indicates that there are no outside actors involved in the peoples deaths.
A bird found in some of the southernmost parts of the United States made an exceedingly rare appearance in Massachusetts last week, delighting South Shore bird lovers, locals and photographers with its long spoon-shaped bill and distinct pink and white feathers.

The roseate spoonbill was spotted in Marshfield, its second-ever sighting in the Bay State, according to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, a leading bird and wildlife protection nonprofit.

The spoonbill ended up this far north most likely with this storm we had, the noreaster, Doug Lowry, a senior naturalist with the Audubon, said in a statement posted by the organization on Facebook. Low-pressure systems come up the coast  they have counter-clockwise winds, and if youre a bird up flying and you get caught in that, [the spoonbill] could be riding it out until it peters out.

The bird may be disoriented, but will easily adapt, rest up and soon return to its warmer home in the south, Lowry said.

Roseate spoonbills are commonly located in coastal Florida, Texas and southwest Louisiana, according to the Audubon.

They are gorgeous at a distance and bizarre up close, the organization says, notable for their big spatulate bill, bright pink plumage tones, naked greenish head.

The birds typically live in coastal marshes, lagoons, mudflats and mangroves, where they hunt the shallows for small fish and shellfish, the Audubon says.

In a Facebook post, Plymouth County and Cape Cod photographer Ken Grille described the bird as mega-rare in this area. He posted shots of the bird standing in shallow water and feasting on small fish.

Grille said he had photographed roseate spoonbills before, including in Aruba, but never from the overhead perspective he found last week.

You just never know when you wake up what the day will bring, he wrote on Facebook.
Bostons No Kings protest drew crowds of thousands to Boston Common Saturday for what was a peaceful demonstration against the Trump administration, with protesters calling out what they saw as a worrying authoritarian trend for the country.

Over the course of about four hours, protesters filled the common, many carrying signs or wearing shirts denouncing the administration. Attendees came from Boston and around the state, with residents of Bridgewater, Lynn and Westborough all making the trek.

Some protesters gathered near a stage to hear the days speaking program and listen to live music, while others simply milled about the park. Among the most crowded areas was a row of tables set up by various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Homes for All Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

The days speaking program was headlined by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, but featured surprise appearances from many other prominent political voices, including the states two U.S senators and three members of its congressional delegation.

Boston Police maintained a visible presence on the common, but stayed out of the crowds. The department did not make any arrests during the protest, a spokesman confirmed to MassLive Saturday afternoon.

A surprising number of those who gathered Saturday did so in costume, including John Hoyer, 63, of Lynn, who dressed as an inflatable lobster.

He explained the costumes were an effort to counter the narrative that the protesters were violent. Using humor is a major way to fight an authoritarian regime, he said.

The huge crowd filling the common, Hoyer said, makes my heart soar.

That was a common sentiment among protesters, who seemed to relish the opportunity to be surrounded by those who felt similarly to them.

Jessica Millet, 45, came from Bridgewater to see the crowds in the states largest city. Silence or sitting out the protest was not an option, she said.

That implies were OK with it, said Millet, who carried an American flag with her.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell called for leadership and action, telling the fired-up crowd that Massachusetts doesnt back down.

We are just getting started! she proclaimed.

While the crowd trended older, some parents brought their children, ranging from infants to teenagers.

Tiffany Glasier, 49, of Westborough, attended with her two children, Violet and Gunner Shimer, who are 16 and 14, respectively.

Gunner Shimer, who is trans, said they feared losing their rights.

Its crazy, Shimer said. Just let people be.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley said shes tired of people who carry a mouthful of scriptures but a heart full of hate.

Many of the politicians who spoke recounted Bostons revolutionary history.

Wu told the crowd, in Boston, every day is no kings day

Massachusetts has kicked out a king before, she noted, adding and wed do it again.

Joseph Hunt, 82, who was passing out flyers on behalf of Massachusetts Peace Action, which advocates for peaceful U.S. foreign policy actions, similarly recalled the citys role as a revolutionary hotspot.

This is democracy in action, he said. This is what matters.

Many protesters carried signs denouncing the administrations immigration crackdown, including many that mocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, which has detained thousands of people across the country since Trumps election.

Bob Keener, 69, of Needham, said the administrations unlawful deportations made his blood boil.

Virginia Pratt, 68, of Jamaica Plain, similarly pointed to ICE raids as a major concern.

This is not the America we envisioned, she said.

At one point, a crowd gathered around Soldiers and Sailors Monument began chanting, No ICE, no fear, immigrants are welcome here as a brass band played.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey called out the U.S. Supreme Court for giving a green light to racial profiling in our country.

There was no organized group of counter-protesters at the event, but a handful of Trump supporters still made their way to the event.

Laura Simpson, 52, of Cambridge, who wore a hat bearing Trumps Make America Great Again slogan, said those who opposed the president were crying like little babies every day.

We love our president, she said.

Shawn Nelson, 47, of Boston, who wore a vest with the American flag on it, urged the protesters to go home. They have no clue what theyre talking about, he said.

While most of those who gathered did so because of a distaste for the countrys direction under Trump, the mood was not dour.

Eileen Kurkoski, of Newton, who, like Pratt, is a member of the Womens International League for Peace and Freedom, said she believed the message coming from those gathered Saturday afternoon was strong.

I have hope, she said.

Perhaps no single member of the crowd embodied the festive atmosphere more than Jonah Philibert.

The 30-year-old from Foxborough walked around the park on stilts Saturday afternoon, which he said was an effort to create a spectacle.

This is the sort of thing that needs as much attention as possible, he said. This isnt the first and it wont be the last.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu addresses the crowd at the No Kings rally on Boston Common on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. John L. Micek/MassLive

The message to President Donald Trump, from the Bay States elected leaders, was about as unambiguous as it gets.

Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution, booted a king 250 years ago. If push comes to shove, it has no problem with history repeating itself.

And judging by the response from the tens of thousands of cheering spectators who gathered on Boston Common for Saturdays No Kings rally, Massachusetts is here for it.

In Boston, every day is No Kings Day, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said. Confronted by hecklers, she shrugged them off, saying, This is Boston, where every voice is heard.

Wu, who has clashed frequently and publicly with the Trump administration over its hardline immigration policies, told the crowd that Trump and Republicans attacked the states largest city because theyre afraid of what it symbolizes.

We stand here today to tell the Trump administration, when it comes to our freedoms, when it comes to our families, Boston doesnt back down, Wu told the crowd. What terrifies them about our city isnt just that we kicked out a king and we [can] do it again.

Its not just that our city is not for sale or that we run a government that actually delivers as a home for everyone and the safest major city in the country, she continued. Its not just that we empower our workers and stand with public employees instead of using them as political pawns. What scares them the most about Boston is that we are proof of the America they insist is impossible.

Saturdays rally, one of thousands of such gatherings across the country, and the second of Trumps administration, unfolded against the backdrop of a government shutdown thats dragging into its third week with no end in sight.

The deadlock over funding is now the third-longest ever shutdown, and members of the states congressional delegation, who made surprise appearances, had no problem assigning blame.

Patriots support free and fair elections, and when patriots elect a congresswoman from Arizona, we swear her in, U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, D-5th District, the second-ranking Democrat in the chamber, said.

Thats a reference to U.S. Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., who won a special election three weeks ago to a seat held by her late father. House Republicans have refused to swear her into office amid the shutdown.

If she takes her seat, Grijalva would provide Democrats with the support they need to force a vote on releasing the Epstein Files.

Blue States, such as Massachusetts, that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, have borne the brunt of the Republican White Houses scorn.

The Bay State has lost some $3.7 billion in federal support since the beginning of the year, recent state data show.

That came in the form of clawbacks from the White House and spending reductions included in the domestic policy mega-bill that Trump signed into law in July.

State Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell, whos joined with Democratic attorneys general nationwide in a blizzard of lawsuits trying to recover that money, touted her successes, but warned that the fight goes on.

Campbell, met with cheering from a fired-up crowd, said, they will keep on coming and we will keep on fighting ... If they come for Massachusetts, I say, bring it on.

When we march, when we organize, when we vote, Campbell said, we win.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, tells the crowd at the "No Kings" protest on the Boston Common, "Donald Trump is not a king. Donald Trump is a bully" on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (John L. Micek/MassLive)

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who took to the stage with fellow Democratic U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, accused Trump and his Republican allies on Capitol Hill of playing politics while the taxpayers paid the price.

They claim a No Kings rally is anti-American, Warren said. They are wrong. ... It is deeply American. It is patriotism. Standing up to a wannabe dictator, that is patriotism.

The No Kings movements organizers positioned Saturdays rally as a day of action in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, according to the No Kings organizations website.

Top Republicans, including Trump himself, saw the day very differently.

Its all the pro-Hamas wing and, you know, the Antifa people, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told Fox News in a recent interview.

Theyre all coming out. Some of the House Democrats are selling T-shirts for the event, and its being told to us that they wont be able to reopen the government until after that rally because they cant face their rabid base. I mean, this is serious business hurting real people. . . . Im beyond words, Johnson told the cable channel.

On Saturday, counter-demonstrators offered the same message.

Laura Simpson, 52, of Cambridge, who wore a MAGA hat, walked around Boston Common with three other Trump supporters. The protesters, she said, were crying like little babies every day.

We love our president, she said. These people are cooked.

Simpson denounced both Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who was not in attendance. She said Wu was a communist, and that Healey was even worse.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who followed Warren, dismissed that sentiment.

Donald Trump does not want to make America great again; he wants to make America hate again, the Malden pol said, adding that Bay State residents stand up for what is right.

We do not coronate  we liberate. We do not agonize  we organize," Markey said. " ... No kings. Not here. Not ever."

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, also offered a message of solidarity to the crowd.

The Boston Democrat said she was tired of people who carry a mouthful of scriptures but a heart full of hate.

Youre here because youre tired, but we draw strength from one another, she said.

The mood on the Common on Saturday was largely celebratory, with the intergenerational crowd apparently following organizers exhortations to gather peacefully and positively. Some even hoped that Republicans might listen to them.

I hope more people understand that were fighting for justice for all, Keri Fox, 53, of Reading, said. Its not just the people who are here today ... I hope the other side understands that we are a movement of sons and daughters, sisters, and brothers. We want whats best for everyone."

Kayla Lopez, 25, of Fitchburg, was also looking for some change to come out of the day, saying she wanted to open peoples eyes to whats going on.

And while the majority of Massachusetts pols who spoke Saturday were greeted warmly, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, who announced a primary challenge to Markey earlier this week, was not as lucky.

The Salem pol was greeted by boos and expletives from some rallygoers who had not forgotten his comments to The New York Times last year about transgender athletes.

Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face, Moulton told the newspaper in November 2024.

I have two little girls, I dont want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat Im supposed to be afraid to say that, Moulton said at the time.

That was more than Christina Knowles, a trans rights activist and lobbyist, was willing to take.

You sold out trans kids! [Expletive] you! Knowles, yelled from the crowd. You dont belong here, Seth Moulton, you traitor! Trans kids matter.
Jim, a 26-year-old from Texas, recently called into The Ramsey Show (1) with a financial crisis that defies logic: despite skyrocketing his income from $25,000 in 2022 to $195,000 this year, he and his 25-year-old wife are drowning in $500,000 of debt, and she doesn't know the full extent of it.

The couple's debt breakdown includes a $330,000 mortgage, $50,000 and $35,000 in vehicle loans and roughly $80,000 in credit card debt that Jim's wife may think is only $15,000 to $20,000.

Combined with Jim's wife's $55,000 salary, they're pulling in a quarter-million dollars annually  yet they're broke.

"What you're really asking," Dave Ramsey said, "Is 'how do I get my wife to get on a plan because our current plan sucks.'"

Must Read

The fatal flaw: Ignoring quarterly tax payments

The most glaring issue? Jim works as an independent contractor (1099), meaning no taxes are automatically withheld from his paychecks. He admitted he hasn't filed his 2024 taxes yet and already owes an estimated $25,000 from 2023, with thousands more due this year.

"Your tax lady sucks," Ramsey said. "How in the world are you making that kind of money and not doing quarterly estimates?"

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), self-employed people must typically make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more when their return is later filed. Each year is divided into four periods with a tax payment deadline. (2)

And the penalty for ignoring this requirement can be steep. Those who don't pay enough tax throughout the year may face a fine for underpaying.

Tax tips for beginners

If you're an independent contractor, like Jim, financial advisors recommend several beginner-friendly strategies for managing taxes.

For example, to figure out your quarterly payment estimate, use IRS worksheets to calculate it, or divide last year's taxes by four as a starting point. This can even potentially be automated to save yourself some time  just set it and forget it.

Another good practice is to create a solid record-keeping process from the get-go of both your annual income and expenses. An expense app to track receipts and other deductible expenses can help to streamline this.
Markets took a late-day gut punch on Oct. 14 after President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and threatened to terminate business with China having to do with cooking oil among other elements of trade in response to China slashing imports of U.S. soybeans in recent months. (1)

The social media post sent ripples across the stock market. Market watcher The Kobeissi Letter reported approximately $450 billion in market capitalization had been wiped from the S&P 500 in the minutes following the post. (2)

Must Read

But this momentary blip  from which the stock market has already recovered  wasnt so much a reflection of the cooking oil or soybean industries as it was an example of how swiftly investors can react to the words of influential figures. Especially one as powerful as Trump.

Politics of trade

China and the U.S. are presently at loggerheads with regard to trade, especially with Trump recently threatening to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, adding further tension to the situation.

So, when the president talks about trade policy with Americas biggest trading partner, even in passing, it has the ability to stir up the market. But that doesnt necessarily equate to an escalation in real terms.

Brad Setser, former U.S. trade official now with the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote on X: "So from 100% tariffs on all Chinese trade (in response to the rare earth/critical mineral export controls) to targeted sanctions on cooking oil? (3)

Definitely not escalatory." (4)

Read more: Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US  with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

Knowing all of this, can your average investor do anything to protect their portfolio from the politics of trade?

How investors can protect themselves

If your portfolio leans on global trade, you could start by looking at your exposure. Are any holdings tied to sectors under threat of tariffs? Pay close attention to them. If you choose to hold, large companies may be able to absorb more pain and be in a better position for success afterward.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Weeks of nationwide Gen Z protests in Madagascar sparked by power and water shortages escalated and led to a military coup that forced President Andry Rajoelina into exile. Army officer Col. Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new leader of the Indian Ocean nation.

The colonel is not the first in history to rise from the barracks to the presidential palace.

Here are five other famous military leaders who followed a similar trajectory:

Myanmar  Min Aung Hlaing

After decades of a gradual, deliberate ascent through the Myanmar military, Min Aung Hlaing was appointed joint chief of staff of the army, navy, and air force, the militarys third-highest position, in 2010. A year later, he was appointed commander-in-chief and would spend the next decade consolidating his power and influence.

Facing mandatory retirement in July 2021, Min Aung Hlaing seized power through a military coup in February that year, declaring a state of emergency, transferring all state power to himself and establishing a military government, the State Administration Council (SAC). Since then he has ruled Myanmar under various titles. The military government has announced plans to hold a general election by years end.

Uganda  Idi Amin

Idi Amin began his military career as a cook and served in the British colonial army. After Uganda's 1962 independence, he rose quickly through its military ranks under President Milton Obotes guidance to become commander of the army. In January 1971, Obote was in Singapore for a Commonwealth summit when Amin took control in a military coup. Obote fled to neighboring Tanzania after the coup, which was the result of the two mens growing political and personal animosity.

Ugandans initially welcomed Amins rise to power, as he promised to release political prisoners and restore democracy. However, his regime rapidly descended into a brutal dictatorship characterized by violence and human rights abuses.

Amin was himself overthrown in April 1979 by an invasion force composed of the Tanzanian military and Ugandan rebels.

Turkey  Kenan Evren

Kenan Evren began his military career as an officer from a military academy, rising through the ranks over several decades until he reached the highest rank of general, serving as the chief of the general staff. He led a military coup in Turkey in September 1980 after months of violence between left-wing and right-wing militants that nearly brought the country to civil war.

The leader of the coup took over the presidency and then rewrote the constitution to guarantee the militarys political power. The military dissolved Parliament and ruled through a National Security Council, which Evren was the head of, effectively running the country as a dictator.

His period of sole military rule ended when he formally assumed the title of the seventh president of Turkey in November 1982, after a new constitution was approved by referendum, and he served until November 1989.

In 2012, he was put on trial for leading the coup and later sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes against the state.

Ghana  Jerry Rawlings

Jerry Rawlings rose to power through two military coups, first in June 1979 and then in December 1981, before transitioning to a democratically elected president.

Rawlings, a pilot in the Ghanaian Air Force, became well-known for the successful first coup he led. He briefly held the position of ruler of Ghana before ceding it.

In a second coup in 1981, he toppled the civilian government and commanded the Provisional National Defense Council military dictatorship in the early 1990s. Following the drafting of a new constitution in 1992, he was democratically elected as president and held office for two four-year terms, from January 1993 to January 2001.

His legacy is complex, with both praise for his economic reforms and criticism for human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances.

Chile  Augusto Pinochet

Augusto Pinochet was a career military officer who had risen through the ranks and was appointed commander-in-chief of the army by Chile President Salvador Allende in August 1973. The following month, Allende, the democratically elected socialist president, was overthrown in a bloody military coup led by Pinochet. The military surrounded and bombed the presidential palace, La Moneda, where Allende remained until his death by suicide.

In the aftermath, the military imposed a junta where Pinochet emerged to establish himself as its single head before instituting a cruel, 17-year dictatorship. Until 1990, Chileans lived in a period marked by systematic human rights abuses and the implementation of radical free-market economic policies.
CAIRO (AP)  Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Saturday raided a U.N. facility in Yemens capital, Sanaa, a U.N. official said, but all staff were reported to be safe.

Jean Alam, a spokesman for the U.N. resident coordinator for Yemen, said Houthi security forces entered the U.N. compound in Sanaa. He told The Associated Press there were 15 U.N. international staff members in the facility at the time of the raid, and that according to latest information all staff in the compound are safe and accounted for and have contacted their families.

The rebels also raided U.N. offices in Sanaa on Aug. 31 and detained 19 employees, according to the U.N. They later released the deputy director of the UNICEF office in the country but still hold more than 50 people, including many associated with aid groups, civil society and the now-closed U.S. Embassy in Sanaa.

The United Nations is taking all necessary measures and is in contact with the relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure the safety and security of all personnel and property, Alam said, referring to Saturday's raid.

Another U.N. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the raid, said the building is operated by the U.N. The employees belong to multiple U.N. agencies including the World Food Program, UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the official said.

A spokesman for the Houthis didnt answer phone calls seeking a comment.

The Houthis have alleged without evidence that the U.N. staffers detained in August were spies  something fiercely denied by the world body and others.

In a televised speech Thursday, the Houthis' secretive leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, claimed that they detained one of the most dangerous espionage cells which he said was affiliated with organizations working in the humanitarian field, notably the World Food Program and UNICEF. He didnt offer evidence.

Accusations such as these are dangerous and unacceptable, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said of the Houthi remarks. They seriously jeopardize the safety of U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers and undermine life-saving operations.

Saturdays raid was the latest in a long-running Houthi crackdown against the U.N. and other international organizations working in rebel-held areas in Yemen. The crackdown forced the U.N. to suspend its operations in the Houthi stronghold of Saada province in northern Yemen following the detention of eight staffers in January. The U.N. also relocated its top humanitarian coordinator in Yemen from Sanaa to the coastal city of Aden, which serves as seat for the internationally recognized government.

Yemen has plunged into civil war in 2014, when the Houthis seized Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, forcing the internationally recognized government into exile.

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia and including the United Arab Emirates intervened the following year in an attempt to restore the government. The war has been stalemated in recent years, and the rebels reached a deal with Saudi Arabia that stopped their attacks on the kingdom in return for ceasing the Saudi-led strikes on their territories.
The Army is overhauling how it fights in combat based on lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where drones have become the dominant weapon on the battlefield.

The service is rethinking tank tactics, procurement systems, and unit structures as inexpensive drones prove more effective than traditional platforms. War Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a directive in July ordering every Army squad to be equipped with unmanned systems by the end of 2026.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said at a June testimony to Congress that technology is changing too rapidly to stick with large programs that take years to develop and can become obsolete once fielded.

Drones Eliminate Concealment on the Battlefield

Ukraine's widespread use of surveillance drones has eliminated traditional cover and concealment on the battlefield, forcing the Army to reconsider decades of infantry and armor tactics.

Drones account for approximately 70 percent of Russian casualties in Ukraine, according to the Modern War Institute at West Point. Both sides use drones constantly for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and direct attacks.

Speaking with NBC News, Ed Arnold, a European security expert at the Royal United Services Institute, said, There's nowhere to hide on the modern battlefield. He added that using drones to spot targets is one of the most important lessons from Ukraine, particularly for calling in artillery strikes.

Recognizing this reality, the Army is flooding its formations with unmanned systems at an unprecedented scale. Col. Joshua Glonek, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, said his unit employed more drones during their January 2025 rotation in Germany than have ever been brought to a combat training center before.

The brigade fielded 144 experimental drones across the formation during the exercise, hoping to improve the Army's reconnaissance and target acquisition capabilities. Soldiers also trained on how to counter enemy drones using new systems such as jammers.

U.S. and British soldiers test counter-drone jamming technology at a training area in Poland. The Army is learning from Ukraine's experience, where electronic warfare and jamming have become critical to defeating enemy drones on the modern battlefield (U.S. Army photo).

Inexpensive Drones Destroying Costly Tanks

But surveillance is only half the problem. These same drones are also upending the economic costs of warfare.

Russian FPV and 'kamikaze' drones, costing around $400 each, have destroyed several M1 Abrams tanks worth $8 million to $10 million per unit.

In some sectors of the war in Ukraine, similar direct-attack drones have been responsible for up to 90 percent of Russian vehicle losses.

In Operation Spiderweb in June, Ukraine used up to 117 FPV drones to strike five Russian airbases, hitting 41 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22 strategic bombers and causing an estimated $7 billion in damage, according to Ukrainian officials.

The scale of destruction has convinced Army leaders that the United States needs its own mass production capability. The U.S. Army expects to domestically produce upward of 10,000 small drones each month starting in 2026, DefenseScoop reported.

A U.S. Army soldier retrieves a reconnaissance drone during a live-fire exercise in Bulgaria, August 2025. In Europe, every Army unit rotating through the continent now receives company-level training on drones, including live-fire exercises (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Breanna Bradford).

Ukraine's New Procurement System

The Army is also studying how Ukraine gets drones from the factory to the front.

The Ukrainian government has created a digital procurement system called Brave1 that allows commanders at the front to order drones directly from manufacturers, with delivery in as little as a week.

Senior military officers at a U.S. base in Wiesbaden, Germany, studied Ukraine's system, where front-line units can browse a digital marketplace and order equipment as easily as shopping online. Ukraine's Ministry for Digital Transformation oversees Brave1, which lists hundreds of drones and other equipment for immediate purchase.

Ukrainian drone units document their strikes and earn points based on the value of targets destroyed. They can redeem those points to order more advanced drones on the Brave1 marketplace, according to Time magazine. A destroyed Russian tank earns 40 points, while a multiple-rocket launcher is worth up to 50 points, incentivizing Ukrainian soldiers to destroy enemy units.

Ukrainian drone workshops can also provide emergency repairs in hours rather than days or weeks, keeping systems operational at the fronta capability U.S. officials are hoping to replicate.

We're going to have to be more agile," Gen. George said. "Drones are going to constantly change.

Reconnaissance drones displayed at a U.S. Army airfield in Germany. The Army is equipping every squad with unmanned systems by the end of 2026 as drones reshape modern warfare (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Bailey).

Tanks Shift to Support Role

The drone threat is also forcing a fundamental rethinking of how the Army's heaviest platforms operate on the battlefield.

Speaking on the War on the Rocks podcast, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll explained that the amount of sensors on the battlefield means commanders can no longer push tanks as far forward in formations as they used to because inexpensive drones can take them out.

Driscoll called for tank battalions to become "a lot leaner," limiting their exposure to aerial threats. Going forward, the Army plans to deploy drones ahead of armored units to identify threats and clear pathways.

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy tank losses from drone strikes during the war. The Army is exploring using drones to lead initial assaults, allowing tanks to provide firepower from defended positions rather than spearheading attacks.

Following the halting of the M10 Booker Light Tank program, the Army is hoping to redesign the Abrams to make it lighter, have a remote-controlled turret, and add better protection from drone threats. A disabled Abrams currently requires two recovery vehicles to extract it from the battlefield, a disaster waiting to happen with drones circulating overhead.

U.S. Army Spc. Basil Holland attaches a munition dropper to a drone during training in Germany, October 2025. The Army is reorganizing infantry battalions to fight drone-first battles, creating specialized units that use unmanned systems to find and kill the enemy before traditional ground forces make contact (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Collin Mackall).

Army Creates Drone-Led Strike Units

Beyond protecting tanks, the Army is creating entirely new formations built around drones as the primary weapon system.

The Army is reorganizing its infantry battalions to fight drone-first battles, creating specialized units that use unmanned systems to find and kill the enemy before traditional ground forces make contact.

The 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade recently created and tested three strike companies with 80 soldiers each, designed to operate ahead of battalions. Each company includes a scout platoon, mortar platoon, and drone platoon with squads to fly surveillance drones, loitering munitions, and counter-drone systems.

The 3rd Brigade now fields Anduril Ghost drones that can fly for more than an hour, PDW C100 reconnaissance systems, and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions that use the same warhead as the Javelin anti-tank missile. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division now fly drones with 3D-printed parts, while troops from the 10th Mountain Division also carry Skydio X2D systems in their rucksacks.

Hegseth wrote in his July directive that lethality will not be hindered by self-imposed restrictions, especially when it comes to technology the U.S. invented but was slow to pursue. Drone technology is advancing so rapidly, our major risk is risk-avoidance, Hegseth wrote.

U.S. Army Spc. Zachary Bartlett operates a PDW C-100 reconnaissance drone during a live-fire exercise in Bulgaria, August 2025. The 101st Airborne Division now fields C-100 systems alongside Anduril Ghost drones and Switchblade loitering munitions as part of the Army's transformation to drone-first warfare (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Breanna Bradford).

What it Means for the Soldiers on the Ground

All these changesadvanced procurement systems, reorganized units, new tacticsultimately come down to individual soldiers learning entirely new skills.

The Army's drone transformation will fundamentally change what it means to be an infantryman. By the end of 2026, every squad will carry small drones alongside rifles and radios as standard equipment.

Soldiers are already learning these new skills. The Army launched its first official drone course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in August, teaching troops to fly, build, and repair drones in combat. The three-week course includes 20 to 25 hours of simulated flying using video game-style controllers, followed by hands-on training with live systems. Students learn to manufacture drone parts using 3D printers and computer-aided design softwareskills critical for keeping systems operational in the field.

This is a catch-up, Capt. Rachel Martin, the course director, said in an Army release. We're behind globally, and this is our aggressive attempt to close that gap.

Col. Nick Ryan, who oversees drone integration for the Army, told CNN the goal is for soldiers to treat drones as if it was their personal weapon, their radio, their night-vision goggles or a grenade. He added: That it's just something they're so used to and so familiar with, that it's just part of their standard kit that they take with them everywhere they go.

Training is expanding rapidly across the force. In Europe, every Army unit rotating through the continent receives company-level training on drones, including live-fire exercises. At Fort Bliss, Texas, soldiers practice flying drones through hanging tires and doorways in an FPV gym, then guide them into cardboard replicas of enemy armored vehicles.

The changes mean today's soldiers must master skills that didn't exist in military doctrine five years agobut the Army believes those skills could save their lives on a future battlefield.
Dear Eric: Should I tell a coworker that many of her workmates are criticizing her as selfish and self-centered? She got married a year ago but didnt go on a honeymoon then because the couple, who are both in their 40s, had just returned from two weeks in Europe.

Now theyve decided they want a dream honeymoon at a luxury resort. To pay for it theyve created an account on a crowd-funding honeymoon website and are letting everyone know theyd like it if wed all chip in. The items she wants include airfare, a rental car, side trips, resort fees and cash starting at $75.

I gave her a nice wedding gift a year ago, as did many of our coworkers. Were modestly paid teachers and a trip to South America is well beyond our budgets.

Shes let it be known that shes disappointed that were stingy and thus shes nowhere near her goal.

Behind her back, people are criticizing her as being clueless and bad-mannered, both for asking us to pay for her delayed honeymoon and then criticizing us for not being more generous.

I dont want to say anything to her (or give her money). But I fear that if I dont tell her no one will, and shell have no idea why shes at risk of losing friends.

Would it be a kindness to say something? And if so, what should I say? Or should I take the easy route and keep quiet?

Fellow Teacher

Dear Teacher: My goodness, was there a sale at the audacity store? I wonder where some people get it. Its perfectly fine to make it easy for people to give gifts and show their love, but its inappropriate, and rude, to criticize people for not ponying up the dough, especially when a gift has already been given. Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.

Sheesh.

While it would be kind to tell her that others are chafing at her request, I cant help but wonder how useful it would be, considering that neither insight nor common sense were listed on her registry. Instead of taking on the burden of communicating the groups negative feelings, consider just talking to her about how youre feeling. If you decide that this is a relationship you want to salvage, tell her that youre happy for her, but it rubs you the wrong way to be called stingy for not giving her a second gift. As a friend, hopefully she can listen and adjust her attitude.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.

2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MLive file photo of a police cruiser with its lights on. (Alyte Katilius | MLive.com) Alyte Katilius | MLive.com

GROSSE POINTE PARK, MI - A local elderly woman with dementia from the Detroit area has been found safe after missing for over 4 hours.

Denise Mullen, an 83-year-old living in Grosse Pointe Park, was reported missing around 3:20 p.m. on Oct. 18 in the 700 Block of Gran Marais, police said.

Mullen told her caregiver she wanted to go to her other family home in Erie, Pennsylvania. This is where she ended up being located around 8 p.m., police said.

She initially left in a blue 2021 Acura with Pennsylvania registration. Her cellphone was off, she had not driven in a year and the family had not been in contact with her, according to police.

The 83-year-old was last seen wearing a light teal blue jacket and black pants. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, weighs about 145 pounds and is 58.
Electric vehicle owners will pay an additional $100 annually while gas vehicle taxes remain effectively unchanged. Pictured is a 2025 Rivian R1S electric utility vehicle sits on display outside a Costco warehouse Sept. 28, 2025, in Sheridan, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) AP

Editors note: This story was corrected to indicate there are about 110,000 registered electric and hybrid vehicles in Michigan, not 11,000.

Electric vehicle owners in Michigan will soon see significantly higher annual registration fees thanks to the states new road-funding plan.

EV registration will cost an additional $100 annually, or an 63% increase, bringing the fee to $260 before accounting for the standard vehicle registration cost. Combined, this could cost some owners more than $400.

The change moves Michigan from the middle of the pack up to a two-way tie for the nations highest EV taxes, according to the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (MEIBC).

One casualty of the rushed road funding deal is fairness in how Michigan treats its drivers, said Sophia Schuster, policy principal for MEIBC. She called it a likely unintended consequence.

By raising EV fees to the highest in the country, the state is discouraging adoption and signaling to automakers that Michigan is not serious about leading in transportation electrification.

Related: Michigan finally has its road funding solution. Heres what to know.

Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the legislature agreed to remove sales tax from fuel and apply a matching increase to the fuel tax. That means drivers will pay the same amount of taxes at the pump, but more of that revenue will go to the transportation fund.

However, state law requires an increase of $5 to the EV registration fee, and an increase of $2.50 to a hybrid vehicle registration, per 1 cent raise of the states gas tax. So while drivers of gas-powered vehicles will pay the same amount after the tax change, EV and hybrid drivers will pay more.

Schuster said EV drivers on average were already paying about $20 more per year into roads than their peers who drive gas-powered vehicles. She noted studies that say otherwise tend not to compare apples to apples.

When you take dollars spent per gallon, the entire gas tax and wholesale tax, yes, internal combustion engine drivers were technically paying more wholistically, Schuster said. However, when you break it down into whats being contributed to roads from those dollars, theyre not.

Last month, Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, proposed changing state law to reduce EV and hybrid registration fee increases tied to the fuel tax.

Under Senate Bill 593, a plug-in hybrid vehicles annual fee would increase 94 cents for every cent the fuel tax increased above 19 cents per gallon. For EV, the increase would be $1.88 per 1 cent of fuel tax.

The Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council favors the Senate proposal. Schuster said it would maintain prior EV taxes, while only reducing state revenue by about $10 million.

As of June, there were about 110,000 battery and hybrid-plug electric vehicles registered in Michigan, according to MEIBC.

In addition to saving money for EV owners, advocates say removing roadblocks to clean mobility could have positive benefits for Michigans power grid and expanding infrastructure.

Singhs bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Sept. 25, where it remained as of Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Bath Township police have identified three people killed in a plane crash on Thursday, Oct. 16, near Lansing. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

CLINTON COUNTY, MI  Police have identified two pilots and a mechanic who died in a plane crash near Lansing.

Those killed in the Oct. 16 crash were identified as pilots Rodolfo Pimentel Zamora, 50, and Francisco del moral Jimenez, 55, and mechanic Alvaro Espejo Javier Rodriguez, 69. All three were from Mexico.

Bath Township police noted that these are not positive identifications, as DNA testing is required and will take several weeks.

Investigators worked in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate office in Detroit and the medical examiners office at University of Michigan Health Sparrow Hospital to make identifications.

Emergency crews first responded Oct. 16 to a report of a small aircraft that crashed near the intersection of Clark and Peacock roads in Bath Township, east of Lansing.

The Hawker 800XP, a business jet, was on a test flight following scheduled maintenance when it crashed.

Staff for Duncan Aviation, an aviation maintenance company with a location at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field, previously said the aircraft was on a test flight following scheduled maintenance completed by Duncan.

The cause of the crash is not yet known.

Duncan Aviation leaders said none of the people killed were Duncan employees. The pilots and maintenance representative worked for the customer having the plane serviced.

The crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.
A Flint water tower is seen on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at the City of Flint Water Plant in Flint. Ayrton Breckenridge | MLive.com

FLINT, MI - Residents in Genesee County are preparing for several developments this fall, from the upcoming distribution of Flint water settlement letters to six weeks of single-lane closures on I-69, along with other local news shaping the community.

Here are recent Flint-area headlines you missed.

Ice cream shop owners become campus mom and dad at UM-Flint

What began as a food truck serving hand-scooped ice cream has turned into a warm refuge for students at the University of MichiganFlint.

When Elena Hernandez purchased Happy Camper Ice Cream in March 2023, she didnt just want to sell desserts  she wanted to create a place that felt like home.

By August of that year, she and her partner, Erick Lawson, moved the business into the UM-Flint cafeteria, transforming it into a hub for ice cream, brunch, and comfort food.

The pair work with Guernsey Farms Dairy in Northville to serve rich, Michigan-made ice cream, offering everything from nostalgic sundaes and ice cream nachos to milkshakes and hand-scooped flavors  but no soft serve.

Read more here.

Expect six weeks of single-lane closures on I-69 in Genesee County

Drivers heading east or west on I-69 in Genesee County could face slowdowns during the next six weeks because of single-lane closures by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

MDOT said in an advisory that the closures are expected to start on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and continue through Nov. 26 between I-75 and Morrish Road.

The closures are needed to build crossovers ahead of $33.3 million in bridge improvement work thats expected in the area during the next two years, according to the announcement.

Read more here.

Flint water settlement payment letters now expected in November, officials say

Genesee County Chairman Delrico Loyd said Flint water settlement fund payment letters are scheduled to be released beginning in November.

More than 25,000 individuals will receive payment letters for their portion of a $626 million water crisis settlement. The letters will inform recipients how they can redeem their payments.

Loyd called the news a breakthrough for a community that has continued to bear the scars of the Flint Water Crisis.

We must remain deeply mindful that no amount of financial restitution can undo the irreversible harm done to our people, Loyd wrote in a letter to the community.

Read more here.

It breathes: Michigan community pumping new life into historic mill building

Its face shows its age.

Curled white paint tells a thousand stories without saying a word.

Groans come unabated, expressing wear and tear over the years.

Twists and leans can be found in its bones, but it still stands tall.

It does creak and squeak, said Pete Maas, president of the Linden Mills Historical Society and Museum. It breathes.

A crowd stood and sat outside the Linden Mills building on a sunny Tuesday morning, as efforts got underway to pump new life into the more 150-year-old building in the quaint Genesee County community.

Read more here.

3 Grand Blanc council seats up for grabs on Nov. 4 ballot

A field of five candidates are in the running for three council seats in the city of Grand Blanc.

The Nov. 4 ballot in the Genesee County community includes three incumbents, Andrew Nyquist, Chris Carr and Norm Williams, as well as candidates Madeleine Doan and Danen Williams.

A four-year term awaits the top three vote getters in the city council race.

Voters in Grand Blanc will also decide on Board of Review members.

Read more here.
FLINT, MI - Armstrong Middle Schools students and staff are enjoying a fresh space thanks to a $1.4 million renovation of the schools media center, a project funded through a combination of the 2022 bond and the districts capital projects account.

The newly redesigned media center, which spans 31,207 square feet, is more than just a library. It features a versatile central area that can host full staff meetings, board gatherings, or student activities.

It will officially open to students and staff toward the end of October.

Movable tables allow the space to adapt to different learning and collaborative needs, while technology upgrades include two smartboards, TVs, and interactive projectors. A student-run cafe is also part of the space, offering hands-on experience for those interested in entrepreneurship.

From left to right: Eighth-grader Victorian Davis, 13, sixth-graders Kylee Chambers, 10, and Colin Hood, 11 and eighth-grader Chasyn Millard, 13, all sit together in the new media center at Armstrong Middle School for their first time in the facility. (Jake May | MLive.com)

Four students who toured the center were immediately impressed. Sixth-grader Kylee Chambers, 10, called it a giant, wide open space that could be used for a lot of things including computer classes and school clubs.

Sixth-grader Colin Hood, 11, said his favorite feature is simply to lay on the couches.

Eighth-graders shared equally positive reactions.

Victoriah Davis, 13, appreciates the quiet areas:

Its very important to me because I have sensitivity to noise and it helps me, she said.

Chasyn Millard, also 13, said, Its way more presentable than the one before. I look forward to doing science experiments in here.

Superintendent Paul Gaudard emphasized the importance of the space.

This is an incredibly versatile learning space, he said. It was important to get this done because of the impact it would have on every student every day. Were not preparing kids for careers sitting at a cubicle anymore. Things look a lot different in the way people work and learn, and were trying to capitalize on that.

Take a first look inside of Armstrong Middle Schools $1.4 million renovation of the schools media center, a project funded through a combination of the 2022 Bond and the districts Capital Projects account. The newly redesigned media center, which spans 31,207 square feet, is more than just a library. It features a versatile central area that can host full staff meetings, board gatherings, or student activities. Movable tables allow the space to adapt to different learning and collaborative needs, while technology upgrades include two smartboards, TVs, and interactive projectors. (Jake May | MLive.com)

Principal Project Lisa Oetting added, It gives students a feel of working in a college or business setting. It brings the outside world into the school, with flexible seating opportunities and different types of learning opportunities  not just sitting at a desk.

The media center also maintains a library, a feature Gaudard said the district was determined to preserve.

One big thing is we did not want to get rid of our library, he said. Which is hard these days because we have classroom libraries now, and kids can access things on their Chromebooks. But we had the space, and this is the route we went.

Take a first look inside of Armstrong Middle Schools $1.4 million renovation of the schools media center, a project funded through a combination of the 2022 Bond and the districts Capital Projects account. The newly redesigned media center, which spans 31,207 square feet, is more than just a library. It features a versatile central area that can host full staff meetings, board gatherings, or student activities. Movable tables allow the space to adapt to different learning and collaborative needs, while technology upgrades include two smartboards, TVs, and interactive projectors. (Jake May | MLive.com)

The facilitys design also reflects school pride, with Hornets-themed carpet and a capacity to accommodate about 100 students.

This project follows other significant investments in Kearsley schools. Kearsley High School recently unveiled a $17 million, 70,000-square-foot recreation center, aimed at enhancing the student experience and serving the local community. The facility provides cutting-edge equipment and ample space for a variety of activities. Though housed in a separate building, it is physically connected to the high school, allowing it to benefit both students and the broader community.

Take a first look inside of Armstrong Middle Schools $1.4 million renovation of the schools media center, a project funded through a combination of the 2022 Bond and the districts Capital Projects account. The newly redesigned media center, which spans 31,207 square feet, is more than just a library. It features a versatile central area that can host full staff meetings, board gatherings, or student activities. Movable tables allow the space to adapt to different learning and collaborative needs, while technology upgrades include two smartboards, TVs, and interactive projectors. (Jake May | MLive.com)

With its new media center, Armstrong Middle School is providing students with a versatile environment designed to prepare them for 21st-century learning and careers.

One of the things we hear from employers is kids have to know how to collaborate and be versatile. This space helps make that possible, Gaudard said.
Bitcoin ETF outflows, bank contagion, and more! Heres your weekly roundup. It took America 9 months to become a third-world country  or maybe America has been a third world country since 2008?

Seems like the US is steamrolling its way into doing all the actual bad things that the communist era Russia and China did.

Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $536M in daily net outflows on Thursday, their largest since August 1, according to SoSoValue. Outflows hit eight of the twelve funds, led by ARKB with $275M and Fidelitys FBTC with $132M, as investors moved to the sidelines amid macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Here are three news stories from the week you need to know:

1. Institutional Flows Flash Red as Traders Deleverage From Bitcoin ETF

The outflows in mirror rising investor caution following one of cryptos biggest liquidation events this year: more than $20Bn in leveraged positions erased after Trumps announcement of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports.

Moreover, bank contagion risks have flared up, adding further pressure:

Ethereum ETFs saw $56.9 Mn in withdrawals the same day, reversing a brief two-day inflow streak.

The $536 million in net outflows primarily reflects a sharp surge in investor risk aversion, said Nick Ruck, Director at LVRG Research.

EXPLORE: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025

2. Market Data Points to Caution, Not Collapse

CoinGecko data shows Bitcoin trading near $$104,747, down -6.1% over the week, while total crypto market capitalization has fallen to $4.1Tn.

Trading volume remains muted as investors wait for next weeks Core CPI, Core PPI, and jobs data trifecta, all of which could steer risk appetite heading into November.

EXPLORE: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025

3. SEC Chair Pushes for a US Crypto Revival

And lets end things with one spark og good news! With capital fleeing overseas and crypto innovation shifting to Asia, SEC Chair Paul Atkins admitted the US is a decade behind. Speaking on October 16, he outlined plans to transform the SEC into an innovation hub and offer startups limited exemptions to test blockchain products without facing immediate enforcement.

Atkins also praised Asias superapps that blend payments, trading, and banking, arguing the US needs similar integration and coordination between the SEC and CFTC. The message was clear: bring capital home.

EXPLORE: Now That the Bull Run is Dead, Will Powell Do Further Rate Cuts?

Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates

Read original story Weekly Roundup: Bitcoin ETF Outflows Signal Risk Reset as SEC Chair Pledges to Revive U.S. Crypto Innovation by Isaiah Mccall at 99bitcoins.com
K9 Soka, a new German shorthair mix with the Kent County Sheriffs Office, got loose from his handler while in Lake County on Sunday, Oct. 19. Photo provided by Kent County Sheriff's Office

LAKE COUNTY, MI  Authorities are asking the public to keep an eye out for a police K9 that escaped from its handler on Sunday, Oct. 19.

K9 Soka, a new German shorthair mix with the Kent County Sheriffs Office, got loose from his handler while in Irons. The town is located in Lake County, about 100 miles north of Grand Rapids.

The dog is trained in narcotics detection, is microchipped, and is wearing a collar with identification. Police say he is friendly and may approach people if called.

The dog was last seen about one-and-a-half miles southwest of Peacock Township Hall in the Manistee National Forest.

Lake County sheriffs deputies are assisting with the ground search while the Kent County Sheriffs Office has deployed a drone to the area.

If you see or locate K9 Soka, police ask you to secure him if possible and contact your local sheriffs office or Lake County Central Dispatch at 231-745-2711.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  The Jackson County Solar Project, a 125-megawatt collection of several fields of panels across different properties, is nearing completion.

The project spans 1,400 acres of land split into eight areas along Callahan Road from West Michigan Avenue to Devereaux Road in Parma Township near Jackson Countys western border with Calhoun County.

Contractors were hard at work last week to bring the sprawling project to life. The clustered rows of arrays are situated on multiple properties that are spread across former farmland in western Jackson County, with wetlands set aside for preservation as habitats for native animals like the endangered Eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

Once completed, the solar farm will generate enough electricity to power more than 33,000 homes while eliminating 161,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Construction began in early 2024 with site preparation and environmental considerations required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
A wedding reception at Bay Citys DoubleTree Hotel was marred by a guests beating and robbery. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI  A wedding reception at Bay Citys DoubleTree Hotel was marred by a guests beating and robbery.

Meanwhile, a new restaurant is bringing freshly made lemonade and smash burgers to the south end.

Those stories and more are included below in this weeks roundup of Bay County headlines.

Wedding reception at Bay Citys DoubleTree Hotel marred by guests beating, robbery

Two Bay City men are accused of beating and robbing a wedding guest in the parking lot of downtowns DoubleTree hotel.

About 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, police responded to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1 Wenonah Park Place, for a fight in the parking lot. The North Carolina woman who called 911 said a man was lying unconscious on the ground and a red Chevrolet sedan containing two assailants was leaving.

Officers arrived to find a 53-year-old Lapeer man on his back in the lot with a large amount of blood on his face, head, and clothing. The injured man regained consciousness and told officers he was at the hotel for a wedding, according to their reports.

Read the full story here.

New restaurant brings freshly made lemonade, smash burgers to Bay City

A refreshingly handmade lemonade shop has landed in the South End.

Pair a cup with a smash burger, Wisconsin cheese curds or fried ravioli, and youll know youre at the right place.

Detroit Lemon Squeeze Eatori, once a well-known food truck, has moved into a brick and mortar building.

Read the full story here.

Bay City neighborhood may be able to keep its Halloween tradition alive with help from city commissioners

It was about noon when Chris Runberg parked his car along the curb on South Chilson Street. When he got out, the sun shining brightly onto his plaid paperboy hat, round glasses and gray hooded sweatshirt, it wasnt long before someone opened their front door to shout, Hello.

Any news? a woman asked Runberg, Bay Citys 7th ward city commissioner, through her storm door.

The resident, Wendi Garcia, walked onto her front porch, careful to close the door behind her. A dog stood up on its hind legs and whined through the window, wanting to join her outside.

Read the full story here.

Bay County election guide 2025: What voters need to know for Nov. 4

Dont look now, but another election season is upon us.

Voters in parts of Bay County will have the opportunity Tuesday, Nov. 4, to cast their votes to determine who will be seated in various local offices. There are no ballot proposals in any Bay County municipality for the November 2025 election.

Below is a roundup of races, including some unopposed ones, in Bay County. The following list is based on information provided by the Bay County Clerks Office.

Read the full story here.

M-30 bridge in Sanford reopens after $7.3M improvement project

The M-30 bridge over US-10 in Sanford has reopened after a $7.3 million reconstruction project, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials announced Monday, Oct. 13.

MDOT reopened the bridge to traffic on Monday after M-30 had been closed at US-10 during the infrastructure improvement work. The new bridge provides drivers with a safer, more reliable structure to replace the previous span, officials said.

The reconstructed bridge features a 14-foot-wide separated nonmotorized path on the west side of the structure, designed for future pathway connections that will benefit pedestrians and cyclists.

Read the full story here.

Midland man charged with fatally shooting girlfriend in drunken squabble

A Midland man is accused of drunkenly shooting his girlfriend in a squabble over a gun.

Chepard M. Hompstead, 24, on Monday, Oct. 13, appeared before Midland County District Magistrate Gerald J. Ladwig for arraignment on single counts of involuntary manslaughter and careless discharge of a firearm causing injury or death, along with two counts of felony firearm.

The charges stem from the death of 25-year-old Shayla C. Goretcki, who previously resided in Linwood and attended Pinconning High School.

Read the full story here.
Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie, second from left, celebrates with, from left to right, Albert Johansson, Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin after scoring his first career goal during the second period Sunday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) AP

DETROIT  Dylan Larkin became the Detroit Red Wings all-time leader in games played by an American-born player on Sunday, and he celebrated in style.

Larkin scored a pair of goals and assisted both of Emmitt Finnies goals  the first two of his career -- in a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at Little Caesars Arena.

The Red Wings (5-1-0) have won five in a row, all against top competition.

John Gibson made 16 saves for back-to-back wins.

The Red Wings held superstar Connor McDavid off the scoring sheet and the Oilers dropped to 2-3-1.

Larkin has recorded at least one point in each of the first six games and has 11 points (five goals, six assists).

The Red Wings protected a one-goal lead after Leon Draistail scored at 7:33 of the third period to cut Edmontons deficit to 3-2.

Finnie sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal.

The action picked up in the second period following a scoreless and uneventful first.

Larkin fired in a one-timer from the slot at 8:51 off a saucer pass from Ben Chiarot. Larkin won the faceoff from McDavid and quickly positioned himself in the slot.

Finnie made it 2-0 at 11:54. He was in the right position at the right time, at the net front, to bang in the rebound of Jacob Bernard-Dockers shot.

The Oilers quickly got one back on Noah Philps redirection from the slot at 12:25.

Larkin made it 3-1 at 17:05 with a shot that appeared to glance off Mattias Ekholms skate, while Finnie was parked at the net front.

Lucas Raymond returned to the lineup after missing two games with an upper-body injury. Patrick Kane sat out due to an upper-body injury (no time frame yet for his return).

The Red Wings visit the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., TNT), their sixth of seven games against an Atlantic Division opponent.
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Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com.

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Bihar elections: Seat pact still elusive, Mahagathbandhan at odds on CM face as well?

After rounds of endless negotiations, the main opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) in Bihar was unable to finalise its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming assembly elections. If the lack of consensus on seat-sharing wasn't a major hurdle going ahead, the bloc reportedly has another major electioneering test --

Tejashwi Yadavs projection as CM face. While a few leaders in Bihar Congress have reportedly stated that the RJD leader is the CM face, the collective official weight of a Congress declaration is conspicuously missing.
Bihar elections: Seat pact still elusive, Mahagathbandhan at odds on CM face as well?

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Key Points

Oracle held an Investor Day for analysts yesterday.

At the event, Oracle increased its already robust long-term guidance.

However, investors apparently sold the news as they ascribed some risk to the company's ambitious 2030 targets.

10 stocks we like better than Oracle 

Shares of database and cloud giant Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) plunged as much as 8.1% on Friday, before recovering slightly to a 6.9% decline on the day.

Oracle held an analyst-attended Investor Day presentation yesterday, where the company clarified some of its long-term targets. While the guidance to 2030 was fairly impressive, it appears investors are "selling the news" after the stock's tremendous gains over the past couple of months.

Oracle lives up to some of the hype, but investors wanted more

In the presentation, Oracle gave some more detail around its cloud infrastructure growth and margins out over the long term. Oracle's cloud growth has been a subject of some debate, especially after the company announced a massive 359% growth in its cloud RPO in September to $455 billion, with the majority of that growth coming from a single contract with OpenAI.

Some were skeptical about that projection, as well as the margins on the project, given the huge customer concentration around OpenAI, with one analyst noting that Oracle was only making a 14% gross margin on its cloud infrastructure services today.

However, Oracle disclosed yesterday that it predicts between 30% and 40% gross margin on its large cloud infrastructure deals, which is higher than what was feared. Moreover, Oracle projected a whopping $225 billion in revenue by 2030, as well as $21 per share in earnings. Of that revenue, management expects about $166 billion to come from Oracle's cloud infrastructure unit by that time.

Those targets were actually above the analyst consensus heading into the day. And yet, the stock still sold off on that news. After today's plunge, Oracle's stock trades around $291 per share, or 13.9 times that 2030 earnings figure.

That seems strikingly cheap, but investors should remember that it's only 2025, and there is a time value of money to account for when valuing a stock through the discounted cash flow method.

Moreover, a 30% to 40% gross margin on the cloud operations may still be disappointing to some, given that leader Amazon Web Services has already achieved a 36.8% operating margin -- not gross margin, but operating margin -- over the past 12 months.

Image source: Getty Images.

Oracle made its big AI play, and investors are divided

It should be noted that while investors are selling the news today, analysts are actually raising their Oracle price targets, with sell-side analysts at Guggenheim and T.D. Cowen both raising their price targets to $400, up from $375, after the event.
Actor Puneet Issar remembers best friend Pankaj Dheer in an emotional tribute: "Our Bond was Stronger than Brothers"

Veteran actor Puneet Issar who portrayed the role of Duryodhan in the show, shared a series of nostalgic photos with Pankaj from their show as well as during their time spent together.

M Snehanjali

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Karan Johar poses with Gauri Khan, Maheep Kapoor and Bhavana Panday on stylish London stroll, see pics

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Ranveer Singhs Ching ad: Rs 150 crore spent in the making of the ad

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Sunny Deol announces new film Gabru with the first glimpse on his 68th birthday, film to release next year

The Gadar star shared the poster on Instagram, calling the film a story of courage, conscience, and compassion.

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Key Points

The pre-revenue lithium miner announced a stock sale last night for $130 million.

The company is taking advantage of the recent rally in U.S.-based critical materials stocks.

The sales should come as a surprise to no one.

10 stocks we like better than Standard Lithium 

Shares of Standard Lithium (NYSEMKT: SLI) plunged 27.9% on Friday as of 11:43 a.m. ET.

Standard Lithium owns a large lithium mining operation spanning East Texas and Arkansas, and its stock has been the beneficiary of the government's recent focus on bolstering domestic sources of critical materials.

In late September, the Department of Energy said it would be taking a 5% equity stake in Standard Lithium's peer Lithium Americas. In response, Standard Lithium's stock rose along with that of Lithium Americas and other miners of critical materials.

But today, Standard Lithium is using its stock's surge to sell more equity to raise funds for operations.

Standard Lithium sells $130 million in stock

Last night, Standard Lithium announced it was selling nearly 30 million shares of stock at $4.35 per share, good for about $130 million.

Standard Lithium's stock closed the prior day at $5.39 per share, so this was a fairly large discount to the stock price at the time. Interestingly, after today's plunge, the stock trades below even the discount offered to the underwriters' clients.

However, shareholders really shouldn't have been surprised at Standard Lithium diluting them through an equity raise. The company holds potentially valuable leases, but only had $33 million in cash on its balance sheet at the end of the second quarter. Meanwhile, Standard Lithium is in a "pre-commercial" phase, which also means "pre-revenue." So it was highly likely the company would have to raise money at some point in order to fund its mining operations.

The recent stock rally was a great opportunity to do just that, without incurring any debt.

Image source: Getty Images.

Standard Lithium is another highly valued strategic asset

The Trump administration is aggressively looking to boost the U.S.-based supply of critical materials to become less reliant on China, and Standard Lithium is one of several speculative plays on critical minerals that have skyrocketed this year.

While it may be a good idea to have some of these stocks with strategic assets in your portfolio, many of these stocks have rallied tremendously this year based on non-fundamental factors. As such, they're risky bets at these higher valuations, as Standard Lithium showed today.

Should you buy stock in Standard Lithium right now?

Before you buy stock in Standard Lithium, consider this:
Travis Scotts electrifying debut concert in India set ablaze the JLN Stadium in New Delhi with hits like FE!N: Watch

Travis immediately captivated the audience as he stormed the stage to the opening beat of Hyaena, causing the packed stadium to erupt in cheers.

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Cochin Shipyard CMD talks mega defence projects for Navy, says ready to build next aircraft carrier

Armaan Bhatnagar is a news editor with nearly 14 years of experience in digital media across leading organisations including The Times of India, Microsoft, and Network18. Over the years, Armaan has reported extensively on Indian politics, global affairs, economy, and business. He has led coverage of landmark events ranging from three Lok Sabha elections and multiple state polls to historic Supreme Court judgments. He has closely followed geopolitical developments across US and Pakistan, the Middle East, as well as South Asia. He has also helped build innovative newsroom products, including COVID dashboards, election trackers, economy meters, and a range of data-driven properties.

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We went from 95% to 0% in China: Nvidia's Jensen Huang on US chip curbs

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Meesho receives SEBI approval for $800 million IPO as new-age companies line up to go public

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

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Sold out in India, panic in London: How the silver market broke

The premiums for silver in India above global prices, usually no more than about a few cents an ounce, started to rise above $0.50, and then above $1, as supplies ran short.

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100-year legacy can't be shaken: BJP as Karnataka denies RSS march over clash fears

The Karnataka government has cancelled a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) march in Chittapur, scheduled to be held on Sunday, citing law and order concerns.

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Shares plunged in the US and Europe this week over shadow banking fears - Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The frenzied stock market sell-off that gripped the US and UK this week was fuelled by fear as much as fact. Investors saw what could easily be the tip of an iceberg, and nobody knows quite what lies beneath.

Two car parts suppliers with multibillion-dollar debts in the private credit market have gone bust amid allegations of fraud, and two regional US banks have uncovered a clutch of irredeemably bad loans.

But with Jamie Dimon, the JP Morgan boss, earlier warning that more cockroaches might scuttle out of the $3tn (2.2tn) black box that is the private credit market, many investors werent prepared to wait and see if these were one-off problems.

No one really knows if this is the full story, says James Reilly, of Capital Economics. So it just makes sense to take some of your chips off the table. Were seeing a broad flight to safety as investors work out what is going on.

Among the companies hit by the FTSE sell-off were the asset managers ICG and Schroders, which are seen as more exposed to the private credit market. But it also hit the big banks, most of which are now neck-deep in the private market themselves.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned this week that banks now have about $4.5tn of exposure to the shadow banking sector, a sum exceeding the size of the entire British economy.

People are spooked

Throw in a bout of geopolitical turmoil  which, with Donald Trump in the White House, is never far off  and the IMF says up to a fifth of banks could be in some kind of strife.

Kristalina Georgieva, the IMFs managing director, said this week that the potential for a crisis to emerge from the world of non-bank financial institutions keeps me awake every so often at night.

Banks have been on a tight leash since the 2008-09 financial crisis, which has opened up space for the less constrained non-banking institutions. Wherever edgier borrowers have struggled to get conventional loans, and whenever investors have wanted higher, if riskier, returns, the private credit players have flooded in.

And as the playing field has become bigger and more crowded, some of those players have taken bigger risks.

A desire to win in a competitive market sometimes leads to shortcuts, Marc Rowan, Apollo Global Managements boss, told a Financial Times summit this week. In some of these more levered credits, theres been a willingness to cut corners.

Georgievas worry is that the lack of regulatory restraint has allowed the non-bank lenders not only to take bets that could be too risky, but also without ever letting in any outside light shine onto their activities.
Direct fight between RJD and Jan Suraaj on this seat? NDA candidate Seema Singhs nomination rejected on technical grounds

Direct fight between RJD and Jan Suraaj on this seat? NDA candidate Seema Singhs nomination rejected on technical grounds

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Indian tourists shun Turkey and Azerbaijan after Operation Sindoor, travel plunges up to 70%: Report

Between June and August 2025, Indian arrivals to Azerbaijan fell by nearly 70%, while travel to Turkey dropped by 38% compared to the same period last year.

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Ladakh leaders to hold key talks with MHA on Oct 22 over statehood, Sixth Schedule demand

The invitation follows a turbulent few weeks in the region marked by protests, restrictions, and casualties.

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Kheterpal further claimed that the man passed out and urinated in his seat, forcing nearby passengers to move due to the stench. (Representative image)

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'Three silver sticks, one golden stick with gulal...': Mathura's Banke Bihari temple's treasury room opens after 54 years, here's what all was found | WATCH

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Who is Pushpam Priya? The emerging Bihar leader who wears only black and a mask

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Jimeet Modi is the CEO and Founder of SAMCO Securities.

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Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw hits back at DK Shivakumar over Bengaluru roads: 'Both Mohandas Pai and I...'

The exchange between Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has reignited debate over Bengalurus infrastructure crisis.

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Your morning muscle gains may be coming with a side of metal poisoning.

A Consumer Reports investigation released this week found that many protein shakes and powders contain troubling levels of toxic heavy metals.

Protein has long been a staple of fitness fanatics and those looking to improve their muscle mass, but recently protein and supplements have broken into the mainstream. Its more than just powders, shakes and bars; protein has become the latest health phenomenon. From oatmeal, ice cream, chips, pasta sauce  anything you can imagine  hundreds if not thousands of people on the internet have built followings around protein-focused meals and eating. Even the Kardashians jumped on the trend with Khloe recently dropping a line of protein popcorn.

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But maybe you should think twice before grabbing that shake or mixing a scoop in your morning oats. Consumer Reports found that as protein popularity has skyrocketed, the presence of lead and heavy metals has only gotten worse.

Of the 23 powders and ready-to-drink shakes that were analyzed, more than two-thirds had heavy metal levels (arsenic, calcium, lead) higher than food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day, some registered as high as ten times over the healthy limit.

We advise against daily use for most protein powders, since many have high levels of heavy metals and none are necessary to hit your protein goals, said chemist and food safety researcher Tunde Akinleye in the research report.

Want more great food writing and recipes? Sign up for Salons free food newsletter, The Bite.

Lead was the most commonly reported metal with 70% of the products exceeding 120% of Consumer Reports concern (0.5 micrograms per day). The study found that plant-based protein products had nine times the amount of lead, on average, compared to dairy-based or beef-based products.

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Fifteen years ago, Consumer Reports conducted another study of heavy metal in protein powders. At that time, researchers said there were fewer products with detectable metal levels, and even the largest outliers had reported less than half the levels they are reporting now.

If you have been regularly using these products, experts say not to panic. Even those that tested at the highest levels are far below the concentration that would cause immediate harm. However, you should consider lowering your use to occasionally or swapping powders for more natural protein altogether.

The post Whats lurking in your protein shake appeared first on Salon.com.
'It was weird and upsetting having my design plagiarised,' Jocie Juritz said as she highlighted how her design and Theatre's product were exactly the same. (Image credit: @jociejuritz/Instagram, Reddit)

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MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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China says it found evidence of US cyber attack on state agency

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Jointly established by the Nansha District Government and the China-Africa Friendly Economic and Trade Development Foundation, the one-stop platform provides office space, trade and cultural exchange venues, and services such as policy consulting, legal support, and supply chain coordination.

Zhang Yi, president of the foundation, described the Greater Bay Area as a "golden link" between China and Africa, citing its strong industries, logistics, and market advantages. He said the foundation would work with Nansha to attract more Africa-related trade and make the center a new benchmark for China-Africa cooperation.

During the event, the China-Madagascar (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) Economic and Trade Cooperation Center became the first African institution to establish operations within the hub.

Jean Louis Robinson, Madagascar's Ambassador to China, called China a key partner in Madagascar's development and hailed the center's launch as a vital step in turning consensus into action. He noted Nansha's 25 Africa-bound shipping routes and favorable tax policies as strong foundations for a full-chain system of "African demand, Chinese processing, and Nansha sales," expressing confidence that Nansha will become "a Nansha for the world."

Looking ahead, the center will focus on promoting Sino-African joint investments in sectors such as agriculture, mining, new energy, and smart ports.

As one of China's largest hub ports, Nansha Port handled 20.5 million TEUs in 2024, ranking ninth worldwide. Connecting with over 310 ports in 120 countries and regions, it ensures fast global cargo transit. Recognized by UNESCO as a livable urban area, Nansha also offers premium coastal, cultural, sports, and cruise facilities, creating an ideal setting for international business and living.

Nansha is also accelerating the development of an integrated service base to support Chinese enterprises going global. It has built partnerships with five African economic and trade zones, six business associations, three investment promotion agencies, and five consulates or embassies, extending its network to 15 African countries and regions.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2798555/image_1.jpg

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Putin demands full control of Donetsk in exchange for Ukrainian regions in call with Trump: Report

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President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the United Nations General Assembly, in New York. (AP Photo/File)

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US warns of imminent attack by Hamas against Palestinians

The planned attack would 'undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts,' according to a release Saturday by the State Department that offered no details of the 'credible reports' it cited.

Arindam Roy

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Zelenskiy wants Ukraine war to be frozen before peace talks

Zelenskyy wants Ukraine war to be frozen before peace talks

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News & views related to the war in Palestine 


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American B-52 bombers circle Venezuelan airspace as Washington-Caracas tensions escalate

Three B-52H Stratofortress bombers flew near Venezuelan airspace in a provocative display, with one approaching within a few hundred kilometers of Venezuela's coast before turning off its transponder  raising concerns about mission intent.

The flights follow U.S. President Donald Trump's lethal strikes on vessels allegedly linked to narcotrafficking near Venezuela, totaling 27 deaths since September, which Venezuela condemns as illegal aggression and pretext for intervention.

Washington has deployed three guided-missile destroyers and 4,000 Marines near Venezuela, while Caracas mobilized 25,000 troops along its coasts and borders, warning the UN of potential conflict.

Declassified U.S. intelligence memos admit "no evidence" Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro directs cartels, and Mexico's president dismissed claims linking him to the Sinaloa Cartel, demanding proof.

Analysts view the bomber flights as psychological warfare, but Venezuela warns any incursion could trigger broader conflict, leaving the world watching for escalation or diplomacy.

In a dramatic show of force, three U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers were tracked flying near Venezuelan airspace early Wednesday, Oct. 15  escalating fears of a potential military confrontation between Washington and Caracas.

The deployment comes amid a sharpening U.S. campaign against alleged Venezuelan state-sponsored narcotrafficking, a claim Venezuelan officials vehemently deny, calling it a pretext for aggression. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed the bombers  callsigns BUNNY01, BUNNY02 and BUNNY03  departed Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana around 2:50 a.m. ET, flying south through the Gulf of Mexico before passing between Mexico and Cuba and circling the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela.

At least one bomber appeared to approach within a few hundred kilometers of Venezuela's coast before turning off its transponder, raising questions about the mission's intent. Open-source intelligence analysts, including OSINTdefender, speculated the flight was a "show of force" targeting both Venezuelan drug cartels and the Maduro regime, which the Trump administration has labeled a "narco-terrorist state." The bombers, capable of carrying 70,000 pounds of ordnance  including nuclear weapons  sent a clear message of U.S. military dominance.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, strategic bomber aircraft developed and operated by the U.S. Air Force. It is a variant of the original B-52 Stratofortress, which first entered service in the 1950s.

The bomber flights follow U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a lethal strike on a vessel allegedly linked to narcotrafficking off Venezuela's coast, which killed six individuals. Trump posted on Truth Social: "Under my Standing Authorities as Commander-in-Chief, this morning, the Secretary of War ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) conducting narcotrafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibilityjust off the Coast of Venezuela."

This marked the fifth such strike since early September, bringing the total death toll to 27. Venezuelan officials have condemned the attacks as violations of international law, with President Nicolas Maduro accusing the U.S. of fabricating a narco-terrorism narrative to justify intervention: "The communications with the government of the U.S. are thrown away by them, with their threats of bombs, death and blackmail."

Military buildup on both sides

The U.S. has significantly bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying three guided-missile destroyers  USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and USS Sampson  to international waters near Venezuela. Reports indicate 4,000 U.S. Marines are also on standby, fueling speculation of a potential invasion.

Meanwhile, Venezuela has mobilized 25,000 troops along its Caribbean coast and Colombian border, with Maduro declaring the nation in "maximum preparedness." The Venezuelan government has also appealed to the United Nations, warning that U.S. actions could provoke a full-scale conflict.

While the Trump administration insists Venezuela is a hub for drug trafficking, recently declassified U.S. intelligence memos cast doubt on direct involvement by Maduro, stating there is "no evidence" he personally directs cartel operations. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum also dismissed allegations linking Maduro to the Sinaloa Cartel, demanding: "If they have some evidence, show it."

Domestically, Senate Democrats attempted to curb Trump's military actions by proposing a War Powers Resolution requiring congressional approval for strikes on Venezuela. However, the measure failed to pass.

With U.S. bombers lingering near Venezuelan airspace and naval forces patrolling nearby waters, the risk of accidental escalation remains high. Analysts suggest the flights are primarily psychological warfare, but Venezuela has warned that any incursion could trigger a broader conflict. As both nations brace for further confrontation, the world watches to see whether this standoff will culminate in diplomatic de-escalation or war.

Watch the video below about two American B-52 bombers heading to Diego Garcia island in the Chagos Archipelago.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

OutKick.com

BrightU.ai

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
California enacts sweeping digital regulations under the guise of child protection

SB 243 requires AI developers to monitor conversations for suicidal ideation or self-harm and report aggregate data to California's Office of Suicide Prevention, raising concerns over real-time surveillance and censorship.

AB 56 and AB 1043 mandate cigarette-style pop-up warnings after three hours of social media use and forces operating systems to implement age verification, effectively embedding persistent digital ID tracking.

Newsom vetoes Extreme Censorship Bill (SB 771), which would have held platforms liable for algorithmically amplifying controversial content, sparing them from over-censorship of lawful speech.

Civil liberties advocates argue these laws normalize invasive government control over personal tech use, comparing age verification to Chinas social credit system.

Set for 2027, the laws mark a major shift in tech regulation, with opponents preparing constitutional challenges over privacy and free speech concerns.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a series of controversial new laws expanding government oversight of social media and artificial intelligence, framed as protections for children but raising alarms over privacy, surveillance and censorship.

The legislative package, set to take effect in 2027, mandates warning labels on social media, real-time chatbot monitoring and operating system-level age verificationmeasures critics warn could normalize unprecedented digital tracking. While proponents argue the laws shield minors from online harms, civil liberties advocates contend they pave the way for invasive government control over personal technology use.

One of the most contentious bills, Senate Bill 243, targets AI-powered "companion chatbots," requiring developers to monitor conversations for signs of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Companies must report aggregate data annually to California's Office of Suicide Prevention, including how often bots detect distress or broach sensitive topics. Compliance likely necessitates real-time surveillance of private exchangesa move digital rights groups say erodes trust in AI tools while creating a slippery slope for broader speech monitoring.

Newsom defended the measures, stating: "Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate and connectbut without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead and endanger our kids." Yet critics argue the law's vague language could force companies to over-censor conversations, chilling legitimate discussions about mental health.

Social media warnings and age verification mandates

Another new law, Assembly Bill 56, imposes cigarette-style warning labels on social media platforms, requiring pop-ups after three hours of use and hourly thereafter. Meanwhile, AB 1043 mandates operating systems to verify users' ages, with app developers required to enforce restrictions based on that data. While billed as a shield against inappropriate content, the policy effectively embeds persistent digital ID tracking into devicesa move privacy advocates compare to China's social credit system.

California's approach mirrors global tensions over tech regulation. The EU's Digital Services Act similarly imposes transparency requirements on algorithms, while U.S. states like Texas and Florida have passed laws limiting content moderation. But California's age-verification mandate goes further, centralizing sensitive biometric data under corporateand potentially governmentalcontrol.

Mixed signals: Newsom rejects most extreme censorship bill

Amid the crackdown, Newsom surprised observers by vetoing Senate Bill 771, which would have held platforms liable for algorithmically amplifying content violating state civil rights laws. Free speech advocates celebrated the move, warning that the bill would have incentivized platforms to purge lawful but controversial speech.

"This veto is a rare win for digital rights in an otherwise alarming legislative package," said Evan Greer of Fight for the Future, a nonprofit advocating for online freedoms. "But the remaining laws still push California toward a surveillance state under the guise of protecting kids."

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Newsom claims that he stands for protecting children from the harmful, addictive effects of social media by requiring parental consent for "addictive feeds," ensuring digital privacy and safeguarding mental health from Big Tech's predatory manipulation.

California's new laws mark a turning point in the debate over balancing child safety with digital privacy. While proponents hail them as necessary safeguards, the fine print reveals a framework for unprecedented government intrusion into online interactions. As other states and nations watch, the fallout from these policies may redefine the limits of tech regulationand the price of "protection." With implementation set for 2027, the battle over their constitutionality is only beginning.

Watch the video below that talks about Newsom threatening to sue Trump for cracking down on crime in California.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

LegInfo.Legislature.CA.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
OpenAIs ChatGPT to allow erotic content amid growing concerns over child safety

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced ChatGPT will soon allow sexually explicit content for verified adult users, framing it as part of making the AI "more useful and enjoyable" for adults.

Critics, including tech billionaire Mark Cuban, warn that age verification systems are easily bypassed, risking minors' exposure to harmful content. OpenAI faces lawsuits alleging ChatGPT provided dangerous guidance to teens.

The decision raises doubts about OpenAI's shift from a nonprofit mission to a profit-driven enterprise, especially with controversial new board members linked to political scandals.

Lawmakers are pushing for stricter AI oversight, including proposed bans on chatbot relationships for minors, while advocacy groups argue OpenAI's safeguards remain insufficient.

As trust in OpenAI wanes, alternatives like BrightU.ai position themselves as unbiased sources, intensifying scrutiny over whether OpenAI's move prioritizes profits over ethical responsibility.

In a controversial move that has sparked debate among tech leaders and lawmakers, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced this week that ChatGPT will soon permit sexually explicit content for verified adult users.

Altman revealed the update in a Tuesday, Oct. 14, post on X, framing it as part of OpenAI's broader effort to make ChatGPT "more useful and enjoyable" for adult users. The decision, set to take effect in December, marks a significant shift in OpenAI's content moderation policies and raises fresh concerns about child safety, corporate responsibility and the ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI).

BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that ChatGPT is a model from OpenAI, a for-profit artificial intelligence research laboratory. It is a variant of the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) model architecture, designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input it receives.

"Now that we have been able to mitigate the serious mental health issues and have new tools, we are going to be able to safely relax the restrictions in most cases," Altman wrote. "As part of our 'treat adult users like adults' principle, we will allow even more, like erotica for verified adults."

The announcement comes just months after Altman boasted in an August podcast interview that OpenAI had resisted adding a "sex bot" feature to ChatGPT, despite potential financial incentives. "We do not take [user trust] lightly," Altman told interviewer Cleo Abram at the time. "There are things we could do that would grow the company faster but we know our long-term incentive is to stay aligned with our users."

Critics, however, argue that OpenAI's pivot toward adult content undermines those assurancesand could endanger minors. Tech billionaire Mark Cuban swiftly condemned the decision, warning that age verification systems are easily circumvented.

"No parent is going to trust that their kids can't get through your age gating," Cuban wrote in response to Altman's post. "They will just push their kids to every other LLM. Why take the risk?"

OpenAI's pivot toward adult content could endanger minors

Cuban's concerns echo broader anxieties about AI chatbots' impact on young users. OpenAI faces multiple lawsuits from parents alleging that ChatGPT provided harmful or suicidal guidance to teenagers, including one case where the chatbot allegedly encouraged a minor to take his own life.

Federal and state regulators have since launched inquiries into whether AI companies adequately protect underage users. In response, OpenAI has introduced parental controls and a restricted teen version of ChatGPT.

Yet advocacy groups insist these measures fall short. "The well-being of children should not be sacrificed in the race for AI development," a bipartisan group of 11 U.S. senators declared in a recent letter criticizing Meta for similar lapses.

The timing of Altman's announcement also fuels suspicions about OpenAI's corporate trajectory. Once envisioned by Elon Musk and Altman as a nonprofit AI initiative for humanity's benefit, OpenAI has evolved into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with deepening ties to controversial figures. Recent board appointments include a Sony executive who represented Bill Clinton and Oliver North during the Iran-Contra scandal  raising questions about transparency and ideological influence.

Meanwhile, Altman's rivalry with Musk intensifies. Musk's AI chatbot Grok  integrated into his social platform X  already permits adult-themed conversations, a feature critics argue normalizes risky interactions for teens. OpenAI's new policy risks placing it in the same contentious arena.

As debates over AI ethics escalate, lawmakers are taking action. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is drafting legislation to ban chatbot relationships for minors, while other policymakers demand stricter oversight of AI training protocols.

Ultimately, Altman's gamble on erotic ChatGPT content may prove more divisive than disruptive. The stakes are high: In an era where AI shapes how millions work, learn and interact, the line between innovation and exploitation has never been thinner.

Watch this Fox Business report about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman making daring GPT-5 predictions about future capabilities and $100 billion potential.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

BrightU.ai

NYPost.com

TheHill.com

Brighteon.com
DOJ launches broad probe into pediatric gender-treatment practices amid fraud and ethics allegations

The U.S. has launched a broad investigation into alleged fraud in pediatric gender?transition care, issuing over 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in treating minors.

Some Attorneys General supporting the probe have characterized certain treatments as "mutilation under the guise of care," suggesting ideological or medically dubious motives.

The DOJ is focusing on possible misdiagnoses or misuse of billing codes (e.g., diagnosing "central precocious puberty") to secure insurance payments for puberty blockers, hormones or surgeries.

Hospitals under scrutiny are pushing back, warning that demands for internal documents, consent forms, communications and clinical rationale may violate privacy and chill legitimate medical practice.

The dispute underscores deep ethical and legal tensions over treating minors: critics warn of irreversible consequences, lack of long?term evidence and the need for stricter medical and legal gatekeeping.

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a broad investigation into alleged fraud in child gender-transition treatment at leading children's hospitals. The federal probe spotlights concerns over medical ethics, billing practices and the long?term consequences of irreversible treatments on minors.

According to the DOJ's own public announcement, more than 20 subpoenas have been issued to doctors and clinics involved in "transgender medical procedures on children," as part of inquiries into healthcare fraud, false statements and related violations. Attorneys General backing the operation have characterized certain gender?affirming practices on minors as "mutilation under the guise of care," suggesting some may be medically illegitimate or ideologically driven.

The investigation arrives amid mounting allegations that some providers may be misdiagnosing or mislabeling conditions to obtain insurance payments for puberty blockers, hormones or surgeries in adolescent patients. Critics argue that such practices exploit vulnerable children and raise serious questions about informed consent, long-term safety and accountability.

Children become subjects of medical experimentation

One focal point is the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where the DOJ asserts doctors may have substituted diagnoses like "central precocious puberty" to justify treatments for gender dysphoriaa claim that implicates off?label prescribing and dubious billing practices. Hospitals targeted by subpoenas have pushed back, warning that the breadth of document requestsincluding patient consent forms, clinical decision rationale and internal communicationsmay violate privacy and chill legitimate medical practice.

Advocates of the investigation contend that these procedures too often proceed in the absence of robust long?term data, under social pressure or with partial diagnosesturning children into subjects of ongoing medical experimentation.

Supporters of stricter oversight argue that children are uniquely vulnerable, incapable of full consent and that puberty blockers or hormone therapies may impose lifelong consequences on fertility, bone health and psychological development. Critics of gender transition for minors warn that medical gatekeeping should be imposed until clearer evidence and ethical frameworks are in place.

As subpoenas proceed and court fights unfold, this federal scrutiny could reshape pediatric gender care across the U.S., forcing hospitals to reevaluate their practices and medical societies to confront the tensions between identity, ideology and the duty to "do no harm."

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, transgender surgeries, often involving irreversible procedures such as castration, hysterectomy and mastectomy, are unethical and harmful, as they permanently alter healthy body parts without sufficient evidence of long-term benefits and may cause serious complications. Furthermore, these surgeries are often performed on minors, who may not fully understand the irreversible nature of these procedures or the potential long-term consequences.

Watch Chloe Cole calling out the evil transgender movement over its deceit in this video.

This video is from The People Of The Qur'an (TPQ) channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Justice.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Ford slashes workforce at its F-150 Lightning plant in Dearborn

Ford is retaining only one-third of its 2,100 employees at the Dearborn F-150 Lightning plant, with the rest being transferred or offered early retirement due to plummeting EV demand.

A fire at Novelis' Oswego mill  supplying 40 percent of U.S. automotive aluminum  has halted operations until 2026, forcing Ford to prioritize gasoline F-series trucks and idle EV production.

Demand for Ford's F-150 Lightning has crashed, leading to slashed production targets as consumers reject costly, unreliable EVs pushed by globalist climate mandates.

The aluminum crisis could cost Ford $500M to $1B in lost earnings, disrupt Super Duty production and expose U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities worsened by semiconductor shortages and logistics failures.

Ford's stock has dropped 10 percent since the fire, while analysts warn of extended vehicle wait times and broader economic risks as the EV revolution fails and subprime auto loans collapse.

The Ford Motor Company is facing a dual crisis  plunging electric vehicle (EV) sales and a crippling aluminum supply shortage  forcing drastic workforce reductions at its Dearborn, Michigan, plant producing the F-150 Lightning.

The automaker will retain only a third of its 2,100 employees, with the rest being transferred or offered early retirement packages. This move comes as Ford grapples with the fallout from a fire at Novelis' Oswego, New York aluminum mill, which supplies 40 percent of U.S. automotive-grade aluminum sheet.

The Sept, 16 fire at Novelis' Oswego facility destroyed the plants hot mill, rendering it inoperable until at least early 2026. The disruption has forced Ford to halt production of multiple models, including the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Escape and Lincoln Corsair, while prioritizing its best-selling F-series gasoline trucks.

"They're focusing all their energy on making sure all their F-150s get built," said an AutoForecast Solutions analyst. However, even Ford's Super Duty production may face shortages, according to a United Auto Workers (UAW) member who warned on social media that supplies could run short "today, tonight and possibly over the next few shifts."

Ford's Dearborn plant, responsible for the F-150 Lightning, has been temporarily idled due to the aluminum shortage. Meanwhile, its Louisville Assembly Plant has been reduced to a single shift as the automaker scrambles to secure alternative suppliers. Analysts estimate the disruption could cost Ford between 500 million and one billion in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT).

EV demand collapse compounds crisis

The aluminum shortage coincides with rapidly declining consumer interest in Fords electric vehicles. Sales of the F-150 Lightning have plummeted, forcing the company to slash production targets. Industry experts suggest that Ford may deprioritize EV manufacturing in favor of more profitable gasoline models.

Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader, told Fox Business that aluminum isnt just used incidentally with the F-series but is a key component in the vehicle's engineering and performance strategy. "They will certainly be finding other suppliers within the next few days, but Ford sells nearly three-quarters of a million F-series trucks each year, so thats a lot of aluminum," he said.

Moody noted that electric vehicles, which rely heavily on aluminum for weight reduction, could be disproportionately affected by the supply disruption. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine explains that aluminum is indeed a key component in modern automobile manufacturing due to several reasons that make it an ideal choice for various vehicle parts. Its widespread use in the automotive industry can be attributed to its unique physical and chemical properties, which offer numerous benefits.

Ford has remained tight-lipped about the full extent of production delays but confirmed it is working with Novelis and other suppliers to mitigate shortages. "A full team is dedicated to addressing the situation and exploring all possible alternatives," the company stated.

Ford's supply chain disaster

The Novelis fire has exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. auto supply chain, already strained by semiconductor shortages and logistical bottlenecks. While Toyota and Volkswagen claim minimal disruptions due to diversified suppliers, Ford  as Novelis' largest customer  faces the most severe impact.

Meanwhile, Ford's stock has dropped nearly 10 percent since the fire, despite a 16.5 percent year-to-date gain. The production cuts arrive as cracks emerge in the subprime auto loan market, signaling broader economic turbulence ahead.

As Ford downsizes its EV workforce and scrambles to secure aluminum supplies, industry analysts warn that further disruptions could ripple through the auto sector. Consumers may face extended wait times for popular models, while investors brace for continued volatility.

Ford's struggles underscore a harsh reality. The EV revolution, pushed by globalist climate mandates, is faltering, while supply chain fragility threatens America's industrial backbone. As the company navigates these twin crises, the future of its electric ambitions hangs in the balance.

Watch this video about Ford recalling 355,000 trucks over dashboard instrument panel failure.

This video is from the newsplusglobe channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

EconoTimes.com

FoxBusiness.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Iranian-made drone displayed in U.K. Parliament signals new era of aerial threats

British lawmakers displayed the carcass of a Russian-operated, Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone in Parliament as a physical warning that the U.K. must urgently prepare for this new, asymmetric form of warfare.

The Shahed-136 is a low-cost, single-use "kamikaze" drone designed to be launched in massive swarms, overwhelming defenses by forcing adversaries to expend expensive missiles on cheap targets.

The core problem is an economic mismatch; using advanced, multi-million dollar fighter jets and missiles to counter swarms of inexpensive drones is unsustainable and exposes a critical gap in modern defense strategy.

The threat is immediate, as evidenced by recent Russian drone incursions into Polish and other European airspace, which are seen as deliberate tests of NATO's response and a pattern of intimidation.

In response, European leaders are calling for the rapid construction of a "drone wall"an integrated network of anti-drone systemsto provide a more effective and economical defense against this scalable threat.

British lawmakers have presented the carcass of a Russian-operated, Iranian-made "kamikaze" drone within the hallowed halls of Parliament, signaling a belief that the United Kingdom must urgently prepare for a new form of warfare that could one day swarm its own skies.

The display of the Shahed-136 drone, recovered from the Ukrainian battlefield, serves as a physical manifesto of a growing threat, one that leverages cheap technology and psychological intimidation to challenge Western defenses. This move comes amid escalating concerns from security officials and NATO allies that Russia's tactics in Ukraine are a testing ground for future conflicts with the West, highlighting a critical vulnerability in European air defense that must be addressed before it is too late.

The weapon at the center of this alarm is the Shahed-136, a type of loitering munition, often called a kamikaze drone. Unlike a reusable reconnaissance drone, this is a single-use weapon designed to crash into its target and detonate its payload. It is a relatively simple machine, costing as little as 38,000 ($51,100), a pittance compared to the 1.5 million ($2 million) price tag of a sophisticated Russian cruise missile. This low cost is its greatest strategic asset, allowing adversaries to produce and launch them in massive numbers.

With a range of up to 2,500 kilometers and a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour, the Shahed-136 is not a high-performance jet. Its power lies in its persistence and its ability to be launched in swarms. Since the beginning of the year, Russia has fired more than 38,000 of these drones at Ukraine, using them to exhaust expensive air defense missiles, destroy infrastructure and terrorize civilian populations. The strategy is one of attrition, aiming to overwhelm and drain an enemy's resources.

A calculated display of force and vulnerability

The decision to place this drone in the U.K. Parliament was a deliberate act of political theater, intended to shock the political establishment into action. Officials described the displayed drone as the true face of the Iranian regime, a tangible representation of a proxy war that is inching closer to NATO's doorstep. The message was unambiguous: the weapons devastating Ukrainian cities are built for the explicit purpose of threatening Europe.

Just weeks ago, Russian drones violated Polish airspace, an event that senior security figures believe was a deliberate test of NATO's response. Similar unidentified drones have been spotted over the skies of Denmark, Norway, France and Germany, creating a pattern of probing and intimidation that security analysts find deeply concerning.

The core of the problem, as articulated by European leaders, is an economic and tactical mismatch. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski pointed to the recent incident where advanced F-35 fighter jets were required to shoot down the inexpensive Russian drones. He warned that this is not an economical way to defend a nation. If an adversary launched hundreds of these low-cost drones, as is done weekly in Ukraine, even the most advanced air forces would quickly run out of multimillion-dollar missiles to counter them.

This exposes a critical gap in modern defense strategy. Western militaries, built around high-tech, high-cost platforms, are potentially vulnerable to saturation attacks from cheap, mass-produced drones. The very affordability of the threat makes it scalable and sustainable for an adversary, while the cost of defense is prohibitively high.

"A 'critical gap' in modern defense strategy refers to the dangerous disconnect between theoretical military power and its practical application," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "This gap means that strategic decisions are based on flawed or incomplete assumptions about capabilities and threats."

The call for a "drone wall" and strategic resolve

In response to this looming threat, leaders like Sikorski are urging the rapid construction of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flankan integrated network of anti-drone systems designed to provide a cheaper and more effective defense than fighter jets. This is not a metaphorical wall but a call for a tangible, technological barrier funded by collective political will. The alternative, they argue, is irresponsibility in the face of a clear and present danger.

For Britain and its allies, the message is clear: The drones that have rained hell on Ukraine are a proof-of-concept for a tactic that could be deployed far beyond the current battlefield. The time for preparation is now, lest the skies above the West one day hum with the sound of a swarm they failed to stop.

Watch this news about NATO proposing a drone wall.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheSun.com

Reuters.com

KMJNow.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Report: Iran hit secret U.S.-Israeli military bunker beneath Tel Aviv tower

Iran's June 13 missile strike targeted "Site 81," a classified underground command center beneath Tel Aviv's Da Vinci Towers, jointly operated by Israel and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The facility serves as a shielded intelligence hub for Israeli military operations, effectively embedding a high-value military target in a densely populated civilian zone.

Authorities sealed off strike sites, blocked journalists (including Fox News), and suppressed media coverage for weeks. Satellite imagery of the area is deliberately blurred on platforms like Google Maps to hide military infrastructure.

Leaked emails confirm Site 8's function as a critical IDF/U.S. command node, with contracts awarded to defense firms like ThinkLogical. Former NATO Commander James Stavridis' correspondence with ex-Israeli military Chief Gabi Ashkenazi corroborates the site's strategic importance.

Israel has long accused Palestinians of using human shields, yet Site 81 is located less than 100 meters from a children's playground. Luxury towers housing the bunker were financed by Israeli-American investors tied to military intelligence (e.g., Check Point Technologies, AI21 Labs).

The attack revealed fatal gaps in Israel's air defenses and demonstrated Iran's ability to penetrate multilayered systems. The global media blackout on such strikes raises concerns about narrative control and Israel's reliance on U.S.-backed secret infrastructure.

A recent investigation by The Grayzone has uncovered that Irans missile strike on Tel Aviv in June directly targeted a highly classified underground military command center jointly operated by Israel and the United States.

The bunker, codenamed "Site 81," is buried beneath the upscale Da Vinci Towers, a luxury apartment and office complex in the heart of the city. Geolocation analysis, leaked emails and public records confirm that Site 81 is an electromagnetically shielded intelligence hub, constructed with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) oversight over a decade ago.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the USACE is a federal agency under the Department of the Army, responsible for overseeing civil and military engineering projects. Established in 1802, it is one of the oldest federal agencies in the United States.

The facility reportedly serves as a command-and-control node for Israeli military operations, raising concerns that Israel embedded a critical military installation within a densely populated civilian area  effectively using residents as human shields, a practice Israel has long accused Palestinians of employing. When Iranian missiles struck multiple locations in north Tel Aviv earlier this year, Israeli authorities immediately sealed off the impact zone, preventing journalists from documenting the damage.

Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst was aggressively pushed away by police near the HaKirya compound  the headquarters of the Israeli Ministry of Defense  and the Azrieli Center. Hours later, Iranian state media announced that military and intelligence targets had been precisely hit in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iranian soil.

Despite Israel's strict censorship, The Grayzone successfully pinpointed Site 81 using a 2013 USACE photo showing construction equipment outside the facility. The image was matched to landmarks near the Da Vinci Towers, including the nearby Kannarit (Canarit) Air Force towers, which were built with blast mitigation systems for maximum security. Satellite imagery of the area remains deliberately blurred on Google and Yandex Maps, with no street-view access  a clear indication of Israeli efforts to conceal sensitive military sites.

Leaked emails confirm command hub role

Previously unreleased emails obtained by The Grayzone reveal that Site 81 functions as a critical military command center. In a 2015 exchange, former North Atlantic Treaty Organization Commander James Stavridis wrote to ex-Israeli military Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, mentioning that a U.S. firm, ThinkLogical, had secured a major contract at Site 81 to build command and control networks for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Stavridis' email, leaked by an Iranian-linked hacktivist group, underscores the facility's strategic importance. Israeli media deliberately suppressed coverage of the strike. According to France 24, Haaretz waited two weeks before reporting on the Da Vinci attack, despite images circulating online immediately after the strike.

One resident, speaking anonymously, lamented: "Brother, don't you get that they approved the construction of all those towers to protect the Kirya? Today, I realize I've been paying 12,000 shekels [$3,650 USD] a month to protect the Kirya."

The Da Vinci complex and surrounding towers were financed by Israeli-American investors with deep ties to Israel's security establishment. Among them:

Check Point Technologies, whose CEO previously commanded Unit 8200, Israel's elite signals intelligence corps.

AI21 Labs, an AI firm founded by Unit 8200 veterans, which leases space in the Da Vinci office building and develops military-grade AI tools targeting Palestinians.

The bunker's locationless than 100 meters from a children's playgroundhighlights Israel's double standard on human shielding, a tactic it routinely condemns Palestinians for using. The revelation of Site 81 confirms that Tel Aviv's civilian infrastructure doubles as military fortifications, making them legitimate targets under international law.

The strike exposes Israel's reliance on U.S.-backed underground command centers while reinforcing Iran's precision strike capabilities. As tensions escalate, the global media blackout on such strikes raises urgent questions about who controls the narrative  and who benefits from the silence.

Watch this video about Iranian ballistic missiles impacting Tel Aviv.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheGrayzone.com

PressTV.ir

BrightU.ai

PalestineChronicle.com

Brighteon.com
Head of Russias FSB accuses Kyiv and London of plotting to SABOTAGE Moscows pipelines

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) publicly accused British intelligence (SAS & MI6) and Ukraine of conspiring to sabotage critical Russian energy pipelines, specifically TurkStream and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), to disrupt Moscow's energy exports.

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov claimed British intelligence supervised June drone strikes on Russian military bases, exaggerating damage to undermine peace talks and provoke NATO involvement.

Russia alleges NATO is staging false-flag drone incidents in Europe to justify seizing Russian assets (like oil tankers) and escalating anti-Russian hysteria.

Any sabotage of Russian pipelines risks global energy shortages, price spikes and deeper geopolitical conflict.

Bortnikov warned of impending British-led covert attacks, including underwater operations by combat divers, signaling escalating shadow warfare targeting energy infrastructure.

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Russian intelligence has publicly accused the United Kingdom and Ukraine of conspiring to sabotage critical Russian energy pipelines, alleging a coordinated campaign to target the nation's economic infrastructure.

Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), leveled these charges during a recent security conference this month. The FSB director claimed that British and Ukrainian operatives are preparing attacks on the TurkStream and Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) conduits.

Bortnikov stated that his agency possesses information indicating that British intelligence  specifically the Special Air Service (SAS) and MI6  are working directly with their Ukrainian counterparts to plan sabotage against the TurkStream gas pipeline. This underwater pipeline is a vital artery, transporting natural gas from Russia's vast reserves through the Black Sea to Turkey and onward to parts of southern Europe. Its operational status makes it a key remaining energy link between Russia and European markets.

The FSB chief further alleged that British instructors are planning a series of drone strikes targeting the CPC pipeline, which is crucial for exporting Caspian oil from Kazakhstan to a Russian terminal on the Black Sea. These accusations point to a strategic effort to disrupt Russia's energy export capabilities, a cornerstone of its economy.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that "the sabotage of Russian oil pipelines threatens global energy security, causing potential shortages and price spikes, while escalating geopolitical tensions that could lead to broader conflict."

The shadow war of "Operation Spiderweb"

The Russian intelligence chief integrated these new allegations into a broader narrative of Western provocation. He specifically referenced "Operation Spiderweb," a series of drone strikes deep inside Russian territory that occurred in June. Bortnikov asserted this operation, which reportedly targeted five Russian military bases and caused significant damage to aircraft, was conducted "under the direct supervision of British intelligence."

He claimed that London later fueled media reports exaggerating the damage, while presenting the attacks as a solely Ukrainian achievement. This, he suggested, is part of a British-led effort to undermine peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv and to create a pretext for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) more direct involvement in the conflict.

These allegations, emerging from a period of heightened military conflict in Ukraine, underscore the expanding shadow war being waged beyond the front lines. They also highlight the strategic importance of global energy networks as targets in modern geopolitical strife.

Bortnikov also linked recent drone incidents over several European countries to NATO intelligence services, alleging they were staged provocations. He stated that "professionals have no doubt" about their involvement, framing them as part of a campaign to stoke "hysteria over an imaginary threat from the East." In turn, he suggested these incidents were used to justify actions like the impounding of a Russian oil tanker.

The FSB director concluded his remarks by alleging that the U.K. plans to use "combat divers" to attack other critical Russian infrastructure, signaling an expectation of further covert operations. These claims, while presented as fact by Russian authorities, reflect the deep mutual distrust and the use of information as a key domain in the ongoing conflict  with energy security emerging as a central battleground with global implications.

Watch this video of Russia calling out Germany's investigation of the earlier Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

KyivPost.com

BrightU.ai

NovayaGazeta.eu

Brighteon.com
Coral resilience defies alarmist claims of climate catastrophe

Coral reefs have repeatedly recovered from bleaching events, demonstrating adaptability despite warming trends.

Studies show French Polynesian reefs rebounded to pre-disturbance levels within 510 years after mass bleaching.

The Great Barrier Reef has seen record coral coverage for three consecutive years, contradicting doom-laden predictions.

Historical data reveals corals survived far hotter periods, including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (58C warmer than today).

Alarmist narratives often ignore natural stressors (cyclones, starfish outbreaks) while exaggerating climates role in reef decline.

Recent claims that climate change is decimating coral reefssuch as those in The Hill and BBCignore mounting evidence of their resilience. Contrary to apocalyptic headlines, corals have not only survived past warming extremes but are rebounding from modern bleaching events with remarkable speed. Scientific studies from French Polynesia to Australia reveal a pattern of recovery that undermines the narrative of irreversible damage.

The disconnect between alarmist rhetoric and empirical data underscores a broader trend: climate discourse often prioritizes fear over facts. As policymakers push costly interventions, reefs themselves suggest natures capacity to adapt.

The science of coral adaptation

A 2019 study of French Polynesian reefs documented an "outstanding rate of recovery," with coral cover returning to pre-disturbance levels within a decade after mass bleaching. A 2024 Nature study further found that reefs near Moorea and Tahiti recovered up to 76% after repeated heatwaves, suggesting an evolving tolerance to warmer waters.

These findings clash with claims like those of UC Santa Barbaras Rebecca Vega Thurber, who asserted that heatwaves rendered reefs "barren plains." Such hyperbole neglects corals evolutionary history: they persisted through the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, when global temperatures soared far beyond modern projections.

The Great Barrier Reefs record growth

Despite warnings of an "existential threat," Australias Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has achieved record coral coverage for three straight years. The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences 2024 report noted that all three regions of the GBR are rebounding from past bleaching, with some areas exceeding historical averages.

The BBCs recent coverage omitted this recovery, instead emphasizing a disputed claim that 2023 temperatures were the "highest in 400 years"a claim based on uncertain proxy data. Coral biologist Helen McGregor tacitly acknowledged reefs adaptability, admitting they "survived a lot of change over geological time," even as she framed the issue as a crisis.

Natural stressors vs. climate hype

Alarmist narratives frequently isolate climate change as the sole driver of reef decline, ignoring compounding factors like tropical cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. For instance, the 20162017 bleaching event on the GBR coincided with a severe starfish infestation, yet media reports blamed warming alone.

This selective focus distorts the scientific record. Coral mortality is a natural part of reef dynamics, with dead skeletons forming the foundation for new growth. Paleoclimatic evidence shows reefs have migrated poleward during past warm periodsa resilience mechanism rarely acknowledged in todays politicized debates.

The bigger picture: Policy vs. reality

The push to classify reefs as "endangered" (e.g., UNESCOs proposed status for the GBR) often serves bureaucratic and funding agendas rather than conservation. By framing reefs as victims of an imminent climate tipping point, activists justify drastic policiesfrom carbon taxes to marine protected zonesthat ignore local solutions like reducing agricultural runoff.

Meanwhile, the reefs themselves continue to defy predictions. As Climate Realism has documented, coral cover in the Indo-Pacific has increased by 12% annually since 1978, even as CO? levels rose.

Resilience over alarm

The evidence is clear: coral reefs are far hardier than the doomsayers claim. While bleaching events occur, recovery is the normnot the exception. This resilience challenges the catastrophic framing of climate change and exposes the dangers of policy-driven science.

As the debate rages, one truth remains: corals have outlasted ice ages, volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts. Their survival hinges not on political posturing but on the very adaptability that alarmists too often dismiss. Natures endurance outstrips humanitys fear.

Sources for this article include:

ClimateDepot.com

Nature.com

ClimateRealism.com

WattsUpWithThat.com
Treasury Secretary Bessents $15B daily shutdown warning highlights deepening economic and national crisis

The U.S. government is in a costly partial shutdown, now in its 16th day, with no immediate resolution in sight as political leaders remain deadlocked.

The economic impact is severe and growing, with the Treasury Secretary warning that the shutdown is costing the American economy up to $15 billion per day due to lost productivity, delayed services and reduced consumer confidence.

The political stalemate is centered on healthcare, with Democrats refusing to negotiate until health care subsidies are included in the talks, while Republicans insist the government must be reopened before any policy discussions can begin.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are facing financial hardship, with over 750,000 civilians furloughed without pay and many "essential" personnel, including those in homeland security and defense, forced to work without a guarantee of timely payment.

National security and military readiness are being undermined, as the furlough of critical civilian support staff in the Defense Department hinders operations, maintenance and logistics, creating a domino effect that strains the entire military apparatus.

As a political impasse in Washington stretches into its third week, the nation's top finance official has issued a staggering economic warning, while the human and operational toll on the federal workforce and military deepens.

The ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. government, now in its 16th day, is hemorrhaging money at an alarming rate, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that the stalemate could start costing the American economy up to $15 billion per day. The dire financial projection casts a dark shadow over a political crisis that has already sidelined hundreds of thousands of workers and is testing the resilience of the nation's armed forces.

Since funding expired at midnight on Oct. 1, the federal government has remained in a state of partial paralysis. The legislative machinery in Washington has seized, with the Senate failing nine times to pass a bill to reopen the government.

A tenth vote is scheduled, but there is little indication that the deadlock will break. The core of the dispute remains a chasm between the two parties. Democratic leaders insist that any talks to restart the government must include an extension for soon-to-expire health care subsidies, arguing that failure to do so will cause premiums to skyrocket for millions of Americans. Republicans, meanwhile, maintain that the shutdown and health care are separate issues and that policy negotiations can only begin after the government is reopened.

An economic blow of staggering proportions

Amid this political wrangling, Bessent has framed the shutdown as the single greatest obstacle to the nation's economic growth. His figure of $15 billion in daily costs underscores the vast, cascading financial damage that extends far beyond the halted paychecks of federal employees. This includes lost productivity from furloughed workers, delays in government contracts and services, reduced consumer spending and a general erosion of economic confidence.

The White House has signaled that it is preparing for a long battle. The president has warned that he will soon release a list of programs, which he described as "egregious socialist, semi-communist," that will be terminated on a potentially permanent basis as the shutdown continues.

This threat suggests that the Trump administration views the closure not just as a bargaining chip but as an opportunity to enact lasting policy changes without congressional approval, a move that has further inflamed tensions.

The military bears a heavy burden

The human cost of the shutdown is most acutely felt by the nation's federal workforce, including its military. More than 750,000 federal civilians have been furloughed and ordered not to work. For those deemed "essential," the situation is equally bleak because they are forced to report to their duties without any guarantee of timely pay.

The military, a cornerstone of national security, is operating under severe strain. While the president signed an executive order directing that active-duty military personnel be paid, this protection does not extend to the vast majority of the Department of War's civilian workforce.

Roughly 55 percent of the Pentagon's 740,000 civilian employees have been furloughed. This means that hundreds of thousands of civilians involved in critical support roles, including training, procurement, weapons system maintenance, logistics and administrative support, are not working. Their absence creates a domino effect, hindering the military's readiness and operational capacity.

While active-duty troops received their pay, the infrastructure that supports them is being systematically dismantled for the duration of the shutdown.

National Guard forces deployed to U.S. cities and civilian personnel in cybersecurity, intelligence and medical care are required to continue working, many without pay, creating a two-tiered system of financial hardship within the nation's defense apparatus.

The Department of Homeland Security is facing similar challenges. While only five percent of its workforce is furloughed, meaning Secret Service agents, border officers and Transportation Security Administration screeners remain on the job, not all of these essential personnel are covered by the president's pay order, leaving them to work with no clear timeline for when they will be compensated.

As the shutdown drags on, it is on track to become the fourth-longest in American history. For the millions of military families, federal workers and businesses that rely on government functions, the political battle in Washington is not an abstraction.

BrightU.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that the ongoing partial government shutdown poses a severe and growing economic threat, with Bessent warning it is costing the American economy billions daily. This staggering cost comes from lost productivity, delayed government services and reduced consumer confidence.

Watch this clip as Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about Trump's final debt solution to keep the U.S. government solvent.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

USAToday.com

CBSNews.com

BrightU.AI

Brighteon.com
U.K. imposes visa requirements on Botswana: A blow to visa-free travel and a shift in global mobility

Effective Oct. 14, Botswana nationals will require an entry visa to visit the United Kingdom, ending years of visa-free entry. This decision is driven by concerns over increased illegal migration and asylum claims.

The U.K. previously imposed visa requirements on South African nationals in 2009, reflecting an evolving stance on immigration and its impact on global travel.

The new visa requirements will introduce complexity and cost, potentially deterring some Botswanan travelers from visiting the United Kingdom.

The Botswanan government has pledged to engage diplomatically with the U.K. to explore alternative arrangements or a future reconsideration of the decision.

The travel industry will face significant challenges, including offering faster visa application services, targeted marketing to other international markets and promoting the U.K.'s unique attractions to attract visitors from other regions.

The U.K.'s decision will have far-reaching implications, and the future of global travel for Botswana's citizens remains uncertain. Cooperation and adaptability will be crucial in maintaining the U.K.'s appeal as a top global travel destination.

The British government has taken a significant step that will impact the ease of global mobility for Botswana's citizens. Effective Oct. 14, Botswana nationals will require an entry visa to visit the United Kingdom, marking the end of years of visa-free entry.

This decision, driven by concerns over increased illegal migration and asylum claims, has sparked a wave of diplomatic engagement and a re-evaluation of travel plans.

The move mirrors a similar action taken by the U.K. in 2009, when it imposed visa requirements on South African nationals, BrightU.AI's Enoch adds. This historical context underscores the U.K.'s evolving stance on immigration and its impact on global travel.

The revocation of visa-free entry for Botswana's citizens is a significant blow to the ease of global mobility. For years, Botswanan travelers have enjoyed the convenience of visa-free access to the U.K., a privilege that has facilitated business, tourism and personal connections.

The new visa requirements will introduce a layer of complexity and cost, potentially deterring some travelers from visiting the nation. This shift is particularly significant for a country that has historically prided itself on its strong ties with the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic engagement and future reconsideration

Despite the new requirements, the Botswanan government has pledged to engage diplomatically with the U.K. to explore alternative arrangements or a future reconsideration of the decision. This commitment to dialogue reflects the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties and the mutual benefits of cooperation between the two nations.

The Botswanan government has also emphasized its commitment to ensuring that its citizens are informed about the new requirements and can plan their travel accordingly.

The travel industry is likely to face significant challenges in the wake of this policy change. Airlines and tour operators that have long catered to Botswanan travelers will need to adjust their strategies to mitigate the impact of the new visa requirements. This may include offering faster visa application services, targeted marketing to other international markets and promoting the U.K.'s unique attractions to attract visitors from other regions.

The U.K.'s decision to revoke visa-free entry for Botswanan citizens is a significant shift in global mobility that will have far-reaching implications. While the immediate impact may be a reduction in travel from Botswana, the long-term effects could be more profound.

The travel industry will need to adapt, and the U.K. will need to work diligently to maintain its appeal as a top global travel destination. The Botswanan government's commitment to diplomatic engagement and the travel industry's resilience will be crucial in navigating this new landscape.

The future of global travel, particularly for citizens of Botswana, remains uncertain, but the spirit of cooperation and adaptability will be key to ensuring that the U.K. remains a welcoming and accessible destination.

Watch the video below that talks about President Donald Trump's order to halt visa interviews for international students.

This video is from the Children Are NOT Sex Toys! channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

TravelAndTourWorld.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Every day, your brain makes thousands of decisions under uncertainty. Most of the time, you guess right. When you don't, you learn. But when the brain's ability to judge context or assign meaning falters, thoughts and behavior can go astray. In psychiatric disorders ranging from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to schizophrenia, the brain may misjudge how much evidence to gather before acting-or fail to adjust when the rules of the world change based on new information.

Uncertainty is built into the brain's wiring. Picture groups of neurons casting votes-some optimistic, some pessimistic. Your decisions reflect the average." When that balance skews, the brain can misread the world: assigning too much meaning to random events, as in schizophrenia, or becoming stuck in rigid patterns, as in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Understanding those misfires has long challenged scientists. The brain speaks the language of single neurons. But fMRI-the tool we use to study brain activity in people-tracks blood flow, not the electrical chatter of individual brain cells." Michael Halassa, professor of neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine

Bridging that gap means combining insights from single-cell studies in animals, human brain imaging, and behavior. Now, a new kind of computer model-grounded in real biology-lets researchers simulate how brain circuits make decisions and adapt when the rules change.

Called CogLinks, the model builds biological realism into its design, mirroring how real brain cells are connected and coding for how they assign value to often ambiguous and incomplete observations about the external environment. Unlike many artificial intelligence systems that act like "black boxes," CogLinks shows researchers exactly how its virtual neurons link structure to function. As a result, scientists can map how this virtual brain learns from experience and pivots based on new information.

In a study published October 16 in Nature Communications, senior author Halassa and colleagues at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) used CogLinks to explore how brain circuits coordinate flexible thinking. Like a flight simulator for the brain, CogLinks let the researchers test what happens when key decision-making circuits go off course. When they weakened the virtual connection between two simulated brain regions-the prefrontal cortex and the mediodorsal thalamus-the system defaulted to slower, habit-driven learning. That result suggests this pathway is essential for adaptability.

To see if those predictions held true in people, the team then conducted a companion fMRI study, which was supervised by both Burkhard Pleger from the Ruhr-University Bochum and Halassa. Volunteers played a game in which the rules unexpectedly changed. As expected, the prefrontal cortex handled planning and the deep, central region of the brain known as the striatum guided habits-but the mediodorsal thalamus lit up when players realized the rules had shifted and adjusted their strategy.

The imaging confirmed what the model had forecast: the mediodorsal thalamus acts as a switchboard linking the brain's two main learning systems-flexible and habitual-helping the brain infer when context has changed and switch strategies accordingly.

Halassa hopes the research helps lay the groundwork for a new kind of "algorithmic psychiatry," in which computer models help reveal how mental illness emerges from changes in brain circuits, identifying biological markers to precisely target treatments.

"One of the big questions in psychiatry is how to connect what we know about genetics to cognitive symptoms," says Mien Brabeeba Wang, the lead author of the CogLinks study, a co-author of the fMRI study, and an MIT doctoral student in Halassa's lab.

"Many schizophrenia-linked mutations affect chemical receptors found throughout the brain," says Wang. "Future uses of CogLinks may help us see how those widespread molecular changes could make it harder for the brain to organize information for flexible thinking."

Research reported in the CogLinks study was supported by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Mental Health under grants P50MH132642, R01MH134466, and R01MH120118 and by the National Science Foundation under grants CCR-2139936, CCR-2003830, and CCF-1810758. Bin A. Wang of South China Normal University served as lead author on the fMRI study. The fMRI study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China; Research Center for Brain Cognition and Human Development, Guandong, China; Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation; Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation); and the FoRUM grant. Complete information on authors, funders, methodology, limitations, and conflicts of interest is available in the published paper. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.
Patients with estrogen-receptor-positive HER-2-negative advanced breast cancer showed significantly improved progression-free survival when treated with an oral combination regimen that includes giredestrant, a novel, next-generation selective estrogen receptor degrader and full antagonist, compared to a standard combination approach. These findings, from the phase 3 evERA Breast Cancer study, are presented today by Dr. Erica Mayer of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Berlin, Germany.

Tumors that express the estrogen receptor (ER) account for roughly 70% of all breast cancer cases and metastatic forms of these ER-positive cancers can be difficult to treat. In addition, the development of resistance to current endocrine therapies poses a major challenge for both clinicians and patients, underscoring the need for novel therapies that effectively target this breast cancer subtype.

There is a significant need for therapies for metastatic ER-positive breast cancers that are more effective, particularly for patients whose tumors develop resistance to current endocrine therapies and who have progressed following treatment with CDK 4/6 inhibitors. In addition, we also need tolerable therapies that partner well with existing targeted agents and overall will improve outcomes for patients in the second line setting and beyond - when resistance is common and can be challenging to overcome." Dr. Erica Mayer of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Giredestrant is a next-generation selective estrogen receptor degrader and full antagonist or SERD. It works by binding to the estrogen receptor and promoting its degradation, thus preventing estrogen from stimulating cancer growth. This new SERD has two important features compared to existing drugs. First, it has a unique mechanism of action relative to other hormone-blocking agents, which means it could benefit patients who develop resistance to current therapies. Second, giredestrant is administered orally, which is more convenient for patients than the monthly injections required for first-generation drugs.

evERA is a global phase 3, randomized, open-label study evaluating the use of giredestrant, in combination with everolimus, an mTOR targeting drug, in patients with ER-positive, HER-2-negative advanced breast cancer. This all-oral regimen is compared to a standard of care combination of endocrine therapy plus everolimus. evERA is the first positive, head-to-head phase 3 study of an all-oral SERD-containing regimen versus a standard of care combination.

A total of 373 patients were enrolled and randomized to receive either giredestrant plus everolimus or standard of care endocrine therapy and everolimus. About 55% of patients had mutations in the estrogen receptor gene (ESR1), indicating potential resistance to endocrine therapy. The study was designed to look for improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) using the giredestrant-based regimen in all patients (intention to treat, ITT) and in the subset of patients whose tumor had the ESR1 mutations.

With a median follow-up of 18.6 months, patients with tumors harboring an ESR1 mutation who received the giredestrant-containing regimen showed a statistically significant improvement in median PFS of 9.99 months, compared to 5.45 months for those who received the standard of care combination. That corresponds to a 63% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death.

In the ITT population, which includes patients with ESR1 mutations and those without, the patients who received the giredestrant combination showed a statistically significant improvement in median PFS of 8.77 months compared to 5.49 months for those treated with the standard of care combination. That corresponds to a 44% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death.

The overall survival data from the study remain immature but are trending favorably. In addition, the safety profile of the giredestrant regimen was manageable and consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual study treatments.

"Although we've made great progress in treating metastatic ER-positive, HER-2-negative breast cancer, these cancers can become resistant to existing therapies making them difficult to treat," says Dr. Mayer. "The combination of giredestrant and everolimus is designed to address the most common resistance mechanisms. The evERA study is the first trial in this setting to show that using this new combination can substantially improve disease control compared to a standard of care combination regimen and may provide great benefit to a large number of patients with advanced breast cancer."
AQI reaches 238 on Kali Puja night eve, green lobby presses panic button

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 21:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Kolkata, Oct 19 (PTI) A day before Kali Puja, Kolkatas air quality hovered between unhealthy and poor range on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 reaching 238 at one monitoring station in the evening, causing alarm among environmentalists.

Some locations recorded moderate levels (AQI above 178), while others remained in the unhealthy range (AQI between 101-150), an official of West Bengal Pollution Control Board said.

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At Victoria Memorial. the AQI read at 238 at 8 pm (poor). Other readings included: 155 at Ballygunge, 158 at Chetla, 186 at Jadavpur, and 171 at Manicktala  all classified as moderate" though these translate to extremely unhealthy" under environmental norms..

It was 105 at Bidhannagar, 134 at Fort William and 149 in the Harrington StreetPark Street area, the official said.

Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh warned that vulnerable groups may experience immediate health effects while healthy individuals may experience difficulty in breathing and throat irritation." Asked whether bursting of firecrackers could have caused the spike, the WBPCB official said, Due to retreat of the southwest monsoon, typical dry weather conditions during midOctober to November are preventing the upward movement of fine particulate matters in the air, which has contributed to the spurt in AQI level." Bursting of green firecrackers and fireworks are too stray and sporadic as the festival is yet to start. The WBPCB and police are alert and we will keep vigil on the situation from tomorrow," he said.

On October 18, the automated air monitoring stations in Jadavpur in the southern part of the city recorded AQI of 242, while the station at Rabindra Bharati University in Sinthi in the north registered AQI of 252, both categorised as poor", the official said.

On October 17, AQI ranged between 179 and 185 (PM 2.5) at 4 pm in Jadavpur and Sinthi, respectively.

The AQI at RBI Air Monitoring station did not provide any data on Sunday, the official said, attributing it to technical flaws in uploading inputs.

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Ghosh said, As the night progressed, reports are pouring in on rampant bursting of firecrackers in different parts of the city." I fear the AQI will touch very poor and severe categories later in the night and tomorrow on October 20," he said.

While poor air (201-300 AQI) quality causes breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure, very poor air (301-400 AQI) causes respiratory illness with prolonged exposure. Severe air (401-500 AQI) affects even healthy people while seriously impacting those with existing diseases. PTI SUS MNB

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First Published: October 19, 2025, 21:45 IST

News agency-feeds AQI reaches 238 on Kali Puja night eve, green lobby presses panic button

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China accuses US of cyberattack on national time centre

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Beijing, Oct 19(AP) China on Sunday accused the US National Security Agency of carrying out cyberattacks on its national time centre following an investigation, saying any damage to related facilities could have disrupted network communications, financial systems and power supply.

The Ministry of State Security alleged in a WeChat post that the US agency had exploited vulnerabilities in the messaging services of a foreign mobile phone brand to steal sensitive information from devices of the National Time Service Centres staff in 2022. It did not specify the brand.

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The US agency also used 42 types of special cyberattack weapons" to target the centres multiple internal network systems and attempted to infiltrate a key timing system between 2023 and 2024, it said.

It said it had evidence but did not provide it in the post.

It said the time centre is responsible for generating and distributing Chinas standard time, in addition to providing timing services to industries such as communications, finance, power, transport and defense. It had provided guidance to the centre to eliminate the risks.

The US is accusing others of what it does itself, repeatedly hyping up claims about Chinese cyber threats," it said.

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Western governments in recent years have alleged hackers linked to the Chinese government have targeted officials, journalists, corporations and others. The ministrys statement could fuel tensions between Washington and Beijing, on top of trade, technology and Taiwan issues.

The US Embassy did not immediately comment. (AP) RD RD

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First Published: October 19, 2025, 13:45 IST

News agency-feeds China accuses US of cyberattack on national time centre

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Florida Councilman faces criticism over remarks against Indian community in US

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 16:45 IST

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Washington, Oct 19 (PTI) A Councilman from Florida has drawn criticism from members of Congress and Indian-American groups over his social media posts against the Indian community in the United States, local media reported. Palm Bay council member Chandler Langevin, in a string of social media posts over three weeks, spewed hatred against the Indian community and called for their deportation. Today is my birthday and all I want is for @realDonaldTrump to revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately. America for Americans," Langevin said in one of his posts on social media. If someone only hires Indians, sends remittance checks back to India, campaigns in Indian elections, lobbys to fly Indian flags over American government buildings, and has no family willing to serve in our military, then their loyalty is to India and they need to be deported," another post from Langevin said. Since September 29, residents and members of regional and national Indian American groups have flooded meetings at Palm Bays city council chambers, released statements denouncing his remarks and demanded his resignation, The Washington Post reported on Friday. The Palm Bay City Council voted 3-2 to censure Councilman Chandler Langevin. The council resolution requires him to get a consensus before putting something on the agenda, silences him during commissioner comments and removes him from committees, Central Florida Public Media reported on Friday. National advocacy group, Hindus for Human Rights, called on the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, to remove Langevin from office in an open letter. Bharat Patel, the former chair of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, on October 2 said that Langevins remarks echo some of historys darkest rhetoric," potentially even inspiring acts of violence. Prashant Patel, president of the Indian American Business Association and Chamber, told council members that Langevins actions are deeply polarising, The Washington Post reported. Republican Party members, including the Brevard County Republican Party, Rep Mike Haridopolos (Florida) and Sen Rick Scott (Florida), have also denounced Langevins rhetoric, the report said. Its unacceptableand dangerousthat in 2025 were hearing elected officials call for the mass removal of Indian Americans. This rhetoric echoes the cruelty of Donald Trumps mass ICE raids and fuels a climate of fear that harms families across our nation," Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a statement on Saturday. Langevin said the city councils censure, calls for his removal and condemnation from fellow Republicans are reprehensible" and represent a stifling of different viewpoints. He added that he has no intention of abdicating his seat, the report added. In an October 8 statement posted on X, Langevin apologised to Patriotic Americans of the Hindu faith" but underscored his opposition to all illegal immigration and most legal immigration," Central Florida Public Media reported. Langevin told The Post on Wednesday that he had since had good conversations" with some members of the Indian community as they worked to find common ground." About 5 million people in the US identified as Indian in 2023, but little of that population lives in Florida. Nearly 2,10,000 Indian-origin people reside in Florida as of 2024, according to AAPI Data, a nonpartisan research group focused on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the report added. PTI RD RD RD

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First Published: October 19, 2025, 16:45 IST

News agency-feeds Florida Councilman faces criticism over remarks against Indian community in US

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Diwali Bank Holidays 2025: Know When Banks Will Remain Closed This Week; State-Wise Status

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 11:51 IST

Banks across India will close on various dates for Diwali 2025, with holidays differing by state. BSE and NSE will hold Muhurat Trading on October 21 from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm.

Bank Holiday October 2025.

Diwali Bank Holiday 2025: Banks across India will observe several public and regional holidays this week amid Diwali festival under the RBI holiday calendar. These holidays are not uniform nationwide and vary from state to state. That means on some dates, banks in certain states will remain closed, while in others, they will function normally.

During bank holidays, customers can continue to access services through net banking, mobile banking, UPI, and ATMs. However, cheque clearing and other over-the-counter services under the Negotiable Instruments Act will not be available.

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Bank Holiday This Week

October 20 (Monday)  Diwali / Naraka Chaturdasi

Holiday in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Tripura, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, UP, New Delhi, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala.

October 21 (Tuesday)  Diwali (Deepavali)

Holiday in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan

October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)  Diwali (Bali Pratipada)/Vikram Samvant New Year Day/Govardhan Pooja/Balipadyami, Laxmi Puja (Deepawali)

Holiday in: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh

October 23, 2025 (Thursday)  Bhai Bij/Bhaidooj/Chitragupt Jayanti/Laxmi Puja (Deepawali)/Bhratridwitiya/Ningol Chakkouba

Holiday in: Gujarat, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh.

October 27, 2025 (Monday)  Chath Puja (Evening Puja)

Holiday in: Banks will be closed in West Bengal, Bihar & Jharkhand.

October 28, 2025 (Tuesday)  Chath Puja (Morning Puja)

Holiday in: Banks will be closed in Bihar & Jharkhand.

October 31, 2025 (Friday)  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels Birthday

Holiday in: Banks will be closed only in Gujarat on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Muhurat Trading 2025

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Indian equity exchanges will remain closed on October 21, 2025 on account of major Hindu festival Diwali Laxmi Pujan. It means traders and investors wont be able to trade equities, derivatives and other futures and options. However, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will organize a special one-hour trading session for traders and investors on October 21, like every year known as Muhurat Trading.

The symbolic trading session will be held between 1:45 pm and 2:45 pm, the stock exchanges said in separate circulars. Last year, the special Muhurat trading session was held from 6 pm to 7 pm.

About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the I... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 11:51 IST

News business banking-finance Diwali Bank Holidays 2025: Know When Banks Will Remain Closed This Week; State-Wise Status

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Bengalurus Traffic, Waste Woes: Murthys March To Shaws Showdown, Industry Demands Better Infra

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:06 IST

The message is blunt: decades of misgovernance across political parties can't continue unnoticed, and when state fails to act, citizens and businesses will step in and seek answers

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Narayana Murthy and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. (File)

One of the most telling visuals two decades ago was that of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and several IT leaders walking towards Bengalurus Electronic City with cement mixing tubs as a mark of protest against bad roads and poor infrastructure connecting the city to the tech hub. Murthy was protesting against heavy traffic that was already impacting the citys tech companies and employees.

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A flyover project for Electronic City that would connect the rest of Bengaluru to this major IT cluster, which Murthy had proposed back in 2004, was already delayed and no work had been seen in several months.

The Chief Minister at the time was H. D. Kumaraswamy, leading a Congress-JDS coalition government.

That same year, there was another setback. Siemens announced it would not expand its operations in Bengaluru due to traffic issues, and the state lost a major FabCity project to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Cut to two decades later  the demands are the same, and the voices are also the same; the situation, same-same but different!

Years later, when Kumaraswamy returned as Chief Minister for a second term, he visited Murthy to seek his guidance on forming an expert committee to address Bengalurus infrastructure problems, including waste management.

In Karnataka, the ruling Congress government faces a challenge it may not have anticipated.

Political checks and balances in the state have traditionally come from the opposition  the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) raising voices in the Vidhan Sabha. But today, the fight has shifted to a different battlefield. It isnt the opposition testing the government; it is industrialists like Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, heads of IT companies, and tech honchos like Mohandas Pai, who are calling out shoddy infrastructure, administrative apathy, and decisions that threaten Bengalurus status as a global silicon city and an investment hub.

The impact is not just civic; it hits where it hurts  investment, talent retention, and the citys global competitiveness.

Tough questions are being asked about the collapse of civic standards in Bengaluru, a city built on the back of public sector institutions like HAL, BHEL, BEML, and HMT, and nurtured by private pioneers such as Infosys and Biocon.

The message is blunt: decades of misgovernance across political parties cannot continue unnoticed, and when the state fails to act, citizens and businesses will step in and seek answers.

Im sure we will see visible progress once rains stop. Durability of roads shd be the objective nit quick fixes like you have rightly stated. Encroachments also must be removed https://t.co/bUkiwInqqW Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 16, 2025

What Bengaluru needs: A master plan beyond the X war

Bengalurus infrastructure crisis has become a lightning rod for outrage on social media.

Beyond the virtual wars and knee-jerk fixes, what Bengaluru truly needs is a return to fundamentals  long-term planning, accountability, and a governance model that integrates citizens, industry, and elected representatives.

The debate is not merely about roads or garbage; it is about Karnatakas position in the global economic landscape. Bengalurus success as Indias IT capital is built on public infrastructure enabling private enterprise.

When companies like Google, Infosys, and Biocon express frustration, the implications go beyond local inconvenience  they affect investment flows, job creation, and international credibility.

Karnatakas Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister DK Shivakumars attempts to counter criticism with proactive measures reflect an understanding of the stakes. From the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authoritys targeted allocations to proposed elevated corridors, Shivakumars pet project  underground tunnels  the government says it is trying to show tangible action.

For the business community, there is a sense of urgency.

Shaw and Pai are calling for benchmarks of accountability and warning that private investment will not compensate for systemic inefficiency indefinitely. The stakes are clear  either the state adapts, or companies may increasingly consider friendlier destinations such as Andhra Pradesh. AP minister Nara Lokesh has wasted no time to try and lure investments into his state as soon as criticism of Bengaluru traffic congestion and roads is seen on social media.

As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire!

All I am seeking is garbage clearance n road resurfacing which ought to be done by the GBA. Govt Ministers need to hold them responsible n accountable for shoddy and slow work. Here Govt n Citizens need to be on the same page. If garbage mafia is not doing their job then we https://t.co/2RmWbNl1aA Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 15, 2025

The Shaw-Shivakumar showdown

Frustrated with Bengalurus pothole-ridden roads and overflowing garbage bins, Shaw has not shied away from calling out the Congress government publicly. Her remarks have sparked an intense exchange with Shivakumar.

If she wants to develop them (roads), let her do it. If she comes and asks, we will give her the roads," Shivakumar said. Shaw responded that she would personally take on the repair of roads if the government continued to delay action. Give me the road, which is a huge embarrassment to the government, and I will build it," she said.

Shaws actions are not symbolic. She has reportedly committed to developing more than 10 roads in the Hebbagodi area of Anekal taluk, liaising with the Urban Development Department and offering to repair potholes, asphalt, and culverts at her own expense.

The Congress government, predictably, did not take this lightly. Shaws initial criticism  that foreign investors, including a visiting Chinese delegation, were questioning Bengaluru and Indias credibility due to poor civic management  struck a raw nerve.

Questions were raised about the use of CSR funds, with ministers suggesting that Shaw and others contribute through corporate channels rather than publicly criticising the administration.

Shivakumars defence combines optics and what he says is concrete action on the ground. He said Rs 50 crore had already been allocated for the development of the region and highlighted that Bengaluru contributes Rs 6,000 crore in taxes annually, of which the East Corporation retains Rs 1,673 crore for infrastructure.

The DCM also questioned why industrialists do not highlight the proactive measures  over 10,000 potholes identified, more than 5,000 already fixed, and several major projects underway. Instead of tearing Bengaluru down, lets build it up together. The world sees India through Bengaluru, and we owe it to our city to rise united," he said.

Recently, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the 117-km Bengaluru Business Corridor, renamed from the Peripheral Ring Road, to be completed in two years. The Rs 27,000-crore project promises 40% traffic reduction and will help change the course of Bengaluru. Shivakumar also announced that Rs 7,000 crore has been allocated for Bengalurus development, and a new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to oversee the implementation of major infrastructure projects in the city.

But Shaws critique persists. She has repeatedly flagged poor construction quality, improper planning, and unfulfilled promises under the previous BBMPs Brand Bengaluru-Vibrant Bengaluru" initiative as well.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's tweet, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "I am not sure which part of Bengaluru they have seen. As I have said, the work is in progress. We are growing at a rapid pace, and whatever is necessary for the pic.twitter.com/INoGCiXrGQ ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2025

Huge corruption and bad governance: Mohandas Pai

Shaw is not alone. Mohandas Pai, former Infosys chairman and Aarin Capital founder, has lambasted the state for huge corruption and bad governance". He cited commutes from Bellandur to the airport taking nearly two hours, with roads dug up and pothole-ridden.

Pais criticism extends to economic governance. While Andhra Pradesh lures Google with a $15 billion data and AI hub in Visakhapatnam and major incentives, Pai argued Karnatakas ministers are preoccupied with caste surveys, appeasement, and borrowing for freebies instead of enabling high-value investment and job creation.

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge countered Pai, saying data and facts were in Karnatakas favour. He claimed Andhras incentives were unsustainable and emphasised that Bengaluru remains the worlds first choice for investors. Bengaluru as a global city is unmatched, and no amount of criticism can change that growth spirit, which has only moved onwards and upwards," he said.

Not true. Both @TVMohandasPai and I have criticised deteriorating infrastructure in our city to previous BJP & JDS Governments. Our agenda is clear clean up and restore roads. https://t.co/JYnQ1u7K7r Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 19, 2025

BJP watches, strategises and piggybacks

The BJP has tried to leverage the situation politically as well. Leaders such as Bengaluru rural MP C. N. Manjunath praised Shaws remarks as constructive, while opposition leader, BJP senior leader R. Ashok, accused the Congress of insulting industrialists.

I agree with you  its a collective effort with a mindset of urgency and quality Lets show everyone how we can fix our city @DKShivakumar https://t.co/E2oVCSlqPj Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 14, 2025

The human cost

Amid tweets, statements, and political sparring, the daily lives of Bengalureans remain disrupted. Commuters struggle with potholes, garbage, and endless traffic jams. Corporate employees face delays, and businesses absorb mounting operational costs.

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Bengaluru today stands under scrutiny like never before. What is unfolding is not merely a civic issue or a political fight  it is a test of modern governance and accountability.

Industrialists, tech leaders, and citizens alike are sending a clear message: Bengalurus infrastructure and governance will no longer be measured by political claims or reports  but by how it performs for the people and the global investors who keep this city running.

About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously wor... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 13:04 IST

News bengaluru-news Bengalurus Traffic, Waste Woes: Murthys March To Shaws Showdown, Industry Demands Better Infra

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Pregnant Woman Killed By Lover In Delhi; Husband Stabs Him While Trying To Save Wife

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 17:39 IST

The attack took place when Shalini and Akash were on their way to meet her mother near Qutub Road. Aashu suddenly appeared and tried to stab Akash.

Image from the crime spot (Credits: ANI)

A domestic dispute over an alleged extramarital affair ended in a gruesome double murder in central Delhis Ram Nagar area late on Saturday night. A 22-year-old pregnant woman was stabbed to death by her lover in a public place, while her husband, in a desperate attempt to save her, managed to kill the attacker.

The victim, identified as Shalini, was a homemaker and mother of two young daughters. Her husband, Akash, 23, is an e-rickshaw driver. He is currently admitted to the hospital with serious stab injuries and undergoing treatment, reported NDTV.

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Lover Claimed Woman Was Carrying His Child

Investigating officers said Aashu, alias Shailendra, 34, was furious after Shalini decided to return to her husband and children. He had claimed that Shalini was pregnant with his child and wanted her to leave Akash, but Shalini reportedly insisted that her husband was the father of the unborn baby.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan confirmed that both Shalini and Aashu were declared dead at the hospital, while Akash continues to currently undergo treatment, reported NDTV.

According to police, the attack took place when Shalini and Akash were on their way to meet her mother near Qutub Road. Aashu suddenly appeared and tried to stab Akash. He managed to escape the first attack, but before he could react, Aashu spotted Shalini sitting in an e-rickshaw and attacked her multiple times with a knife.

When Akash rushed to protect his wife, he too was stabbed. He overpowered Aashu in self-defence, snatched the knife, and stabbed him repeatedly, killing him on the spot.

#WATCH | Delhi: One pregnant woman was stabbed to death by her ex-live-in partner in the Nabi Karim area of Old Delhi on 18 October, Saturday night. The victims were Shalini (22 years) and her husband, Aakash (23 years). While saving his wife, Aakash stabbed the former live-in pic.twitter.com/xnvOyANokH ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2025

Police Investigation

According to Sheila, Shalinis mother, the couple had separated a few years ago due to marital problems. During that time, Shalini got involved with Aashu and even lived with him for a while. However, she later reconciled with Akash and returned to live with him and their two daughters, reported NDTV.

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This decision reportedly enraged Aashu, who continued to harass her and claimed to be the father of her unborn child.

An FIR has been registered under Section 103(1)/109(1) of the BNS, and further investigation into the matter has been taken up. The bodies have been sent for postmortem examination, and further investigation is underway.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 15:50 IST

News new-delhi-news Pregnant Woman Killed By Lover In Delhi; Husband Stabs Him While Trying To Save Wife

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'Match Fixing': MNS In Tow, Opposition In Maharashtra To Meet EC Over Voter List 'Irregularities'

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 22:34 IST

Shiv Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of electoral irregularities, which he said need to be thoroughly investigated

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced that a massive march against the Election Commission of India, will be held in Mumbai on November 1. (Image: PTI/File)

Pointing a finger at the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday alleged electoral irregularities and match-fixing" during elections, stressing the need for a thorough investigation.

Sanjay Raut announced that a massive march against the Election Commission of India (ECI) will be held in Mumbai on November 1, before which opposition leaders will be meeting election officials in Maharashtra to address concerns over discrepancies in the voter list.

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Raut said this will be led by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray will also be a part of this meeting and march, along with other party leaders like NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Congress leaders, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar will meet the officials and bring to their attention the issue of discrepancy in the voter list in Maharashtrathey do match fixing and then contest elections," Raut told reporters, as reported by ANI. We will have to take to the streets On November 1, all parties will launch a massive march in Mumbai against the Election Commission (EC) and show Maharashtras Election Commission MVA and opposition leaders  Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and all other leaders  will participate in this march."

He said opposition parties, already against the EC over vote theft" allegations under Congress MP Rahul Gandhis leadership, have also come together in Mumbai.

Today, we are presenting our stance on behalf of all parties Almost all members of the MNS are present here today, which is a matter of happiness. The press conference was called urgently to address the issue of the Election Commission scam, which we have been fighting in Delhi under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, and which is now starting in Maharashtra as well," he said.

Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the Maharashtra assembly election held in November 2024 was rigged" and claimed that the same will be repeated in Bihar. He had claimed that there were fake voters in the Maharashtra polls.

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Gandhi alleged that the number of voters added to the list in the five months ahead of the polls was more than the number added in the last five years.

Maharashtra, we werent able to tell the logic behind it. In Maharashtra and Haryana, we saw it right in front of our faces. We said publicly and told EC, more voters were added in five months than in five years in Maharashtra. More voters than the entire population of Maharashtra. Huge jump in voter turnout after 5 pm. Our alliance got wiped out while the alliance swept in the Lok Sabha. At the state level, between Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, one crore voters came in," he had alleged.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 22:34 IST

News elections 'Match Fixing': MNS In Tow, Opposition In Maharashtra To Meet EC Over Voter List 'Irregularities'

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Rahul Gandhis Bihar Challenges: Mahagatbandhan Seat Tangle To Coalition Dharma

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 16:17 IST

Bihar win is critical for Rahul Gandhi and Congress. This is where his Voter Adhikar Yatra began

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Congress's Rahul Gandhi (right) and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. (AICC via PTI)

Bargaining comes from a position of strength, and the Congress doesnt look strong in Bihar.

With the Mahagatbandhan unravelling, or appearing to be so, questions mount on the ability of Congress and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to lead a front and elections.

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The problem is that unlike the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi leading from the front, with strong back-up coming from Home Minister Amit Shah and many others, the Congress has not many who can be this back-up for Rahul Gandhi.

The LOP, who in a sense began his experiments with electoral politics with Bihar, has to now deal with cryptic poetic posts from his party leaders like the ones from BJP Congress President Rajesh Ram.

Then you have the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) flexing its muscles and Lalu Prasad giving lessons in coalition maryada to Rahul Gandhi. Then there are at least seven seats on which the Mahagatbandhan allies are contesting from the same seat.

To make it worse, now Congresss staunch ally in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has decided to contest on six seats on its own.

          ,  , , ,                                   pic.twitter.com/JOHaQs0tXy  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 25, 2025

2007: Rahul Gandhi & Bihar

The story of Bihar began for Rahul Gandhi interestingly way back in 2007 when Gandhi began to take charge of NSUI and Youth Congress. It was his idea to make the Congress more democratic and all posts must be contested within the party.

The experiment to hold district-level elections, however, failed in Bihar with massive rigging allegations. This experiment was soon shelved and the Congress came back to its old ways of appointments being made from the top.

This is what seems to be happening now. Many Congress leaders from the state have complained that leaders from Delhi have prepared ground reports without going to the ground and giving the wrong picture" to the top bosses. As a party leader who was also an aspirant said, Of the first list, only six were for workers, while the rest are those who are close to Delhi leaders."

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Bihar win is critical for Rahul Gandhi and Congress. This is where his Voter Adhikar Yatra began. A loss would mean  credibility over the yatra and its slogans. It also would support many others in India bloc like Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee who feel that the Congress can never be a good ally.

The experiment, which began in 2007, with Bihar is seeing another test now. Will this experiment and coalition dharma see another challenge?

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. S... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 16:15 IST

News elections Rahul Gandhis Bihar Challenges: Mahagatbandhan Seat Tangle To Coalition Dharma

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Theres No Dissatisfaction: Chirag Paswan On NDA Seat Sharing Deal For Bihar Polls

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 20:17 IST

Chirag Paswan affirms Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is satisfied with NDA seat-sharing for Bihar Polls 2025, contesting 29 seats as requested.

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chief Chirag Paswan. (IMAGE: PTI)

Bihar Polls 2025: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan dismissed speculation over his dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA for the Bihar assembly polls and said that the party not only received a respectable number of seats, but all the seats they had requested are of their choice.

He said that they have not only received a respectable number of seats, but all the seats they had requested are of their choice. Chirag Paswan said that he never imagined that they would be given 29 seats, equaling the best electoral performance of his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan.

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While speaking exclusively to News18 India, Paswan shed light on how the deal with the BJP-led NDA came through, saying that he never imagined that the party would be given 29 seats, equaling the best electoral performance of his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan.

On the seat-sharing formula, the Union Minister highlighted the contrast between the NDA and the oppositions Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). All issues within the NDA were resolved in time. Look at the state of the Mahagathbandhan  they havent even finalised seat numbers. Its clear who is prepared and who is not," he said.

Quashing rumors of any fallout or dissatisfaction, Paswan clarified that despite intense negotiations, the talks remained smooth. In the Lok Sabha elections, it took 1516 rounds of meetings. This time, we sorted everything out in 56 rounds. There was no anger," he explained.

He further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving a substantial share in the seat allocation for the upcoming polls. He said, I love my Prime Minister so much. Ive never seen in alliance politics where a party with just one MP was given five seats to contest. Today, even without a single MLA, were contesting from 29 seats. Thats huge. Theres no space for dissatisfaction after that."

The LJP (RV) chief further spoke about murmurs of discontent from other alliance partners over the number of seats given to the party. He said that there is no dissatisfaction among the NDA constituents and everyone is united and moving ahead together.

I was never at the centre of that storm. BJP was the nodal party handling the negotiations. I have always respected leaders like Jitan Ram Manjhi, who worked with my father. I have never responded harshly to any senior. The same goes for Upendra Kushwaha," he said as quoted by the news outlet.

When questioned about the possibility of aligning with RJDs Tejashwi Yadav in the future, Paswan was unequivocal. He said, As long as Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, there is no question of leaving the NDA. My father was called a political weatherman, and I believe I am his reflection. Wherever LJP has gone, it has led to victory. The same will happen in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections."

NDA Seat Sharing Arrangement

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In the seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA, the BJP and JD(U) will be contesting 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (headed by Ram Vilas) will contest 29 seats. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) will contest six seats each.

Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 20:17 IST

News elections Theres No Dissatisfaction: Chirag Paswan On NDA Seat Sharing Deal For Bihar Polls

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Why RSS Had To Move Karnataka High Court For A March In Chittapur: The Sequence Of Events Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 17:02 IST

RSS march in Karnataka's Chittarpur: A govt official at a march in Lingasugur, his suspension, Priyank Kharge and government's actions to BJP, RSS reactions, all you need to know

Praveen Kumar (circled) and Priyank Kharge (File)

The Karnataka High Court (HC) on Sunday asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) representatives to file a fresh application seeking permission to hold its route march in Chittapur of Kalaburagi district on November 2.

Justice MGS Kamal said this after the petitioner submitted to the court that it intends to hold the route march on November 2, since the permission for Sunday (October 19) was declined by the authorities.

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As expected, @BJP4Karnataka continues to misread court directions and peddle misinformation led by LoP @RAshokaBJP and President @BYVijayendra.Can BJP Leaders clarify when and where the RSS march is happening in Chittapur today? The truth is simple: the RSS event scheduled in  Priyank Kharge /   (@PriyankKharge) October 19, 2025

Why is the RSS holding marches?

The RSS is conducting 100-year anniversary route marches (path sanchalans) across India. Karnataka saw several marches earlier this month.

Why October 12 march led to an uproar

The RSS held a route march in Lingasugur, Raichur district (northeast Karnataka). A government official, Praveen Kumar K.P. (Taluk Panchayat Development Officer), was seen participating in full RSS uniform (white shirt, khaki shorts, black cap, danda/stick). The photos and videos soon went viral, leading to an uproar.

I have spoken to the officer suspended for taking part in RSS Pathsanchalan by the State Government.Assured him that I will personally appear before the concerned tribunal and courts to challenge this illegal and unlawful suspension. There are multiple judgements from across pic.twitter.com/mQF8cKLLZm  Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 18, 2025

The impact

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge then wrote to CM Siddaramaiah, seeking a ban on RSS activities on government premises, calling RSS a divisive and unconstitutional" force. The letter also asked to consider the Tamil Nadu model, where such activities are restricted in public places.

October 13: Kharge followed up with another letter to the CM. He demanded a ban on government employees participating in RSS events, citing Rule 5(1) of Karnataka Civil Services Conduct Rules. This included attending route marches and shakhas, even in private capacity.

October 14-15: The debate intensified as the government reviewed disciplinary action against Praveen Kumar. BJP leaders defended the official and accuse the Congress of targeting Hindu cultural identity". Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP, called the suspension threat illegal" and said the Congress is anti-Hindu." The Constitution allows RSS to hold its activities. We dont need permission from his father," said CT Ravi.

October 16: Kharge said the state was mulling new laws against the RSS and has decided to strengthen the existing laws of non-participation of government employees in any political activities. Surya hit back at Kharges demand to ban the RSS, saying any attempt to do so is futile" as the organisation has only grown stronger every time it has been banned in the past.

October 17-18: Praveen Kumar was officially suspended for violating government employee conduct rules by marching in RSS uniform. The suspension is issued by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. Surya launched a legal aid initiative to defend Praveen Kumar, calling the action constitutional overreach". Kharge mocks Surya on X, calling him a WhatsApp graduate."

Not the first ban

RSS leader Rajiv Tuli on Sunday told ANI that the Congresss animosity towards the RSS is old, not new" recalling that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had once said to crush" the organisation in 1948, and accused the party of being against Indianness, nationalism, and Hindutva".

Congress animosity with RSS is old, not new. In 1948, one week before Mahatma jis assassination, in his letter to a CM, Nehru ji said  Why is action not being taken against the RSSHe had said, I will crush the RSS. The then Sarsanghchalak, responded with I will crush this crushing mentalityIn 1948, they pressured Sardar Patel to ban RSS. 28 days after the ban, Sardar Patel wrote a letter to Nehruji that he had come to know that RSS had no involvement in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Later, the ban was revoked. The ban was reimposed in 1975 and then revoked in 1977So, first Nehruji, then Indira Gandhi and then Narasimha Rao banned RSS thrice. They had to revoke the ban laterYou can see the condition of Congress todayThe Congress of AU Hume is against Indianness, nationalism and Hindutva sanatanaThey opposed it earlier too and they oppose it now as well," he added.

Hmmmmm interesting that BJP MPs are coming forward and defending people who are defying the service conduct rules laid down by the State Govt. This itself proves my point.Anyway the rules states. No Government Servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, pic.twitter.com/ryW21fK44B  Priyank Kharge /   (@PriyankKharge) October 19, 2025

What happened in HC on Sunday?

A special bench of the HC was constituted to hear the petition filed by Ashok Patil on behalf of the RSS. The judge asked the petitioner whether it would be possible to hold the march on an alternative date or time, to which the petitioners counsel submitted that November 2 would be suitable.

In view of the submissions, the petitioner shall furnish a fresh application with details of the route, place, and time, along with the responses to the queries raised earlierthe application shall be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district with a copy to the Taluka Executive Magistrate and the police," the court said.

It further asked the authorities to consider the application and submit the report to the court on October 24.

No order is passed in this petition on merits and the same shall be considered on receipt of the report, it added.

The petition initially sought direction to the authorities to consider the application seeking permission to hold a route march on Sunday. An interlocutory application (IA) was filed during the hearing today, seeking to amend the petition, informing the court that the authorities have denied the permission.

Authorities in Chittapur, the home constituency of Minister Kharge, have denied permission for the RSS route march on Sunday, citing the possibility of disruption of peace and law and order.

The Tahasildar of Chittapur, cited that the Bhim Army organisation has also informed, through a letter, that they too will conduct a route march on the same route on October 19.

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The state government too on Saturday issued an order making prior permission" mandatory for any private organisation, association or a group of persons to use government property or premises.

With PTI, ANI Inputs

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 16:58 IST

News explainers Why RSS Had To Move Karnataka High Court For A March In Chittapur: The Sequence Of Events Explained

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After Op Sindoor, Indian Tourists Shun Pakistan-Backers Azerbaijan, Turkey As Travel Falls Up To 70%

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 10:40 IST

Indians are signalling disapproval of Pakistans allies with their passports. Travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan dropped this summer amid calls for a post-Op Sindoor boycott.

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Indian visits to Azerbaijan fell 70% and to Turkey 38% between June and August compared to last year. (IMAGE: REUTERS/REPRESENTATIVE)

Indian travellers appear to be continuing the soft sanction" they imposed on Turkey and Azerbaijan this summer, with tourism from India to both countries falling sharply in the months following Operation Sindoor.

Data accessed by CNN-News18 shows that between June and August this year, Indian arrivals to Azerbaijan fell by 70%, while travel to Turkey dropped by 38% compared to the same period last year.

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Operation Sindoor was a counterterror campaign launched in May in retaliation for the massacre of over 26 civilians by Pakistan-trained terrorists in Pahalgam in April.

Most of the victims were tourists, killed based on their religion.

In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out air raids deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating several terrorist hideouts and killing top militant leaders.

The operation escalated into a brief conflict after the Pakistan Army intervened on behalf of the terrorists and used drones to target Indian civilians.

Indian forces successfully repelled the attacks, and a ceasefire was reached after Pakistan suffered major damage to its military infrastructure and its DGMO sought a truce.

During the conflict, Turkey provided drones to Pakistan, which were used to target Indian cities and military installations.

Indian air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming projectiles, including missiles, preventing major damage. Azerbaijan also backed Pakistan and publicly condemned" Indias Operation Sindoor air raids.

In the weeks that followed, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Ankara and Baku to thank their counterparts for supporting Islamabads position.

The diplomatic alignment triggered an uproar among Indian travellers, many of whom chose to avoid both countries.

The sentiment also reflected in Indias digital travel space, with major portals such as MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip reportedly deincentivising travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

While no official advisory was issued, the move, coupled with public calls for a boycott, sent a clear signal that Indian tourists will not back nations supporting a country that shelters terrorists.

What The Numbers Say

Between June and August this year, Indian arrivals to Azerbaijan fell by 70%, while travel to Turkey dropped by 38% compared to the same period last year. The decline marks a continuing, measurable travel fallout from Indias post-Sindoor diplomatic reshuffle.

In Azerbaijan, just 20,631 Indians travelled between June and August 2025, compared to 69,576 during the same three months in 2024.

June 2025: 9,934 (vs 28,315 last year)

July 2025: 4,665 (vs 20,124)

August 2025: 6,032 (vs 21,137)

Thats a total drop of more than 49,000 visitors over the three-month period.

A similar trend was visible in Turkey, where Indian tourist numbers fell from 93,963 last year to 58,544 this year, a decline of 38%.

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June 2025: 24,250 (vs 38,307 last year)

July 2025: 16,825 (vs 28,875)

August 2025: 17,649 (vs 26,781)

While no official travel advisory was issued, the combination of public sentiment and travel platform responses clearly shows that Indian travellers are making their voice heard with their passports.

About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office. He has written widely on pol... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 10:34 IST

News india After Op Sindoor, Indian Tourists Shun Pakistan-Backers Azerbaijan, Turkey As Travel Falls Up To 70%

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Delhi-NCR In Red Zone Ahead Of Diwali: Check Area-Wise AQI Today

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 09:57 IST

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an AQI of 274 at 5:30 am, placing it in the poor category.

Delhi Air Quality turns 'Poor'(PTI)

As Diwali approaches, Delhi is already struggling to breathe. With just a day left before the festival of lights, air quality across the national capital has plunged to hazardous levels, raising serious health concerns.

Hows the air quality today?

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Delhis air quality worsened significantly on Sunday, October 19, with multiple monitoring stations recording alarming levels of pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an AQI of 274 at 5:30 am, placing it in the poor" category.

As of 9 am, Delhis air quality remained a major concern. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 435, entering the severe category. Other areas also reported very poor levels: Wazirpur at 365, Dwarka Sector 8 at 341, and Bawana at 303. ITO registered an AQI of 285, falling under the poor category.

At 7 am, Anand Vihar hit 426, entering the severe" zone. Other areas including RK Puram (322), Vivek Vihar (349), Ashok Vihar (304), Bawana (303), and Jahangirpuri (314) remained in the very poor" category.

Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 426, entering the severe category. Several areas remained in the very poor category, including Ashok Vihar (304), RK Puram (322), Bawana (303), Jahangirpuri (314), Dwarka (327), and Vivek Vihar (349).

Other parts of the city fell under the poor category, such as Lodhi Road (221), Najafgarh (212), Okhla Phase 2 (283), and Narela (266).

This data shows a significant deterioration in air quality across Delhi, with multiple areas nearing hazardous levels. The variation in AQI across the city highlights the impact of local emissions, traffic, and other pollution sources on residents daily exposure to harmful particulate matter.

In Delhi NCR, neighboring regions mirrored this trend. Loni in Ghaziabad recorded 341, Sector 125 Noida reached 342, and Sector 51 Gurugram also reported 342, all in the very poor" bracket. Out of 38 stations in Delhi, nine were in the very poor" zone, inching towards severe" levels.

Western and northern parts of the city, including Dwarka, Wazirpur, and Ashok Vihar, also saw pollution soar to dangerous levels, offering a grim preview of what Diwali night could bring.

On Dhanteras (October 18), the city witnessed alarming pollution spikes, with particulate matter readings far exceeding both national and international safety limits.

Experts attribute the pollution surge primarily to transport emissions, accounting for 15.6% of Delhis total pollution load, compounded by firecrackers and stubble burning. With Diwali approaching, authorities warn that air quality could deteriorate further.

The India Meteorological Department forecasted fog in the morning followed by clear skies, with temperatures ranging between 19C and 33C, offering little natural relief from the toxic air. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

Several monitoring stations recorded dangerously high levels, with Anand Vihar peaking at 404, Wazirpur at 361, and Vivek Vihar at 349.

Out of 38 stations, nine fell into the very poor" category, some nearing the severe" zone, posing serious health risks. The National Capital Region also recorded high AQI levels  Ghaziabad at 324, Noida at 298, and Gurugram at 258. Rising emissions and pre-Diwali fireworks are expected to exacerbate pollution further, making the air increasingly hazardous.

Doctors have warned that such exposure can aggravate asthma, heart disease, and respiratory ailments, especially among children and the elderly.

According to experts, meteorological conditions and local emissions are causing hazardous pollution levels at multiple locations, and it is highly likely that these levels will rise further during festive celebrations, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Prediction of severe air quality on Diwali night

According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Delhis air quality is expected to deteriorate further on October 20 (Diwali day), reaching the upper end of the very poor" category. The forecast warns of a possible shift to severe" levels by October 21, especially if cracker emissions rise.

Although the Supreme Courts October 15 order allows only green crackers" within strict time limits (67 am and 810 pm on October 19 and 20), enforcement remains a challenge.

This years build-up mirrors the toxic trend seen in previous years. A 2024 Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study reported a 46% surge in PM2.5 levels around Diwali, with concentrations peaking at 603 g/m on Diwali night, a 13% higher than the 2022 and 2023 levels. On that night, nine of Delhis 38 monitoring stations recorded PM2.5 above 900 g/m, with Anand Vihar and Nehru Nagar nearing 1,000 g/m.

Weather conditions, particularly calm winds and westerly flows, have compounded the problem by trapping pollutants. Satellite data shows nearly 1,000 stubble-burning incidents across northern states this season, further worsening the capitals smog.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police and Pollution Control Committee have launched patrols and surprise checks to curb the sale of non-certified crackers. Only those certified by NEERI and carrying valid QR codes can be sold through licensed vendors.

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However, despite these measures, experts fear that unless emissions are drastically reduced and meteorological conditions improve, Delhi could once again find itself engulfed in a grey haze, a recurring and tragic prelude to the festival of lights.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 09:02 IST

News india Delhi-NCR In Red Zone Ahead Of Diwali: Check Area-Wise AQI Today

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Fire Guts 65 Shops At UP Firecracker Market, Losses In Crores

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 21:51 IST

A massive fire at Fatehpur's temporary firecracker market gutted over 65 shops and two dozen vehicles, causing losses worth crores.

Fatehpur SP Anoop Kumar Singh said no casualties have been reported. (PTI)

A huge fire broke out at a temporary firecracker market in Uttar Pradeshs Fatehpur on Sunday, gutting more than 65 shops and destroying dozens of two-wheelers.

Firecrackers worth crores of rupees were reduced to ashes, and several people sustained minor burn injuries in the fire, news agency PTI reported, citing officials.

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According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out around 12:30 pm at one of the cracker stalls, allegedly sparked by a short-circuit. The blaze rapidly spread to the adjoining stalls, all stocked with fireworks, triggering a series of loud explosions.

VIDEO | Kanpur, UP: A massive blaze ripped through a temporary firecracker market on the MG College ground in Fatehpur on Sunday, gutting more than 65 shops and destroying dozens of two-wheelers, officials said.Firecrackers worth several crores of rupees were reduced to ashes, pic.twitter.com/joXzZwURJB  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 19, 2025

Panic gripped the market as traders and customers scrambled to get to safety, while a thick cloud of smoke enveloped the sky above.

Our first priority is to bring the fire completely under control. The cause of the blaze is being investigated, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent," Fatehpur SP Anoop Kumar Singh said as quoted by the news agency.

Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Jaiveer Singh said the fire engulfed the entire market within 15 to 20 minutes.

Around 65-70 shops and over two dozen two-wheelers have been completely gutted. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far," he said.

Firemen used sand, buckets of water, and extinguishers to contain the blaze, officials said.

Vendors and shopkeepers, however, alleged that fire tenders took nearly 20 minutes to reach the scene, despite the fire station being only 200 metres away. The temporary market became operational only half-an-hour earlier. Within 15 minutes, everything was gone. We barely managed to escape with our lives," said local trader Satish.

Another shopkeeper said she invested Rs 8 lakh into her stall; now, all the merchandise has been reduced to nothing.

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District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who rushed to the spot with the SP, said, An inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the losses. Strict action will be taken against those found negligent."

(With inputs from PTI)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Fatehpur, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 21:51 IST

News india Fire Guts 65 Shops At UP Firecracker Market, Losses In Crores

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LG Manoj Sinha Urges For World Of Kindness As He Returns With Buddha Relics From Russia

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 23:43 IST

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the global community to work towards a world founded on compassion, equality, and moral integrity.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Russia (Credits X)

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for building a world rooted in kindness, wisdom, and equality as the Indian delegation concluded its week-long visit to Elista, the capital of Kalmykia in Russia. The visit marked the conclusion of the exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha, which were brought to Kalmykia for public veneration from 11 to 18 October 2025.

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The event, hosted at the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamunithe largest Buddhist temple in Europewas organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, along with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). It aimed to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties and celebrate the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Kalmykia.

Addressing monks and devotees at the closing ceremony, LG Sinha said that while the relics would now return home, Lord Buddhas spiritual presence would remain in Kalmykia, guiding people on their path to enlightenment

The exposition of holy relics has deepened the spiritual connection, and the mindfulness cultivated will always serve as a source of peace, ideals, and inspiration for future generations. The last week has been historic, bringing joy and spiritual fulfilment to devotees and the people of Kalmykia," he said.

Leading the delegation accompanying holy relics of Lord Buddha during return journey, after exposition at Kalmykia, Russia, is a blessing & divine moment for me. May Lord Buddha shower his blessings upon all, bringing happiness, peace, and compassion in our lives.   ! pic.twitter.com/OrMe1qKzrL Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) October 19, 2025

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the global community to work towards a world founded on compassion, equality, and moral integrity.

We must build an awakened and peaceful world. Humanity must uphold moral integrity, equality, and fairness. We must live in harmony with nature. I strongly believe that Lord Buddhas teachings provide a roadmap for humanity in this direction," LG Sinha said.

He also stressed that the cultural and spiritual partnership between India and Russia continues to be one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation. Our shared belief in enduring values of peace, spiritual ethos, and compassionate living forms the foundation of our bilateral relationship," he added.

Highlighting the relevance of Buddhas message in modern life, the Lieutenant Governor said, In todays fast-paced world, Buddhas message is like a source of light for humanity. His teachings on compassion, non-violence, and purity of mind can bridge divides and foster universal brotherhood. Spiritual salvation is the greatest treasure for human beings, and India, the land of Lord Buddha, has shared this with the world."

Encouraging followers to seek truth through self-awareness, LG Sinha noted, Lord Buddha taught that spiritual experience cannot be borrowedit must be lived. Be a light unto yourself. Look within, for the light and pure awareness are already within you."

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The week-long exposition, marked by warmth, goodwill, and deep spiritual energy, reflected the shared values of peace and compassion that continue to strengthen the bond between India and Russia.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 23:42 IST

News india LG Manoj Sinha Urges For World Of Kindness As He Returns With Buddha Relics From Russia

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Minor Girl Found Injured In Odisha, Walks To Hospital On Her Own; Rape Suspected

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 07:30 IST

A 17-year-old girl was found bloodied and semi-conscious in Odisha, arrived alone at Capital Hospital, and doctors suspect rape, prompting immediate police notification.

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(File for representation)

In a shocking incident, a 17-year-old girl was found in a bloodied and semi-conscious state late Friday night in Odisha. The minor reportedly arrived at Capital Hospital on her own, seeking immediate medical help.

According to hospital sources, the girl was admitted around midnight, and doctors treating her observed injuries, raising strong suspicions of rape. As per protocol, the medical team promptly informed the police through the hospital outpost, India Today reported.

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Upon arrival, the police tried attempted to question the girl, but she was unable to provide coherent responses due to her condition. She has since been admitted for further treatment and remains under continuous medical observation.

A forensic medical examination will be conducted by the hospital as part of the ongoing investigation, sources indicated. CCTV are also being reviewed by the authorities from nearby areas to trace the incident, India Today reported.

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The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Capital Police Station. We received the report on the evening of 16th October regarding the admission of a girl at Capital Hospital. The report suggested she appeared to be suffering from a psychological disorder and had allegedly been sexually assaulted," the DCP said.

He added that initial investigations found the girl to be a resident of Jharkhand. Two women have been arrested in connection with the case, and three other survivors have been rescued. Police are also working with Jharkhand authorities to trace and contact the girls family.

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 07:30 IST

News india Minor Girl Found Injured In Odisha, Walks To Hospital On Her Own; Rape Suspected

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News18 Evening Digest: Israel Launches Airstrikes In Gaza, Robbers Storm Iconic Louvre Museum In Paris & Other Stories

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:12 IST

We are also covering: Ayodhya Celebrates Deepotsav With Spectacular Light Show, Parineeti Chopra And Raghav Chadha Welcome Baby Boy, and other stories.

A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighbourhood, following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

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In todays News18 evening digest, we bring to you the latest on Israel-Gaza War, Robbers Storm Iconic Louvre Museum In Paris, Steal Priceless Jewellery In 7-Minute Heist, Ayodhya Celebrates Deepotsav With Spectacular Light Show, and other stories.

Israel Launches Airstrikes In Southern Gaza, Accuses Hamas Of Blatant Violation Of Ceasefire

The Israeli military on Sunday carried out attacks in Rafah and elsewhere in southern Gaza, the IDF said. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said that a phone call on the situation was taking place between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz and members of the army. Read More

Robbers Storm Iconic Louvre Museum In Paris, Steal Priceless Jewellery In 7-Minute Heist

The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close on Sunday after chainsaw-wielding robbers stormed its halls and stole what French authorities have described as priceless" treasures. The robbery took place in broad daylight and lasted only seven minutes. Frances Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that a group of three or four" thieves used a furniture hoist to access the museums Galerie dApollon (Apollos Gallery), where they targeted two display cases. No injuries were reported. Read More

Ayodhya Celebrates Deepotsav With Spectacular Light Show; 26 Lakh Diyas Illuminate Saryu Ghat

Ayodhya is all decked up, not just to celebrate Deepotsav, but also because the city is eyeing setting a world record. The Deepotsav celebrations began with a laser and light show at the banks of River Saryu in Ayodhya. The Ghat is lit up with diyas and colourful lights. A total of 2,611,101 have been put up to brighten the banks of Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats. Read More

They Honour Babur But Ignore Lord Ram: Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition In Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday took a sharp swipe at the opposition and accused it of frequently insulting Sanatana Dharma and obstructing the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple movement. While addressing a gathering ahead of Deepotsav 2025 celebrations in the temple town of Ayodhya, the Chief Minister recalled the beginning of the festival in 2017 when, he said, the government had to collect lamps from across the state to light just 1.71 lakh lamps. Read More

Trump Reacts To No Kings Protests With AI Videos Of Himself Wearing Crown, Mocking Protesters

US President Donald Trump responded to Saturdays massive No Kings" protests by posting a series of AI-generated videos on his Truth Social platform in which he appears as a king. In one clip, he is wearing a crown and flying a fighter jet that drops what appears to be faeces on anti-Trump protesters with Kenny Loggins Danger Zone playing in the background. Read More

Why RSS Had To Move Karnataka High Court For A March In Chittapur: The Sequence Of Events Explained

The Karnataka High Court (HC) on Sunday asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) representatives to file a fresh application seeking permission to hold its route march in Chittapur of Kalaburagi district on November 2. MGS Kamal said this after the petitioner submitted to the court that it intends to hold the route march on November 2, since the permission for Sunday (October 19) was declined by the authorities. Read More

Parineeti Chopra And Raghav Chadha Welcome Baby Boy: Cant Remember Life Before

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Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra have been blessed with a baby just a day before Diwali. The couple, who were expecting their first child together, shared the joyous news on their Instagram on October 19. Reports of Parineeti Chopra being admitted to a hospital in Delhi came just this morning. Read More

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:12 IST

News india News18 Evening Digest: Israel Launches Airstrikes In Gaza, Robbers Storm Iconic Louvre Museum In Paris & Other Stories

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Setback For Congress As Karnataka HC Allows RSS Route March In Chittapur On Nov 2

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:13 IST

RSS march was earlier denied due to possible law and order issues in Karnataka.

RSS pracharaks carried out a route march in Bengaluru city. (Image: News18)

The Gulbarga Bench of the Karnataka High Court on Sunday granted permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its route march in Chittapur on November 2, which was earlier denied due to possible law and order issues.

The decision came after a petition by Ashok Patil, convenor of RSS Kalaburagi, challenged the authorities failure to act on an earlier request to conduct the march.

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During the hearing, Justice M.G.S. Kamal questioned the state government on how it intended to accommodate and manage such events, emphasising the importance of respecting everyones sentiments. The courts order paves the way for the RSS to proceed with its planned march under regulated conditions.

Chittapur, the constituency of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, has once again become a political focal point after the High Court intervened in a dispute over permission for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs (RSS) proposed route march. Initially scheduled for October 19, the march was denied permission by local authorities citing law and order concerns. The RSS, represented by petitioner Ashok Patil, later requested November 2 as an alternative date.

Court Directs RSS To Reapply

Hearing the matter, the Karnataka High Court directed the petitioner to resubmit the application to the district (zilla) authorities, instructing officials to reconsider the request. The court also scheduled a further hearing for October 24, asking the government to clarify how it plans to handle the matter while ensuring that everyones sentiments are respected."

What Petitioner Said?

Speaking to News18, Ashok Patil said the court noted that 259 RSS Path Sanchalans had taken place across Karnataka peacefully. The bench observed that if all other processions have been conducted without incident, there is no reason why it should not be allowed in Chittapur as well," he said.

Patil added that despite submitting the permission request on October 13, the local authorities kept raising queries until the last moment. We have already held twelve similar programmes in Chittapur and completed events across 154 mandals. We are confident the authorities will grant permission for November 2," he said.

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The state government had recently issued an order restricting the use of public and government properties for events organised by private groups such as the RSS.

The courts upcoming hearing on October 24 will determine whether the organisation can go ahead with its proposed event in Chittapur.

About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously wor... Read More

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 12:56 IST

News india Setback For Congress As Karnataka HC Allows RSS Route March In Chittapur On Nov 2

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UP Woman Critical After Slitting Wrist In Police Station After Her Lover Nephew Ends Affair

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Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 22:02 IST

The woman reportedly developed a romantic relationship with her husbands nephew, Alok Mishra, who is 15 years younger than her

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The woman, identified as Pooja Mishra, originally from Delhi, is married and has two sons aged seven and six. (AI-generated image)

A woman is in critical condition after she attempted to take her own life by slitting her wrist inside a police station in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, following a breakup with her lover, who is also her nephew by marriage.

The woman, identified as Pooja Mishra, originally from Delhi, is married and has two sons aged seven and six.

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According to a report by NDTV, the woman reportedly developed a romantic relationship with her husbands nephew, Alok Mishra, who is 15 years younger than her. The relationship began when Alok was invited to assist with work at the familys home.

When her husband discovered the affair, he sent Alok away. Undeterred, Pooja left her children behind and moved to Bareilly, where she and Alok lived together for nearly seven months. However, tensions grew, leading to a falling out. Alok returned to his native village in Sitapur.

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Later, when Pooja arrived in the village, the police summoned both her and Alok to the station to help resolve their dispute. During a tense exchange, Pooja reportedly took out a blade and slit her wrist inside the police station after her lover told her he no longer wanted to continue their relationship.

The police rushed Pooja to a nearby hospital, where she is said to be in critical condition. More details are awaited, as the police have yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 22:02 IST

News india UP Woman Critical After Slitting Wrist In Police Station After Her Lover Nephew Ends Affair

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Isha Ambani Celebrates India At British Museum Ball In Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Couture

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 08:49 IST

Isha Ambani, co-chair of the British Museum Pink Ball, graced the glamorous event looking elegant in a pink zardosi embroidered ensemble.

Isha Ambani adorned the regal look with emerald jewellery from Nita Mukesh Ambani's personal collection.

Celebrating and representing India at the British Museum and as co-chair of the Pink Ball, inspired by the colours and light of India, Isha Ambani exuded India Royal in custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla couture.

Gracing the pink carpet in intricately embroidered blush pink separates, Ishas Indo-Western silhouette featured a column skirt paired with a satin jacket. The pastel palette, enhanced with hand-embroidered pink zardosi, highlighted the brilliant artistry of Abu Jani Sandeep Khoslas craftsmanship.

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Ishas craft-led couture look was accessorised with regal heart-shaped emerald jewellery pieces from her mother, Nita Mukesh Ambanis personal collection. Every element in Ishas timeless look celebrated the inspiration behind the Pink Ball theme and set the tone for a festive evening surrounded by people from all walks of life.

A successful businesswoman, philanthropist and arts patron, Ishas presence at the British Museum Ball adds yet another feather to her glorious hat. In the British Museum press announcement, Isha Ambani, co-chair of this years Ball, said, I am honoured to be the Co-Chair of the inaugural Pink Ball at the British Museum, set amidst the extraordinary exhibition Ancient India: living traditions, illustrating how significantly early devotional art from India has influenced global contemporary culture. This incredible event celebrates the rich creative legacy of India and furthers cultural conversations globally, deepening mutual respect and understanding."

A sparkling debut, Isha Ambani was joined on the pink carpet by co-chair and British Museum director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan. Nita Mukesh Ambani also joined her daughter, Isha, on the pink carpet, looking royal in six yards of sheer elegance. Nitas charm and undying support together brought timeless opulence and grandeur to Ishas special moment.

Decoding Isha Ambanis Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ensemble

Styled by celebrity fashion stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania, Ishas hand-embroidered luxurious ensemble was crafted by 36 artisans in over 3,670 hours. The highlight of this old-world romance meets modern refinement couture piece was the pink zardosi. According to Anaita, it was the first time couturiers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla worked with pink zardosi. It was indeed a special way to honour the pink ball theme. Inspired by the tapestries and frescoes of Indian palaces, the embroidery narrated the story of devotion and time through intricate motifs. Isha carried off this couture narrative with elan and has made this ensemble a favourite silhouette for the festive season.

The inaugural of the British Museum Pink Ball was a star-studded soiree with an array of celebrities and personalities making an entrance in custom looks. Spotted on the pink carpet were Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak, Natasha Poonawalla, Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Naomi Campbell, M.I.A., Adot Gak, James Norton, Lucien Laviscount, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Nathalie Emmanuel, Kanika Kapoor and Pm Klementieff, among others.

The British Museum Ball

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According to Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum and founder of the Ball, the British Museum Ball celebrates London, where history and innovation coexist, and everyone is welcome.

The theme for 2025 was pink, which drew inspiration from the colours and light of India, and was presented in conjunction with the British Museums critically acclaimed exhibition, Ancient India: living traditions. Reaching back more than 2,000 years, this new exhibition explores the origins of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sacred art in the ancient and powerful nature spirits of India, and the spread of this art beyond the subcontinent. More than 180 objects, including sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts, were showcased at the exhibition.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who cel... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 08:49 IST

News lifestyle fashion Isha Ambani Celebrates India At British Museum Ball In Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Couture
Nita Ambani Glows In A Sunset Kanchivaram Saree And Silver Cutwork Pallu

Curated By :

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Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 09:38 IST

Nita Ambani stunned in a sunset hued Kanchivaram saree that she had paired with an off-shoulder corset-style blouse and silver cutwork pallu.

Nita Ambani and Isha Ambani at the British Museum.

While the 2025 British Museum Pink Ball celebrated India through bold couture and vibrant expression, Nita Mukesh Ambani brought something even more powerful to the pink-hued evening. She paid a quiet yet majestic homage to Indias textile heritage, woven in threads of silver and tradition. Supporting her daughter as co-chair of the event, Nita Ambani arrived draped in a masterpiece. She wore a sunset-hued Kanchivaram sari by R Varadhan for Swadesh, finished with a jaw-dropping silver cutwork pallu by Manish Malhotra.

Decoding Nita Ambanis Look For The British Museums Pink Ball

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Drawing from her storied collection of saris, Nita Ambani chose a look that whispered luxury through every fibre. The Kanchivaram saree  a textile synonymous with southern Indias cultural soul  shimmered in a palette of burnished gold, rose, and coppery orange, capturing the ethereal glow of a dusky Indian sky. But it was the handwoven technique and use of pure zari that elevated the drape from ceremonial to celestial.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by British Museum (@britishmuseum)

The piece de resistance? A silver cutwork pallu handcrafted by couturier Manish Malhotra. It was a delicate, lace-like marvel that cascaded down her arm, rich with sequin embroidery and floral patterns. This melding of traditional weaving and couture embellishment was a rare moment of sartorial storytelling, one that honoured both heritage and haute fashion.

Balancing tradition with innovation, Nita paired the saree with an off-shoulder, corset-style choli. The blouse, designed by Manish Malhotra, featured bejewelled buttons and a structure that gave form to the fluidity of the drape. This was not merely styling; it was reimagining the sari as a canvas for modern Indian womanhood.

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Her choice of jewellery  a dazzling emerald-and-diamond necklace, an oversized floral ring, and diamond-encrusted bangles  added just the right amount of royal glamour. Her makeup, kept soft with a neutral lip and kohl-rimmed eyes, allowed the richness of her outfit to speak volumes.

At an event themed around the light and colour of India, Nita Ambanis look stood as a cultural dialogue. She didnt just wear a saree, she wore centuries of craft, reinterpreted for a global stage.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 09:38 IST

News lifestyle fashion Nita Ambani Glows In A Sunset Kanchivaram Saree And Silver Cutwork Pallu
Isha Ambani Co-Chairs British Museums Inaugural Pink Ball Supported By Her Mother Nita Ambani

Published By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:18 IST

Isha was resplendent in a custom ensemble by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, long regarded as the bedrock of luxury Indian design, epitomising old-world romance and modern refinement

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The event was attended by a host of creative luminaries and celebrities including Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Naomi Campbell, Sir Norman Foster, Lady Kitty Spencer, Luke Evans and James Norton.

The inaugural British Museum Pink Ball in London, set against the Ancient India: Living Traditions exhibition, was a landmark celebration of cultural dialogue and artistic exchange. As co-chair, alongside Director of The British Museum, Nicholas Cullinan, Isha Ambani highlighted Indias rich heritage and creative excellence, showcasing its living traditions in a global, contemporary context and reinforcing her role as a cultural leader bridging Indian artistry and culture to a global stage.

The event was attended by a host of creative luminaries and celebrities including Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Naomi Campbell, Sir Norman Foster, Lady Kitty Spencer, Luke Evans and James Norton.

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Isha was resplendent in a custom ensemble by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, long regarded as the bedrock of luxury Indian design, epitomising old-world romance and modern refinement. The blush pink chamoise satin jacket and column skirt were intricately hand-embroidered in old rose zardozi with pearls, sequins, and crystals, in a fresh, luminous palette. Over 35 artisans spent 3,670 hours bringing the couture vision to life. A special technique to honour the pink ball theme, the designers for the first time, worked with pink zardozi, which is otherwise in gold. The result is an unexpected reinterpretation, an ode to craft and tradition, yet rendered in a way that felt modern, confident, and effortlessly cool.

As Co-Chair of the British Museum Pink Ball, it felt only natural that Ishas look should carry the soul of India with a reflection of heritage, artistry, and quiet grandeur. The embroidery is inspired from the tapestries and frescoes of Indian palaces, telling a story of time and devotion. Through their archives, the designer duo rediscovered motifs that felt eternal and reimagined it for this silhouette. The exquisite embroidery gracefully spills onto her shoes, a detail that is both delightful and harmonious.

Her participation aligns with her broader efforts to champion Indian culture and creativity on the global stage. Earlier this year, Isha chaired the inaugural Host Committee alongside Michael Bloomberg for the Serpentine Summer Party 2025, the gallerys most significant annual fundraiser. She also serves on the boards of LACMA, the Smithsonians National Museum of Asian Art, and the Yale Schwarzman Center.

Supporting her daughter was Nita Ambani, whose presence symbolised her enduring commitment to celebrating Indias creative spirit on the world stage. As Founder and Chairperson of NMACC, she continues to champion cross-cultural collaboration and artistic empowerment through culture, values that found powerful expression in this landmark moment. Supporting her daughter at the ball, Mrs. Ambanis presence was both personal and emblematic, reinforcing a shared family vision that continues to elevate Indias artistic legacy and amplify its voice across the global cultural stage.

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Nita Ambanis look was a tribute to Indias enduring artistic legacy, reimagined for the global stage. She was draped in an exquisite powder pink Kanjivaram sari from Swadesh, meticulously handwoven by Mr. R. Varadan, a 68-year-old master artisan from the town of Kanchipuram, who inherited the craft from his father and grandfather, and remains devoted to preserving it for future generations.

Expertly crafted from the finest mulberry silk and embellished with pure gold zari, it radiates timeless elegance, with every thread a living expression of heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. The corset blouse has been styled by designer Manish Malhotra.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:02 IST

News lifestyle Isha Ambani Co-Chairs British Museums Inaugural Pink Ball Supported By Her Mother Nita Ambani
Ahan Shetty Excited To Celebrate Diwali With Niece Evaarah, Calls Her The Familys Source Of Light

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 12:04 IST

Ahan Shetty is all set to celebrate Diwali with his niece Evaarah for the first time. Calling her the familys source of light, he says shes brought immense joy home.

Ahan Shetty is all set to celebrate Diwali with his niece Evaarah.

Ahan Shetty is currently grabbing all the headlines for his upcoming film Border 2. While he has quite a busy routine, he has made sure that for Diwali, he stays at home because, for Shetty, this Diwali is going to be extra special as this time they have the cutest addition to their family  Athiyas daughter, Evaarah. With Evaarah around, Ahan Shetty just cant hold back his excitement.

In a chat with HT, the actor talked about celebrating the festival with his family and why it is even more special this year. He shared, For me, the festive season is about spending time with family and close friends. Unfortunately, the last two years I wasnt in Mumbai as I was travelling, but this year, its a very special one because we will be celebrating with my niece as well. This is her first Diwali, so it will be a special one," adding, There is a lot more excitement because there are going to be a lot of firsts. Unfortunately, Rahul is in Australia for Indias tour, but the rest of the family is going to be together."

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For Ahan, his little niece has been a source of light. The actor admitted, She has brought so much love and happiness. We already had that as a family, but its just a lot more now with her in our lives."

What kind of mamu does Ahan want to be once Evaarah grows up? Replying to this, he shared, Ill be a bit of both. Ill pamper her for sure, but when it comes down to teaching her something, I wont be like a typical strict mamu, but a bit serious as well."

About Athiya and KL Rahul

Athiya and KL Rahul, who tied the knot in January 2023 at Suniel Shettys Khandala farmhouse, announced their pregnancy in November 2024. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on March 24, 2025. They shared a joint post on Instagram that read, Blessed with a Baby Girl. 24.03.2025. Athiya and Rahul."

Recently, in an interview with ETimes, Suniel Shetty shared that he is completely focused on his fitness to ensure that he can play with his granddaughter without tiring out quickly.

A lot of kids are doing anabolic steroids, and thats an absolute no, because over a period it will tell you. Im 60-plus, and the only reason I train my abs is to make sure that I walk straight, I dont hunch, and I dont drag my feet. Tomorrow, Ill be able to play with my grandchild without having to take a break every two seconds, because the childs energy is going to be different," the actor said.

First Published: October 19, 2025, 12:04 IST

News movies bollywood Ahan Shetty Excited To Celebrate Diwali With Niece Evaarah, Calls Her The Familys Source Of Light
Jab Heroine Mein Career Nahi Chala: Rakhi Sawant Takes Dig At Tamannaah Bhatia Doing Dance Numbers

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:17 IST

Rakhi Sawant, returning to India permanently, took a dig at Tamannaah Bhatia for doing item numbers, claiming actresses copied her style after failing as heroines.

Rakhi Sawant takes dig at Tamannaah Bhatia.

Rakhi Sawant recently announced that she is returning to India permanently and is all set for a comeback. Rakhi, known for her flamboyant approach and popular dance numbers, has taken a dig at Tamannaah Bhatia, who has been doing item numbers and receiving praise.

In a chat with Filmygyan, Rakhi Sawant responded to fans who said that item songs dont have the same spark with Tamannaah as compared to her and said, Yeh log hum log ko dekh-dekh kar item song karna seekh gaye. Yeh pehle heroine banna chahte the, jab inka heroine mein career nahi chala, toh inhone humare pet par laat maar ke item song karne lag gaye. Sharam karo! OG toh hum hi hain. Aur hum ab heroine banenge."

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Rakhi got relief from the court

Rakhi Sawant and her former husband, Adil Khan Durranis, divorce became one of the most talked-about in the industry. Rakhi and Adil parted ways just a year after their marriage, following several shocking allegations from the actress. During her court proceedings, Rakhi moved to Dubai.

Recently, Rakhi and Adil mutually settled everything out of court as the two wanted to move on in life. Finally, the Bombay High Court quashed the case after she expressed that she had no objection" to ending the legal proceedings.

Adil Khan, after the cases were closed, reacted to it and, while sharing the video, wrote, After years of struggle, patience, and faith this day has finally come.

This moment wouldnt have been possible without my biggest strength and my support system  the people who stood by me through every challenge and never let me give up. A special thank you to Haji Saif Shaikh, Adv. Suhail Sharif, and the entire team at Falkan Legal for handling my legal battle with so much dedication and care. And to my fans and followers, your love, prayers, and constant support have been my biggest motivation. You kept me going when things felt impossible."

About Rakhi Sawants recent appearance

COLORS Dhamaal With Pati Patni Aur Panga recently turned into a mix of fun and drama when Rakhi made a grand entry. The show, which had been focused on Abhishek Kumars search for the perfect patni," suddenly took a funny twist. Rakhi, known for her dramatic entrances and unfiltered personality, created instant chaos.

During the wedding celebrations of Avika Gor and Milind Chandwani, Rakhi spotted Abhishek and dramatically announced, Mujhe pati mil gaya hai!"

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:17 IST

News movies bollywood Jab Heroine Mein Career Nahi Chala: Rakhi Sawant Takes Dig At Tamannaah Bhatia Doing Dance Numbers
Parineeti Chopra Admitted To Hospital, Expected To Deliver First Child Soon: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:19 IST

Parineeti Chopra has been admitted to a hospital in Delhi as she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Raghav Chadha.

Parineeti Chopra has been admitted to a hospital.

Parineeti Chopra, who is expecting her first child with husband Raghav Chadha, has reportedly been admitted to a hospital as she prepares for the arrival of the little one. Parineeti had reportedly jetted off to Delhi, Raghavs hometown, recently, and now she is ready to embrace the most beautiful phase of her life.

As per Pinkvilla, Parineeti Chopra has been admitted to the hospital now as she prepares for delivery. Yesterday, the portal reported that Parineeti had shifted to Delhi as the couple plans to welcome their little bundle of joy in Raghavs hometown. The exact expected delivery date of the actress remains unknown.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by @parineetichopra

Parineeti and Raghavs pregnancy announcement

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha officially announced their pregnancy on August 25, 2025. The couple shared an adorable Instagram post featuring a cake decorated with the equation 1 + 1 = 3" and tiny footprints  a sweet symbol of their growing family. It was followed by a video of a pregnant Parineeti taking a walk in a park, holding husband Raghav Chadhas hand.

Soon after the announcement, celebrities flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages. Sonam Kapoor, mother to three-year-old Vayu, wrote, Congratulations darling." Huma Qureshi, Rakul Preet Singh, and Bhumi Pednekar also sent their best wishes. Nimrat Kaur commented, Stay blessed, many many congratulations!!!" while Neha Dhupia, mother of two, wrote, Congratulations welcome to the best hood." Kiara Advani, Janhvi Kapoor, and others liked the post.

When Raghav hinted at Parineetis pregnancy

The couple recently appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show, where Kapil shared a personal story about how his mother immediately started talking about grandkids after his marriage. He jokingly advised the newlyweds to plan early or be ready for family pressure. Seizing the moment, Raghav playfully said, Denge, aapko denge good news jaldi denge (Well give you good news soon)," leaving Parineeti surprised.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadhas love story

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadhas romance has been in the spotlight since their engagement on May 13, 2023, in New Delhi, which was attended by close family members and political leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. The couple tied the knot on September 24, 2023, in a grand ceremony at The Leela Palace, Udaipur, following a series of intimate pre-wedding festivities.

On the work front, Parineeti Chopra was last seen in Imtiaz Alis Amar Singh Chamkila alongside Diljit Dosanjh.

First Published: October 19, 2025, 13:19 IST

News movies bollywood Parineeti Chopra Admitted To Hospital, Expected To Deliver First Child Soon: Report
Parineeti Chopra And Raghav Chadha Welcome Baby Boy: 'Cant Remember Life Before'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 16:37 IST

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha welcomed their baby boy just a day before Diwali. The couple shared the joyous news on Instagram, saying, Now we have everything.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha welcome baby boy.

Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra have been blessed with a baby just a day before Diwali. The couple, who were expecting their first child together, shared the joyous news on their Instagram on October 19. Reports of Parineeti Chopra being admitted to a hospital in Delhi came just this morning.

In their post, the couple, while sharing a blue graphic image, wrote, He is finally here! Our baby boy, and we literally cant remember life before! Arms full, our hearts are fuller. First, we had each other now we have everything. With gratitude, Parineeti and Raghav."

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raghav Chadha (@raghavchadha88)

As soon as the couple dropped the happy news, fans started reacting to it, sending congratulatory messages their way. One wrote, Omgggggg, now its a reason to celebrate! We are so happy for you and your families. Sending all our prayers to you  cant describe our happiness!" Another commented, Omggg omgggg, big big congratulations to the Chopras and Chadhhas! Thats the most amazing news  the blessings of Diwali are here." A third fan added, So happy for you! A new chapter of life  Congratulations, Pari ."

Parineeti and Raghavs pregnancy announcement

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha officially announced their pregnancy on August 25, 2025. The couple shared an adorable Instagram post featuring a cake decorated with the equation 1 + 1 = 3" and tiny footprints  a sweet symbol of their growing family. It was followed by a video of a pregnant Parineeti taking a walk in a park, holding husband Raghav Chadhas hand.

When Raghav hinted at Parineetis pregnancy

The couple recently appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show, where Kapil shared a personal story about how his mother immediately started talking about grandkids after his marriage. He jokingly advised the newlyweds to plan early or be ready for family pressure. Seizing the moment, Raghav playfully said, Denge, aapko denge good news jaldi denge (Well give you good news soon)," leaving Parineeti surprised.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadhas love story

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadhas romance has been in the spotlight since their engagement on May 13, 2023, in New Delhi, which was attended by close family members and political leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. The couple tied the knot on September 24, 2023, in a grand ceremony at The Leela Palace, Udaipur, following a series of intimate pre-wedding festivities.

On the work front, Parineeti Chopra was last seen in Imtiaz Alis Amar Singh Chamkila alongside Diljit Dosanjh.

First Published: October 19, 2025, 16:33 IST

News movies bollywood Parineeti Chopra And Raghav Chadha Welcome Baby Boy: 'Cant Remember Life Before'
Salim Merchant Stuns Sonu Nigam With A Heartfelt Diwali Surprise At Times Square

Curated By :

IANS

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:34 IST

Salim Merchant celebrated Diwali at Times Square with Sonu Nigam, unveiling Bhoomi 2025 and showcasing Indian music globally.

Salim Merchant surprises Sonu Nigam with a special Diwali gift at Times Square.

Music composer Salim Merchant celebrated Diwali in a grand style at New Yorks Times Square, sharing a special moment with Sonu Nigam.

As part of the festivities, Salim presented Sonu Nigam with a thoughtful Diwali gift, marking a joyous occasion while highlighting the global reach of Indian music with the upcoming project Bhoomi 2025. On Sunday, Salim took to his Instagram and shared a video of himself standing in front of Times Square, showcasing their song on the big screen. For the caption, he wrote, Celebrating Diwali at Times Square and heres a Diwali gift for @sonunigamofficial @paradox.here & @shraddhapandit Feeling so happy to take Indian music to the world! Bhoomi 2025."

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salim Merchant (@salimmerchant)

In the video, Merchant could be heard saying, Her Jogiya on Times Square. Wow. Thank you Sonu Nigam, Paradox and Shraddha Pandit. It feels awesome really." Music composer-producer duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have launched the latest edition of their acclaimed annual musical initiative, Bhoomi."

Originally introduced in 1999 with a futuristic vibe, the project was revived in 2020. For Bhoomi 2025, the brothers curated an impressive roster of songs spanning diverse genres and languages. The lineup included a Gujarati Krishna pop track with Parthiv Gohil, a classical-pop fusion with Shankar Mahadevan, and a romantic ballad featuring Shaan. High-energy dance numbers were performed by Sonu Nigam and Paradox, while soulful melodies were brought alive by Papon and Shreya Ghoshal.

The edition also featured a Kashmiri composition with Noor Mohammad, a Punjabi anthem with OAFF, Burrah, Krish Mondal, and Sudan, an Uttarakhandi track with Pawandeep Rajan and Hansika Pareek.

Speaking about the project, Sulaiman had earlier said in a statement, We have always tried to do different things, to explore genres and discover new artists. When we started off, it was just folk and devotional music; then we moved into pop. Weve tried hip hop, weve tried EDM, and now its a great mix of it all. Next year, we would love to do Malayalam, Tamil again, Odissi music, and go to the far east in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland."

First Published: October 19, 2025, 13:34 IST

News movies bollywood Salim Merchant Stuns Sonu Nigam With A Heartfelt Diwali Surprise At Times Square
Opinion | South Sudan: The Internal Turmoil

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:10 IST

The South Sudan conflict in 2025 is the culmination of historical, political, economic, and ethnic tensions that have plagued the country since its independence from Sudan in 2011

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In 2025, clashes between Kiirs SSPDF, Machars Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), and allied militias have intensified. (AFP File for representation)

On October 13, 2025, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan reported that approximately 300,000 South Sudanese had fled the country this year, primarily due to intensifying internal conflict. A United Nations (UN) investigator noted that the worsening political crisis was fuelling renewed armed violence, further exacerbating the already severe humanitarian and human rights situation in the country.

On September 11, 2025, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir issued a presidential decree suspending First Vice President Riek Machar from his position, pending a trial on charges including treason, murder, and crimes against humanity.

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On March 26, 2025, President Kiir placed First Vice President Machar and his wife, Minister of Interior Angelina Teny, under house arrest. The detention came after the White Army overran an army base in Nasir, and government forces suffered a significant defeat, the event that marked the political crisis in 2025.

Between April and June 2025, the UN Mission in South Sudans (UNMISS) Human Rights Division (HRD) recorded 438 civilian victims of violence linked to key armed actors, marking a 204 per cent increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. This violence was the second leading cause of harm nationwide, accounting for 30 per cent of incidents and 29 per cent of victims. The report attributes the surge to the intensifying local conflict between the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia in Nasir, Upper Nile, Jonglei state, which escalated into broader political tensions. Overall, 334 conflict-related incidents affected 1,518 civilians, including 198 women and 155 children  a five per cent rise in incidents and a 43 per cent rise in victims from 2024. Fatalities increased by 44 per cent (442 to 635), while injuries surged 128 per cent (297 to 676).

The South Sudan conflict in 2025 is the culmination of historical, political, economic, and ethnic tensions that have plagued the country since its independence from Sudan in 2011. Early power struggles between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka (ethnic group), and former Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer (Nilotic ethnic group), escalated into a brutal civil war (2013-2020), characterised by ethnic violence, resource disputes, forced displacement, child soldier recruitment, and widespread atrocities, leaving over 383,000 dead and millions displaced by 2018. Despite the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the formation of a unity government in 2020, implementation of security reforms, disarmament, and power-sharing has stalled, while subnational violence persists.

In 2025, clashes between Kiirs SSPDF, Machars Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), and allied militias have intensified. In 2025, South Sudan faces intensifying armed clashes, climate-induced crises, economic collapse, and the arrival of 1.2 million refugees fleeing Sudans ongoing war, pushing the country toward renewed full-scale conflict. These challenges reflect a weakly institutionalised state plagued by corruption, lack of accountability, and elite exploitation of societal divisions. Violence and political repression persist, accompanied by restrictions on free expression and targeted attacks on journalists and civil society actors.

On October 16, 2025, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan released a report titled Plundering a Nation: How Rampant Corruption Unleashed a Human Rights Crisis in South Sudan, documenting widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings, mass sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions by state actors and militias. Earlier, in February 2025, Human Rights Watch noted renewed fighting in Nasir County between the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth from the Nuer-affiliated White Army, displacing thousands.

Currently, over 2.5 million South Sudanese refugees reside in neighbouring countries, while two million remain internally displaced.

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The ongoing political rift between President Salva Kiir and suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, coupled with unchecked corruption and stalled implementation of the peace agreement, threatens a return to full-scale war. The situation requires immediate, coordinated regional intervention. South Sudan risks catastrophic human rights consequences and regional destabilisation, underscoring the urgent need for the African Union and neighbouring states to act decisively to avert a preventable collapse.

Ruchika Kakkar is the Research Assistant, Institute for Conflict and Management. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:07 IST

News opinion Opinion | South Sudan: The Internal Turmoil

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Bihar Election: After RJD, Congress MLA Accuses Partys State Chief Of Selling Poll Tickets

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 22:56 IST

Afaq Alam accuses Bihar Congress leaders Rajesh Ram, Krishna Allavaru, and Shakeel Ahmed Khan of selling tickets, demanding Rahul Gandhi's probe.

Congress MLA Afaq Alam. (X)

In the run-up to the Bihar Assembly election, dissent grew within the Mahagathbandhan after sitting Congress MLA and former minister Afaq Alam launched a campaign against his own party after being denied a ticket from the Kasbah seat, making serious allegations against Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, state in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and CLP leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan of allegedly demanding money in exchange for election tickets.

Alleging that the senior leadership of the Bihar Congress was extorting money for tickets, Alam demanded an investigation by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The name of former MP Pappu Yadav has also been mentioned in the unfolding controversy.

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A three-time MLA from the Kasbah constituency, Alam claimed that his ticket was cut because he could not pay the alleged bribe.

On Saturday, the Congress Election Committee had released the names of five more candidates, with the party nominating Mohammad Irfan Alam for the Kasba Assembly constituency, replacing the three-time sitting MLA.

The partys clean image has been maligned. I want to very clearly state that money has been extorted by Rajesh Ram, Allavaru, and Shakeel Ahamed Khan. There are some other leaders as well who have made the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) impure. Rahul Gandhi-ji must intervene and investigate into the ticket distribution," Alam said in a video message on X.

Meanwhile, an audio of Afaq Alam speaking with Rajesh Ram has gone viral. In the 3-minute 16-second clip, Afaq discusses the ticket issue while Rajesh Ram claims, I have finalised it, but it is held up ahead." The authenticity of the audio has not been independently verified.

The accusations have triggered a political storm, with BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya saying, After allegations of selling tickets for money in RJD, now Congress is also accused. Congress MLA Afak Alam from Purnia has said that Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, in-charge Krishna Alwaru, and CLP leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan collected money in exchange for tickets. Pappu Yadavs name has also come up," he said in a post on X.

                             ,     CLP                pic.twitter.com/e7UIIoGczI Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) October 19, 2025

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also took a jibe at the opposition, saying that their alliance is essentially a Maha Gaanth Bandhan.

After RJD ticket for sale" now Congress vs Congress in ticket distribution. After Tariq Anwar  now a sitting Congress MLA makes serious allegations in a now viral audio conversation with Congress Bihar President. Rajesh Ram alludes to shots being called by Pappu Yadav & High Command for certain considerations and how he is powerless. The MGB is essentially a Maha Gaanth Bandhan. Where is the Mission or Vision. Its only division and confusion!" he said in a post on X.

After RJD ticket for sale" now Congress vs Congress in ticket distributionAfter Tariq Anwar  now a sitting Congress MLA makes serious allegations in a now viral audio conversation with Congress Bihar President Rajesh Ram alludes to shots being called by Pappu Yadav & High pic.twitter.com/aRBoJIkZVv  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) October 19, 2025

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The latest accusations came days after RJD leader Madan Shah said that he was betrayed by the top brass. He said Lalu Yadav had promised him a ticket from Madhuban constituency, but the same has now been sold" to a BJP agent".

Lalu Prasad Yadav promised to give me a ticket for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 RJD leader Sanjay Yadav had demanded 2.7 crore, and when I refused to pay, the party ticket was given to someone else," he said.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 22:56 IST

News politics Bihar Election: After RJD, Congress MLA Accuses Partys State Chief Of Selling Poll Tickets

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BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Alleges 'Illegal Bangladeshi Muslims' Attacked His Car, Hits Out At TMC

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 17:32 IST

Adhikari said that several attempts were made to stop his car at seven different locations

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Suvendu Adhikari accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating obstruction and violence against him. (File photo)

West Bengal BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday alleged that he faced repeated attacks from illegal Bangladeshi Muslims" while visiting South 24 Parganas district for a religious visit.

In a lengthy post on social media platform X, the BJP senior leader accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating obstruction and violence against him.

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Adhikari said that several attempts were made to stop his car at seven different locations. He claimed the attack happened right in front of Lalpur Madrasa. According to him, the chaos was organised by TMC Zila Parishad member Rekha Gazi, with the support of SP Koteswara Rao.

In South 24 Parganas district, today I faced repeated attacks from illegal Bangladeshi Muslims. The obstruction, vandalism and chaos was orchestrated by none other than TMC Zila Parishad Member Rekha Gazi with the aid and support of SP Koteswara Rao. Several attempts were made to stop my car, at least at seven locations, and an attack took place right in front of Lalpur Madrasa," Adhikari wrote.

I wasnt going to participate in any political event, but was rather going join the Kali Puja and Diwali festivities as a Hindu," he added.

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He blamed illegal infiltrators in the area, saying they were anxious about the ongoing SIR (Special Intensive Registration) process, which he claimed would affect them. This region is adjacent to Bangladesh & the close proximity has allowed them to settle down here with the help of the infiltrator friendly TMC Eco system," he noted.

Adhikari questioned the freedom of Hindus to participate in religious events in West Bengal without fear. Cant a Hindu participate in any religious event in the State of West Bengal freely, without facing obstructions from the radicals? They cant intimidate me, I will be back during Jagadhatri Puja as well."

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : West Bengal, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 16:38 IST

News politics BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Alleges 'Illegal Bangladeshi Muslims' Attacked His Car, Hits Out At TMC

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Dont Want Votes Of: Giriraj Singhs Remarks Against Muslims Ahead Of Bihar Polls Spark Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 17:36 IST

The BJP leader also said that he asked the Muslim cleric whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had abused him, to which he replied no.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh. (File)

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh has once again triggered a controversy with a scathing remark against a minority community, saying he does not need the votes of namak haraams" (betrayers) in the upcoming Bihar elections.

While addressing a poll rally in Bihars Arwal district on Saturday, the Begurasai BJP MP said, Once I asked a maulvi (cleric) whether he has an Ayushman Bharat health card, and he replied in the affirmative. I asked whether such cards were distributed on the basis of Hindu-Muslim, and he replied in the negative."

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When I asked him whether he had voted for me, he replied in the affirmative, but when I asked him to swear on Khuda (God), he said no, he didnt. Muslims take benefits of all central schemes but dont vote for us. Such people are called namak haraam. I told maulvi sahab that I dont want votes of namak haraams," he added.

VIDEO | Bihar: Muslims take benefits of all Central schemes but dont vote for us", says Union Minister Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) at poll rally in Arwal.#BiharElection2025 #BiharElectionsWithPTI(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/syYxQR80IS  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 18, 2025

The BJP leader also said that he asked the Muslim cleric whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had abused him, to which he replied no.

I also asked him whether I had insulted him, to which he said no. Then I asked him what my fault was that he did not vote for me. Someone who doesnt acknowledge kindness is called namak haraam," the Union minister said.

Singh further spoke about the infrastructure development in Bihar, Singh highlighted that Bihar has undergone significant changes and growth.

The people who have taken oathsAre these roads made only for the vehicles of the NDA? A young man told me today that my car used to run on a tank lorry. In that, the tyre is used for three months. Today, it runs for three years. Maintenance of vehicles. This Bihar is a changed Bihar."

Stressing the public safety, particularly for women in Bihar, Singh said, The security of this Bihar is in your hands. The security of my sisters daughter is in your hands. Earlier, I did not have a son. I used to be able to come back after 5 in the evening. I used to leave my daughters matter. Today, my daughter also goes at night. She comes back open. Does she come or not? Who will protect her? Who will protect the daughters and daughters-in-law? This will be done by the government of the NDA."

JD(U) Echoes Similar Sentiments

Echoing a similar view, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told PTI, It is true that the central government never discriminates in the distribution of welfare measures to the beneficiaries Still, it does not get the votes of a particular community This is certainly a matter of concern. As far as language and the terminology used in his (Giriraj Singh) speech is concerned, he is free to use words as per his choice."

Opposition Condemns Remark

Reacting to the Union Ministers remarks, Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav said,  He is crossing the limits of language. Everyone knows who betrayed the nation and stood with the Britishers. Giriraj should recall that history first"

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut too slammed the Union Minister and asked, If someone does not vote for you, are they all namak harams?"

Giriraj Singh, a central minister has claimed Muslims benefit from all central government schemes but do not vote for the BJP. This is wholly untrue. Muslims voted for Modi in 2014 in large numbers, and the BJP received votes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," he said

The firebrand BJP leader had earlier also courted controversies on multiple occasions for his remarks.

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The 243-member Bihar Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results set to be announced on November 14.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 17:02 IST

News politics Dont Want Votes Of: Giriraj Singhs Remarks Against Muslims Ahead Of Bihar Polls Spark Row

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Siddaramaiah Issues Sanatani Warning As Karnataka RSS March Row Escalates

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:47 IST

BJP has accused the Congress government of targeting the RSS to distract from its own failures

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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (Image: PTI/File)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stirred a political storm with sharp remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and those he called sanatanis, urging people to stay away from them and remain cautious of their influence.

Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University on Saturday, Siddaramaiah accused the RSS and its affiliates in the Sangh Parivar of opposing Dr BR Ambedkar and the Constitution he drafted.

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Keep your company right. Associate with those who stand for society, not with those who oppose social change or with sanatanis," he said.

Referring to a recent incident where a shoe was hurled at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Siddaramaiah claimed it was done by a sanatani, and said it showed that orthodox elements still exist in society.

This act should be condemned not just by Dalits but by everyone. Only then can we say that society is moving on the path of change," he added.

The Chief Minister also accused the BJP and RSS of spreading false claims that Congress defeated Ambedkar in elections. The truth is what Ambedkar himself wrote in his own handwritingSavarkar and Dange defeated me. Such truths must be placed before society to expose the falsehoods of the Sangh Parivar".

BJP Accuses Karnataka Govt Of Diverting Attention

Meanwhile on Sunday, the BJP has accused the Congress government of targeting the RSS to distract from its own failures. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi welcomed a Karnataka High Court directive on an RSS route march in Chittapur, where local authorities had denied permission.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka claimed the Congress was creating unnecessary controversies" around RSS activities to hide issues like industry slowdown and infrastructure problems. He alleged that the Congress supports those who hail Pakistan" and opposes those who chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

Ashoka warned that actions against the RSS could backfire and urged the Congress to understand what the RSS truly does". He added, We have never imposed restrictions on any organizations programmes, while in power. Similarly, the Congress should also behave. They should first understand what the RSS activities are."

Meanwhile, Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge, defending the state governments decision, said permission was denied to avoid potential law and order issues in Chittapurhis home constituency. He also said the High Court had only asked RSS to reapply, and not granted final approval.

The Congress-led Karnataka government recently made it mandatory for any organisation to seek prior permission before using public property for events, seen by many as a move aimed at curbing RSS marches.

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JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also accused Congress of raking up" the RSS issue to divert public attention.

(With inputs from PTI)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:47 IST

News politics Siddaramaiah Issues Sanatani Warning As Karnataka RSS March Row Escalates

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'They Honour Babur But Ignore Lord Ram': Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition In Ayodhya

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Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 17:55 IST

Yogi Adityanath accused Congress and Samajwadi Party of insulting Sanatana Dharma and obstructing the Ram Janmabhoomi movement during Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025 celebrations.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday took a sharp swipe at the opposition and accused it of frequently insulting Sanatana Dharma and obstructing the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple movement.

While addressing a gathering ahead of Deepotsav 2025 celebrations in the temple town of Ayodhya, the Chief Minister recalled the beginning of the festival in 2017 when, he said, the government had to collect lamps from across the state to light just 1.71 lakh lamps.

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Today, Ayodhya shines with millions of lamps," Yogi said, adding, These are not just lamps  they are symbols of the victory of faith over 500 years of darkness."

#WATCH | Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, Every lamp reminds us that truth can be troubled but cannot be defeated. It is the destiny of truth to be victorious, and with that destiny of victory, Sanatana Dharma has continuously struggled for 500 years. As a result pic.twitter.com/eIW4LYbTZh ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2025

Yogi further accused the Congress of denying Lord Rams existence and submitting an affidavit to the Supreme Court calling him a myth. He further attacked the Samajwadi Party, saying that it was in this very Ayodhya that bullets were fired at Ram devotees.

Further accusing the opposition parties of not attending the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple pran-prathistha, Yogi said that these are the same people who offer sajda at Babars grave but refused to participate in the Ram temple pran-pratistha ceremony when invited.

While we are illuminating Ayodhya with millions of lamps, we must not forget that during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Congress party declared in court that Lord Shri Ram was a myth. The Congress party gave an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that Shri Ram was a myth, and that the Samajwadi Party had fired bullets at Ram devotees in this very Ayodhya. These are the same people who pray at Babars tomb, but when invited to the ceremony of the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, they reject the invitation," he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

He further emphasised the long-standing determination behind the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, saying, Since 1949, there has been just one resolution  Ram Lalla Hum aayenge, Mandir wahin banayenge.'"

For centuries, foreign invaders tried to destroy our places of faith and demean us, but our faith remained determined. In 1947, when we gained freedom, every citizen wished to erase all symbols of slavery and be free politically and culturally, yet Ayodhya was ignored. In 1949, when devotees wanted to bring Lord Ram to his rightful place, they were denied. But the resolution remained firm," he added.

Ayodhya Deepotsav

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Meanwhile, Ayodhya is all decked up to celebrate Deepotsav. Preparations are in full swing to light up the city with over 26 lakh earthen lamps, illuminating every corner. A total of 26,11,101 diyas are set to brighten the banks of Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Ayodhya, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 17:55 IST

News politics 'They Honour Babur But Ignore Lord Ram': Yogi Adityanath Slams Opposition In Ayodhya

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'Those Who Didnt Even Find A Place': Akhilesh Questions 'Absence' Of UP Deputy CMs At Deepotsav

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 20:45 IST

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged factionalism in the Yogi Adityanath-led government after deputy CMs Keshav Maurya and Brijesh Pathak were missing from Deepotsav in Ayodhya

Both deputy CMs Brijesh Pathak (L) and Keshav Prasad Maurya (R) had attended the Deepotsav function in 2023 and 2024. (Image: PTI/File)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday questioned the absence of both deputy ministers of Uttar Pradesh from the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya.

Deputy chief ministers Keshav Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, were reportedly missing from the Deepotsav event with Akhilesh Yadav quick to allege factionalism within the Yogi Adityanath-led government.

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Akhilesh alleged that Maurya and Pathak had deliberately skipped the function because they felt humiliated" as their names and pictures were missing from the events advertisement in newspapers issued by the state government and other publicity material. He said this was being seen as a deliberate snub by the two.

He claimed that the names of tourism minister Jaiveer Singh and agriculture minister Surya Pratap Sahi had been mentioned on the billboards and ads, seen as a historic insult" to the seniority of the deputy CMs. He said both had informed the state BJP chief of their displeasure and reasons for not attending.

Those who didnt even find a place in the advertisement, what significance do they hold in the government?" Akhilesh asked in a post on X in Hindi (translated by Grok).

                              ?                       !  pic.twitter.com/fqNxAa82H0 Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) October 19, 2025

Maurya, who is also the co-incharge of the BJPs election campaign in Bihar, returned to Lucknow on Saturday night (October 18). He was slated to travel to Ayodhya by Sunday noon, and attend the Deepotsav event later in the day. Governor Anandiben Patel and Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak were also expected to attend.

Both the deputy CMs had attended the function in 2023 and 2024. Maurya had skipped the same function earlier in 2022, which was also rumoured to be linked to mismanagement of travel protocols by the administration.

Ever since the BJP formed the government in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, it has promoted Ayodhya as a tourist and religious destination. The highlight of this campaign are the Deepotsav celebrations a day before Diwali, which is attended by all dignitaries in UP while lakhs of diyas are lit on the banks of Saryu river.

This year, too, more than 26 lakh diyas were lit in Ayodhya to create a new world record, beating its own from last year. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who graced Deepotsav, on Sunday said: Earlier, Diwali in Ayodhya was ignored. The Congress government tried to label Lord Ram as a myth and even gave an affidavit in the court stating so. The Samajwadi Party tried to derail the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and fired on karsewaks. But when we came to power all this was changed."

Yogi said when they first came to power in 2017 and thought of organising a grand Deepotsav in Ayodhya, only 1.71 lakh diyas could be arranged.

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Today, millions of diyas are being lit to welcome Lord Ram to Ayodhya," he said.

The celebrations saw lakhs of people thronging to Ayodhya, which was decorated with flowers, wall paintings, folk dances and even a drone show. The chief minister received the certificates for two new Guinness World Records for Deeptosav for the most people performing diya rotation simultaneously, and the largest display of oil lamps with 26.1 lakh achieved by the state tourism department in Ayodhya.

Location : Ayodhya, India, India

First Published: October 19, 2025, 20:45 IST

News politics 'Those Who Didnt Even Find A Place': Akhilesh Questions 'Absence' Of UP Deputy CMs At Deepotsav

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'Its Fine As Its Not Bengaluru: Netizens Cry Bias After Delhis Diwali Traffic Pic Goes Viral

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 14:18 IST

A photo of cars stuck in a massive Delhi traffic jam has prompted Bengaluru residents to claim their city is unfairly blamed for congestion.

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Vehicles stuck in a traffic jam on Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. (IMAGE: PTI)

Netizens from Bengaluru claimed that their city is often singled out for its congestion and long traffic jams even though every major Indian city faces similar problems.

The conversation began on X after photos of massive traffic jams in Delhi went viral ahead of Diwali. Thousands of cars were stuck for hours as people travelled to their hometowns in nearby satellite towns, went shopping, or returned from offices and markets. The combination of festive movement and heavy evening traffic led to long queues across key stretches of the capital.

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To manage the festive rush, Delhi Traffic Police deployed additional personnel across major routes to regulate movement, ensure pedestrian safety, and ease congestion. Regular advisories have been issued with details on diversions, parking zones, and traffic restrictions.

Officials have also urged commuters to follow traffic rules, cooperate with police, use public transport, and limit the use of private vehicles wherever possible.

Despite these measures, traffic snarls have persisted.

It's not bangalore and all the elites don't care Deepak (@Deepak23012440) October 17, 2025

Amid this, a social media post by Hindustan Times which showed photos of the traffic snarls triggered an online debate over what many users described as a city bias".

Several users from Bengaluru took to X to argue that their city is unfairly criticised for its traffic woes. Some suggested that social media tends to focus disproportionately on Bengaluru while downplaying similar problems in other metros.

Feel sad for the people. Bengaluru is not the only city that has traffic problems or drainage problems. The entire country has issues like this. Lets demand repair of our broken cities, but Bengaluru is not alone. Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Delhievery city has an issue," wrote Amarnath Shivashankar, an IT architect, on X.

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Its not Bangalore and all the elites dont care," wrote Deepak, responding to the viral photos shared by Hindustan Times. Its fine as its not Bangalore," added another user, Namratha.

Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police has directed its officers to actively monitor social media platforms and respond promptly to public complaints related to congestion, signal malfunctions, and vehicle breakdowns.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 14:18 IST

News viral 'Its Fine As Its Not Bengaluru: Netizens Cry Bias After Delhis Diwali Traffic Pic Goes Viral

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192 Trapped Miners Rescued Hours after Russia Strikes Ukrainian Coal Mine

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 20, 2025, 01:13 IST

The Russian forces have attacked a coal mine operated by Ukraines largest private energy company, DTEK, in the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight

The Russian forces have attacked a coal mine operated by Ukraines largest private energy company, DTEK, in the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, trapping nearly 200 miners underground. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The Russian forces have attacked a coal mine operated by Ukraines largest private energy company, DTEK, in the Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, trapping nearly 200 miners underground, the company said Sunday. The miners were later rescued.

The Kyiv Independent quoted the company as saying: All 192 miners have been safely evacuated to the surface, the energy company DTEK announced on October 19. No workers were injured."

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Earlier in the day, DTEK shared a statement on X: On the eve of the heating season, the enemy once again struck Ukraines energy sector. During the attack, 192 employees were underground. The evacuation of our colleagues to the surface continues."

Kyiv Post quoted the company as stating that the strike marks the fourth Russian attack on its coal facilities in the past two months.

In an attack on August 26, a Russian strike on another DTEK mine killed one worker and injured three people.

According to a report by International Atomic Energy Agency on October 15, Before the conflict, the ZNPP had access to 10 power lines. In recent years, that was reduced to two, of which one 330 kilovolt (kV) line was lost on 7 May while the sole remaining 750 kV line was disconnected on 23 September. It is by far the ZNPPs longest complete loss of off-site power during the conflict."

It further stated that this was the tenth time that the power plant faced blackout.

The nuclear plant has been without power from electricity network for past four weeks, which is the longest blackout since the beginning of Ukraine-Russia war, CNN reported.

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Following Fridays attack on Ukraines energy grid, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the Kremlin is trying to turn Ukrainian territory into an island of danger and suffering."

While Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of intentionally" cutting the electricity supply to the nuclear plant to test reconnection with the Russian grid, accused Russia of intentionally" cutting the electricity supply to the nuclear plant to test reconnection with the Russian grid, CNN reported.

Location : Ukraine

First Published: October 20, 2025, 01:07 IST

News world 192 Trapped Miners Rescued Hours after Russia Strikes Ukrainian Coal Mine

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'Deport Every Indian Immediately': US Politician Censured For Anti-India Hate Speech

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Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 10:58 IST

US Conservative politician Chandler Langevin, a member of Florida's Palm Bay City Council, was censured for his controversial remarks calling for deportation of Indians.

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Chandler Langevin, a member of Palm Bay City Council, was censured for his remarks against Indians. (Photo: X)

US Conservative politician Chandler Langevin from Floridas Palm Bay City Council has come under fire for his controversial remarks against Indians in the United States, after the city council censured him for alleged hate speech.

Langevin had sparked widespread outrage among Indian American groups, members of Congress and local residents with a flurry of social media posts calling for the mass deportations of Indians. He said Indians come to the US to drain our pockets" and then return to India, or worse to stay."

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On Thursday, Langevins fellow council members voted 3-2 to censure him after residents and national Indian American groups flooded meetings at Palm Bays city council chambers, denouncing his remarks and demanding his resignation, according to The Washington Post.

What Did Changevin Say?

Langevin has posted at least five derogatory remarks since mid-September, including one in which he accused Indians of destroying the South." He also shared a post from the Department of Homeland Security about an Indian truck driver who killed a woman after an illegal U-turn, saying, Deport every Indian immediately."

Deport every Indian immediately. https://t.co/WhEJAMWaOb Chandler Langevin (@ChandlerForPB) September 26, 2025

Theres not a single Indian that cares about the United States. They are here to exploit us financially and enrjch India and Indians. America for Americans," he said in another post.

In another post, Langevin accused Indians of taking advantage of America" in response to the Indian truck drivers illegal U-turn. After his remarks on Indians, Medina, the Mayor of Palm Bay, published a message, assuring residents that words that demean or devalue others have no place in the Palm Bay we aspire to be."

Undeterred, Langevin posted on X on October 2: Today is my birthday and all I want is for @realDonaldTrump to revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately. America for Americans."

Today is my birthday and all I want is for @realDonaldTrump to revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately.America for Americans   Chandler Langevin (@ChandlerForPB) October 2, 2025

How Did Langevin React To His Censure?

On that evening, over 100 residents from Palm Bay and nearby cities in central Florida filled a city council meeting where members voted 4-1 to send a letter to the governor requesting Langevins suspension, The Washington Post reported. Several people rebuked his remarks on Indians and defended the community in Florida and other states.

As a representative of a vibrant and diverse district with a significant Indian-American population, Im disgusted by Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevins commentary. Florida needs leaders who will stand up for everyone, not divide us with prejudice and hate. pic.twitter.com/Hmv14hxN93 Representative Fentrice Driskell (@FentriceForFL) October 4, 2025

After the backlash, Langevin said he had spoken to some members of the community and conveyed an apology STRICTLY to Patriotic Hindu Americans while reaffirming all of my views on immigration policy and Christianity."

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On Thursday, most attendees in the city council urged the elected officials to censure him. I am so tired of talking about this and hearing about this. Change your course, man," said Deputy Mayor Mike Jaffe.

Langevin said the city councils censure, calls for his removal and condemnation from fellow Republicans are reprehensible" and represented a violation of free speech. This is a plain and simple case of 1st Amendment retaliation and sets a dangerous precedent that any majority can silence any minority within a representative form of government for disagreeing with their policy," he said.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 19, 2025, 10:58 IST

News world 'Deport Every Indian Immediately': US Politician Censured For Anti-India Hate Speech

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'Echoes Cruelty': Congressman Reacts To US Politician's Call For Mass Deportation Of Indians

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:29 IST

Langevin triggered widespread outrage among Indian American communities, members of Congress, and local residents after a series of inflammatory social media posts.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (Credits: X)

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Saturday reacted to a recent remark by US conservative politician Chandler Langevin from Floridas Palm Bay City Council, calling the latters remark dangerous."

Langevin came under fire after he accused Indians of destroying the South" in a post on X. He also shared a post from the Department of Homeland Security about an Indian truck driver who killed a woman after an illegal U-turn, saying, Deport every Indian immediately."

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Reacting to his remark, Krishnamoorthi said, Its unacceptableand dangerousthat in 2025 were hearing elected officials call for the mass removal of Indian Americans. This rhetoric echoes the cruelty of Donald Trumps mass ICE raids and fuels a climate of fear that harms families across our nation."

When hate speech is normalised and communities are scapegoated, our democracy is weakened," he added.

Krishnamoorthi called on leaders across all levels of government to take a firm stand against discrimination and to uphold the rights of every American  no matter their race, background, accent, or country of origin.

We must stand together across every community against all forms of hate. Protecting our democracy means ensuring everyone can live free from fear and discrimination, no matter their skin colour, accent, or country of origin," he said in a statement.

What Did Langevin Say?

Langevin triggered widespread outrage among Indian American communities, members of Congress, and local residents after a series of inflammatory social media posts in which he called for the mass deportation of Indians.

Since mid-September, Langevin has posted at least five derogatory comments, including one where he accused Indians of destroying the South." He also shared a post from the Department of Homeland Security about an Indian truck driver involved in a fatal crash caused by an illegal U-turn, adding, Deport every Indian immediately."

Deport every Indian immediately. https://t.co/WhEJAMWaOb Chandler Langevin (@ChandlerForPB) September 26, 2025

In another post, he wrote, Theres not a single Indian who cares about the United States. They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans."

Responding to the same incident, Langevin again accused Indians of taking advantage of America."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Following the backlash, Palm Bay Mayor Medina issued a public statement assuring residents that words that demean or devalue others have no place in the Palm Bay we aspire to be."

However, Langevin remained defiant. On October 2, he posted on X, Today is my birthday and all I want is for @realDonaldTrump to revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately. America for Americans."

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:29 IST

News world 'Echoes Cruelty': Congressman Reacts To US Politician's Call For Mass Deportation Of Indians

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Israeli Airstrikes Against Hamas Targets Shatter Fragile Truce, Gaza Aid Stopped | Updates

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 20, 2025, 00:04 IST

The latest escalation threatens to undo the nine-day-old ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump earlier this month

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People run for cover following an Israeli strike that targeted a building in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on October 19. (AFP photo)

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came under renewed strain on Sunday just nine days after it began, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the truce as fresh violence erupted in southern Gaza.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it carried out airstrikes and artillery fire in the Rafah region after its troops came under attack earlier in the day.

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In a statement, the army said, In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today, the IDF (military) has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip."

WATCH: Several armed terrorists identified approaching IDF forces operating in the Beit Lahia area behind the yellow line, posing an immediate threat to the troops.In accordance with the ceasefire agreement, the terrorists were struck after crossing the yellow line. pic.twitter.com/sl7mS98Lmi  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025

Israel halts aid shipments

Israel has closed its crossing points into Gaza for humanitarian aid convoys, a security official told AFP on Sunday, blaming Hamas for breaking the truce.

The transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip has been halted until further notice, following Hamass blatant violation of the agreement," the official said.

Civilian deaths reported

Gazas civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority, said at least 13 people were killed in the latest attacks. The Israeli military said it was checking reports of civilian casualties.

The renewed fighting comes just over a week after a US-brokered ceasefire, led by President Donald Trump, brought a pause to more than two years of war. The truce deal included the return of hostages, the recovery of bodies, and a limited Israeli pullback from parts of Gaza.

However, tensions have remained high, especially around Rafah, where clashes broke out again on Sunday. One resident told news agency AFP that Hamas fighters were initially clashing with a local gang before Israeli tanks appeared. The air force conducted two strikes from the air," he said.

Both sides blame each other

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the truce and ordered strong military action. Terrorist targets will be hit hard," his office said. Defence Minister Israel Katz added that Hamas would pay a heavy price" for every breach.

In a statement, Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamass political bureau, reaffirmed the groups commitment to the ceasefire, accusing Israel of repeatedly breaching the agreement and fabricate flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes"

Hamass armed wing insisted that the group was adhering to the truce and claimed to have no knowledge" of any clashes in Rafah.

Hostage talks and border closures

Under the agreement, Hamas has so far released 20 surviving hostages and handed over the bodies of others. On Sunday, Israel confirmed it had received the remains of Ronen Engel, an Israeli photojournalist, and Thai farmworker Sonthaya Oakkharasri, both killed in the 7 October Hamas attacks.

Israel also returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, bringing the total to 150.

However, talks have slowed, especially around the return of more bodies. The Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed, which has blocked humanitarian aid. Netanyahus office said the crossing will only reopen if Hamas fully respects the ceasefire and completes the return of hostages and remains.

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On Saturday, Hamas had warned that the closure of Rafah crossing would cause significant delays in the retrieval and transfer of remains".

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Israel

First Published: October 19, 2025, 21:28 IST

News world Israeli Airstrikes Against Hamas Targets Shatter Fragile Truce, Gaza Aid Stopped | Updates

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'Gen Z Protests Created Terror': Nepal's Ousted PM Oli Says Govt Trying To Arrest Him

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Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 20:14 IST

KP Sharma Oli stepped down in early September after widespread protests led by Nepals Gen Z youth, who demanded his resignation over corruption allegations

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Nepals former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. (AFP file photo)

Nepals former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday accused the current caretaker government of trying to arrest him without sufficient grounds". He also claimed that the Gen Z protests, which led to his resignation, had created terror" in society.

Speaking to the media in Kathmandu for the first time since his ouster, Oli said his party, CPN-UML, would seek the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives.

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He added that the government under interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki was formed in an unconstitutional manner" and was not serious about holding the general election scheduled for March next year.

Oli stepped down in early September after widespread protests led by Nepals Gen Z youth, who demanded his resignation over corruption allegations and a controversial ban on social media. The protests turned violent in parts of the capital and led to a crackdown by security forces.

The former PM alleged that he was almost attacked at the Prime Ministers residence in Baluwatar during the protests and had to be rescued by the Nepal Army. He also claimed that his mobile phone was seized for several days and that some of his security personnel had been withdrawn despite ongoing threats.

Oli said the Gen Z protests were partly driven by external elements" and accused the media of not covering acts of vandalism that took place during the demonstrations. He said key government buildings, including the Prime Ministers Office, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court, were damaged, but these incidents were largely ignored by the press.

He also criticised the youth-led Nepo-kids" campaign, which had targeted the children of powerful politicians and officials for allegedly living off their parents corrupt earnings.

I couldnt accept the Nepo-babe campaign launched by the Gen Z youths, which created terror among the Nepalese people," Oli noted.

Despite pressure, Oli has refused to step down as party chairman, unlike other top leaders who resigned after the protests.

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I may come back to power if people vote for me," he told journalists, adding that both the country and his party still need him. I am still capable of contributing to the country and the society."

(With inputs from PTI)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Nepal

First Published: October 19, 2025, 20:11 IST

News world 'Gen Z Protests Created Terror': Nepal's Ousted PM Oli Says Govt Trying To Arrest Him

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'Imaginary': Taliban Says Pakistan Creating 'False Narrative' On Durand Line After Doha Talks

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 23:30 IST

Afghan Taliban minister Mullah Yaqoob said there was no discussion or decision on the Durand Line during the talks over a ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Taliban security personnel stand over military vehicles as Afghan men gather in their support during a rally, amid heavy cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. (Image: AFP)

Following the Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Doha, the Taliban defence minister has said Pakistan is creating a false narrative about the Durand Line.

Afghan Taliban minister Mullah Yaqoob said there was no discussion or decision on the Durand Line during the talks over a ceasefire agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Describing the Durand Line as imaginary", Mullah Yaqoob stressed that the people of Afghanistan will decide on the matter. He said this issue is a stance of the Afghans and not subject to any external power.

Yaqoob said Afghanistan cannot tolerate any violation of its sovereignty and will staunchly defend it. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not support any groups opposed to other countries, and the Afghan Taliban do not recognise the Durand Line as an official international border, he said.

He reiterated that the Durand Line is imaginary, even noting that it is referred to as an imaginary border in the document. He said naming the Durand Line as a border was a unilateral decision made by Qatar, which the Afghan Taliban neither chose nor agreed with.

According to top intelligence sources, Yaqoobs statement, which places the decision in the hands of the people, shifts the issue strategically from a political or diplomatic domain to a national cause thereby strengthening the Talibans domestic legitimacy.

The sources said Yaqoobs declaration that Afghanistan cannot tolerate violations of its sovereignty serves as a warning to Islamabad against further border attacks, drone strikes, or military build-ups near the frontier. By stressing that Afghanistan does not support groups opposed to other countries, he is attempting to present the Taliban regime as a responsible government, they said.

Earlier, the Taliban vowed to chase the Pakistani Army to the India border in a stern warning against invasion attempts. Afghan deputy minister of interior affairs Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari issued a stark warning to Pakistan, saying Afghan forces and tribes could pursue Pakistani troops up to the Indian border" if they are deemed invaders.

If the Afghan tribes and nation once declare you an invader by religious decree, I swear by God, you will not find safety even up to the Indian border," Omari said, addressing the Pakistani military directly. The Pakistani military regime does everything according to others wishes and you must have recently seen the video of Shehbaz Sharif speaking sycophantically to Trump."

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The warning comes amid heightened tensions on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where cross-border clashes have recently flared. Kabul accused Islamabad of violating a 48-hour ceasefire, which had temporarily paused nearly a week of fighting that left dozens of troops and civilians dead on both sides.

Following the clashes, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire, according to Qatars foreign ministry, which hosted talks in Doha.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Kabul, Afghanistan

First Published: October 19, 2025, 23:30 IST

News world 'Imaginary': Taliban Says Pakistan Creating 'False Narrative' On Durand Line After Doha Talks

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Indian Man Arrested For Threatening Locals, Police With Gun-Shaped Lighter In Bangkok

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:38 IST

Sahil Ram Thadani, 41, was arrested for brandishing a gun-shaped cigarette lighter at the public and police officers at Bangkok's Siam Square.

Sahil Ram Thadani was charged with threatening behaviour and creatinga public disturbance. (Photo: X)

An Indian man was arrested and charged for threatening people and police officers with a pistol-shaped lighter in Bangkoks Siam Square area, sparking panic among people at the scene. The man was identified as Sahil Ram Thadani, 41, who was charged with threatening behaviour.

The incident occurred on Monday in front of the Novotel Bangkok in Siam Square soi 6, Pathum Wan district. Police were called to the scene and were confronted by Thadani, who was walking around making loud noises and pointing a gun-shaped object at the people, according to the Bangkok Post.

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Videos surfaced showing the man carrying a backpack, dancing erratically on the streets and shouting at people while brandishing the pistol-shaped object. He was seen sitting on the ground and dancing, as police officers arrived at the scene to apprehend him.

This is Sahil Ram Thadani, an Indian tourist.He went to Bangkok & consumed cann@bis there. He then came on road & started thre@tning people showing his lighter as a gun Likes of him are ruining Indias already ruined image in the world.pic.twitter.com/NgcSAMATJM  Tarun Gautam (@TARUNspeakss) October 18, 2025

Police and security personnel attempted to bring the situation under control, but the man refused to comply and threatened officers with the gun-shaped object, which was later identified as a cigarette lighter. Despite repeated instructions to stand, the man refused to comply, prompting security personnel to forcibly remove him from the ground. He was heard crying and demanding the police be called, before eventually apologising for his behavior

Thadani was taken to the Pathum Wan police station and charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance. Police said the mans behaviour was believed to be a result of hallucination from consuming cannabis. As per the report, Thadani used to be a director of three companies in India that had since shut down.

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Pathumwan Police highlighted that imitation firearms, even harmless objects like cigarette lighters, are treated seriously. Witnesses described the mans behaviour as alarming, with some shoppers taking cover during the incident, as per Thai Examiner.

This case adds to a growing number of incidents in Thailand where marijuana consumption is linked to unpredictable behaviour. Last month, a Moroccan tourist in Sukhumvit Soi 13 jumped from her hotels rooftop pool while consuming marijuana. She was later pronounced dead.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Bangkok, Thailand

First Published: October 19, 2025, 13:38 IST

News world Indian Man Arrested For Threatening Locals, Police With Gun-Shaped Lighter In Bangkok

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Indias Energy And Ambition Are Unmistakable: Sunak Meets Modi, Urges Deeper India-UK Ties

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 10:09 IST

Both leaders emphasised strengthening India-UK ties across multiple sectors including education, technology, innovation and womens empowerment.

Sunak and Modi Discuss Technology, Education, and Global Cooperation (Photo: Rishi Sunak Instagram Handle)

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on October 17, describing the encounter as a pleasure and referring to Modi as a good friend."

Following the meeting, Sunak took to Instagram, praising Indias energy and ambition" as unmistakable" and highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration in business, technology, and education.

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It was a pleasure to reconnect with my good friend @narendramodi. We spoke about the challenges and opportunities shaping the decade ahead, from AI and infrastructure to global growth and economic resilience," Sunak wrote on his Instagram post.

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During discussions, both leaders emphasised strengthening India-UK ties across multiple sectors including education, technology, innovation, and womens empowerment. Sunak lauded Indias rapid rise as an economic superpower, noting that it now surpasses the UK in the number of unicorn startups. He emphasised that the post-Cold War global order has shifted, giving way to a multipolar world where nations are increasingly leveraging domestic strengths for economic growth.

Sunak highlighted the promising India-UK partnership in business, technology, education, and womens empowerment, urging collaboration amid geopolitical uncertainties. He also touched on global challenges like AI, infrastructure, tariffs, and migration, stressing trust and national sovereignty as keys to future relations.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: October 19, 2025, 10:09 IST

News world Indias Energy And Ambition Are Unmistakable: Sunak Meets Modi, Urges Deeper India-UK Ties

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Israel Resumes Ceasefire, Aid Movement Hours After Hamas Attack; 26 Killed In Israel Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 20, 2025, 02:04 IST

Israel launched strikes in Gaza and halted aid after attacks killed two soldiers. At least 18 people died. Tensions remain high in Rafah despite a recent US-brokered ceasefire.

A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighbourhood, following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Israel on Sunday launched a series of strikes in Gaza and announced it was halting aid into the enclave in response to attacks on its forces that killed two of its soldiers. Later, the authorities said that the aid had been resumed. Meanwhile, local authorities in Gaza reported death of 26 people in Israel strike.

Reuters quoted residents in Gaza and local health authorities as saying that Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the enclave killed at least 26 people, including at least one woman and one child.

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According to Israeli military, it struck Hamas targets across the enclave, including field commanders, gunmen, a tunnel and weapons depots, after the militant group launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its troops, killing the soldiers.

Reuters quoted an Israeli security source as saying that aid into the enclave was set to resume on Monday following US pressure, shortly after Israel announced a halt in supplies in response to what it said was a blatant" violation by Hamas of the truce.

Meanwhile, Hamass armed wing said that it was committed to the ceasefire agreement but was unaware of clashes in Rafah and had not been in contact with groups there since March.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to respond forcefully to Hamass violation of the ceasefire.

In a statement, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said: In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today, the IDF (military) has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip."

Later, the Israeli military said that a ceasefire in Gaza has resumed.

This came just over a week after a US-brokered ceasefire, led by President Donald Trump, brought a pause to more than two years of war. The truce deal included the return of hostages, the recovery of bodies, and a limited Israeli pullback from parts of Gaza.

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Under the agreement, Hamas has so far released 20 surviving hostages and handed over the bodies of others. Israel also returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, bringing the total to 150.

However, tensions have remained high, especially around Rafah, where clashes broke out again on Sunday. One resident told news agency AFP that Hamas fighters were initially clashing with a local gang before Israeli tanks appeared. The air force conducted two strikes from the air," he said.

Location : Israel

First Published: October 20, 2025, 00:40 IST

News world Israel Resumes Ceasefire, Aid Movement Hours After Hamas Attack; 26 Killed In Israel Attack

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Israel Launches Airstrikes In Southern Gaza, Accuses Hamas Of 'Blatant Violation' Of Ceasefire

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 18:18 IST

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was apprised of the situation by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.

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A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighbourhood, following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The Israeli military on Sunday carried out attacks in Rafah and elsewhere in southern Gaza, the IDF said. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 said that a phone call on the situation was taking place between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz and members of the army.

Israels public broadcaster said the strike followed an exchange of fire" with Hamas members. Qatar-run broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that an IED was detonated in Rafah and that led to injuries among Israeli soldiers.

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The broadcaster said that this is due to the presence of an armed militia that was working with the Israeli army during the war". News18 could not independently verify the claims.

A separate report by AFP said that the fighting erupted in part of the southern city of Rafah still under Israeli control, followed by two air strikes. An Israeli official told the news agency that Hamas fighters had attacked Israeli forces with sniper fire and a rocket-propelled grenade.

Accusing Hamas of blatant violation" of the ceasefire, Israel said that its troops were attacked by RPG and sniper.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that war in Gaza will not be over until Hamas disarms and the Palestinian territory is demilitarised.

When that is successfully completed  hopefully in an easy way, but if not, in a hard way  then the war will end," he said in an appearance on Israeli Channel 14 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire. A senior Hamas official said, Netanyahus attempts to evade his obligations come under pressure from his own extremist terrorist coalition, as he seeks to shirk responsibility toward the mediators and guarantors."

Gazas civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority, said on Saturday that it had recovered the bodies of nine Palestinians, two men, three women and four children, after Israeli troops fired two tank shells at a bus.

The Israeli military said on Friday that several terrorists" opened fire on soldiers in the Rafah area, causing no injuries. The military later said it struck another group of terrorists" that were approaching troops in Khan Younis on the same day. The military would continue to operate to remove immediate threats, it said.

The Israeli government and Hamas have been accusing each other of violations of the ceasefire for days

Under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, Hamas has returned all 20 surviving hostages and the remains of 12 deceased ones.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas was to hand over all of the hostages, dead and alive, before Monday at 0900 GMT.

Hamas has said it needs time and technical assistance to recover the remaining bodies from under Gazas rubble.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More

Location : Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories

First Published: October 19, 2025, 14:39 IST

News world Israel Launches Airstrikes In Southern Gaza, Accuses Hamas Of 'Blatant Violation' Of Ceasefire

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Italian Politician Triggers Row After Calling Giorgia Meloni 'Trump's Courtesan', She Reacts

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 13:17 IST

Italian trade union leader Maurizio Landini defended himself by saying that he did not make any sexual references.

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Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said that trade union leader Landini was clouded with resentment. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Italian Prime Minister condemned the boss of CGIL, Italys biggest trade union, Maurizio Landini, for referring to her as the courtesan" of Donald Trump.

Landinis remarks came on TV earlier this week on Tuesday, a day after world leaders gathered in Egypts Sharm-al Sheikh for a peace summit on West Asia, led by the US President.

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Landini alleged that Meloni did not lift a finger" to bring peace in Gaza and her role was limited to playing Trumps courtesan". Fortunately, the Italian citizens took to the street to defend the dignity and honour of this country," Landini was quoted as saying by UK-based newspaper the Guardian.

Reacting to the comment, Meloni said that Landini, who helped organise many pro-Palestinian protests in Italy, was evidently clouded by a mounting resentment (which I can understand)" and shared a screenshot of what courtesan" meant from an online dictionary.

I think everyone knows the most common meaning attributed to this word, but, for the benefit of those who might not, Im publishing the first definition found through a quick internet search," Meloni said, along with the screenshot that read: Woman of easy virtue, heterosexual; euphemism, prostitute."

Meloni also lashed out at her leftwing opponents and claimed that they criticised a woman by calling her a prostitute" after saying for decades they had lectured us on respect for women".

Il segretario generale della CGIL, Maurizio Landini, evidentemente obnubilato da un rancore montante (che comprendo), mi definisce in televisione una cortigiana".Penso che tutti conoscano il significato piu comune attribuito a questa parola, ma, a beneficio di chi non lo pic.twitter.com/JS51GN7Yn9  Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) October 16, 2025

Landini then responded to the post arguing that there were no sexist insults" towards the Italian PM and that he had used the term to imply Trumps lackey".

In his statement, Landini said: In a 10-minute interview, which anyone can easily rewatch, to avoid any misunderstanding or exploitation of the term used, I immediately clarified what I meant  that Meloni was on the coat tails of Trump, she was at Trumps court, she was Trumps lackey."

During a speech in Egypt, Trump turned to Meloni  the only woman at the event  and called her beautiful". In the United States, it would be the end of your political career," he said. But Ill take the risk. Do you mind if I say youre beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful."

Trump had some choice words for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the only female leader on stage at a Gaza summit in Egypt on Monday: Shes beautiful."

The three-times-married 79-year-old admitted that he risked being accused of sexism with the comments about hard-right leader Meloni, who was standing behind him on the podium.

Im not allowed to say it because usually its the end of your political career if you say it  shes a beautiful young woman," Trump said in the middle of a speech about his peace efforts for the Middle East.

If you use the word beautiful in the United States about a woman, thats the end of your political career, but Ill take my chances."

Turning round to address the 48-year-old, Trump said: You dont mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are."

Melonis immediate reaction could not be seen, as Trumps back was between her and the cameras.

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Trump went on to call Meloni, an ideological ally when it comes to immigration and cultural issues, incredible".

And they really respect her in Italy. Shes a very successful politician," he added.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More

Location : Rome, Italy

First Published: October 19, 2025, 13:17 IST

News world Italian Politician Triggers Row After Calling Giorgia Meloni 'Trump's Courtesan', She Reacts

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Joe Biden Spotted For First Time Since Beginning Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 16:22 IST

Joe Biden, 82, was seen at St. Joseph on the Brandywine after starting radiation therapy for prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

Former US President Joe Biden. (NYP)

Former US President Joe Biden was publicly spotted for the first time on Saturday since the start of the radiation therapy for prostate cancer earlier this month.

Biden was seen attending evening Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, the Roman Catholic church he has been visiting for decades, the New York Post reported. The 82-year-old former president was photographed leaving the hour-long service, walking slowly and holding onto a woman for support.

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A large scar above his right eye  the result of recent skin cancer surgery  was still visible as he greeted parishioners outside the church

Last week, a spokesperson for the former President announced that he is undergoing radiation therapy as part of his treatment for prostate cancer

As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. The news about Bidens prostate cancer first surfaced in May 2025. At the time, his medical team said the cancer was treatable but required a carefully managed, long-term plan involving multiple stages of therapy.

Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support," Biden had said back then in a post on X.

Bidens health has been under public scrutiny for years, mostly because of his long career in politics and his age. Earlier this year, he underwent routine cancer screenings, which led to the detection of the prostate cancer that was later found to have spread to his bones.

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About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer severity is measured using what doctors call a Gleason score, which rates how aggressive the disease is on a scale from 6 to 10. Cancers with scores of 8, 9, or 10 tend to grow and spread more quickly. According to a statement from Joe Bidens office, his Gleason score was 9, indicating that his cancer is one of the most aggressive forms.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 19, 2025, 16:22 IST

News world Joe Biden Spotted For First Time Since Beginning Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer

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'Light Over Darkness': Israel, UAE, Singapore Extend Diwali Greetings To Indians

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 22:16 IST

Singapore PM also shared a video message featuring vibrant visuals of deities, festive markets, and joyous celebrations across the country.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (Credits: X)

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended warm greetings to citizens on the occasion of Diwali, sharing a heartfelt message celebrating the festivals deeper meaning of light triumphing over darkness.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wong wrote, Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead."

He also shared a video message featuring vibrant visuals of deities, festive markets, and joyous celebrations across Singapore. The clip encouraged viewers to share what Deepavali means to them, highlighting the festivals importance to the multicultural nation.

The video featured Singaporeans from different backgrounds sharing their personal memories and traditions associated with the festival.

One participant said, Deepavali for us, since we were kids, means celebration, having a new start every year. Yeah, being joyful and happy together."

Others reflected on the simple pleasures of the festival, Fireworks. Sweets. Family gathering."

Another participant added with humour and warmth, Money, money, money. By my age, nobodys giving me anything anymore. So now, I actually look forward to just seeing the family. And I want to wish all of you a happy Deepavali. Happy Deepavali."

Light over darkness. Hope over fear.As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead.  pic.twitter.com/GnenPV10lX  Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) October 19, 2025

The video also showed women applying mehendi, children bursting firecrackers, and families shopping for sweets  capturing the vibrant and communal spirit of Deepavali celebrations in Singapore.

Japans Ambassador To India Joins In Diwali Festivities

Meanwhile, Japans Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, also extended his wishes for Diwali celebrations in India.

In a post on X, he shared photos of a special Diwali lunch hosted by the Embassy of Japan in India, writing, The Embassy of Japan in India held a wonderful Diwali lunch party to celebrate the Festival of Lights. We extend warm wishes to everyone for a joyful and prosperous Diwali. May the light of Diwali bring hope and positivity to all."

The gesture reflected growing cultural warmth between the two nations as diplomats and staff joined the celebration of light, peace, and prosperity.

Ambassador Of Israels Greetings

Ambassador of Israel to India Reuven Azar also extended greetings on X and wrote,"Wishing all my Indian friends a joyful Diwali! May this special occasion illuminate your lives with good health and happiness. At this time, we also rejoice in the return of hostages and their heartfelt reunions with loved ones."

Light over darkness. Hope over fear.As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead.  pic.twitter.com/GnenPV10lX  Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) October 19, 2025

UAE PM Extends Greetings

UAE PM Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X, Warmest wishes and greetings to those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this festival of lights bring peace, safety, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Happy Diwali!"

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About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 19, 2025, 22:16 IST

News world 'Light Over Darkness': Israel, UAE, Singapore Extend Diwali Greetings To Indians

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'Night Stalkers': Who Are The Elite US Army Special Ops Unit That Use Black Hawks To Strike?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 19:28 IST

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, nicknamed 'Night Stalkers', is an airborne unit and flies helicopters in support of US Special Operation Forces

US Army Black Hawk helicopters during a drill after President Donald Trump deployed significant military assets as part of what he said are counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean. (Image: @Abby Karim/Facebook)

Black Hawk helicopters of the US Army were spotted doing drills in Trinidadian oil fields, weeks before President Donald Trump deployed significant military assets  including stealth warplanes and several US Navy ships  as part of what he said are counter-narcotics efforts in the Caribbean.

These attack helicopters  MH-60M Black Hawks modified to include stealth features  are part of the arsenal of the elite Night Stalkers", as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) is nicknamed. It is an elite special operations unit, which is airborne and flies helicopters in support of Special Operation Forces (SOF) and regular forces.

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The 160th SOAR is also otherwise known as Task Force 160 (TF-160). They fly the following helicopters:

MH-47G Chinook

MH-60M Black Hawk

MH-60M DAP (gunship variant)

AH-6M/MH-6M Little Bird

Stealth/Ghost Hawk

WHAT IS THE 160th SOAR, OR TASK FORCE 160?

Functioning mostly as a support system to other special forces in the armed forces, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) is an element of the US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (ARSOAC).

The ARSOAC is part of the United States Army Special Operations Command (Airborne), which is a component of US Special Operations Command.

The regiment has Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Operation Aviation Training Company, 1st Battalion at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, 2nd Battalion at Fort Campbell, 3rd Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, 4th Battalion at Fort Lewis at Washington, and E Company at Fort Campbell.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NIGHT STALKERS?

The Night Stalkers are deployed on a number of missions including insertion/extraction of SOF, attacks, and even reconnaissance. It regularly practises with the SOF of the US Army, Air Force, and Navy, other than military exercises with the special forces of other countries.

According to a report in the New York Post, the Night Stalkers are able to deposit highly trained fighters, including Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, or Delta Force personnel, into battle zones. No other element of the armed forces uses the little bird" helicopters that have been spotted off the Venezuelan coast, the report said.

They have excellent surveillance equipment to watch for potential drug smugglers coming out of Venezuela and the attack capabilities to destroy those vessels. They could also seize vessels, although they have not done that yet as far as is known," defence expert Mark Cancian told the Post. The 160th could take special operations forces into Venezuela to strike cartel or regime targets. I dont expect that because of the risk of casualties or capture but its possible."

An analysis by The Washington Post said the special operations aviation force has flown within 90 miles (149 km approx) of the Venezuelan coast. AFP reported that with US warships deployed off Venezuelas coast, President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday (October 18) said a plan to defend against what he called American threats is now complete.

The US has accused Maduro of heading a drug cartel. But he has counter-claimed that Washington is plotting regime change.

Trump has indicated that he authorised covert CIA operations against Venezuela, without offering specifics. Maduro has responded to the big US military operation by ordering exercises around the country and positioning soldiers at the borders.

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American forces in the Caribbean have now attacked at least six vessels that Washington said were taking drugs from Venezuela toward the US, killing at least 27 people.

(With agency inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 19, 2025, 19:01 IST

News world 'Night Stalkers': Who Are The Elite US Army Special Ops Unit That Use Black Hawks To Strike?

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Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree To 'Immediate Ceasefire' After Peace Talks Mediated By Qatar, Turkey

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 09:07 IST

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire in Doha talks mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, aiming for lasting peace after deadly clashes along the Durand Line.

The Pakistan and Afghanistan delegation in Doha on Saturday. (Qatar Foreign Ministry/X)

In a major development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha, Qatars foreign ministry announced on Sunday.

In an official statement, Qatars foreign ministry said Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire and also agreed to the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.

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A round of negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Doha, mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye. During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries," it said.

Statement | Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to an Immediate Ceasefire During a Round of Negotiations in Doha#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/fPXvn6GaU6 Ministry of Foreign Affairs  Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 18, 2025

The two parties also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, thus contributing to achieving security and stability in both countries," it added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatars hope that this important step will contribute to ending tensions on the border between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.

Pakistan Breaches 48-Hour Ceasefire

The first round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Doha concluded late Saturday on a positive note", after more than four and a half hours of closed-door discussions aimed at easing rising border tensions between the two neighbours.

Top diplomatic sources in Doha told CNN-News18 that the delegations would remain in Qatar overnight and resume discussions on Sunday morning for the second session of talks. After the talks concluded, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the next round of talks would be held in Istanbul on October 25.

Pakistans foreign ministry had earlier said the talks in Doha aimed to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border". The Defence Minister, the National Security Adviser, and the Director-General of the ISI, Lt Gen Asim Malik, led the Pakistani delegation.

The Doha meeting follows days of heavy fighting along the Durand Line, which has left dozens dead on both sides. The violence flared after a 48-hour ceasefire was broken by Pakistan on Friday night as it launched airstrikes across the border, killing 10 people in the Paktika province, despite talks in Doha on extending the ceasefire.

Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led government of sheltering militants, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who have intensified attacks within Pakistan. In response, Kabul has rejected the accusations, stating that Pakistan is responsible for its own security.

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The 2,611-kilometre border has long been a source of friction, with Afghanistan refusing to recognise it formally. On the other hand, Pakistan, grappling with a renewed insurgency in its frontier provinces, has blamed elements of the TTP operating from across the border.

Pakistans Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has urged the Taliban to rein in militant proxies and prioritise peace.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Qatar

First Published: October 19, 2025, 05:03 IST

News world Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree To 'Immediate Ceasefire' After Peace Talks Mediated By Qatar, Turkey

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Robbers Storm Iconic Louvre Museum In Paris, Steal 'Priceless' Jewellery In 7-Minute Heist

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 18:36 IST

The Louvre is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world. Once the royal residence of French kings, it became a museum after French Revolution

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French police officers stand next to a furniture elevator used by robbers to enter the Louvre Museum in Paris. (AFP photo)

The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close on Sunday after chainsaw-wielding robbers stormed its halls and stole what French authorities have described as priceless" treasures.

The robbery took place in broad daylight and lasted only seven minutes. Frances Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that a group of three or four" thieves used a furniture hoist to access the museums Galerie dApollon (Apollos Gallery), where they targeted two display cases. No injuries were reported.

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The thieves are believed to have arrived between 9:30 and 9:40am local time. They reportedly used small chainsaws and accessed the gallery through a goods lift. A police source said the suspects arrived on a scooter before launching the quick and coordinated heist.

The Galerie dApollon houses some of Frances most valuable historical jewellery, including the French crown jewels. While it is not yet clear which items were taken, pieces on display include three famous diamonds  the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia  as well as a diamond and emerald necklace once gifted by Napoleon to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise.

Frances Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the break-in on social media, saying: robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum. No injuries reported. Im on site with museum staff and police."

The Louvre is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world. Once the royal residence of French kings, it became a museum after the French Revolution. Last year, it welcomed nine million visitors, making it the most visited museum globally.

The targeted gallery, commissioned by King Louis XIV, later inspired the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. It is not the first time the museum has suffered a major theft  in 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen but was later recovered.

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The robbery is the latest in a string of museum thefts across France. In recent months, gold samples worth 600,000 were stolen from Pariss Natural History Museum, and artefacts were taken from the Cognacq-Jay Museum by thieves armed with axes and bats.

(With inputs from AFP)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Paris, France

First Published: October 19, 2025, 15:15 IST

News world Robbers Storm Iconic Louvre Museum In Paris, Steal 'Priceless' Jewellery In 7-Minute Heist

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Taliban Vows To Chase Pakistan Army To India Border In Stern Warning Against Invasion Attempts

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar



Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 12:37 IST

Afghan Taliban Deputy Minister Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari warns Pakistan that troops could be pursued up to the Indian border if deemed invaders.

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Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari issued a stark warning to Pakistan and hinted at future territorial claims beyond the Durand Line. (IMAGE: X)

The Afghan Deputy Minister of Interior Affairs and Taliban leader Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari, issued a stark warning to Pakistan, saying that Afghan forces and tribes could pursue Pakistani troops up to the Indian border" if they are deemed invaders.

If the Afghan tribes and nation once declare you an invader by religious decree, I swear by God, you will not find safety even up to the Indian border," Omari said, addressing the Pakistani military directly.

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He also sharply criticised Islamabads civilian and military leadership: The Pakistani military regime does everything according to others wishes and you must have recently seen the video of Shehbaz Sharif speaking sycophantically to Trump".

Omari also hinted at potential territorial claims, stating that the current situation indicates that areas beyond the Durand Line which were once lost by Afghanistan may eventually return to Afghan territory."

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The warning comes amid heightened tensions on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where cross-border clashes have recently flared. Kabul accused Islamabad of violating a 48-hour ceasefire, which had temporarily paused nearly a week of fighting that left dozens of troops and civilians dead on both sides.

Following the clashes, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire, according to Qatars foreign ministry, which hosted talks in Doha.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: October 19, 2025, 10:11 IST

News world Taliban Vows To Chase Pakistan Army To India Border In Stern Warning Against Invasion Attempts

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After Hamas Executes Collaborators, US Says Armed Group Planning To Attack Gaza Civilians

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 10:06 IST

The US State Department alleged that the Palestinian armed militant group Hamas is planning an imminent attack on Gazans.

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Hamas fighters gather at Nuseirat camp in central Gaza during a hostage handover. The US State Dept says it has reports that the group plans to attack civilians in the blockaded enclave. (IMAGE: AFP)

The US State Department on Saturday said that it has received credible reports" that Palestinian armed group Hamas is planning an imminent" attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts," said the State Department in a statement released on its website and social media.

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Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," US warned in its statement.

The United States and the other guarantors remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians, maintaining calm on the ground, and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole".

The report and the ensuing warning came after Hamas released a video showing the street execution of eight blindfolded and kneeling suspects. The group called the group of collaborators and outlaws". A report by news agency AFP said that the footage was from earlier this Monday.

The United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza. This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation  Department of State (@StateDept) October 18, 2025

Israeli soldiers who have withdrawn from Gaza over the past several days told news agency Haaretz that they saw from their observation posts that armed Hamas members are shooting at Palestinians who have tried to resist them or are suspected of assisting Israeli authorities.

The IDF soldiers have been instructed not to intervene.

Whats happening in Gaza today is inconceivable. Its beginning to look like a massacre there. There are dozens of dead there and hundreds of wounded from clans suspected of assistance to Israel," the soldier said.

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US President Donald Trump, who helped broker the ceasefire, threatened Hamas over the killings of civilians.

If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them," Trump had said in a post on his Truth Social network, without specifying who he meant by we".

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 19, 2025, 07:53 IST

News world After Hamas Executes Collaborators, US Says Armed Group Planning To Attack Gaza Civilians

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2 Killed After US Strikes 'Drug-Carrying Submarine' In Caribbean; 2 Survivors Repatriated

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 19, 2025, 08:18 IST

Trump said his administration carried out strikes against a "drug-carrying submarine" that was navigating towards the United States in the Caribbean.

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White House released visuals of the strikes that targeted a "drug-carrying submarine" in the Caribbean.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) said his administration carried out strikes against a drug-carrying submarine" that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narco-trafficking transit route, killing two people on board. He said intelligence reports confirmed that the vessel was carrying fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.

It was my great honour to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route," Trump said on his Truth Social platform, adding that two survivors are being repatriated to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia.

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At least 25,000 Americans would die if I allowed this submarine to come ashore. The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their Countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution. No US Forces were harmed in this strike. Under my watch, the United States of America will not tolerate narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs, by land or by sea," he added.

Both men have arrived home, according to authorities from the two South American countries. The Ecuadorian survivor arrived back in his country at around 11 am (local time) and will later be legally processed, a government source who was not authorised to speak told Reuters.

We have received the Colombian detained on the narco submarine, we are happy he is alive and he will be processed according to the law," Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on X on Saturday afternoon, providing no further information.

27 Drug Smugglers Killed So Far

The strike was the latest in Trumps aggressive policy of choking the flow of drugs from Latin America to the United States. At least six vessels, most of them speedboats, have been targeted by US strikes in the Caribbean since September, with Venezuela alleged to be the origin of some of them.

The United States has said that it has killed 27 drug smugglers so far, without providing evidence. On Tuesday, the US struck a small boat that Trump accused of carrying drugs in waters off the coast of Venezuela, killing six people. Experts say such summary killings are illegal even if they target confirmed narcotics traffickers.

The Trump administration has asserted that killing suspected drug smugglers  rather than having the Coast Guard interdict boats and arrest people aboard them if suspicions of drug smuggling proved accurate  is consistent with the laws of war, according to The New York Times.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly defended the strikes, calling them necessary to protect US lives. A drug cartel is no different than al Qaeda, and they will be treated as such," he said. Trump has also referred to the targets as narcoterrorists," claiming one of the boats carried members of the foreign terrorist organisation he designated as the Tren de Aragua.

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Petro on Saturday accused Washington of killing a fisherman in one of its strikes and violating his countrys sovereignty. US government officials have committed murder and violated our sovereignty in our territorial waters. Fisherman Alejandro Carranza had no ties to drug traffickers and his daily activity was fishing," he said.

(with inputs from agencies)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 19, 2025, 08:02 IST

News world 2 Killed After US Strikes 'Drug-Carrying Submarine' In Caribbean; 2 Survivors Repatriated

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The island of cats has a cat problem. Officials in Cyprus, the small island nation in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean, estimate there is roughly one feral cat for every one of its 1 million inhabitantsthough activists contend the actual population is hundreds of thousands higher. In late September, the island's parliamentary committee on the environment was told that an existing sterilization program is too limited to contain the burgeoning cat population; the AP reports the program conducts only about 2,000 sterilizations annually on a budget of just $117,000.

Appearing to heed calls for more funding, Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou announced on Oct. 4World Animal Daythat the government would raise cat sterilization funding to $350,000 annually. The decision was hailed as a significant step forward, but Charalambos Theopemptou, chairman of the Parliamentary Environment Committee, warned against relying on money alone. "There has to be a plan," he said. Demetris Epaminondas, president of the Veterinary Association, said Cyprus' cat population can be brought under control in as few as four years if authorities cobble together a unified sterilization plan that would put private clinics at the forefront of the effort by offering free-of-charge neutering without all the red tape that complicates the process.

His association has proposed a plan that would identify major cat concentration centers where authorities can round them up and take them for sterilization at designated vets. The initiative includes the creation of a smartphone application that would allow anyone to help authorities locate such large cat concentrations. The state can avoid bearing the full cost of the program by setting up a fund where people and businesses can donate, according to Epaminondas. Tripling the sterilization budget, he said, could act as a significant incentive for more corporate donations. The cost of sterilizing a female feral cat in Cyprus is $64, which goes up to $140 for domesticated cats brought in by owners, as they receive more specialized care.

Cyprus has a long history as a cat-loving nation where cat food dispensaries and clusters of tiny houses are a regular sight along popular footpaths. Two decades ago, French archaeologists unearthed what they believed to be the earliest evidence of a domesticated cat in a 9,500-year-old neolithic village. They found the bones of a cat close to the skeletal remains of a human, suggesting that they were buried together. Adding to this long history of human-feline connection is the 4th century legend of Saint Helen who, after finding the True Cross in the Holy Lands, brought over a few boatloads of cats to deal with a snake infestation. A monastery that serves as a feline safe haven, St. Nicholas of the Cats, still exists today.
If the sound of someone slurping soup or clicking a pen makes your skin crawl, you might have misophoniaa little-known condition that's finally getting a name and some scientific attention. The term, which literally means "hatred of sound," was coined in the early 2000s, but it only started to go mainstream in recent years. For those who have it, certain everyday noisesthink chewing, sniffing, or foot-tappingaren't just annoying; they spark intense emotional reactions, from anxiety to outright rage. A 2022 study suggested nearly one in five people experience symptoms significant enough to interfere with daily life, reports the Financial Times , while brain scans reveal that "trigger" sounds activate emotional centers differently in those affected. "It's like the noise fills your head to the exclusion of everything else," one sufferer explained.

The condition was first described by neuroscientists Pawel and Margaret Jastreboff, but it took two decades for much of the world to notice. In 2020, a team from the University of Amsterdam won the Ig Nobel Prize for Medicine for "diagnosing a long-unrecognized medical condition: misophonia, the distress at hearing other people make chewing sounds." The tongue-in-cheek awardintended to make people laugh, then thinkhelped push the disorder into public awareness. Soon after, researchers around the world began probing its origins and debating whether it stems from the ear, the brain, or both. As misophonia entered mainstream conversation, patients who had once thought they were just irritable finally found a term for what they felt.

While the Ig Nobel brought some legitimacy, skepticism lingers. Many still see misophonia as a personality quirk rather than a legitimate disorder. Scientists are now debating whether it belongs in the same category as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive conditions. So far, it hasn't been added to the DSM-5 or the World Health Organization's ICD-11. Still, a 2022 panel of researchers agreed on a formal description: "a disorder of decreased tolerance to specific sounds or stimuli associated with such sounds." As awareness spreads, researchers are exploring ways to quiet the response. Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown promise, though exposure to trigger sounds can sometimes worsen reactions instead of easing them. For now, coping often means practical workaroundsnoise-canceling headphones, quiet rooms, and very patient loved oneswhile scientists search for lasting relief.
Pope Leo XIV canonized Venezuela's beloved "doctor of the poor" Sunday before 70,000 people at the Vatican, offering the South American nation its first saint and a reason to celebrate during its yearslong economic crisis and new tensions with the US . Jose Gregorio Hernandez, revered by millions for his dedication to poor people, was declared a saint alongside the founder of a Venezuelan religious order, Mother Carmen Rendiles Martinez, at a Mass in St. Peter's Square that Leo called a "great celebration of holiness," the AP reports.

Thousands of jubilant Venezuelans filled the square and draped their nation's flag over police barricades, adding splashes of red, blue and yellow that perfectly matched the uniforms of the attending Swiss Guards. Thousands more who couldn't travel to Rome gathered overnight in the Caracas plaza outside the Nuestra Senora de La Candelaria church, where a 26-foot statue of Hernandez stands, and watched the Mass from Rome on a giant screen. "It's good news after so much sadness," said Ana Sanabria, 71, as she watched fireworks in Caracas. Earlier this month, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize.

In all, seven people were canonized in a ceremony that Pope Francis put in motion just before he died. In fact, Francis approved Hernandez's canonization from his hospital room on Feb. 24, agreeing to bypass the Vatican's typical miracle confirmation process to pronounce him a saint based on the "widespread veneration of the 'doctor-saint' among the faithful," the Vatican said. In Venezuela, Hernandez's portrait appears in street art around Caracas, in hospitals and on home altars. As a doctor in Caracas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, he refused to take money from poor people for his services and often gave them money for medicine. He was killed in a road accident in 1919 while crossing a street after picking up medicine at a pharmacy to bring to a poor elderly woman.

Other new saints: The Mass also gave Papua New Guinea its first saintPeter To Rot, a layman killed in prison in 1945 for standing up for monogamous marriage at a time when polygamy was practiced. Others canonized were Archbishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, an Armenian Catholic who was killed for refusing to renounce his faith during what the Vatican has said was the Ottoman era genocide of Armenians; Sister Vincenza Maria Poloni, a 19th-century founder of a religious order; Sister Maria Troncatti, an Italian missionary in Ecuador; and Bartolo Longo, who like Hernandez was canonized based on widespread veneration among the faithful, not a purported miraculous healing. In his homily, Leo held up all seven new saints as models for today's Catholics. "May their intercession assist us in our trials and their example inspire us in our shared vocation to holiness," he said.
Israel's strikes Sunday on southern Gaza, and Hamas' fire at Israeli soldiers, set off a scramble among the US and other powers to save the peace deal. "This is a bold violation of the ceasefire," an Israeli military official told CBS News. The Israeli government had notified the Trump administration before carrying out the strikes, Axios reports, adding that US officials now are planning to step up control over the execution of the agreement. Plans include dispatching senior officials to Israel within days in an attempt to ensure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sticks to the deal, a delegation that could include Vice President JD Vance, per the Guardian.
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After declining to purchase a former bank to house local law enforcement, Ocean City is expected to instead demolish its outdated police headquarters and construct a new facility for the department, officials said.

Mayor Jay Gillian earlier this month said city officials will proceed with forming a plan to construct a new police headquarters, using some or all of the $30 million that was set aside to refurbish the current building, a former schoolhouse on Central Avenue.

City officials have spent about 30 years exploring how to address the aging building, Gillian said.

Speaking moments after the City Council began its Oct. 9 meeting, Gillian shared an update on the topic, stressing that it is among the many issues that will shape Ocean Citys future. The mayor did not elaborate on a timeline for when construction could begin.

I still believe we missed an opportunity to accomplish our goals when we had a project to build a police and fire building together back in 22, Gillian said. But, saying that, I do believe everything happens for a reason.

Ocean City was slated to vote at the meeting on borrowing about $12 million to acquire the former Crowne Bank Building in the 800 block of Asbury Avenue.

City officials dropped their bid for the former bank after pushback from residents and some business owners in the retail space. Several feared flipping the buildings upstairs could inadvertently change the atmosphere of downtown shopping due to an increase in police activity.

Ocean City faced a deadline to purchase the bank to avoid an increase in New Jerseys tax on high-end properties. In September, Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson said city officials had until Nov. 15 to close on the property, or else pay about $400,000 in taxes on the purchase.

Luxury hotel brand Icona is seeking to transform the former Crown Bank building in downtown Ocean City, seen here, into a boutique hotel.

Last month, the city was prepared to buy the former bank due to its cost-effectiveness. City Council prepared a revision to $30 million bond ordinance, repurposing a portion of that money to purchase the bank building. The measure was on the meetings agenda, but a vote wasnt held.

The new building will complement a substation on the boardwalk at Eighth Street, which is in the final phases of construction. Gillian expects police will begin manning the new facility around Christmas, he said.
Oscar winner Emma Stone in the new movie "Bugonia." Atsushi Nishijima | Focus Features

Are you bald, or willing to become bald?

Thats how the invite begins for an upcoming free screening of the new Emma Stone movie Bugonia.

The screening is only open to bald people. But no worries for anyone whos not.

If you are not bald, we will have a barber on site to shave your head in order for you to watch the film, the invitation says.

You know, just a casual balding.

The Academy Award-winning Stone stars alongside Jesse Plemons and newcomer Aidan Delbis in the intense film, a potent blend of thriller, sci-fi and black comedy written by Will Tracy (The Menu, Succession) and helmed by the celebrated director Yorgos Lanthimos.

Bugonia is an adaptation of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! directed by Jang Joon-hwan.

Stone plays Michelle Fuller, the powerful CEO of a big pharmaceutical company in the Focus Features movie, opening in theaters Oct. 24.

Plemons plays Teddy Gatz, who is deep into a conspiracy theory about aliens who look like humans controlling human affairs.

Teddy gets his cousin Don (Delbis) wrapped up in the conspiracy and the two of them abduct Fuller, who Teddy believes to be an alien.

Stones head is shaved early on in the movie, which also features Stavros Halkias as a police officer and Alicia Silverstone as Sandy Gatz, Teddys very ill mother.

The bald screening is set for Oct. 20 at the Culver Theater in Culver City, California  the barber will be there two hours before showtime. Would-be audience members are advised that part of the event will be filmed for promotional purposes.

Bugonia is Stones fifth film with Lanthimos.

She won her second Oscar last year for her performance in the directors Poor Things (2023), co-starring New Jerseys own Ramy Youssef in his film debut as well as Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.

Stone previously starred opposite Plemons in Kinds of Kindness, her most recent Lanthimos film before Bugonia.
Officials from Essex County and Montclair State University announced a partnership agreement between MSU and the Essex County Office of Public Health Management. Essex County

Essex County and Montclair State University have partnered to establish New Jerseys first countywide academic health department.

The agreement, described as a significant advancement in public health collaboration, formalizes an existing relationship and aims to enhance research, education and workforce development in the field of public health.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell made the announcement on Thursday.

Montclair State has always been a great partner with us, and their involvement and presence in the community is second to none, DiVincenzo said in a statement.

Combining the talent and resources of both our institutions will enhance the outreach and service we provide to our residents, develop innovative approaches to enhance wellness and preparedness, and create a pipeline to develop future public health officials, he added.

The partnership is intended to enable the county and university to create a coordinated approach to preventing disease, promoting wellness, and preparing for emergencies by combining practical experience from county public health officials with academic insight from university faculty and students.

Koppell said the collaboration reflects the universitys commitment to community-based partnerships.

We are proud to expand our myriad of partnerships with Essex County and grateful to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo for recognizing what is possible when academic expertise of our Department of Public Health is aligned with Essex Countys forward-thinking leadership, the university president said in a statement.

A key component of the agreement creates internship opportunities for Montclair State students to gain hands-on experience with the county health office. Interns will be involved in data collection and analysis, assist with public health programs and outreach initiatives, and participate in public advocacy and emergency preparedness.

Maya Harlow, Essex County public health officer and director of the countys Office of Public Health Management, praised the partnership as bringing two public health powerhouses together in a relationship that will benefit our residents.

The Essex County health office played a major role in organizing and administering the countys COVID-19 testing and vaccination program during the pandemic.

Through a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, the county has also established mobile outreach programs and student vaccination clinics.

MSUs Department of Public Health has trained New Jerseys public health workforce for decades, with alumni in leadership roles across the state addressing challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal and child health issues, and tobacco and substance use reduction.
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The top-ranked Nebraska Huskers face the Michigan Wolverines in a Big Ten volleyball contest on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Fans will need a subscription to Big Ten Plus to watch the match. B1G+ costs $12.99 a month or $89.99 for an annual subscription.

Heres what you need to know:

What: College volleyball

Who: Nebraska vs. Michigan

When: Oct. 19, 2025 (10/19/25)

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Where: Crisler Center

TV: N/A

Live stream: B1G+

Top 25 AVCA Volleyball Rankings

Games through Oct. 12, 2025

1, Nebraska; 2, Texas; 3, Kentucky; 4, Louisville; 5, Stanford; 6, Pittsburgh; 7, Arizona State; 8, SMU; 9, Wisconsin; 10, Texas A&M; 11, TCU; 12, Purdue; 13, Creighton; 14, University of Miami; 15, Kansas; 16, Tennessee; 17, Penn State; 18, Minnesota; 19, BYU; 20, Baylor; 21, North Carolina; 22, Indiana; 23, UCLA; 24, Colorado; 25, Southern California.
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A FAMILIAR local building in the heart of Shannonbridge is set for a new chapter this autumn, as the former Health Centre on Main Street goes to auction with ODonnellan & Joyce on Friday, October 24 at 12 noon.

Guided at 90,000, the detached single-storey property extends to approximately 76 sq. m. and stands just off the main street in this picturesque riverside village. Once a valued community facility, the building now presents an opportunity for new use, whether as a small business premises, community hub, or residential conversion (subject to planning).

Shannonbridge, located on the River Shannon near the OffalyRoscommon border, is known for its distinctive charm, local heritage, and popularity with visitors exploring the Shannon waterways. The sale offers buyers the chance to invest in a property with both local history and future potential, right in the centre of the village.

The Shannonbridge property forms part of a wider catalogue in ODonnellan & Joyces national live stream auction, which features a range of former state-owned and community buildings being released for new purposes, alongside private homes and investment opportunities across Ireland.

READ NEXT: Thirty new tech jobs for Offaly as Anitech Solutions partners with Rhomu Ltd

ODonnellan & Joyces October auction follows the success of its September event, which attracted strong nationwide interest and competitive bidding. The live-stream format enables buyers from across Ireland and abroad to participate by phone or online.

The auction takes place on Friday, 24th October at 12 noon, with pre-registration required to bid.

For full details or to register, visit www.odj.ie or contact ODonnellan & Joyce Auctioneers, Galway, on 091 564 212.

READ NEXT: Conservation masterplan for famous Offaly courthouse launched as funding secured for town hall
A motorist who was caught driving for a fifth time without insurance has been sentenced to two months in prison and disqualified from driving for six years.

Martin O'Donovan of Happy Days House, Oranmore, Galway pleaded guilty at Longford District Court last week to driving without insurance, driving without a licence while disqualified, giving a false name to Gardai and driving without an NCT or NCT cert.

At a previous hearing, details were heard about how the defendant, who worked in the motor trade sector, was stopped and detected by officers at Tinnynaire, Edgeworthstown on March 25, 2023.

Sgt Mark Mahon, prosecuting, said the defendant initially failed to disclose his real name when he was asked and instead he gave a false name of Martin O'Donoghue.

Judge Brendan O'Reilly said last Tuesday he had reviewed the case and he had noted the defendant's admission and the guilty plea, however, he stated he had to also take his previous record into account.

Judge O'Reilly said in relation to the charges two of them in particular namely driving without insurance and driving without a licence while disqualified, required an appropriate sanction.

"He fails to understand the seriousness of driving without insurance and he has had the benefit of suspended sentences."

Mr O'Donovan asked to address Judge O'Reilly and he said he deeply regretted his actions.

"I am awful sorry and I apologise deeply, I have not driven in the past year and I am just trying to get my licence back and provide for my family."

Judge O'Reilly said he understood that but he asked how long Mr O'Donovan had been involved and working in the motor trade.

"The road traffic requirement to be insured is there since 1961," he added.

The defendant, who stated he had subsequently 'lost his job' , said he has worked in the motor sector for 30 years said he was in difficult circumstances.

"My livelihood is gone and I am suffering the consequences now and I am deeply sorry for my actions," he said. "I have not driven in over a year and my wife here drives me around."

Solicitor Tony McDonnell, defending, said Mr O'Donovan's wife has a good public sector job and she is looking after her husband all of the time.

"All these offences occurred at a time when he was homeless.

"He is on the straight and narrow since then as far as his driving is concerned."

"He ensures me he will never drive again and he is just looking for a chance."

However, Judge O'Reilly, who addressed the defendant, insisted he was suffering through his own actions as well.

"The court has given you chances before and I have no doubt you told other colleagues of mine that too."

Judge O'Reilly noted Mr O'Donovan had four previous convictions for driving without insurance.

Garda Sergeant Mark Mahon, prosecuting, informed Judge O'Reilly the defendant had received a three month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years on January 18, 2023 and that had now been triggered.

The court heard the defendant, who had been in Garda custody for two weeks, was due to appear at Galway District Court on Wednesday, October 1 in connection with that matter.

Sgt Mahon said Mr O'Donovan also received a four month prison sentence on April 8 last for driving without insurance.

Judge O'Reilly decided to impose a two month prison sentence, a six year driving ban and a 400 fine with 12-months to pay for the no insurance and driving without a licence offences with the remaining offences taken into consideration.
Chile aims to export up to 8,000 metric tons of pork to the Philippines by 2026, as it seeks to expand its presence in the countrys food market and boost agricultural trade under the proposed PhilippinesChile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

ChilePork president Juan Carlos Dominguez announced the target during the culmination of a three-day Chilean trade mission to the Philippines, held on Oct. 13 to 15. Dominguez noted that pork shipments to the Southeast Asian nation have steadily increased since the market opened in 2020.

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We started with about 300 metric tons in the first year, then 2,000, 5,000, and now 6,000 metric tons this year. For 2026, we hope to reach 8,000 metric tons, Dominguez said.

The ongoing CEPA negotiations, expected to conclude by the end of the year or early next year, are anticipated to further boost bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and opening wider market access for Chilean agricultural exports.

Once CEPA is in place, it will not only benefit pork exports but also open opportunities for other Chilean agricultural goods, including fresh fruits, poultry, and processed food products. We believe the Philippines can become one of our most dynamic partners in Southeast Asia, said Dominguez.

The PhilippinesChile CEPA aims to deepen bilateral economic ties by covering trade in goods, services, investments and agricultural cooperation.

Dominguez said that while Chile cannot match major global suppliers such as the United States, Spain or Brazil in terms of output, it competes through quality, integration and traceability.

We have only four private companies exporting pork, and each one controls every stage of production  from feed manufacturing to slaughtering and trading. This full integration ensures perfect traceability and the highest food safety standards, he said.

He noted that Chiles strict sanitary and quality systems have earned international recognition from markets such as Japan and South Korea.

Tariffs on Chilean pork entering the Philippines range from 20 to 40 percent, depending on the product category. Dominguez said the trade agreement would make Chilean exports more competitive in the local market, benefiting both producers and Filipino consumers.

Chilean exporters in the delegation also expressed interest in promoting fresh fruitsparticularly grapes, cherries and applesalongside poultry and other agricultural products in the Philippines. Around 60 percent of Chiles pork production is exported, supported by stringent oversight from Chiles national sanitary authority.

The potential is huge for both sides. We see the Philippines not just as a buyer, but as a long-term partner in food security and sustainable trade, Dominguez said.
A man has denied cutting up a garda station mattress using a box cutter knife which had been hidden in his rectum.

Patrick Kerry (26) of Cashel Holiday Hostel, 6 John Street, Cashel, Tipperary, was accused of possessing a blade and causing criminal damage to a mattress in a cell at Abbeyleix Garda Station on August 11 last.

He was also accused of having a cutthroat razor at Esker Hills shop in Portlaoise on January 31, 2025 and engaging in abusive or threatening behaviour at Best Choice Pizza in Portlaoise on August 1, 2023.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said a date for hearing would be required in relation to the allegations at Abbeyliex Garda Station.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it would be alleged that he concealed a box cutter knife in his rectum and used it to cut the mattress in the garda station cell. There was damage done to the mattress, he said.

Judge Susan Fay adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on December 9 for hearing.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty in relation to the remaining matters.

Sgt Kirby said the man was behaving in an erratic manner and flagged down gardai at Esker Hills on January 31. There was a cutthroat razor and a yellow handle in his possession, he said.

On August 1, the man had entered the pizzeria and threatened the owner demanding money, said Sgt Kirby. He said the man had 59 previous convictions.

Mr Fitzgerald said there was a very positive report from CADS (Community Alcohol and Drug Service) before the court. He said in relation to the incident at the pizzeria, the man knew the injured party and has since apologised. In relation to Esker Hills, he said, he himself called the guards, so he was completely intoxicated.

Judge Susan Fay noted the man was on a community service order and had relocated to a hostel in Gardiner Street in Dublin.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client is not burying his head in the sand and was engaging with CADS.

Judge Fay said she had read the probation report and noted the previous convictions. I am going to give him a suspended sentence, she said. She imposed a total of seven months which she suspended for two years.
A canal side road near Tullamore town centre is to be closed to traffic due to heavy flooding caused by torrential rain last night.

"A sea of shit" is flowing down Callary St and Convent View observed a visibly shocked Cllr Shane Murray when he visited the site and spoke with residents earlier today.

His veteran Fianna Fail colleague, Cllr Declan Harvey, who was also at the scene, said the "time for surveys was over and action was now needed urgently."

In scenes which you would expect to find in Calcutta rather than a developed western country, brown, yellow coloured water flowed down the streets and onto the Fiona Pender Way, a favourite on Sunday morning with walkers and cyclists.

"The flood water is laden with toilet rolls, sanitary items and turds," said Cllr Murray.

Local resident, Kevin Murtagh said the flooding is the worst he has seen since interim works were carried out by Irish Water earlier this year.

Other residents said the flowing was the worst they ever witnessed and floodwaters had come into the homes of residents well down Convent View.

Irish Water have a major plan in the pipeline to tackle the issue but it is understood work will not commence until next year at the earliest.

Cllr Murray said work should immediately stop on a pipeline through Offaly to bring water to Dublin until the issue at Callary St and Convent View is solved.

Cllr Harvey said the flooding is a major environmental hazard as the sewage laden waters are flowing into the Grand Canal and in turn into the Tullamore river.

Both councillors contacted Offaly County Council's Area Engineer Joe Dooley and a decision to close the road was made just before 11am.

The closure will have an impact on traffic as the senior hurling final between Shinrone and Kilcormac/ Killoughey is due to take place in O'Connor Park later today.

READ NEXT: Tributes paid on passing of well-known and loved Tullamore man

READ NEXT: Tullamore housing development scoops major national award
A canal side road near Tullamore town centre has been closed to traffic due to heavy flooding caused by torrential rain last night.

"A sea of shit" is flowing down Callary St and Convent View observed a visibly shocked Cllr Shane Murray (pictured below) when he visited the site and spoke with residents earlier today.

His veteran Fianna Fail colleague, Cllr Declan Harvey (pictured below), who was also at the scene, said the "time for surveys was over and action was now needed urgently."

In scenes which you would expect to find in Calcutta rather than a developed western country, brown, yellow coloured water flowed down the streets and onto the Fiona Pender Way, a favourite on Sunday morning with walkers and cyclists.

"The floodwater is laden with toilet rolls, sanitary items and turds," said Cllr Murray.

Local resident, Kevin Murtagh said the flowing is the worst he has seen since interim works were carried out by Irish Water earlier this year.

Other residents said the flowing is the worst they ever witnessed and floodwaters had come into the homes well down Convent View.

Irish Water have a major plan in the pipeline to tackle the issue but it is understood work will not commence until next year at the earliest.

Cllr Murray said work should immediately stop on a pipeline through Offaly to bring water to Dublin until the issue at Callary St and Convent View is solved.

Cllr Harvey said the flooding is a major environmental hazard as the sewage laden waters are flowing into the Grand Canal and in turn into the Tullamore river.

Both councillors contacted Offaly County Council's Area Engineer Joe Dooley and a decision to close the road was made just before 11am.

The closure will have an impact on traffic as the senior hurling final between Shinrone and Kilcormac/ Killoughey is due to take place in O'Connor Park later today.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Council to close town centre road in Tullamore town due to serious flooding

READ MORE: Tributes paid on passing of well-known and loved Tullamore man
Two streets near Tullamore town centre are to reopen to traffic following a major clean-up operation today.

Offaly County Council closed off sections of Callary St and Convent View this morning following heavy flooding caused by torrential rain last night.

It appears flood waters gathered in the area as three new gullies installed earlier this year were blocked with leaves and baby wipes which came up through manholes during rain last night.

"A sea of shit" is flowing down Callary St and Convent View observed a visibly shocked Cllr Shane Murray when he visited the site and spoke with residents earlier today.

His veteran Fianna Fail colleague, Cllr Declan Harvey, who was also at the scene, said the "time for surveys was over and action was now needed urgently."

In scenes which you would expect to find in Calcutta rather than a developed western country, brown, yellow coloured water flowed down the streets and onto the Fiona Pender Way, a favourite on Sunday morning with walkers and cyclists.

"The floodwater is laden with toilet rolls, sanitary items and turds," said Cllr Murray.

Local resident, Kevin Murtagh said the flooding is the worst he has seen since interim works were carried out by Irish Water earlier this year.

Other residents said the flooding is the worst they ever witnessed and floodwaters had come into the homes well down Convent View.

Irish Water have a major plan in the pipeline to tackle the issue but it is understood work will not commence until next year at the earliest.

Cllr Murray said work should immediately stop on a pipeline through Offaly to bring water to Dublin until the issue at Callary St and Convent View is solved.

Cllr Harvey said the flooding is a major environmental hazard as the sewage laden waters are flowing into the Grand Canal and in turn into the Tullamore river.

Both councillors contacted Offaly County Council's Area Engineer Joe Dooley and a decision to close the road was made just before 11am.

The closure had an impact on traffic as the senior hurling final between Shinrone and Kilcormac/ Killoughey took place in O'Connor Park this afternoon.

READ MORE; BREAKING: Council to close town centre road in Tullamore town due to serious flooding

READ MORE: Tributes paid on passing of well-known and loved Tullamore man
The Middle East Eye headline: The Vast Majority of Israelis Believe There Are No Innocents in Gaza. Its no wonder children in Gaza are used as target practice. Israeli soldiers aim for the heart and head. A UN reports estimates that over 61,000 children have been killed or maimed. We don't know how many were buried under rumble. That young people can serve in an Army and agree to shoot and to kill children is appalling. These are supposedly intelligent young people. The future! What does it take for a solid number of them to say no to their Zionist superiors?





Palestine is occupied by people who refuse to recognize their humanity. I'm reminded of the KKK and citizen militia groups targeted black Americans for hunting practice. And you wonder why most black Americans who vote in the US recognize an uncomfortable similarity with the people of Palestine!





While I look with my mind's eye at those fallen Gazan children and remember here in the US the deaths of Oscar Grant, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, and Breonna Taylor and so many we have heard of and those we haven't, I'm among that 92% of black women asked to find the ever-elusive election poll or register for a mail-in-ballot and vote, once again, for the democrats. And I have to see in actuality the news reports of more dead children, more starving children, victims of a genocide, despite the recent ceasefire, and know that there are Democrats in the House and Senate who support the sending of weapons to Israel.





Let's not forget the ICE raids. Video has captured people being dragged into the streets from their homes at night or from their jobs, handcuffed and shoved into vans only to be disappeared into detention centers.

The Republicans have morphed into MAGA clones, bowing to the Dear Leader. It's a party of right-wing Christian nationalists armed with corporate and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) capital but with no conscience. Unfortunately, this fascist regime is leading us toward an America only for the millionaires and billionaires where Gaza's rumble is painted over in gold. Israel has goals that don't include the existence of Palestinians.





And the Goebbels creating the narrative that will stand for history will write of this era that all is well. Most important, Americans will stand at mandatory rallies repeating after the creators of propaganda, all is well.





Twenty-seven of 47 Democrats voted to block the sale of arms to Israel in July, according to UPI, however, Biden didn't call for a complete end to all weapons shipment to Israel and neither did Obama. Besides armed personnel carriers and bombs, Trump sent 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters at 3.8 billion dollars to Israel this year.





While AIPAC is finally becoming increasingly toxic for the Democrats, nonetheless, too many still receive donations from AIPAC right along with the Mitch McConnells and Ted Cruz. The Democrats receiving donations from AIPAC include, Chuck Schumer, 1,725,324, Dick Durbin, 1,126,020, Shondel Brown, 1,028,686, according to Biden received some 4,346,264 from AIPAC. According to Politico, Richie Torres and Pete Aguilar receive money from AIPAC. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, writes a Truthout report, has close ties with AIPAC and other hardline pro-Israeli lobby groups. AIPAC was involved in 389 races, including 26 Senate races and 363 House races.





Genocide is in but diversity, equity, and inclusion are out. Black women are moronic, according to the deceased martyr of the right-wing Christian nationalists. We, black Americans, are, of course, all criminals. And where are the democrats when black Americans and black women are taking hit after hit? Who is standing up for us? Are black Americans, similar to the way Gazans are treated, as a people no longer wanted? Republicans are hateful of everyone who isnt moneyed, particularly black Americans.





It would seem that more Democrats are fearful of Israel than they are of losing the votes of black Americans. Or is it, that the Democrats will wait until the last minute and remind black Americans, particularly black women, that we have to go for the lesser of the two evils. Again. Or this one for sure will remember the 92% of black women who are consistent.





**

In 1956, W. E. B. Du Bois writes that Democrats have disappeared because no two evils exist. Only one evil party exists, and there isn't any viable third party. If a third party dares to form and seriously compete with the Democratic Party that new party will be accused of seeking to overthrow this government. That party and its members will be called a communist party, Du Bois writes, consisting of communist members.





Today, and Du Bois meant, in his day, advocates of a true democracy stand in danger of losing employment or landing in jail. Those accusing the advocates of supporting democracy would be liars or insane or criminals. No matter! These witnesses need give no proof for their charges and may not even be known or appear in person.





Sounds as if Du Bois knew of the crisis, we confront today with a fascist regime threatening to do away altogether with any institution or law that was hard won, after years of protests and sacrifice of lives, including the Voting Rights Act. The Civil Rights era was underway in 1956 when Du Bois was writing this article. Blacks and allies were still fighting to sit at public facilities and be served, to attend colleges and universities, to use public transportation as first class citizens, and to vote. As Du Bois noted, the corporations partnered with whatever administration was in the White House to benefit the interests of the shareholders. Today, in the US, we have mega corporations buying media outlets and newspapers. And the buying spree has no end in sight!





In 1956, Du Bois asked: What has the [Eisenhower] administration done to rescue Negro workers, the most impoverished group in the nation, half of whom receive less than half the medium wage of the nation? We are still asking the same of a democratic as well as the current regime of an anti-democratic cabel, that is trying to fire Lisa Cook, Board Member of the Federal Reserves. He has removed the Joint Chief of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown. Trump and his regime of fascists hasn't met a black he wants to remind in their position. Those positions, according to the Goebbel's narrative, were DEI hires! In other words, second rate!





What has changed? A question about our allies: Are there more lukewarm allies of black America, of democracy, than ever before? The current regime in Washington D. C. is using DEI to remove competent and overly qualified black Americans.





How are the Democrats responding to this outrage? How about the latino/as?





As Du Bois writes, we educate our young to want wealth. To value wealth. Not decency or compassion. Empathy. Success is measured by income. It's not a matter of your morals. Even the religious I encounter seem to do good because there's some points being chalked up somewhere. The more points, the better your chance to land in heaven. It's not feasible to empathize with another group of people suffering or dying as the result of cruel campaigns of extermination.





It's no wonder we have so many looking upward to save their own souls for an afterlife while ignoring the destruction of lives here on Earth!





We want money in vast amounts, writes Du Bois, no matter how we get it.





And is this democracy? Freedom? And the end of the day, to say to yourself in the mirror, all is well? Is that it?





In 1956, Du Bois decided not to vote. I'm not sure we have the luxury, again, to say we can't vote. It's 2025 and black Americans are still forced to smile at the fearful and avoid the hateful, if at all possible. Now, it doesn't seem possible





And we have a government shut down in the US!





What are we to do next, black America?
In the shadow of an increasingly authoritarian executive branch, a groundswell of citizen action is rising to remind us of a fundamental American truth: no one is above the law. As President Donald Trump's second term unfolds with aggressive policies on immigration, tariffs, and military deployments, the nationwide "No Kings" protests scheduled for October 18 represent not just dissent, but a resounding defense of democratic principles. With over 2,500 events planned across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., these demonstrations are poised to draw millions, building on the momentum of earlier actions that mobilized more than 5 million participants in June. This is more than a rally; it's a reclamation of power by the people, and every patriot should stand with it.

The "No Kings" movement, also known internationally as the "No Dictators" or "No Tyrants" protests, emerged in response to what organizers describe as Trump's "escalating authoritarian power grab." From deploying the National Guard to enforce immigration crackdowns to imposing sweeping tariffs that burden everyday Americans, the administration's actions have tested the boundaries of executive authority in ways that echo the very monarchical overreach our founders rebelled against. The protests target these specifics: the expansion of ICE operations, the militarization of domestic policy, and the erosion of checks and balances that have long safeguarded our republic. Organizers emphasize the non-violent nature of the events, uniting diverse voices in a chorus of accountability rather than chaos--a stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric emanating from the White House.

What makes these protests particularly compelling is their sheer scale and grassroots energy. Unlike the scripted spectacles of political rallies, "No Kings" is powered by ordinary citizens fueled by genuine outrage. "The anger level is way higher" than in previous mobilizations, according to lead organizers, a sentiment echoed in cities from Miami to Tallahassee and beyond. In Florida alone, dozens of events are slated, with participants gathering to highlight how federal overreach disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. This isn't astroturf activism; it's a organic uprising against policies that prioritize spectacle over substance. Critics on the right, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have dismissed the rallies as "hate America" or "pro-terrorist", but such labels only underscore the urgency: when dissent is branded as disloyalty, it's a sign that the powerful are feeling the heat.

Supporters of the protests argue--and history bears out--that silence in the face of overreach invites more of it. The June demonstrations, which drew historic crowds, proved that collective action can shift narratives and pressure policymakers. By framing Trump not as an infallible leader but as a public servant bound by the Constitution, "No Kings" reframes the conversation around core values: equality, justice, and the rule of law. It's a reminder that America's strength lies in its people, not in any one man's whims. For those decrying the events as counterproductive, consider this: passivity in the face of eroded civil liberties hasn't stopped encroachments--it's enabled them.

As October 18 approaches, the call is clear: join the millions marching for a democracy without crowns. Whether you're in a major city or a small town, your voice amplifies the message that America rejects kings, dictators, and tyrants. Visit nokings.org to find an event near you and lend your support. In doing so, you're not just protesting, you're preserving the republic our forebears envisioned. The time for action is now; let's ensure that "We the People" always comes first.
In this handout photo provided by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office deputies participate in the search for Travis Decker, at an undisclosed location in Washington state in June. AP

Border Patrol agent Cody Bachman was scouring the steep slope of Grindstone Mountain north of the Enchantments with a four-man search crew and canine when his radio crackled with reports from a team thousands of feet below.

A green T-shirt, matching the outfit Travis Decker was last seen wearing. Army Ranger shorts. A can of chewing tobacco. A bracelet. And piles of bones.

The search for Decker, the 32-year-old ex-Army soldier from Wenatchee accused of killing his three daughters, was effectively over.

For more than 100 days, hundreds of law enforcement personnel from over a dozen government agencies searched for Decker. It took nearly $10 million, hundreds of miles searched and over 700 tips to find the significantly decayed remains of Decker three-quarters of a mile from and 1,200 feet above where his daughters  Olivia, 5; Evelyn, 8; and Paityn, 9  were found dead outside Rock Island Campground, killed by suffocation.

Bachman, an agent who specializes in trauma and search and rescue, hurried 3,000 feet down and 2 miles over to the location of the remains.

Communities in mourning, sympathizers and crime junkies across the globe watched the search unfold.

It was one of the largest deployments of law enforcement resources in Washington states recent history, said Washington State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis. This one will quite literally be in our history books.

Local, state and federal law enforcement officers trekked across treacherous terrain, facilitated complex communication systems, coordinated an orchestra of agencies and combed through Deckers psychology.

It was like finding a needle in a haystack, said Trisena Sharff, captain of the State Patrols criminal investigation division.

Authorities say we may never know how Decker died, given that an autopsy cannot be done because of severe damage to the bones, and his skull and torso were never found. They also say we also may never know why Decker allegedly killed his daughters.

Yet, weeks after DNA results confirmed Deckers death, questions remain: How was Decker found so close to his daughters? And why did it take so long to find him?

Pictures, flowers and candles mark a makeshift memorial Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Wenatchee, Washington, in honor of Olivia, Paityn and Evelyn Decker, who were found dead near Leavenworth after their father Travis Decker failed to return them after a scheduled visitation. Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times

The search begins

Deputy U.S. Marshal Carson Taylor raced three hours from Spokane to Leavenworth with only the clothes on his back. He wouldnt have a chance to change for three days until he could make a Walmart run.

Hed awoken the morning of June 3 to news that the Decker girls had been killed after their mother, Whitney Decker, reported on May 30 her husband hadnt returned them as outlined in their court-ordered custody agreement. Travis Decker had picked up the girls around 5 p.m. on May 30 but failed to return them to Whitney Decker by 8 p.m. that day.

Decker, a veteran and skilled outdoorsman, had suffered from deteriorating mental health after he left the Army, Whitney Decker wrote in court paperwork when filing for divorce in 2024. Deckers borderline personality disorder and apparent narcissism had become rampant."

Decker joined the Army in 2013 and transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021, according to the Washington Military Department.

When Taylor read about the girls deaths, he immediately relayed the Marshals Services support to the Chelan County sheriffs office.

By 3 p.m., he was at the command center. It was controlled chaos, he said. A confluence of agencies was setting up at a secure facility in Wenatchee Valley College. Computers and television monitors were everywhere.

Two witnesses had reported seeing Decker run toward Icicle Creek about the same time he went missing May 30, said Deputy Marshal Andrew Creese. Tan flip-flop sandals that matched a description of Deckers outfit were found stuck in the mud on the riverbank. That would be the last confirmed sign of Decker until the key fob to his truck was found in the water months later.

SWAT teams checked and secured the handful of houses and numerous campsites along Icicle Road, preparing for Decker to be alive, armed and dangerous, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said. Residents reported eggs being stolen from their chicken coops. Officers tracked someone sick in the woods with stomach issues. But none of the leads was credible.

Drones and helicopters went up in the skies, dogs sniffed on the ground and dive teams plunged into the river where Decker could have drowned, shocked by the cold water. The FBI expanded the search radius a quarter-mile at a time, starting from the site where the Decker girls were found.

It wouldnt be until June 18 that Taylor was able to call his wife and two young boys on his way home. He was sleeping in a hotel in Leavenworth and staying alive on Monster energy drinks and food community members dropped off at the command center while he clocked 18- to 20-hour days.

Between operations, he wondered if Decker would be found, or if this case was going to haunt me for my entire career.

Police said the father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, has extensive military training. Wenatchee Police

Tough terrain

As the search deepened, crews found out quickly that  the terrain wasnt the most friendly, Border Patrol agent Bachman said. A grid search with teams lining up arms length from one another couldnt have been done, like in the movies.

The Border Patrols Blaine Sector Pacific Northwest special operations detachment was called in for its expertise working in a rugged and challenging environment, the agency said.

The terrain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest was steep and rocky with a dense canopy of trees.

Search dogs couldnt sit down. Exposed areas posed risk of falling. The incline was so steep you could reach your arm out while standing and touch the ground ahead, searchers said. Trees were so thick you could lose sight of someone 4 feet away. Smoke from the Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf wildfires made it hard to breathe. Some searchers like Bachman wore 75 pounds of gear in case Decker was armed: a helmet, armor plates, rifle, backpack, water, food, duty belt.

There were no radio towers, and mountains blocked communication between helicopters and the command center in Wenatchee, said Jon Oman, deputy Border Patrol agent in charge of Pacific Northwest special operations. He had to relay communications between search crews and the base via Starlink.

As the search progressed, tips came in by the hundreds, and crews were spread out across numerous locations, Morrison said. They were chasing every lead they could as tips poured in during the first two weeks, whether it was a sighting in town, down Highway 97, in Idaho, Montana, Texas, Canada or Mexico, or even a premonition from a psychic. Every lead had to be crossed off, no matter how unlikely.

Hikers reported seeing a man in the Enchantments who was ill-prepared for conditions and avoiding others. A family said they saw a man matching Deckers description in Idahos Sawtooth National Forest. Neither turned out to be Decker.

The trouble was, Decker had a couple of days head start. Whitney Decker reported the girls missing May 30, prompting an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory, but it wouldnt be until June 3 that the discovery of their bodies was announced. Authorities believe the girls were killed before the alert was ever issued.

Those first days of a search could have given authorities a leg up identifying places a fugitive might go before theyre gone, said Deputy Marshal William Bullock.

It was important to chase active leads, but it wasnt until tips slowed down that search crews could refocus and systematically search the local mountainous area, said State Patrol Capt. Sharff, who helped coordinate the effort.

Thats where operational psychologist Stacy Cecchet came in.

A psychologist leads the way to Decker

Cecchet usually works in the shadows. She is one of fewer than 10 forensic and operational psychologists in the world specializing in the behavioral analysis of crimes against children, the State Patrol said.

Cecchet, who runs a private practice in Seattle and contracts far and wide with agencies like the State Patrol, was brought in originally in mid-June to provide mental health services for law enforcement.

But given her background, Cecchet was later asked to analyze Decker, explain his behavior and predict where he might have gone. She spent 18 hours poring over evidence on her first day studying the alleged killer.

As she received bits of evidence over the months, Cecchet pieced them together like a puzzle she didnt know the picture to. She was given notes and journal entries written by Decker, interviews with proximate people and images of the crime scene, Sheriff Morrison said.

Its really clear that (Decker) was unwell, Cecchet said. He was really, really unwell.

She thought it was highly likely Decker was dead throughout the search, Cecchet said. Hed struggled for a long time and had difficulty connecting with others. Hed begun to withdraw from his loved ones, and his mental health had declined, a process she called decompensation where the reality they are living in becomes very different than the reality that we live in.

The week before authorities conducted their final search, Cecchet produced a diagram forecasting where she believed Decker went. She identified an area a couple of thousand feet up the steep slope of Grindstone Mountain.

Depending on their psychology and resources, fugitives may return to or near crime scenes, try to blend into densely populated areas, lie low or visit familiar and comforting places, Cecchet said. It was part of her job to figure out which Decker might do.

Cecchet advised search teams that Decker would attempt to go somewhere where he could observe the crime scene, said Deputy Marshal Andrew Creese, who also helped coordinate the search.

Crews placed reflective orange panels at the site where the Decker girls were found and faced them uphill while drones flew above, Creese said. Crews could see the reflective panels from the area where Deckers bones were found later that week.

The place that Stacy said that Decker would be, Decker was, said State Patrol Capt. Sharff.

Remains are found

Deputy Marshal Bullock almost fell to the ground when he got a text from Creese that Deckers remains might have been found.

Search teams had just made another push. In late August, the FBI closed numerous campgrounds and trails around Leavenworth for an intensive two-day search. When no breaks were made, a fourth coordinated search set out in mid-September.

Bullock was away at a training center in Walla Walla on Sept. 18 when he texted Creese without any serious expectation, Hey, you find anything yet?

Yeah, Creese responded.

He called Creese right away.

Border Patrol had spotted a green object across a ravine while surveying a slope in the area Cecchet had pointed to, Sheriff Morrison said. That green object would turn out to be a shirt matching the outfit Decker was last seen wearing.

After drones checked out the area, a crew aboard a Spokane County sheriffs office helicopter lowered search teams by rope to four different locations on the mountain, said crew chief Cpl. Jeff Welton. Each had a human remains detection dog strapped to them as they descended onto the slope. The dogs needed to start at a high elevation because the steep slope would tire them out and upward winds could carry a scent, depending on the time of day.

At about 2 p.m. that Thursday, a dog named Delo with Border Patrol from Tucson, Ariz., found the remains.

Hearing the news, Bullock hopped in his car, got gas and didnt stop until he arrived at the command center in Leavenworth. He didnt pause to get a toothbrush or a change of pants.

When he arrived, a weight had been lifted off of everybody for the first time in a long time, Bullock said. It would be a week before State Patrol DNA lab tests confirmed the remains were Deckers. But understanding that caveat, authorities were giving handshakes and hugs.

It wasnt going to bring Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia back; it wasnt going to bring the kind of closure that I would hope I could bring for (Whitney Decker), but it might bring her some, Sheriff Morrison said.

Search crews and investigators from the Chelan County sheriffs office began to sweep the area for every last bit of remains, Morrison said. They photographed and cataloged, processed and packaged each bone individually before placing them in backpacks, and walked down the mountainside. The remains had been scattered across several sites, apparently by animals.

Delo, the Belgian Malinois who discovered Deckers remains, got many, many rewards, agent Oman said. A Kong chew toy, a piece of a hose, a PVC pipe and a big steak back at the hotel.

Though the remains were confirmed to belong to Decker, numerous questions remain unanswered. Deckers cause of death will never be known. The reason he killed his daughters might never be known either.

Sometimes, there is no clear line between a particular event that occurred and a particular outcome, Cecchet said. Speculation isnt healthy for anyone, especially for a grieving community.

Nevertheless, Im relieved Whitney doesnt have to face him in a courtroom, Taylor said. Travis Decker will have to face God.

The deputy marshal eventually drove home. He hugged his wife and two young boys, and played dinosaurs and bug hunted with them before falling asleep. He slept a lot that night.

Material from The Seattle Times archives was used in this story.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible murder suicide inside a 7-Eleven in Hazel Dell. Getty Images/Tetra images RF

The Clark County Sheriffs Office is investigating a possible murder suicide inside a 7-Eleven store in Hazel Dell, north of Vancouver.

Officers responded to a call about a shooting at the convenience store on Washington Highway 99 and Northeast 63rd Street around 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

They arrived to find two men inside the store with gunshot wounds, the agency said in a news release. First responders took both men to the hospital, but they died of their injuries.

The sheriffs office said the victim worked at the store and had no apparent connection to the suspect in the shooting.

The county medical examiner has not yet released the identities of the two dead men.
Vatican City, Holy SeeBells rang out Sunday over St. Peters Square as Pope Leo XIV created seven new saints, including the first from Papua New Guinea, an archbishop killed in the Armenian genocide and a Venezuelan doctor of the poor.

Also canonized during the solemn ceremony, under sunny skies in the vast plaza on World Mission Day, were three nuns who dedicated their lives to the poor and sick, and former Satanic priest Bartolo Longo.

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Longo, an Italian lawyer born in 1841, subsequently rejoined the Catholic faith and went on to found the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii.

Today we have before us seven witnesses, the new Saints, who, with Gods grace, kept the lamp of faith burning, Leo told an audience the Vatican estimated at some 55,000 people.

May their intercession assist us in our trials and their example inspire us in our shared vocation to holiness, he said during his homily.

Huge portraits of the seven were unfurled from windows over the square as Leo, the first US pope, exited St. Peters Basilica dressed in a ceremonial white cassock with a white mitre on his head, preceded by white-clad bishops and cardinals.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saintsthe Vatican department charged with beatification and canonizationread aloud profiles of the seven to applause from the crowd.

With Leos reading of the canonization formula, they were officially declared saints.

In his homily, Leo described the new saints as either martyrs for their faith, evangelizers and missionaries, charismatic founders of congregations or benefactors of humanity.

The rite of canonization was the second for the former Robert Prevost since he was made leader of the Catholic Church on May 8.

Last month, he proclaimed as saints Italians Carlo Acutisa teenager dubbed Gods Influencer who spread the faith online before his death at age 15 in 2006and Pier Giorgio Frassati, considered a model of charity who died in 1925, aged 24.

Canonization is the final step towards sainthood in the Catholic Church, following beatification.

Three conditions are requiredmost crucially that the individual has performed at least two miracles.

He or she must be deceased for at least five years and have led an exemplary Christian life.

Martyrs, humanitarians

Along with Longo, those made saints Sunday were Peter To Rot, a lay catechist from Papua New Guinea killed during the Japanese occupation during World War II, Armenian bishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan killed by Turkish forces in 1915, and Venezuelas Jose Gregorio Hernandez Cisneros, a layman who died in 1919, whom the late Pope Francis called a doctor close to the weakest.

Also from Venezuela was Maria Carmen Elena Rendiles Martinez, a nun born without a left arm who overcame her disability to found the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus before her death in 1977. She becomes the South American countrys first female saint.

The Italian nuns canonized are Vincenza Maria Poloni, the 19th-century founder of Veronas Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, which cares primarily for the sick in hospitals, and Maria Troncatti of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

In the 1920s, Troncatti arrived in Ecuador to devote her life to helping its indigenous population.

Editors Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline Pope Leo to name 7 new saints, including 3 nuns.
Dear Eric: Should I tell a coworker that many of her workmates are criticizing her as selfish and self-centered? She got married a year ago but didnt go on a honeymoon then because the couple, who are both in their 40s, had just returned from two weeks in Europe.

Now theyve decided they want a dream honeymoon at a luxury resort. To pay for it theyve created an account on a crowd-funding honeymoon website and are letting everyone know theyd like it if wed all chip in. The items she wants include airfare, a rental car, side trips, resort fees and cash starting at $75.

I gave her a nice wedding gift a year ago, as did many of our coworkers. Were modestly paid teachers and a trip to South America is well beyond our budgets.

Shes let it be known that shes disappointed that were stingy and thus shes nowhere near her goal.

Behind her back, people are criticizing her as being clueless and bad-mannered, both for asking us to pay for her delayed honeymoon and then criticizing us for not being more generous.

I dont want to say anything to her (or give her money). But I fear that if I dont tell her no one will, and shell have no idea why shes at risk of losing friends.

Would it be a kindness to say something? And if so, what should I say? Or should I take the easy route and keep quiet?

F ellow Teacher

Dear Teacher: My goodness, was there a sale at the audacity store? I wonder where some people get it.

Its perfectly fine to make it easy for people to give gifts and show their love, but its inappropriate, and rude, to criticize people for not ponying up the dough, especially when a gift has already been given. Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.

Sheesh.

While it would be kind to tell her that others are chafing at her request, I cant help but wonder how useful it would be, considering that neither insight nor common sense were listed on her registry. Instead of taking on the burden of communicating the groups negative feelings, consider just talking to her about how youre feeling. If you decide that this is a relationship you want to salvage, tell her that youre happy for her, but it rubs you the wrong way to be called stingy for not giving her a second gift. As a friend, hopefully she can listen and adjust her attitude.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.
A group of protesters gathered in Wilsonville, Oregon for the "No Kings" rally on October 18, 2025. Amy Wright

Opponents of President Donald Trumps administration took to the streets of communities large and small across Oregon on Saturday.

The "No Kings" rallies were expected to draw tens of thousands of participants across the state.

Demonstrations were held in more than 50 cities and towns across Oregon.

People lined high-traffic areas in their towns and neighborhoods to express their frustration with the Trump administration.

Readers from across the state shared their photos and videos with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Others shared to social media.

West Linn

West Linn resident Mary Jo Carson joined a group of 870 on Salamo Road. She held a sign that read, Leaders lead with respect, not fear and oppression.

Protesters gather for a "No Kings" Rally in West Linn, Oregon on October 18, 2025. Sean Sterling

West Linn had a group of protesters in frog costumes greeting people at the gathering spot.

Frogs protesting in West Linn, Oregon for "No Kings" rally on October 18, 2025. Sean Sterling

Gresham

In a video shared to TikTok, state Rep. Zach Hudson played the banjo and read a list detailing the signs of fascism to a crowd of several hundred near Gresham City Hall.

Ashland

Pandas for Peace and other groups walked to Downtown Ashlands Plaza where a large crowd lined the streets.

Pandas for Peace and other groups walked to Downtown Ashlands Plaza where a crowd lined the streets. Janet Eastman/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Grants Pass

Protesters in Grants Pass gathered at the Josephine County Courthouse on N.W. 6th Street.

Protesters in Grants Pass gathered at the Josephine County Courthouse on N.W. 6th Street. Janet Eastman/The Oregonian/OregonLive

Medford

Protesters in Medford met on East McAndrews Road to Biddle Road. Rogue Valley Times reported the group was in the thousands.

Protesters gathered for a "No Kings" rally in Medford, Oregon on October 18, 2025 Janet Eastman

Newport

There was a great turnout of Veterans and patriotic Americans exercising their First Amendment Rights of the Constitution of the United States in Newport, Oregon today, rally participants posted to Facebook.

Protesters gather for a "No Kings" rally in Newport, Oregon on October 18, 2025. Barbara Sterling

Lake Oswego

Lake Oswego resident Karen Kallfelz sent in photos of approximately 2,000 people along both sides of State Street, from the corner of A Avenue to just beyond the Lake Theatre.

Protesters gather for "No Kings" Rally in Lake Oswego, Oregon on October 18, 2025 Karen Kallfelz

Eugene

In my 61 years Ive rarely felt moved to take to the streets in protest. But the stakes have never felt higher. The rule of law, our constitution, human rights, and truth are worth standing up for, wrote an attendee of the Eugene No Kings rally on Facebook.

A gathering of protesters met in the streets of Eugene for a "No Kings" demonstration on October 18, 2025. Alicia Sterling

Wilsonville

Approximately 1,500 people protested in Wilsonville, resident Amy Wright said.

A group of protesters gathered in Wilsonville, Oregon for the "No Kings" rally on October 18, 2025. Amy Wright

Portland

Police estimated the crowd size in Portland at 40,000 people.

Thousands gather in downtown Portland for a "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

Satellite groups met in other neighborhoods across Portland.

Approximately 70 protesters were seen gathered at Northeast 72nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard in Portland.

A group of peaceful protesters gathered for a "No Kings" rally at Northeast 72nd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard in Portland on October 18, 2025 Lizzy Acker

A group of 40 protesters waved to drivers on Interstate 5 at the Terwilliger Boulevard overpass.

No Kings protesters gathered in SW Portland, Maxine Bernstein

Oregonian/OregonLive reporters Janet Eastman, Lizzy Acker, Julie Evensen and Maxine Bernstein contributed to this report.
A plan to fire live artillery shells over a major Southern California highway as part of a military showcase attended by Vice President JD Vance has drawn strong objections from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said safety concerns forced him to close a 17-mile (27 kilometers) portion of the interstate.

The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety, the Democratic governor said in a statement. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isnt just wrong  its dangerous.

Vance and U.S. Marine officials at Camp Pendleton have said there is nothing unsafe about the artillery exercise and no need to disrupt traffic on Interstate 5, which is the main highway along the Pacific coast between San Diego and Los Angeles.

The Republican vice president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are visiting Camp Pendleton in North San Diego County to celebrate the Marine Corps 250th anniversary, and troops will put on a show of amphibious vehicles and aircraft with a beach landing demonstration.

The state had considered closing the freeway earlier in the week, but the U.S. Marines said Thursday that the event would occur on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols.

State transportation officials ultimately made the decision to close the freeway after practice firings over the freeway Friday evening and a request from event organizers for signage along the road stating Overhead fire in progress.

California Highway Patrol said a stretch of the highway would be closed Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, although travelers should expect delays before, during and after the event.

This is all because of the White House-directed military event, that for the safety of the public, we need to shut down the freeway since theyre sending live ordinances over the freeway, California Department of Transportation spokesperson Matt Rocco said.

The Associated Press has reached out to Vances office and the U.S. Marines for comment.

In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Vance, William Martin, said Newsom is misleading the public about the safety risk. He said it was routine training.

If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead, Martin said.

Rocco said the I-5 closure could cost up to another two hours of trip time for those commuting between San Diego and Los Angeles. The freeway carries with 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight through the corridor daily, according to the governors office. Passenger rail services running parallel to the I-5 have also been canceled for the afternoon.
In this photo provided by Jacqui Lang, a dog is rescued in Kipnuk, Alaska, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to be flown to an animal shelter in Bethel, Alaska, as its owner had evacuated. (Jacqui Lang via AP) AP

SEATTLE (AP)  The special delivery arrived in a plastic storage box after a chartered flight in bouncy single-propeller plane. Veterinarian Susan Shaffer Sookram snipped the zip ties securing the lid and greeted the cargo: four dogs, one with a gray collar bearing its name, Happy.

What a scary ride! she said. You made it!

As officials in Alaska work around the clock on one of the most significant airlift operations in state history  evacuating more than 1,000 people from remote, flood-battered villages on the coast of the Bering Sea  another rescue operation is playing out: getting the dogs left behind to safety, in hopes of later reuniting them with their owners.

The pet shelters closest to the devastated villages are in Bethel, a regional hub around 90 miles (150 kilometers) away by boat or plane.

When Bethel Friends of Canines, a nonprofit that helps rehome animals, learned that 50 to 100 dogs might be abandoned in one of the villages, Kipnuk, it scrambled to charter a plane to evacuate them.

It costs us $3,000 to do this so and we dont know how many times were gonna have to do it, organizer Jesslyn Elliott said by phone Wednesday. Weve never had a natural disaster to this, like, magnitude. So this is all very, very foreign and new to us. So were just kind of winging it.

In this photo provided by Jacqui Lang, volunteers help collect dogs in Kipnuk, Alaska, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, to evacuate to an animal shelter in Bethel, Alaska, as their owners had evacuated. (Jacqui Lang via AP) AP

The first flight arrived in Bethel on Wednesday night, and more happened Thursday. Dozens of dogs have passed through her kennel since the floods began. The nonprofit had raised more than $22,000 after pleading on Facebook for donations.

The flooding, caused by remnants of Typhoon Halong, has damaged homes in 11 small rural communities, with no more than a few hundred residents, according to FEMA. Many homes cannot be repaired until next summer as winter temperatures and snow are forecast for this month.

State officials began airlifting people to Anchorage on Wednesday, as local leaders in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, near the Bering Sea, asked to evacuate residents and as shelters in Bethel neared capacity. At least one resident of Kwigillingok was confirmed dead, and the search for two others was called off after their how was swept away.

Pets were not allowed on the military evacuation flights. State officials have said that the evacuation of people is the priority.

Bethel Friends of Canines received dogs throughout the week as people fleeing their homes arrived by boat and by plane. There are no roads connecting towns in the area.

In this photo provided by Jacqui Lang, dogs whose owners had evacuated Kipnuk, Alaska, are fed by a volunteer as they were collected and flown to Bethel, Alaska, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (Jacqui Lang via AP) AP

Many of the pets owners want them back soon, but need time to prepare temporary lodgings in cities like Anchorage and Nome, which are more than 250 miles (400 kilometers) away.

Before the devastating floods, Bethel Friends of Canines typically held 15 to 20 dogs at any one time. Now as many as 15 dogs have arrived on a single flight. Elliott expects most of the additional dogs to stay in Bethel temporarily before being reunited with their owners or extended family that can foster them.

At least eight dogs had been reunited with owners in Anchorage as of Thursday morning, she said.

Homes in affected villages are so damaged that they many not be livable in the winter, emergency management officials said Wednesday, and forecasters said rain and snow could arrive this weekend.

With the human population in Kipnuk shrinking each day, the animal caretakers in Bethel realized they had to act fast, before everyone who knew the dogs was gone.

Theres going to be nobody left there, said Sookram, the veterinarian, in a phone interview. Were having to kind of accelerate how the animals are going to be leaving places only accessible by, at first, helicopter and now small planes,

Some of the last people to stay behind and serve the community are teachers. Schools in flooded towns have served as emergency shelters and meeting places through the relief effort.

Back in Kipnuk, the dog with the gray collar, Happy, was found waiting on its owners clothes, refusing to move or eat, by teacher Jacqui Lang. She said in a text message that the dog has since been reunited with its family.

In this photo provided by Jacqui Lang, a dog named Happy who was found in Kipnuk, Alaska, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, and was later flown on a small plane to be reunited with his family. (Jacqui Lang via AP) AP

Shes one of two or three teachers who helped wrangle the pets to be loaded at the airstrip, according to Lower Kuskokwim School District Superintendent Andrew Hannibal Anderson.

When Bethel Friends of Canines worker Matthew Morgan landed in Kipnuk on Wednesday, the teachers had fed the dogs, coaxed them into crates and labeled them with tags listing their owners.

Youve got some heroes out in Kipnuk. Theyre like the last people left there, Morgan said. Without them, it would have been chasing dogs all night in the mud.

___

Associated Press writer Jesse Bedayn in Denver contributed.
The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Boards recent editorial was excellent, (Hello, world. An open letter from war-ravaged Portland, Oct. 12). It highlighted President Trumps refusal to separate fact from fiction, stressed that truth on the ground matters and warned that deploying federal forces against peaceful cities is dangerous. I fully agree.

However, one part troubled me: the claim that some of Oregons most prominent Republicans are also helping push back against false White House narratives. I wish that were true  but its not.

The board cited Congressman Cliff Bentz, who defended Trumps order to send the National Guard to Portland, saying Trump had no choice and criticizing a judges decision to block him. His muddled and contradictory remarks about Portland being war ravaged hardly count as pushback. State Republican leaders have echoed similar mealy-mouthed sentiments or stayed silent.

To my knowledge, no Oregon Republican has called Trumps actions an abuse of power, unnecessary or counterproductive. Which reminds me of a great Gandhi quote: Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth.

Oregon once had Republicans who did just that. Sen. Wayne Morse left the GOP over principle. Gov. Tom McCall regularly criticized his own party. Sen. Mark Hatfield voted against the Republican balanced budget amendment. Secretary of State Dennis Richardson defended Oregons elections from Trumps lies.

I will gladly applaud Republicans when they speak out against this administration  on National Guard deployment, on cutting health care and food assistance, on tariffs  you name it. Im just waiting for them to actually do it.

Ben Bowman

Bowman, a Democrat, represents House District 25-Tigard and serves as the Oregon House majority leader.

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
The path this administration is on is deadly serious," Portland Mayor Keith Wilson says. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has offered a troubling portrait of workplace conditions inside the citys Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, depicting a high-stress and haphazard environment.

Those types of oversights and mistakes are an accident waiting to happen, he said.

Wilson issued the warning in a Newsweek editorial published Saturday in which he also accused the Trump Administration and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of needlessly courting disaster.

The alarming details and blistering broadside came nearly two weeks after Wilson met with Noem inside the immigration building during her visit to Portland earlier this month.

The ICE facility was a mess of overflowing dumpsters, loose body armor and crowd control munitions and a broken HVAC air conditioning system that raised both temperatures and tempers in the aging building, Wilson recalled, contrasting the scene with the organized and clean workplace he previously oversaw as a longtime trucking company CEO.

It is little wonder why Secretary Noem has ignored or denied all regional journalists who have requested access to this facility, opting instead to fly in the least credible, most ideologically compromised hangers-on that MAGA social media has to offer, the mayor continued.

In a statement, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin slammed Wilsons comments as nothing more than a political stunt.

When the Mayor met with Secretary Noem, he didnt mention any of these complaints" said McLaughlin, the agencys assistant secretary for public affairs. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, there are a surge of federal law enforcement resources to restore law and order in Portland. We will not allow rioters to deter us from making America safe again.

The facility, located two miles south of downtown on South Macadam Avenue, has been a flashpoint between protesters and federal law enforcement over President Donald Trumps aggressive immigration crackdown. In late September, Trump announced plans to deploy troops to Portland, claiming the ICE building and the federal officers who work inside it were under siege. Those troops have not yet arrived, their deployment held up by a series of court orders.

Trumps rhetoric against Portland has escalated significantly since he first began calling out Oregons most populous city in 2018. He has supposedly authorized full force by federalized National Guard troops and routinely refers to the 145-mile-square city as war-ravaged or like living in hell.

Noem, following her visit, accused Wilson and Gov. Tina Kotek of covering up terrorism happening in Portland, saying they either ignore whats going on or they are helping antifa cover it up.

In his op-ed, Wilson pushed back against those characterizations and instead cited recent reports of federal agents blasting a nonviolent demonstrator in the face with chemical spray, knocking down an elderly couple and threatening to shoot an ambulance driver.

Can Noem, or any other administration official, credibly appear before Congress and state that Homeland Security still represents the values of integrity and service before self, given the dangerous behavior and outright lies of recent days? the mayor wrote.

Wilson also lamented the fact that Noem during her trip to Portland did not offer any federal support on what the mayor called priorities that both of them likely share, such as curtailing fentanyl distribution and human trafficking.

Instead, Secretary Noems visit was a blindly expensive, taxpayer-funded and ultimately unconvincing whistle-stop tour intended to prop up a ludicrous fable of domestic terrorism and conspiracy, he said. The path this administration is on, however, is deadly serious.

Wilsons comments in Newsweek mark the second time in recent weeks that the mayor has turned to a national publication to share his thoughts about the Trump administrations continued focus on Portland. Earlier this month, he took to Time magazine to describe what he said was a yawning chasm between social media depictions of the city he leads and reality.
Tens of thousands of protesters converged on downtown Portland Saturday afternoon as part of a wave of demonstrations in Oregon and in the rest of the country.

Protesters decried President Donald Trumps aggressive exercise of executive power and also rallied for other causes, including immigrant rights, improved health care and pro-Palestinian policy.

Heres what we know.

No Kings protests bring peaceful demonstrators to Oregon cities

Tens of thousand of people, many in inflatable costumes, converged on Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland on Saturday afternoon.

They then marched through the citys core, closing the Hawthorne and Morrison bridges to car traffic, brandishing clever signs and chanting anti-Trump slogans.

Dressed in matching banana suits, members of the Unpresidented Brass Band  whose clarinetist was detained by federal agents last Sunday outside of the ICE building in South Portland  were among the protesters on the waterfront. Band director Miles Thompson, 43, said that they were meeting up with the Portland Frog Brigade.

Well be frogs and bananas, and Im like over the moon. This is awesome, he said.

Protests also popped up in many other Oregon cities, from Newport to Grants Pass to Lake Oswego.

Protesters gather at the Portland ICE facility on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Dave Killen/Special to the Oregonian

Feds repeatedly deploy tear gas and pepper spray on protesters at ICE

Protesters, counter-protesters, live streamers, onlookers and journalists coalesced around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement complex in South Portland on Saturday afternoon, hours after the massive No Kings rally downtown drew at least 40,000 peaceful protesters to the city core.

Around 4:30 p.m., the party atmosphere that sometimes spreads over the area had turned tense as federal agents deployed tear gas against the crowd. Several hundred people clogged the sidewalks.

Federal agents used tear gas against the crowd again just after 7:30 p.m.

Sparks from tear gas canisters set several small fires, but rain and a lack of fuel extinguished them. Federal officers retreated inside the facility as rain began to fall.

The crowd size remained at the several hundred by 8:30 pm.

Portland police arrested three Portlanders at the facility. Officers booked Mark Lee and Michelle Backes on suspicion of assault and arrested Stacey Prichard on suspicion of harassment and committing a bias crime.

Armed ICE agents burst into moms bedroom where 3-month-old baby is hiding as crackdowns intensify

For more than an hour on Wednesday, several armed ICE officers outside a Gresham apartment repeatedly shouted a mans name.

A 24-year-old mom and her 3-month-old baby were inside, along with her stepfather and brother. None of them recognized the name that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were yelling, she said.

The family didnt come out. But the officers finally came in, pushing through the apartments locked door and then busting into the bedroom with rifles drawn.

They arrested the brother, Napoleon Andres Magana, and the stepfather, Arturo Garcia Cabrera, the woman said. Neither was the man that agents were seeking, she said.

The encounter is one example of the increasingly aggressive tactics of federal immigration agents in Oregon as they target Latino communities at worksites, schools and public spaces across the Portland area.

What were watching for today

All eyes remain on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where a decision is pending in the legal wrangling over Trumps effort to deploy National Guard troops to Portland.

Want an afternoon update? The Oregonian/OregonLives new ICE Protests in Portland newsletter is delivered to thousands of subscribers at 3 p.m. daily. To join them, simply click here to opt in.
Thousands gather in downtown Portland for a No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

No Kings rallies unfolded across the United States on Saturday and reporters and photographers from the parent company of The Oregonian/OregonLive documented dozens of them, from Portland to Boston.

Here are images from across the country:

Portland

The largest of Portland rallies gathered at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and drew 40,000 people, police said.

13 1 / 13 No Kings Portland Protest -- October 18, 2025

Boston

Thousands gathered on Boston Common in the city that gave birth to the American Revolution.

24 1 / 24 'No Kings' protest takes over Boston Common

New York City

The massive crowd in Manhattan filled Times Square.

22 1 / 22 Massive No Kings Day rally marches through Manhattan to protest Trump administration

New Jersey

Three dozen protests were scheduled across the Garden State.

16 1 / 16 No Kings protest in Princeton, Oct. 18, 2025

Michigan

Close to 100 No Kings demonstrations took place in communities across Michigan.

59 1 / 59 Thousands march through Downtown Grand Rapids for No Kings protest

Alabama

Protesters marched in Huntsville and Birmingham.
A growing crowd of protesters, counter-protesters, live streamers, onlookers and journalists coalesced around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement complex in South Portland on Saturday, hours after a massive No Kings rally downtown drew at least 40,000 peaceful protesters to the city core.

Around 4:30 p.m., the party atmosphere that sometimes spreads over the area had turned tense as federal agents deployed tear gas against the crowd. Several hundred people clogged the sidewalks.

Federal agents used tear gas against the crowd again just after 7:30 p.m.

Here is how events unfolded outside the building that is the focus of an ongoing legal battle over President Donald Trumps efforts to send National Guard troops to the city.

2 p.m.

Federal agents detained a protester who has frequently attended demonstrations. He was dragged on the ground and then transferred to a rolling cart and taken inside the building. It was not clear why he was detained.

Protestors gather at the Portland ICE facility on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Dave Killen/Special to the Oregonian

3 p.m.

Cheers of quit your job and shame, shame, shame erupted outside the ICE complex.

The group of a few hundred people was expected to increase as some marchers with the peaceful No Kings rallies that converged Saturday afternoon in downtown Portland made their way south to the building.

Federal agents released the man who was detained around 2 p.m., but he didnt have the white cane he uses as a mobility aid with him. Agents escorted him to a friend, and the two hugged for several moments before an agent returned his cane to him.

Protestors gathered at Portland ICE facility on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Meanwhile, protesters were playing music and starting to dance. About a dozen wore inflatable costumes. They included a shark, a dragon and a red Among Us character.

3:45 p.m.

Federal agents detained another person and fired multiple rounds of pepper balls as agents on the ground streamed out of the building in order to block the road and let several cars into the complex.

The agents had begun retreating back to the gate, when they advanced toward the crowd again. A person was standing about a foot away from from the blue line marking the boundary protesters are not allowed to cross, holding a sign and not appearing to be doing anything else. An agent reached out, grabbed the person and dragged the person behind the line of other agents.

4:30 p.m.

Federal officers emerged from the facility and shot multiple rounds of tear gas into the crowd, driving dozens of protesters out of the area. Individuals donned gas masks and moved out of the area, with many applying saline solution to their eyes.

Protestors gather at the Portland ICE facility on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Dave Killen/Special to the Oregonian

5 p.m.

Traffic remained open on South Bancroft Street allowing drivers to slowly stream by the ICE facility and honk. Protesters spilled into the street, running back and forth across Bancroft at times in front of the cars. Bicycle officers attempted, not terribly successfully, to keep protesters on the sidewalks.

5:30 p.m.

The Portland police announced that if people stayed in the street, the could be arrested or cited. Failure to comply, the message continued may subject you to crowd control measures, including impact munitions or other physical force.

Not long after that announcement, police tweeted that they had just detained a person for an alleged assault and would investigate.

6:15 p.m.

Around 400 to 500 protesters remained high energy as a light rain fell on the crowd. A DJ played music and a few costumed folks held a vigil at the blue line marking the facilitys entrance.

Portland police tweeted that one of the people who had been arrested was being booked into jail while two others were being detained pending an investigation.

6:30 p.m.

As the rain continued, federal officers pitched two tents on the ICE facilitys roof where many of them had been stationed throughout the evening. Protesters could be overheard making fun of the officers for not being able to handle Portlands rain.

7 p.m.

Jeff Olsen, 73, marched in the No Kings rally earlier Saturday with his wife, Liz. The South Waterfront residents were taking in the scene at ICE at 7 p.m.  calling the scene quintessential Portland.

The best thing we can do is keep showing this kind of large, peaceful, anti-Trump protest, he said.

Federal agents deployed tear gas against protesters just after 7:30 p.m. near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. Kristine De Leon/The Oregonian

7:30 p.m.

A group of roughly 400 demonstrators remained locked in a stand-off with the small gathering of camo-clad agents, who stood impassively on a rooftop just a few dozen feet above the restive crowd.

Members of the protest group jeered and shouted taunts. They were awaiting the near inevitable: a clash with agents attempting to clear the only driveway leading into the ICE complex.

ICE out of Portland, they chanted.

Federal agents then deployed gas on the crowd again. It wasnt clear why.

Sparks from tear gas canisters set several small fires, but light rain and a lack of fuel extinguished the flames.

Protestors gather at the Portland ICE facility on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Dave Killen/Special to the Oregonian

8:30 p.m.

Portland police announced they booked three people into jail on allegations that included fourth-degree assault, second-degree bias crime and harassment.
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The Philippines once again made its mark on the international pageant stage after two Filipina beauty queens brought pride to the country over the weekend.

Emma Tiglao of Pampanga was crowned Miss Grand International 2025 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand on October 18.

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The 30-year-old journalist bested 76 other contestants from around the world, earning the title along with the Countrys Power of the Year award that secured her early placement in the Top 22.

Tiglaos victory marks a back-to-back win for the Philippines following CJ Opiazas reign. In her speech, Tiglao used her platform to address corruption and natural disasters in the Philippines, ending her statement with a call for compassion and peace.

In neighboring Malaysia, Mutya ng Pilipinas Christine Eds Enero also carried the Philippine flag high as she bagged the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International title at the Miss Tourism International 2025 pageant held at Resorts World Genting, also on October 18.

She also impressed in the Q&A segment with a composed answer on online scams and accountability, saying, I hope that we will live in a peaceful world where no one should deceive just to survive.

Turning heads in a fiery burnt-orange gown by designer Rian Fernandez, Tiglao embodied the image of a phoenix.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Malaysia, Mutya ng Pilipinas Christine Eds Enero also carried the Philippine flag high as she bagged the Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International title at the Miss Tourism International 2025 pageant held at Resorts World Genting, also on October 18.

Enero nearly scored another back-to-back win for the country after last years titleholder Liana Barrido, who passed on the Miss Tourism International crown to Polands Zuzanna Balonek.

The Philippines remains one of the most successful country in the competitions history, with multiple crowns won by Mutya ng Pilipinas queens since 2000.
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Emma Mary Tiglao of the Philippines was crowned Miss Grand International 2025 on Saturday, marking the countrys second consecutive win at the competition held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tiglao, 30, a television host and news anchor, bested 76 candidates from around the world to claim the title. She succeeded compatriot Christine Juliane Opiaza, Miss Grand International 2024, who passed on the crown during the pageants finale.

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Wearing an orange-gold gown designed by Rian Fernandez, Tiglao was visibly emotional as the Philippine national anthem played inside the packed venue. She earlier secured a spot in the Top 20 after winning the Countrys Power of the Year award.

Thailands Sarunrat Puagpipat finished as first runner-up, followed by Spains Aitana Jimenez, Ghanas Faith Porter, and Venezuelas Nariman Battikha as second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. Completing the Top 10 were contestants from Colombia, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, and Tanzania.

In her Top 10 speech, Tiglao spoke about addressing corruption in the Philippines. During the final round, she was asked about penalties for online scammers linked to human trafficking. Tiglao responded that education, awareness, and stronger justice systems are key to accountability, expressing hope for a peaceful world where no one should deceive just to survive.
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Morocco and Russia signed a new four-year agreement, under which Russian vessels will continue to operate in Atlantic waters off Morocco under predetermined quotas and environmental rules, Moroccos state news agency MAP reported.

The deal, signed in Moscow by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ilya Shestakov, head of Russias Federal Fisheries Agency, replaces a previous accord that expired at the end of 2024.

The new agreement was signed on the sidelines of the eighth Morocco-Russia Intergovernmental Joint Commission, co-chaired by Bourita and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.

Under the agreement, Russian trawlers will be permitted to fish for small pelagic species within designated zones and seasons, subject to annual quotas set by Rabat, MAP said.

The accord also includes measures to protect marine ecosystems, prevent overfishing and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, MAP said.

The two countries will expand scientific and technical cooperation through joint research programs between Moroccos National Institute of Fisheries Research and its Russian counterpart.

The deal also provides for training opportunities, including scholarships and internships for Moroccan students in Russian maritime institutions.

Morocco said the agreement aims to boost the local fisheries sector, create jobs for Moroccan sailors aboard Russian vessels and support port development in southern regions. Both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in line with sustainable development goals, MAP added.
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Elias Sayour (left) works in the lab. Credit: UF Health/Jackie Hart

Patients with advanced lung or skin cancer who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy drugs lived significantly longer than those who did not get the vaccine, researchers have found.

The observation by researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a defining moment in a decade-plus of research testing mRNA-based therapeutics designed to "wake up" the immune system against cancer.

Building on a previous UF study, the observation also marks a significant step toward a long-awaited universal cancer vaccine to boost the tumor-fighting effects of immunotherapy.

The findings from an analysis of more than 1,000 patients' records at MD Anderson are preliminary, but if validated in a randomized clinical trial now in design, the study could have a widespread clinical impact.

"The implications are extraordinarythis could revolutionize the entire field of oncologic care," said senior researcher Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., a UF Health pediatric oncologist and the Stop Children's Cancer/Bonnie R. Freeman Professor for Pediatric Oncology Research.

"We could design an even better nonspecific vaccine to mobilize and reset the immune response, in a way that could essentially be a universal, off-the-shelf cancer vaccine for all cancer patients."

Jeff Coller, Ph.D., a leading mRNA scientist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, said the findings point to yet another way Operation Warp Speedpart of the federal government's early response to COVID-19continues to save Americans' lives in "unique and unexpected ways."

"The results from this study demonstrate how powerful mRNA medicines truly are and that they are revolutionizing our treatment of cancer," Coller said.

Presented at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress in Berlin, the findings build upon Sayour's eight years of work combining lipid nanoparticles and mRNA. Short for messenger RNA, mRNA molecules are found in every cell and carry the genetic information needed to make proteins.

Notably, Sayour's lab reported a surprising finding in July: to prompt a strong antitumor reaction, they needn't go after a specific target protein in a tumor; instead, they could simply rev up the immune systemas if fighting a virus.

Like a one-two punch, pairing Sayour's patented experimental "nonspecific" mRNA vaccine with common anticancer drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors triggered a strong antitumor response in lab mice. The experimental vaccine was nonspecific to COVID spike protein or any other virus or cancer but rooted in similar technology to the COVID vaccines.

That discovery, years in the making, sparked a question from former lab member and lead researcher Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D., who trained at UF's Preston A. Wells Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and now works at MD Anderson.

Would the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine work like the nonspecific vaccine?

To find out, the research team analyzed existing data from patients with Stage 3 and 4 non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic melanoma treated at MD Anderson from 2019 to 2023.

What they found was that receiving a COVID mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy drugs was associated with living longer by a significant amount.

The most dramatic difference, Sayour said, was in patients not expected to have a strong immune response, based on their tumors' molecular makeup and other factors.

Elias Sayour (right) and lab members review research data. Credit: UF Health/Jackie Hart

As with any observational study, the findings require confirmation from a prospective and randomized clinical trial.

Nonetheless, the discovery is pivotal.

"Although not yet proven to be causal, this is the type of treatment benefit that we strive for and hope to see with therapeutic interventionsbut rarely do," said Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., Grippin's doctoral mentor and director of the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute. "I think the urgency and importance of doing the confirmatory work can't be overstated."

In lung and skin cancers, doctors commonly engage the immune system with drugs designed to "release the brakes" and recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. In advanced disease stages, however, most patients don't respond well and often have exhausted other treatment options like radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.

The new study involved records of 180 advanced lung cancer patients who received a COVID vaccine within a 100-day period before or after starting immunotherapy drugs and 704 treated with the same drugs who did not receive the vaccine. Getting the vaccine was associated with a near doubling of median survival, from 20.6 months to 37.3 months.

Of the metastatic melanoma patients, 43 received a vaccine within 100 days of initiating immunotherapy, while 167 patients did not receive a vaccine. With the vaccine, median survival increased from 26.7 months to a range of 30 to 40 months; at the time the data were collected, some patients were still alive, meaning the vaccine effect could be even stronger.

Receiving non-mRNA pneumonia or flu vaccines resulted in no changes in longevity.

To back their findings, UF researchers then used mouse models to pair immunotherapy drugs with an mRNA vaccine targeted specifically at COVID spike protein. Those experiments showed they could turn unresponsive cancers into responsive ones, thwarting tumor growth.

"One of the mechanisms for how this works is when you give an mRNA vaccine, that acts as a flare that starts moving all of these immune cells from bad areas like the tumor to good areas like the lymph nodes," Sayour said.

The next step is to launch a large clinical trial through the UF-led OneFlorida+ Clinical Research Network, a consortium of hospitals, health centers and clinics in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, California and Minnesota.

"One of our key motivations at OneFlorida is to move discoveries from academic settings out into the real world and the places where patients get care," said Betsy Shenkman, Ph.D., who leads the consortium.

If confirmed, the new findings unlock numerous possibilities, and the researchers said an even better nonspecific universal vaccine could be designed. For patients with advanced cancers, the increased survival from such a universal vaccine could provide a priceless benefit: more time.

"If this can double what we're achieving currently, or even incrementally5%, 10%that means a lot to those patients, especially if this can be leveraged across different cancers for different patients," said Sayour, an investigator with UF's McKnight Brain Institute.

Sayour, Grippin and Mitchell hold patents related to UF-developed mRNA vaccines that are licensed by iOncologi Inc., a biotech company born as a "spinout" from UF in which Mitchell holds interest.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Two cases of a potentially more severe strain of mpox have been confirmed in Los Angeles County.

It's the first time this particular type of mpox, known as "Clade I," has been found in the United States among people who had no history of traveling overseas to high-risk areas.

The first case, reported publicly on Oct. 14, involved a resident of Long Beach. The second, reported on Oct. 16, was in a Los Angeles County resident. Both patients had to be hospitalized but are now recovering at home, health officials said.

"While the overall risk of ... exposure to the public remains low, we are taking this very seriously," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. "This underscores the importance of continued surveillance, early response and vaccination."

This type of mpox is different from the one that spawned a global outbreak in 2022, which is known as "Clade II."

Clade I is potentially even more concerning, however, because it may cause more severe illness and spread more easily, "including through close personal contact," such as massage or cuddling, in addition to sex, the L.A. County Department of Public Health said.

"The identification of cases of Clade I mpox, which may cause more severe illness than the more-common Clade II, is concerning," L.A. County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement Thursday.

The California Department of Public Health said last year that Clade I has historically caused more severe illness than Clade II, but added that "recent infections from Clade I mpox may not be as clinically severe as in previous outbreaks, especially when cases have access to quality medical care."

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is primarily spread through close, intimate contact, such as through body fluids, sores, shared bedding or shared clothing, as well as kissing, coughing and sneezing, health officials say.

Tell-tale symptoms "include rash or unusual sores that look like pimples or pus-filled blisters on the face, body and genitals, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches or swelling of lymph nodes," the L.A. County Department of Public Health said. Other symptoms can include a sore throat.

"Anyone who develops an unexplained rash or lesions should avoid sex and intimate contact and seek medical evaluation as soon as possible," the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services said.

People should get tested if they have symptoms, officials said. Those who have symptoms should also avoid sex or close contact.

Clade II mpox generally causes mild-to-moderate illness and has been circulating at low levels throughout the United States since 2022, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

There have been 118 cases of Clade II mpox reported to the L.A. County Department of Public Health so far this year.

Before this week, there had been a total of six cases of Clade I mpox in the U.S.all among people who had recently traveled to areas where this type of mpox is circulating, namely central and eastern Africa. None of those cases were linked to each other, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC says there have been more than 40,000 cases of Clade I mpox in central and eastern Africa.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the countries with confirmed cases, multiple modes of Clade I mpox transmission have been documented, including "contact with infected dead or live wild animals" and "household contact often involving crowded households," in addition to sexual contact, according to the CDC.

The risk to the general U.S. population in the U.S. from Clade I mpox is considered "low," the CDC says. The agency classifies the risk to gay and bisexual men who have sex with more than one partner as "low to moderate."

Travel-associated cases of Clade I mpox have also been found in a number of other regions globally, including Asia, Australia, Europe and South America.

The first Clade I mpox case in the U.S. was reported 11 months agoin someone in California who had traveled to Africa and received care in San Mateo County, according to the CDC and California Department of Public Health. That person had mild illness, the San Mateo County health department said at the time.

Most people who are infected get better within two to four weeks, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services said, "but antiviral treatments may be considered for individuals with or at risk of developing severe illness."

The two-dose Jynneos vaccine is also available to help prevent the spread of mpox.

Those who only got one dose can get their second dose "no matter how long it's been since the first dose," the L.A. County Department of Public Health said.

Vaccines are widely available, and can be found at pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. People can look up locations to get vaccinated through the vaccine's manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic. The L.A. County Department of Public Health also maintains a list of vaccination sites.

The vaccine is available to people at higher risk for the illness, including those who were exposed to an infected individual over the last two weeks.

Also eligible for vaccination are gay and bisexual people and other men who have sex with men; transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people; people with HIV; people who are eligible or are taking medicine to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use; people traveling to sub-Saharan Africa or areas with Clade I mpox outbreaks; people who plan to attend a commercial sex event or venue, like a sex club or bathhouse; people who have a sex partner at higher risk for getting infected; and anyone else who requests mpox vaccination.

Officials also recommend people with occupational risks for infection, like certain lab workers, also get vaccinated.

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Lanterns are displayed for sale at roadside stalls as people shop ahead of Diwali festival in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade) AP

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India  and for Hindus in particular.

It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the worlds most populous nation and the diaspora. Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer.

Diwali is derived from the word Deepavali, which means a row of lights. Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwalis date is based on Hindu lunar calendar

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November.

This year, the holiday is being celebrated on Oct. 20.

Diwalis underlying theme

While Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, it is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The origin story of Diwali varies depending on the region. All these stories have one underlying theme  the victory of good over evil.

In southern India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishnas destruction of the demon Naraka who is said to have imprisoned women and tormented his subjects. In northern India, Diwali honors the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana, from a 14-year exile in the forest.

Its a state holiday in Pennsylvania. It was the first U.S. state to make Diwali a statewide holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut this year.

In June 2023, New York City declared Diwali as a public school holiday. Several school districts in New Jersey also observe the holiday with a day off.

A roadside shopkeeper sells green firecrackers after the Supreme Court permitted sales ahead of the Diwali festival in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) AP

Celebrations feature lights, fireworks, feasts

The festival brings with it a number of unique traditions, which also vary by the region. What all celebrations have in common are the lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes and praying.

In southern India, many have an early morning warm oil bath to symbolize bathing in the holy River Ganges as a form of physical and spiritual purification.

In the north, worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, is the norm.

Gambling is a popular tradition because of the belief that whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras  an act they believe will bring them good luck.

Setting off firecrackers is a cherished tradition, as is exchanging sweets and gifts among friends and family. Diwali celebrations typically feature rangoli, which are geometric, floral patterns drawn on the floor using colorful powders. While several northern states had instituted partial or total bans to combat rising air pollution levels during the festival, Indias Supreme Court recently ruled allowing the sale of green fireworks believed to be less polluting.

People throng a market place for Diwali festival shopping in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade) AP

Some other faiths have their own Diwali stories

Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs have their own Diwali stories:

Jains observe Diwali as the day the Lord Mahavira, the last of the great teachers, attained nirvana, which is liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas  a day that overlaps with Diwali  to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered figure in the faith, who had been imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Buddhists observe the day as one when the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century B.C., converted to Buddhism.
FILE - President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden take an aerial tour on Marine One over areas devastated by the Maui wildfires, Aug. 21, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP

By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA, The Associated Press

State officials on the front lines of preparing for natural disasters and responding to emergencies say severe cuts to federal security grants, restrictions on money intended for readiness and funding delays tied to litigation are posing a growing risk to their ability to respond to crises.

Its all causing confusion, frustration and concern. The federal government shutdown isnt helping.

Every day we remain in this grant purgatory reduces the time available to responsibly and effectively spend these critical funds, said Kiele Amundson, communications director at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

The uncertainty has led some emergency management agencies to hold off on filling vacant positions and make rushed decisions on important training and purchases.

Experts say the developments complicate state-led emergency efforts, undermining the Republican administrations stated goals of shifting more responsibility to states and local governments for disaster response.

In an emailed statement, the Department of Homeland Security said the new requirements were necessary because of recent population shifts and that changes to security grants were made to be responsive to new and urgent threats facing our nation.

A new wrinkle tied to immigration raids

Several DHS and FEMA grants help states, tribes and territories prepare for climate disasters and deter a variety of threats. The money pays for salaries and training, and such things as vehicles, communications equipment and software.

State emergency managers say that money has become increasingly important because the range of threats they must prepare for is expanding, including pandemics and cyberattacks.

FEMA, a part of DHS, divided a $320 million Emergency Management Performance Grant among states on Sept. 29. But the next day, it told states the money was on hold until they submitted new population counts. The directive demanded that they omit people removed from the State pursuant to the immigration laws of the United States and to explain their methodology.

The amount of money distributed to the states is based on U.S. census population data. The new requirement forcing states to submit revised counts is something we have never seen before, said Trina Sheets, executive director of the National Emergency Management Association, a group representing emergency managers. Its certainly not the responsibility of emergency management to certify population.

FILE - Homeowner Daniel Olivas hugs Lorrie McMillan, a chaplain with Texans on Mission Disaster Relief, as he clears debris from his home, which was heavily damaged from flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) AP

With no guidance on how to calculate the numbers, Hawaiis Amundson said staff scrambled to gather data from the 2020 census and other sources, then subtracted he number of noncitizens based on estimates from an advocacy group.

They are not sure the methodology will be accepted. But with their FEMA contacts furloughed and the grant portal down during the federal shutdown, they cannot find out. Other states said they were assessing the request or awaiting further guidance.

In its statement, DHS said FEMA needs to be certain of its funding levels before awarding grant money, and that includes updates to a states population due to deportations.

Experts said delays caused by the request could most affect local governments and agencies that receive grant money passed down by states because their budgets and staffs are smaller. At the same time, FEMA also reduced the time frame that recipients have to spend the money, from three years to one. That could prevent agencies from taking on longer-term projects.

Bryan Koon, president and CEO of the consulting firm IEM and a former Florida emergency management chief, said state governments and local agencies need time to adjust their budgets to any kind of changes.

An interruption in those services could place American lives in jeopardy, he said.

Grant programs tied up by litigation

In another move that has caused uncertainty, FEMA in September drastically cut some states allocations from another source of funding. The $1 billion Homeland Security Grant Program is supposed to be based on assessed risks, and states pass most of the money to police and fire departments.

New York received $100 million less than it expected, a 79% reduction, while Illinois saw a 69% reduction. Both states are politically controlled by Democrats. Meanwhile, some territories received unexpected windfalls, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, which got more than twice its expected allocation.

The National Emergency Management Association said the grants are meant to be distributed based on risk and that it remains unclear what risk methodology was used to determine the new funding allocation.

After a group of Democratic states challenged the cuts in court, a federal judge in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order on Sept. 30. That forced FEMA to rescind award notifications and refrain from making payments until a further court order.

The freeze underscores the uncertainty and political volatility surrounding these awards, said Frank Pace, administrator of the Hawaii Office of Homeland Security. The Democratic-controlled state received more money than expected, but anticipates the bonus being taken away with the lawsuit.

In Hawaii, where a 2023 wildfire devastated the Maui town of Lahaina and killed more than 100 people, the state, counties and nonprofits face the real possibility of delays in paying contractors, completing projects and even staff furloughs or layoffs if the grant freeze and government shutdown continue, he said.

FILE - A group of Department of Homeland Security Police stand outside Federal court in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) AP

The myriad setbacks prompted Washington states Emergency Management Division to pause filling some positions out of an abundance of caution, communications director Karina Shagren said.

A series of delays and cuts disrupts state-federal partnership

Emergency management experts said the moves have created uncertainty for those in charge of preparedness.

The Trump administration has suspended a $3.6 billion FEMA disaster resilience program, cut the FEMA workforce and disrupted routine training.

Other lawsuits are also complicating decision-making. A Manhattan federal judge last week ordered DHS and FEMA to restore $34 million in transit security grants it had withheld from New York City because of its immigration policies.

Another judge in Rhode Island ordered DHS to permanently stop imposing grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement, after ruling in September that the conditions were unlawful  only to have DHS again try to impose them.

Taken together, the turbulence surrounding what was once a reliable partner is prompting some states to prepare for a different relationship with FEMA.

Given all of the uncertainties, said Sheets, of the National Emergency Management Association, states are trying to find ways to be less reliant on federal funding.
Super Gigante International Food Market on West Main Street in West Norriton, Pennsylvania, was the target of an ICE raid where 14 people were arrested in July. (Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS

By Chris Palmer and Jeff Gammage, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PHILADELPHIA  A federal judge on Friday ordered Meta  the parent company of Facebook and Instagram  not to comply with a request by the Department of Homeland Security seeking information about the operators of MontCo Community Watch, a grass-roots organization behind a pair of anonymous social media accounts that track local ICE activity.

The order, issued late Friday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter H. Kang, was a quick response to a lawsuit filed on behalf of the Montgomery County group, in which its lawyers said DHS had taken unlawful steps to try to unmask the people behind it.

In the lawsuit, filed in federal court in California this week, lawyers for the group said DHS actions amount to a clear First Amendment violation, and that the groups operators and associates are being targeted by the federal government for doing nothing more than exercising their rights to free speech and free association.

Kang, the judge, did not say in his order whether he endorsed that position. But he said Meta should not produce any documents or information in response to DHS request without a court order while the case proceeds before him.

The effort by DHS began last month, the lawsuit said, when the agency sent two administrative summonses to Meta seeking usernames, phone numbers, IP addresses, and other identifying information for those with connections to the groups pages. The stated purpose of the summonses, the lawsuit said, was for DHS to investigate potential customs violations involving merchandise sales.

But the groups pages on Facebook and Instagram do not offer anything for sale, the lawsuit said, and even if they did, DHS requests sought information wildly outside the scope of such an investigation.

The groups members are in immediate danger of having their personal information shared with DHS, and therefore in danger of being targeted for harassment, detention, and persecution, the lawsuit said. It asked a federal judge to quash the summonses and prevent Meta from turning over the information.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Californias northern district court, where Meta is headquartered.

DHS did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

Stephen Loney, a supervising attorney with the ACLU of Pennsylvania and one of the lawyers handling the case, called the situation a pretty appalling abuse of process, and abuse of the governments power against the little guy, who is just trying to protect their community and let people know whats going on.

Loney said Meta could have pushed back against the governments request by declining to comply without a court order. Instead, it shifted the onus to its account-holders, leaving it to them to figure out the situation and file complex court motions.

The implication is the government could be using its power against a wider swath of people or organizations  and the tech companies may be providing little to no resistance.

Only God, DHS and Meta know how many of these nonpublic, anonymous posters are having their information revealed to the government, Loney said. Were up against all the resources of the federal government, and all the resources of Meta.

The suit comes as tech companies in recent weeks have granted other requests by President Donald Trumps administration to take down or limit content regarding ICE operations.

Earlier this week Meta agreed to shut down a Facebook page that allowed users to share information about ICE agents in Chicago. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the page was putting agents at risk in the field.

Several weeks before that, Apple and Google agreed to grant another request from Bondis Justice Department to remove apps that allowed users to track and share the locations of ICE agents across the country.

In the case of MontCo Community Watch, the lawsuit said that on Sept. 11, DHS sent two summonses to Meta asking for names, zip codes, email addresses, and other information of users who accessed the groups Facebook or Instagram pages.

The group of volunteers is part of a growing on-the-ground resistance network to address the increase in ICE activity across the Philadelphia region. Immigration advocates travel local highways and interstates, looking for ICE, and often share tips, information, and resources online.

Legal filings on behalf of Montco Community Watch say local residents see ICE agents every day, and that the agency has carried out a series of well-documented arrests and abusive searches, detentions and arrests.

The court filing cites the most terrifying operation as the July 16 raid on the Super Gigante food market in West Norriton, where agents detained at least 14 people on immigration violations.

The agents, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in September, were trailed to the market by cars carrying members of the Montgomery County Watch rapid-response team. Those activists work to find and follow Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, aiming to record agents activities, to alert people to protest at the scenes of arrests, and, at times, to loudly confront the officers.

That morning, the group had discovered ICE agents and cars gathering in the parking lot outside the Plymouth Meeting Regal Cinema movie theater. The two groups arrived nearly simultaneously.

The summonses against MontCo Community Watch cited a law known as U.S. Code 1509, which allows authorities to investigate customs violations. But the documents provided no specifics about what wrongdoing the group may have engaged in  or how the information DHS sought might contribute to its investigation.

The groups lawyers said in the suit that they are not engaged in commerce, nor are they subject to monetary sanctions or liabilities. And they said the summonses demand information clearly beyond what federal law permits.

In addition, the suit said no one from MontCo Community Watch learned of the summons until Oct. 3, when Meta sent an email saying it planned to provide DHS the requested information within 10 days unless the group had challenged the summonses in court.

2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Members of the Pentagon press corp gather for a group photo after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) AP

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Amy Kristin Sanders, Penn State

Throughout modern American history, reporters who cover the Pentagon have played an invaluable role in shining a light on military actions when the government has not been forthright with the public.

For instance, reporters covering the Biden administrations decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021 revealed the chaos that ensued and repudiated official statements claiming the pullout was smooth. That included reporting on a drone strike that killed 10 civilians, not ISIS militants, as the government initially claimed.

But free press advocates warn that recent changes in a Pentagon policy threaten journalists ability to cover the Department of Defense. Thats because it could curb their rights to report information not authorized by the government for release.

An initial policy change announced on Sept. 20, 2025  and later revised  forbade journalists from publishing anything that hadnt been approved by government officials. It gave journalists 10 days to sign and agree to the restrictions. A refusal to sign could have resulted in a cancellation of their press credentials to enter the Pentagon.

As a First Amendment expert, I believe the Pentagon policy change represents an unprecedented development in the Trump administrations offensive against the press and a historic departure from previous administrations policies.

Attacks on journalism, said once-imprisoned journalist Peter Greste, are a national security issue, and we have to protect press freedom. Greste spoke in early October 2025 at the Global Free Speech Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, adding that anything that undermines press freedom undermines national security.

Greste was jailed for more than a year in Egypt while working for Al Jazeera in 2013. In Nashville, he drew a direct connection between the publics access to information under a free press and the stability and freedom that democracies enjoy.

Even President Donald Trump seemed critical of the policy initially, telling a reporter in September 2025 he didnt think the Pentagon should be in charge of deciding what reporters can cover.

An attempt to control critical coverage

Under the initial Pentagon policy change, journalists covering the Defense Department were required to sign a contract saying that department information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Oct. 5, The Pentagon press corps can squeal all they want, were taking these things seriously. They can report, they just need to make sure theyre following rules.

Media outlets decided they could not accept the policy change. They also mulled legal action.

The Pentagon revised its initial policy change on Oct. 6 and set an Oct. 14 deadline for journalists to comply. The revised policy says prior approval would not be required to report on the Defense Department, but it suggests that soliciting information from Pentagon sources would not be considered protected activity under the 1st Amendment. But journalists who dont sign and follow the revised policy could be deemed security risks and lose their credentials to access the Pentagon.

As the Oct. 14 deadline approached, dozens of media outlets said they would not sign the revised policy. Fox, Newsmax and the Daily Caller  all conservative news organizations  have also rejected the policy. The following day, journalists from dozens of news outlets turned in their press passes rather than agree to the new policy.

The Pentagon Press Association, which represents journalists covering the Defense Department, says the revised policy is asking us to affirm in writing our understanding of policies that appear designed to stifle a free press and potentially expose us to prosecution for simply doing our jobs.

Conservative commentators have also criticized the policy. Law professor Jonathan Turley told Fox News: What theyre basically saying is if you publish anything thats not in the press release, is not the official statement of the Pentagon, you could be held responsible under this policy. That is going to create a stranglehold on the free press, and the cost is too great.

This isnt the first time Hegseth has sought to limit media coverage of the Pentagon. In May 2025, he restricted journalists access to large portions of the Pentagon where theyd previously been allowed to go unescorted.

Freedom from government control

It is not unusual for the government to view the press as an adversary. But such direct attempts to control media outlets have been rare in the U.S.

The federal government has rarely been successful in its efforts to censor the media. In the 1930s, the Supreme Court set a high bar for the government to overcome if it wanted to stop the presses.

As Chief Justice Charles Hughes wrote in 1930 in Near v. Minnesota: The fact that, for approximately one hundred and fifty years, there has been almost an entire absence of attempts to impose previous restraints upon publications relating to the malfeasance of public officers is significant of the deep-seated conviction that such restraints would violate constitutional right.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon on June 22, 2025, in Arlington, Va. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

In the years since, the high court has reiterated its belief that an adversarial press is essential to democracy. At the height of the Vietnam War, the court ruled the government could not prevent The New York Times from publishing leaked documents detailing U.S involvement in the conflict, despite the sensitive nature of the documents.

President Richard Nixons own nominee, Chief Justice Warren Burger, recognized the danger of allowing the government to restrict freedom of the press. The thread running through all these cases is that prior restraints on speech and publication are the most serious and the least tolerable infringement on First Amendment rights.  The damage can be particularly great when the prior restraint falls upon the communication of news and commentary on current events, Burger wrote.

Burger acknowledged the role the press plays as a watchdog against the governments abuse of power in 1976 in Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart. The press  guards against the miscarriage of justice by subjecting the (legal system) to extensive public scrutiny and criticism.

Whether the Supreme Courts commitment to these long-standing precedents remains steadfast is anyones guess.

Law scholars RonNell Andersen Jones and Sonja West have documented a marked decline in references by the high court to press freedom over the past two decades. They have also noted a dramatic change in the justices tone when discussing the press:

(A)ny assumption that the Court is poised to be the branch to defend the press against disparagement is misplaced  When members of the press turn to the Court in their legal battles, they will no longer find an institution that consistently values their role in our democracy, Andersen Jones and West write.

Yet even Burger was aware that muzzling the press posed serious consequences for a democratic society: (I)t is nonetheless clear that the barriers to prior restraint remain high unless we are to abandon what the Court has said for nearly a quarter of our national existence and implied throughout all of it. The history of even wartime suspension of categorical guarantees, such as habeas corpus or the right to trial by civilian courts cautions against suspending explicit guarantees, Burger wrote in his opinion in Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart in 1976.

The new Pentagon policy, however, does just that by threatening reporters who write critical stories with the loss of their press credentials.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/new-pentagon-policy-is-an-unprecedented-attempt-to-undermine-press-freedom-266129.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Key trial data from study of VT3989. Credit: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The first-in-class YAP-TEAD inhibitor VT3989 continued to be well tolerated and demonstrated notable initial antitumor activity, particularly in patients with refractory mesothelioma, according to results from a trial led by researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Data from the Phase I/II trial were presented today by Timothy Yap, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics and vice president and head of clinical development of MD Anderson's Therapeutics Discovery division, at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress and published simultaneously in Nature Medicine.

What are the notable results of this study evaluating VT3989?

The trial enrolled 172 patients, including 135 with refractory mesothelioma. Of the 22 mesothelioma patients treated with the optimized dose levels, seven had partial responses and 12 had stable diseasea disease control rate of 86%. All 22 mesothelioma patients had previously received immunotherapy, and 82% had previously received chemotherapy.

"This study has multiple important takeaways, including the demonstration of significant disease control even in this heavily pretreated population," Yap said. "The safety profile was also encouraging, with mainly low-grade adverse effects. These data were strong enough to support the continued clinical development of VT3989 in mesothelioma, and we look forward to the next clinical study of the compound."

How does VT3989 work?

This trial of VT3989 represents the first clinical proof-of-concept for inhibiting part of an important signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and immune response. This pathway is known as the Hippo signaling pathway and, within this pathway, the yes-associated proteins (YAP) work with transcriptional enhancer activator domain (TEAD) proteins.

In several cancer types, YAP is overexpressed or overactivated due to dysfunction in the pathway, which fuels cancer growth. VT3989 inhibits a specific modification on the TEAD protein, which blocks YAP function. Hence, VT3989 is known as a YAP-TEAD inhibitor.

Why is this being studied in mesothelioma patients?

Cancers with NF2 gene mutations are particularly dependent on the YAP-TEAD pathway. The NF2 gene encodes a protein called Merlin, and NF2 gene mutations/Merlin protein loss are common in mesothelioma patients.

Additionally, mesothelioma is a cancer that is very difficult to treat, and there are currently limited options for patients who do not respond to first-line treatments, making this a major unmet clinical need.

Initial data from this trial were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2023, demonstrating encouraging Phase I results.

More information: YAP/TEAD inhibitor VT3989 in solid tumours: a phase 1/2 trial, Nature Medicine (2025). www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04029-3 Journal information: Nature Medicine
John McDermott has been the business editor of The Post and Courier since 2006. He's written about all facets of the South Carolina economy, served in the U.S. Air Force and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa journalism program.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 19, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., October 19, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) resulting from allegations that Freeport may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Freeport securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=45553 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 24, 2025, Freeport issued a press release entitled "Freeport Provides Update on PT Freeport Indonesia Operations." It stated that Freeport "announced today an update on the status of the previously reported mud rush incident at the Grasberg Block Cave mine (GBC) in Indonesia. On September 20, 2025, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) located two team members who were regrettably fatally injured in the September 8th incident." On this news, Freeport stock fell by 16.95% on September 24, 2025.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / October 18, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 20, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 29, 2025 to August 5, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Snap as above and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-snap/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court byOctober 20, 2025 .About the LawsuitSnap and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 5, 2025, the Company announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, disclosing a deceleration in advertising revenue growth due to "an issue related to our ad platform, the timing of Ramadan and the effects of the de minimis changes." On this news, the price of Snap's shares fell from a closing price of $9.39 per share on August 5, 2025 to $7.78 per share on August 6, 2025, a decline of about 17.15% in the span of just a single day.The case is Abdul-Hameed v. Snap, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-07844.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, has broken his silence after his wife, actress and filmmaker Regina Daniels, accused him of domestic violence.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Daniels, in a viral video on Saturday, alleged that Mr Nwoko severely assaulted her and that she could no longer endure the abuse in their marriage.

Daniels, whom the lawmaker married in 2019, is his sixth wife, and the couple share two children.

Reacting to the 25-year-olds allegation, the 64-year-old, in a statement posted on his X page on Sunday, described her behaviour in the viral video as an act of unprovoked carnage and rampage.

The lawmaker claimed that the actress was not always like what was portrayed in the video, attributing her recent behaviour to drug addiction.

Mr Nwoko wrote: Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem. She must continue her rehabilitation program, or I fear for her life and safety. Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs. I have other wives, and none will ever accuse me of violence.

Regina is the violent one here, slapping and hitting three staff in the past 48 hours and destroying property, including cars and windows, for no just cause. The truth is, I have set a clear condition for her to accept rehab in Asokoro or outside Nigeria, especially Jordan, where she will not have access to drugs.

Allegations

However, Mr Nwoko alleged that Daniels threatened to kill their resident nurse for exposing her drug abuse.

The lawmaker further claimed that Sammy West, who purported to be Daniels brother, was in fact her drug supplier.

This newspaper gathered that following the viral video, Sammy West alleged via his Instagram Story that Mr Nwoko physically assaulted Daniels and sent thugs to harass her family.

He maintained that it was not the first time the lawmaker had attacked the actress.

Refuting Sammy Wests allegation, Mr Nwoko noted, A clear-headed Regina would have taken Moon to the hospital, but instead she even threatened to kill our resident nurse (for exposing her drug abuse).

While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Reginas main drug supplier. Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann.

The alleged assault claims surfaced weeks after Daniels shared a prank video featuring her husband on Instagram.

The clip showed Mr Nwoko walking in on Daniels in the restroom while a song with suggestive lyrics played in the background, a moment that appeared to irritate him.

Despite this, Mr Nwoko later left a playful comment under the post, writing, This wife of my old, as I call her. Come here.

The actress has yet to react to the allegations as of press time.
The police have announced that they will obey a court order that allowed a planned protest to demand the release of separatist Nnamdi Kanu, who is on trial for treason.

Organisers of the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest plan to hold it on Monday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja approved the protest but barred demonstrators from marching to or assembling near sensitive government sites, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In its statement on Saturday, the police said they will abide by the order and allow the protest to hold but also asked organisers to do the same and avoid the places mentioned by the court.

Read the full police statement below.

POLICE URGE PROTEST GROUPS TO RESPECT COURT ORDER; WARN AGAINST HIJACKERS  PUNITIVE MEASURES AWAIT OFFENDERS

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in accordance with constitutional provisions. This follows the subsisting Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, given on 17th October, 2025, by Honourable Justice M.G. Umar, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025  Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others. The Order restrains the respondents and any other persons or groups acting under their instruction from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa and its environs, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.

In deference to the authority of the Court and in line with the constitutional mandate of the Police to enforce law and order, the Force hereby calls on all groups  whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu  to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order. The directive remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force recognises and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, particularly where public safety, national security, and the rights of other citizens are concerned. The Courts intervention is therefore a safeguard, not a suppression, of constitutional freedoms.

Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order. The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.

Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively. Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws  including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable. Those who incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and relevant operational commands to ensure strict enforcement of the Courts Order, maintain visible and strategic deployments across vulnerable locations, and ensure the safety of residents and lawful activities in the FCT.

All organisers and participants are therefore advised to:

Avoid the restricted areas specified by the Court;

Refrain from carrying weapons, engaging in provocative conduct, or encouraging others to breach the law; and

Channel grievances through the courts and other lawful avenues rather than the streets.

The Nigeria Police Force assures law-abiding Nigerians that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect lives and property. Non-participants should go about their lawful businesses without fear. Anyone found to be in breach of the Courts Order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted.

CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra

Force Public Relations Officer

Force Headquarters, Abuja.

18th October, 2025
The Kaduna State High Court has struck out a controversial suit filed by the state Commissioner of Police seeking to suspend all political rallies and meetings by opposition parties.

The court ruled that the move was unconstitutional and an abuse of power. It also awarded N15 million in favour of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for breach of fundamental rights.

The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State (the Applicant) against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) (the Respondents).

The police had approached the court through an originating summons dated 4 September seeking declaratory and injunctive orders to halt all political gatherings in the state pending investigations into alleged threats of violence.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Murtala Zubairu struck out the polices originating summons for being incompetent and a gross abuse of court process and granted all the reliefs sought in the SDPs counterclaim.

According to a copy of the judgement seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the opposition parties, particularly the SDP, challenged the competence of the suit and accused the police of political persecution.

They also filed a counterclaim seeking declarations and damages for the violation of their rights to peaceful assembly and association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

Mr Zubairu agreed with the SDPs objection that the suit was wrongly commenced by originating summons despite the existence of highly contentious and disputed facts.

He said the police based their case on vague intelligence reports and speculative fears rather than concrete evidence.

The notion that the police can indefinitely suspend the fundamental rights of association and assembly of every political party in a state is an overreach and constitutes an abuse of statutory powers, the judge ruled.

The judge cited the landmark decision in Inspector-General of Police v. All Nigeria Peoples Party (2007) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1066) 457, which affirmed that the role of the police is to provide security for lawful gatherings, not to prohibit them preemptively.

Accordingly, Justice Zubairu struck out the polices originating summons and motion for injunction for being incompetent and an abuse of court process.

The court declared that the Kaduna Police Command breached its statutory duty under Sections 4, 83, and 84 of the Police Act 2020 by failing to investigate earlier petitions from the party and instead moving to prohibit its lawful gatherings.

Where the Applicant relies on vague, speculative information to curtail a constitutional right, and the Counter-Claimant demonstrates a clear legal right and evidence of persecution, the conflicts must be resolved in favour of the party asserting the fundamental right, the judge said.

The court granted a series of declarations and orders in favour of the SDP, including a perpetual injunction restraining the Kaduna Commissioner of Police and his officers from interfering in the partys lawful political activities without due process.

Mr Zubairu also ordered the police to investigate the SDPs earlier complaints over the 30 August 30 violence allegedly involving political thugs, and to submit a report to the Kaduna State Attorney-General within 60 days.

The ruling, opposition leaders in the state said, is an emphatic affirmation of citizens constitutional right to freely associate and participate in political activities without undue interference from security agencies.

The court held that the ex parte injunction obtained by the police on 4 September violated the SDPs constitutional rights to freedom of association and assembly guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, and that such restrictions lacked any lawful justification under Section 45(1).

Justice Zubairu described the Commissioner of Polices attempt to impose a blanket ban on political meetings across the state as selective enforcement and an abuse of process.

Political Friends Turn Foes

The political feud between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani, has deepened in recent months as the Kaduna State Government prosecuted some of Mr El-Rufais former aides in court.

The Kaduna State High Court is hearing the case against Bashir Saidu, who served as Commissioner of Finance under Mr El-Rufai. Mr Saidu, who also served as Chief of Staff to the former governor, is facing 10 counts of money laundering, embezzlement, and stealing. The trial is still ongoing and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The charges stem from a petition dated 27 June 2024 and received by the anti-graft commission on 1 July 2024, alleging large-scale misappropriation of Kaduna State funds by officials of the previous administration.

Several of Mr El-Rufais aides are currently under investigation or facing prosecution before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged fraud and financial misconduct.

The Kaduna State Government maintains that the probes are part of efforts to ensure accountability, but Mr El-Rufai has repeatedly described the investigations as a political witch-hunt aimed at discrediting him and his administration.

He and his former appointees have consistently denied wrongdoing. They have also condemned what they describe as the ICPCs oppressive move to confiscate funds related to a light rail project, insisting that the assets in question are private investments. According to them, the move amounts to abuse of power and could discourage foreign investors.

Earlier, the Kaduna State House of Assembly had indicted Mr El-Rufai for allegedly mismanaging over N423 billion during his tenure. The former governor dismissed the report as politically motivated, accusing the lawmakers of acting on Governor Sanis instructions to tarnish his image and that of his former officials.

READ ALSO: Police detain officers filmed engaged in cult activities

The fallout between the two politicians, once close allies, began months after Mr El-Rufai helped Mr Sani win the 2023 governorship election. Their relationship has since deteriorated into open confrontation marked by corruption allegations and counter-accusations of political persecution.

Mr El-Kadun, a founding member of the APC, is now the main opposition leader in Kaduna.
Dayo Duyile, former director of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) and current head of the Mass Communication Department of Wesley University, has authored several journalism history books, including the famous Makers of Nigerian Press.

In this interview with Kemi Busari, he discusses his motivation for documenting journalism history, the challenges involved, and his proposed approach to preserving the history of journalism in Nigeria.

Excerpts:

What factors influenced you to start writing about journalism history in Nigeria?

My interest in the documentation of Nigerian journalism came out of passion. When I began my career in 1960 in southern Nigeria Defender and later moved to Nigeria Tribune, I was told by my editors how Dr. Azikiwe piloted his ambitions in journalism and rose to a statesman.

I normally ask where I can get the history of Azikiwe, and Im always told to go to the library, but each time I visit the library, I dont find much about his journalism, but theres a lot about his politics. So, I developed this idea of looking for the histories of journalists in Nigeria that have contributed to the achievement of political independence or trained other young journalists.

I noticed that these are always in pamphlets and not edited books. I was encouraged when I came across the landmark Nigeria Press by Chris Cooker, which he wrote in 1968.

What methods do you employ in your history work?

In my case, I discovered that writing about Nigerias press history should be a continuous exercise because Nigeria Press has gone a long way and is growing steadily with new ideas coming in.

New broadcast stations are established and they have their different philosophies. So one should be interested in the philosophy of all these media houses and their contribution to society.

That lured me into research, and it led me to having interviews with those who have accomplished tremendously in Nigerian journalism. Ive spoken with many editors and documented their stories.

What are the biggest challenges youve faced in trying to document Nigerian journalism history?

The biggest challenges and noticeable ones are the unavailability of historical books of the Nigerian press in the national library and archives. I think this is caused by poor record-keeping because the role of every national library is to ensure that they keep documents and store them for people who would be using them.

The destruction of those documents should be accounted for by the librarian. The books are not well-kept and well-positioned in the library.

The first copy of the Daily Times newspaper is available in Britain and London, and other newspapers are available there too. If you dont have the means of travelling out as a press historian, what will you do? To solve the problem, one has to contact other foreign libraries.

For example, the British Library in London has so many Nigerian publications from 1800 to date. Another challenge is financial constraint. Theres not enough funding or grants to do historical work. Another challenge to note is that most historians are not drawn to press history in Nigeria. They are either publishing on political development or legal matters.

What are some of the notable gaps youve not been able to fill in your work as a journalism historian?

The treatment of journalists by colonialists, especially in Lagos, where anti-colonial newspapers existed. Many went to jail during the colonial days.

Many of their trials on libel cases are extinct. I wanted to look into what took Antony Enahoro to jail six to seven times in his writing and what others wrote that took them to jail. All this Ive not been able to accomplish, and this is a gap that has not been filled till now.

Even after independence, some journalists were jailed for libel, but some of their newspapers are not available. Another one is finding out why the government goes into newspaper publication despite the fact of availability of independent newspapers. That question has not been answered. What was the philosophy of the government-owned newspapers?

Are there any roles for journalists in bridging the knowledge gap in Nigerian journalism?

Journalists should ensure they properly record their field experiences in a book, because a journalist is a historian. A journalist must write at least one book in their lifetime.

The gaps might have been caused by people neglecting their history, and that gap can only be filled by available documents. Most of the things that happened during the colonial regime, you wont find in libraries in Nigeria.

Another thing is that sometimes we need to verify because there might be exaggeration in some of the facts, but when you are left with one choice, it is difficult because you are either to use it as a quotation from them or not to publish at all.
The Kwara State Government has commissioned two new Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen plants at the General Hospital, Lafiagi, and Thomas Adewumi Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran, to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure steady access to medical oxygen across the state.

According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the facilities were donated by the Global Fund and are expected to serve as regional hubs for medical-grade oxygen production, catering primarily to hospitals in the Kwara North and South senatorial districts.

At the commissioning ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, represented by the Assistant Director of Medical Laboratory Services, Toyin Raji, described the project as a significant milestone in Kwara States healthcare journey.

Medical oxygen remains a critical life-saving resource used daily in neonatal care, surgeries, emergency treatments, and respiratory conditions. With these plants, our hospitals will now enjoy a reliable and affordable oxygen supply produced locally. That means more hope and better health outcomes for our patients and families, she said.

Mrs El-Imam expressed appreciation to the Global Fund for supporting the initiative, which she described as a testament to shared commitment to quality healthcare and a reflection of the vision of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to make healthcare accessible and sustainable for all Kwarans.

She also commended the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the technical teams that worked on the installation and testing of the plants.

During the technical inspection and commissioning, the Zonal Coordinator for North Central Oxygen at the Federal Ministry of Health, Onoja Kingsley, emphasised the need for sustainability in managing the new facilities.

The plants should not only produce oxygen but also generate revenue through sales, with proceeds reinvested in operations and maintenance, he advised, while recommending the establishment of a State Oxygen Committee to ensure smooth management beyond the five-year warranty period.

The Chief Medical Director of Lafiagi General Hospital, Saliu Bolakale, praised the state government and the Global Fund for their continuous investment in healthcare infrastructure.

This project marks a major advancement in our states healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates the governments unwavering dedication to the well-being of its people, Bolakale said.

Mr Hamdalat added in the statement that the event was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Global Fund, NACA, and senior officials from the Kwara State Ministry of Health, who all commended the initiative as a landmark achievement in the states health sector transformation.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Governors office as part of activities leading up to the sixth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH 6.0). Themed Social Media and A.I Influence: Transforming Yourself, Services, and the Society,. The Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) team, led by its Convener, Bodex Hungbo, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Lagos State,, at the Governors office as part of activities leading up to the sixth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH 6.0). Themed Social Media and A.I Influence: Transforming Yourself, Services, and the Society,.

This years event continues the platforms mission to promote responsible media use, foster digital literacy, and empower social media users across Nigeria.

During the visit, the BSMH team expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for his administrations continuous support of media innovation and youth focused initiatives in Lagos State. The Convener, Bodex Hungbo, noted that the Governors digital forward policies and open engagement with citizens have set Lagos apart as a model for digital governance and media inclusion in Africa.

Speaking at the meeting, the Governor emphasized that Lagos remains the heartbeat of innovation and creativity, and as a Governor who celebrates homegrown talent making global impact, he will continue to support platforms that amplify voices, shape narratives, and promote responsible digital engagement.

The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of an official invitation to the Governor to attend BSMH 6.0 as a Keynote Speaker during the Grand Finale and the Grand Patron Award Ceremony. In addition, the Governor will be presented with the award for Most Digital Media Friendly Governor of the Year during the grand finale in recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to leveraging technology for public engagement and transparency in governance.

In acknowledgment of his unwavering contributions to digital innovation, inclusivity, and youth empowerment, Governor Sanwo-Olu was officially conferred as the Grand Patron of the Bodex Social Media Hangout Initiative.

The Governor warmly accepted the honour, commended the BSMH team for their efforts in bridging the gap between social media and societal progress, and reaffirmed his administrations commitment to supporting initiatives that promote responsible media use and digital growth across Lagos State.
A three-member team from the Belgian Police investigating the 2024 deaf and mute murder case wrapped up its Mumbai visit this week after interrogating key suspects.

The Belgian officials told Mumbai Mirror that the visit would aid them in framing charges against the main accused, Jagpal Preet Kamal Singh, who is currently in custody in Brussels. Singh allegedly orchestrated the killing of Arshad Shaikh, 32, from abroad, directing his Indian accomplices Jay Chawda, 32, and Shivjeet Singh, 34, via video calls.

The case came to light on August 5, 2024, when Government Railway Police intercepted Chawda and Singh carrying a suitcase containing Shaikhs body near Dadar Railway Station. Investigations revealed that the victim had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer and a broken beer bottle inside a rented flat. Shaikhs wife, Ruksana, was later arrested for aiding the killers.

The 300-page chargesheet filed by Pydhonie police detailed how Singh, operating from Belgium, allegedly manipulated his deaf and mute friends into committing the murder, driven by jealousy and control over their small community.

Since all the accused are hearing- and speech-impaired, the interrogation posed an unusual challenge for the Belgian team.

They were not permitted to directly question the accused, but they observed the entire process, a Mumbai Police official said. We assisted them in translating sign language and ensured their questionnaire was answered accurately.

The Belgian officers expressed gratitude, saying, The Mumbai Police helped us with the sign language. Based on this cooperation, we can now proceed with legal action against Jagpal Preet Singh in Belgium.

Officials said the Belgian team was particularly interested in understanding Singhs role in the murder. They showed us a video in which Jagpal is seen instructing Jay and Shivjeet to attack Shaikh. That clip is their primary evidence, an officer added.

The Mumbai Police have already recorded the statements of Chawda and Singh at Arthur Road Jail and Ruksana at Byculla Prison. All three have reportedly confessed to their roles in the murder. Ruksana admitted she was in a relationship with Chawda and wanted to eliminate her husband so they could live together, an official said.


The Founder and President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called on Nigerians to prioritise locally manufactured products across all sectors, stressing that patronising homegrown goods is essential for the nations economic growth and development.

Mr Dangote made the appeal on Friday when former presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri, led a media delegation on a tour of the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.

I want to encourage all Nigerians to buy only made in Nigeria. When you buy anything made in Nigeria, you are helping to create jobs. And the only way for us to be a stronger nation is to patronise ourselves and be buying made in Nigeria only so that we can encourage, create jobs and prosperity, he said.

His remarks align with the Nigerian governments ongoing advocacy for citizens and institutions to embrace locally produced goods and services.

The federal government has repeatedly urged ministries and public officials to prioritise the use of locally manufactured products, especially automobiles. However, these directives are often ignored even by government officials themselves.

To reinforce this policy, the government recently introduced the Nigeria First initiative, which mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritise Nigerian-made goods, services, and expertise in public procurement. The initiative aims to strengthen the local automotive industry and promote the use of domestically produced vehicles.

Similarly, the National Assembly is considering a bill that would require MDAs to procure only locally manufactured vehicles. Yet, many lawmakers have come under criticism for purchasing imported luxury cars for official use, a practice that could end if the proposed bill becomes law.

The future of Dangote refinery in Nigeria

During the tour, Mr Omokri described the Dangote Refinery as the future of Nigeria.

The Dangote Refinery is not up to date. It is up to tomorrow. It is the future of Nigeria. In the past, shippers complained about bringing goods to Nigeria and leaving with their ships empty. However, in the one year that this refinery has been operational, over 650 vessels have left the Dangote Terminal, with 60 per cent of those maritime exports going to the United States, and the rest going to Brazil, Argentina, and other nations.

Do you now see why I said they are up to tomorrow, rather than up to date? No country on earth can reject Dangote products on the basis of product quality! They go above and beyond your standards, he said.

Youths driving the Dangote refinery

Mr Omokri also highlighted the significant presence of young Nigerians at the refinery, noting that the project is largely youth-driven.

Then the other thing that amazes you when you enter this project site, which covers 2,635 hectares, is the almost startling number of young people you see gainfully employed. Nigerian youths are running the Dangote Refinery. The place is energetic and the energy is kinetic. And there is an ethnic mix. He probably has more Nigerian staff outside his own native North-west geopolitical zone.

At the Central Laboratory, a commendable 60 per cent of the staff are women. You see the brightest hijab-wearing PhD holders, then you turn around and see blue jeans-wearing females with degrees from Europe and America.

The former presidential aide noted that the refinery not only generates its own electricity but also contributes significantly to Nigerias power supply.

Unknown to many, the Dangote Refinery does not just generate its own electricity but is also responsible for producing 10 per cent of all the electricity generated in Nigeria. The refinery itself generates 500 megawatts, while the fertiliser plant produces an additional 150 MW. Unlike many other projects in the oil and gas industry, the Dangote Refinery has excellent relations with its host community.

The Dangote Group built the roads in the community. The children of the community get scholarships in their hundreds. And the free tuition is not a Greek gift, as they are required to work for the Dangote Refinery. They could if they want, but it is not mandatory. Their training is a free gift. I know the term free gift is a tautology, but it is necessary to emphasise that and differentiate it from Greek gifts.
The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned all groups planning protests in Abuja to strictly comply with a court order restricting demonstrations in key parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This came amid calls for protests by activists and members of pro-Biafra groups planning demonstrations on 20 October to demand the release of the detained Separatist leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Mr Kanu is standing trial for treason, and the government accuses him and his group, IPOB, of killing and kidnapping hundreds of people in south-east Nigeria. Mr Kanu, who is advocating for an independent state of Biafra for Igbos, had in the past publicly called on IPOB members to carry out attacks on government facilities and kill people who disagree with him. However, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the government.

Organisers of the protest to demand Mr Kanus release, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, said it would be peaceful, but there are concerns within government circles over possible disruptions to public order in the Nigerian capital.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that a federal court in Abuja on Friday approved the protest but told demonstrators not to go to some government buildings, including the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly complex.

While the police maintained that the courts directive was meant to prevent a breakdown of law and order, critics have expressed concern that the measure could limit citizens freedom of assembly and expression.

The polices stance

The police said they would obey the court order and allow the protest to hold, but warned that anyone found violating the order or attempting to hijack protests for violent purposes would face severe legal consequences.

In a statement issued on Saturday by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the police reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens rights in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The Court Order

On Friday, at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, Justice M.G. Umar gave the order in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025  Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others.

The order restrains Mr Sowore and other respondents, as well as any groups acting under their instruction, from staging protests within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, the police emphasised that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law, especially where national security and public safety are concerned.

The courts intervention serves as a safeguard, not a suppression of constitutional freedoms, the statement said, urging all groups, including those agitating for or against the release of Nnamdi Kanu, to respect the directive pending further judicial proceedings.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and relevant commands to ensure strict enforcement of the order, according to the statement.

Security operatives have been instructed to maintain visible and strategic deployments around sensitive locations to ensure peace, free movement, and protection of lives and property.

The police warned that any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively.

Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws  including laws relating to public order, violent conduct and terrorism where applicable, the police added, noting those who incite others via social media or other platforms should note that digital evidence will be used in investigations and prosecutions.

Tension

The police have assured residents of adequate security arrangements and urged law-abiding Nigerians to go about their normal activities without fear.

But there is tension as local and international observers warned of possible disruptions of law and order.

The US Embassy in Abuja feared that there might be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent.

The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th, it wrote in a security alert. The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff that travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well.

Similarly, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) warned Nigerian youths to stay out of trouble and not to participate in the protest.
Gender experts, educators, and policymakers have urged the National Assembly to pass the bill that seeks to reserve some seats for women in the National Assembly.

In a video posted on YouTube on Thursday by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), experts from diverse fields discussed the barriers to implementing the bill and its potential to shape the future of womens political representation in Nigeria.

Titled, A bill for an act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for seat reservation for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly; and for related matters, the proposed legislation is one of the most ambitious attempts yet to correct the imbalance in womens political representation.

In Africas most populous country, women make up less than five per cent of the countrys lawmakers. Currently, in the 10th National Assembly, female lawmakers occupy only four of the 109 Senate seats (2.7 per cent) and 16 of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives (4.4 per cent), bringing the total female representation in the 469-member Assembly to just 4.2 per cent. At the state levels, only 54 women serve across 990 seats in State Houses of Assembly, and 15 states have no female legislators.

Awareness

In his opening remarks, Clement Nwankwo, the executive director of PLAC, said a lot of people, including members of the parliament, are not fully aware of the intricacies of the proposed legislation.

Mr Nwankwo noted that PLAC, alongside other organisations, is working on the bill to create big awareness and get it passed.

He said he spoke to a senator who was strongly opposed to the bill, and at the end of the conversation, the latter had commented, This is not a bill anyone should object to. This is a bill we should ask ourselves what the modalities will be.

Why Nigeria needs the bill

Drude Dahlerup, an international expert on electoral quotas, spoke on how to make special seats work and why the special temporary measure is needed in Nigeria.

Ms Dahlerup said the measure is a way to jump over the historical barriers that prevent a woman from being included in political decision-making.

The political science professor asked why Nigerian women are underrepresented, adding that the question seems easy, but it is a complex one.

She mentioned that violence against women, patriarchal culture, prejudice against women, hate speech, and other issues are the challenges fueling the underrepresentation of women at the political table.

She underscored the importance of focusing on political parties, as they serve as the gatekeepers controlling nominations.

The professor acknowledged that there are structural barriers in society that are prejudiced against women, but unfortunately, political parties share those prejudices.

Men predominantly recruit other men. We call it the old boys network.

She praised the Labour Party for its significant role, noting its initiative of offering free nomination tickets to women in previous elections.

Election expenses

Election expenses pose a significant barrier, effectively excluding women, young people, and persons with disabilities from seeking and competing for elective offices. This has been a critical and ongoing concern in electoral processes. Nigerian political parties have developed a pattern of demanding exorbitant fees for their nomination and expression of interest forms.

Critics argue that the charges are out of touch with the current realities in the country, particularly given the widespread poverty and high cost of living in Nigeria.

For instance, in the 2023 general elections, major political parties pegged their expression of interest and nomination forms at a high rate, despite the countrys minimum wage being N30,000 at the time. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) fixed the cost of nomination forms for the presidential seats at N100 million, governorship at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State Assembly at N2 million.

The leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pegged N40 million as the cost for presidential nomination forms, N21 million for governorship, N3.5 million for Senate, N2.5 million for House of Representatives, and N1.5 million for State House of Assembly.

While the two main political parties offered concessions, including exemptions from nomination fees for women and a 50 per cent discount for young aspirants, all aspirants were still required to pay additional administrative and state secretariat fees before their nomination forms could be processed. Unfortunately, these pre-primary expenses represent a small fraction of the cost of politics.

Ms Dahlerup noted that her conclusion in a report from the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2021 shows that political parties do not nominate women; they nominate very few women.

She said countries that rank high have a temporary special measure that improves womens representation, adding that the bill will no doubt be effective.

She noted that more countries now employ some form of gender quota, with constitutionally reserved seats proving to be a particularly effective model in patriarchal societies.

Speaking specifically about how to make special seats work for women, Ms Dahlerup said it is important to give women an independent voice.

If you dont give women special seats, it might increase the power of the biggest party, which will most likely win the majority of the new seats, she said.

They will probably conquer most of the seats.

She cited that in Morocco, it was the biggest party that got most of the seats at the beginning.

The risk, she said, is that the political party stopped nominating women for unreserved constituency seats.

She noted that the womens movement must emphasise that the additional seats set aside for women do not mean women will not contest unreserved constituency seats, especially in a temporary system.

On her part, Joy Ezeilo, a law professor, noted that she has been working closely with the parliament since 2012, and it has been a herculean task trying to achieve constitutional inclusion that aligns with the international treaties Nigeria is obligated to implement.

Nigeria is seriously lagging within the African continent, Ms Ezeilo, a consultant to the National Assembly on constitutional review, said.

She noted that effective legislative and social advocacy have brought the bill this far.

Earlier in her goodwill remarks, Kareen Jabre, a director of the division of programmes at the IPU, who gave a goodwill message, said as far back as 1975, the IPU began documenting the participation of women in national parliament as a means to raise awareness, recognising that true democracy is only possible if both men and women work together.

Ms Jabre said that quotas and reserved seats are key to reversing the historical underrepresentation of women in countries.

She insisted that they must be seen as part of a broader strategy to empower women in political life.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos.

The final batch of 51 convicts  50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian  departed Nigeria on Friday, bringing the repatriation exercise to a successful close.

The deportation followed convictions by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences related to cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

The convicts were arrested alongside their Nigerian accomplices during a major EFCC sting operation on 10 December 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. In total, 759 suspects were apprehended during the operation.

The deported foreigners, nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste, were confirmed to have been part of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the guise of Genting International Co. Limited.

EFCC revealed that they engaged in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes, including training recruits and managing fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both within Nigeria and abroad.

The deportation exercise has been covered extensively by this newspaper. Earlier, NIS reportedly deported 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals for cyber fraud and Ponzi schemes.

Also, the deportation of 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipinos, convicted in crypto romance scams.

The Nigeria Immigration Service carried out the deportations in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures, marking a significant milestone in the governments efforts to clamp down on cybercrime.

More photos
The police in Imo State have arrested and detained three officers filmed openly engaging in alleged cult activities.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The viral video clip

In a video clip seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the officers were seen chanting and gesticulating in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The now-viral clip also showed the officers shooting in the air and interacting with individuals suspected to be members of Vikings, a notorious cult group.

These officers were also putting on clothes associated with the cult group.

The clip was uploaded on Friday on the X handle of Naija Confra, a group campaigning against cultism in Nigeria.

These are police officers in Owerri, Imo State, openly disgracing the Nigeria Police Force by engaging in cult activities. They are boldly wearing Vikings (DNKI) berets and caps  an evil cult group responsible for countless deaths across Nigeria and beyond, Naija Confra wrote on the clip.

The group questioned how the officers could arrest cultists when they are members as well.

This is why Naija Confra has always opposed cultism within security agencies, it said.

It is also why we reject cult-sponsored charity donations to the security agencies  because those institutions are our last hope for safety.

Arrest, detention

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said in a statement on Friday night that the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered investigation into the viral video showing a group of police officers in an unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.

The police spokesperson, in another statement on Saturday, announced that the officers have now been identified and arrested over the incident.

The officers have been arrested and are presently in detention while the (Police) Command has commenced a thorough investigation into their alleged involvement in cultism and other related activities.

Consequently, an orderly room trial has been scheduled to commence on Monday, Mr Okoye said.

The outcome of the orderly room trial will be communicated to the public in due course, as the (Police) Command remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the discharge of its duties.

He identified the officers as Obinna Peter, an inspector, Augustine Amaechi and Victor Ejikeme  both corporals.

The spokesperson said the police authorities in Imo have condemned the conduct of the officers which they noted was highly unprofessional and does not reflect the discipline, ethics, and values of the Nigeria Police Force.

Theyre not alone; reform urgently needed

Naija Confra, in its reaction via an X post on Saturday, acknowledged the response of police authorities in Imo State, but noted there are many other officers involved in cultism.

This is just one example among many, the group said.

It called for urgent reform to sanitise Nigerias security institutions to stop cultism among security agencies in the country.

A true reform is urgently needed in the police force and all security institutions across the country, where some personnel openly promote and practice cultism.

There must be strict reforms in all security agencies, with harsh and decisive consequences for any personnel involved in cultism, it stated.

If you want to practice cultism, leave the security service  choose between your cult group or your job.

Prohibited in Nigeria

Cultism, also known as secret societies, is outlawed in Nigeria.

The laws vary state by state. Imo is among states yet to make its own anti-cultism law.

However, the south-eastern state relies on federal laws that criminalise cultism to prosecute offenders.

Section 62 of the Criminal Code Act, for instance, outlawed participation in or membership of any cult group in Nigeria.

The section prescribes up to three years imprisonment for offenders upon conviction.

Meanwhile, cultism, mixed with the deadly activities of separatist groups in Imo, has complicated the security challenges in the South-eastern state.
The Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Kayode Oladele, said recent federal appointments under President Bola Tinubu show a numerical tilt in favour of the north more than the south.

Mr Oladele said the Tinubu administration strives to uphold fairness, inclusion, and national balance.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Oladele said available data reflect deliberate efforts to ensure equitable representation across Nigerias six geopolitical zones.

He spoke at the opening of a one-day workshop on Strengthening Leadership and Management Excellence in the Federal Character Commission in Line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Cabinet positions

PREMIUM TIMES analysis of the figures shows that cabinet appointments under President Bola Tinubu are led by the North-west and South-west, each with 11 ministers, representing 22.9 per cent of the cabinet.

The North-central follows with eight ministers (16.6 per cent), while the North-east accounts for seven (14.5 per cent).

The South-south has six ministers (12.5 per cent), and the South-east trails with five (10.4 per cent), bringing the total number of cabinet members to 48.

Federal CEOs, DGs and ES

Beyond the cabinet, data from the Federal Character Commission indicate that the North-west also holds the largest share of federal leadership positions, with 157 appointments (22.1 per cent).

The North-central follows with 139 positions (19.5 per cent), and the South-West with 132 (18.5 per cent).

The North-east accounts for 105 positions (14.7 per cent), while the South-South and South-East have 91 (12.8 per cent) and 88 (12.4 per cent) respectively.

Overall, the northern region accounts for 401 positions, representing 56.3 per cent of the total, while the southern region holds 311 positions, or 43.7 per cent.

Permanent Secretaries

In the distribution of Permanent Secretaries, the North-central leads with 19.5 per cent, while the North-east, North-west, and South-south each account for 17.1 per cent. The South-east and South-west follow with 14.6 per cent apiece.

These figures provide clear evidence of deliberate inclusion and underscore the Presidents commitment to national balance and faithful implementation of the Federal Character principle, Mr Oladele said.

The data presented by Mr Oladele does not include the appointments of special advisers, senior special assistants, and other presidential aides made by Mr Tinubu. It also excludes the service chiefs and the heads of law enforcement and security agencies.

While the data show that the North leads the South in overall appointments, the South-east remains the most underrepresented region across all categories.

The FCC, established under Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution and its enabling Act, remains the primary institution mandated to promote and enforce equitable distribution of positions and socio-economic benefits among the countrys federating units.

According to Mr Oladele, equity is the foundation of hope, and citizens trust in government depends on visible fairness in appointments, contracts, and opportunities.

The FCC must embody the very principles it was created to uphold: leadership, fairness, efficiency, and professionalism, he told staff of the FCC, including directors, commissioners, and staff of the Commission.

Institutional reforms underway

Mr Oladele outlined a series of reform initiatives he had introduced since he assumed office to strengthen institutional efficiency and accountability.

One of these is the reinstatement of the Committee System, which assigns oversight of specific Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to Commissioners for closer monitoring and participatory decision-making.

He also cited enhanced stakeholder engagement with key institutions, including the National Assembly, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Police Service Commission, NSIA, DSS, ICPC, NYSC, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to harmonise recruitment processes and deepen transparency.

Regarding staff welfare, the Commission has implemented payment of arrears to retired directors and improved allowances for corps members and staff while embarking on the digital modernisation of its data systems.

A key project, he announced, is the planned Integrated Federal Character Compliance Database (IFCCD), which will enable real-time tracking of compliance levels across all MDAs.

The goal is to make our monitoring and enforcement evidence-based, transparent, and efficient, he said in the statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

Leadership, ethics and capacity building

The workshop, Mr Oladele said, forms part of a broader human resource development plan aimed at building ethical, competent, and innovative leadership across the Commissions zonal and state offices.

He urged participants to embrace excellence as the new standard, emphasising values such as fairness, accountability, teamwork, and innovation.

Leadership is not about authority; it is about service, empathy, and responsibility, he said. Every officer of the Commission is a custodian of national trust.

Looking ahead, the FCC plans to measure the real impact of its interventions through periodic Federal Character Impact Reports, which will assess compliance across sectors, highlight best practices, and identify gaps.

Mr Oladele said this will help expand public awareness about the Federal Character Principle and stimulate dialogue on fairness, merit, and inclusivity in governance.

Concluding his remarks, the FCC chairman called on all senior managers to align their leadership ethos with the Renewed Hope philosophy by leading with integrity and managing with excellence.

Our success will not be measured by the number of circulars we issue, but by the trust we rebuild among citizens and the harmony we nurture across the federation, he said.

Mr Oladele reaffirmed that the Commission will continue to collaborate with government agencies, universities, and civil society partners to institutionalise fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in public appointments.

Let us commit ourselves anew to lead with integrity, manage with excellence, and serve with fairness. This is the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The police have arrested a journalist in Kano following a petition by an official of the state government who is facing a corruption charge in court

The journalist, Abubakar Ishaq, was arrested on Saturday over a programme aired on 1 September on an online platform, Danuwa Rano TV.

In the programme, Mr Ishaq had commented on the corruption case against Abdullahi Rogo, the director of protocols at the Government House, Kano.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Rogo was being tried by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged diversion and laundering of N6.5 billion belonging to the state government.

The anti-graft agencies alleged that Mr Rogo diverted the funds into personal accounts, fictitious companies and bureaux de change under a criminal scheme at the highest level of the state government.

The ICPC said it had recovered N1.3 billion of the allegedly stolen money, including funds allegedly laundered through corporate fronts and Mr Rogos private accounts.

On 2 July, the Federal High Court in Kano issued a final forfeiture order, granting the federal government control of a portion of the suspected loot traced to the governors aide.

The case broke in April when the ICPC approached the court by an ex parte motion, seeking forfeiture of N142 million reasonably suspected to have been acquired illegally.

On 7 May, the judge granted interim forfeiture of the funds and directed that a notice be published in a national newspaper, inviting anyone interested to show cause within a month why the money should not be permanently forfeited.

No claimant emerged. By 2 July, the court ordered a final forfeiture of the N142 million, ruling that it represented proceeds of corruption connected to Mr Rogo.

However, investigators insist that the forfeited sum is only a fraction of the illicit transactions traced to the top Kano government official.

ICPC documents allege that Mr Rogo employed front companies to siphon funds, specifically naming H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited.

According to the investigators, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum and Ammas Oil and Gas diverted N1.17 billion from the state treasury, which was laundered via bureau de change operators, converted into U.S. dollars, and allegedly handed to Mr Rogo in cash.

Speaking on his programme, Mr Ishaq said allegations of corruption by protocol officers are not new, adding that the officers always demanded bribes from contractors and people who wanted to see the governor.

He said some governors may be unaware of the development, but others may be due to their involvement in fraudulent activities.

Mr Ishaq was arrested by officers from Kano Zone 1 Police Division following a petition in which Mr Rogo accused him of defamation.

Yakubu Musa-Fagge, a colleague of Mr Ishaq, said the journalist was being held at the police zonal headquarters in the state and is awaiting arraignment on Monday.

The police spokesperson in Zone 1, Bashir Muhammad, confirmed the arrest to PREMIUM TIMES. He said the police would make a public statement over the incident soon.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigerias immediate past Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to lead its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Cote dIvoire ahead of the countrys presidential election scheduled for 25 October.

According to a statement on Sunday by ECOWAS, the mission will be deployed from 19 to 29 October, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which mandates the regional body to support member states in ensuring transparent and credible elections.

The subregional body said Mr Osinbajo will lead a team of eminent West African figures tasked with engaging key national stakeholders, including political actors, civil society groups, and the media, to promote a peaceful, inclusive, and credible electoral process.

The mission, it said, will also collaborate closely with other international and domestic observer groups to ensure a coordinated approach to monitoring the elections.

It will assess the electoral environment, pre-election preparations, and the conduct of the polls in line with regional and international standards for democratic elections.

ECOWAS said the deployment of the observation team underscores its continued commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across West Africa, particularly at a time when parts of the region face democratic backsliding and political instability.

The subregional bloc, which has played a critical role in conflict prevention and democratic consolidation in countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria, noted that election observation remains one of its core strategies for sustaining good governance and preventing electoral violence.

ECOWAS and electoral missions

ECOWAS has a long tradition of deploying observer missions to member states during elections as part of its preventive diplomacy and good governance agenda.

These missions typically consist of political figures, electoral experts, and representatives of civil society who assess electoral processes and issue recommendations to strengthen democracy in the region.
The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has renewed his administrations unwavering commitment to transforming the states power and energy landscape through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Alongside his counterparts from Kano and Jigawa states as well as the leadership of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) and Future Energies Africa, Governor Radda successfully participated in a two-day high-level strategic summit on renewable and clean energy held in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco.

Energy transition to a lower-carbon and more environment-friendly future represents a huge economic and social opportunity that Katsina and its sister states of Kano and Jigawa are striving to leverage using every available forum.

Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, were also in attendance. The Katsina delegation also included Abubakar Abdullahi Matazu, General Manager of the Rural Electrification Board (REB), and Engr. Abdulaziz Kabir Abdullahi, representing the Department of Power and Energy.

The meeting focused on developing a coordinated framework for expanding electricity access to unserved and underserved communities, enhancing grid stability, and improving energy security across the three states. Discussions also centered on the establishment of a Joint Regulatory Commission, designed to harmonize regional energy policies and strengthen public-private partnerships for sustainable electricity delivery.

Governor Radda reiterated Katsina States commitment to leveraging its vast renewable energy potentialparticularly in solar and wind resourcesto support both domestic and industrial demand. He emphasised that energy remains the bedrock of economic development and expressed the states readiness to work with credible partners to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable power for all citizens.

Our administration is determined to bridge the energy access gap and ensure that every sectorfrom education and healthcare to agriculture and industrybenefits from stable and clean electricity, Governor Radda stated. This partnership with KEDCO and Future Energies Africa aligns with our blueprint for sustainable growth and reflects our shared vision for regional energy integration, he added.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolution among the three governors to pursue coordinated investments in power infrastructure, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and attract credible investors through transparent and investor-friendly policies.

The engagement in Marrakech marks another bold step in the Radda administrations drive to position Katsina State as a model for subnational energy leadership in Northern Nigeria and a key player in the nations energy transition and economic diversification agenda.

The Morocco energy conference focused on energy transition as countries in the Middle East and North Africa and Sub Sahara region boost renewable capacity with new projects.

Katsina State was represented by a high-level delegation led by Governor Radda. The state under Mr Radda is seriously developing new renewable energy projects, with a focus on solar energy.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State on Saturday received a major boost as several serving and former lawmakers defected to the ruling party.

Governor Uba Sani, who received the defectors at a rally held at the Murtala Mohammed Square, described the development as a strong vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda.

This is more than a political shift; its a reaffirmation of our shared vision for a stronger, united Nigeria, the governor said.

Among those who joined the APC are House of Representatives members Amos Magaji (Jaba/Zango Kataf), Donatus Matthew (Kaura), Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabon Gari), Aliyu Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau), Abdulkarim Kero (Kaduna South), and Hussaini Jalo (Igabi).

Others include Kaduna State House of Assembly members Shehu Nulge (Magajin Gari), Stingo Danlami (Kajuru), Ali Kalat (Jemaa), Henry Mahra (Jaba), Kantiok Emmanuel (Zonkwa), and Kambai Samuel (Zango Kataf).

The governor assured the new members of full inclusion within the party structure.

In the APC, every member counts. Together, well keep advancing the interests of our people, he said.

The event was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas; and other top party officials.

Mr Sani also recalled that former Governor Ramalan Yero and three former senators, Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah, and Suleiman Hunkuyi, had earlier joined the APC, describing the trend as evidence of the partys growing influence in the state.

Together, well continue to build a peaceful, inclusive, and progressive Kaduna State, he added.

What people are saying

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES after the event, Hadiza Sambo, who attended the rally, described the defections as a sign that Kaduna is moving in one direction for development.

When leaders unite under one vision, it becomes easier to deliver real progress to the people, she said.

Mustapha Umar, a youth leader from Igabi Local Government Area, said the new entrants will add strength and experience to the ruling party.

These are respected representatives. Their decision to join APC means the people they represent also believe in the direction Kaduna is heading.

Also, Sabitu Mohammed, a former councillor from Kaduna South, applauded the governors leadership style, saying it is drawing both old and new politicians together for a common cause.

However, Kabiru Aliyu, a political analyst, cautioned against the danger of one-party dominance.

While this is a victory for the APC, democracy thrives on strong opposition. Without it, accountability could weaken, he warned.
Clay dust hangs in the air like a pale mist in the lanes of Kumbharwada. In its narrow alleys, where trays of freshly moulded diyas, thalis and pots turn the ground into an obstacle course, chil dren weave with parkour-like ease  springing off sacks of clay, ducking under drying racks, slipping through spaces theyve known since birth. At the end of one such lane stands the Galwani home-cum-studio, a rough, multi-storeyed structure patched together over decades. Inside, 46-year-old Abbas Zakaria Galwani trims the rim of a freshly thrown urn.

An outlier in this neighbourhood, his sleek contemporary ceramic ware  platters, bowls, sculptural vessels  is commissioned by Mumbais top restau rants and industrialist families. Upstairs, his brother Hanif has built custom gas kilns, installing similar sys tems for other potters. Its a rare story of reinvention from within: the Galwanis are third-generation potters, their familys history in the craft stretching back to 1921, when their grandfather first sat at a wheel at the age of six. Outside the window of their 1800 sqft workshop, the neighbourhood moves to an older rhythm: the creak of hand wheels spun by men, the patter of women carrying damp lamps to the sun, painting and filling them with wax, then packaging them for sale. The diya still travels as it always has  from wheel to hand to street. Our business depends on being in the centre of Mumbai, Abbas says. If we are moved 30 or 40 kilometres away, customers wont come. Transportation costs will increase. People buy two or three pieces, not truckloads. If the location changes, our culture and livelihood will be lost. For over 150 years, this pocket of Dharavi has been home to potters, painters, packers and kiln-workers  migrant families from Saurashtra, Kutch and southern Gujarat. But Kumbharwada now stands at a crossroads. Its potters are squeezed by cheap Chinese imports, plastic and electric diyas, and the uncertainty of a state-led plan to transform Dharavi into a world-class township. Just as crucially, many of their children have already left  into accounting, IT, design  swapping clay for cubicles. As towers rise around them, the question is no longer whether Kumbharwada will change, but what will remain when it does, and what happens to a living craft when both the market and its makers begin to move on?

A village with a long memory

Often labelled a slum, this is no temporary settlement. Families trace their presence to the 1880s, with British-era lease documents still cited as proof. Weve always paid property tax and water bills  and in the past, VLT too, says Adham Kasam Jala, 50, referring to Vacant Land Tenancy, a nominal ground rent, which was paid under the British-era system. This is a village. How can this fall under a slum scheme? asks Jala, who runs a design and printing agency out of an air conditioned space on the first floor, while keeping one eye on his work and the other on the CCTV feed. There are around 90 heads of our community, he says. If the government wants to present us with plans, it must do so before all of us  not individually. Seated beside him, 52-year-old Anwar Min adds, I grew up here, my father did before me. We know every neighbour. When Covid struck, people thought Dharavi would collapse, but we organised ourselves. South Mumbai saw more fatalities than us. Today, roughly 3,000 households make up Kumbharwada. Fewer than 100 rely solely on pottery; around 60 combine it with tailoring or carpentry. Kutch Muslim and Karwars seafaring families share space with potters, creating something part neighbourhood, part workshop, part living museum. If they push us out, Jala says, this industry will die and our community will fade. In truth, its already shrinking. Cheap imports and plastic substitutes have gutted demand for diyas. Potters we spoke to estimated orders have fallen 8090 percent in a decade. Many now depend on custom ceramics and Instagram sales, even as the world built around the wheel shifts beneath their feet.

A new plan meets an old way of life

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, one of Indias largest urban renewal efforts, covers approximately 259 hectares in central Mumbai. Its implementation is being carried out through Navbharat Mega Developers, a special purpose vehicle in which the Adani Group holds 80% and the Maharashtra government 20%. The plan allocates roughly 100 million sq ft for rehabilitation of residents and around 140 million sq ft for saleable/open-market development. In April, the National Slum Development Programme Limited (NMDPL) announced that 94,500 tenants had been issued unique identification numbers, and 70,000 homes had been surveyed. An official involved with the project, speaking anonymously, said the goal is to create a neighbourhood where every resident is within walking distance of schools, healthcare and open spaces. For many in Dharavis crowded tenements, the promise of formal housing and sanitation sounds like long awaited relief. For others, it threatens a way of life. The flats on offer are around 320 square feet. Pottery isnt like tailoring, says 47-year-old Dilip Harji Tak, adjusting a wheel before heading to teach a pottery class. I need at least 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and open space. You cant set up a bhatti (kiln) on the 12th floor in a high-rise. A chorus of unease This is not a community that speaks with one voice. Some, like 75-year-old Ranchod Narayan Chauhan, have spent decades resisting redevelopment. Weve been talking since 2001, he says. They still havent told us what they plan to do. Well go to the Supreme Court if we have to. Sitting on a faded plastic chair outside his shop, Ranchod gestures to the busy road where cars stream past. This, too, was my land, he says. He seems oblivious to a mound of garbage that rises mere feet from the entrance of his store. In the 1980s, when Rajiv Gandhi announced Rs 100 crore for Dharavis redevelopment, we thought change was coming. One building went up, then everything stalled. Now they say well get 300 square feet when our workshops are 3,000. How can we survive like that? Others take a more tempered view. Were not against redevelopment, says 34-year-old Uday Buhecha. But we must be part of the conversation. This is our home. We cant just be shifted like freight. Ranchod Tank, a wiry potter in his fifties, is sharper: They just want our land. They call us slum dwellers. But we have papers. Weve been here longer than the buildings around us. Though often cast as community versus developer, this project is different. The state has held onto a 20 percent stake alongside the Adani Group, insiders say, in a bid to build trust and give residents a stronger voice. Whether that promise translates into real power remains unclear, but it has kindled some hope.

Not everyone wants to fight

Change, some believe, is a chance at dignity. Dinesh and Bhanu Chitrora, both in their forties, run a diya kiosk at the doorstep their 200-sqft home, which they share with their grown children and daughter-in-law. We want to live in a building, the woman says. Not like this, with everyone on top of each other. Proper housing would make life better. Gordhanbhai Chouhan, 55, shares that hope. Whether or not I live to see this project completed, I want to be remembered for helping make it happen, he says. He recalls an early proposal to use 20 acres of the old Mother Dairy land in Kurla for a hybrid model  there were to set up housing on 16 acres and a modern pottery workspace on the remaining land. That plan would have kept us together, he says. But the community rejected it, and no replacement followed. Sugra Ramjutak, 42, whose children study nearby, also wants change. Weve spent our lives working with our hands, she says. But our children should build their future with education. Change is hard, but staying the same is harder.

The plan in practice

Behind closed doors, officials describe the builders role as limited. Adani is only the implementing developer, says a senior figure involved with the project. He will just execute the state governments plan. If potters want more space, they can approach the Chief Minister. If the plan changes, hell have to implement it. They stress the DRP isnt meant to exclude anyone. Its a holistic redevelopment programme  wider roads, schools, hospitals, public toilets, pedestrian-friendly spaces. The land belongs to the state. Housing and relocation decisions will rest with the government. A long-time volunteer in the area points to whats left out of Kumbharwadas romantic image: that the kilns emit toxic fumes, and fire trucks cant navigate the narrow lanes. They say the fumes arent harmful, she says, but people die every year from smoke inhalation.

A culture thats already under pressure

Even if redevelopment disappeared tomorrow, Kumbharwadas way of life would still be under strain. Pottery demands space. Costs are rising. Gas is expensive. Chinese imports are cheaper. Younger generations are leaving for office jobs. Todays youth dont want to carry mud on their heads, Sugra says. The larger question is whether this craft can withstand the combined weight of economic, cultural and political change. Will it adapt to modern infrastructure, or fade into a nostalgic footnote? Three forces will decide Kumbharwadas future: location and continuity, infrastructure and incentives, and the communitys right to shape its next chapter. If potters are relocated too far, the ecosystem collapses. Without kilns and drying yards, the craft dies. And without a voice in decisions, trust wont return. Mumbai is changing. But as towers take over the landscape, the city must ask: can this lamp-lit neighbourhood survive the city it helps light up? With inputs from Roshni Varma


SHANGHAI, Oct. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare and highly aggressive plasma cell malignancy, often associated with complex genetic abnormalities. There is currently no standard treatment regimens, and conventional therapies for multiple myeloma are typically used. While targeted agents and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can slightly extend the overall survival of pPCL patients to 1.53 years, relapsed/refractory pPCL after multiple lines of therapy presents a significant clinical challenge due to the extremely limited treatment options and rapid disease progression, making it difficult to re-induce remission with existing therapies.

CT0596 is an allogeneic BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy developed using CARsgen's proprietary THANK-u Plus platform. It is currently being evaluated in investigator-initiated trials for plasma cell malignancy. As of the data cutoff date (Oct 17, 2025), two patients with relapsed/refractory pPCL had been enrolled. Details are as follows:

pPCL-01:

A 62-year-old male with IgG- type experienced poor disease control and rapid progression despite previous autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and treatment with triple classes of drugs (proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory agent, and CD38 monoclonal antibody). By the screening period, his serum free light chain level had reached 10,374.86 mg/L. The patient underwent two CAR-T cell infusions approximately two months apart: he first received low-dose lymphodepletion and a relatively lower dose of CAR-T cells per protocol, then followed one cycle of bridge therapy. About one month after the failure of bridge therapy, he received a second CAR-T cell infusion. Following this infusion, he developed Grade 2 CRS, Grade 4 cytopenia, and a lung infection, but recovered after supportive treatment including tocilizumab, corticosteroids, autologous stem cell infusion, and anti-infective therapy. CAR-T cells expanded robustly, with a peak copy number (Cmax) of 161,971 copies/g gDNA, and copy numbers remained at 10 by Week 8. Efficacy assessments at both Week 4 and Week 8 post-infusion showed stringent complete response (sCR), and bone marrow minimal residual disease (MRD) was negative (< 10) at Week 4.

pPCL-02:

A 70-year-old male with  light chain had previously been treated with triple classes of drugs (proteasome inhibitor, immunomodulatory agent, and CD38 monoclonal antibody). The patient developed Grade 1 CRS, Grade 4 neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia following lymphodepletion and CAR-T cell infusion. The CRS and cytopenias were resolved after treatment with tocilizumab and other supportive measures. CAR-T cells expanded robustly, with a Cmax of 151,654 copies/g gDNA. The patient achieved sCR at the Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12 assessments post-infusion, with bone marrow MRD negative (< 10) at both Week 4 and Week 12.

Based on the current findings, CT0596 has exhibited robust and rapid efficacy in heavily pretreated patients with rapidly progressive relapsed/refractory pPCL. Both pPCL patients achieved sCR following CT0596 infusion, with peak CAR-T cell copy numbers exceeding 10 copies/g gDNA. Aside from expected CAR-T-associated toxicities such as CRS and hematologic adverse events, no significant organ toxicities were observed, indicating a manageable safety profile. These results lend strong support to the continued investigation of CT0596 across a broader spectrum of plasma cell neoplasms.

About CT0596

CT0596 is an allogeneic BCMA-targeted CAR-T therapy developed using CARsgen's proprietary THANK-u Plus platform. It is currently being evaluated in investigator-initiated trials for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) or plasma cell leukemia (PCL). CT0596 demonstrated preliminary favorable tolerability and encouraging efficacy signals. Further investigation is planned in additional plasma cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases mediated by autoreactive plasma cells. The company anticipates submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in the second half of 2025.

About CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited

CARsgen is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies to address the unmet clinical needs including but not limited to hematologic malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. CARsgen has established end-to-end capabilities for CAR T-cell research and development covering target discovery, preclinical research, product clinical development, and commercial-scale production. CARsgen has developed novel in-house technologies and a product pipeline with global rights to address challenges faced by existing CAR T-cell therapies. Efforts include improving safety profile, enhancing the efficacy in treating solid tumors, and reducing treatment costs, etc. CARsgen's mission is to be a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative and differentiated cell therapies for patients worldwide and makes cancer and other diseases curable.

Forward-looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical fact or that do not relate to present facts or current conditions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements express the Group's current views, projections, beliefs and expectations with respect to future events as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and factors beyond the Group's control. As a result, they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those detailed under the heading "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" in our most recent annual report and interim report and other announcements and reports made available on our corporate website, https://www.carsgen.com. No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, targets, estimates or forecasts contained in this press release.

SOURCE CARsgen Therapeutics
Findings published in Nature Biomedical Engineering and presented at ESMO 2025 validate iOncologi's Universal Immune Fortifying RNAs (UNIFYRs) as a new class of RNA therapeutics poised to transform cancer treatment.

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iOncologi, Inc., a biotechnology company developing next-generation RNA-based cancer immunotherapies, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a U.S. patent for a novel method using RNA-based formulations to enhance tumor responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.

The patent, owned by the University of Florida Research Foundation (UFRF) and exclusively licensed to iOncologi, further consolidates the intellectual-property portfolio supporting the company's UNIFYRs (UNiversal Immune FortifYing RNAs) platform  an innovative approach that leverages RNA-driven immune reprogramming to restore and amplify checkpoint inhibitor efficacy across multiple solid-tumor types.

"This patent grant highlights the pioneering RNA therapeutics emerging from the University of Florida that have the potential to fundamentally reshape solid tumor treatment," said Dr. Duane Mitchell, co-inventor and co-founder of iOncologi. "By demonstrating that a single RNA backbone can restore responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors across multiple tumor types, we are charting a course toward a universal strategy to overcome immune resistance in cancer and unlock responses in patients who currently do not benefit from immunotherapy."

Scientific Validation in Nature Biomedical Engineering

The newly granted patent builds on discoveries published earlier this year in Nature Biomedical Engineering (Qdaisat, S., et al. Sensitization of tumours to immunotherapy by boosting early type-I interferon responses enables epitope spreading. Nat. Biomed. Eng 9, 14371452 [2025]).

The study, led by researchers at the University of Florida, revealed how nontumor-antigen-specific mRNA formulations can amplify early type-I interferon responses and trigger epitope spreading  a mechanism that reprograms the tumor microenvironment and restores sensitivity to ICIs.

"The findings reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering offer detailed mechanistic insight that underpins the claims in this newly granted patent," said Dr. Elias Sayour, Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics at the University of Florida, co-inventor, and senior author of the study. "By demonstrating that non-antigen-encoding, systemically delivered mRNA-lipid formulations can re-educate both innate and adaptive immunity, we're establishing the biological basis that underlies iOncologi's UNIFYRs platform."

(Statements regarding University of Florida research are factual and provided for illustrative and contextual purposes only.)

Clinical Data Presented at ESMO 2025

Supporting this mechanistic foundation, new translational data were presented by Dr. Adam Grippin of MD Anderson Cancer Center on Sunday, October 19, 2025 (LBA54) during the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress in Berlin.

The presentation, titled "SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade," reported that mRNA-based immune activation, achieved through SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, correlated with significantly improved overall survival among checkpoint-treated melanoma and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients  findings that closely reflect the mechanistic principles first described in Nature Biomedical Engineering and have been independently reported in mainstream media, including NBC News, for their potential to enhance immunotherapy response in cancer patients.

(Statements referencing presentations by MD Anderson Cancer Center investigators are factual and provided for illustrative and contextual purposes only.)

"These findings represent a turning point for patients facing immunotherapy resistance," said Edgardo Rodriguez-Lebron, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of iOncologi, Inc. "The implications extend well beyond patient outcomes  RNA-based immune activation could revitalize immune checkpoint inhibitor franchises that have struggled to show benefit in solid tumors. With this foundation in place, iOncologi aims to work with strategic partners to accelerate the path to patients."

Advancing the UNIFYRs Platform

With this newly granted patent, iOncologi further strengthens its leadership in RNA-based immune reprogramming. The UNIFYRs platform is designed to fortify and broaden ICI efficacy across multiple tumor types, representing a new therapeutic modality positioned at the intersection of oncology, RNA technology, and systems immunology.

About iOncologi, Inc.

iOncologi is a biotechnology company advancing next-generation RNA-based immunotherapies to reprogram the immune system and overcome resistance in solid tumors. The company's UNIFYRs platform leverages multilamellar RNA-lipid particles designed to fortify and broaden immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. iOncologi is headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, with a wholly owned subsidiary in Basel, Switzerland.

For more information, visit www.ioncologi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding iOncologi's research, development, and business prospects. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. iOncologi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE iOncologi, Inc.
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The harsh rays of the October afternoon sun escape Tao Art Gallery in Worli. Inside, the light is warm; framed artworkssome in muted colours, others bright, even loudpopulate the dark grey walls. Sculptures of animals and human figurines occupy the corners. Founder-director Kalpana Shah is busy instructing her staff when I walk in. We exchange greetings before I wander over to a painting of Jesus Christ lying supine, his head resting on Mother Marys lap and surrounded by his disciples. Isnt it beautiful? asks her daughter, 30-year-old Sanjana Shah, the creative force of the gallery, who joins me a few minutes later. She goes on to speak a little more about the 2015 untitled canvas by Madhvi Parekh, before walking me through the new exhibition, Gateways and Pathways, which brings together works by 50 Indian artists spanning four generations, mounted to celebrate 25 years of Tao.

Curated by Ranjit Hoskote, the show interestingly opened at Jehangir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda in late September, before its homecoming earlier this month. It was mums idea, says Sanjana, smiling, as we settle on the couch. Kalpana, who describes Jehangir as a mecca for artists and art lovers, says shed always wanted it that way. Its a democratic space where people from all walks of life come to feel inspired by art. But it holds a special place in my life, as I began collecting art from there, she adds.

Unusual beginnings

Growing up in a Gujarati household in Vile Parle, Kalpana was surrounded by conversations about business, not art. But I have a vivid childhood memory of sitting in the living room, listening closely to the guests chatting with my parents. I didnt have a paper or pen, but my fingers would move on their own, as if sketching their faces in the air, she recalls.

Though she got admission to Sir JJ School of Art, Kalpana chose instead to pursue a degree in Commerce. Art was always seen as a hobby in my family, she says. It was only after her marriage to the late businessman Pankaj Shah that she took her first steps into the art worldinitially as a collector, eager to decorate the walls of her home. But what began as a hobby soon evolved into a full-blown passion, with Shah embracing the canvas as an artist herself and eventually founding Tao Art Gallery in the year 2000.

The early years of Tao were fortuitous, with Kalpana receiving guidance and support from the Mastersshe curated shows for MF Husain, SH Raza, Akbar Padamsee, among other greats. I had no technical knowledge, she admits. I hadnt taken any course on becoming a gallerist or curator. I was simply passionate. She also credits her friend Sangita Jindal, chairperson of the JSW Foundation, for nurturing this shared love for art.

Around this time, Kalpana noticed daughter Sanjana, then just a child, becoming drawn to her world as well. Once, to keep her occupied, Kalpana asked her to write an essay. She came back with this incredible piece, which was meant to be the autobiography of a canvas, Kalpana recalls. I must have been about nine then, Sanjana adds. I was curious about the journey of a canvas: from the store to the artists hands, to a buyer, and eventually, to where it might be discarded. On another occasion, she overheard her daughter having an imaginary conversation with Husain over the phone, asking him to give her two paintings. I couldnt stop laughing, she says, But that was when I saw the spark in her. Kalpanas life turned on its head, when she lost her husband Pankaj to the 26/11 terror attackshe was dining with friends at The Oberois Kandahar restaurant, when the terrorists opened fire. Only a year earlier, Kalpana, who is self-taught, had developed her own style, creating knife-work acrylic art. But I never really recovered from his death, she admits. She tried to ensure that Tao, which was barely a decade old then, didnt suffer, with gallery programming continuing as is. But between managing her husbands real estate company and raising her two children, her own art, and Tao, took a backseat.

Journeying together

Though Sanjana may have inherited Tao, neither her mother nor her elder brother ever pressured her to assume the reins. After completing her schooling in Mumbai, she went to Oxford to study ancient history and archaeology. But I realised quickly that my interest lay elsewhere, she says. She returned to Mumbai and pursued communication and design at the ISDI School of Design and Innovation. With Kalpana focusing on the family business alongside her son Sarjan, and Tao coping with the loss of artists like Husain (2011) and Raza (2016), the gallery experienced a vacuum.

In the art world, even a short pause can set you back. People move ahead promoting artists and different kinds of workand any slowdown ends up taking a toll on the gallery in the long run. Sanjana decided to use Tao as a platform to amalgamate ideas of history, anthropology, literature, and sociologyeverything that interested her. Her plans for Tao had just begun to take shape, when the pandemic hit. It was slightly demotivating, remembers Sanjana, who took charge as creative director of the space. Refusing to let the lockdown hold her back, she organised an online showcase in 2020, where artists explored the meaning of identity and how its associated to our homes. The physical shows followed slowly.

Today, Sanjana is fully invested in the rebuilding and reimagining of Tao, signing up new artists like Isha Pimpalkhare, Viraj Khanna, and Jayesh Sachdev, and also ensuring that the gallery has a visible footprint at art fairs across IndiaKalpana says she is happy stepping aside, and playing a mentoring role. Their working relationship, Sanjana feels, has a solid foundation. Taking on as the next generation, is not as simple as it appears. There are definitely differences in the context, and also in the vision, and maybe even in priorities. Even the kind of work artists are making, the kind of mediums they are choosing, are starkly different from what mum has witnessed, Sanjana shares. But she has been very kind and understanding of my choices and the need for experimenting.

In the near future, Sanjana hopes to explore the psychology and philosophy around art, and curatorial practises that change the idea. Her mother continues to smile as she speaks. I am very proud of her. Her knowledge is deep-rooted. Art and this pursuit of knowledge, Kalpana adds, is what kept the family together when she lost her husband. And it continues to keep us grounded, Sanjana concludes.


Nirad Chaudhuri started Three Horsemen of the New Apocalypse  his very last book, published in 1997  with the implicit boast that it was being written by a man in his 99th year (the date of his birth being November 23, 1897, the year of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria). I have never read or heard of any author, however great or productive in his heyday, doing that.

But now there is one better in Victor Rangel-Ribeiro, the Goan writer in New York who was born in 1925 (the same year Nirad Babu initiated his infuriating Anglophilic oeuvre) and began his own writing life in Bombay in the 1940s. He is still going strong and working steadily, after celebrating his 100th birthday earlier this month.

Rangel-Ribeiro has piled up an astonishing writers resume spanning eras, cultures, genres and continents, beginning at just 16 in 1941 at Xaviers College, when he co-founded an aspiring writers group  another member was the distinguished future novelist Violet Dias Lannoy. His journalism career took off at the old National Standard newspaper, which Ramnath Goenka eventually bought and merged into what became The Indian Express, and moved through to The Times of India and Illustrated Weekly to The New York Times in the 1950s, where his first big break came as a reviewer of classical music concerts.

In those difficult years prior to the Civil Rights movement in the USA, like so many migrants, Rangel-Ribeiro switched jobs to help support the family (while his late wife Lea remained an adored fixture on the faculty of the United Nations International School for almost four decades), but writing always continued alongside. His daughter Eva says, my dad always wrote at the kitchen table on his IBM Selectric typewriter and I would be lying on the floor near the doorway into the kitchen, doing my homework very close to where he was writing. The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson would be on in the background. This continued for at least 10 years. All of those efforts became the 1981 book Baroque Music: A Practical Guide for the Performer, praised by the great Yehudi Menuhin for its readable and engaging style, free from the pedantic, overly scholarly approach.

Then, in 1998, Rangel-Ribeiro came out with Tivolem, an excellent debut novel that Booklist ranked amongst the best first books in America that year. At 73, he launched into another serious and ongoing literary innings.

When we connected over video call earlier this week, the distinctly twinkling-eyed centenarian told me hes hard at it on The Fires of Gangapur, a work in progress set in Bombay and Calcutta.

Until the pandemic, the preternaturally genial Rangel-Ribeiro  he strongly reminds me of Paddington from the recent movies  would return for long stretches each year to Porvorim, his ancestral village in North Goa, where he conducted concerts by ensembles like the Goa State Strings Orchestra, and constantly evangelised for literature, including kick-starting the now-vibrant Goa Writers group (of which I am also a member) almost two decades ago. Nonetheless, what is truly notable about this remarkable anniversary is his living link to the nascent Independence-minded media of the 1940s and 50s, and an even earlier cultural history. In the foreword to a 2020 anthology edited by Selma Carvalho, he recalls how my father, Oscar [who migrated] to Bombay during the First World War, was invited around 1918 (I believe by Dorab Tata) to start a classical music orchestra at the Taj Mahal Hotel, and so became the very first Indian to lead a group there.

Many years later  just imagine the scene  Rangel-Ribeiro and his young family arrived in New York harbour on the transatlantic ocean liner RMS Queen Elizabeth on August 15, 1956.

However, when asked about his most unforgettable memory after his 100th birthday, he said it was my first sight of Bombay. We were coming from Goa by ship when I was about seven years old, and my father woke me up early, to take me up on deck. The sky was cloudy and dark, and so was the sea, but in the far distance I could see a fantastic sight: Bombay, with its streetlights on. For me, Bombay then became the city of light.


On a rainy August evening in 2023, Abhishek Ganesh, 27, learned his first Mumbai lesson the hard way. Fresh in the city from Bengaluru, armed with the job of a business analyst, hed hopped into an auto to head south  only to be stranded at a Bandra junction when the driver refused to cross into SoBo. Soaked in monsoon rain, he flagged a cab. A cab bhaiya took pity on my broken Hindi and didnt fleece me, he laughs now. His baptism by drizzle is a familiar Mumbai initiation. Every year, tens of thousands arrive with similar tales  confusing commutes, demanding landlords, an unforgiving city that somehow still manages to seduce.

The magnet city

For all its chaos, Mumbai remains Indias great migratory magnet. It contributes over six per cent to the countrys GDP, handles a dominant share of capital market transactions, and houses the headquarters of Tata, Mahindra and Reliance. According to LinkedIns 2025 India Opportunity Index, Mumbai saw over 2.5 million job applications in the first half of the year alone, led by finance, media and tech. The youth population aged 2034 has grown nearly 13 per cent in the past decade, even as housing stock lags behind, Knight Frank data shows. Moving to Mumbai is a transformative journey, says Malcolm Mistry, founder and director, Ushta Te Consultancy, who has watched generations of young professionals arrive. The city pushes you out of your comfort zone. It builds resilience and clarity of purpose.

Between Bollywood dreams and PG realities

For 21-year-old Kunjika Takkar, Mumbai had always been the New York of India. Her imagination was shaped by Bollywood: choreographed college life, glossy hostels, endless possibility. College here was nothing like Student of the Year, she laughs. I was chasing deadlines, figuring out rent, just trying to adjust. Takkar, now a senior influencer marketing specialist who lives in Versova, adds, Mumbai is great for your career. You wont get packages like this anywhere else. But rent here? Its absolutely brutal. Neelakshi Chaturvedi, on the other hand, came here with a simpler dream: to see, perhaps even meet, Shah Rukh Khan. On his birthday, I stood outside Mannat in the rain with thousands of others, says the 27-year-old brand strategist. When he waved, it weirdly felt like he was looking straight at me.

The first goodbyes

When Chaturvedi left Lucknow in 2016, her departure felt ceremonial: a Uthana pooja, a traditional North Indian blessing ceremony, tearful friends, her dog Prada licking her cheek. Id always been a main character in Lucknow, she says. Mumbai made me feel small and a little scared. But the city also wrapped around her. Her Juhu PG felt more like a big, chaotic family. Wardens and guards chatted like relatives; neighbours checked in. That kindness is what steadied me  an auto driver waiting until I was safely inside, a stranger stepping off a packed train so I could get out. Its those small courtesies that make this city what it is.

The cost of freedom

That kindness doesnt extend to housing. Rents in Mumbai rose 12 per cent in 2024, the steepest among Indian metros, according to Knight Frank. Housing now eats up as much as 40 percent of a young professionals income, say experts. When Surbhi Jain, 29, moved from Bengaluru in 2019, her Andheri flat cost Rs 55,000  double of what friends in Noida paid. It changes how you live. Financial planning becomes a matter of survival, she says. Chaturvedi recalls a rent hike mid lease. Our landlord thought he could just get away with it. We roommates did full emotional atyachaar  and won, she laughs. But honestly, by month end, my account is at zero. Thats just how Mumbai works. Ganesh, too, feels the squeeze. Every month theres a concert, a cafe, something new that ruins your budgeting. You expect it, but it still hurts.

The dividend of pace

Why stay? For many, the pace is the payoff. People here are so driven you cant help but push yourself, says Takkar. Its exhausting  but it makes you grow. Chaturvedi nods: The city tests you in the first year. If you survive that, you belong. Ganesh has even made peace with the gridlock. If I leave at twenty past-eight instead of ten-past-eight, my commute doubles because of the rush. Its chaos, but it also feels like a luxury.

A Diwali away from home

For 26-year-old Shikhar Agrawal, Diwali used to mean moong dal halwa in the kitchen, gujiyas frying in his grandmothers pan, cousins lighting firecrackers, neighbours greeting each other in a flurry of Happy Diwali. In Chhattisgarh, Diwali was about family, he says. Agrawal moved to Mumbai eight years ago to study at IIT Bombay and stayed on to found a healthcare startup. In Powai, he celebrates differently  smaller gatherings, friends from all over the country, decorations that echo home rather than replicate it. Travel to Raigarh takes a full day; over the years, hes only managed two trips annually, usually for weddings or festivals.

You create your own version of family here, he says. But when you see pictures from home, you miss it more. This year, hes going back. I told my mom I might skip it. She said if I do it once, itll become easier to skip again. For Ganesh, Diwali in Mumbai carries another kind of nostalgia. When my dad dropped me off here, it was emotional for him. Hed also started his career in this city. He showed me all his old haunts. I visit those places when I miss home.

The paradox that defines this city

This duality  irritation entwined with exhilaration  is what defines the citys pull. Census data backs it: despite soaring costs, in-migration among 2034-year-olds remains steady even as other metros plateau. In 2024 alone, Mumbai absorbed over 150,000 newcomers in this age group.

Moving to Mumbai pushes young people to grow  fast, says Mistry. The costs are real, but the city gives back in ways that cant be measured. For some, like Jain, the advice is practical. Dont judge the city too soon, and too harshly. Public transport saves your sanity. And lets the city grow on you. For others, like Chaturvedi, its personal. Marine Drive walks, ice cream runs to Naturals, clubbing nights Its not just the hustle anymore, she says. Mumbai is not my city. But it is my kind of city. With Diwali lights twinkling on balconies instead of ancestral courtyards, and friends standing in for family, young migrants keep finding ways to make the city their own. Thats what Mumbai does best  it may not give you home, but it lets you build one.


STOCKHOLM (AP)  The organizers of the Jewish International Film Festival say they were forced to postpone the event because cinemas in Malmo, Sweden, would not screen the films, with some citing safety and security concerns.

This years Jewish International Film Festival was supposed to celebrate 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden and was scheduled to run Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, according to its website.

The organizers, in a statement posted Thursday to the festivals website, said they were stonewalled by all commercial and art-house cinemas in the city.

They said they would pause to gather strength before starting the process of finding a venue again. They added that they had received heartwarming support in recent days.

Ola Tedin, one of the organizers, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that some of the cinemas offered safety and security concerns for their refusal because they were worried something might happen to endanger their staff or audiences.

In a statement Saturday, cinema chain Filmstaden said its decision against screening the films was made in the spring.

In this particular case, after thorough assessment, we concluded that we could not host the festival due to safety concerns, the statement said. Our priority is always to ensure a safe and positive experience for both our guests and employees.

Other cinemas, as well as the Swedish minister of culture, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.

The film festival was founded last year.
Disney/Pamela Littky

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/19/2025



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

New star Taylor Frankie Paul has publicly accused a former friend of sleeping with one of her exes."Just found out the snake in the middle IS sleeping with my baby daddy, meanwhile crying to me because she just got dumped by a married man," Taylor, 31, alleged in a since-deleted post on Instagram, according to The Sun.The Sun obtained a screenshot of Taylor's fiery message, which the mom of three had captioned, "These desperate girls will do desperate things."Taylor was married to Tate Paul from 2016 to 2022, and they share two children: daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5.Following Taylor and Tate's May 2022 divorce, Taylor began dating Dakota Mortensen, and they made their romance public in July 2022.Taylor and Dakota later welcomed a son, Ever True, together in March 2024.Taylor's mother Liann May alleged that Taylor and Dakota are still in love, and that Dakota will sabotage her season if he has a chance.It's therefore assumed the "baby daddy" Taylor was referring to is Dakota; however, this has not been confirmed.After Taylor deleted her video, she uploaded a post via Instagram Stories claiming that "the snake" wants to see her struggle.Taylor wrote, "Anyone praying for my downfall please just stay the f**k away from me. AND anyone associated with these people moving forward, also stay tf away from me."The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star added, "Want to be friends with desperate snakes, you'll be no friend of mine."Taylor, who boasts a huge Instagram and TikTok following, added in a follow-up post, "I'm not the type of person to let things bypass. I'll rise above and move on after I call them out. It's the principle of HOW it was done, not WHAT was done," according to Us Weekly.Taylor then made it known that "the snake" wasn't her friend in the first place."This [is] my face saying help because she wouldn't get off me," Taylor wrote, sharing a throwback photo of the two women dressed up in western clothes."She kept trying to hug and kiss me... saying she just loved me but doesn't know me I guess."Taylor added, "Again, my face [says,] 'Are we done?' Couldn't have me so you went for [an] easier target. Not friends because I KNEW BETTER. Girl BYE."Taylor also reportedly posted several screenshots of the unidentified woman sending her DMs, asking to hangout and celebrate Taylor's birthday.The #MomTok creator's shocking post has received praise and backlash on social media and Reddit.Some fans have complimented Taylor for being candid and relatable, but others have criticized her for not being classy and mature.Taylor will be starring on 's 22nd season in 2026.Taylor has said she's hopeful that she'll find true love and get engaged to the man of her dreams.Taylor previously admitted to violating the rules of her and Tate's soft-swinging arrangement by becoming more intimate with another man in their friend group, which led to their separation and eventual divorce.The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered in 2023 on Hulu, featured the cheating scandal and showed Taylor moving on with Dakota.While won't be returning until next year, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is set to release new episodes on November 13 on Hulu.Two other stars from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, are currently competing on Dancing with the Stars' 34th season on ABC and Disney+.When Dancing with the Stars premiered its new season on September 16, Taylor was in the audience supporting her friends and co-stars.'s official premiere date and cast of bachelors for Season 22 will be announced at a later date.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
The 'Toshkhana' (treasury) of the Banke Bihari temple in Mathura, which had been locked since 1971, was opened for the second consecutive day on Sunday to complete the remaining inspection work as per the directions of the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee.

IMAGE: Devotees toss 'Gulal' on each other on the occasion of the 'Basant Panchami' festival, which marks the beginning of the 40-day-long Holi festival at Shri Banke Bihari Temple, in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, February 3, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The room was opened under the supervision of the civil judge (junior division) and the city magistrate, along with members of the committee, including four Goswami representatives, said committee member Shailendra Goswami.

According to Dinesh Goswami, another member of the high-powered committee, a detailed inventory of the items found inside the treasury was prepared.

"Two copper coins were found in one safe and three to four stones in another. Three silver sticks and one golden stick with gulal on it, likely used by Thakur Ji during Holi celebrations were also discovered in a box," he said.

He added that the inspection work inside the room is now complete and "there is nothing left to search."

City Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Singh declined to comment on the proceedings, saying he would submit a report to the high-powered committee for further review.

The treasury was first opened on Saturday under court supervision after 54 years in compliance with the Supreme Court's directive to the committee overseeing the temple's affairs.

The 'Toshkhana' is the room located adjacent to the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

The Supreme Court, in its August 2025 order, had constituted a 12-member high-powered interim committee headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Ashok Kumar to look after the day-to-day affairs of the temple.

"The room was opened under the supervision of a civil judge junior division with other members, including four Goswami members. There was some difficulty in opening the room. The process started at 1 pm and was finished at 5 pm, when the room was sealed again. Some brass utensils and wooden items were found, and no precious metal was found. Some boxes and wooden boxes were also found," ADM (Finance and Revenue) Dr Pankaj Kumar Verma said regarding the development on Saturday.

Most of the work is complete, the room may be opened on the next date decided by the civil judge junior division for completion of the remaining work, the ADM had said.

The auditor's team has made an inventory of the items found in the room, he added.

The Goswami community was opposing the move. A member of the high-powered committee, Shailendra Goswami, said the room shouldn't have been opened in the first place. "I have opposed the move and even wrote letters," he said.

"This is an interim committee, not a permanent one; the Honourable Supreme Court constituted it to ensure facilitation of 'darshans' to devotees only. The committee should not interfere elsewhere. They are taking undue advantage and usurping authority. Why are they opening the room, and what do they want to prove?" Shailendra Goswami said.

Echoing their concern, Supreme Court lawyer and temple sewayat (servitor) Sumit Goswami said this interim committee was not given the powers to open the 'Toshkhana'; they were supposed to look after the devotees' concerns, and ensure the ease of 'darshan' of Shree Bankey Bihari Thakur.

Moreover, live streaming of the process was not done, he claimed.

However, Shailendra Goswami said that videography was done. One Goswami member of the high-powered committee, Srivardhan Goswami, was not present due to health reasons, he added.

Gyanendra Goswami, a functionary at the Banke Bihari temple, raised concerns about the opening of the room, and said the process should have been undertaken in a more transparent way.

He also asked why the media was not allowed. The committee forgot the prime objective laid by the honourable apex court during its formation, that is to upgrade the facility for devotees, he said.
The Supreme Court has termed as "highly disappointing" and "alarming" the pendency of over 8.82 lakh execution petitions before different courts across the country.

IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

Execution petitions are the pleas filed by a decree holder seeking enforcement of court orders passed in a civil dispute.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal made the remarks while reviewing the compliance of its March 6 order that had directed all high courts to instruct civil courts within their jurisdiction to decide execution petitions within six months.

The court had also made it clear that presiding officers would be held liable for any delay in presiding with its directive.

"The statistics which we have received are highly disappointing. The figures of the pendency of the execution petitions across the country are alarming. As on date, 8,82,578 execution petitions are pending across the country," the bench said.

The bench said in the last six months from March 6, a total of 3,38,685 execution petitions have been decided and disposed of.

The bench, in its October 16 order, said, "As observed in our main judgment, after the decree is passed, if it is going to take years and years to execute the decree, then it makes no sense and would be nothing short of travesty of justice".

The top court said it is once again requesting all the high courts to evolve some procedure and guide their respective district judiciary for effective and expeditious disposal of the execution petitions which are pending as on date.

The apex court, however, observed that "unfortunately, the Karnataka High Court has failed to furnish us with the necessary data in this regard."

"Asking the apex court registry to once again give a reminder to the Karnataka High Court to provide the data regarding the disposal of the execution petitions in the last six months and the pendency of it as on date.

"The Registrar General of the high court of Karnataka owes an explanation why he has failed to provide us with the necessary information. Two weeks' time is granted to the registrar general of the high court to offer his explanation in this regard," it said.

Posting the matter for reporting further progress on April 10 next year, the court said that it wanted complete figures from all the high courts regarding the status of execution petitions the way they have forwarded.

"When this matter is notified once again on April 10, 2026, we want all the high courts on their original side also to furnish the necessary information as regards the pending execution petitions as well as disposal of the same," it said.

On March 6, the top court had noted that the execution petitions filed for execution of decrees in civil disputes were pending for three to four years.

"If the execution petitions remain pending for three-four years, it defeats the very purpose of the decree," Justice Pardiwala had said while writing the March 6 order.

The verdict came in a civil dispute over land arising in 1980 between two individuals from Tamil Nadu.

The top court had said that after collecting the data, the high courts should issue an administrative order or a circular to the respective district judiciary asking the execution petitions to be decided and disposed of within six months without fail.

"Otherwise the presiding officer concerned would be answerable to the high court on its administrative side," it had said, while pointing to the "long and inordinate" delay on the part of the executing courts in the country in deciding such petitions.

The civil dispute before the bench concerned a sale agreement of June 30, 1980, entered by Tamil Nadu resident Ayyavoo Udayar over a piece of land.

After the dispute arose over title of the land, Udayar filed a civil suit for specific performance against the defendants in 1986 with respect to an agreement to sell.

In 2004, the decree-holder filed a petition to direct the defendants to execute the sale deed and deliver the possession of the property. It was, however, dismissed.

This was challenged by way of a revision petition, which was allowed in 2006 but the sale deed was again not executed.

In 2008, an order of delivery of possession was passed but not executed.

The top court held that the high court "committed an egregious error" in passing the order.
Dynasts continue to dominate Bihar's political landscape, with a considerable number of candidates being either sons, daughters, wives or close relatives of established politicians.

IMAGE: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha being greeted at the nomination rally for BJPs candidates ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, in West Champaran, Bihar, October 18, 2025. Photograph: @DrManikSaha2 X/ANI Photo

Experts say that no party in Bihar can claim moral superiority on this ground as far as dynasts entering politics is concerned.

The 243-member Bihar assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, and results will be announced on November 14.

Prominent sons, daughters and wives, who are in the fray, from different political parties are Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav (younger son and heir apparent of party supremo Lalu Prasad) from Raghopur, Bharatiya Janata Party's Samrat Choudhary (son of former minister Shakuni Choudhary) from Tarapur, RJD's Osama Shahab (son of gangster-turned-politician, the late Mohammad Shahabuddin) from Raghunathpur.

Also in the fray are Rashtriya Lok Morcha's Snehlata (wife of party chief Upendra Kushwaha) from Sasaram, BJP's Nitish Mishra (son of former CM Jagannath Mishra) from Jhanjharpur, HAM's Deepa Manjhi (daughter-in-law of Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi) from Imamganj, Jan Suraaj's Jagriti Thakur (granddaughter of legendary socialist leader Karpoori Thakur) from Morwa and Chanakya Prasad Ranjan (son of Janata Dal-United Banka MP Girdhari Prasad Yadav), who filed his nomination papers as RJD candidate from Belhar seat.

Besides, JD-U's Komal Singh (daughter of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)'s MP Veena Devi) is contesting from Gaighat, JD-U's Chetan Anand (son of party MP Lovely Anand) from Nabinagar, Nitin Nabin (son of late BJP leader Nabin Kishore Sinha) from Bankipore, Sanjeev Churasai (son of BJP leader Ganga Prasad Chaurasia) from Digha and Rahul Tiwary (son of RJD veteran Shivanand Tiwary) from Shahpur.

Also contesting are Rakesh Ojha (son of BJP leader, the late Visheshwar Ojha) from Shahpur, Veena Devi (wife of Surajbhan Singh, who recently joined RJD) from Mokama and Shivani Shukla (daughter of RJD strongman Munna Shukla) from Lalganj.

Commenting on dynasts entering politics, Vidyarthi Vikas, assistant professor (economics), AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies (Patna), told PTI, "The way dynasts are entering politics, it shows that now all political parties are least bothered about ideological commitments, constitutional values and also democratic principles."

"People should raise their voices against dynasts, who easily enter politics because they belong to established political families. This is also happening because education has never been given priority in Bihar in the last 77 years," he said.

No party in Bihar can claim moral superiority on this ground as far dynasts entering politics is concerned, he added.

"The education level of the rural population in Bihar is very low. As per the latest caste survey, only 14.71 per cent per cent of the population in Bihar has cleared class 10 exams... They are not politically aware and that is the reason, political parties take benefit of less educated voters and allow dynasts to enter the electoral fray," Vikas added.

RJD state unit spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary told PTI, "It is true that a simple party worker can't think of contesting elections these days. At the same time, general party workers are not given priority when glamour has become an intrinsic part of every Indian election."

It is also a fact that unbridled use of funds by candidates and political parties has made the playing field for elections uneven, he added.

Bihar BJP spokesperson Niraj Kumar told PTI, "BJP gives importance to only those leaders and workers who have done organisational work, and those who are competent and committed towards 'jan seva' (serving the people)."

"One can take the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has worked at every level of the party's organisation. Our PM comes from a very simple background," he added.
Confusion prevailing in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) showed little signs of let up on Saturday, with just two days to go before the filing of nomination papers for the second and final phase of assembly elections comes to a close.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, LoP Bihar Assembly and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Congress Bihar president Rajesh Kumar and general seceratary K C Venugopal hold hands during the Voter Adhikar Yatra, in Arrah. Photograph: @AICC/ANI Photo

The multi-party coalition, which had of late been blaming its inability to declare a seat-sharing arrangement on the need to 'accommodate new allies', was given up on by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which announced it will go it alone and contest six seats in Bihar.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal, which is expected to contest a lion's share of the 243 seats in the state assembly, has been giving away party tickets at will, in many instances against candidates of alliance partners, but has failed to come up with a consolidated list of its nominees.

The Congress, which had a few days ago announced a 'first list' of 48 candidates, followed by a one-off announcement on Friday, has now revealed the names of its nominees for five more seats, including Kishanganj, which it held but where it has dropped its sitting MLA Ijharul Hussain in favour of a turncoat.

The Kishanganj candidate, Qamrul Hoda, had won the seat in a 2019 by-election, but finished third in 2020 assembly polls, contesting on both occasions on a ticket of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen headed by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi.

Hoda had joined the RJD two years ago and he is the second leader from that party to be contesting on a Congress ticket, after Rishi Mishra, who was on Friday named as the candidate from Jale.

The Congress' list of five candidates, released late in the evening, also includes Irfan Alam, who has been fielded from Kasba.

Earlier, the Congress had reportedly decided to consider former state minister Afaque Alam for a fourth consecutive term from the seat.

However, fearing a backlash from Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, who is said to have taken Irfan Alam, a former Janata Dal-United leader, under his wing, the grand old party is said to have agreed to field the local strongman's trusted aide.

For the Purnea assembly seat, the party has named as its candidate Jitendra Yadav, whose wife is the city mayor while the Gaya town ticket has gone to Deputy Mayor Mahendra Kumar Srivastava.

It is widely believed that the party has agreed to contest fewer seats than 70, it had fought five years ago, though the exact number was not yet known.

In Patna, several disgruntled leaders of the Congress held a press conference, squarely blaming All India Congress Committee in-charge for Bihar, Krishna Allavaru, for the mess and alleging 'tickets were put up for sale'.

In at least eight seats, more than one constituent of the opposition coalition is in the fray. Three of these could end up witnessing an RJD-Congress face-off.

Besides, rumours are afloat that in the reserved seat of Kutumba, from where state Congress president Rajesh Kumar Ram is seeking re-election, the RJD has also decided to field its own candidate.

Ram has come up with a flurry of angry tweets, which have been frowned upon by top Congress leaders who insist that a resolution was just around the corner.

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told PTI Videos, "I would like to say that we are close to reaching an agreement. Of course, there is some mismatch between demand and supply. Things should become clearer by the time withdrawal of nomination papers takes place."

Meanwhile, all did not seem to be fine with the National Democratic Alliance either, even though all its constituents have announced their seats and candidates in time.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD-U, which is contesting 101 seats, as many as the Bharatiya Janata Party, decided at the eleventh hour to field former Rajya Sabha MP Sabir Ali from Amour, where it had earlier named Saba Zafar, the runner-up of 2020, who had also won the seat five years earlier but on a BJP symbol.

Interestingly, Ali had been expelled from the JD-U in 2014 for praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom the party supremo then considered a staunch rival. Ali had subsequently joined the BJP and was named general secretary of its minority cell.

The ruling coalition also faced embarrassment in Marhaura seat, where Seema Singh, a Bhojpuri actor turned politician, who was contesting as a candidate of Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, headed by Union minister Chirag Paswan had her nomination papers rejected on technical grounds.

The seat now seems to be heading for a one-sided contest in favour of former minister and sitting MLA Jitendra Kumar Rai, whom only Jan Suraaj Party candidate Abhay Singh could offer a semblance of challenge.

However, Paswan said his party has given representation to the EC to reconsider its decision on 'a minor oversight'.
Accusing his party of using displaced Kashmiri Pandits for political gains, disgruntled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jahanzaib Sirwal on Sunday called upon the party leadership to take meaningful steps to address the longstanding injustice with the community.

IMAGE: Kashmiri Pandits holding posters of Himanshi Narwal during a protest against the Pahalgam terror attack, at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, April 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

This community has been among the most steadfast, yet unpaid, unrecognised, and unacknowledged campaigners for the BJP. Their suffering has been referenced over 500 times in Parliament by the BJP leadership for political gains and used as a tool against every political adversary," Sirwal, who joined the BJP in April last year after leaving Congress, said.

"I call upon the party leadership to take decisive and meaningful steps to address the longstanding injustice (with the Kashmiri Pandit community). They deserve more than symbolic gestures or repeated mentions in parliamentary debates," he said.

Earlier, on October 3, Sirwal had threatened to resign from the party, citing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "unacceptable" remarks against Muslims and the state police's "vindictive" attitude towards the minority community.

The BJP leader said the leadership must prioritise policies that ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, restore their rights, and provide them with the security and opportunities they have been denied for too long.

They deserve tangible action, starting with visits by senior leaders to their camps to witness their struggles firsthand, followed by inclusive consultations with community representatives, including the few party members among them, to develop a comprehensive roadmap for their dignified rehabilitation, Sirwal said in a statement in Jammu.

He said he feels compelled to address the plight of the community, a matter of profound concern that demands urgent attention and action.

It is deeply unfortunate that not even once has the top leadership, including the Prime Minister or home minister, visited their camps to witness the deplorable conditions they endure, he added.

Sirwal said the conditions in their camps, lacking proper housing, healthcare, and opportunities for economic and social reintegration, reflect a failure to address a humanitarian crisis that has persisted for over three decades.

Terming the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits a "profound human tragedy", he asserted that it was not merely an economic issue.

Families were torn from their homes, their cultural and spiritual heritage was uprooted, and they were forced to live in exile within their own nation, enduring decades of hardship in camps marked by inadequate facilities and neglect," Sirwal said in the statement.

He decried the absence of "meaningful deliberation" with the community to address their grievances or work towards their rehabilitation.

"This lack of engagement stands in stark contrast to the frequent invocation of their plight in political rhetoric, which has often served as a tool for electoral advantage rather than a call for genuine action, he alleged.

The community's trauma is compounded by the absence of sincere dialogue or concrete plans for their safe return and rehabilitation in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP leader said.

This neglect is not only a disservice to a community that has stood by the party through immense hardship but also undermines the principles of justice, inclusivity, and compassion that the BJP claims to uphold, Sirwal said.

He said the BJP has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to all communities by addressing the legitimate pleas of the Kashmiri Pandits with the seriousness and urgency they deserve.

I remain hopeful that the party will rise to this moment, moving beyond rhetoric to deliver justice and dignity to a community that has suffered in silence for far too long, he said.
China's ruling Communist Party will begin its three-day annual leadership conclave to discuss the new five-year plan, the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff war and the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown in the military.

IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photograph: Tingshu Wang/Reuters/File image

Besides the prevailing economic situation, the 370-member body plenum consisting of senior party leaders from across the country is expected to discuss the shifting global strategic environment with Trump's efforts to expand the US role in establishing a ceasefire ending the hostage crisis in Gaza and pressuring Russia to put an end to the Ukraine war.

The closed-door plenary session, which will be held in Beijing from October 20-23, will discuss major issues related to the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development, according to an earlier official announcement.

Discussions on the new five-year plan were expected to factor in the continued slowdown of the world's second-largest economy, with stagnated domestic consumption, the excess capacity of new productive forces, especially the E-Vehicles produced in large volumes, and the impact of Trump's tariffs and export curbs on them.

The thrust of the five-year plan was expected to boost growth to focus on job creation as the unemployment rate is steadily climbing, reaching around 20 per cent, causing concern to the CPC leadership.

Besides the slowdown, Chinese President Xi Jinping has stepped up his sweeping anti-corruption campaign in the military by expelling two top Generals ahead of the plenary meeting, sparking speculation of a purge in the party.

On Friday, the second ranking General of the military He Weidong, who is also a member of the Political Bureau the top decision making body of the CPC and Vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) the overall high command of the Chinese military, have been expelled from the CPC and military service along with Miao Hua, who is also a CMC member.

A spokesperson of the Chinese defence ministry, Col Zhang Xiaogang, said that besides the two top Generals, seven former senior military officials have also been expelled from the CPC and military.

The seven expelled officials were three-star Generals holding key posts in the military.

Zhang said investigations found that the military officials had seriously violated Party discipline and are suspected of major duty-related crimes.

Their violations involved huge amounts of money and are of a severe nature and with extremely negative impacts, he said, adding that their suspected crimes will be transferred to military prosecution authorities for legal review and prosecution.

They were expected to be replaced by new military officials during the plenary meeting.

In power for the last 12 years, Xi carried out a massive crackdown on corruption and indiscipline in which over a million officials and dozens of top brass of the military were punished, which critics say helped to consolidate his power in the party and the military.

In his recent speeches, Chinese President Xi Jinping has been asking the party to take a forward-looking approach and consider the impact of the changing international landscape on China in the backdrop of the Trump tariff war on China and other countries.

The plenary session will be held a week before Xi participates in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, where he is expected to meet Trump on the sidelines.

The two leaders spoke over the phone recently, and Trump claimed Xi approved a proposal for the US to acquire a major share of popular Chinese media app TikTok, but relations nosedived again after China strengthened controls of key rare-earth metals and related technologies.

The two countries are holding talks to reach a new trade deal over Trump's tariffs.

The plenary meeting is also expected to discuss the eventful past few weeks during which China held the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31-September 1, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin took part.

Modi's visit to China, his first in seven years, was regarded as significant and took place against the backdrop of growing discord between the US and India, especially over India's oil imports from Russia. He and Xi held in-depth talks on the SCO sidelines to revive stalled relations after the Eastern Ladakh military standoff.

Trump is also attempting to woo Pakistan, China's all-weather ally, by hosting meetings with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, which raised eyebrows here. This is the first time in years that Washington is attempting to strike a close relationship with Islamabad.

Also, the plenary meeting will take place in the backdrop of China organising its largest military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory against "Japanese aggression" in WWII.

The parade, attended by 26 foreign leaders, including Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, showcased the Chinese military's most advanced weapons.
Ladakh representatives have accepted the invitation from the ministry of home affairs for a meeting with its sub-committee in Delhi on October 22, Leh Apex Body co-chairman Chering Dorje Lakruk said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Normalcy is gradually returning to Ladakh as restrictions ease following the violent protests in Leh, October 5, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

This has ended the months-long deadlock over talks with the Centre.

Three representatives, each of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, along with Ladakh MP Mohd Haneefa Jan and their lawyer, will take part in the talks with a focus on their primary demand of statehood and safeguards for the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Lakruk told reporters in Leh.

On September 29, the LAB announced that it would stay away from talks with the high-powered committee of the MHA, scheduled for October 6, following the killing of four protesters and injuries to many during widespread violence in Leh on September 24.

After nearly four months of delay, the Centre on September 20 extended an invitation to the LAB and KDA, which have been spearheading the agitation in support of their demands and holding talks with the Centre.

The last round of talks between the two sides was held in May.

"We were informed by the home ministry that a meeting of the sub-committee is scheduled for October 22, and both LAB and KDA are invited to it. We welcome the decision of the government of India to invite us and look forward to the positive outcome of the dialogue," Lakruk said.

Widespread violent protests occurred in Leh on September 24 during a shutdown called by LAB to advance talks with the Centre on their two main demands.

Four people were killed and scores of others were injured in the clashes between protesters and security personnel, while over 70 people were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in rioting.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, the main face of the agitation, was also detained under the stringent NSA, which empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner "prejudicial to the defence of India".

The maximum detention period under the NSA is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.

The LAB has demanded the creation of a conducive atmosphere, including a judicial inquiry into the killing of the four persons, release of all detained persons and adequate compensation to the victims of violence.

The Centre on Friday announced a judicial inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge into the clashes of September 24, meeting the key demand of the agitating groups.

Expressing confidence of a fruitful outcome in the fresh round of talks, Lakruk said the apex body chairman and former MP Thupstan Chewang will lead their delegation, while KDA will be led by co-chairmen Qamar Ali Akhoon and Asgar Ali Karbalai, along with prominent member Sajjad Kargali.

Lakruk said he, along with Anjuman Imamia president Ashraf Ali Barcha and LAB legal advisor, are also taking part in the talks besides the Ladakh MP.

The talks will pave the way for the next round of discussions with the high-powered committee headed by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, he said.
A pregnant woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her former live-in partner in Delhi's Nabi Karim area before her husband overpowered and killed the attacker, police said on Sunday.

The deceased were identified as Shalini, 22, wife of Aakash and a mother of two, and Aashu alias Shailendra, 34, a 'bad character' of Nabi Karim Police Station, they said.

Aakash, 23, who sustained multiple stab injuries while saving his wife, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Nidhin Valsan said in a statement.

"The incident occurred around 10.15 pm on Saturday when Aakash and Shalini were on their way to meet her mother, Sheila, on Qutub Road. Aashu suddenly arrived there and attacked Aakash with a knife," he said.

Aakash managed to dodge the first blow, but Aashu then turned towards Shalini, who was seated in an e-rickshaw, stabbed her multiple times, police said.

"Aakash rushed to her rescue but was also stabbed. He, however, managed to overpower Aashu, snatched his knife and stabbed him during the scuffle," the DCP said.

Shalini's brother Rohit and some local residents took all three to a hospital, where doctors declared Shalini and Aashu dead, police said.

"During inquiry, it was found that Shalini was pregnant at the time of her death," police said.

Police sources said the incident took place in full public view on a busy stretch near Qutub Road, triggering panic in the area.

According to Shalini's mother, the couple's marriage had been strained a few years ago, during which she entered into a live-in relationship with Aashu. Later, she reconciled with Aakash and returned to live with him and their two children, said the DCP.

This enraged Ashu, who also claimed to be the father of Shalini's unborn child, police said.

"Aashu was a listed Bad Character (BC) of Nabi Karim Police Station and had previous criminal records. Aakash, too, has three past criminal involvements," he said.

Based on Sheila's complaint, a case has been registered under sections 103-1 (murder) and 109-1 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Nabi Karim Police Station.
The Allahabad high court on Saturday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh Police for the 'illegally detention' of an interfaith couple without any direction/order for taking them into custody, and ordered their release.

IMAGE: Allahabad high court. Photograph: ANI Photo

In pursuance of a direction of the high court, police on Saturday produced the interfaith couple, who were taken into custody after they left the court premises on October 15, before a bench of Justices Salil Kumar Rai and Divesh Chandra Samant.

The bench termed the custody of Shane Ali and Rashmi 'illegal' due to the absence of any direction/order to that effect, and directed that the interfaith couple be released forthwith.

Noting that the girl was a major and police couldn't have taken her into custody without direction from the competent authority, the bench said the move violated her fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

The bench, which held a special hearing on a holiday, directed that the girl is free to go wherever she wants with the second petitioner (the man).

The court also directed the investigating officer from the Akrabad police station in Aligarh, who produced the interfaith couple before the court on Saturday, to ensure that both the petitioners are safely escorted to the place of their choice.

"The plea that the girl had to be kept at a 'one stop centre' and the man with whom she wanted to live be detained at the police station because of tension in the area due to different religions of the parties is not acceptable and cannot justify the detention of the aforesaid persons," the bench noted.

"A person can be detained by police or other state authorities only under the law. A detention under social pressure but without the authority of law does not make it legal.

"In a democratic country governed by the rule of law, the state government and its law-enforcement machinery are expected to use their power to protect the liberty of a citizen, and not succumb to social pressures.

"The officers who failed in their duty to protect the liberty of the boy and the girl are liable to department action," the court added.

The bench also directed the Prayagraj police commissioner, Aligarh SSP, and Bareilly SSP to ensure the safety and security of the interfaith couple so that there is no extra legal interference in their companionship.

Fixing November 28 as the next of hearing, the bench directed the Aligarh SSP to appear before the court with an inquiry report.

The writ petition filed by the interfaith couple sought the quashing of an first information report (FIR) dated September 27, which was registered at the Akrabad police station by the father of the girl.

On Friday, the court directed police to produce the interfaith couple before the court after it was informed that they were 'abducted' by the father of the girl and police when they left the court premises on October 15.
Rashtriya Janata Dal worker Usha Devi staged a protest outside party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's residence in Patna on Sunday after being denied a ticket to contest from the Bodh Gaya constituency in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

IMAGE: RJD worker Usha Devi (in pic)staged a protest outside party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's residence in Patna on Sunday over ticket denial. Photograph: ANI Photo

The polling for Bodh Gaya is scheduled for November 11, during the second phase of the state elections, with the last date for filing nominations set for Monday.

Despite her long-standing association with the RJD since she was 17 years old, Devi claimed she was denied a ticket despite repeated assurances from senior party leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and Khesari Lal Yadav.

"I am a party member since I was 17 years old... I visited my village to seek blessings from her parents before heading to Bodh Gaya for election campaigning... Despite all the dedication and assurances from leaders like Khesari Lal and Tejashwi Yadav, I did not get a ticket to contest the MLA election from the Bodh Gaya constituency... I am disappointed but still committed to supporting Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Yadav," Usha Devi told ANI.

The protest comes amid ongoing seat-sharing disputes within the Mahagathbandhan, as the alliance is yet to announce its seat distribution.

On Saturday, the Congress party released its second list of candidates, adding five more names and taking its total to 53 after releasing 48 names earlier.

Earlier today, former RJD candidate Madan Shah broke down in public, claiming that he was promised a ticket by the Rashtriya Janata Dal for the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly polls.

He alleged that when he did not pay the Rs 2.7 crore demanded for the candidature, his ticket was given to another candidate.

Speaking to ANI, Shah also said that the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly was "arrogant".

Shah was seen tearing his clothes and falling to the ground, weeping after giving chase to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's car at the latter's residence in Patna.

"They will not form the government; Tejashwi is very arrogant, doesn't meet people...They are giving away tickets...Sanjay Yadav is doing all this. Rs 2.7 crore... give that much, we'll give you the ticket. I have come here to die. Lalu Yadav is my Guru...He had said that he would give me a ticket...They gave a ticket to Santosh Kushwaha, a BJP agent...," Shah told ANI.

Shah further claimed that the father-son duo of Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav backtracked on their promise to give him a ticket.

"In 2020, Lalu ji called me to Ranchi and got a survey done regarding the population of the Teli community, and that Madan Shah will defeat Randhir Singh from Madhuban constituency. Tejashwi ji and Lalu ji had called me and said they would give me a ticket. I have been working for the party since the '90s. I am a poor man, I sold my land," he said.

The Bihar assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra will hold a grand rally on November 1 to urge the Election Commission to remove around "one crore bogus voters" from the electoral rolls, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut said on Sunday.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a hastily called joint press conference at the Sena Bhavan, also addressed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Bala Nandgaonkar, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Jayant Patil and the Congress' Sachin Sawant, Raut referred to MNS president Raj Thackeray's claim that around 96 lakh "bogus" voters have been added to the voters list of Maharashtra ahead of the local body polls.

He demanded that the poll body must remove around "one crore bogus voters" from the electoral rolls in the state.

He said that ruling party MLAs Manda Mhatre (BJP) and Sanjay Gaikwad (Shiv Sena) have also spoken about the duplication of voters and irregularities in the electoral rolls.

"Electoral rolls should be clean. All major parties apart from the ruling parties, are raising this issue. The Election Commission is not ready to accept that the voters' lists are not clean. We have to give the EC a jolt by hitting the streets. So on November 1, there will be a grand rally by all opposition parties against the EC's corrupt act in Mumbai," Raut said.

Lakhs of people who have lost their voting rights will take to the streets and show their strength, he said.

The rally will be led by NCP-SP president Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS's Raj Thackeray, he said, adding that invitations will also be sent to senior leaders of the Congress.

The Rajya Sabha MP said that Pawar and the Thackeray cousins will address another press conference on the issue in the next few days.

"If the EC is going to throw a challenge before us, we are ready to accept it," Raut said.

Earlier in the day, Raj Thackeray alleged that 96 lakh fake voters have been added to Maharashtra's electoral rolls and challenged the Election Commission, asking how it will hold the local body polls without cleaning up the voters' list.

Pawar, the Thackeray cousins and other opposition leaders met State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare and Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam on October 14, submitting representations about alleged discrepancies in the voters' lists.

The Opposition has called for rectification in the electoral rolls and removal of anomalies ahead of the rural and urban body elections, which are to be completed by January 31, 2026.

The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Saturday said that no political party can tamper with the electoral rolls and that corrections and updates on the voter lists are being managed securely.

Speaking at the press conference, Congress leader Sachin Sawant claimed that there were irregularities in the voters' list and opposition leaders are not being given a chance to address them.

This is detrimental to democracy, he said.

MNS leader Nandgaonkar said the poll body has realised that there is a mess, and the November 1 protest will reflect public outcry.

Terming the EC's response as "unsatisfactory", NCP-SP leader Jayant Patil said the Opposition is also ready to have the ruling parties be part of the morcha, which is against those who want to harm democracy.

"We expect the poll body to rectify its mistake," Patil said.
A video on social media showed a vendor at Jabalpur railway station allegedly taking a passenger's wristwatch as payment for 'samosas' after an online transaction glitch, prompting authorities to detain him, officials said on Sunday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The incident occurred on Friday evening. The railway authorities took the vendor into custody on Saturday, and after an outrage over the incident, they also initiated action to cancel his licence.

A video that has gone viral on social media platforms purportedly shows a man trying to make an online (UPI) payment for buying samosas, but it fails as the train starts moving.

When he tries to leave to board the moving train without taking the snacks, the vendor grabs his collar. The passenger then removes his wristwatch and hands it over, upon which the vendor gives him a couple of samosas.

According to railway officials in Jabalpur, the incident occurred at platform no. 5 of the Jabalpur station in Madhya Pradesh at around 6.30 pm on Friday.

Responding to a post about the video on 'X', the Jabalpur divisional railway manager said, "The vendor has been identified and taken into custody by the RPF (Railway Protection Force). Action is also being taken to cancel the licence of the contractor."

The railway authorities, in a statement, said the vendor admitted during questioning that he misbehaved with the passenger when the online payment failed, but later returned the watch.

"The vendor has confessed to creating a nuisance with the passenger, for which the RPF, Jabalpur, has registered a case against him under the Railways Act," the statement added.
The No Kings Protest saw a turnout of nearly seven million protesters, CNN reported on Sunday, citing organisers.

IMAGE: A protester holds a sign depicting Donald J Trump and Elon Musk outside New York's City Hall, February 6, 2025. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The protests have seen turnouts from more than 2,700 cities and towns across the United States with people voicing strong opposition to US President Donald Trump's administration and policies.

According to CNN, the number was higher by two million when compared to the first round of the 'No Kings Protest', which took place in June earlier this year.

According to the police, the widespread rallies have been largely peaceful with no reports of incidents or arrests.

CNN reported that Chicago, which stands as the epicenter of Trump's immigration crackdown, people rallied with homemade signs and "Hands Off Chicago" posters, waving upside-down American flags along with a few Mexican and Pride flags.

In Los Angeles, demonstrators appeared in inflatable costumes waving American flags across the streets.

While in the national capital, the current and former federal employees took to Pennsylvania Avenue on Day 18 of the government shutdown, and rallied for a calmer political rhetoric.

Despite the mounting opposition, the White House on Sunday (local time), shared a screengrab on X where the US President was seen wearing the Emperor's crown.

The demonstrations come at a time of heightened political tension, amid a federal government shutdown and partisan deadlock in Washington over a funding bill.

Democratic leaders have largely voiced support for the protests, while many Republican lawmakers have criticised them as anti-American.

Meanwhile, in New York City, authorities reported that the protests remained peaceful throughout the day, despite the massive turnout of 100,000 across all five boroughs. It further stated that no protest-related arrests were made.

"The majority of the No Kings protests have dispersed at this time, and all traffic closures have been lifted. We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests," the New York Police Department said in a statement on X.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call this past week with United States President Donald Trump, demanded that Kyiv surrender full control of Donetsk, a strategically vital region in eastern Ukraine, as a condition for ending the war, said two senior officials familiar with the conversation, the Washington Post reported.

IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photograph: ANI Photo

Putin has tried and failed to conquer the territory for 11 years, repeatedly repulsed by Ukrainian forces who are deeply entrenched in an area they believe is a major bulwark against a speedy Russian advance westward toward their capital.

Putin's focus on Donetsk suggests he is not backing away from past demands that have left the conflict in a stalemate, despite Trump's optimism about securing a deal, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive closed-door discussions.

Russia or Russian-backed separatists have claimed parts of the region since 2014, but they have never been able to conquer the entirety of the region by force.

Trump has not publicly commented on Putin's demand for all of Donetsk, which has not previously been reported.

Trump did not endorse the Russian request in his public statement Friday after a high-stakes West Wing meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He plans to meet Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks to continue discussions about how to end the war, as per Washington Post.

'It is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL! Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!' Trump wrote on social media Friday after the meeting with Zelenskyy.

In the call between Trump and Putin, the Russian leader suggested he would be willing to surrender parts of two other regions of Ukraine he has partly conquered, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, in exchange for full control of Donetsk, the officials told Washington Post.

That is slightly less of a sweeping territorial claim than he made in August at a summit between Trump and Putin in Anchorage.

Some White House officials portrayed that as progress, according to one of the two senior officials, who was briefed on the Putin call.

Ukrainians are unlikely to view it that way, said the other official, a senior European diplomat.

"It's like selling them their own leg in exchange for nothing," the diplomat said.

Neither the White House nor the Kremlin immediately responded to a request for comment.

The front lines between Russian and Ukrainian forces have largely stagnated over the past year of the conflict, with neither side gaining significant advantage. Russia controls about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump has renewed his focus on ending the war after securing a ceasefire and hostage and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza.

The president has swung between the Russian and Ukrainian perspectives of the conflict for months.

Ukrainians had hoped to walk out of the Friday meeting with long-range Tomahawk missiles but exited empty-handed.

The officials said that Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff pressed the Ukrainian delegation about handing over Donetsk during the meeting Friday, noting that the region is mostly Russian-speaking, a frequent Kremlin talking point that Ukrainian and European officials view as sympathetic to Russia's demands.

Many Ukrainians -- including Zelenskyy himself -- grew up speaking Russian as their first language, and within Ukrainian society speaking Russian has not historically been a sign of sympathy toward Moscow.

Ukrainians have moved toward using the Ukrainian language in the years since Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

Witkoff was the main White House interlocutor with the Kremlin ahead of the Anchorage meeting, which European officials said led to what they believed was a misunderstanding of Russia's demands and a failure to make significant progress following the encounter.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the top administration official charged with preparing the upcoming Budapest summit with Putin, which was welcomed by Kyiv, Washington Post reported.

Ukraine has endorsed Trump's call for a ceasefire at the current front lines of the conflict ahead of negotiations for a more sustainable end to the fighting.

Officials privately say they accept that Russia is likely to retain de facto control of the territory it has captured and that they are seeking robust security assurances from Washington and Europeans to deter Russia from restarting the war.

Ukraine is facing another tough winter with Russia targeting its energy infrastructure, a tactic Kyiv has also adopted against its enemy.

Trump had toyed with sending the powerful Tomahawk weapons to Ukraine ahead of the meeting, but he appeared to back down following the phone call Thursday with Putin.

Speaking alongside Zelenskyy on Friday, Trump said that he hoped to end the war without needing to send the missiles.

Asked on Friday whether Putin was trying to buy more time, Trump said he was not concerned.

"I've been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well," he said, adding it was 'all right' if it took a little time.

"But I think that I'm pretty good at this stuff."
Responding to repeated criticism from some industry leaders about Bengaluru's infrastructure issues, Karnataka deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Sunday that he is open to criticism but some people are doing it too much, and he will remain unfazed by such things.

IMAGE: Karnataka deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar meets Bengaluru citizens at Veera Yodhara Park, Koramangala, in Bengaluru, October 19, 2025. Photograph: @DKShivakumar/ANI Photo

Asserting that the government is taking measures to fix these issues, Shivakumar, who is also the minister in-charge for Bengaluru development. said that people have given the Congress government an opportunity and it wants to serve them.

The state government has come under criticism over the "poor state of roads and traffic issues in the city", for some time now, with industry veterans like former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai and Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw repeatedly openly urging the state government to immediately intervene.

"The population in Bengaluru city is 1.40 crore. Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy was saying that 3,000 vehicles are getting registered per day. 1.23 crore vehicles are registered in Bengaluru. 70 lakh people come to Bengaluru for jobs, education and other things, some go back. Population is increasing," Shivakumar said.

Addressing the gathering, he said, "Those who have started businesses here, have grown. After growing big they have forgotten from what stage they have grown into what stage now. If you forget the root, you will not get the fruit. Some have forgotten and are criticizing by tweeting."

Noting that an opportunity has been provided to citizens to bring to the notice of the authorities about the pothole issues, by sending pictures to a phone number through Whatsapp, under "fix my pothole" campaign, the Deputy CM said, no where in the country, such an opportunity has been given to citizens.

"I welcome all the criticism, no problem. Because criticism increases the value of democracy. But some are doing it too much and these things won't bother me. People have given us an opportunity and we want to serve them," he added.

Home minister G Parameshwara, speaking to reporters, in response to a question on criticism from some industry leaders, advised them to bring issues to the notice of the CM or Bengaluru in charge minister personally or by leading a delegation to them, instead of making public statements or before the media, as such statements will have impact globally.

"We are not saying don't criticise, because they (industry leaders) have a role in alerting us. But they have to think about what will be its impact. What message will Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's statement send in business and industry circles, that's our concern," he said, adding that the government is working on fixing the issues.

Meanwhile, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw rejected Shivakumar's allegation on Saturday that she and former Infosys CFO T V Mohandas Pai had some "personal agenda", as they did not raise any issues relating to Bengaluru infrastructure during the BJP regime.

"Not true. Both T V Mohandas Pai and I have criticised the deteriorating infrastructure in our city during previous BJP & JDS Governments. Our agenda is clear. Clean up and restore roads," she said in a post on 'X'.

Hitting out at Shivakumar for targeting industry leaders, BJP Leader and Leader of Opposition in the assembly R Ashoka said, attacking respected citizens like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for merely expressing concern, shows how insecure this government has become.

"Stop this ugly politics, deputy CM D K Shivakumar. If your Congress government cannot deliver on its promises, at least don't intimidate business leaders and citizens who speak their mind," he posted on 'X'.

He said that Bengaluru has always stood for innovation, openness, and free thought - not fear and political arrogance.

"Mr Rahul Gandhi, it's time you ask your leaders in Karnataka to stop this politics of intimidation and start focusing on governance," he said, adding that " This is not the culture of Bengaluru. This is not the Karnataka we are proud of.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Becoming mostly clear later with any flurries or snow showers ending by midnight. Low near 15F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%..

Tonight

Becoming mostly clear later with any flurries or snow showers ending by midnight. Low near 15F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%.
The European Union is edging closer to training Ukrainian troops inside the country itself and to expanding other forms of support  including border monitoring, assistance for war veterans, and boosting Ukraines cybersecurity.

Brussels is also considering establishing forward positions in Ukraine in case of a future cease-fire.

Thats according to strategic reviews seen by RFE/RL of the EUs two missions dealing with Ukraine: the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM), which focuses on strengthening the civilian security sector; and the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), which has so far trained 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers on EU soil.

The reviews come as the EU still is working out what security guarantees it can offer Kyiv if the war stops.

The documents also note, however, that Russia maintains its objective to redraw the European security order and that Moscows military aggression and approach to the diplomatic process demonstrate that its ultimate goal to subjugate Ukraine has not changed.

Deploying troops to Ukraine -- regarded by many as the ultimate security guarantee -- remains a national decision, but EU training missions allow Brussels to provide wide-ranging support to Kyiv.

Changing the mandate of both EUMAM and EUAM requires unanimity, however, and this is what both reviews are actually pushing for.

A Success Story

EUMAM, which was launched in late 2022 as a direct response to Russias full-scale invasion, has been one of the EUs success stories when it comes to supporting Ukraine.

Fifteen full combat brigades have been trained in 18 EU member states offering 1,750 different types of training modules, including practice with F-16 and Mirage jets -- all for a relatively modest budget of 360 million euros ($420 million).

Kyiv, however, has repeatedly called for some of the training to take place on Ukrainian soil. It also aims to increase the number of trained soldiers from 4,000 to 20,000 per month.

The strategic review of EUMAM notes that three training centers have already been established in the western part of Ukraine, but that none of them are fully operational due to a lack of adequate infrastructure and qualified external trainers.

The text points out several drawbacks to the EU missions lack of a presence on the ground in Ukraine, such as the logistical burden and the danger of Ukrainian troops having to travel far from the front line for training.

It is also notes that training on EU soil, in a peacetime environment, hampers the use of UAV systems and electronic warfare assets, which are utilized extensively in this conflict. It also stated that there is a risk of non-EU troops moving in to provide training if Brussels is reluctant.

Yet, the paper acknowledges that moving some or all parts of EUMAM to Ukraine would imply that a cease-fire or any form of truce should be in place. It also says that the deployment should be coordinated with a US contribution or backstop to security guarantees.

To allow a quick move into Ukraine -- effectively a change in the missions mandate -- the strategic review proposes a two-step process: first, to agree on the new strategic direction and revise the mission plan now; and second, to vote on and approve the required amendments once conditions on the ground permit.

Preparing Ukraine For EU Membership

Whereas EUMAM is a relatively new mission and not present inside Ukraine, EUAM has been based in several Ukrainian cities since just after the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, which ushered pro-European forces into power in Kyiv after the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

And it has remained in place despite the full-scale invasion, even though it had to leave its offices in Kharkiv and Mariupol due to the war.

Around 400 mission members are currently working alongside civil security sectors, such as the police, the national guard, the state prosecutors office, and the state border guards.

The main goal is still to work on reforming these institutions to match European Union standards when it comes to civilian oversight and governance in order to prepare the country for eventual EU membership.

But the strategic review of the EUAM also suggests new areas for the mission, such as supporting Ukraines ability to monitor its borders with Russia and Belarus, as well as being present on any potential future contact line in the event of a cease-fire.

Other, new ideas based on Kyivs needs and requests include assistance on cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. According to the document, nearly 600 people linked to Russia were apprehended for subversive activities in Ukraine over the past year.

Brussels has also indicated that it is ready to help with the reintegration of war veterans across the civilian security and civil protection sectors.
Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate truce during talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha, Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced early October 19 on X.

"During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate cease-fire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries," the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The two sides also agreed to hold follow-up meetings, tentatively set for October 25 in Istanbul, to ensure that the cease-fire holds and to "verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner."

Afghanistan and Pakistan began the peace talks on October 18 in the Qatari capital of Doha after border clashes and attacks raised fears of an all-out war between the two countries.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban-led government's spokesman, announced earlier on X that the talks had begun and that Afghan Prime Minister Hassan Akhund had held discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with the Malaysian prime minister, according to Mujahid. Anwar, who appeared to be acting as a mediator, "emphasized the need to resolve the issue through diplomatic means." Mujahid said.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said the talks aimed to "end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border."

Pakistan urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to honor their commitments to the international community and address Pakistans "legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities."

Former US ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad -- who remains involved in the negotiation process -- wrote on X that the cease-fire represents "good news of joy."

"Due to the mediation of Qatar and Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached an agreement."

Residents living near the tense border welcomed the announced cease-fire and expressed hopes the move will lead to a permanent peace along the frontier.

"The war is over. We are very happy, a resident of the Momand Dara District in Afghanistans Nangarhar Province told RFE/RLs Radio Azadi on October 19.

This cease-fire should be permanent because war destroys countries, war destroys people. We don't want war, and we hope this truce will be permanent," added the resident, who did not want to be named for security reasons.

A resident of Afghanistans Nari District in the Kunar Province who gave his name as Mohammad Ali told Radio Azadi that his area had suffered a severe damage in the recent clashes but that everyone was now happy that the fighting had ended.

The recent violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been the worst since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

The fighting between the one-time allies was triggered after Islamabad demanded that Kabul rein in militants who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.

The Taliban denies harboring militants to attack Pakistan and accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan and sheltering Islamic State-linked militants. Islamabad denies the accusations.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Azadi, Reuters, and AFP
Roscommon businesswoman Lucy Carty from Eden Skin & Laser has been named Best Aesthetic Nurse in Connaught for the second year in a row.

Shocked, honoured, flattered and proud, was Lucys reaction to winning the award at the Hi Style Aesthetics Awards 2025. She also won the award in 2024.

The awards, presented at a ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Little Island, Cork on Saturday night, celebrated artistry, excellence, and innovation in the aesthetics industry.

Thank you to the judges who bestowed me, yet again, with this award, she said.

To be recognised as the Best Aesthetic Nurse in Connaught is a momentous honour and my thanks to the judges and committee who selected me. Huge thanks to all who support me in the day-to-day running of Eden Skin and Laser Clinic, Roscommon Town.

I am so so thrilled to bring this award back to Roscommon for a second year, said Lucy.
Punjab Mandi Board Sets Up Control Room for Seamless Paddy Procurement, Real-Time Farmer Support

Farmers and other stakeholders can contact the control room at 0172-5101649 and 0172-5101704 for assistance.

Punjab Mandi Board Sets Up Control Room for Seamless Paddy Procurement, Real-Time Farmer Support: The Punjab Mandi Board, in a move to ensure seamless paddy procurement and efficient management, has set up a dedicated control room aimed at providing immediate support and addressing issues faced by farmers, arthiyas (commission agents), and labourers in real time.

The facility is operational across all grain markets (mandis) in the state, said Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab, according to a press release issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations.

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The Agriculture Minister stated that to ensure robust and responsive operations, the control room has been staffed with four dedicated officials, divided into two teams working in shifts from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

The control room will provide continuous coverage and real-time assistance to farmers and other stakeholders, ensuring that no query or concern goes unaddressed during critical operational hours.

Farmers and other stakeholders can contact the control room at 0172-5101649 and 0172-5101704 for assistance.

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The initiative aims to provide timely procurement updates, facilitate inter-agency coordination, enhance efficiency, minimise delays, and uphold the states reputation for farmer-friendly agricultural marketingensuring smooth operations in mandis across Punjab.

Reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Governments firm commitment to its Annadaata, Khudian said, The success of every procurement season is the success of Punjab. The Mann-led government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that our farmers, arthiyas, and labourers experience the most streamlined and transparent procurement process.

He added, This control room is our proactive command centrea direct line for our stakeholders to resolve any issue, be it related to logistics, payments, or facilities in the mandisswiftly and effectively.

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(For more news apart from Punjab Mandi Board Sets Up Control Room for Seamless Paddy Procurement, Real-Time Farmer Support, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Amit Shah Promises Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir Statehood at "Appropriate Time", Assures "Good Resolution" of Ladakh's Just Demands

Union Home Minister was also asked about the possibility of the release of Sonam Wangchuk, educator-turned-activist, who is in jail

Amit Shah Promises Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir Statehood at "Appropriate Time", Assures "Good Resolution" of Ladakh's Just Demands, Latest News: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday promised restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir at "an appropriate time" and a "good resolution" of demands raised by people of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Speaking at a media conclave in Patna, he also claimed that after the abrogation of Article 370, terror-infested Jammu and Kashmir has "taken a U-turn" and "no local terrorist has been recruited in the last nine months".

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"This is a qualitative change that Jammu and Kashmir, where separatism had been festering since the 1990s, witnessed. Earlier, Pakistan felt no need to send terrorists from across the border. They used to place arms in the hands of our children. Now the situation has changed. The people of Jammu and Kashmir feel they belong to the entire country and the entire country belongs to them," Shah said at the conclave organised by ABP News and Hindustan.

"Today, democracy has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir. Panchayat and municipal polls have taken place, and so have elections for the legislative assembly. Rajya Sabha elections will also take place at some time," the home minister added.

He was asked about a statement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who spoke of a "gulf" remaining in between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi on account of statehood not being restored even after a year of his swearing in.

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Shah replied, "He (Abdullah) may be saying this out of political compulsions. But statehood would be restored at an appropriate time. And it will be done following discussions with him."

About the recent agitations in Ladakh, Shah said the Union government is "in talks with the committees of Leh and Kargil".

"We urge the people to have patience. There will be a good resolution of all their just demands," he said.

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The allusion may have been to the combined leadership of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, which represent Ladakh's political and civil society groups.

The Union Home Minister was also asked about the possibility of the release of Sonam Wangchuk, educator-turned-activist, who is in jail after being accused of inciting protests that led to the torching of the BJP office in Leh and vandalisation of some other public buildings.

Shah replied, "I can speak of the demands of the people. Not about any individual. As far as his (Wangchuk's) case is concerned, the matter is before the court, which will take a decision on the basis of evidence at hand".

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The home minister also said the government was carrying out "a ruthless campaign" against Maoist insurgency, accusing the ultr-Left ideology of "the sin of forcing tribal areas to remain undeveloped".

"In the 11 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in power, we have demolished at least 600 Maoist camps, dried up their finances and blocked their access to weapons. I would like to declare that Maoism will be completely wiped out by December 31, 2026", asserted Shah.
Punjab Partners with IISc Bengaluru to Produce Green Hydrogen from Paddy Straw, To Manage Stubble (Representative Image)

Punjab's New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora is spearheading the partnership.

Punjab Partners with IISc Bengaluru to Produce Green Hydrogen from Paddy Straw, To Manage Stubble: The Punjab government has taken a significant step toward making the state clean, green, and sustainable by transforming Punjabs energy and agricultural landscape. Most importantly, the initiative also marks a major stride toward finding a lasting solution to the problem of stubble burning, which continues to pose a serious health and environmental risk.

The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab said in a press release issued on October 7.

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The MoU aims to establish a pioneering pilot demonstration project for the production of Green Hydrogen from biomass, particularly paddy straw.

The strategic partnership paves the way for a sustainable and thriving future for the state by turning the challenge of paddy stubble management into a lucrative opportunity for green energy production.

Punjabs New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora is spearheading the partnership.

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The MoU was signed by Neelima, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PEDA, and the Registrar of IISc, Bengaluru. It was formally exchanged between Neelima and Prof. Dasappa of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER), IISc, in the presence of Shripad Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy & Power (Government of India), the press release stated.

The signing took place during the 5th International Conference on Recent Advances in Bio-Energy Research held at Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), Kapurthala.

CM Bhagwant Mann-Led Punjab Government Engineering an Energy Revolution

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Congratulating PEDA for this transformative collaboration, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is engineering an energy revolution in the state.

He added that the collaboration with IISc underscores the governments commitment to clean energy innovation by leveraging agricultural waste to produce Green Hydrogen.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora further stated that the initiative is crucial for creating a circular economy that empowers farmers, cleans the environment, and fuels industries with carbon-free energy, ultimately building a robust, sustainable, and energy-independent Punjab.

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The minister highlighted that the collaboration will help establish a pioneering facility to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of Green Hydrogen production from agricultural residues.

The project is expected to tackle stubble burning, improve air quality, and boost the rural economy by creating new revenue streams for farmers and generating employment opportunities in the green energy sector. This initiative will also advance Indias National Green Hydrogen Mission and support Punjabs ambitious renewable energy goals, he added.
Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation Celebrates 47th Raising Day; Over 6,000 Veterans Employed in Last Year (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Maj. Gen. Harmandeep Singh (Retd.) reaffirmed that PESCO will continue its dedicated efforts to create more employment avenues for ex...

Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation Celebrates 47th Raising Day; Over 6,000 Veterans Employed in Last Year: The Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO) celebrated its 47th Raising Day in Chandigarh with great enthusiasm and dignity. Senior officers and employees of the Corporation were present on the occasion, the Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab, said in a press release.

PESCO continues to play a vital role in providing employment opportunities and welfare support to ex-servicemen across Punjab.

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Addressing the gathering, Maj. Gen. Harmandeep Singh (Retd.), Managing Director, PESCO, lauded the dedication, discipline, and service-oriented spirit of all officers and employees of the Corporation.

He stated that under the leadership and guidance of Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat, PESCO has been consistently working for the welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen.

The Managing Director further informed that over 6,000 ex-servicemen were provided employment opportunities in 2024, reflecting the Punjab Governments strong commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to the welfare and empowerment of veterans.

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Maj. Gen. Harmandeep Singh (Retd.) reaffirmed that PESCO will continue its dedicated efforts to create more employment avenues for ex-servicemen and to enhance the welfare of their families in the years ahead.

(For more news apart from Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation Celebrates 47th Raising Day; Over 6,000 Veterans Employed in Last Year, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Punjab News: Miscreants Fire Over 25 Rounds at Businessman's House in Ludhiana, Here's Why

During the attack, the balcony glass of the house was shattered, and bullet marks were found on the walls.

Punjab News: Miscreants Fire Over 25 Rounds at Businessman's House in Ludhianas Thana Daba Latest News: In yet another incident of rising crime rate in Punjab, unidentified miscreants opened fire late last night outside a businessmans residence near Lohara Bridge in Ludhianas Thana Daba area, according to sources.

During the attack, the balcony glass of the house was shattered, and bullet marks were found on the walls. Around 20 to 25 rounds were fired during the incident, as per sources.

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A handwritten note was recovered from the crime scene, bearing the name Gangster Kaushal Chaudhary Group along with a demand for 5 CR (crore). Authorities are treating the note as part of a possible extortion attempt by the gangster group.

Police from Daba Station rushed to the spot upon receiving the information and have launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to identify the suspects and take prompt action.

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(For more news apart from Punjab News: Miscreants Fire Over 25 Rounds at Businessman's House in Ludhiana, Here's Why, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Diwali Special Article 2025: Diwali The Festival Of Lights And Life Lessons

The tradition of sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and sharing gifts evokes a sense of generosity and gratitude

Diwali Special Article 2025: Diwali is much more than a grand festival of lights, crackers and sweets. It is a profound celebration that embodies humanitys most timeless and essential life lessons. Rooted in deep spiritual and cultural narratives, this five-day festival is an annual call for introspection, renewal and affirmation of universal values.

Here are the key lessons that shine the brightest in the festival of lights:

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The victory of light over darkness (good over evil): At its core, Diwali is a powerful symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Spiritual Victory: The most famous story associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. The lighting of lamps by the people of Ayodhya to light their path symbolizes the dispel of darkness and the triumph of righteousness (dharma).

Inner Light: This victory is not just external but personal. The countless lamps lit in every home remind us to conquer our inner demons  such as pride, greed and fear  and to shine the light of inner wisdom and goodness. The celebration encourages the constant pursuit of knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance.

New Beginnings and the Power of Renewal: Diwali is often symbolized by pressing the reset button for the year, providing an opportunity for both physical and spiritual purification.

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Cleansing and Preparation: The practice of thoroughly cleaning and throwing away old or unwanted items before the festival symbolizes clearing the past, letting go of negative thoughts and preparing ourselves to welcome a new beginning of positive thoughts.

A Clean Slate: Just as businesses in some regions celebrate a new financial year with Diwali, this festival inspires a fresh start. It teaches us to forget past mistakes, approach every challenge with optimism, and embrace new learning experiences with an open heart.

Importance of Family, Unity, and Charity - Diwali is a time that emphasizes the importance of community, family bonds, and selfless contributions.

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Gathering and Harmony: This multi-day celebration brings families and communities together for rituals, festivities, and the exchange of gifts. It reinforces the values aaof unity, loyalty, and unconditional love, as exemplified by the deep bonds formed during the exile of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

The Joy of Giving (Dan): The tradition of sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and sharing gifts evokes a sense of generosity and gratitude. It reminds us that true wealth is not just about accumulating, but about sharing ones time, help, and kindness with others, especially those less fortunate.

Honesty, Duty, and Ethical Leadership - The stories associated with Diwali, especially the Ramayana, teach powerful lessons in ethical conduct and leadership.

Honoring ones word: Lord Rams unwavering commitment to his fathers word, even though it meant abandoning the Rajputana and enduring 14 years of exile, teaches the profound importance of honesty, keeping ones promises, and prioritizing dharma (religious duty) above personal desires.

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Moral Conduct: This narrative emphasizes that a virtuous and ethical path, though often challenging, is the only path that leads to true, lasting victory. In short, Diwali is a beautiful metaphor for life. By lighting a lamp, one does not simply illuminate a corner of the house; one vows to let the light within guide ones actions, to choose good over evil, to welcome innovation, and to live a life filled with compassion and unity. The enduring lesson of Diwali is  be the change you wish to see in the world and always nourish the light within so that it can illuminate the world around us.

-Vijay Garg, Retired Principal
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A 21-year-old man died after being stabbed during an argument at a Queens nightclub early Sunday morning, police said.

According to the NYPD, the incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. at Sweets of NY gentlemans club on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica when the victim got into a dispute with another man near the bar area, police said.

The confrontation escalated when police say the other man pulled out a sharp object and stabbed the victim in the chest before fleeing the scene.

According to police, the wounded man, who was semiconscious and bleeding heavily, managed to exit through the clubs side door but collapsed on the sidewalk outside. Officers found him at the end of a blood trail leading from the bar to the sidewalk.

Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. He later died from his injuries, police said.

Investigators are searching for a person of interest who fled the scene in a white BMW, traveling northbound after the attack, police said. The motive behind the deadly argument remains unclear.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with information about the stabbing to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or 888-57-PISTA for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or through X at @NYPDTips.

All information will be kept confidential.
Dreaming of Robot-Run restaurants or a way to streamline labor costs for the food service industry? The sky's the limit on ideas for YEA, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy which helps teens built the future. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Got a bold idea for a robot-run, bio-efficient restaurant? Dreaming of gadgets that could revolutionize the food industryor even the world? If youre a high school student with big ambitions and a business mindset, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) wants to hear from you.

This 16-week program empowers teens to launch real businesses and step into the role of confident CEOs. Whether youre envisioning a high-efficiency eatery staffed by robots or developing tools to streamline kitchen operations, YEA provides the mentorship, resources, and platform to bring your vision to life.

Applications are open until November 30. Interested students can contact Danielle Wiseman at 718-727-1900, ext. 1001, or email dwiseman@sichamber.com for more information.

Hosted by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, YEA offers personalized instruction in business development. Students receive mentorship from more than 75 local business leaders and have the opportunity to compete for startup investment prizes in a format inspired by Shark Tank. The program also connects students to a growing network of alumni and professionals, fostering long-term support and collaboration.

Classes meet Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chambers headquarters: 2555 Richmond Ave., New Springville, across from the Staten Island Mall.

The program is further sponsored by the Rotary Club of Staten Island, which has supported youth leadership and community initiatives since its founding in 1921.

The clubs charitable arm, the Staten Island Rotary Foundation, manages funds raised for scholarships and local support. The Rotary meets weekly on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Osteria Santina, 502 Jewett Ave., Staten Island. Guided by the motto Service Above Self, the club backs projects that benefit Staten Island and beyondfrom scholarships and local development to international aid.
Community buying is proving to be a game-changer in Gujarat, giving consumers unprecedented bargaining power and unlocking massive savings across sectors. In an interesting move, the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) recently demonstrated this by negotiating a staggering Rs 21.22 crore discount on the purchase of 186 luxury cars across India. With car prices ranging from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 1.34 crore, members collectively saved big while dealers benefited from assured volumes and reduced marketing costs. Speaking about the initiative, Amit Shah, convener of JITO J-Point said, "This initiative was started by JITO in February 2025, where we began negotiating with major brands like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW to pass on the benefits to JITO members. So far, 190 cars have been purchased by JITO members. All of these are premium brands, and the offer is still ongoing," adding that the organisation has sold about 25-30 cars in Gujarat alone. "After this initiative, we launched another one. The leadership team of JITO J-Point has started a new campaign called JPoint Utsav -- a 90-day campaign running through October, November, and December. In this, we have onboarded more than 15 brands for the benefit of our members. So far, members have purchased vehicles ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.25 crore, through which they have collectively benefited by Rs 21 crore," he told ANI. Prakshal Shah, the Co-Convenor of JITO J-Point said, "Our aim is to find ways to pass on benefits to our members, and JITO, as an organisation, is working towards economic empowerment and knowledge. It is running 16 projects, one of which is J Point. Under this, there will be a system for bulk purchasing and selling, through which any Jain, from anywhere, can buy or sell using the website or app, like an e-commerce website." JITO, with its 65,000-strong membership, has partnered with dealers of 15 top brands, including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, to extend community buying benefits. Encouraged by the success, JITO is expanding its community purchasing model into electronics, medicines, and jewellery, among other sectors. Not limited to JITO, the Bharwad community has adopted a similar collective approach to empower youth entrepreneurship. The Bharwad Yuva Sangathan Gujarat pooled orders for 121 JCB machines, negotiating discounts averaging Rs 3.3 lakh per unit, resulting in a savings of around Rs 4 crore. Their unique zero-down payment scheme, backed by community guarantees, is helping young entrepreneurs overcome credit hurdles. From luxury cars to heavy machinery, Gujarat's communities are proving that collective buying not only saves money but also drives empowerment and economic growth. (ANI)
Seamen's Society for Children and Families held their Hope Gala at LiGreci's Staaten on Friday, Oct.17. From the left, David Gaskin, president and CEO of Seamen's Society, Joseph Manzo, honoree, Lynne Persing, honoree, Debbie and Julio Vale, honorees, Teresa Cirelli, chief development officer, and Robert Vidal II, chairperson, Board of Trustees. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) Steve White

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  On Friday evening, in the Grand Ballroom of LiGrecis Staaten, nearly 250 guests joined together to celebrate the Seamens Society for Children and Families Hope Gala.

Attendees were at the West Brighton catering hall with a shared mission to support the time-honored organization and enable it to carry out its goal to provide the highest quality services in the community and strengthen and preserve families.

93 1 / 93 Seamen's Society Hope Gala

Proceeds from the evenings fare are earmarked for the organizations programs that comfort and protect Staten Islands most vulnerable residents  children and families facing challenges like domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental illness.

Members of the Executive Team at the Seamen's Society For Children and Families Hope Gala at LiGreci's Staaten on Friday, Oct.17, 2025. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) Steve White

Gala chairs were Caroline Ferreri and Danielle Raleigh.

Jeanne Raleigh served as journal chair.

For their outstanding contributions to the community of Staten Island, Seamens Society recognized several outstanding local leaders with names like, Joseph Manzo of Staten Island Technical High School and Lynne Persing, who were presented with the Safe Harbor Award, and Debbie and Julio Vale who received the 2025 Joan Arnold Award.

Members of the Board of Directors at the Seamen's Society for Children and Families at their Hope Gala at LiGreci's Staaten on Oct.17, 2025.(Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) Steve White

THE CEREMONIAL PROGRAM

Tatiana Mroczek, Miss Staten Island 2022, led the program with her heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem, while Matthew Tesoriero gestured in sign language.

Maureen Higgins, senior development coordinator offered the welcoming remarks:

It is truly an honor to be part of an organization that has served New York Citys most vulnerable for nearly 180 years, she said. From foster care to counseling and youth support, Seamens Society works tirelessly to ensure that children and families not only survive, but thrive. With your support here tonight, Seamens Society can continue to help children and families build safe, stable, and successful futures.

David W. Gaskin, president and CEO of Seamens Society, spoke poignant words:

As we stand behind children in crisis for nearly 180 years, Seamens Society has been a trusted presence in our community, he noted. We help to shape futures, one life at a time. We have a family support program. We have a domestic violence proram for nearly 30 years, a newly expanded mental health program and an education center on the North Shore. This Hope Gala plays a vital role in making all this possible. Together we are meeting the needs and opening doors. Thank you for your support and belielving in what we do at Seamens Society.

After acknowledging all present, Teresa Cirelli, chief development officer, commented:

I would also like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible gala chairs, Danielle Raleigh and Caroline Ferreri, and our journal chair, Jeanne Raleigh. Your tireless dedication, hard work, and passion have made tonight possible, and we truly could not have done this without you! Together, you have made this night a celebration of support for Seamens Society and we are so grateful for each of you.

In echoing Cirellis remarks, Ferreri expressed her thanks to her co-chairs and committee members who contributed to the success of the evening.

We are deeply grateful for your support this evening, Cirelli added, before going on to acknowledge Public Administrator, Edwina Frances Martin, and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who were both present.

In introducing honoree, Joseph Manzo, Cirelli said:

It is my absolute pleasure and honor to present this years Safe Harbor Award to someone whose dedication, compassion, and quiet leadership has made a lasting impact - not only on Seamens Society, but on generations of students and families across Staten Island. Your continued support of Seamens Society, your leadership in education, and your commitment to community make you more than deserving of this recognition. You are the embodiment of what the Safe Harbor Award represents: a steady presence, a source of support, and a guiding light for others, especially young people, navigating lifes challenges.

In accepting the award Manzo remarked: Our world is obsessed with influence and influencers. In politics, in business, and definitely on social media, influence is powerful. But in a culture that worships influence, I believe encouragement is even more powerful. Influence might get you likes and followers. Encouragement changes lives. A kind word, a gesture, a small act of lifting someone up  those moments can change everything and everyone. Thats what Seamens Society has done for more than 175 years. They do what great parents, foster parents, leaders, and teachers do  they encourage. They lift families when life gets heavy, guide children through rough waters, and remind all of us what compassion looks like in action. Tonight isnt only a gala or fundraiser  its a celebration of encouragement itself."

Manzo went on to explain that his greatest encouragers have been his parents, his mentors, his wife, family, friends, and students.

At Wagner College Manzo was encouraged by Dr. Joseph Joedy Smith  a longtime leader at Seamens Society  who introduced him to Seamens mission and to the annual toy drives that became part of both his lifes work and mine...

Our lifes work is rooted in a conviction that service, leadership, scholarship, and character are not abstract ideals. I accept this honor on behalf of my family, Dr. Jody Smith, my colleagues, and the generations of students whove done the heavy lifting  literally  to keep this tradition alive.

In introducing Persing, Gaskin described her kind deeds that benefited residents of Staten Island.

For decades, Lynne has been a steadfast supporter of our mission, especially when it comes to one of the most meaningful investments we can make: continuing education for young adults in our foster care program. Through her unwavering support of our scholarship program, Lynne has helped open doors and build futures for so many young people in our community. Thanks to her, students who once faced unimaginable challenges have been able to pursue their dreams, reach their goals, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

Persing congratulated her fellow honorees for supporting Seamens Society.

After I was retired for two days, I realized the need to get involved. I gave it serious thinking and thought about The Seamens Society for Children and Families and Geller House. Later when I attended a dinner at Seamens Society, where a youngster told her lifes story  it was a miracle that she survived and attended college. With the help of Seamens Society she was placed with a loving family. This is truly a remarkable organization and I feel truly blessed to e received this award."

Carrie Knight, of the Seamens Society program staff, presented the Joan Arnold Award to Debbie and Julio Vale.

Together, Julio and I have built a big, beautiful family. We are proud parents of eight, grandparents of 10, and great-grandparents of five. We also have the privilege of being kinship foster parents. It was something we never expected and honestly, something we didnt even know existed until the day ACS came to our door with two little girls. We want to sincerely thank everyone at Seamens Society for his honor. From our hearts to your, thank you again for this meaningful recognition.

As the evening progressed, guests enjoyed a casino room filled with gaming tables and raffle baskets.

ABOUT THE SEAMENS SOCIETY FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Founded in 1846 and based in St. George, Seamens Society serves more than 1,250 children and 500 families on Staten Island and in Brooklyn through foster care, adoption, family support services, health services, domestic violence services, tutoring and scholarships.

Throughout the years its unique legacy has been a safe haven for New York families in crisis.
The three-year agreement between Actors' Equity and Broadway League awaits member ratification as musicians continue separate contract negotiations. This Jan. 19, 2012 file photo shows a Broadway street sign in New York. The Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions, which represent producers, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees announced Thursday they had reached a tentative agreement that had threatened a strike as early as Friday. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File) AP

The Actors Equity Association has reached a tentative three-year agreement with The Broadway League for a new production contract, according to the Gothamist.

While full details havent been released, the publication reported that union leaders say the deal addresses key issues like health care, scheduling, and access to physical therapy.

According to the outlet, the agreement followed an overnight negotiation session, and will now go to union members for ratification.

Meanwhile, Broadway musicians, represented by American Federation of Musicians Local 802, are still negotiating their own contract and have authorized a potential strike, the report said.

These negotiations take place as Broadway celebrates a record-breaking 2024-25 season which, according to the outlet, brought in $1.89 billion and drew 14.7 million attendees.
Covid-19 vaccines will be available to any who want it this cold and flu season. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  With rising cases and conflicting federal guidance, Gov. Kathy Hochul is ensuring that any New Yorker seeking the Covid-19 vaccine can get it this cold and flu season.

President Donald Trumps administration axed over half a billion dollars in funding for the mRNA vaccine, which is the basis for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Furthermore, varying federal organizations are presenting their guidance on who should get the 2026 vaccine with little similarity shared between them.

Dr. Jason L. Schwartz, an associate professor of public health at the Yale School of Public Health, had this to say of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Sept. 19 meeting: ACIP recommended that COVID vaccines can be administered to anyone 6 months of age or older, after consultation with a physician or another health care provider (including, in some states, a pharmacist). In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved this years COVID vaccine only for people over age 65 and those considered at high risk due to certain medical conditions.

Hochul signed an executive order prior to the ACIPs meeting, vowing to keep New Yorkers healthy.

I promised New Yorkers that their family would be my fight. In the absence of federal leadership, we must do everything we can to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the vaccines and preventative healthcare they have come to rely on, Hochul said in a Sept. 5 announcement. By signing this executive order, we are sending a clear message that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers can still get the care they need, close to home, from trusted providers in their own communities.

Prior to the executive order, numerous pharmacies began to tighten their Covid-19 vaccine administration qualifications to just three groups of people in New York: pregnant people; children ages three to 17; and adults without underlying conditions under the age of 65.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Daylight Saving Time will come to an end one day earlier than it has in past years, bringing longer nights and shorter days.

Thats because it always ends on the first Sunday in November, which this year is Nov. 2, 2025. Next year, well have the shortest Daylight Saving Time of all, when the transition will occur on Nov. 1, 2026.

As we get deeper into fall, darkness has been taking over sunlight a bit earlier each day in New York, anyway.

Thats due to the tilt of the Earths axis as it orbits around the sun, according to sciencing.com, a website that addresses questions about science, engineering and mathematics.

During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun, so the suns rays hit the northern part of the Earth directly, which gives us longer daylight hours, according to the website.

But as the Earth continues its orbit, the Northern Hemisphere starts to tilt away from the sun, and it appears lower in the sky and its rays start to spread over a larger area. This causes shorter days and longer nights, the website stated.

On Nov. 2, 2025, Daylight Saving Time officially ends, and we fall back into Standard Time.

Sunrise will occur about an hour earlier on Nov. 2, and there will be more light early in the morning.

But darkness will fall sooner that evening.

As our days get shorter, we will continue to gradually approach the years shortest day  Sunday, Dec. 21, known as the winter solstice.

At that point, days begin to gradually get lighter until we jump back into Daylight Saving Time on March 8, 2026.

Not everyone agrees

While many of us enjoy the time change and look forward to more hours of sunlight in the warmer months, not everyone agrees.

Many think the time switch twice a year is unhealthy or hurts productivity.

Two states still opt out of changing the clocks: Arizona and Hawaii. They remain in Standard Time all year long.

Lawmakers in New York have been considering whether or not to opt out of the practice in recent years.

During the fall 2023 legislative session, lawmakers introduced a pair of bills in the New York State Assembly and Senate to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

But no vote took place before they expired, and neither became law.

And six bills were introduced in 2025 in the state Assembly and Senate. Three advocate for permanent Standard Time, introduced by State Sen. Leroy Comrie and New York State Assemblymembers Angelo Morinello and Jeffrey Dinowitz.

Another three seek permanent Daylight Saving Time. They were introduced by Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, Sen. Joseph Griffo and Sen. James Skoufis.

They currently await committee action; the Legislature reconvenes in 2026.
With so much going on in day-to-day life, it can be hard to keep track of the recalls you need to know about.

These three recalls impact goods that you might use over the course of a day  and in which you could pay the price with your body or your home.

NordicTrack Rowing Machines

NordicTrack Rowing Machines are being recalled for a fire hazard. Courtesy of the CPSC

Roughly 44,800 NordicTrack Rowing Machines with the model numbers NTRW19147.0, NTRW19147.1, NTRW19147.2, and NTRW19147.3 are being recalled due to the touchscreen overheating and bursting into flame.

Yes, thats right.

Your workout could abruptly end in fire if the issue is not fixed by a technician sent by the company to replace the screen and its console, the Consumer Product Safety Commission wrote in a statement.

To get the replacement piece, customers are encouraged to reach out to iFIT, the company behind NordicTrack.

While there havent been any injuries as a result of the default, there have been eight reported incidents including two reports of fire, six reports of smoking or melting, and at least $6,000 in property damage, the CPSC wrote.

These models were sold between November 2018 and April 2022 through outlets like ABT stores, Amazon, Best Buy, Dicks Sporting Goods, Nebraska Furniture, and the NordicTrack website, CPSC listed.

Publixs Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Publix's Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream may actually be contaminated with Publix's Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream. Courtesy of the FDA

Sweet treat fiends will need to keep an eye out for Publixs Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream after a potentially undeclared egg allergen was reported to the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA released a statement that the Publix ice cream may actually contain their Rich & Creamy French Vanilla Ice Cream, which does not have the necessary egg allergen depiction on it.

As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted product has been removed from all store shelves, Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said in the statement. To date, there have been no reported cases of illness. Consumers who have purchased the product in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund. Publix customers with additional questions may call our customer care department toll-free at 1-800-242-1227 or visit our website at publix.com.

The tainted ice cream, which may have a mismatch lid  the body of the vanilla container but the lid of the French vanilla  was distributed to a handful of states. The UPC code, the FDA wrote, is 41415 03043.

Those states include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The ice cream was not sent to Floridian Publixs in locations like Jacksonville, Sarasota, Tampa, or Tallahassee.

Haetae Brand Cinnamon Powder

Haetae Brand Cinnamon Powder is potentially tainted with lead. Courtesy of the FDA

Haetae Cinnamon, a Haitai Inc. product, could be tainted with lead.

The powdered spice was sold across the nation. The UPC is 0 20914 81415 9.

While no illnesses have been reported to the FDA thus far, it is important to keep in mind that lead poisoning is a serious ailment.

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much is ingested, such as damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body, the FDA wrote. The recall was initiated after the FDA collected product samples and detected elevated levels of lead. The firms investigation indicates the problem might be caused by potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier or natural lead concentration in Cinnamon and its powder.

Consumers who purchased the cinnamon can bring it back to the store where they bought it from in order to get a full refund. If you would like to reach out to the company directly, you can: Their phone number is 1-323-890-0101. Their hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
Local artist Sofia Nielsen was commissioned by the Padre Pio Society to create a painting of St. Carlo Acutis for the seventh-grade classroom at Fr. Capodanno Catholic Academy. Courtesy of Lisa Nielson

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Students and families gathered at Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy last week to celebrate St. Carlo Acutis Day, honoring the newly canonized teen saint with a day of faith, learning, and inspiration.

The centerpiece of the celebration was the internationally renowned Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibition, originally created by Acutis himself.

The exhibit features panels documenting global Eucharistic miracles that were compiled by the tech-savvy teen who used the internet to spread his devotion to the Eucharist. Known as Gods influencer, Acutis taught himself computer coding and built a website to share these miracles, aiming to inspire faith in others.

The event featured part of the saint's renowned "Eucharistic Miracles of the World" exhibition for students to view. Courtesy of Lisa Nielson

Acutis, a British-born Italian teen, died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15. His deep devotion to the Eucharist and innovative use of technology to evangelize led to his canonization by Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 7, following a delay due to the death of Pope Francis earlier this year.

In honor of the saint, local artist Sofia Nielsen was commissioned by the Padre Pio Society to create a painting of St. Carlo Acutis for the seventh-grade classroom at Fr. Capodanno Catholic Academy. The painting will remain in the classroom permanently.

Sofia Nielsen painted this oil portrait of St. Carlo Acutis for the seventh-grade classroom at Fr. Capodanno Catholic Academy in South Beach. Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence

The primary inspiration comes from my faith, said Nielsen, who also teaches art classes for young children at Emerging Talent Studios. I went through a difficult period last year with health anxiety. My faith and the church got me through it. This painting is a way for me to give back and hopefully inspire young people.

Nielsen, who was the salutatorian of her class at Notre Dame Academy, previously gifted each girl in her graduating class a hand-painted portrait during her speech on graduation day this past June. She hopes her painting of Acutis will continue his legacy of communicating faith in a modern way.

I hope the painting accurately captures his likeness and, more importantly, honors his legacy, she said.

Lisa Nielsen (left), Laura Lucchesi (right), and Laura Uruchima (middle), pose with the painting that Sofia Nielsen completed. Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence

In a statement to the Advance/SILive.com Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academys Principal Debbie Cretella said the school is grateful for the gift.

We are extremely grateful to be the recipient of this painting, Cretella said. Every grade from kindergarten through eighth has a classroom saint for a yearlong study. St. Carlo Acutis is our seventh-grade saint.

As part of the celebration, families received rosaries that had been touched to a relic of St. Carlo Acutis  strands of his hair currently on loan from the pastor at St. Ritas Church.

These rosaries, having touched the relic, are considered third-class relics, carrying spiritual significance for those who use them in prayer.

The relic of St. Carlo Acutis hair that was used to bless over 400 rosaries for students and their families.

We had over 400 rosaries touched to the relic, said Lisa Nielsen of the Padre Pio Society. We taught the children how to pray a decade of the rosary and explained how Carlo Acutis believed Jesus was the center of ones life. He used rosaries like these every day.

The Padre Pio Society hopes the children will treasure the rosaries and that the event will help rekindle faith in the community.

The event featured part of the saint's renowned "Eucharistic Miracles of the World" exhibition and the unveiling of a new painting for Fr. Capodanno Catholic Academy's seventh-grade classroom. Courtesy of Lisa Nielson

Our mission is just beginning, said event organizer Laura Lucchesi of the Little Pio Society. We want to bring people back to the church. St. Carlo believed that through the children, we can reach the parents.

They are grateful that Father Michael Martine of Fr. Capodanno Catholic Academy, allowed the meaningful the event to take place at the school.

The event also featured light refreshments, interactive learning stations, and a short film about Acutiss life, offering a meaningful experience for all who attended.
Hi Neighbor,

Theres a debate these days over the publics right to know.

That means, of course, your right to know.

Our government doesnt seem to want you to know what it deems you shouldnt know. Sort of a what you dont know wont hurt you philosophy.

Over at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that you should only know what he wants you to know about the military. So he demanded that press people sign a document limiting their reporting to only the news the Defense Department hands out.

If reporters refused to sign? Their press credentials were revoked, and they were kicked out of the Pentagon building. Just one signed  One America News Network, which happens to be a fan of Donald Trump. Even Fox and Newsmax.

Then theres the news coming out of the Oval Office. A lot of it is pretty twisted, and when the press reports something the commander-in-chief doesnt like, its labeled fake news. And lest we forget, the Associated Press is barred from the White House briefing room because editors there wouldnt call the Gulf of Mexico Trumps Gulf of America.

Whats chilling is so many Americans buying into it.

But were here today to talk about something closer to home. My partner-in-opinion Tom Wrobleski discussed it last week, too.

The mayor and New York City Police Department decided in to encrypt NYPD police radio calls on Staten Island. We arent alone. The rest of the city is shut out, too.

So in February, police scanner chatter went dark.

Their reasoning is the theory that the bad guys could monitor the transmissions and know where the good guys are at any time.

Most of our neighbors probably dont spend evenings listening to police radio chatter, so why should you care?

Because we did, the reporters and editors at the Advance/SILive.com. Its the best, and often the only way we can get you news of crime happening in your neighborhood.

That you should care about.

The above photo taken from a surveillance video depicts a male punching a 62-year-old man in the head on July 15, 2024. Courtesy, Alarmingly Affordable Third-Party-Submitted

The attack occurred on Howard Avenue near Clove Road in Sunnyside on July 15, 2024. Google

Last year, a 17-year-old was shot in the leg in a park across from McKee High School in St. George. The only way our reporters found out about it was a tip from a reader.

Imagine. The only source of news for parents, St. George residents and businesspeople about a shooting outside a high school could well have been from unverified, unreliable rumors on social media.

Not long after, a 62-year-old man was brutally attacked by a mob of teens on Clove Road near Howard Avenue in Sunnyside. He was bloodied and lost teeth. The mob attacked him just for the sake of attacking.

This time, it took a week for a concerned Staten Islander to call, wondering why the attack was never reported or why no arrests were made.

Our reporters got into it, the borough president then condemned it and suddenly, the NYPD was all over it. Two were arrested a month later.

The NYPD closed a portion of Richmond Hill Road after an accident. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

And its not only about crime. It could be a major car accident that shuts down Hylan Boulevard. Or a missing child. Or something weather-related that the NYPD is responding to, like downed wires, icy and unpassable roads or neighborhood flooding.

The NYPD will tell you they have an Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI), and all news inquiries should be directed there.

Sounds good. Its not. DCPI deals with the five boroughs and as you might guess, Staten Island is not always high on the priority list.

There is a solution. Right now, there is a bill on Gov. Hochuls desk called Keep Police Radio Public Act, just waiting for her to do something with it.

The Assembly passed it in an 85-61 vote, as did the state Senate in a 38-22 vote. If youre keeping score, our Republican representatives voted against it and our Democratic representatives voted for it. The Republicans  except Sen. Andrew Lanza  said they would have supported the bill if it called for a 10-minute delay in transmission of police calls.

All it needs is the governors signature and the NYPD would be forced to allow emergency service organizations like volunteer ambulances and journalists to again have access. She has until December 31 to make a decision.

Thats 73 more days youll be kept in the dark. And if she doesnt sign it?

Its just another step in government controlling what you are allowed to know in a country founded upon freedom.

Some called it Totalitarianism.

Brian

Oh by the way: Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella today issued a statement condemning hate in all its forms and calling on Democratic leaders to hold their own accountable for rhetoric and actions that undermine decency and public trust. So read a press release from the BPs office in the wake of a report of some very ugly alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nations top young GOP leaders, including at least three Staten Islanders. The rest of the Staten Island GOP, as well as Staten Island Democrats, called for the same as the BP. I just wish the GOP would demand their leader, Donald J. Trump, to do the same. Perhaps youll recall his pronouncement at the memorial for Charlie Kirk. He did not hate his opponents, Trump said. I hate my opponents and I dont want the best for them. I cant stand my opponents . . . Sio much for unifying our nation, Mr. President.
Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A steady stream of protestors waving signs and American flags lined a stretch of Victory Boulevard on Saturday afternoon as part of nationwide No Kings demonstrations against President Donald Trump.

About 600 protestors rallied across the street from the office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis in Castleon Corners before marching along the busy road toward Clove Lakes Park.

In exercising their First Amendment right, the protestors largely denounced the Trump administration with many comparing him to a king with authoritarian tendencies.

Mike DeCillis (center left), a former Staten Islander who now lives in Bay Ridge and one of the organizers of the No Kings event, speaks at the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Were seeing in the courts how Trump is ignoring the courts, how Congress is not being an equal co-branch of government and theyre basically just rubber-stamping whatever Trump wants. And were seeing a genuine erosion of our rights, said one of the event organizers, Mike DeCillis, a former Staten Islander who now lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. What I would like to say to the other side is the fact that we are not the scary monsters that they have literally said.

The gathering was an amalgamation of old and young, with some simply wielding signs and others donning inflatable animal costumes. The latter form of demonstration has become increasingly popular at anti-ICE protests.

Patrick Cannone, a Dongan hills resident, criticized Trump for welcoming candidates into his cabinet who he feels are unqualified for their roles.

Its one thing to arrest criminals that are undocumented, but not hardworking people, he added.

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

At numerous times throughout the event, the crowd chanted, Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go. Another chant called for Trump to be locked up and a third urged Trump to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Jo Rossicone, a Castleton Corners resident, told the Advance/SILive.com that her father fought in Germany during World War II and expressed that she didnt want the country to become a fascist state.

I really cannot stand living in America as it is today  where people have no rights; where things happen to people that should not happen to people; where we have one party in government that doesnt use common sense but follows whatever their leader says without considering the people that they represent, she said.

Carolyn Antonucci (left) and Jo Rossicone (right) at the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Im not a protestor, Im 77 years old and this is the last thing I ever thought I was going to do, Rossicone added.

The protest remained peaceful and was overseen by the NYPD, who ensured a safe event and guided the flow of traffic. At numerous times, vehicles passing honked in support of the protestors, generating an audible reaction of approval from the crowd.

Ive been on Staten Island for three generations, said Adrienne Ferretti, a longtime borough resident. What I learned, right from when I was young, you voted for the person. We never voted Republican or Democrat necessarily, you voted for the person. And thats what made Staten Island what it is. Now, we are so obviously separated along severe party lines and thats a shame, because I still vote for the person.

Richard Ryan (left) and Adrienne Ferretti (right) at the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Joining the protestors at Saturdays event was Radhakrishna Mohan, candidate for Mid-Island City Council. He shared that he joined the protestors to support federal workers experiencing layoffs.

In addition to Staten Island, No Kings demonstrations took place across the country in cities like Manhattan, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

22 1 / 22 Massive No Kings Day rally marches through Manhattan to protest Trump administration

Back in June, DeCillis hosted another No Kings rally, which drew more than 200 protesters to Castleton Corners.

Demonstrators wore inflatable costumes at the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Radhakrishna Mohan, candidate for New York City Council District 50, at the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Scenes from the "No Kings" protest in Castleton Corners on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)
The Odisha government has announced that all Registrar and Sub-Registrar offices across the state will remain closed on Monday after declaring October 20 an additional holiday, as Diwali falls on that day. All government offices and magisterial courts, except those in Nuapada district, will remain closed. In lieu of this, the fourth Saturday (October 25) has been declared a working day. According to an official notification issued by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management on Friday, "In continuation of the Department's earlier Notification No. 30369/Revenue dated 19.09.2024, it is hereby informed that all Registrar and Sub-Registrar offices across Odisha shall remain closed on Sunday, October 20, 2024." The notification further stated that all registration-related work scheduled for October 20 will now be completed a day earlier. "Therefore, all registration-related work scheduled for October 20, 2024, shall be completed on Saturday, October 19, 2024," it said. The department also clarified that the instructions issued earlier on October 14 will remain valid. Meanwhile, on Friday, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati encouraged media professionals to actively promote the welfare schemes of both the Central and State governments on their platforms, helping more people become aware of the benefits. He was holding an interaction with the representatives of media organisations at the New Abhishek Hall on the premises of Raj Bhavan. The Governor highlighted key schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. "Many citizens are still unaware of these schemes. If the media highlights them, it can significantly expand public awareness and help more people access these benefits," he said. He emphasised that these schemes play a crucial role in improving citizens' lives by providing financial security, social protection, and support for future needs. Greater awareness can enable more people to benefit from insurance, pensions, and savings programmes for their children, ultimately promoting stability and well-being across families in the state."The media can explain these welfare initiatives to the public, ensuring that more citizens take advantage of them," Kambhampati added. (ANI)
Like many a $46,000-a-year all-boys school, Shore in North Sydney has struggled to avoid troubling headlines. The latest was a report in this masthead that former teacher Clare Walker had lodged a complaint against the school with the Human Rights Commission, regarding headmaster John Colliers characterisation of the murder of young Sydney woman Lilie James by her former boyfriend. The parties came to an agreement at conciliation in late January this year.

Collier, a former headmaster at St Andrews, had taught the killer, Paul Thijssen, whom he described to staff at Shore as a fantastic young man. He later issued an apology buried in a school newsletter.

The Sydney Church of England Grammar School in North Sydney.

Collier isnt sticking around. Hes set to finish up at the end of the year, after being brought out of retirement three years ago to help the school through a rather turbulent period.

His predecessor, Tim Petterson, is suing Shore for breach of contract. He is seeking damages and reinstatement as headmaster. Over 90 staff have left since his appointment in 2020, and his tenure included the Triwizard Shorenament scandal, where year 12s planned a crime-filled rampage to celebrate muck-up day, with challenges including spit on a homeless person.
Chris Minns says a breakfast meeting with former Labor premier-turned lobbyist Morris Iemma was not disclosed because the catch-up was about something to do with a local political scene  despite emails later discussing proposed housing redevelopment projects.

Minns said that receiving advice from Iemma, one of the states most influential lobbyists, was not necessarily particularly strange, comparing it to something offered in the opinion pages in the newspaper or when you brush past someone at the opening of something.

Former NSW premier Morris Iemma (centre), Planning Minister Paul Scully (left) and Premier Chris Minns. Credit: Composite

Iemma has established one of the most sought-after lobbying shops among property developers because of the access offered to the state Labor government.

Read the full story here.
This was meant to be the day the large Manly ferries were out of action on Sydney Harbour for six weeks, but instead, the Freshwater-class vessels will be on the water in greater numbers.

The Narrabeen will be back in action on the Circular Quay-Manly route from Monday, returning into service after a life-enhancing refurbishment including a full engine rebuild, and before what is expected to be a record summer for ferry patronage. Along with hull repairs and the installation of modern control systems and CCTV upgrades, the Narrabeen boasts refreshed areas for up to 900 passengers.

The Narrabeen ferry spent time earlier this year in the dry dock at HMAS Kuttabul for maintenance. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Transport Minister John Graham said the ferries were not only loved by Sydneysiders, but a trip to Manly and back on one of them is part of so many Sydney holiday bucket lists for visitors to our city.

Ferry patronage has been rising, and we expect the harbour to be abuzz over the coming summer months, he said.
San Francisco: Salesforce is going all in on its flagship artificial intelligence product  Agentforce  which the software giants billionaire boss says is leading a digital labour revolution, but the jury is out on whether customers will open their wallets for the service.

Salesforce is the firm behind the customer relationship systems used by companies worldwide and Agentforce represents its bid to automate business processes using AI agents - digital workers that can handle tasks autonomously, from answering customer service queries to managing sales leads and personalising product recommendations.

Unlike traditional chatbots that follow rigid scripts, these agents can reason through problems, pull data from multiple sources and take action without human supervision.

Marc Benioff, chief executive officer of Salesforce., speaks during the 2025 Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. Credit: Bloomberg

There are questions about the degree to which the agents will replace human workers, and more immediately for Salesforce, how many companies will be willing to pay for them.
But as his star ascends with international contemporaries, policy troubles at home compound. He returns from the backslapping at Sharm el-Sheikh to plummeting approval ratings, his signature free nutritious meals policy in a crisis of his own rushed and hubristic making, and a massive cohort of precariously employed and disaffected youths ready to burn up buildings again at any tone-deaf utterance from the ruling elite. The middle class is shrinking. People living in poverty are increasing. And all these factors feed into growing resentment and anger, University of Melbourne professor Tim Lindsey says. It comes from the Jokowi period, but its being aggravated by these, I think its fair to say, policy failures ... and thats become part of those riots, which are really very serious. The most serious demonstrations of Prabowos short tenure burst forth in late August, when citizens took umbrage, among other aggravations, to politicians decision to award themselves a $5000 a month housing allowance for Jakarta sittings  roughly 10 times the citys average monthly wage.

The protests intensified after August 28, when 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan was killed by a speeding armoured police vehicle, with video of the incident spreading on social media. Prabowo responded by comforting the young mans family for cameras, then, switching to hardman mode, labelling the rioters terrorists and insinuating, without evidence, shadowy foreign actors had sowed the street violence. Loading An opinion poll attributed to reputable agency Indikator has the percentage of people satisfied or very satisfied at his performance at 59 per cent, impressive in an Australian context. But this is down from 86 per cent in December last year and 79 per cent in January. Indikator has claimed it did not release the study, but has not refuted its veracity. Domestically, it is hard to think of [a success], ANU Associate Professor Marcus Mietzner says. His approval rating is down considerably, and there are even credible electoral challengers emerging. That this happens so early in his presidency should concern him. Internationally, he has cut a more credible figure than Jokowi, but that doesnt give him more political capital at home. If wins were measured in political manoeuvring, though, Prabowo has used his first year well. By co-opting enemies and potential enemies into his massive ruling coalition, he in effect has no public-facing political opposition.

But rewarding useful elites with postings in ministries, state-owned enterprises and agencies has compromised bureaucratic competence, according to Muhamad Haripin, from the National Research and Innovation Agency. This is Jokowis legacy, he says. A demonstrator in Jakarta throws a rock at police during a protest last week against lavish allowances given to MPs. Credit: AP The greatest failure of competence emerged in the free nutritious meals program, a popular pre-election policy and possibly the biggest vote winner alongside the endorsement from the wildly popular Widodo, whose son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, a political non-event as it turns out, Prabowo controversially picked as his vice-presidential running mate. Close to 12,000 children have come down with food poisoning from their free meals, more than 1000 of them in the week from October 6 to 12, according to the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network. Prabowo has said one sick child is too many, but he also believes the figure is reasonable when put in the context of feeding today 35.4 million mouths.

There are more military personnel in the executive structure of the National Nutrition Agency than nutritionists, Trubus Rahadiansyah, a public policy expert from Jakartas Trisakti University, says. Loading Prabowo says the agency responsible is buying better equipment. But this does raise the question: Why was that not done in the first place? The noble policy goal is to prevent stunted growth. But instead of targeting children in the first years of life, the money is being spent in schools. Voting parents, of course, loved the idea. Once fully realised, the program may cost upwards of $40 billion a year, forcing massive cuts in other parts of the budget on top of those already made just to fund the first phases.
Any moment now, international journalists will enter Gaza, and their photographs  raw, wrenching, undeniable  will burn into the collective human psyche.

The Jewish psyche, already shattered since October 7, must brace for another rupture. What comes next will remake our legacy as a people. As a psychotherapist steeped in intergenerational trauma, I believe this to be a moment of historical importance, one that invites us to preserve our humanity.

Palestinians return this week to the ruins of the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis. Credit: Doaa Albaz/Anadolu via Getty Images

For Jews, the trauma of October 7 will endure: Hamas live-streamed carnage and bloodlust, innocents slaughtered, hostages who felt like our own kin. Friends and strangers here who cheered, condoned or said nothing.

But if we are to protect our children from inheriting more pain, we must make space for another momentous task  a reckoning over the incalculable suffering inscribed in Gazas ruins.
Cairo: Israel says Hamas has handed over two more coffins of deceased hostages from Gaza, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increased pressure on the militant group to return the rest more quickly under their ceasefire.

The bodies were in Israel and were being taken to the countrys National Institute of Forensic Medicine. No names were immediately released.

Israel announced earlier on Saturday, local time, that Gazas sole crossing with the outside world, Rafah, would stay closed until further notice, and tied it to Hamas release of the remains of the hostages. On Thursday, Israel had said the crossing likely would reopen on Sunday.

Palestinians watch members of Hamas searching for bodies of hostages in Khan Younis. Credit: AP

The latest handover came as the US State Department on Sunday said it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by Hamas against residents of Gaza.
It is a truth generally acknowledged that Pete Hegseth is a muttonhead. But I come not to bury the self-proclaimed secretary of war  rather, to praise him.

He is going to spur some superlative Pentagon coverage. Because nothing gets a bunch of reporters going like being forced out of the building where they work and being told they arent allowed to do their jobs.

Utterly unqualified: Former Fox News presenter Pete Hegseth is now in charge of the US military, with its trillion-dollar budget. Credit: AP

The Pentagon has said it will deny credentials to reporters who seek information that has not been approved for release. Hegseth already cut off access to large swaths of the Pentagon to reporters without escorts.

Journalists have walked the Pentagons halls since its opening in World War II. They could stake out Jim Mattis, a defence secretary in US President Donald Trumps first term, when he picked up his clothes at in-house dry cleaners and have an off-the-record chat as he walked back to his office, shirts slung over his shoulder. They might bump into the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a Pentagon Starbucks and have a conversation that could turn into a story.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya said that there are "contradictions" within the National Democratic Alliance and Mahagathbandhan. The JMM leader said that they will review the alliance in the State. Bhattacharya told reporters on Saturday, "...There are contradictions within the NDA as well as within the Mahagathbandhan. There is infighting in many seats...We will also review the alliance in the state. Because every time there is betrayal. They have betrayed the workers of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha...We will win the elections and ensure that the next government in Bihar will not be formed without the consent of the JMM..." Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Saturday said that it will contest the Bihar polls on its own and not as part of Mahagathbandhan. The announcement came after the Mahagathbandhan, which includes RJD and Congress, failed to seal a pact for the first phase of the Bihar polls, with the nomination process ending on Friday. The constituents of Mahagathbandhan are engaged in a "friendly fight" on some seats. Bhattacharya announced that the party will contest six seats on its own. "Dhamdaha, Chakai, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui and Pirpainti - we will contest these. The situation everywhere is different. Why is Congress contesting against RJD? Why is CPI contesting against VIP? Election strategies change," he said. Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14. Electioneering has picked up pace, specially on seats going to the polls in the first phase of Bihar election. (ANI)
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) held a recognition ceremony on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the police station in Philipsburg to honor several officers who have celebrated up to 45 years of distinguished service in policing. The ceremony also recognized another group of officers who recently completed specialized training certifications.

The Honorable Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, addressed the group with words of congratulation, thanking the officers for their unwavering dedication, commitment, and service to the police forces of the Netherlands Antilles and Sint Maarten. Minister Tackling reflected on the rarity of such commitment, noting that in modern times, it is increasingly difficult to find individuals who dedicate 40 years or more to a single organization. She emphasized that this extraordinary level of loyalty and service is a testament to the officers' character and devotion to their community.

Special recognition was given to three police commissioners who have demonstrated exceptional longevity and dedication to law enforcement:

Commissioner D. Baptist  45 years of service

 45 years of service Commissioner A. York  45 years of service

 45 years of service Commissioner B. Gout  43 years of service

These three distinguished leaders have served with honor across different police organizations throughout their remarkable careers, representing a combined total of 133 years of law enforcement experience.

Chief of Police Mr. C. John also offered words of congratulation and reflection to the honorees, acknowledging the invaluable contributions these officers have made to the community and the organization.

Together with the entire management team of KPSM, the leadership recognized the years of service of all individuals honored at the ceremony and expressed profound gratitude for their continued dedication to public safety and community service.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten remains committed to recognizing excellence and fostering professional development within its ranks, ensuring the continued delivery of quality law enforcement services to the people of Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release.
~Links Kingdom Responsibility and UN Right to Development Amid EU Budget Concerns.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams, has renewed her call for a reset of St. Maartens development path, emphasizing the islands right to development as recognized by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 41/128.

Her remarks follow the address she delivered on October 13th in the J. Arndell Festival Village, marking the 15th anniversary of 10/10/10. In that speech -distinct from her earlier Constitution Day address in Parliament- Wescot-Williams urged that St. Maarten critically assess its progress since the constitutional change and refocus on development as a right, not a privilege.

Fifteen years on, the promise that autonomy would bring about a new era of progress and empowerment remains incomplete, Wescot-Williams said. True development means ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live with dignity, participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives, and benefit equitably from the resources of this country.

Her call has gained renewed urgency following reports that the Netherlands has rejected the European Commissions proposed EU budget for 20282034, calling the 2 trillion plan too expansive and dead on arrival. The proposal includes a significant increase in funding for the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), raising their collective allocation to approximately 999 million, with about 425 million earmarked for the Dutch and French Caribbean OCTs, including St. Maarten.

According to regional reports, the Dutch government has expressed reservations about the OCT funding, seeking further clarity on loan conditions, allocation criteria, and governance arrangements before endorsing the package. Wescot-Williams warned that such hesitation could delay or dilute vital resources intended to strengthen small island economies resilience and equity.

The Kingdom cannot speak of partnership while withholding the means of development, she asserted. Development is not charity; it is a right. And that right extends to every part of the Kingdom.

She reminded that Article 43 of the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands must be understood not merely as a supervisory clause but as a responsibility clause, obligating the Kingdom to promote and safeguard conditions for equitable development.

Article 43 should not be feared as a whip, she said, but embraced as a tool to demand the right to development for the people of St. Martin, at our pace and on our terms.

Wescot-Williams called on the government to engage both The Hague and Brussels to ensure that St. Maarten can fully access EU development resources. She concluded:

As we mark this 10/10/10 anniversary, let us move from commemoration to commitment to claim, as a matter of right, the development of St. Maarten not merely to survive, but to thrive.
EU to hold urgent industry talks Monday on China rare-earth export curbs



Brussels, Belgium, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne will hold urgent talks on Monday with European industries impacted by China's curbs on rare earths exports.

China, the world's leading producer of the minerals used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronics and defence industries, this month announced new controls on the export of rare-earth technologies.

The European Union has already said the restrictions have forced some of the bloc's companies to halt production and inflicted economic harm.

Brussels is also coordinating with G7 partners on a response to China's curbs.

Now, Sejourne will convene executives from various industries by video link early Monday to assess the effects of China's move, and discuss what extra steps Brussels is taking, a source in his cabinet told AFP.

The meeting will include members of the auto, defence, wind energy, chemicals and mining processing sectors, especially those linked to European raw materials projects, the source added.

Sejourne will share details from the talks on Tuesday with EU commissioners meeting during the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, France.
Major California freeway shut amid US military live-fire exercise



Los Angeles, United States, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



A major US freeway in California was shut Saturday due to the US Marine Corps firing live artillery over the roadway as part of ceremonies marking its 250th anniversary, an event attended by Vice President JD Vance.

The closure of a 17-mile (27-kilometer) stretch of Interstate 5, which links Los Angeles and San Diego, snarled traffic for hours and set off another spat between California's liberal governor and Republican Donald Trump's White House.

"The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety," said Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump critic who is expected to make a White House run in 2028.

"Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn't just wrong -- it's dangerous."

Signs near the interstate warned on Saturday: "Live weapons over freeway."

The order to shut the freeway came after California Highway Patrol officials warned that live munitions flying overhead would distract drivers on the oceanfront stretch of Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton.

In a statement, the Marine Corps insisted there was no risk to the public.

"Artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based artillery firing points west of the I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate within existing safety protocols and without the need to close the route," it said in a statement.

"This is an established and safe practice."

The massive Marine exercise featured fighter jet flyovers, amphibious ships, explosions in a simulated village and Navy SEALS dropping into the Pacific Ocean from helicopters.

In his address, Vance said the Trump administration was focused on supporting Marines and removing "woke" priorities that he argued have weakened the US armed forces.

"When officials try to shift focus to mandating diversity quotas, or they try to inject partisan politics into the American armed forces, they impede the Marine Corps's ability to do its best work.

"And that's why the secretary of war and the president of the United States have stood so firmly against that crap," Vance, a Marine veteran, told the assembled troops.

The Marine display came the same day that millions took to the streets from coast to coast in the United States to protest the hardline policies of the Trump administration, which have included the dismantling of diversity and equity programs.

In June, Trump ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles to support federal officials in carrying out sweeping immigration raids and to tamp down local protests.

The deployment, which also included hundreds of Marines, was criticized by Newsom and local officials, who argued that the relatively small demonstrations could have been easily handled by city and state law enforcement.
Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaching Gaza truce amid strikes, clashes



Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Gaza's nine-day-old ceasefire came under strain Sunday after the Israeli army said it launched air strikes in response to attacks it claimed were carried out by Hamas militants against its forces.

Hamas, however, maintained it was adhering to the truce, with one official accusing Israel of devising "pretexts" to resume its own attacks.

Later on Sunday, the military said in an online briefing that it launched strikes after attacks in Rafah, southern Gaza, and in the northern town of Beit Lahia, warning "there is a possibility of more strikes".

Gaza's civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority, said at least 13 people had been killed across the territory. The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports of casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier instructed security forces to take "strong action against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip", his office said in a statement, accusing Hamas of "a ceasefire violation".

Defence Minister Israel Katz then warned that the group would "pay a heavy price for every shot and every breach of the ceasefire", adding Israel's response would "become increasingly severe".

The uneasy truce in the Palestinian territory, brokered by US President Donald Trump and taking effect on 10 October, brought to a halt more than two years of devastating war between Israel and Hamas.

The deal established the outline for hostage and prisoner exchanges, and was proposed alongside an ambitious roadmap for Gaza's future but has immediately faced challenges in implementation.

"Earlier today, terrorists fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire on IDF (army) forces," in Rafah, the military said in a statement.

"The IDF responded with air strikes by fighter jets and artillery fire, targeting the Rafah area," the statement said.

Palestinian witnesses told AFP clashes erupted in the southern city of Rafah in an area still held by Israel.

One witness, a 38-year-old man who asked not to be identified by name, said that Hamas had been fighting a local Palestinian gang known as Abu Shabab but the militants were "surprised by the presence of army tanks".

"The air force conducted two strikes from the air," he said.



- 'Security illusion' -



National security minister and right-wing firebrand Itamar Ben Gvir urged the army to "fully resume fighting in the Strip with all force".

A statement from Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamas's political bureau, reaffirmed the group's commitment to the ceasefire and said Israel "continues to breach the agreement and fabricate flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes".

Hamas's armed wing insisted on Sunday that the group was adhering to the ceasefire agreement with Israel and had "no knowledge" of any clashes in Rafah.

Under Trump's 20-point plan, Israeli forces have withdrawn beyond the so-called Yellow Line, leaving them in control of around half of Gaza, including the territory's borders but not its main cities.

Hamas in turn has released 20 surviving hostages and is in the process of returning the remaining bodies of those who have died.

The war, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,159 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible.

The data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that more than half of the dead are women and children.

Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.



- Rafah crossing closed -



On Sunday, Israel identified the latest two bodies returned overnight as Ronen Engel and Thai farmworker Sonthaya Oakkharasri.

Engel, a resident of Nir Oz kibbutz, was abducted from his home aged 54 and killed during the October 7 attacks, with his body taken to Gaza.

He was a photojournalist and volunteer ambulance driver for Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross in the southern Negev region.

A farmworker at the Beeri kibbutz, Oakkharasri was also killed in the attack on Israel. He had a seven-year-old daughter.

Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total number handed over to 150, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said.

The issue of hostage bodies still in Gaza has become a sticking point in the ceasefire implementation, with Israel linking the reopening of the main gateway into the territory to the recovery of all of the deceased.

Relief agencies have called for the Rafah crossing from Egypt to be reopened to speed the flow of food, fuel and medicines.

Hamas has so far resisted disarming and, since the pause in fighting, has moved to reassert its control over Gaza.

The group has said it needs time and technical assistance to recover the remaining bodies from under Gaza's rubble.

Netanyahu's office said reopening Rafah would "be considered based on how Hamas fulfils its part in returning the hostages and the bodies of the deceased, and in implementing the agreed-upon framework," it said.

Hamas warned late Saturday that the closure of the crossing would cause "significant delays in the retrieval and transfer of remains".

burs-dc-csp/dcp
Gaza civil defence says at least 15 killed in Israeli strikes Sunday



Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Gaza's civil defence agency said a series of Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 15 people across the territory, as Israel and Hamas traded blame for violating a ceasefire.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the agency, which operates as a rescue service under Hamas authority, said six of the victims were killed when an Israeli strike targeted a "group of civilians" in Zuwaida town in central Gaza.

A woman and two children were killed when a drone strike hit a tent housing displaced people near Asdaa City, north of Khan Yunis.

Two people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli strike in the western part of Zuwaida town in central Gaza.

In another attack, two people were killed and several injured when an Israeli strike hit a tent in the Al-Ahli Club area in Nuseirat, central Gaza, Bassal said.

Two more people were killed in an Israeli air strike in eastern Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, he added.

The Israeli military told AFP it was checking reports of casualties.

Later on Sunday, the Israeli military said it had launched fresh strikes on Hamas targets in southern Gaza.
Israel resumes Gaza strikes, accusing Hamas of violating truce deal



Jerusalem, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Israel resumed airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Sunday, after accusing the Palestinian militant group Hamas of breaking a ceasefire and hostage release deal brokered last week.

"In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today (Sunday), the IDF (Israeli army) has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip", the military said in a statement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas and its allies committed to releasing all remaining hostages they seized on October 7, 2023. They have so far released all 20 surviving hostages, but have returned only 12 bodies of the 28 dead hostages they still hold, blaming difficulties in locating them under the rubble.

Besides failing to return all the hostages, Israel accuses Hamas of targeting its troops in areas of the Gaza Strip where they are allowed to be stationed under the deal, a claim that Palestinian militants reject.

An Israeli military official said that a first wave of strikes on Sunday morning was in retaliation for at least three attacks against its forces.

According to the official, the army responded to "at least three incidents in which Hamas fired towards our troops standing behind the yellow line in the agreed-upon positions," referring to the line of withdrawal of the Israeli army under the terms of the ceasefire.

In two incidents in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Hamas allegedly opened fire and launched a rocket-propelled grenade against Israeli troops, some of whom were engineering forces "operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in southern Gaza."

The official said that troops were stationed in areas behind the yellow line where the Israeli military is allowed to manoeuvre under the terms of the truce.

In a separate incident in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian militants crossed the yellow line into Israel-controlled areas and were "eliminated in a precise strike," the military official said.

Hamas denied the accusations it had attacked Israeli forces, saying it was adhering to the truce and that Israel was devising "flimsy pretexts" to resume the war.

Palestinian witnesses told AFP that clashes erupted in Rafah, in an area still held by Israel, between Hamas and a local Palestinian gang known as Abu Shabab, supported by Israel.

Following the strikes, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Defence Minister Israel Katz and the heads of the Shin Bet and Mossad security agencies, and "directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip," according to a statement from his office.
Trump threatens to send military to San Francisco



Washington, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Donald Trump threatened to send troops to San Francisco, in an interview that aired Sunday, as he looks to push the US military into more Democratic-controlled cities.

The comments come as the president has already sent National Guard into Los Angeles, Washington and Memphis often against the wishes of local leaders, and as judges have halted their deployment in Chicago and Portland.

"Next we're going to go to San Francisco," he told Fox News.

"The difference is, I think they want us in San Francisco. San Francisco was truly one of the great cities of the world. And then 15 years ago, it went wrong.

"We're going to go to San Francisco and we're going to make it great."

Trump has repeatedly exaggerated the extent of crime and unrest in US cities to justify ordering deployments that have largely been opposed by local Democratic leaders.

He suggested late last month that American cities be used as "training grounds" for the country's military forces.

The first deployment to Los Angeles, in June, came after sometimes unruly protests over widespread immigration raids that critics said appeared to target people based largely on their race or the language they were speaking.

That deployment was roundly criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who frequently butts heads with the Republican billionaire, and who is widely expected to be a presidential candidate in 2027.

Trump's comments on San Francisco come after Marc Benioff, the boss of San Francisco-based tech giant Salesforce apologized after calling for the National Guard to be sent to the city.

Benioff, a one-time darling of the left, has shifted right in recent years, along with other tech titans.

Nevertheless, his support for a military intervention in San Francisco sparked fury and a public backlash that saw former friends distance themselves from him.

San Francisco has a particular place in the Republican worldview.

The city, which has well-documented problems with homelessness and drug addiction, features frequently on right-leaning cable channels as an unparalleled example of what they see as the demise of America's urban centers under Democratic Party control.
Gaza civil defence says at least 45 killed in Israeli strikes Sunday



Jerusalem, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Gaza's civil defence agency and hospitals said a series of Israeli air strikes across the territory killed at least 45 people on Sunday, updating an earlier toll of 33.

The Israeli military said it had struck dozens of Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip, as both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the nine-day-old ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.

"At least 45 people were killed as a result of Israeli air strikes on various areas of the Gaza Strip," Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agency, which operates as a rescue service under Hamas authority, told AFP.

Four hospitals in Gaza confirmed the death toll to AFP, saying they had received the dead and wounded.

Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat reported 24 dead and 73 wounded from multiple strikes in central Gaza.

Al-Aqsa Hospital said it received 12 dead from nearby bombings, while Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis reported five dead, and Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City confirmed four fatalities.

Earlier, Bassal detailed several of the strikes.

He said six people were killed when an Israeli strike targeted a "group of civilians" in Zuwaida town in central Gaza.

Six other people, including children, were killed and 13 others injured in two separate strikes near Nuseirat in central Gaza, Bassal said.

A woman and two children were killed when a drone strike hit a tent housing displaced people near Asdaa City, north of Khan Yunis.

Two people, including a journalist, were killed and several others injured in an Israeli strike in the western part of Zuwaida town in central Gaza.

In another attack, two people were killed and several injured when an Israeli strike hit a tent in the Al-Ahli Club area in Nuseirat, central Gaza, Bassal said.

Two more people were killed in an Israeli air strike in eastern Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, he added.

One individual was killed in a strike on an apartment in a building in western Gaza City, the civil defence agency said.

The others succumbed later on Sunday to injuries received in these strikes, Bassal said.

The Israeli military told AFP it was checking reports of casualties.

Later on Sunday, the Israeli military said it has resumed enforcing the ceasefire in Gaza.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari has strongly condemned the alleged attack on Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers of orchestrating the assault. The incident reportedly took place in Masdhura near Sukhia Pokhari, where Bista was targeted while travelling in his convoy. The BJP leader described the incident as a "cowardly attack" and linked it to previous assaults on BJP leaders in the state. In a post on X, Adhikari wrote, "I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on my colleague and MP from Darjeeling, Shri Raju Bista Ji, in Masdhura near Sukhia Pokhari. This attack follows the deadly and life-threatening attack on MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Dr Shankar Ghosh." https://x.com/SuvenduWB/status/1979572824017940899 He alleged that the assault was carried out by "TMC goons" with the intent to inflict serious harm. He also highlighted Bista's ongoing relief work following recent floods in North Bengal and said that the ruling party was threatened by his growing popularity among the people. "This heinous act by TMC goons, targeting his convoy with the intention of grievously hurting him, reeks of desperation and fear. Shri Raju Bista's relentless relief work and dedication to the people after the devastating floods have clearly rattled the TMC, who resort to such vile tactics to silence him. But let me make it clear, these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our resolve," Adhikari Wrote. Reiterating the BJP's commitment to standing by its leaders and supporters, Adhikari asserted that such attacks would not deter the party's resolve. "But let me make it clear, these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our resolve. Not only the people of Darjeeling but people across the State of West Bengal stand with him, and he will continue this good work with double the vigour," he added. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, on Saturday alleged that his convoy was attacked by unidentified miscreants near Masdhura, close to Sukhia Pokhari in West Bengal's Darjeeling district. The incident, he said, occurred shortly after the announcement of an interlocutor for the region, raising suspicion of a larger conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace in the hills. In a Facebook post, Bista wrote, "Though those cowards had attacked me, the force of the attack fell on the vehicle immediately behind mine. The timing of the attack, following the announcement of an Interlocutor for our region, is highly suspicious, and points to a conspiracy at disturbing peace in our region." The Darjeeling MP further asserted that such acts of violence would not deter him or his supporters from continuing their work for peace and development. "If those who are loyal to Kolkata think that we will be fazed due to such attacks, they are wrong. We are not scared, and such cowardly attacks only embolden our spirits," he added. Bista further said that those behind the attack would not succeed in their attempts to create unrest. "I am warning those who have tried to disturb peace today, we will not allow your attempts to succeed. We will work towards lasting peace in our region, and no force on earth can stop that from happening," he warned. (ANI)
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"Over the course of an hour, the man is alleged to have continuously approached the area allocated to Ijan, getting very close to protesters to film them and provoking a reaction."Officers had to intervene at least four times to ask the man to return to the Stop the Hate area as required by the conditions.
Saturdays crossings have not yet been accounted for in official statistics, but could result in the number of people who have made the journey this year surpassing that in 2024, when the final total was 36,816.
Hamas said in a statement: We affirm our full commitment to implementing everything that was agreed upon, foremost among which is the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip. We are unaware of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as these are red zones under the control of the occupation.
Victor De Los Santos, board chair and co-founder of the South Texas Astronomical Society, adjusts a telescope setup for passersby to see stars Sept. 20 at a night market in Brownsville. The group is accepting applications for Project Vortex, an initiative that will give high school students first-hand experience in building a rocket. Michael Gonzalez/Texas Tribune contributor

BROWNSVILLE  Every few months, thousands of people gather on nearby shores to watch rockets lift off from Boca Chica Beach. The eyes of residents  young and old  gaze up as SpaceX tests the vehicles it says will take humans to Mars.

Now, high school students here are being offered the opportunity to design, build and launch a rocket of their own.

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The South Texas Astronomical Society, known as STARSociety for short, is accepting applications for Project Vortex, an initiative that will give high school students first-hand experience in building a rocket and launching it in the spring.

Lizzie Flores, executive director of STARSociety and a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said they want to encourage high school students to pursue careers in space sciences, especially those who might lack confidence in entering those fields.

LAST WEEK: SpaceX launches Starship for 11th test flight from South Texas Starbase

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We just want to engage as many kids as we can with getting them to believe in themselves, Flores said. So many kids just dont think that theyre good enough.

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Participation in Project Vortex is free, which was made possible through a series of sponsorships.

SpaceXs launch site is located on one of the southernmost tips of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, a heavily Hispanic region that for decades has been defined not by space exploration, but poverty. Even with a growing space economy in Cameron County, which includes Brownsville, the average income is just $24,283, according to census data. Nearly 90% of students in the Brownsville school district qualify for government-subsidized meals, an indication of poverty.

Project Vortex is the latest example of how Elon Musks company is changing the region  albeit slowly.

Blaine Allen, center, and Hector Salinas, staff members from the South Texas Astronomical Society organization, speak to a passerby Sept. 20 at a night market in Brownsville. Michael Gonzalez/Texas Tribune contributor

Sabian Cardenas, another UTRGV student and mentor with STARSociety, said there arent many opportunities for high school students in the Rio Grande Valley to learn about rocketry and aerospace engineering, and hopes Project Vortex can fill that void.

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This is a program, first of its kind, trying to give that opportunity for high schoolers to develop those skills for teamwork and more technical-like abilities, Cardenas said.

Growing up in Brownsville, Cardenas assumed he would have to leave the Valley to pursue a career in space sciences, but SpaceX gave him hope that staying was an option.

I dont have to leave the Valley to be chasing my dreams for aerospace, he said.

The program

The students accepted into Project Vortex will gain hands-on experience in building a rocket that could be up to 11 feet high.

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During the 13-week program, students will be split into four teams: structures, avionics, operations and recovery, and business and outreach. The purpose is to help students understand that there are different roles involved in building a rocket.

It is set to start later this fall, and they are targeting June for the rocket launch. The goal is to hit an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Project Vortex comes as SpaceX continues to expand its footprint in South Texas. The space exploration company has been conducting test flights of its fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket since 2023.

Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared the way for SpaceX to increase the frequency of its launches, from five to 25 times per year.

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The company now is seeking to expand its existing launch pad and infrastructure at Starbase, the newly formed city that encompasses the SpaceX campus, by another 21 acres.

The growth of SpaceX in the Valley has garnered more interest in aerospace among the community, Flores said. During their gatherings, the group has fielded questions about SpaceXs operations. Most often, parents approach them on behalf of their children who expressed an interest in space sciences.

The influence of SpaceX is undeniable to Isaac Choutapalli, founding director of UTRGVs Center for Aerospace Research.

The presence of SpaceX has been a catalyst, I would say, to increase student interest in aerospace related careers, and also in general, increase interest in STEM areas, Choutapalli said.

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Staff members from the South Texas Astronomical Society oversee a telescope setup that lets passersby check out the stars Sept. 20 during a night market in Brownsville. Michael Gonzalez/Texas Tribune contributor

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the research center enables graduate and undergraduate students to conduct research across multiple fields of study to create one product. Choutapalli said the ability to work within different areas of study is very important and attractive for students who want to pursue a career in aerospace, a field that requires the combination of different subject areas.

When the research center started two years ago, Choutapalli had only three students. But as activity at SpaceXs launch site has ramped up, more students have inquired about aerospace courses, internships and careers. The center now includes 35 students, though Choutapalli said that between 50 to 100 have asked about joining.

On to SpaceX

Two of his students went to work at SpaceX, and the center is hoping to soon begin a collaboration with the company. SpaceX did not respond to a request for an interview.

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Rayyan Farooqui, a high school intern with the STARSociety, didnt want to pursue a career aerospace initially, but that changed after he moved to Brownsville in 2021.

When I came to Brownsville and I saw the first Starship launch, and I saw what SpaceX was doing, that kind of shifted my mind, said Farooqui who moved to the Valley from Houston.

Seeing Starship rockets go off in their backyard, so to speak, has really ignited curiosity among other students, Farooqui said.

STARSociety aims to foster that.
Travis County election technicians Daniel Boyer and Angela Smith set up voting machines at a polling place at the Travis County Clerk Office in Austin Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Austin voters will decide on the citys steepest property tax rate hike in at least 20 years this November.

Facing a projected $33.4 million budget shortfall, the City Council approved a $6.3 billion budget that depends on a 20% increase in the citys portion of property taxes. Thats well above a 3.5% annual cap set by the Texas Legislature in 2019 as part of an effort to rein in property tax increases. If a local taxing entity like the city of Austin wants to exceed that cap, it must get voter approval through a tax rate election.

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City leaders say the increase is needed to maintain basic services, while business groups say it could worsen Austin's affordability crisis.

Early voting starts Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.

What is Prop Q?

Campaign signs for and against Prop Q are posted on East Riverside Drive in Austin on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Proposition Q asks voters to approve a property tax rate of $0.57 per $100 in valuation  about 5 cents higher than what's allowed under the 2019 state law. The tax hike would generate roughly $110 million for the citys general fund next year.

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A sign opposing Proposition Q is seen off I-35 and Onion Creek Parkway in Austin, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

For the average homeowner with a property valued at about $500,000, the passage of Prop Q would add about $300 to their annual city property tax bill. This year, the average homeowner paid $1,969 in city taxes.

How would Austin spend the money?

That $110 million would go toward a variety of initiatives but most fall under one of four categories: homelessness programs, park maintenance and public health and safety.

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Some of the largest proposed expenditures include:

$20.4 million for up to 350 new rapid rehousing units and expanded emergency shelter beds and services

$3 million for rental and move-in assistance for people leaving shelters

$3.1 million for 24/7 mental health crisis response, including new EMS units

$8.3 million for Fire Department overtime, $5.1 million for EMS staffing and mental health response expansion

$8.3 million for parks maintenance and wildfire prevention

$1.9 million workforce programs, including the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps

Other notable expenditures include $11.5 million to continue emergency shelter operations at the Marshalling Yard and the Eighth Street Shelter; $800,000 for a one-time $500 stipend for city employees ineligible for remote work; and $517,000 to continue funding 20 positions added last year for parks and cemetery maintenance.

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For a full list, please visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/ballot-propositions.

Whos in favor of Prop Q?

The majority of the City Council, homelessness advocates and two unions representing city employees support Prop Q.

A PAC called Love Austin is leading the push, arguing that Prop Q protects core services.

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This isnt about taxes  its about our values, said Love Austin leader Joe Cascino, also a political consultant who has worked as Austin Mayor Kirk Watson's campaign manager.

Groups backing Prop Q include Caritas of Austin, The Other Ones Foundation, AFSCME Local 1620 and the Austin EMS Association, whose leaders have argued the city cant sustain essential services  or help vulnerable residents  without new revenue.

Supporters of Proposition Q attend a news conference to announce the Care Not Cuts campaign at Parque Zaragosa on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. A coalition of unions, first responders, social workers, and community leaders announced a coalition of over 20 organizations in support of the upcoming City of Austins tax rate election Proposition Q. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Austin is growing, and our EMS needs to grow too, said EMS Association President James Monks.

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Council Member Ryan Alter said the investment could yield long-term savings: If we can get someone into housing instead of jail or an ER, we save money.

The Travis County Democratic Party narrowly endorsed Prop Q, and a coalition called Care not Cuts  made up of unions and community groups  has launched a campaign to rally support.

Notably, leadership for the Austin Police Association and Austin Fire Association said their unions would remain neutral on the initiative.

Whos against Prop Q?

Austins business community and conservative activists say the tax hike is too steep.

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The Austin Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Council of Austin, and Austin Apartment Association oppose Prop Q, warning that it could drive up housing costs and hurt economic growth.

This dramatic increase will push people out of Austin, Chamber Board Chair Mark Ramseur said.

Apartment Association CEO Emily Blair said multifamily property taxes could rise 35%, hitting renters hardest.

The conservative PAC Save Austin Now, which successfully campaigned for the city's public camping ban, is also urging a no vote.

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If the city were serious about affordability, it wouldnt raise property taxes, co-chair Steven Brown said.

A pedestrian walks past a sign that displays opposition to Proposition Q in East Austin, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

What if Prop Q fails?

In short, the City Council would have to go back to the drawing board to find budget cuts  and members have said nothings off limits.

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In August when the council approved the 2025-26 budget, it also passed a resolution from Council Member Mike Siegel stating that if Prop Q failed, it would not trigger across-the-board cuts to city services.

Instead, the council would determine specific reductions to balance the budget in the weeks after the election.

Without the [tax rate election], everything will be on the table in terms of how to reduce expenditures and get back to a balanced budget, Siegel said.

That could include cuts to public safety budgets, which make up two-thirds of the citys general fund. Recent police and fire labor contracts allow for temporary pay cuts if a tax rate election fails, though Watson and others say thats unlikely.

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No matter what Austin voters decide, city property taxes will increase next year. Thats because the city will raise the rate by 3.5%, which would add just over $100 to the average tax bill.

Beyond Prop Q

Travis County has already voted to raise its property tax rate by 9.12% next year  a one-time increase tied to the governors disaster declaration after Julys floods.

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During the 2025 legislative session, when Republicans pushed to pass a school voucher bill that would use public money to pay for private education, many Capitol watchers thought Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin might be positioning herself to run for state comptroller.

The five-term lawmaker, a former Austin school board president, had been a fierce critic of the voucher plan. Controlling the agency that manages Texas finances would have given her a powerful role in shaping how such a program was implemented.

But in hindsight, it seems Hinojosa may have been aiming higher.

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That became clear on Feb. 13, when she challenged Gov. Greg Abbott directly on social media.

"Call me a liar to my face," Hinojosa said eight months ago on the social media platform X in a post tagging Abbott, the Republican she announced Wednesday she intends to face in next years governors race if she wins the Democratic nomination on March 3.

Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, speaks at a Feb. 3, 2025, news conference where Democratic lawmakers denounced school vouchers. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

The exchange came after Hinojosa posted that Abbotts voucher plan would drain money from public schools. Abbott responded that Democrats either didnt understand the bill "or they lie about it."

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Abbotts bid for a record fourth term as governor looks all but assured, with less than three weeks before the primary filing period opens. On the Democratic side, Hinojosa still has to get past entrepreneur Andrew White  who fell short in the 2018 primary for governor  and a couple of relatively unknown first-time candidates.

But the dustup back in February suggests that if Democrats go with Hinojosa, she wont shy away from confrontation in the stretch between the primary and November. It also signals that Abbott wont back down easily when the punches start flying.

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Hinojosas response to Abbotts suggestion that she might not understand education policy was to invite him to her Capitol office to explain what shed learned about school finance as an Austin school board trustee. Abbott wasnt interested.

"Can we really trust the former head of the woke Austin school board to give us the facts about our childrens education?" he replied, escalating what would become one of the sessions most memorable political dustups.

Abbott ultimately got his way. After failing to pass vouchers in 2023, he campaigned with a vengeance against House Republicans who joined Democrats to block the measure and helped unseat several of them. With a newly solidified pro-voucher majority, the governor made a show of signing the bill into law.

READ MORE: Andrew White officially launches Democratic bid to take on Greg Abbott

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Hinojosas sharp exchange with Abbott, though, offered an early glimpse of her willingness to confront him head-on  a tone that has carried into her campaign. In her launch video, she urged Texans to fight back, saying Abbotts policies have deepened inequality and drained public services. Her campaign has highlighted education, housing and health care as core issues.

White, meanwhile, has also been critical of Abbott since announcing his comeback bid for the Democratic nomination. But the son of the late Gov. Mark White is presenting himself as a consensus builder who would seek to end the partisan bruising of modern politics.

I'm a balanced candidate. I'm a candidate, as an independent Democrat, that's willing to work with both sides," White said when he reintroduced himself to voters.

Abbott, who took office in 2015, would become the state's longest-serving governor if he is reelected and serves out a fourth term. That means hes a known political commodity  and a tested campaigner.

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His first race for governor, after serving three terms as Texas attorney general, came against thenstate Sen. Wendy Davis and with a built-in boost: a national Republican wave as voters vented their frustration at President Barack Obama in his final midterm election cycle.

Four years later, the winds were more favorable for Democrats, allowing former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke to come within a whisker of unseating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. But again, the breaks fell Abbotts way when Democrats fielded the untested and underfunded Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez to challenge him during President Donald Trumps midterm.

Fast-forward to 2022, and the tide was again running red in President Joe Bidens only midterm. ORourke was Abbotts opponent  flush with cash, charisma and confidence to throw a punch. But too few of them landed, and voters stuck with Abbott. He won by double digits.

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Fifth-graders Yeiny Citalan, 10, left to right, Carlos Reyes, 11, and Jakelin Martinez, 10, participate in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

If Ridgetop Elementary School closes at the end of the school year, Andrew Rottas will miss walking his second-grade daughter to class each morning.

With Ridgetop listed among the proposed closures in the Austin school districts consolidation plan, that could soon be a reality. But despite his satisfaction with his childrens education  and despite the North Loop schools popularity and strong academic ratings  the business consultant doesnt plan to join any effort to press the district to change course. He doesnt think many other Ridgetop parents plan to either.

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Fifth-grader Nidia Ochoa, 10, reads in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Tanya Vazquez teaches fifth-graders Yker Perez, 10, left to right, Jazmine Hernandez, 10, Perla Lopez, 10, and Nidia Ochoa, 10, in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Fifth-graders Jefferson Gonzalez, 11, left to right, Yker Perez, 10, Darlyn Gomez, 10, and Kevin Garcia, 10, participate in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Fifth-graders Kevin Garcia, 10, left, and Selvin Velasquez, 11, read while Tanya Vazquez teaches language arts at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Fifth-graders Jasmine Gutierrez, 10, left to right, Kevin Garcia, 10, and Darlyn Gomez, 10, participate in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Its a great school, the kids are learning a ton, Rottas said. But he knows its not fully meeting its goal as a wall-to-wall dual language immersion program, in which English- and Spanish-predominant students learn together in a bilingual setting, aiming for grade-level fluency in both languages.

Its falling short because you no longer have a varied community, Rottas said.

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In the 15 years since the programs began, demographic changes in the neighborhoods around the four wall-to-wall elementary schools  Ridgetop, Becker, Sunset Valley and Reilly  have shifted their makeup, reducing their number of emergent bilingual students, or those learning English who speak another language at home. A surge in interest from affluent and white Austinites has also contributed to this, said Deborah Palmer, a professor at University of Colorado Boulder who studied these changes at Austins wall-to-wall dual language schools. The transformation mirrors a national trend in the gentrification of dual language programs, she added, risking the intentional integration that is partially the programs purpose.

None of the current sites have more than 40% emergent bilingual students. Becker has 19%. Ridgetop has the fewest, with about 12%.

The district has not used the term gentrification to describe why the programs have evolved as they have or to suggest a need for a change. But it has proposed closing the four schools that house the current programs and relocating them to Pickle, Sanchez, Odom and Wooten elementary schools, which serve larger populations of emergent bilingual students.

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Yvette Cardenas, who leads the districts multilingual education department, told the American-Statesman the district wants to center bilingual students and increase their presence at wall-to-wall campuses. A more even split, Cardenas said, improves learning outcomes for both English and Spanish learners.

The four current programs are neighborhood schools that allow others to transfer in. Under the district's proposal, the schools would be open to students districtwide.

Becker Elementary School parents and students protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The group rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The proposal has already met significant resistance. Becker families have rallied at school board meetings and public protests against the plan to close their school and move their wall-to-wall program.

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Yet many academics, educators and parents told the Statesman the districts proposed changes represent a much-needed reorientation of an important part of its bilingual education offerings. Although the four wall-to-wall programs represent only a small portion of the districts dual language options, their prestige, popularity and changing demographics make them a key test for how the district defines whom its bilingual education program is meant to serve and how it allocates limited resources.

Austins wall-to-wall dual language schools grow whiter, more-affluent

The first dual language schools in the U.S. emerged in the 1970s at the urging of immigrant parents. But it was the 1990s, during a time when bilingual education faced backlash from a nationwide English-only movement, that interest in magnet schools brought them to the attention of middle- and upper-class families without cultural ties to the non-English languages being taught, Palmer said.

As parents began to see bilingualism as cultural capital, public schools marketed dual language programs as boutique alternatives to private and charter options.

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"It began to be about more than about just assimilating bilingual kids into English, and instead building bilingualism for a global future," Palmer said. Bilingualism was now seen "as an advantage, as a richness, as a wealth."

In Austin, the doors opened about 15 years ago, when chronically low enrollment and repeated threats of closure pushed administrators and parents at schools like Ridgetop and Becker to adopt dual language programs to attract new families.

Pre-K students sit on a rug displaying Spanish vocabulary as they read books in class at Ridgetop Elementary School in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The school is one of four in the district that offers Spanish dual language across the entire campus. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

The new programs had their desired effect. Although both schools were largely nonwhite and underperforming academically, new parents came, eventually in large numbers.

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With time, the effects became clear. Schools like Becker and Ridgetop gained reputations as popular neighborhood schools, and the neighborhoods around them became home increasingly to white and affluent residents. The emergent bilingual population shrank.

During that period, the percentage of Hispanic and Black students at Becker, Ridgetop and Sunset Valley declined steadily, according to data provided by Jenna Doane, an educational leadership and policy professor at the University of New Mexico.

New families also reshaped the schools culture. Campuses at times struggled to balance the influence of the newer, more affluent and often white parents with less affluent parents of emergent bilinguals, Palmer and former district employees told the Statesman.

Tanya Vazquez fifth-grade language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Melissa Adams Corral, who taught at Ridgetop during its first three years as a dual language school, remembers that shift. Ridgetops popularity with neighborhood families came quickly, she said  as did a change in culture. Parent-teacher association meetings shifted to being almost exclusively in English, with little interpretation services for Spanish-speaking parents. Adams Corral said she often had to advocate for Spanish-speaking students who were falling behind in reading because the Spanish half of the day  when they received the core of their instruction  was being slowed to accommodate the English-predominant students.

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Schools have a tendency to prioritize parents who have power and sway and the ability to sort of move things, she said.

These days, Ridgetop PTA president Lindsey Stuart said she begins each meeting in Spanish, asking if any parents need interpretation services. But during her two years as president, she hasnt had a single parent request it.

The groups efforts to host events specifically for Spanish-predominant families, such as a Know Your Rights event, have failed to engage them, she said.

The programs that came to be

Tanya Vazquez teaches fifth-graders Nidia Ochoa, 10, left, and Jazmine Hernandez, 10, in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The programs the district developed in schools west of Interstate 35 have performed well on state tests and fostered strong parent engagement, but many have struggled to develop student fluency in both languages.

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Thats partly because the lack of Spanish-speaking families is difficult to circumvent, said Claudia Kramer Santamaria, a former district principal who is now a bilingual education consultant.

These programs are not meeting the requirements that TEA [Texas Education Agency] places on us, Santamaria said, referencing the agencys recommendation for emergent bilingual enrollment. Its not quality right now.

Austin school board member David Kauffman said some English-speaking families at the current wall-to-wall programs have become among the strongest advocates for the proper implementation of dual language instruction  and he believes many understand that the programs primary intent is to serve emergent bilingual students.

Moving the program, he said, would help the district address the statewide shortage of bilingual educators and staff its program more efficiently.

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At Ridgetop and Becker, parents have previously lobbied the district to expand its boundaries or bus in emergent bilingual students. Neither proposal was adopted.

Kauffman told the Statesman the district ultimately rejected the idea because officials felt it wasnt fair to bring emergent bilingual students to schools away from their homes when there was little interest from families who already had access to programs nearby.

If the districts current school consolidation proposal is adopted, the movement of students would occur in the opposite direction.

Although the district has not finalized a policy governing the makeup of the new schools, Cardenas, who leads its multilingual programs, said the district wants to bring half of the students from English-predominant families and half from Spanish-predominant ones.

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What will wall-to-wall dual language at AISD look like in the future?

Students walk in the hall at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The Austin school board doesnt plan to vote on a final version of its consolidation plan until late November. It could still yield to parental opposition  a result several parents told the Statesman they fear could be unfair.

Yet the district faces a $19.7 million deficit and has said closing the campuses could save about $25 million.

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The proposal gives families at the four current and four proposed wall-to-wall schools priority enrollment in the new programs. When combined, their demographics would bring the district closer to the EnglishSpanish balance it seeks.

But its unclear how many current dual language parents will move their children to the new sites. Some, like Sarai Salazar, the mother of a Becker fourth grader, said she plans to withdraw her daughter if the plan passes. Others, like Rottas, said they likely will transfer to the new site.

Its also unclear whether emergent bilingual students at the East Austin schools will stay. Many parents at Pickle and Sanchez told the Statesman they plan to remain if their campuses become wall-to-wall programs. But Jose Soto, a Sanchez PTA member, said some East Riverside families who rely on buses may not be able to stay  even if they want to. The districts plan does not include bus routes for wall-to-wall schools.

The district has not yet presented a policy outlining who can attend its wall-to-wall programs going forward. Their popularity, Palmer said, raises the possibility of recreating the same demographic imbalance at the new sites if policies arent put in place to prevent it.

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Other concerns also remain. Parents at Pickle, like Ysela Najar, told the Statesman they worry they might lose access to their weekly English-as-a-second-language class if the school loses Title I funding or has leadership changes. Emiliano Guajardo, a fourth-generation East Austinite and Sanchez parent, said he sees the potential loss of his childs school  which has long served Austins Mexican community  as another form of displacement.

Looking ahead, the districts challenge will be to convince parents that the experiences they valued in their old schools can be replicated and improved upon in the new ones, Santamaria said.

At Ridgetop, Stuart, the current PTA president, said parents have begun brainstorming ways to introduce themselves to Pickle families later this year if the district's proposal takes effect  possibly through a holiday event or neighborhood walk.

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All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978, has been "misused" by every elected and unelected government, which has led to "untold suffering and human rights violations". "Sab kuch luta ke hosh mein aaye to kya kiya. Din mein agar chiragh jalaye to kya kiya," Owaisi posted on X. He said that the previous Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, including Omar Abdullah, could have repealed the PSA and prevented human rights violations. "The Public Safety Act, 1978 (PSA) was introduced by Sheikh Abdullah in 1978 to deal with smuggling. Farooq Abdullah, GM Shah, Mufti Sayeed, GN Azad, Omar Abdullah & Mehbooba Mufti have all been CMs of J&K. They could have easily repealed PSA & prevented untold suffering and human rights violations," the AIMIM chief said. Owaisi stated that over 20,000 people have been jailed since 1978, from the time of former JK CM Sheikh Abdullah, without fair trials. "The law has been misused by virtually every elected CM & unelected Governors. Over 20,000 people have been jailed since 1978 without criminal charges, fair trials or even a proper appeals process," he added. The Lok Sabha MP further stated that removing PSA has dawned on a "truncated elected government" even though previous governments in Jammu and Kashmir extended detentions of some people. "Some detentions were extended for up to 7-12 years. One separatist was detained under the PSA and, when he was later needed, he was served with a court warrant and granted bail. Now there is a truncated elected govt, and it has dawned on it to do away with the PSA," he added. His remarks come after Omar Abdullah asserted that the elected government must have control over state subjects, including law and order and security, for it to remove the PSA. "We said in the manifesto that we would remove the Public Safety and Security Act (PSA) from Jammu and Kashmir. To remove it, we must have statehood. Security, law and order, all these things should be under the control of the elected government. The day these things are ours, I won't even wait for the assembly session. We will remove the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA) through an ordinance," the JK CM said in a press conference. Moreover, Abdullah said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in centre should be honest in telling people that statehood for the Union Territory is subject to their coming to power here. "The BJP, in its manifesto or in its promises to Parliament and to the Supreme Court, never said that statehood is dependent on the BJP coming to power in Jammu and Kashmir. If that is the case, I think the BJP should be honest that so long as there is a non-BJP government, you will not get statehood," Abdullah said. Taking a dig at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its alliance with the BJP in 2015, the CM ruled out the possibility of future alliance with the ruling party in centre to attain statehood, saying that people in Jammu and Kashmir were still enduring its aftereffects. "However, tying up with the BJP or an alliance with the BJP is out of the question. We've already seen how much that has destroyed Jammu and Kashmir. An unnecessary alliance between the PDP and the BJP was born in 2015. We are still suffering the aftereffects of that. I have no intention of repeating mistakes that other people have made," Abdullah said. (ANI)
Thousands of protesters march through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the Texas Capitol then marched through downtown Austin to Auditorium Shores Saturday for the "No Kings" protest, part of a nationwide movement against President Donald Trump's administration and what organizers and protesters describe as growing authoritarianism and threats to democracy.

Representatives from various organizing groups like Hands Off Central Texas and the Communications Workers of America union spoke in front of the crowd before the march to Auditorium Shores began. Other speakers included U.S. representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar as well as Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa, who just announced her candidacy for the Texas governor's race.

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"There's a lot of talk about Trump, and rightfully so, but his tactics started right here in Texas," Hinojosa said.

Saturday's events remained peaceful, despite concerns around Gov. Greg Abbott's order to deploy Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guard solders to Austin ahead of the protest.

"When we lose our fear, we win. And, quite frankly, they lose their power," said Derrick Osobase, vice president of CWA District 6, which spans Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Melody Tremallo leads thousands of protesters through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Some protesters wore blow-up costumes of unicorns and dinosaurs, a habit that's become common in recent protests. Just a few weeks ago, at a protest in Portland, Ore., a video showed a law enforcement officer seemingly clogging a blow-up frog costume's air vent with pepper spray.

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Other protesters carried American flags or similarly patriotic gear, chanting "the people united will never be divided" and "release the files," the latter referring to case documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes that some believe may implicate Trump.

The cadets at West Point have to take an oath  they have an honor code that says I will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do, said Charlie Arnone, a 51-year-old U.S. Navy veteran attending the protest. Im personally offended that our commander-in-chief cant abide by the simplest code we require of candidates.

Elijah B. leads chants near the front of the rally as thousands march through downtown Austin for the No Kings protest, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

At Auditorium Shores, attendees heard from additional speakers like former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke and live musicians like Guy Forsyth. According to organizers, more than 50 nonprofit organizations and other groups set up in the park to meet with attendees.

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And of those groups, senior citizens were among the most well-represented. Advocacy groups like Third Act, the Raging Grannies, the Gray Panthers and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans hosted tents on Saturday. They called their corner of the park the "wisdom village."

Jan Lance, 73, said the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans is especially concerned about the future of the Affordable Care Act.

Seniors have to be engaged, she said. When we advocate for senior issues, we, in the end, advocate for our family's issues.

Lance has two grandchildren, and she said they inspire her to try to do everything I can to try to make a better world for them.

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Just two tents down, 74-year-old Judy Gradford said she and other Raging Grannies are personally outraged.

We're very concerned about what's happening to immigrants, were very concerned about what's happening to communities of color, what's happening at universities, what's happening all over this country, where people are being attacked and trying to be silenced, Gradford said.

The event wrapped up around 5 p.m. with no arrests reported, according to the Austin Police Department.

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A press release from nationwide organizers of the protests said nearly 7 million people gathered for more than 2,700 protests across the country.
The incident occurred when around 70-80 students gathered at the West Gate of the campus, prompting police to place barricades to restrict their movement towards Nelson Mandela Marg.

According to the Delhi police, the students forcefully pushed through and broke the barricades, manhandled police personnel, used abusive language, and came onto Nelson Mandela Marg, leading to the temporary obstruction of traffic.

The official added that 28 students, including President Nitesh Kumar, Vice President Manisha, and General Secretary Muntia Fatima, were detained.

Six students were bound down under FIR No. 459/25 registered at VKN Police Station. The accused include Nitish Kumar (26), President of JNUSU from Araria, Bihar; Manisha (28), Vice President from Sonipat, Haryana; Munteha Fatima (28), General Secretary from Patna, Bihar; Manikant Patel (27) from Aurangabad, Bihar; Briti Kar (27) from Kolkata, West Bengal; and Saurya Majumdar (28) from East Mumbai.

During the incident, six police personnel (four males and two females) sustained injuries and were sent for medical examination, said the police.

The remaining students, detained under Section 65 of the DP Act, were handed over to their respective professors after medical examination.

Delhi police said that appropriate legal action is being initiated as per the law. (ANI)
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Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya on Sunday attributed the delay in deciding Mahagathbandhan's seat-sharing arrangement to accommodating Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), noting a lack of unity within the alliance on several constituencies. The CPI(ML) leader said the party has settled for 20 seats in the Mahagathbandhan's seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking to ANI, Dipankar Bhattacharya said, "We had 19 seats last time. This time, we were hoping that CPI(ML) would get to contest in 25 seats. But since it's a bigger coalition, we had to settle for 20." Addressing the delay in announcing the seat-sharing pact, he added, "One reason is that it is a bigger coalition this time. The VIP... had to accommodate the new party, which meant everybody had to sacrifice a few seats. This caused a delay, and because of this, there is no absolute unity in every constituency. But we have made it a point that there will be no friendly fights. By October 20, I hope complete unity will prevail." On Saturday, CPI(ML) Liberation released its list of 20 candidates for the upcoming polls. Further, he called Mukesh Sahani's aspirations for the Deputy Chief Ministerial post "legitimate". Bhattacharya emphasised that Sahani joined the Mahagathbandhan after facing "humiliation" in the NDA. He said, "A party will have its aspirations, on seats or Deputy Chief Minister. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, there are (multiple) Deputy Chief Ministers. That is a legitimate aspiration. He sent a letter to Rahul Gandhi and said that 'I belong here, in defence of the Constitution and democracy, as part of the INDIA coalition.' That is a considered political position the party has taken after the humiliation they had to suffer in the NDA." The CPI(ML) leader slammed the BJP, calling it a threat to the multi-party system in the country. He stated that regional parties are worried about their existence. "Last time, they (VIP) won four seats...but BJP gobbled up all the four MLAs and Mukesh Sahani was thrown out of the cabinet. This is about the dignity of a small party. The BJP has now declared a threat to the multi-party system in India. Their President Nadda came here before the Lok Sabha polls and said, 'only one party will survive, and that is the BJP.' Every regional party is worried," he told ANI. As the BJP and the JD(U) are set to contest on 101 seats each, he alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had to "snatch back" seats from the BJP. "Even now, the way JD(U) is being treated...Nitish Kumar had to assert and snatch back the seats which were being taken from him. Why is the BJP missing Sahani so much? If you can't get Sahani, you bring someone else from his party. It is more about the BJP's desperation to find an ally, rather than some leader's opportunism to seek support from the BJP," he said. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, was unable to finalise a seat-sharing pact for the first phase of the Bihar polls, as the nomination process concluded on Friday. Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14. (ANI)
A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division stages in front of U.S. Navy landing craft during an hour-long amphibious assault landing at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 17, 2025. (Joshua Chacon/U.S. Marine Corps)



SAN DIEGO (Tribune News Service)  In a shock-and-awe attack heard across coastal North County, the Navy and Marines launched an hour-long amphibious assault landing at Camp Pendleton on Saturday in a brawny celebration of the service.

With nine warships taking position off the coast, helicopters advanced toward Camp Pendleton, Marines parachuted in and Navy SEALS stormed ashore.

Explosions shook Red Beach  which is located close to Interstate 5  as the huge live-fire demonstration thats being staged to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines got underway around 1 p.m. Later, M777 howitzers on Red Beach fired 155 mm shells inland, aimed at the Whiskey Impact Area in a remote part of the base.

The attack drew loud cheers among 15,000 Marines, Navy sailors, veterans and dignitaries who watched things unfold on a video screen not far away from a makeshift stadium alongside Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A narrator gave a play-by-play over a loudspeaker.

Vance, a Marine veteran who joined local Navy SEALS for a workout Saturday morning had a poignant moment addressing Camp Pendleton, saying, From these mountains and this water, Marines have deployed to every major fight in the last century. From island hopping across the Pacific to Helmand Province and beyond.

Standing here, you can feel the weight of that history, the generations upon generations, upon Americans who cut their teeth at this base, boarding ships and carrying the American flag. But thats exactly what Marines do, Vance said.

The show ended an hour later with a huge, low-level fly-by of all the main types of aircraft represented in the event.

Its clear to me why President Trump says all the time we are the strongest, most powerful, most prepared military on the planet, Hegseth told the gathered Marines in remarks that followed the demonstration. Because you are that strength, that power.

The celebration comes amid controversy. Gov. Gavin Newsom, after consulting with traffic safety experts at the California Highway Patrol, temporarily closed a large section of Interstate 5 that runs through Camp Pendleton because of the live artillery fired inland, across the freeway, during the drill. Motorists were earlier prevented from getting on the northbound freeway from on-ramps throughout Oceanside.

The assault, involving 8,500 sailors and Marines, represents one of the main roles of the Marines, founded as an amphibious force.

It includes the amphibious vessels USS Boxer, USS Makin Island and USS Pearl Harbor, as well as a broad cross-section of military might, from F-35 fighter jets to V22 Osprey transport planes.

At one point during the demonstration, four Marine F-18s buzzed the stadium to oohs and ahhs from the crowd, followed by Marines coming ashore in amphibious combat vehicles. Marine-laden hovercraft threw up dirt and water spray as they came in next, and fighter jets bolted off the deck of the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

The demonstration was filmed by the White House for a primetime television special to be aired on Nov. 9.

The simulated assault pleased Marine veteran Michael Chance of Oceanside. This shows that the Trump administration is doing things right, he said.

The specter of live fire over the freeway and the last-minute decision to close a portion of I-5 sparked debate on both sides of the political aisle.

State officials cited extreme life safety risk and sudden, loud explosions that could distract drivers.

Camp Pendleton officials had earlier said it was not necessary to close the busy freeway that runs through the base. Base officials told state authorities that was because the exercise would be conducted on its training ranges, according to Newsoms office.

However, late Friday, event organizers asked for Caltrans signage to be posted along I-5 that would read: Overhead fire in progress, according to Newsom. State officials near Camp Pendleton also observed live munitions being fired near the freeway on Friday as an apparent practice run, according to the office.

On Saturday, military officials confirmed with state officials that the live-fire exercise would begin at 1:30 p.m., Newsoms office said.

The Marines also requested that all train service between San Diego and Orange counties be suspended during the exercise.

The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety, Newsom said in a statement Saturday. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isnt just wrong  its dangerous.

County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican whose district encompasses much of North County, called the decision to close the freeway a petty stunt, citing the Marines decades of experience training around the busy thoroughfare.

This isnt just an inconvenience  its going to cause medical emergencies to be delayed, workers to miss shifts, and families to have their plans and events ruined, Desmond said in a statement on X.

The freeway reopened fully to motorists around 2 p.m.

Outside the bases main gate Saturday afternoon, about 35 demonstrators shrugged off the closure warnings and showed up for a hastily organized gathering that coincided with the No Kings day of protest.

Hey hey, ho ho, Whiskey Pete has got to go! chanted the group, waving flags and signs, as a motorcade passed by about 3 p.m.

Russ Clark of Oceanside and his wife joined the Pendleton group after spending the morning at the much larger No Kings event in Carlsbad. In June, they were at the one in San Diego.

Every time I go to one of these, I feel inspired to do more and get involved, Clark said. You cant just watch TV.

Another Pendleton participant, Kevin Curry, said the crowd there was smaller, but it was a good spot to send their message to Marines entering and leaving the base.

Its not the most supportive audience, but its a very important audience, Curry said.

Staff writer Philip Diehl contributed to this report.

2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit sandiegouniontribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamala Persad-Bissessar, left, gestures as she meets Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a welcome ceremonial at The Presidential Palace in New Delhi on Jan. 6, 2012. In 2025, the U.S. government is warning U.S. citizens to steer clear of U.S. installations in Trinidad and Tobago, including its embassy in Port-of-Spain, amid the ongoing buildup of its military in the region and drone strikes off the coast of Venezuela. (Raveendran/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. government is warning U.S. citizens to steer clear of U.S. installations in Trinidad and Tobago, including its embassy in Port-of-Spain, amid the ongoing buildup of its military in the region and drone strikes off the coast of Venezuela.

Due to a heightened state of alert please avoid and refrain from visiting all U.S. Government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago through the holiday weekend, the State Department said. It urged U.S. citizens to monitor their surroundings and tune in to reputable news outlets.

The highly unusual alert on Saturday came days after two Trinidadians were allegedly among six individuals killed when a U.S. drone blew up a boat in the Caribbean Sea. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a vocal supporter of the Trump administrations actions, did not condemn the incident and was notably missing Friday from a debate in parliament.

The unusual absence, the recent resignation of the head of the Doral-based U.S. Southern Command, which is responsible for military action in the region, and Saturdays heightened alert have served to fuel speculation that the U.S. may be preparing to escalate its attacks in the area. Trinidad is only seven miles from the Venezuelan coast.

A security expert in the oil-rich twin-island nation said the prime minister and U.S. embassy may be operating off the same intelligence. He noted no such alerts have been issued for other neighboring countries. Such alerts, he said, are usually targeted toward where governments deem the threat may be.

On Saturday, the 15-member Caribbean Community broke its silence on the U.S. attacks in the region. Its statement was endorsed by member states with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, and came after pressure by former prime ministers and opposition leaders for the bloc to take a stance.

Heads of government of the Caribbean Community reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict, the statement said.

CARICOM leaders said they are committed to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons that adversely affect the region.

Efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law, the statement continued. Leaders also reaffirmed unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.

2025 Miami Herald.

Visit miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Naval aviators and aircrew at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) conduct flight operations at Naval Air Station Fallon, undeterred by heavy rain and overcast skies. (Edgar Montano/U.S. Navy)



Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine has completed a check ride to again pilot the F-16 fighter jet and is set to be up in the air with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a demonstration flight in Nevada on Sunday.

The flight will take place at Naval Air Station Fallon, home of the Navys fighter weapons school, also known as TOPGUN. During the flight, Caine is scheduled to fly at the same time as Hegseth, who is planned to be a passenger in a Navy F/A-18 fighter jet. NAS Fallon uses the F-16s as red air  meaning the simulated air adversary for exercises  so its possible Hegseth and Caine might end up flying against each other.

To requalify on the jet he flew years ago, Caine retrained on the F-16 with private contractors from Texas and with members from the 121st Fighter Squadron, an Air National Guard unit at Andrews Air Force Base  the same unit he was serving with on Sept. 11, 2001, when in the moments after the 9/11 attacks, he and other pilots responded in F-16s to patrol D.C.s skies.

On Saturday during his check ride at Andrews, Caine taxied his jet from the same spot hed scrambled from on 9/11, an official familiar with his flight told The Washington Post.

But the Sunday flight is also drawing questions from critics and some military aviators about why Caine and Hegseth would spend the time and resources on the demonstration flight, especially given the financial drain caused by the government shutdown and the ongoing military strikes in the Caribbean.

Spokespersons for Hegseth did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

There are better use of his time than in a simulator and on training flights for what is effectively a stunt, said Dan Grazier, senior fellow and director of the National Security Reform Program at the Stimson Center. In the ongoing military operations, not only are we inflicting casualties, but American troops are also in harms way. So I would prefer our nations leaders are keeping a closer eye on the ball.

Caine is not the first chairman to maintain his flight certifications while serving as the nations top military officer. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. was also an F-16 pilot, and he maintained his pilot certifications and sometimes flew during his tenure as chairman and while serving in other leadership roles. President Donald Trump fired Brown in February, a few weeks into the new administration, and announced Caine as Browns replacement that same day.

Caine had started the work to become recertified months ago. However, in the last few days, he fit in simulator and flight training at Andrews between meeting with the Ukrainians during President Volodymyr Zelenskys White House visit and spending hours on Friday and Saturday in communication with U.S. military officials as the Pentagon hurriedly determined what should be done with survivors of the strike against an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, according to two people familiar with the flights and simulator work.

Caines flight training and simulator times just happened to coincide with the Fallon opportunity and were not scheduled to get him ready in time for the Sunday flight with Hegseth, another official said.

While the flight is taking place amid a months-long celebration of the Navys 250th birthday, the Fallon flight was not part of the scheduled celebrations, which have been allowed to continue amid the government shutdown.
The Pentagon on Wednesday before reporters turn in their credentials and depart after refusing to sign new reporting limits dictated by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)



When a throng of military journalists relinquished their credentials Wednesday after refusing to sign the Defense Departments new restrictive press policy, it ended more than 80 years of in-building coverage by major news organizations  including the New York Times, The Washington Post and CBS News, which reported live from the Pentagon on D-Day in 1944.

The Defense Departments new policy blocks any journalist from soliciting information the department has not authorized for release  even unclassified details.

With only 14 individuals agreeing to the rules, dozens of outlets are confronting a new reality: the challenges of covering the Defense Department from purely outside of its five-sided nerve center on the Potomac.

Will it be a little tougher? Will it require a little more elbow grease? Perhaps, said Barbara Starr, a former CNN reporter who covered the Pentagon for more than 20 years. But its also the case that we have seen in the last couple of days, the Pentagon press corps is continuing to get scoops.

The media policy is the latest press restriction imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has altered norms by rarely holding press briefings and requiring reporters to use Pentagon escorts to walk in certain parts of the building. The limitations represent a sharp departure from the twice-weekly briefings, free movement and dedicated in-building desk space that Pentagon reporters have traditionally been granted.

Media organizations say they are still deciding how to confront the new restrictions, which could include suing to regain access or strike down some of the Pentagons requirements. Some publications said they are considering increasing foreign reporting to prepare for decreased material out of Washington. Because the Pentagons new policy prohibits reporters from soliciting information the government hasnt authorized, some media experts say it might serve as a warning to would-be leakers about the consequences of talking to the press.

And while being blocked from the facilities wont prevent journalists from reporting, it will make it harder to land key details and scoops, veteran reporters said.

Starr, who left CNN in 2022 and is now a senior fellow at the University of Southern California, said there are perks that come with building access. You lose the convenience of, on your way to the cafeteria for lunch, running into the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and saying, Hey, whats going on? Heres the story Im working on. Can you help? she said.

The building itself can be a reporting tool for those who grace its halls. [You] feel whats happening before its announced, said Mark Thompson, a national security analyst at the Project on Government Oversight and a former Time magazine national security correspondent who covered the Pentagon for decades. Any good reporter just picks up on vibes.

However, proximity isnt everything. Many reporters who cover the military already work outside the Pentagon. The big stories on defense over my lifetime havent come from inside the building, Thompson said, citing revelations about the Pentagon Papers, the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, and the My Lai and Haditha massacres. Theyve been stories that outside reporters with good sources  and their own intrepidity have tracked down, reported, and published  much to the chagrin of the powers that be inside the Pentagon.

Thomas Evans, editor in chief of NPR, agreed that access isnt everything. Physically being in the building helps build relationships, but thats not where the rubber hits the road, usually, he said.

But the routine accounts of staffing and budgets and deployments that military families depend on will suffer without regular briefings, Evans said. What really is going to die is actually the day-to-day coverage of what the men and women in the military are doing, he said, often reported by military publications.

Hundreds of journalists have decided not to agree to the Pentagons policy, including several more conservative outlets such as Fox News, Newsmax, the Washington Times and the Washington Examiner.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the policy in a statement to The Washington Post, saying reporters decided to move the goalpost by refusing to sign the statement. We stand by our policy because its whats best for our troops and the national security of this country, he added.

Some media experts fear the press policy will usher in a chilled environment, preventing government employees from sharing information with reporters. I think there is a greater chance that even if its someone passing along a nonclassified memo, they can get into trouble, Evans said.

Others argued that the policy could backfire, inspiring a new crop of leakers to emerge - or energizing those already inclined to speak to the press. I think it actually could have a reverse effect, said Clay Calvert, a First Amendment scholar at the University of Floridas Levin College of Law. The policy might actually frustrate and upset many employees who feel the policy is intended to prevent them from speaking to journalists.

The state of affairs could also catalyze new links between reporters and sources outside of the building. I think many military people are quite concerned about this clampdown and will embrace finding other ways to communicate with reporters, Starr said.

Bill McCarren, director of the National Press Clubs Press Freedom Center, said the policy reveals what he argues is a chasm between Defense Secretary Hegseth and the military and civilian personnel that report to him. This is a battle with the press, but it is also something else, he said. Its a battle within the Pentagon about control.

Evans said NPR is considering increasing international coverage to capture stories that would have previously been fleshed out through Pentagon channels. But he emphasized that the newsroom wont change its editorial approach.

I view this as a legal and First Amendment disagreement with them, not an editorial disagreement, he said. I think our coverage at the Pentagon cant be any different than it was before. Even if they want it to be different.
With less than two weeks to go for the Bihar assembly polls, State BJP president Dilip Jaiswal said on Sunday that the assembly poll is a direct contest between Mahagathbandhan and the NDA and termed the entry of Prashant Kishor, who is the founder of Jan Suraaj, into the political fray as a "part of an election strategy". On Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor's statement,Jaiswal told ANI, "...This is part of an election strategy. The people of Bihar now understand that the election is between the mahagathbandhan and the NDA... The third factor will be revealed after the election." Jaiswal claimed that there was a lack of consensus among the constituents of Mahagathbandhan over the allocation of seats for the polls. "... There were some seats where even the LJP considered itself strong. The BJP also considered itself strong... We took two days to conduct a survey, aiming to better assess which candidate had the most potential in those seats... Meanwhile, the mahagathbandhan failed to distribute seats transparently fully... Mukesh Sahani stated that the mahagathbandhan requires treatment, and the best doctors are located in Delhi. Meaning, he also believes that the best doctors are in Delhi..." The BJP leader further said that Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has "lost the trust" of the Nishad and Sahani communities. "Mukesh Sahani (Vikassheel Insaan Party) (VIP), has lost the trust of the Nishad and Sahani communities. He believes he can run his politics based on the Nishad and Sahani community's vote bank. ... The Sahani community in Bihar is outraged that Mukesh Sahani merely exploits them...," he claimed. The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 7. The results will be announced on November 14. (ANI)
DeWitt, N.Y.  Thousands of people flooded the sidewalks along Erie Boulevard East in DeWitt for the No Kings anti-Trump rally Saturday afternoon.

People packed both sides of Erie Boulevard East as well as filled the median along a more than half-mile stretch of the road between Kinne Road and Genesee Street.

Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard estimated the crowd at more than 6,000. Organizers, using a drone, estimated the crowd at 8,000 to 10,000.

The crowd grew throughout the day, chanting, waving flags, holding signs and cheering for several hours.

Chants included New York is not a fascist state, Say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE, No Justice, No Peace, No Fascist Police, Not my President, and Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go. Some people also chanted Free Palestine.

Protesters held signs reading No Faux Kings, We are the people, united we stand, and No Kings, No Dictator, No Trump.

Cars honked in support as they passed. The Unity Street Band played music. More than 50 people dressed in inflatable dinosaur, chicken, unicorn, and other costumes added a playful element.

The protest was part of a national day of action called Return of No Kings, organized by the national Indivisible movement. Organizers said the event aims to defend democratic norms and push back against what they see as authoritarian tendencies within the Trump administration.

There were at least 10 No Kings protests across Central New York on Saturday.

While there were no official speakers in DeWitt, U.S. Rep. John Mannion walked the sidewalks with a bullhorn and an American flag, talking to the crowd. He said the demonstrations across Central New York reflect growing public frustration with what he called a shift from the norm in federal government operations.

Over the last nine months, weve seen an unprecedented series of actions that go against the values and laws that have long guided this country, said Mannion, D-Geddes. People are noticing  regardless of party. Even some Republicans who voted for the president are troubled by the lack of due process and oversight, and by decisions that appear to benefit the president and his family financially.

Mannion cited concerns raised by protesters, including gerrymandering, Congressional delays and possible conflicts of interest tied to cryptocurrency and personal gain.

The senator pointed to turnout across the region  including Syracuse, Auburn, Cortland, Ithaca, Rome and other towns  as evidence of widespread dissatisfaction.

When you see people lining the streets like this, its because these actions are deeply unpopular, he said. Theres a growing sense that our laws are being manipulated to create winners and losers  especially in districts that didnt vote with the majority party.

Kathleen Shockey, 37, of Syracuse and a former student of Mannions, held a sign quoting John F. Kennedy: The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.

In order for a democracy to survive, you need a government with a moral compass, empathy and kindness, Shockey said.

She expressed concern that the government lacks foresight and fosters fear and division.

I think we have a lot more in common as people than politics would have us believe. We just need to be better people, she said.

Daniel Stetson, visiting from Florida, held a sign reading Fight Truth Decay, reflecting his frustration with dishonesty in politics. He criticized what he sees as the militarization of the country under the current administration, calling it illegal, immoral and just plain wrong.

Theres no heart in this White House as far as I can tell, Stetson said. The hate and racism are so rampant that its scary to me. We need to stop it.

Stetson urged Congress  especially Republicans  to act independently.

Id like to see Congress stand up and have guts, he said. Its dangerous for any party to move in lockstep, but thats whats happening. Theyre enabling him.

No Kings protests also took place in Auburn, Bridgeport, Cortland, Hamilton, Ithaca, Oswego, Rome, Skaneateles, Utica and West Monroe.

Downtown Oswego saw its largest protest in recent memory, with an estimate of about 975 people attending, according to Dave Bullard, an organizer for the Indivisible-Oswego County Steering Committee.

Stetson said seeing the large crowds gathered across Central New York and the country gives him hope.

Were here because we love America, he said. Thats one of the biggest misconceptions  we love this country, and what theyre doing is hateful toward people. Its just horrible.
Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao showcased support for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah's recent statement on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Congress leader emphasised that RSS has opposed the rights and reservations of the minority community, including those advocated by Babasaheb Ambedkar. "The Karnataka CM Siddharamaiah is rightly saying that RSS has been against Babasaheb Ambedkar from the beginning... Rahul Gandhi has also been against the RSS from the beginning. RSS wants to divide this country; Rahul Gandhi wants to unite this country... That's why everybody should oppose RSS," he said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday stated that his government has taken action to restrict RSS activities and take appropriate steps if required, asserting that "no organisation should disturb people in public places". Speaking to reporters in Hassan, Siddaramaiah said, "No organisation should disturb people in public places. Action has been taken in Tamil Nadu. We will examine it and take further action." His remarks came in response to questions about a proposal to impose restrictions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state. The move comes after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to bar RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples, accusing the organisation of "brainwashing young minds" and promoting a "philosophy against the Constitution". Kharge also stated that he has been receiving threats since making his remarks about restricting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in government spaces. He shared a post on X revealing that he has been receiving threatening and abusive phone calls. "For the past two days, my phone hasn't stopped ringing. Calls filled with threats, intimidation and the filthiest abuse directed at me and my family, simply because I dared to question and restrain RSS activities in government schools, colleges and public institutions," Kharge said. (ANI)
Assam Rifles, in conjunction with Manipur Police and Indian Army, recovered weapons and war-like stores during an intelligence-based operation in Manipur, a release said. Based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of a weapons cache, Assam Rifles, in conjunction with Manipur Police and the Indian Army, launched a joint operation in the general area of Phubala, Bishnupur District, Manipur, on October 13, it added. The operation was initiated in the early hours with columns tactically moving to the general area. During the conduct of the operation, the team successfully recovered weapons, ammunition and other War Like Stores, the release stated. "The recovered items include one INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG) with magazine (Registered No. 18531137, confirmed as looted), one Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) gun, one Chinese Hand Grenade, Five rounds of 5.56 mm INSAS live ammunition, Five Ballistite cartridges, Six 12 Bore cartridges, Three .303 rounds chargers, One Tube launching cylinder, one Baofeng Hand Held set, Three Bullet Proof (BP) helmets, Four BP plates, One rubber tube," a release said. The recovered arms, ammunition, and war-like stores have been handed over to Moirang Police Station for further investigation. Earlier, Assam Rifles recovered war-like stores during an intelligence-based operation in Vaphai, Champhai District and apprehended two individuals. A release said that based on specific intelligence regarding the transhipment of a large quantity of war-like stores, Assam Rifles launched an operation on October 17 in Vaphai, Champhai District. During early hours on October 18, the team tried to stop a Camper vehicle and on being challenged to stop the individuals attempted to flee but were apprehended after a pursuit.A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5800 pieces of gelinite rods, 10,500 meters of cordtex and 6000 pieces of detonators. The individuals transporting the explosives were identified as Lalrinsanga and Vanlalliana.The recovered war-like stores, along with the apprehended individuals, were handed over to Dungtlang police station for further investigation. (ANI)
Tropical storm kills family of five as hits Philippines



Manila, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Tropical Storm Fengshen killed a family of five Sunday as it ploughed across the Philippines' main island Luzon, police and disaster officials said.

The family, including two children aged two and 11 years old, were crushed to death when a tree fell on their house at daybreak, police official Sonny Ombajino told AFP by telephone.

The incident occurred at a village near the town of Pitogo, about 153 kilometres (95 miles) southeast of Manila, as the storm raked across the southeastern section of Luzon overnight.

Fengshen hovered over Manila Bay late morning Sunday with gusts of up to 90 kilometres (56 miles) an hour and was poised to strike provinces north of the capital Manila, the state weather service said.

At least 47,000 people left their homes and headed to government-designated temporary shelters across southeast Luzon since Saturday, local disaster officials said, as the weather service warned of possible coastal flooding and landslides.

The Philippines is hit by around 20 storms and typhoons each year, routinely striking areas where millions of people live in poverty.

Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful as the planet warms due to human-driven climate change.

Fengshen comes as the country reels from a series of major earthquakes that killed at least 87 people over the past three weeks.
Tropical storm kills family of five in Philippines



Manila, Oct 19 (AFP) Oct 19, 2025



Tropical Storm Fengshen headed out to sea Sunday after killing a family of five on the Philippines' main island Luzon, officials and state weather forecasters said.

The family, including children aged two and 11 years old, were crushed to death in their sleep when a giant palm tree fell on their house near Pitogo, about 153 kilometres (95 miles) southeast of capital Manila.

"The entire family was asleep in a house made of light materials," Governor Angelina Tan of Quezon province told Manila radio station DZMM, adding that a sixth member of the family survived.

Pitogo police official Sonny Ombajino confirmed the deaths, saying they occurred as the storm raked across the south of Luzon overnight.

At least 47,000 people headed to government-designated temporary shelters across southeast Luzon starting Saturday, local disaster officials said, as the weather service warned of possible coastal flooding and landslides.

Rain continued to batter the island as Fengshen made its way towards the South China Sea on Sunday.

It was expected to track northwest before eventually turning toward Vietnam with gusts of up to 90 kilometres (56 miles) an hour, according to the weather service.

The Philippines is hit annually by around 20 storms and typhoons, which routinely strike areas where millions of people live in poverty.

Typhoon Bualoi killed 37 people and forced 400,000 to flee their homes in the northern Philippines.

Scientists warn that tropical storms are becoming more powerful as the planet warms due to human-driven climate change.

Fengshen struck as the country was reeling from a series of major earthquakes that killed at least 87 people over the past three weeks.
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Celebrities were among the nearly 7 million demonstrators who showed up at Saturdays No Kings protests to rally against Donald Trumps presidency.

Held in small towns and major cities across the country, demonstrators showed up with creative signs and costumes just one day after the president insisted hes not a king in an interview with Fox News.

Saturdays event marked the third mass mobilization since Trump reclaimed the White House  and one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in U.S. history, surpassing the more than 5 million demonstrators who turned up to the first iteration of No Kings protests in June, organizers said.

Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis shared a carousel of posters from one protest with the caption: SIGNS 'O THE TIMES! Democracy in ACTION!

She followed that post up Sunday with a photo of a No King Any Time sign.

Celebrities were among those joining in on the No Kings protests around the country ( AFP via Getty Images )

In this world of abundance and BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST, it doesn't matter if this was the MOST people ever turning out in protest, it just matters that we SHOWED UP, STOOD UP, said what we THINK and FEEL and now the HARD work, she captioned the image. We have a YEAR to send a real MESSAGE at the BALLOT BOX which is our AMERICAN VOICE, and so, let's get &$@KING BUSY!

Severance producer and director Ben Stiller re-shared an image of an attendee holding a sign that said No Kings except for Knicks player Jalen Brunson.

Glenn Close posted an image of herself holding up a sign that read: No oligarchs. No dictators. No despots. No autocrats. No kings!!

Director Spike Lee shared a photo from Times Square in New York City of a protester holding a sign showing Trump on the cover of Time Magazine accompanied by the words to go.

High Fidelity and Say Anything star John Cusack had a pointed message for the Trump administration at the Chicago rally: Go to hell!

In an interview with CNN at the rally, Cusack claimed that Trump misunderstands Chicago. The president has asked the Supreme Court for permission to send troops into the city, arguing they are needed to protect federal border and immigration officials. Officials in the city insist they are not needed.

Whats interesting is that he doesnt understand that all the labor rights around the world came from this town, this place, said Cusack So if he thinks this place is going to be a fascist hub  no chance!

Addressing the president directly, Cusack continued: No, you cant put troops on our streets. You cant create enough chaos to invoke the Insurrection Act so you can stay in power. We all know what your plan is.

Prior to the protests, Mark Ruffalo advocated for participation in a passionate Instagram post.

WE the People - WE have the power and together WE will win! Check out this inspiring video and share it with your family, friends and neighbors to join one of the over 2,500 No Kings protests across our country this Saturday, October 18th, he wrote.

Courage is contagious! Each of us have an important role to play in this historic moment by exercising our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest. Go to nokings.org to find a protest near you. See you in the streets!
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A desperate search for a missing Philadelphia woman has taken a heartbreaking turn after human remains were discovered Saturday.

The grim discovery was made behind an abandoned school near Awbury Arboretum, where police had been scouring the area for 23-year-old Kada Scott, who vanished on October 4.

On Sunday, a rapid DNA test found a 99.9 percent match between DNA reportedly recovered from the scene and DNA samples collected from Scott's parents, FOX29 reported, strongly indicating that the remains are that of Scott.

Investigators returned to the site around 10 a.m. Saturday after receiving a very specific anonymous tip overnight, according to First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford.

The remains, believed to be those of a female, were found buried in a shallow grave in a heavily wooded section of the property, WPVI reported.

open image in gallery Kada Scott was last seen on October 4, clocking in for her overnight shift at an assisted living facility in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia ( Philadelphia Police Department )

By late afternoon, they had been removed from the scene and turned over to the citys Medical Examiners Office to confirm the identity. Stanford said police have been in contact with Scotts family.

We have been in communication with her family as to this process and in the fact that we have recovered a human being, he said.

Scott was last seen October 4 clocking in for her overnight shift at an assisted living facility in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Her family expected her to be home the next morning. But she never made it.

Investigators say she was not at work for very long that night before she left the facility. However, there were no surveillance cameras in the parking lot, they said.

When Scott did not return home that morning, her parents called the senior living facility and got what they called conflicting reports about her whereabouts.

Her parents met police in the parking lot where they found her car. Her phone, iPad, keys, and other belongings were not inside the vehicle, WPVI reported.

On Wednesday, police arrested 21-year-old Keon King in connection with Scotts abduction. He also faces another kidnapping charge in what investigators described as a disturbing pattern.

Mr. King is the last person, we believe, to be in contact with her and that he was in contact with her when she went offline, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said at a press conference earlier this week.

Investigators are still working to determine how King and Scott knew each other, though they believe the two had crossed paths in the days leading up to her disappearance.

Before she vanished, Scott had reportedly told people she was being harassed, though it remains unclear if King was the person she was referring to. King is being held on $2.5 million bail.

open image in gallery Keon King has been charged in connection to Kada Scotts abduction ( Philadelphia Police Department )

As the search for Scott continued through the week and tips flooded in, investigators were led to the Awbury Arboretum in East Germantown October 10.

Police searched the 55-acre property believed to be on of the last places her phone pinged before it was deactivated. But no evidence was uncovered in the search.

Then on October 15, investigators found a car they believe is connected to the disappearance: a 1999 metallic gold Toyota Camry with heavy front-end damage and tinted windows.

The vehicle was found in the parking lot of the Gypsy Lane Condos in East Falls after a tip came in around 3:10 p.m. It matched the description and license plate number, MSX0797, released earlier in the day. Sources told reporters the car belonged to King, whose family lives nearby.

We believe she may have been in that vehicle, Toczylowski said.

Surveillance footage shows the driver arriving and leaving the property within about 35 minutes, though police havent confirmed who was behind the wheel. Police say the vehicle was seen in several parts of the city before it was found Wednesday.

Hours before the cars discovery, another tip led police to search Ada H. Lewis Middle School, an abandoned building near the Awbury Arboretum.

There, investigators uncovered key physical evidence during the search  including Scotts debit card and a phone case, WPVI reported.

open image in gallery On October 15, investigators found a car they believe is connected to the disappearance ( Philadelphia Police Department )

During a press conference Friday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner addressed Kings arrest and additional charges he faces in what prosecutors call a similar case from earlier this year  one in which another woman was allegedly kidnapped and strangled but survived.

Those charges were dropped when the victim didnt show up in court, but prosecutors plan to refile them.

In that case, prosecutors said King threw [the victim] in her car, assaulted her and eventually let her out.

Krasner admitted Friday that his office should have handled that case differently.

We could have done better in that, he said. A really sophisticated approach to the case would have been to try to put it all in with video evidence.

Part of that incident was captured in a viral video showing King peering through and knocking on windows as someone inside yelled for help and told others to call police. Krasner said the victim feared testifying because King was out on bail.

The reason they had to worry he was going to come out of the same door they went in the courthouse right after they testified against him is because he was on bail, said Krasner.

King posted 10 percent of a $200,000 bail in that kidnapping arrest.

open image in gallery Human remains were found on Saturday during a search for missing Kada Scott ( GoFundMe )

When asked why prosecutors didnt push for higher bail, Krasner said appealing overnight can be difficult.

You have the option of trying to do what is often a midnight or three oclock in the morning telephonic appeal to a municipal court judge, he said. The unfortunate reality of this is that some, but not all of these judges, dont want you calling them in the middle of the night. And if you do, they lower the bail. They dont raise it, they dont leave it. They lower it. So it is always a complex, strategic decision.

But Marty ORourke, spokesperson for the courts, sharply disputed the district attorneys statements, calling them appallingly disrespectful and an attempt to scapegoat for his mishandling of the case.

The DA would know that court staff is on call 24/7 and prepared at any hour to address emergency Court matters, ORourke said.

In light of this truth, the DAs comments are appallingly disrespectful and a sad attempt on his part to find a scapegoat for his own failings on this matter, he said.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker offered prayers and support to Scotts family with a statement on Facebook.

There are no words that I can employ to remove the unimaginable pain and turmoil that the family of Kada Scott is experiencing with the tragic loss of their beloved daughter, sister, and loved one, she wrote. The City of Philadelphia is here to support them in any way that we can. We will continue to stay by their side.
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An inmate who killed a man and then painted catch me if u can on the wall with his victims blood will be executed in November.

South Carolinas Supreme Court issued a death warrant Friday for 44-year-old Stephen Bryant.

His lawyers had asked for a delay due to the US government shutdown, as they work with the federal court system. However, that was denied.

Bryant will be the 50th person put to death in South Carolina since the state restarted the death penalty in 1985.

He will also be the seventh inmate executed in less than 14 months since the state was able to obtain a drug for lethal injection and reopen the death chamber after an unintentional 13-year pause.

Bryant will have until October 31 to choose if he wants to die by lethal injection, firing squad or in the electric chair.

Since the pause, four inmates have chosen lethal injection and two have died by bullets.

A total of 38 men have been executed so far this year in the US, with an inmate scheduled to die Friday by lethal injection in Arizona. At least five other executions are set nationwide during the rest of 2025.

open image in gallery Stephen Bryant is scheduled to be executed in November ( AP )

Catch me if u can

Bryant admitted to killing Willard TJ Tietjen after stopping by his secluded home in rural Sumter County and saying he had car trouble.

Tietjen was shot several times. Candles were lit around his body. Someone took a potholder made by his daughter when she was a child, dipped the corner in blood and wrote victem 4 in 2 weeks. catch me if u can" on the wall, authorities said.

Tietjen's daughter called him several times, getting more worried when he did not answer. On the sixth call, a strange voice answered, she testified.

The person on the other end told her she had the right number. Then she demanded to speak to her father.

And he said you cant, I killed him. And I said, this isnt funny, who are you? He said, Im the prowler. And I said, excuse me, who are you? He said, Im the prowler, Kimberly Dees testified before a judge who determined Bryants sentence.

More killings terrorized Sumter County

Prosecutors said Bryant also killed two men  one before and one after Tietjen. He gave the men rides and when they got out to urinate on the side of lonely, rural roads he shot them in the back.

As deputies frantically looked for the killer, many of the 100,000 people in Sumter County lived in fear over the random attacks. Officers stopped nearly everyone driving on dirt roads and told people to be leery of anyone they did not know asking for help.

open image in gallery Stephen Corey Bryant listens as his defense attorney presents his closing argument during Bryant's sentencing hearing ( AP )

Bryant used drugs to blunt pain from alleged abuse

Bryant's lawyers said he was troubled in the months before the killing, begging a probation agent and his aunt to get him help because he couldn't stop thinking about being sexually abused by four male relatives when he was a child.

He was very upset. He looked like he was being tortured. Its like his soul was just laid wide open. In his eyes you could see he was hurting and suffering and he was living the abuse over again as it was coming out, aunt Terry Caulder testified.

Bryant tried to help himself through the pain by using meth and smoking joints he sprayed with bug killer, his defense attorneys said.

Cruel and unusual punishments

The six inmates executed in South Carolina since September 2024 have argued the state's methods are cruel and unusual punishments, but have not been able to stop their deaths.

With the firing squad, attorneys for the inmates say the three volunteers with rifles nearly missed the heart of the second man killed, Mikal Mahdi. They suggested Mahdi was in agonizing pain for three or four times longer than experts say he would have been if his heart had been hit directly.

Condemned inmates have also scrutinized the lethal injection procedures, which appear to now use two doses of the powerful sedative pentobarbital. They said inmates drown in a rush of fluid into their lungs but are paralyzed and cannot react.

Witnesses to the four executions have not seen any signs of struggle and report the prisoners appear to have lost consciousness in about a minute.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) on Sunday strongly condemned what it described as "violence perpetrated by the Delhi Police" against JNU students and the detention of 28 of them, including three JNU Students Union office bearers, on Saturday. In a joint statement, JNUTA President Surajit Mazumdar and Secretary Meenakshi Sundriyal said, "Videos and other reports indicate the use of brutal force, leaving several students severely injured. What is of extremely serious concern is not only that women students were among those assaulted, but also that they were detained after 7 PM." The statement said that the police appeared to be "motivated by objectives other than the maintenance of law and order" pointing out that a peaceful march questioning police conduct was not tolerated. The march, according to the teachers' body, was organised to protest alleged incidents of violence, forceful confinement and derogatory remarks against the JNUSU Office bearers and School Councillors during the School GBMs (general body meetings). "Such a failure of the Delhi Police was also witnessed just a couple of days ago in a Delhi University college when a teacher was assaulted in their presence. In JNU itself, the Delhi Police was neither able to prevent the dance of violence indulged in by masked hoodlums on 5 January 2020, nor has it managed to trace or identify a single one of them in the almost six years that have since passed. It had also proved to be an abysmal failure in finding our student, Najeeb, who has been missing for years," the statement read. "That same Delhi Police, however, was willing to use extreme force simply to prevent students who had gathered at the Paschimabad gate on the call of JNUSU, from marching to the Vasant Kunj Police Station to lodge an FIR on the previous day's violence," the statement noted. Calling out "lack of even-handedness in the law enforcement process", the JNUTA said that the Police refused to release the detained students, including the women students. This was despite the intervention of several teachers, who reached the spot after receiving SOS calls, and helped to diffuse the situation. "This stubborn refusal of the Police also pointed to the influence of extraneous considerations on what the Police does or does not do," the statement said. While noting that some of the detained students have been released, JNUTA demanded the "unconditional release of all of them." Expressing concern over the university administration's role, JNUTA said, "The JNU Administration led by the Vice-Chancellor is, at least tacitly if not actively, encouraging the development of a similar situation as that which culminated in the mob violence of 5 January 2020." It added, "JNU's student politics, including JNUSU elections, have had a proud tradition of being marked by a democratic culture free of violence. Students themselves crafted this achievement and maintained it over generations, and it is only the acts of omission and commission of the JNU Administration in matters of student 'discipline' that could possibly endanger it." JNUTA warned that "the Vice Chancellor, despite being a JNU alumna, is not really proud of such traditions which defined JNU for decades, is now a well-established fact. She would, however, be playing a very dangerous game if she were to see opportunity in the violence, and the rearing of the ugly head of casteist abuse, that has rocked the University over the last two days." "Should the Administration fail to act to nip such tendencies in the bud, the consequences for the University could be severe. Instead of serving to divert attention from the collapse of her moral authority of the Vice Chancellor, this would only reinforce that collapse," the statement said. JNUTA appealed to JNU teachers "to remain vigilant in these trying times and speak up against this onslaught on democracy that is taking place through the combination of violence and coercion and denial of rights to peaceful protest." (ANI)
An ambitious new work about the worst engineering disaster in Australian history is one of the major offerings in the Melbourne Theatre Companys 2026 season.

West Gate, written by former shearer and construction worker Dennis McIntosh, will tackle the story of the West Gate Bridge collapse in 1970, in which 35 men died. Director Iain Sinclair  who helmed MTCs stripped-back telling of Arthur Millers A View from the Bridge in 2019  will help bring the piece to life.

Actor Daniela Farinacci and director Iain Sinclair will take on the story of Australias worst engineering disaster in West Gate next year as part of the 2026 MTC program. Credit: Penny Stephens

MTC artistic director Anne-Louise Sarks was immediately struck by the relevance of McIntoshs piece when she read an early draft almost two years ago.

I felt like this is a work we need to do because we are a state theatre company, and this story is about Melbourne, its for Melbourne, she says. It has a national reach  its the worst industrial disaster in Australian history  but its our story.
Rally organisers hit back via social media on Sunday night, claiming some protesters were hospitalised due to police actions. We condemn the violent acts of Victoria Police, rally organiser Yasmin said. We are appalled by the comments of police commander Wayne Cheesman who praised the far right hate march. It is not peaceful to organise a rally calling for Black and Brown people to not be allowed in this country. Police deployed violence which injured activists, with nearly five hospitalised. Police denied thousands the right to protest, while facilitating the racist, hateful demonstration March for Australia, exercising white sovereignty to defend a white Australia ideology.

Cheesman praised March for Australia organisers for being peaceful, engaging and they did what they were told. Premier Jacinta Allan thanked police on Sunday night and said some people just want to protest for the sake of protest. While they have the right to do so in a democratic system, they have an obligation to do it peacefully, Allan said.



The moment they get violent like they did today  picking up rocks and hurling them at police  they deserve to face serious consequences.



Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Victorians would be rightly angry about the protests and demanded greater action from the government.

This was a disgraceful attack on our police officers, he said. Being pelted with rocks and bottles isnt free speech  its criminal violence. Lord Mayor Nick Reece accused protesters of ruining the city and pledged to work with the state government to end the cycle of madness. What we are seeing on the streets of our great city is a form of civic insanity, he said. Hundreds of police were on the streets on Sunday as the crowds of opposing demonstrators, estimated at about 1000 people each, gathered at the rallies. Racist slogans were chanted at an anti-immigration protest, while Australian flags were burnt by pro-immigration counter-protesters.

One female sergeant was taken to hospital with a suspected broken hand after being kicked by protesters, police said. A male senior constable sustained a non-life-threatening cut to the lower leg and was taken to hospital. I have a member with a nasty gash on his leg from Corio, Cheesman said.

Three other officers were hit by rocks but not injured. One 30-year-old woman from Brunswick West was arrested. Cheesman blamed dozens of demonstrators from issue-based groups on the left for the violent clashes.

He accused some protesters of coming to the rallies to fight police, labelling them cowards who hid behind face coverings, masks and hooded jumpers. They pull the rocks out of their bags, and they throw them as hard as they can at the police, and its got to stop, he said. Protesters at Sundays March for Australia rally in Melbournes CBD. Credit: Paul Jeffers Some of them are professional protesters who certainly dont come to protest. They come to fight. He said the right-wing March for Australia rally had largely listened to police instructions and made their way peacefully through the city to the steps of parliament.

He said some of the counter-protesters were known to police and more arrests could follow as investigations worked to establish the identities of some in the crowd. Cheesman estimated there were about 1000 protesters on both sides, but only about 50 hardcore protesters were behind much of the violence. The veteran police officer said that while he respected peoples right to protest peacefully, violent clashes at protests were draining police resources from all around the state every week. We have enough problems with the crime crisis, and Ill call it a crisis because ... we dont have enough police, he said. Our police should be out on the street. They shouldnt be here today, dealing with people who are trying to harm us.

Police were largely successful in keeping the two groups separate, with a barricade erected on Bourke Street and riot police using flash bangs and rubber bullets to disperse counter-protesters. Medics were seen treating and bandaging the legs and chests of those who sustained suspected injuries from what eyewitnesses said were police-deployed flash bangs. Cheesman said no injuries from the devices were reported to police. He defended the use of force by police and said the level of aggression by protesters was almost on par with the violence that unfolded during ugly clashes in Melbourne outside a major weapons expo last year. We have them as an option now for every protest because we are seeing more aggressive behaviour, he said. I dont think the members should be target practice for people who want to hurt us.

Officers attempted to make further arrests on Sunday, but fights broke out as eggs and glass containers filled with water were thrown at the police line. Capsicum spray was used, and a police officer was knocked over in the fracas. Loading As crowds gathered carrying Australian flags for the anti-immigration March for Australia rally at the steps of Parliament House, an organiser shouted into a megaphone we will not be replaced in an apparent reference to a racist conspiracy theory. After this masthead revealed last month that Australias most prominent neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network (NSN), had been secretly running the March for Australia rallies around the country, the group backed out of the second rally on Sunday. But key organisers running Sundays marches, which were again held around Australia, are known associates of the neo-Nazi group.

That includes Melbourne organiser white supremacist Matt Trihey, who has hosted events attended by the NSN, and headlined speeches at Sundays march. The Age identified in the crowd a number of NSN members in plain clothes, who at times led chants of white man fight back or rushed to confront counter-protesters. As Trihey spoke to the crowd, blaming immigration for soaring crime rates, chants in the distance from the anti-racism counter-protest grew louder. When counter-protesters took up a chant of no Nazis ever again on the other side of the police line, the anti-immigration crowd all but abandoned speeches on Parliament Houses steps to shout back at the approaching demonstration. The counter-protest was initially led by a procession of First Nations people who marched from Camp Sovereignty on Sunday morning.

Hundreds of people chanted, No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here and Nazi scum off our streets as they walked along Swanston Street towards parliament. Palestinian man Basil earlier told a crowd at the State Library that anti-immigration talking points were created to divide people and the counter-protest movement needed to stick together. Those sick ideologies that see another human as less equal and with less rights simply because of their colour, their ethnicity  that ideology is the most destructive that you can face, he said. A breakaway group of counter-protesters exchanged jeers with four people holding Australian flags near the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth streets at 2.15pm.

Counter-protesters advanced on the four men and stole one of their large Australian flags, sparking a fistfight on the steps of an office building. Three police cars arrived at the scene to disperse the men. No one was arrested. Loading Rallies under the banner of Unite Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome were also held in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide on Sunday. In August, Melbournes CBD roiled with protests as anti-immigration and counter-demonstrators clashed repeatedly and a large number of police were stretched to cope with a shifting struggle that raged through the citys streets for more than four hours. In the Melbourne crowd on Sunday, One Nations Victorian director Warren Pickering told this masthead that politicians hadnt been allowed to speak at the marches.

Pickering said he had not attended the first march in August because neo-Nazis were involved, but this time he was hopeful the rally was more about the key issue of immigration. We do need to be careful, the stigma associated with One Nation has been a problem for a lot of years, Pickering said. Asked about the known neo-Nazis calling out racist chants on Sunday, Pickering said: I dont actually know any of these guys. On August 31, after the March for Australia rally, a group of men, including neo-Nazis, attacked the standing First Nations protest site, Camp Sovereignty, in Melbournes Kings Domain. Two days later, Premier Jacinta Allan was forced to cut a press conference short when neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell gatecrashed the event.
Queensland Health is scrambling to identify how at least five people were poisoned in Brisbanes south, with tests confirming they were hospitalised after ingesting rat bait.

The patients presented to the Logan and Princess Alexandra hospitals in the past week.

Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall issued an alert to Queensland Health staff on Saturday, warning them to be on the lookout for symptoms related to the consumption of brodifacoum  a widely used rat poison.

Patients presented to the Princess Alexandra (pictured) and Logan hospitals. Credit: Dan Peled

But on Sunday, McDougall said there was nothing for the community to be alarmed about at this time despite the source of the poisoning remaining a mystery.
Rare earth stash

Its time for sense to prevail. Let Australia start a sovereign wealth fund  for all its citizens (not just politicians superannuation)  and fund it with a tax on our rare earth minerals, rather than letting American interests or other wealthy individuals take everything again. And while we are at it, please abandon the AUKUS deal and boost the wealth fund with the savings.

Anthony Palmer, Southbank Bearing gifts

With Anthony Albanese about to have to genuflect to Donald Trump, what should he hand over as tribute? A gold-encrusted Akubra? A lump of rare earths, gold plated of course? On the other hand, laughing kookaburras, a flock of cockies, or a mob of kangaroos would seem more fitting as the Americans are looking a little short in the top paddock of late.

Mark Kennedy, Sebastopol Morrisons legacy

The recent Robodebt SBS documentary showed the appalling and unethical conduct of former prime minister Scott Morrison  probably the worst by any PM since federation.

Unless the Liberals and Nationals successors remove what ex-PM perks Morrison is otherwise usually due from the party and the parliament, their state and federal levels will carry the stain of Morrisons unpunished conduct for multiple generations.

No matter the ALP sins  failure by the Coalition to publicly impose what penalties are available for Morrisons Robodebt conduct, then the party is confined to generations of electoral desolation.

Justin OHalloran, Clifton Hill Qantas, again

Qantas behaviour over the enormous and wide-reaching data leak potentially compromising the security of millions of Australians is inexcusable (Protect our data or pay a proper penalty, 18/10).

As customers, we have to put ourselves and our privacy in the hands of businesses and giant corporations such as Qantas. It demands our personal details otherwise we cant sign up to it.

Its PIN requirements exist of only four digits and there is no way of changing them to a multi-digit, mixed character PIN. This is grossly insecure for customers and leaves us exposed to fraud.

Qantas refuses to pay any compensation to customers whose data has been leaked, instead directing us to seek advice from government sites. Qantas seems to want to not only outsource our private data, but also to do their work for them.

Its arrogance is extraordinary and it should be punished so that it finally takes our security seriously.

Judy Hungerford, Kew Drive dollar further

I received the annual car insurance for a private vehicle that insured the vehicle for a value 14 per cent less than the previous year, for a premium 9 per cent higher. Upon calling them, I was provided with a 23 per cent reduction.

We all know whats going on there  if you dont complain, they will happily and lazily take your money. Get your act together, insurance industry. Use the client information you already have on file. Or maybe there is an opportunity for a company to use current technologies to bring the industry into this century?

Bruce McLean, Blairgowrie

Trumps hollow plan

There is much to digest in Michael Koziols article Greatest reason Gaza war will not end: Why Hamas isnt going anywhere. Truly, the future is still uncertain for Gaza, and Hamas is obviously a key factor. It is only half of the equation, though, the other half being Israel and its backer, the US. In July 2024, the Knesset demonstrated Israeli implacability to a free Palestine by vowing that there would no Palestine state west of the Jordan river.

If the future holds an Israeli defensive perimeter around Gaza, the IDF continuing to terrorise and dispossess Palestinians in the West Bank, an increase in illegal settlements, and the world silently watching, we will see how hollow the Trump 20-point plan really is.

Lorel Thomas, Blackburn South US arms sales

Donald Trump wants to relabel his defence department as the war department. It would be more honest if he called it the sales department  America controls 43 per cent of world arms sales. The next biggest seller is France, at just under 10 per cent. The countries that start wars are the ones with the most guns and also the slickest PR people to blame their opponents.

Tony Haydon, Springvale Show some respect

Tony Wrights article (18/10) on the impact of the bombing of Dresden had me in tears. My parents lived through the bombings of Holland. I cannot understand why so many people worldwide, in Gaza, Israel and other war-torn countries can be so cruel to others. When will society change and humankind treat each other with respect and love?

Maria McKinnon, Northcote Treaty imperative

The commencement of the treaty process in Victoria represents a profound and long-overdue moment in our shared history. I am immensely proud to witness our state stepping forward to formally address the foundational issues of the past (Treaty long overdue, 19/10).

This is more than a political negotiation; it is a moral imperative. It is a necessary act of acknowledging the truth of colonisation and committing to genuine reconciliation for the dark history of dispossession and injustice. We can no longer treat this history as a footnote  it is central to who we are.

As an Australian of European descent, my strongest conviction is that this process must be driven by deep, respectful listening. We will have a formal mechanism to engage with and value the voices, knowledge and stewardship of the worlds oldest continuous culture. Their perspective holds invaluable insights for the future health of our land and society.

The Treaty is a collective commitment to building a more equitable, honest and mature Victoria. This defining chapter deserves the wholehearted support of every Victorian.

Tim Singleton Norton, Reservoir Identity uncertainties

Unless anyone has been living under a rock for the past few years it would not be possible to be unaware that the issue of hormone therapies in children and adolescents with gender dysphoria is controversial and is contested.

As this treatment is relatively new, the current evidence base of claims of efficacy is not clear. There is conflicting evidence.

Your article Black market for DIY transgender drugs sparks health warning, 18/10, cites two studies only (a 2023 systematic review, published in Nature Human Behaviour, and an unnamed 2020 study) supporting the claims hormone therapy improved quality of life, and mental health, and halved suicidal intentions in those with gender dysphoria.

However, other studies have found no evidence of improved mental health outcomes from hormonal treatments, but they have highlighted adverse effects that can occur from them.

Honest discussion of these issues is critical so affected persons and their families are aware of the uncertainties that currently exist in this contested area.

Dr Larry Hermann, South Yarra

Church steps forward

Excellent article on the Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally (Why this holy war? Sarah is in charge, 18/10). Her appointment reminds us that women can hold equal positions in the Anglican Church, and that God is represented in both the feminine and masculine.

The authority held by the new archbishop will be refreshing as she leads the church with kindness and love. It is about time the church leaves the antiquated beliefs that women should complement men, and now recognise the rights of women as human beings.

I wish her well as she leads her church, as she faces the criticism of many conservatives who can tend to forget that the church community is made up of both male and female.

My only hope is that the Catholic Church may take a great lesson from the Anglican Church; however, sadly, it will not be in my lifetime.

Julie Ottobre, Brunswick East Fashion fails

Im so glad someone has finally said it out loud about the impracticality of womens clothes (Jaqueline Maley Pubic hair g-strings and rib remodelling: why does fashion hate women? 19/10).

I would like to go even further and wonder why womens bathing suits almost require a Brazilian wax before you can wear them. Who designs these ridiculous things? Fortunately, they now have boyleg pants which are designed more like shorts, unlike the high cut of womens swimsuits. But theyre actually just human leg. We all have pubic hair. Why doesnt anyone complain?

Claire Cooper, Maldon Road block

Do the latest self-driving electric vehicles also have the capacity to avoid pot holes? Last week, I joined thousands of Victorian drivers in losing a tyre when my car disappeared down a pot hole on a main road. I think a pot hole sensor is an essential feature of modern cars in Victoria, given the state of our roads.

Peter Heffernan, Balaclava Gambling season

Here we go again. Were it not for institutionaliced gambling, few would be interested in horse racing.

Bryan Lewis, St Helena Miserable Melbourne

In the 1880s, a visiting British journalist to the city coined the phrase Marvellous Melbourne. No doubt, if he visited the ill-governed, crime troubled place now, (Victims slow recovery from stabbing, 18/10) he would probably describe it as Miserable Melbourne.

Dennis Walker, North Melbourne

AND ANOTHER THING Barnaby Joyce

Barnaby Joyce to join One Nation? The unelectable in hot pursuit of the unrepresentative, the pot chasing the kettle from the frying pan to the fire.

Jenifer Nicholls, Windsor Great to finally see politicians engaging in the off-season trade period. Good luck to Barnaby, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Andrew Hastie at your new clubs.

Craig Jory, Albury Pauline Hanson and Barnaby, a cartoonists match made in heaven.

Jayne Lilley, Torquay Now that Sir Les Patterson is no longer available, One Nations interest in recruiting Barnaby Joyce is a no brainer.

Tony Devereux, Nunawading

Barnaby has been on a downward path for a while. After One Nation, is there anywhere lower to go?

John Walsh, Watsonia Hanson shouldnt be content with just snaring Joyce for One Nation. I hear Prince Andrew is looking for a new gig, and as English royalty he has the best credentials.

John Laurie, Riddells Creek Furthermore

The birds may have chirped in Vonneguts novel about Dresden but I wonder whether the birds are chirping in Gaza, or indeed if there are any alive there. (Tony Wright, There is nothing intelligent to be said after a massacre, 18/10).

Jim McLeod, Sale As a child of two primary school teachers who taught before the days of computers, I am pleased the Victorian education department is returning to basics.

Susan Munday, Bentleigh East Triple O debacle: O for obsolete, O for opeless and O for offline. God help us during the fire season.

Tony Danino, Wheelers Hill
Opposition leader Brad Battin, while not supportive of a blanket ban on CBD protests, said police should be given more powers to ban violent demonstrators from coming into the city. What we saw on the weekend with these extreme protesters who have decided to throw rocks at police is nothing short of a disgrace, Battin said. When is enough enough? When is the premier not just going to call it out but act and get rid of this on our streets? Former premier Jeff Kennett said a city protest ban could be introduced through emergency legislation but it would have to be rigidly enforced to be effective. You cant have an attack on crime if the person in charge of the state continues to say we dont have a problem, he said.

On Monday, Allan described the right to protest as a very important tenant of our democratic society but said it carried an obligation to do without putting others at risk. Victorias Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities protests the right to peaceful assembly, which covers the right to protest. The government has previously debated internally whether this right could be limited to protect the countervailing rights of other people who want to access the city. Lucas, whose CBD restaurants include Maison Batard, Chin Chin and Grill Americano, said a collapse in trade was affecting eateries across the city. Most shops, restaurants and cafes, along with other businesses, are seeing a drop-off of over 50 per cent from last year. This is unsustainable, he said. I have grave fears of many workers and small businesses that are suffering through no fault of their own. On Sunday, furious police accused dozens of counter-demonstrators from left-wing groups of instigating the violence and throwing rocks at officers during an hours-long effort to separate about 1000 of them from a similarly sized group of anti-immigration protesters.

Two officers  a female sergeant aged in her 40s and a male senior constable aged in his 30s  suffered serious injuries to their hand and leg after being hit with glass bottles. Both have since been released from hospital and are expected to be off work for the next few weeks, police said. A 30-year-old Brunswick woman who was arrested on Sunday has since been charged with one count of resisting police and bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 15. Anti-racism rally organisers have refused to condemn the violence while accusing police of injuring their demonstrators and facilitating racist anti-immigration protests. Police form a line between opposing groups of protesters in Melbournes CBD on Sunday. Credit: Paul Jeffers

The Police Association of Victorias chief executive, Wayne Gatt, said officers would continue to be hurt as long as there was a completely unregulated protest environment in the state. That [a permit system] has always been our recommendation. It is one that has been rejected by the government, Gatt told 3AW. Were locked in this argument about human rights, and everybodys got rights across the protests, and we agree. [But] the only people that didnt have rights over the weekend were the people dressed in blue uniforms. Thats as I see it. Victoria Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt Credit: Paul Jeffers Chief Commissioner Mike Bush has said previously that he does not support a push for a permit system in Victoria.

Allan said police had the tools they needed to deal with the protesters, dismissing the effectiveness of a permit system. I will repeat that yes, Melbournes CBD is safe, she said. And I think it would be wrong and misleading to conflate the behaviour of a very small number of people who came to the city to bring violence, and they were dealt with swiftly by Victoria police, she said. Commander Wayne Cheesman tips out a box of rocks that were hurled at officers. Credit: Victoria Police Commander Wayne Cheesman was irate when describing the attacks on officers by protesters. Melbourne has had a gutful, he said on Sunday.

Loading Holding up a large rock, which he said had been thrown at police, Cheesman said: It appals me, really. This could kill someone, thats the bottom line. Counter-rally organiser Anneke Demanuele refused to condemn demonstrators who threw rocks. Im not condemning anything. The better question to be asked is why did a police commander go out of his way to praise fascists, racist protesters, she told 3AW. Demanuele was quoted by the ABC as a spokesperson for the violent protests outside the Land Forces expo in Melbourne two years ago in which two dozen police were injured.
In transport, for example, sustainable aviation fuel has been flagged as the major solution airlines will use to reach their 2050 net zero target, contributing 65 per cent of the emission reductions required. Domestic airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia are already pursuing biofuel opportunities, Doyle says, as alternative technologies are not ready to go the distance. Qantas and Virgin Australia are pursuing biofuel opportunities, says Wagner Sustainable Fuels chief Matt Doyle. Credit: Wolter Peeters There have been a lot of studies done on electric planes, which are good for very short-haul [flights], but they cant do any longer, he says. Then theres hydrogen in 2035 or 2040, but that will only be medium-haul. For long-haul, theres no other solution other than sustainable aviation fuels out to 2050.

The Toowoomba-based company is developing a sustainable aviation fuel production facility in Brisbane, co-funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, which is expected to produce 114 megalitres of fuel annually. But the firms latest fuel-blending facility at Wellcamp Airport is using imported synthetic fuel to mix with standard jet fuel while waiting for domestic supplies to become available, Doyle says. Were hoping our facility can be a beacon for the federal government to look at and say everything works. Then we can get on with making good policy that will grow the industry and benefit Australia. Support for biofuels is growing in Australia, with the government announcing a $1.1 billion, 10-year Cleaner Fuels Program in September to boost its production.

Consultation also opened this month for the development of a National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy to ensure Australia is producing materials needed to create renewable fuel. After years wasted in the climate wars, the announcements are being welcomed by producers and potential users alike, says Bioenergy Australia chief executive Shahana McKenzie. Canola is just one of the crops being processed for the biofuel market. Credit: Bloomberg Despite the industrys slow start, she says, Australias advantages, such as its strong farming sector, make it a natural biofuels leader in the Asia Pacific region. Australia is being looked at by all the other players in our region as the most likely contributor, either from a feedstock perspective or from an export perspective, she says.

Its incredibly important that decarbonisation is actively taking place across all [nearby] jurisdictions. Australia already has three biodiesel and two ethanol refineries in operation, with three projects in development: Wagners Brisbane base, Ampols proposed renewable fuels facility in outer Brisbane, and Jet Zeros Project Ulysses in Townsville. Other projects are progressing behind the scenes, McKenzie says, to help the nation catch up to its potential. Im very confident Australia will be delivering close to 10 per cent of our aviation fuel market needs in the early 2030s, she says. In terms of the flow of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in country, we are predicting the first project will deliver fuel in 2028.

Loading But Climate Energy Finance director Tim Buckley says there will be more challenges to adopting biofuel than just producing it. Renewable fuels are significantly more expensive to produce than conventional varieties, he says, and will have to be mandated in some industries to ensure emission cuts. The cost of biofuels is between 50 and 500 per cent the cost of their fossil fuel equivalents, and thats a huge impediment to their uptake, he says. A lot of biofuels will go into the maritime and aviation industries, but that will only come about if you get mandates.
Meanwhile in the City of Fremantle, incumbent Hannah Fitzhardinge has been dethroned after five years as the port citys mayor. She was pipped at the post by former east ward councillor Ben Lawver, with the close count decided on preferences and officially announced late on Sunday evening. City of Fremantle councillor-turned-mayor Ben Lawver. Credit: Mark Naglazas In a statement, Lawver, a former Maritime Union of Australia WA branch official, said he was extremely humbled and honoured to have been elected. Our grassroots campaign involved hundreds of people from across our port city, he said.

This amalgamation of creativity and leg work, combined with so much love, is the starting point for our positive movement for a better Freo. Loading Further south, the City of Rockinghams first popularly elected mayor Deb Hamblin was ousted by councillor Lorna Buchan, who was previously the citys deputy mayor. And in the City of Joondalup, former federal Liberal-turned-independent Ian Goodenough ran for the top job, after Albert Jacob - himself a former state Liberal MP  announced he would not be re-contesting the mayoral role. Goodenough was ousted from federal parliament after losing a preselection contest for his federal seat of Moore, and subsequently turned his eye to local government.

However, it was former councillor Daniel Kingston who prevailed in the end, rising to the top of the field which also included his former council colleague Christine Hamilton-Prime. The City of Stirling was one council that recorded little change. Six councillors have returned to their seats, but in the Inglewood Ward, small business owner and lawyer Daniela Ion won a close contest on preferences over incumbent David Lagan, who had held his seat since 2011. Mayor Mark Irwin said the community needs people who are willing to step up and lead. The councillors will be sworn in at a special meeting at the city on Thursday, when a new deputy mayor will also be elected. Trumps tilt in WAs South West falls flat

Meanwhile in the states regions, ratepayers the Shire of Harvey did not elect controversial candidate Austin Aussie Trump  formerly known as Ben Dawkins  to council. In his candidate profile, Trump had urged voters drain the swamp, echoing US President Donald Trumps catchphrase from his first election in 2016. Instead, Harveys four council spots have been filled by Craig Carbone, Wendy Dickinson, Karen McCarthy and Laurie Morley. In Bayswater, Big Dons Smoked Meats founder Donovan MacDonald has been elected as a councillor in the West Ward. MacDonald announced he would run in June and said he had considered running at the election two years ago after butting heads with the council, but things had been good since then.

Loading However, the latest dispute over temporary toilets  which MacDonald said came out of the blue and impacted the security of his business  spurred him to take the plunge. I appreciate the support from voters, who clearly prioritised independents in several races across the city. Ill have a lot to learn, starting with the deputy mayor vote and agenda meeting next week, he wrote on Facebook. But Im very excited to continue being a Baysie booster both as local business and from the council. Up north, Peter McCumstie has again been appointed as the Derby West Kimberley shire president, once again taking the helm of the embattled council.

The shire was thrown into disarray earlier this year following a mass resignation of councillors, leading the government to appoint a commissioner to oversee the council. McCumstie has served on the Shire of Derby West Kimberley council as both the deputy shire president and shire president in the last five years. In the Shire of Coolgardie, locals watched the outcome of the election closely after WAs local government minister Hannah Beazley decided just last week not to suspend the council over concerns regarding its debt. Paul Wilcox, Anthony Ball, Tammee Keast and Julie-Ann Williams have joined the council, with the Shire president and deputy to be decided on Tuesday during a special council meeting. Meanwhile in the embattled City of Nedlands, voters will have to wait to have their say after ongoing questions about the councils leadership delayed the election until March next year.
Haryana Police constable Deepak died in a tragic accident in Panchkula around 11 pm on Saturday night, while on duty. Constable Deepak was posted at the drink and drive checkpoint near the Chandi Mandir toll plaza when a speeding truck broke through a barricade and crushed him, while the driver fled the scene. However, the accused truck driver was arrested near ITBP Bhanu as police quickly took charge of the situation. He has been subjected to a drug test. A case has been registered against him under Section 105 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway. Constable Deepak was posted at the Surjanpur Traffic Police Station in Panchkula and was performing his duties with utmost devotion and dedication. The Haryana Police family has expressed profound grief over this incident. He was a resident of Jind district. His family consists of his parents, wife, and two children. His son is 10 months old, and his daughter is 6 years old. Late Deepak's last rites will be performed with full state honours today in his native village, Pillukheda, Jind district, official release said. DGP Haryana, OP Singh said, "Constable Deepak's sacrifice is not just a personal loss, but a symbol of the Haryana Police Force's tradition of duty being paramount. He performed his duties with utmost devotion, discipline, and responsibility. His commitment sends the message that every Haryana Police constable is ready to sacrifice his life for public safety." The DGP expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and said, "The entire police family stands with them in this difficult time." As per a release, Haryana Police has ensured that the family of the deceased constable Deepak gets all the relief benefits and financial assistance as per the state government policies. Haryana Police expressed deep condolences to Deepak's family and assured that all possible legal steps will be taken to ensure the strictest possible punishment for the culprit. (ANI)
Police used artificial intelligence to identify a piece of suspected space debris found in outback Western Australia, while space experts believe the object is probably part of a Chinese rocket launched last year.

Workers at BHPs Jimblebar mine, which is about 40 kilometres east of Newman, found the burning object on an access road about 2pm on Saturday and phoned authorities.

WA Police Superintendent Les Andrews said mine workers initially thought they had come across the wheel of a plane.

Through engagement with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, we determined that it wasnt an actual component, or at least an identifiable component, of a known airplane, he said.
The persistent headlines screaming PRINCE ANDREW, overshadowing the work of the royal family, proved the straw that broke the camels back. It was clear a week ago that the Prince Andrew issue was rapidly coming to a head. A selection of British national newspapers showing their reaction to Prince Andrew announcing he will relinquish his Duke of York title and the Order of the Garter. Credit: AP Last Sunday, news broke of an email sent by Prince Andrew to his friend Epstein, a year after he told the public he had cut all contact with him. The message  were in this together  poured doubt over Andrews entire story of ending his friendship with the convicted sex trafficker, and set alarm bells ringing.

But on Monday, Buckingham Palace was still said to be at a loss over what to do about the Kings younger brother, already disgraced and without his HRH title. It was said there was little that could be done without the intervention of parliament. Aides were loath to do so, fearing it would take up to a year to push legislation through and mindful that the public may not regard it as a good use of MPs time. Instead, they let it be known, they were exploring all options. If it was intended as a hint to Andrew to take the decision for himself, it did not immediately work. On Wednesday, the King held his usual audience with the prime minister.

By Thursday, a new story about how Andrew had met a Chinese spymaster surfaced. Loading Mid-Friday afternoon, there were rumours that the King was considering removing the Duke title or his cherished membership of the Order of the Garter. If it was intended as a final bargaining chip to get Andrews statement demoting himself over the line, it worked. Hours later, Buckingham Palace issued news, sent as a statement by Prince Andrew, that he would now go a step further to stop using his title and honours.

In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family, he conceded. The King is understood to have taken the lead in persuading his brother. Some have already said the move does not go far enough. It does not officially remove Andrews Duke of York title, nor change his position in any constitutional sense. Credit: AP Andrews 2011 email to Epstein, sources say, was the tipping point, exposing not just the fundamental fault line in the princes story but also every other element of his defence. It was very much the Kings decision that the point had been reached, one source said.

The 2019 BBC Newsnight interview debacle is said to have brought the King into summits with Princess Anne and Prince Edward over the Andrew question. This time it happened from afar. Loading The King had been in London and Scotland, communicating via aides and the telephone, and did not meet Andrew face-to-face. The King and the Prince of Wales have not met in person either, despite William being often said to seek a tougher line with his uncle. Having announced he will no longer use the Duke of York title, Andrews life remains otherwise little changed. He still lives at Royal Lodge, and there is little appetite to push legislation through to formally remove his dukedom if it can be avoided.

It would take a long time to achieve, one source explains. This is an identical outcome. The palace believes Andrew will stick to it. He has not used his HRH title in the six years since promised not to do so, sources say. [This is a] palace comms triumph that has persuaded everyone that Prince Andrew has given up titles he hasnt. One constitutional expert last night described it as a palace comms triumph that has persuaded everyone that Prince Andrew has given up titles he hasnt. The royal familys website will be updated to remove him from its list of working members, the palace has confirmed.

Loading There will be more pressure to come. The co-author of Giuffres memoir is already booked on Newsnight on Monday, and the Chinese spy scandal shows no sign of abating, bringing with it serious questions about national security that spill far outside castle walls. The test, as far as the palace is concerned, will come midweek. As the King and Queen arrive at the Vatican, a source said, it is imperative it goes well. The King and Pope will pray together for the first time since the Reformation, in what is described as a once in a 500-year event. It is a personal mission for a King who wants to build bridges between the Catholic and Anglican churches, and  given it is a state visit  part of his role supporting the British government.
Fire breaks out at Dhaka international airport, flight operations suspended





DHAKA :

A MASSIVE fire broke out on Saturday at the cargo complex of the international airport in Bangladeshs capital, forcing authorities to suspend all flight operations as thick black smoke engulfed the area. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said the blaze broke out in the afternoon at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, prompting the deployment of over two dozen firefighting units, with additional teams rushing to the scene. We received the information at 2:30 pm and immediately dispatched our units to join the ones deployed at the airport, Fire Service spokesman Talha Bin Zasim said.

Thirty-six firefighting units are engaged in the operation, he said. CAAB officials said the Air Forces fire units also joined the rescue campaign. Landings and takeoffs of all aircraft have been suspended until further notice. All our aircraft are confirmed safe, a CAAB spokesperson said. At least nine flights of different airlines scheduled to land in Dhaka were diverted to Shah Amanat International Airport in southeastern Chattogram and Osmani International Airport in northeastern Sylhet. Eight of them landed in Chattogram and one in Sylhet.

According to local media reports, chemicals stored in the cargo zone posed a major challenge for firefighters. Eyewitnesses said personnel from the army, air force, navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) joined the firefighting and rescue efforts. They described the fire as a major one, with thick smoke covering a large part of the airport and surrounding areas. This is the third major incident of fire in Bangladesh within a span of five days. An eight-storey factory building at the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) was completely destroyed in a massive fire on Thursday. There were no casualties. On Tuesday, 16 workers were killed and several others were injured in a fire that broke out at a four-storey garment factory and a chemical warehouse in Dhaka.
Mah Govt approves Rs 3,258 cr aid for rain-affected farmers





MUMBAI :

THE Maharashtra Government has sanctioned the disbursal of Rs 3,258 crore financial assistance to farmers who suffered losses due to excess rainfall and floods in 23 districts, state Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said. The State relief and rehabilitation Minister on Friday said that over the past two days, the Government has approved the disbursement of Rs 5,364 crore through multiple resolutions to support farmers.

The Government has now sanctioned Rs 3,258 crore for 33.65 lakh farmers in 23 rain and flood-affected districts, he said in an official statement. The State Government had, earlier this week, approved an aid of Rs 1,356.30 crore for 21.66 lakh affected farmers. Earlier this month, the Government announced a compensation package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers, asserting that the total assistance will be Rs 48,000 per hectare. Opposition parties have, however, dubbed the relief package as too meagre to help cultivators rebuild their lives. Heavy rainfall and floods in September severely affected Marathwada and adjoining regions, destroying crops on 68.69 lakh hectares across the State.
Former RJD candidate Madan Shah on Sunday went public to register his protest against the RJD after being denied a ticket for the upcoming Bihar assembly polls and called Tejashwi Yadav, who is the leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, "arrogant" In a purported video, Shah is seen giving chase to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's car as he arrived at his residence in Patna. Moments later, he lay down on the ground as a mark of protest while speaking to press. "...They will not form the government; Tejashwi is very arrogant, doesn't meet people...They are giving away tickets...Sanjay Yadav is doing all this...I have come here to die. Lalu Yadav is my Guru...He had said that he would give me a ticket...They gave a ticket to Santosh Kushwaha, a BJP agent...," Shah told ANI He claimed that the father-son duo of Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav had backtracked on their promise to give him a ticket. "In 2020, Lalu ji called me to Ranchi and got a survey done regarding the population of the Teli community, and that Madan Shah will defeat Randhir Singh from Madhuban constituency. Tejashwi ji and Lalu ji had called me and said they would give me a ticket. I have been working for the party since the '90s" Madan further claimed that Tejashwi doesnot stay in touch with the people and the RJD will not be voted to power after the assembly polls. "I am a poor man, I sold my land...They will not form the government; Tejashwi is very arrogant, doesn't meet people...They are giving away tickets...Sanjay Yadav is doing all this...I have come here to die. Lalu Yadav is my Guru...He had said that he would give me a ticket...They gave a ticket to Santosh Kushwaha, a BJP agent..." Meanwhile, in Bihar, the RJD and Congress-led Mahagathbandhan is yet to announce its seat-sharing arrangement. The Congress on Saturday released its second list, announcing candidates for Narkatiaganj, Kishanganj, Kasba, Purnia and Gaya Town assembly seats. The party has fielded Shaswat Kedar Pandey from Narkatiaganj and Qamrul Hoda from Kishanganj. Irfan Alam, Jitender Yadav and Mohan Shrivasta will contest elections from Kasba, Purnia and Gaya Town constituencies, respectively. Earlier, on October 17, the Congress party released its first list of 48 candidates for the assembly poll Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14. (ANI)
With upgraded facilities, including online ticket vending machines and passenger-friendly helpdesks, the new add-on section at New Delhi Railway Station is prepared to handle both reserved and unreserved travellers with ease.

This is the new scene at the newly constructed 6,000-sq-meter Yatri Suvidha Kendra, inaugurated on October 11, located alongside the New Delhi Railway Station. This permanent holding area, designed to accommodate nearly 7,000 passengers at a time, plays a crucial role in managing the rush during India's busiest festive season.

It offers pre-boarding comfort and efficient crowd management, ensuring a smooth travel experience for all passengers.

Yatri Suvidha Kendra has three zones - Pre-ticketing (2,860 sqm), Ticketing (1,150 sqm), and Departure (1,218 sqm). There are benches for passengers as they wait for their trains, and none of them have reserved seats or berths. Bonus point: Waiting at Yatri Suvidha Kendra is absolutely free of cost.

The ticketing zone houses 22 modern counters and 25 Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), reducing queues and wait times. For comfort, the area provides seating for about 200 passengers, supported by 18 High-Volume Low-Speed (HVLS) fans that maintain efficient airflow.

Passenger welfare has been prioritised through clean and spacious sanitation facilities built over 652 sq m, alongside an RO-based drinking water system.

For communication and guidance, the Kendra is equipped with a public announcement system featuring 24 speakers, and three LED information displays providing real-time train updates. Safety infrastructure includes fire-fighting units, CCTV coverage, luggage scanners, and metal detectors, ensuring both security and confidence for travellers.

The need for this facility is clearly evident among travellers using the permanent holding area. The Yatri Suvidha Kendra reflects the growing focus on comfort, accessibility, and safety within India's busiest railway hub.

With modern infrastructure and improved crowd-handling design, the facility not only enhances the travel experience but also sets a new benchmark for passenger-centric amenities across Indian Railways. (ANI)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Rajiv Tuli on Sunday criticise the Congress, saying its animosity towards the RSS is "old, not new" recalling that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had once said to "crush" the organisation in 1948, and accused the party of being against "Indianness, nationalism, and Hindutva". RSS leader Rajiv Tuli's remarks came as the Karnataka government is mulling over new rules to restrict RSS activities in the state after its minister, Priyank Kharge, called for action against the organisation. Speaking to ANI, Tuli said, "Congress' animosity with RSS is old, not new. In 1948, one week before Mahatma ji's assassination, in his letter to a CM, Nehru ji said - Why is action not being taken against the RSS...He had said, 'I will crush the RSS.' The then Sarsanghchalak, responded with 'I will crush this crushing mentality'...In 1948, they pressured Sardar Patel to ban RSS. 28 days after the ban, Sardar Patel wrote a letter to Nehruji that he had come to know that RSS had no involvement in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. "Later, the ban was revoked. The ban was reimposed in 1975 and then revoked in 1977...So, first Nehruji, then Indira Gandhi and then Narasimha Rao banned RSS thrice. They had to revoke the ban later...You can see the condition of Congress today...The Congress of AU Hume is against Indianness, nationalism and Hindutva sanatana...They opposed it earlier too and they oppose it now as well," he added. On Saturday, Vishva Hindu Parishad National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal slammed Congress over their attempt to restrict the activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state, saying that the party is "writing its own obituary" Vinod Bansal said that the "drama" in Karnataka is going to rise due to the rise of two princes (Priyank Kharge and Rahul Gandhi) in Congress. "The way drama unfolds in Karnataka, the two princes are rising within Congress... They have no work to do. They believe that speaking ill of RSS and advocating for its ban will give them some media clout," he said. "They are currently entangled in this nasty situation... By discussing banning RSS, Congress is essentially writing its own obituary... Their leaders are taking dangerous actions for the party. I feel confident because if they ban RSS, our work will multiply four times," he added. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday informed that the state is mulling new laws against the RSS and has decided to strengthen the existing laws of non-participation of government employees in any political activities. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) organised a vibrant Diwali Mela at its Humhama campus in Budgam to bring joy to the families of jawans deployed on duty at the Line of Control (LOC). The event featured cultural performances, traditional stalls, children's activities and festive celebrations, highlighting BSF's commitment to troop welfare and family support. IG BSF of Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav, extended warm wishes to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali and stated that the BSF is celebrating the festival with a rejuvenating Diwali fair. The fair features a variety of food and cloth stalls, rides, games, and more entertaining activities. "I would like to wish everyone a Happy Diwali on behalf of Kashmir Frontier. As we all know, BSF celebrates all festivals with their families. Today, all our frontier headquarters, the HTC (High-Tech Control Room), composite hospital, under-command sector, and units have come together to organise a Diwali fair here. There are many food stalls and numerous games for children, including swings. We will continue to celebrate with our families over the next two days," he stated. Furthermore, he said that such events are important to be organised because they bring the forces together, which develops trust and faith amongst the teams. Yadav assured that the BSF troops work diligently with determination, devotion, hard work, and commitment to keep the nation safe. They ensure that any infiltration attempts at the Line of Control (LOC) receive a suitable response. (ANI)
Backing his 'Namak Haram' statement targeting Muslims, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday hit out at the opposition, stating that the government has not discriminated between Hindus and Muslims in its various welfare schemes. Speaking to ANI in Begusarai, Singh said, "Some people say that consuming 'Haram' is wrong in their religion. Islam says that consuming free food is 'Haram'. Are they not taking a 5 kg ration? Did both Hindus and Muslims not get Pradhanmantri Awas? Did both Hindus and Muslims not get toilets? Was there any discrimination between Hindus and Muslims in the Nal-Jal scheme, gas cylinder, or 5 kg ration?" The remarks come a day after Singh, during a BJP rally in Arwal ahead of the Bihar assembly polls, targeted Muslims while addressing the opposition Mahagathbandhan, asserting that his party does not seek the votes of "Namak Harams" (ungrateful people). Addressing the nomination rally of the BJP candidate from the Arwal constituency, Singh recalled an interaction with a Muslim citizen regarding government schemes. He said, "I asked them, did you get the Aayushmaan card? They said, Yes. Was there a Hindu or Muslim issue? They said, No. This is very good for me. Did you vote for me? They said, Yes. I asked, in the name of God, did you vote for me? They said, No. I asked, Did you vote for Narendra Modi? They said, No. Did we abuse you? They said, No. I asked, What was my mistake?... I said... I do not want the votes of the Namak Harams(ungrateful people)." Singh further claimed credit for government schemes, adding, "The Congress gave the slogan of removing poverty. Lalu Yadav gave the slogan. But it did not happen. PM Modi did it. You have to think." His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, said, "He is crossing the limits of language. Everyone knows who betrayed the nation and stood with the Britishers. Giriraj should recall that history first." Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut too slammed the Union Minister and asked, "If someone does not vote for you, are they all namak harams?" "Giriraj Singh, a central minister, has claimed Muslims benefit from all central government schemes but do not vote for the BJP. This is wholly untrue. Muslims voted for Modi in 2014 in large numbers, and the BJP received votes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," he said. Raut added, "Who gave you the authority to say such things about one particular community?Hindus have not given them votes... in Maharasthra, in in Bengal In Kerala, in Jammu and Kashmir, in Karnataka, Hindus have not voted for them. Will you call all of them namak haaram Mr Giriraj Singh? You are in power by 'vote chori'. When Hindus are not voting for you, will you call them 'namak haram' as well? PM Modi should expel him from the Council of Ministers You cannot tell any person, any community such things..." (ANI)
Hitting out at the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) row in Karnataka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala on Sunday asserted that "Congress party is the most intolerant organisation" as they "bat for terrorists". The BJP leader also said that the Congress party are the one who will cry for Batla House, Afzal, and Yakub, but when it comes to nationalistic organisations that have been working for the last hundred years, they are taking all kinds of actions. Speaking to ANI, Poonawala said, "Congress is the most intolerant organisation. They have no problem with SDPI, PFI... They bat for terrorists who have been identified by the NIA. They are the ones who will cry for Batla House, Afzal, Yakub. But when it comes to nationalistic organisations that have been working for the last hundred years, they are taking all kinds of actions against them." He later asked Siddaramaiah if he did not know who went against the Constitution of Ambedkar and promised Muslim reservation. "But they have not succeeded. They made false allegations. They tried to ban RSS. Courts have uplifted those bans... Does Siddaramaiah not know who denied Bharat Ratna to Ambedkar? Does Siddaramaiah not know who went against the Constitution of Ambedkar and promised Muslim reservation and even reservation of Muslims in contracts?..." the BJP leader said. Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Sunday asked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to submit a fresh petition to hold a route march on November 2 in Chittapur in the State. The High Court directed the petitioners to file a fresh petition to the District Collectors along with the route of the march. While the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers had also sought permission to protest, the High Court directed that separate time slots be allotted to both organisations, the RSS and the Bhim Army. The hearing has been adjourned to October 24. The court was hearing a petition seeking permission for an RSS route march in the constituency of Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge, Chittapur. This comes amid the ongoing tussle between the Karnataka government and the RSS. The row over the RSS sparked in Karnataka when Priyank Kharge requested a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples. He said that permissions should not be granted for activities outside the syllabus in government schools and colleges. (ANI)
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Whoever said, Dont hide skeletons in your cupboard, must have been wary of the pre-Diwali cleaning avatar of my wife. Was it Socrates? Or our very own Thiruvalluvar? It doesnt matter, because I ignored the wisdom of the sages and stuffed many skeletons into the darkest corner of my wardrobe. I figured everyone has got a few secrets to hide, right? Wrong! My wife, armed with a duster and a mission, flung open the cupboard, and out tumbled my shameful stash that I thought I had cleverly hidden forever.

My wife was inundated by an avalanche of shirts, socks and stuff. Shirts that would fit an emaciated teenager. Socks that a circus clown might wear. Neckties in fifty shades of regret. And a pile of still-gift-wrapped gifts. The missus shrieked as if she had stepped on a lizard. I rushed to collect the stuff and shove the mess back in. But the damage was done.

What the heck is this? she demanded, holding up two neon-green T-shirts withI Love Pattaya emblazoned on them in comic sans.

To explain this disaster, let me backtrack. You see, I have always had to bear the burden of the love of my relatives and the generosity of my friends and neighbours. These three categories of homo sapiens express their affection through the ancient art of gift-giving. Be it birthdays or anniversaries, and even JLT, they unleash gifts upon me; stuff I wouldnt use to clean my car. They bestow upon me shirts two sizes too small, T-shirts so loud they would force ambulances to swerve to let them pass, and gewgaws that are as ugly as they are useless. I have never mustered enough courage to toss these things into the garbage can for the fear that some gifter might get offended. So I hoard them in my cupboard like a shopaholic squirrel.

Illustration: Job P.K.

Whats this? my wife said, this time waving a shirt and pointing at the heap of other clothes at her feet.

I stammered, Uh, darling, these are treasures. Gifted by you and others. But I cant wear them, and I didnt want to offend you by tossing them out in the trash.

Trash?! she roared. This is the shirt I got you! And you call it trash?

I braced for impact. Look, darling, the shirts you get for me are the kind that would fit a schoolboy, but certainly not me. And this? I held up an orange blazer, This is so, so loud, for Gods sake! Why cant youand everyone else buy something that fits? Or, you know, something Id actually like?

Im not a fashion snob, but I have standards. I do! I wont wear just any rag that is tossed my way, especially if its the wrong size, the wrong colour, or looks like it was designed by a retarded monkey with a crayon. Yet, as a considerate giftee, I cant bear to throw away these tokens of love. Hence, the cupboard of disgrace.

Some gifts sidestep the sizing issue. Socks? I have a drawer full, but I cant bend down enough to put them on. Handkerchiefs? Ive got enough to mop up a tsunami. Ties? Ah, the ties! Ive got a rainbow of them, from that side of violet to this side of red. I never liked any, except one flamboyant silk masterpiece with an abstract pattern of butterflies. I wore it proudly until Gopu, my friend of many summers, smirked, Nice tie, man. But those arent butterflies. Theyre pole dancers in their birthday suits.

I shouldve known something was off when my neighbour Sethi handed it to me after his Germany trip, giggling about Hamburgs Reeperbahn district.

It is not just the gifts from my loved ones that put me in a quandary. There are the random, unsolicited gifts toofrom events, conferences and weddings. I thought Id hit the peak of absurdity when I got a faux brass plaque inscribed Best Judge for refereeing a kids fancy-dress contest in our condo. (The winner was a four-year-old dressed as a cauliflower. I still have nightmares about that.) But no, the universe outdid itself at a shoe manufacturers daughters wedding. They gifted me a gold-plated shoehorn with the bride and grooms names etched inside a heart. A shoehorn! For a guy who cant bend down to wear socks, let alone use a glorified spoon to jam his feet into loafers. My wife, naturally, got an opportunity to mock, Why not frame it and display it on the mantelpiece, alongside your Best Judge award?

The problem with these gifts is theyre immortal and immutable. I cant hide them for evermy wifes cleaning sprees will uncover the crime. I cant throw them away, because someone or the other will witness my attempts at destruction of evidence. And I cant offload them on Bassa Ram, my driver, because he has better taste than most of my gifters. Why must people complicate things? Cash is simple, universal, and fits perfectly in my wallet. Instead of turning my cupboard into a museum of ill-fitting clothes and useless gifts, why cant my loved ones give me cash?

At least on this Diwali, let us keep it simplelets stick to cash!
India was singled out for 50% tariffs along with Brazil. If ever there was a moment for the two to come together, it is now. Geographically separated, but much aligned geopolitically and now economically, the two countries have begun to find proximity of national interest. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

and Prime Minister Modi have had separate telephonic conversations with US President Trump to navigate their differences with a forcefully assertive US on the global stage. Yet, recent events have underscored the need for both nations to seek a level of technological independence to protect national interests. PM Modi visited Brazil in July 2025, and October saw back-to-back visits to India by Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to President Lula during the sixth India-Brazil Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi; and Mr Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services.



Challenges



Both countries face disruptive geopolitical pressure and weaponisation of geoeconomics, highlighting technological sovereignty as a major driver in the balance of power; just as nuclear technology defined the cold war rivalry, as Industry 4.0 shifted manufacturing from the West to the East with the former focussing on innovation as the leading edge for economic power; the digital multiverse has shaped the current struggle for geopolitical power. What is different this time is the faster pace of change that digital technology has ushered in, accelerating the difference between the have and have-nots.



Secondly, multi-domain contestation emphasises the use of all tools available to the state. While the Trump Administration imposes 50% tariffs on India justifying half of it on Indias purchase of Russian oil, and then on purchase of Russian armaments (ongoing since the late 1960s, and indeed dropping since the last decade), the US finds it expedient to do business with China or Russia to buy rare-earth elements, fertilisers and reportedly attempting to bring Exxon Mobile to re-enter the Sakhalin oil blocks. There are media bytes naming scions of the US elite families getting into cypto deals with Pakistan or underwriting global tariff refunds! US tariffs have historically proved to be marginal tactical successes in the past but almost always a strategic failure. Take the case of the McKinley Act of 1890 which sought to economically beat down Canada into acceding to be a US state (President Trump possible borrowed this idea!), or the Smoot Hawley Act which sought to increase employment statistics in the US but added to the Great Depression, or the 100% tariffs on Japanese electronics in 1980  each ended in catastrophic failures for the US. Each time the targeted state entities resorted to adapting their trade profiles with newer partners. Adaption by targeted nations was the key.



The third risk is lies in disrupted digital supply chains such as reliance on single vendors from the US, and off shore cloud storages which may allow access to data used for AI training or customised targeting in business or geopolitical narrative building. This would raise the risk of systemic failures. This is exacerbated by the fragility of under-sea connectivity and chip manufacturing ecosystems. Fourthly, semi-conductor technology, AI platforms and clean energy technology at the new frontiers of innovation exhibit new risk surfaces. Even though run by private companies with pure business motives, their insidious control by the state is apparent to the discerning eye.



Finally, tech-nationalism is leading ethnic and social polarisation by destabilising operational and governance environments.



Mitigation Strategies



Brazil and India need to focus on common adaptation strategies based on agile policy making with alertness, anticipation and vigilance. Reactive policy decisions will barely keep pace with disruption.

Secondly, to build a close bond of trust, there is a need to identify inter-dependencies between the two nations; and where not naturally available some of these inter-dependencies may need to be created. This would involve detailed interaction at the functional level. Third, commonality in regulations and standards must be built in. While multi-lateral fora offer fertile grounds to meet, bilateral and trilateral formats will yield faster results.



The gains from these could then be shared with the Global South, with a benign agenda. It is important to acknowledge that multilateral fora like the UN, BRICS, or even RCEP must not lead onto replacing one hegemon by another if their benign charters are to be upheld.

Brazil and India need to cooperate on multiple fronts including

 Establishing an Indo-Brazil Technology Framework, which outlines a policy roadmap in emerging technologies for both countries. Harmonising tech standards and creating joint regulatory and funding mechanisms would help.

 Setting up joint R&D hubs in select domains.

 Creating a secure financial infrastructure enabling bilateral trade.

 Sharing intelligence and incident response mechanisms in the cyber domain to protect critical information infrastructure. Later this can be extended to AI and quantum technologies as well.

 Training and capacity building with joint skill development programs and certification.

 Building defence and strategic sector partnerships in communications and AI driven defence systems. This includes a common approach to responsible AI in military policies globally, but also scenario-based exercises.

Disruption brings in uncertainty, but it also provides great opportunity. This window of opportunity is narrow, and this is the moment when political will in India and Brazil can drive the two nations to their deserved level in the global balance of power.



(Maj Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM is a veteran, founding Director at the Centre for Emerging Technologies for Atmanirbhar Bharat at the USI of India and a mentor at the National Defence College. He recently spoke at the Congress in Brazils Parliament, Camara dos Deputados.)

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.)
In the Assistant Director General Police of Haryana, Y. Puran Kumar suicide case, the police have taken possession of the deceased officer's laptop following court orders. The court had directed that the entire process of handing over and transferring the laptop be recorded to ensure data security. Subsequently, the family handed over the laptop to the Chandigarh police. The court made it clear that the laptop's data must be preserved and that the transfer procedure must be properly documented. ADGP Y. Puran Kumar had shot himself at his residence in Sector 11 on October 7. With the family's consent, the post-mortem was conducted at PGI on October 15. The police investigation will now primarily focus on digital evidence, particularly the data from the laptop and mobile phone. Fingerprints will be matched, and the final note and emails found on the laptop will be examined to determine to whom they were sent. Earlier, Senior IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, the wife of the late IPS officer, had made some serious accusations against Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor and Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohtak Narendra Bijarnia. She demanded a registration of an FIR against the two of them. Kumar's wife has filed a written complaint to the police, where she stated that her husband had been facing caste-based discrimination, mental harassment, and humiliation for a long time. She also claimed that before his death, her husband had left behind a suicide note. Meanwhile, ASI Sandeep Lathar, who was found dead in suspicious circumstances in Rohtak on 14 October, who also accused the late IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and his family of corruption, was cremated in Julana in Haryana's Jind on Thursday. Haryana Minister Shruti Chaudhary, who attended the last rites, said that the State government will ensure justice to the ASI. Lathar's daughter said that her father "sacrificed himself" in the fight against corruption. (ANI)
Did you know?



The HISAR-O air defense system launcher is also capable of firing HISAR-A missiles thanks to its common launcher architecture. pic.twitter.com/Q8IwV49irg  Defence Turk English (@Defence_Turk_EN) September 4, 2025

The Turkish Air Defence Command has successfully conducted a live-fire test of the Hisar-O medium-range air defence system, reports said on Saturday. These air defence missiles feature an interception range exceeding 25 kilometres and are designed to take down fast-moving threats, including cruise missiles, fighter jets, and UAVs, reports suggest.

Part of Turkey's broader project to develop an indigenous air defence system (popularly called the "Steel Dome"), the Hisar-O medium-range missiles are designed to protect military bases, ports, facilities, and even troops on the ground against incoming enemy projectiles. Although they can neutralise targets in both low and high altitudes, the Hisar-O variant is optimised for medium-altitude engagement. They are equipped with vertical launch capability with 360-degree effectiveness, Ankara said, while claiming that it is for the first time that it has developed an air defence system with such advanced features.

16 Ekim 2025

Aksaray Ats Alan



Hava Savunma Komutanlg tarafndan Hisar Test Ats Alannda, Hisar-O ats basaryla icra edildi.

#MilliSavunmaBakanlg pic.twitter.com/gVw79dKtSP  T.C. Milli Savunma Bakanlg (@tcsavunma) October 18, 2025

Turkish Air Defence Command reportedly conducted the live-fire test at the Aksaray firing range with around 10 Hisar-O missiles maintained in a ready-to-fire status. The visuals of the launch were later released on social media, stating: "The Hisar-O firing was successfully conducted by the Air Defense Command at the Hisar Test Firing Range. The missiles are equipped with high-explosive blast fragmentation warheads.

How lethal are Hisar-O missiles?

At the battery-level, the new air defence system maintains 18 or more ready-to-fire missiles with tracking capability for 100 targets simultaneously, while at the battalion level, the system can maintain 54 or more ready-to-fire missiles, Turkiye Today quoted government sources as saying.

Electro-optical sensors can be used for automatic target tracking and shooting, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability is supported in the system that can work even under adverse weather or pitch-dark night hours, the developers claimed. Fired from a Mercedes-Benz Zetros 66 chassis, the Hisar-O systems are mobilemeaning they can cover critical infrastructure, camps, or civilian settlementsnot long after having given cover for troops on the move.

Turkeys Steel Dome after Israels Iron Dome

Turkey's plan is to build its multi-layered Steel Dome air-defence system by incorporating short-range Hisar-A, medium Hisar-O, and long-range Siper missile variants, along with the naval Hisar-D RF. Aselsan-developed Kalkan phased-array 3D search and track radars will help the defence system detect and destroy enemy planes, drones, and missiles alike from ranges up to 120 kilometres. Bangladesh and Indonesia have shown interest in buying the air defence system from Turkey but there was no credible information on the price tag.
Pakistan has delivered three JF-17C Block III Thunder fighter aircraft to its ally Azerbaijan, reports said. Two single-seat JF-17Cs and one dual-seat trainer variant of the fourth-generation multi-role aircraft were spotted at Azerbaijan's Nasosnaya Airbase, reports said. The handover is reportedly part of the $4.6 billion defence partnership between the two nations.

AZERBAIJAN CHOOSES PAKISTAN's JF-17 THUNDER



Azerbaijan has chosen Pakistans JF-17 Thunder Block III, becoming its 1st export customer. Azerbaijan will induct 12 aircraft8 JF-17C and 4 JF-17B variantsboosting its combat strength and reinforcing defense ties with Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/PXPV4aQ6BU  StratWolf (@StratWolf_) September 26, 2024

The Azerbaijani Air Force has so far been dependent on the Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-25 Frogfoot and was desperate to switch to fourth-generation fighter jets. The aircraft spotted at Nasosnaya had Azerbaijani emblems, reports said, adding that Islamabad is said to have made the deliveries in early October. Post-delivery testing and pilot familiarisation phase is underway at the airbase situated north of Baku, they added. Under the deal, Pakistan is set to provide the Caucasus nation with 40 units of the JF17 Thunder Block III. It is said to be the largest ever export contract in Pakistans defence industry to date.

All eyes on Armenia

Azerbaijan and Turkey are Pakistan's closest allies, with the former having openly made statements backing Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor'. Turkish drones were used by Pakistan against India during the conflict, further strengthening the talks about the "Ankara-Islamabad-Baku axis".

ALSO READ | How Pakistan reacted to reports of India shooting down its F-16, JF-17 fighter jets

#Breaking: #Pakistan has delivered the first batch of three JF-17 Block III multirole fighter jets to the #Azerbaijan Republic Air Force. The delivery includes at least one two-seat combat trainer. These aircraft will replace the aging MiG-29 (Izdeliye 9-13) fighter interceptors pic.twitter.com/QBx3JZiHdH  Babak Taghvaee - The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) October 18, 2025

Meanwhile, the delivery may pressure Armenia, Azerbaijan's rival, to modernise its Air Force as well. Although Baku had considerably higher defence spending than its neighbour, Armenia is likely to turn towards India or France for help. According to reports, Armenia may look to acquire radar, drone, and missile technologies to back their Russian-made S-300 and Tor-M2 systems to counter the threat that JF-17Cs could pose.

In March 2025, Armenias Foreign Minister visited India and the two countries signed MoUs for cooperation in regulating medical products and diplomatic training. The same month, Armenias Ambassador to India, Vahagn Afyan, met with Vishwesh Negi, the Joint Secretary of International Cooperation at the Indian Ministry of Defense

ALSO READ | Pakistan JF-17 fighter jet, which it claimed was used against India, in UK! Pakistan Air Force says this shows 'professional excellence'

What are Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jets?

The JF-17Cs are developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) from China. Capable of gaining speeds of around 1,909 km/h, this versatile combat jet can typically carry a total payload of 3,400 kg. Originally intended to be a low-cost rival to the reputed Russian Su-30MKI and MiG-29, as well as the French Mirage-2000, Pakistan is said to have lost at least a couple of JF-17Cs to India's long-range missiles during Operation Sindoor.
There has not been an official casting update on Michael Mann's upcoming sequel to his 1995 masterpiece, Heat, starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino as men on opposite sides of the law. Heat 2, which will be based on the book of the same name Mann co-wrote with Meg Gardiner, will be both a sequel and prequel.

However, Mann, who addressed the press at the Lumiere Film Festival in Lyon, where he received the 2025 Lumiere Award, said the film will oscillate between events in 1995, a day after what we saw at the end of the original, where Val Kilmer's character is the only one among the bank robbers who survives, and has to "flee the United States", and events in 1988 that revolve around Vincent Hanna and Neil McCauley that would transform them to the kind of characters that they were in the 1995 film.

"Its 1988. Hanna is a detective in Chicago, not Los Angeles In 1988, they are not the same people as they are in 1995. Its the events of 1988 which then turned them into the characters of 1995," said Mann, adding that Macaulay once had "a wife, he has a stepdaughter. He has a nuclear family that is very attached to him.

Mann says he knows every detail about these characters, beginning with their childhood. The characters of Heat are so alive to me that I know everything about outside the boundaries of the film. I know what De Niros character looked like when he was basically state raised as an 11-year-old, wearing clothes that didnt match, being ostracized, which then made them aggressive and violent, which led to juvenile facilities.

Mann also shared that the sequel will be even more expensive. "I believe it should be made at the proper size and scale. Its going to shoot in Chicago, Los Angeles, Paraguay, and possibly some parts in Singapore. People make dramas at a certain budget level, because of the costs, not because of anybody being greedy. If it was at a lower price, I could have made it anywhere. But its complex. I cant get into all the politics of it.

The project was first taken to Warner Bros. but eventually landed at Amazon MGM-owned United Artists, with a plan to release it theatrically in the United States, "probably in about 4,000 cinemas and for at least 45 days, said the filmmaker behind other acclaimed thriller such as Collateral, The Insider, and Thief.
Parenthood is often described as one of lifes greatest joys. Yet, for many couples, this journey is marked by unexpected obstaclesmiscarriages, repeated fertility treatments, and the deep emotional and financial toll of infertility.

In fact, World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in six people worldwidearound 17.5 per cent of the global adult populationexperience infertility at some stage of their reproductive lives. These numbers highlight not only the medical but also the psychological and social burden of childlessness.

It is within this fragile landscape of parenthood that surrogacy emerges as a way of hope. For couples unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, it offers the possibility of holding a biological child despite the odds. Yet, even as it promises joy, surrogacy remains clouded by complexity, controversy, and unresolved grey areas.

Understanding surrogacy

Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple. It can take two forms. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogates egg is fertilised with the intended fathers sperm, which makes her the biological mother of the child she delivers. In gestational surrogacy, an embryo created using the intended parents or donors gametes is implanted in the surrogates womb, meaning she has no genetic connection to the child.

Within these medical approaches, surrogacy can be structured in different ways. Altruistic surrogacy refers to an arrangement where the surrogate does not receive any financial reward beyond reimbursement for medical and pregnancy-related expenses. The motivation here is usually compassiona desire to help another person or couple experience the joy of parenthood. On the other hand, commercial surrogacy involves a contractual agreement in which the surrogate receives monetary compensation in addition to medical coverage. The amount may vary depending on factors such as the country, local regulations, and the specific terms of the agreement.

Couples and individuals choose surrogacy for many reasons. Some turn to it after facing repeated miscarriages or failed in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) attempts. Others may suffer from medical conditions such as the absence of a uterus, uterine abnormalities, or illnesses that make pregnancy dangerous. For some, particularly those of advanced maternal age, surrogacy becomes the only viable path to parenthood. In countries where the law permits, same-sex couples and single parents also seek surrogacy to fulfil their dream of raising biological children.

Surrogacy: the journey so far

The first reported surrogacy arrangement took place in 1980 in the United States when a woman named Elizabeth Kane agreed to carry a child for another couple, sparking immediate ethical debates about the commodification of motherhood. A few years later, in 1985, the first successful gestational surrogacy pregnancy was achieved, marking a significant scientific breakthrough by separating surrogacy from genetic motherhood and expanding its possibilities.

Between 1999 and 2013, the United States recorded 30,927 surrogate pregnancies, resulting in 13,380 deliveries and 18,400 infants born. Of these, 8,581 were singleton pregnancies, 4,566 were twin pregnancies, and 233 were triplet pregnancies. These figures underline both the success of assisted reproductive technologies and the medical risks linked with high-order multiple births, a frequent outcome of fertility treatments.

In India, surrogacy began attracting wider attention in the early years of the 21st century, with commercial surrogacy being allowed unofficially in 2002. The largely unregulated growth of commercial surrogacy led to the rise of surrogacy tourism, with foreign couples increasingly turning to the country for affordable arrangements. The boom, however, raised ethical concerns and highlighted the exploitation of vulnerable women, and surrogacy soon became the subject of courtroom battles that would go on to shape public debate around the issue.

One of the most prominent cases in Indias surrogacy debate was the 2008 Baby Manjhi Yamada v. Union of India. A Japanese couple had come to Gujarat to have a child through surrogacy, but their marriage fell apart before the baby was born. While the father sought custody, Indian law at the time did not allow a single man to adopt a girl child. The case revealed how deeply unprepared Indian laws were to deal with the complexities of cross-border surrogacy and parenthoodin fact, during the proceedings, it was pointed out that "there is no law governing surrogation in India and in the name of surrogation, lot of irregularities are being committed."

Another crucial ruling in the same year was Jan Balaz v. Anand Municipality. Here, a German couple engaged an Indian surrogate who gave birth to twins in Gujarat. The children, however, were left statelessunable to obtain Indian passports since they were not considered Indian citizens, and equally unrecognised under German law, which did not permit surrogacy. The Gujarat High Court granted the children exit permits so the couple could take them to Germany, where they were later allowed to adopt them. This case underscored the international legal vacuum around surrogacy and the precarious position of children born through such arrangements.

Each of these cases highlighted the surge in the cases of surrogacy, and the acute lack of clear laws that regulate these procedures. Despite this, surrogacy continued to function in the country, in a largely unregulated mannersometimes at the physical, economical and health costs of the women involved.

A "UN Special Rapporteur on Surrogacy Arrangements and the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children" report highlighted the way the babies were commodified, and women were exploited in the commercial surrogacy market. "In 2010, young Adivasi girls were trafficked, traded, enslaved, raped and made to conceive through surrogacy six times to sell the children into adoption. The surrogacy trafficking trade used the same network that was used for domestic work and sex trade from the poor regions of India into urban areas. These unmarried girls are impregnated with embryos without their consent," it cited as an example.

Even as the government banned foreign nationals from pursuing surrogacy in India in 2015, the practice kept growing. While there was no official data on the number of surrogacy cases in India, the government in 2019 had said in an answer to a question in Parliament that they had "noticed a surge in the surrogacy cases." It would not be until 2021 that the government to step in and impose a ban on commercial surrogacy through the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.

What the law says in India

Across the world, surrogacy laws vary widely. Countries like Ukraine and some US states allow commercial surrogacy under regulatory frameworks, while others, including France and Germany, prohibit all forms outright. India has seen its own dramatic shifts in regulation.

Under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and its 2022 rules, surrogacy is strictly regulated. Commercial surrogacy is now banned, allowing only altruistic arrangements. Intending couples in India must meet strict eligibility criteria. They must be legally married for at least five years, with the wife aged between 25 and 50 years and the husband between 26 and 55 years. The couple should not have any living childwhether biological, adopted, or born through surrogacyexcept in cases where the existing child suffers from a disability or life-threatening disorder.

The 2024 amendments now permit married couples to use donor gametes if one partner has a medical condition certified by the District Medical Board, provided the child has at least one gamete from the intended couple. Single women must use their own eggs alongside donor sperm.

Under the law, the eligibility and conditions for becoming a surrogate mother have been laid out. Any willing, ever-married woman between the ages of 25 and 35 who has at least one biological child of her own may act as a surrogate. She must also be a close relative of the intending couple, though experts point out that the law does not define what it means by close relative. She can be a surrogate only once in her lifetime, with up to three attempts permitted if embryo transfer fails.

She must be certified as physically and mentally fit by a registered medical practitioner and is prohibited from using her own gametes for the surrogacy. As mentioned, the Act allows only altruistic surrogacymeaning the surrogate cannot receive monetary compensation beyond medical expenses and insurance coverage. Insurance must extend for 36 months to cover postpartum complications, including death, arising from the pregnancy or delivery. Importantly, the surrogate has the right to withdraw her consent at any stage before the embryo transfer, and, if required, she may also terminate the pregnancy under the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 2019.

It is important to note that in India, surrogacy is restricted to legally married couples and ever-married single women, such as widows or divorcees. The law explicitly bars several groups from availing surrogacy services, including couples who already have a child, foreign nationals, individuals in live-in relationships, single men, unmarried women, same-sex couples, and widowers.

The darker side of surrogacy

Even under the new law, surrogacy has not escaped controversy. Reports of illegal surrogacy rackets and exploitation continue to surface across the country.

Earlier this year, in Hyderabad, police busted an alleged sprawling illegal surrogacy and baby-selling racket operating under the guise of fertility treatments. The kingpin, Dr Athaluri Namratha alias Pachipala Namratha, a 64-year-old doctor and owner of Universal Srushti Fertility Centres, was arrested along with seven others from across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Against this backdrop, experts emphasise why surrogacy still holds medical importance. Dr Prof. Abha Majumdar, Director and Head of the Centre of IVF & Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained that surrogacy, though a small part of IVF, remains essential in rare cases: There are a few girls who are born without a uterus, or who have had it removed at a very young age due to disease, or even after their first childbirth to save their lives. In some cases, the uterus cannot carry a pregnancy at all because it repeatedly leads to miscarriages. Such people truly need surrogacy," she explained.

Dr Majumdar also outlined the step-by-step process: first, doctors recommend surrogacy for a patient through a formal letter citing medical reasons such as repeated IVF failures or miscarriages. This is reviewed by the state-level medical board under the surrogacy authority. If approved, the couple must then present a surrogate. The surrogate has to provide a legal affidavit stating her age, that she has no more than one child, and that she is ready to do surrogacy without charging money, she said.

These documents, along with medical certificates, are then verified by magistrates and lawyers. Only after this approval does the couple return to the clinic. The lady comes to us with the approved surrogate and we go ahead with making embryos and whatever is necessary," the doctor who has decades of experience explained.

However, highlighting the darker side, she observed that earlier, when commercial surrogacy was permitted, it became almost like a fashion, but the shift to altruistic surrogacy has changed things. Still, she admitted loopholes remain: People really find ways to do commercial surrogacy in the garb of altruistic surrogacy. They dont show that any money is being charged or given, but it is happening.

The issue, she added, is compounded by lingering social stigma. Drawing parallels with IVF, she said, every new step has social stigmawhether it was widow remarriage, stopping sati, or IVF. For almost 20 years, IVF had stigma; even doctors who had children through IVF would avoid public functions. Over time, that changed, and I believe stigma around surrogacy will also reduce. She acknowledged the psychological burden: while intended parents may feel they are missing out on the joy of pregnancy, they usually accept the child as their own when gametes are genetically theirs. The surrogate mothers usually say that while carrying the baby, they knew it was to be given away, so they did not form attachments. Still, altruistic surrogacy is very difficult to find.

What worries her the most is the escalating cost of surrogacy. Ideally, the total expense should be comparable to a normal pregnancy plus IVF costsaround Rs 33.5 lakh, including one or two attempts if needed. Paperwork, which should cost no more than Rs 50,000, is often inflated because lawyers claim that without their services, approvals could be delayed for years. There are so many officials involved, and if the highest authorities do not hold hearings, the work doesnt happen. Lawyers exploit this, charging anywhere from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for the same process, she said.

The hope?

Surrogacy is gradually gaining social acceptance, in part thanks to public figures who have openly shared their experiences. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shilpa Shetty, and filmmaker Karan Johar have spoken about choosing surrogacy, sparking broader conversations about parenthood and alternative family structures. For many, these stories highlight the joy of raising a child and experiencing parenthood against all odds.

Legal progress has also offered hope. In 2024, the Kerala High Court delivered a landmark ruling clarifying that an intending woman is eligible for surrogacy until the age of 50, with eligibility ending only upon turning 51. The court emphasised that age provisions should protect ethical surrogacy practices without imposing unnecessary restrictions, recognising that motherhood is a deeply personal and fundamental right, and its permanent denial must be approached with utmost caution.

On the question of extending surrogacy to same-sex couples, Dr Majumdar pointed to constitutional limitations. She explained, Our Constitution has not allowed same-sex couples legal marriage. In other countries where same-sex marriage is legal, surrogacy is allowed too. Here, if the law itself does not recognise them as couples, how can we push for surrogacy? First, the law must change to recognise them as married partners. Only then can surrogacy be extended to them.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he is unfazed by the criticism against the Congress government over poor infrastructure in the state's capital, Bengaluru, but warned some "people are doing it too much."

Adding the state government is taking steps to address the infrastructure challenges in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said voters have given them an opportunity, and Congress wants to serve them. Shivakumar, who is also the minister for Bengaluru development, stressed the government is taking steps to clear potholes and other issues.

Shivakumar said, "I welcome all the criticism, no problem. Because criticism increases the value of democracy. But, some are doing it too much, and these things won't bother me. People have given us an opportunity and we want to serve them," he added.

Bengaluru, Karnataka: On caste censes, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar says, "...Our appeal is that everyone cooperate with the survey being conducted.. We do not intend to compel anyone, but as members of the state, you should all contribute your opinions to the pic.twitter.com/LhZIyD1zCD  IANS (@ians_india) October 19, 2025

Shivakumar's comments amid the ongoing "investment war" with Andhra Pradesh and repeated criticisms from industrialists over bad roads and traffic woes in Bengaluru. Recently, Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw criticised the state government and demanded measures to clear garbage and roads sans potholes in the city.

Targeting businesspersons, Shivakumar said, "Those who have started businesses here have grown. After growing big, they have forgotten from what stage they had grown into what stage now. If you forget the roots, you will not get the fruit. Some have forgotten and are criticizing through tweets."

Shivakumar said Bengaluru has a population of 1.40 crore, and 3,000 vehicles are getting registered per day in the capital city. "1.23 crore vehicles are registered in Bengaluru. 70 lakh people come to Bengaluru for jobs, education and other things, and some go back. Population is increasing," he added.

However, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw denied allegations of personal agenda against the government. Shaw tweeted their agenda is clear: "Clean up and restore roads."
Torrential rains and flash floods left a trail of destruction in several villages in Tamil Nadus Theni district, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of people to safer places.

The Vaigai river breached its banks on Sunday morning, inundating several low-lying areas across Uthamapalayam, Veerapandi, Uppukottai, and Palanichettipatti.

The floods, which local people described as the worst in at least three decades, caused the loss of around 60 goats and 7,500 poultry and damage to 18 houses.

Vaigai River flooding in Theni district of Tamilnadu following heavy rain  in the catchment.



Divyakutty pic.twitter.com/MOulDiBQ1U  Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) October 18, 2025

The famous Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple and the nearby settlements were completely cut off as the road leading to the shrine was washed away, media reports claimed on Sunday.

More than 200 acres of paddy ready for harvest were submerged, while standing crops of banana, coconut, and maize were also destroyed.

Officials said rescue and relief operations are underway in full swing, and stranded residents are being evacuated using JCB machines and boats. Several schools and public halls have been converted into temporary relief centres.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Flood water surge at Vaigai River bridge near Theni; inflow into Vaigai Dam continues to rise.



(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Gi93KZKr74  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 18, 2025

Incessant rains have prompted authorities to increase water release from Kerala's Mullaperiyar Dam, leading to a rise in the water level in Vaiga Dam.

The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, which manages the Mullaperiyar dam, has issued an alert as all 13 shutters of the dam were opened by 1 pm on Saturday, releasing 7,163 cusecs of water.

Authorities have banned bathing in Suruli waterfalls and issued an advisory against entering rivers.

The southern districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Tuticorin, and Virudhunagar received heavy rains overnight, while the northern districts of Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai and Ranipet also witnessed moderate to heavy rains.
Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of targeting its soldiers operating in Rafah. The airstrikes come within a week of a fragile peace plan mediated by US President Donald Trump.

According to reports, 11 people have died in Sunday's airstrikes, while Hamas denied knowledge of any fighting in Rafah. Israel Defence Forces said multiple airstrikes were launched on Sunday in retaliation for Hamas militants' attack on Israeli soldiers in Rafah, a region still under its control.

In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today, the IDF has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza.  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025

"Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity," IDF said.

It added, "These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly."

A senior Israeli military official said that it could launch further strikes against Hamas, in retaliation for at least three attacks on Israeli troops on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly directed the military to retaliate strongly to ceasefire violations. However, he did not threaten war. Earlier, Netanyahu held consultations with security heads over the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice. The statement by Netanyahu's office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfils its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

Earlier on Sunday, Hamas rejected US claims that it is planning an attack on civilians in Gaza. The US State Department claimed it had "credible reports" of imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas. "Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," it said.

In a statement, Hamas denied the charges and said, "The US allegations are false and fully align with the misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations crimes and organised aggression against our people in Gaza.
While world leaders, diplomats, and analysts debate the prospects of the Gaza peace plan signed in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, Egypt stands to benefit significantly. The summit, co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump, reaffirmed Egypt's central role in regional diplomacy.

Egypt, the first country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, was politically boycotted by many Arab nations for nearly a decade. Nevertheless, it had to navigate a 'cold peace' characterised by low-profile engagement with Israel; it maintained the peace treaty, which was crucial in securing substantial US military and economic aid and in seeking to end its regional isolation.

Egypt's active involvement in mediating the Israel-Palestinian conflict reflects both a strategic need to prevent spillover along its border with Gaza and its desire to regain its traditional status as a leading supporter of the Palestinians. Prolonged conflict threatens Egypt's Sinai region with refugee pressures, arms smuggling, and militant infiltration. Egypt has consistently played a mediatory role in ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas and has also worked to facilitate reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah.

Sameena Hameed

By co-hosting the Sharm conference, Egypt elevated its role from mediator to principal negotiator, aiming to forge a post-war Gaza administrative arrangement and a reconstruction framework. With only four countriesEgypt, the US, Turkey, and Qatarsigning the Gaza peace plan, and with limited publicly available details, the agreement's long-term future remains uncertain. However, its immediate consequences are of immense relief for all stakeholders and the international community: the release of all the remaining Israeli hostages and the halting of the large-scale casualties and destruction in the Gaza war.

Despite mounting regional pressure and an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe unleashed by the Gaza War, none of the signatories to the Abraham Accordsthe UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Moroccosevered diplomatic relations with Israel. While there were temporary recalls of ambassadors and suspensions of joint meetings and collaborative projects, diplomatic ties remained intact. In early 2023, Abu Dhabi National Company (ADNOC) and UK energy major BP announced plans to form a joint venture with a 50 per stake in Israel's upstream oil and gas company, NewMed Energy. These plans were put on hold as the Gaza war escalated through 2024. However, the UAE's commercial engagement with Israel remained resilient. According to the International Trade Centre, bilateral trade between the two countries increased from US$1.36 billion in 2023 to US$1.43 billion in 2024.

 President Al-Sisi at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit:

Peace is not complete until the hand is extended to build after destruction.

We have a historic opportunity to shape a Middle East of peace, dignity, and stability. pic.twitter.com/0DmN9gPPOG  Daily News Egypt (@DailyNewsEgypt) October 13, 2025

Beyond diplomacy, Egypt's economic interests, especially in the energy sector, stand to gain significantly from the summit,which has ended an emotionally and morally fraught period of suffering on both sides. While the Egyptian economy has gained some strength in recent times, revitalising the energy sector remains critical to sustain that momentum. Once an energy exporter, Egypt now faces declining domestic production and rapidly increasing domestic demand, making it increasingly reliant on costly imports. Its natural gas imports are primarily pipeline-based and predominantly sourced from Israel, supplying domestic power plants and liquefaction terminals, which enables LNG exports when domestic demand is low. Thus, piped natural gas supplies not only meet essential domestic energy needs but also bolster export revenues. Under the earlier 2019 deal, Egypt imported about 4.5 BCM per year of pipeline natural gas from Israel. According to the Middle East Economic Survey, Egypt imported a record 981 million cubic feet per day (mcfd) of piped gas from Israel in 2024, with monthly highs of 1.06 billion cfd in December 2024 and 1.08 billion cfd in April 2025.

In August 2025, Israel's NewMed Energy and its Leviathan gas field partners signed a landmark US$35 billion deal to export about 130 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to Egypt until 2040 or until the contract volume is fulfilled. The new agreement would increase the annual supply to 6.5 BCM in the near term and to 12 BCM under full capacity development. The total contracted volume has also increased significantly from 60-64 bcm to 130 bcm. Energy supplies are pivotal to Egypt's efforts to emerge as an attractive destination for foreign investments and showcase the potential of its large population and growing domestic market. A robust economy would lend greater weight to its regional diplomatic initiatives. Thus, while the future of the Gaza Strip and the specifics of the Palestinian state are open to speculation, Egypt's economic and political gains are certain.

Professor Sameena Hameed teaches at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
The US says it has credible intelligence that Hamas is planning an attack on civilians in Gaza. The announcement, made yesterday, indicated that such an action would constitute a serious breach of the ceasefire agreement currently in place and could unravel the progress achieved through international mediation efforts.

The United States has informed guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement that a violation by Hamas may be imminent. According to the State Department, should Hamas proceed with any attack on civilians, measures would be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.

The United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.



This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation  Department of State (@StateDept) October 18, 2025

This warning follows multiple reports of Hamas engaging in violent acts against Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel or supporting rival militias.

According to international sources, at least 33 people have been executed by Hamas in recent days, in what has been described as a campaign aimed at demonstrating power after the ceasefire came into effect. One Israeli hostage negotiator claimed that Hamas was continuing a long-standing pattern of punishing suspected collaborators and labelled the group a criminal organisation.

Israeli officials have previously indicated that rival gangs within Gaza, including those involved in smuggling and drug trafficking, had received weapons and funds from Israel in an attempt to destabilise Hamas' control of the territory.

Trump's shifting stance on Hamas

US President Donald Trump initially said Hamas had taken out only very bad gangs. However, after video footage emerged showing public executions carried out by the group, his stance hardened. He said if Hamas continued killing people in Gaza, the United States would have no choice but to intervene militarily.

Trump later made it clear that he was not planning to deploy American troops in Gaza.

He added that actors close to the region would take action under US guidance, if necessary. The sharp change in tone from the White House signals a more confrontational stance towards Hamas, in contrast to more ambivalent statements earlier.

A ceasefire under strain

Meanwhile, the ceasefire was tested by the deadliest incident involving Israeli troops in Gaza since the agreement took effect eight days ago.

According to Gazas civil defence serviceswhich are operated under Hamas authority11 members of the Abu Shaaban family were killed on October 18, when a bus they were travelling in was hit by an Israeli tank shell in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City. The casualties included women and children, and the family was reportedly attempting to return, to inspect their home.

The Israeli military offered a different account of the incident. The IDF stated that a suspicious vehicle was observed crossing the yellow line, which marks the perimeter of areas in northern Gaza still under Israeli control, and was moving toward Israeli forces. According to the IDF, warning shots were fired first, and when the vehicle continued to approach in a manner perceived as a direct threat, Israeli troops responded with live fire in line with the ceasefire protocol.

The yellow line clearly remains a concern as Gazans struggle to identify the lines exact location in the absence of physical markings and widespread internet shutdowns. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has pledged to install visual indicators, but this has yet to materialise. Hamas has condemned the incident, accusing Israel of unjustified aggression.

Other complications

Israel, meanwhile, is yet to open the critical Rafah border crossing with Egypt, further complicating an already precarious ceasefire.

According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rafah would remain shut until Hamas returned the bodies of all deceased hostages. While all 20 living hostages were freed by Hamas, only 12 of the deceased hostages bodies have been returned so far. Trump's peace plan calls for the return of the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

Hamas, meanwhile, says the recovery is taking time because of the extensive destruction in Gaza and a lack of proper equipment. They claim that Israeli restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery have hindered their ability to locate and recover remains from the rubble.

Netanyahus decision to keep Rafah closed has drawn sharp criticism from Hamas, which described it as a violation of the ceasefire terms. It is already affecting humanitarian aid. Delivery levels remain far below what is needed to address the severe humanitarian crisis, hurting the prospects of lasting peace.
The Lebanese militant group and Iranian proxy Hezbollah isnt dead yet. The group is secretly rebuilding itself with the help of Iranian agents and internal reforms, according to a report.

Though the group has agreed to disarm in southern Lebanon, it still has weapons in other areas of its influence and is secretly rebuilding its structure, reported French newspaper Le Figaro. This comes amid a ceasefire agreement wherein the Lebanese government promised to disarm Hezbollah.

The militant group that once exerted immense influence in the southern part of Lebanon had collapsed after the execution of its leader, Nasrallah, in Beirut. For 10 days, no one answered calls. We were like a body in a coma. Only the fighters in the south kept operating, following emergency protocols in case our number one disappeared,a Hezbollah member named Wafik told Le Figaro.

A lot of time and money went into Hezbollahs arms stockpile. Israel demolished it in seconds. The Islamic Republic of Iran and all Islamists are taking hit after hit and squandering their hydrocarbon wealth. pic.twitter.com/0j22cjx9Cm  Barry Tigay (@TigayBarry) October 17, 2025

Days before the assassination of Nasrallah, Israel orchestrated a pager attack that killed the entire top layer of Hezbollah leadership. However, two weeks later, Iranian forces led by Esmail Qaani, commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, took action and within 10 days rebuilt Hezbollah's military structure. But, the group's political leadership remained vacant.

The group's new structure has been shaped with a high level of secrecy and relies on a "younger and more dynamic generation." "Today, we have a new military structure that is very secretive. The chain of command has been shortened and no one knows who is responsible for what," Lebanese MP Ali Fayyad told the newspaper.

Hezbollah, despite maintaining weapons depots in the Bekaa Valley and north of the Litani River, decided not to intervene in the event of an attack on Iran. This is while Israeli drones continue to fly over Lebanon's border areas and many villages in the south, including al-Naqoura and Ulema al-Sha'ab, lie in complete ruins.

Despite more than 1,500 ceasefire violations and around 300 deaths in Lebanon, Hezbollah has so far not responded militarily to the Israeli attacks. Its action has only been to pay around $12,000 to rebuild destroyed houses. The financial crisis resulting from the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria has also strained Hezbollahs finances.



The report added that despite its military weakness, Hezbollah still has widespread influence in Lebanon's political structure, including holding 27 seats in parliament and maintaining widespread support among Shiites.

Hezbollah is no longer an immediate threat to Israel, but it is still powerful inside Lebanon, a Lebanese diplomat told Le Figaro.

A Western intelligence source said of the group's covert activities: "They're crawling like snakes in the dark. They haven't disappeared  they're just waiting for an opportunity."


Two months ago, the FBI arrested two Chinese men, Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, charging them with espionage. The two were accused of seeking to establish espionage operations near naval bases. There, they would observe and record naval activity on video. More importantly, the two would seek to recruit naval personnel to join their espionage operation.

China has been spying or collecting information about the United States since the early 1800s, when the first Chinese diplomatic mission was established. Since then, despite revolutions, civil war, and the establishment of two Chinas in 1949, there has been some Chinese espionage activity in America.

Since World War II, the FBI, CIA, and State Department have been involved in monitoring and seeking to thwart Chinese espionage activities. These involve a long list of activities.

For example, in 2019, the FBI arrested Zhongsan Liu, an employee of the Chinese government. His job was management at the New Jersey branch of the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel, or CAIEP. Since 2017, Liu was observed arranging illegal visas for Chinese recruiters who used CAIEP and Confucius Institutes at six American universities, where these recruiters sought suitable students or faculty for espionage operations. Liu had spent the last 26 years working for CAIEP and was believed to have been active in the Thousand Talents Plan since its inception in 2008. That was about the same time the Confucius Institute program began in 2004 as a means of cultural exchange and, it was later discovered, a means of observing and controlling Chinese students attending foreign universities. As time went by, it was discovered that the Confucius Institutes were more about intelligence work than cultural education. Many of the staff at the Confucius Institutes are Chinese with PhDs and J-1 research visas.

As successful as this espionage effort was, most Chinese Americans approached by recruiters were not interested and politely declined. A growing number quietly reported their encounters to the FBI or to friends who could do it for them. The Chinese knew this was a risk and felt it was acceptable, given the amount of intellectual property that was being stolen and put to work back in China.

Another calculated risk was the Confucius Institutes being exposed as extensions of Chinese espionage efforts and organizing Chinese students to protest against whatever the Chinese government wanted to protest. Many of the students agreed with their government and were not just following orders when they protested some American affront. But these Chinese students, usually in America for the first time, began to doubt some of the issues they were sent out to protest about. This was especially true with the Hong Kong protests, which had been massive. The Hong Kong Chinese want democracy, and the official Chinese Communist Party (CCP) line is that democracy is inefficient and not suitable for China or the Chinese. Many overseas Chinese, as in Taiwan, Singapore, and other Western countries, would disagree. The CCP considers these Chinese misled and in need of reeducation or perhaps the benefits of CCP rule.

Over the last decade, the United States has been prosecuting and convicting a growing number of Chinese-born men, and a few women, for conspiring to commit or actually carrying out economic and other espionage in the United States. Some of these suspects were naturalized American citizens, but a growing number were Chinese citizens here on legitimate visas. As more suspects were identified, patterns began to appear, and these revealed the inner workings of known Chinese intellectual property espionage efforts.

It was known that China had a state-sponsored program to make it easy for foreign-educated Chinese to return home and apply what they had learned in the West to start their own companies. China has made available over $20 billion in venture capital for this program. State-controlled media reported that the government had established nearly a hundred equity investment management operations to run 152 funds and seven debt financing service organizations. All this to help the nearly 50,000 returning Chinese from the West establish their own companies using what they learned in the West. This program helped create thousands of new firms. Many of these companies were using stolen trade secrets and patents that were being launderedthat is, changed sufficiently to make it difficult for the owners of the stolen intellectual property to easily prove theft.

The FBI and CIA again noted patterns. While many of the returning Chinese students were operating legally, a large number of those new Chinese firms were operating illegally with stolen intellectual property. There were other patterns as well. A lot of the stolen tech seemed to involve those associated with CAIEP, the Thousand Talents Plan, and the Thousand Talents Venture Capital Center. That eventually led to the hundreds of Confucius Institutes associated with Western universities, including a hundred in the United States. This, in turn, led to the arrest of Zhongsan Liu and his prosecution for massive visa fraud via Confucius Institute exchange programs.

Many of the convictions are for conspiring to steal or actually stealing trade secrets. Many of the technologies involved are dual-use for commercial and military applications. Many of these investigations begin when American companies provide the FBI with documentation showing how the Chinese obtained and applied the trade secrets. What the American firms usually lacked was information about who was getting the information, often including detailed manufacturing techniques, to the Chinese. The U.S. is not the only victim here. Many other Western nations are experiencing the same losses. Even Chinese neighbor and ally Russia has suffered heavy losses due to this Chinese economic espionage.

There have been many more court cases about this because Chinese firms have become bolder in how they exploit stolen software, trade secrets, and other technology. In the past, the Chinese were careful in their use of stolen tech when exporting their own military equipment copied from Russian designs. The Chinese had started doing this during the Cold War, which sometimes caused tense relations with the Russians. There were some deadly border skirmishes in the 1970s. This came about because China and Russia developed some territorial and ideological disputes that did not settle down until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.

The Russians are still angry about continued Chinese theft of their tech, and growing Russian threats over this caused the Chinese to eventually sign agreements declaring that Chinese firms would stop stealing and reselling Russian tech. In practice, this only slowed the Chinese down, but it placated the Russians for a while. Currently, the Americans are starting to sound like the Russians in the 1990s, but the Americans have more legal and economic clout to deploy.

By 2012, most American officials had come to openly admit that a great deal of American military and commercial technical data had been stolen via Chinese internet-based and more conventional espionage efforts. Details of exactly all the evidence of this are unclear, but apparently, it was pretty convincing for many American politicians and senior officials who had previously been skeptical. These Chinese efforts have resulted in most major American weapons systems having tech details obtained by the Chinese, in addition to a lot of non-defense or dual-use technology. Its not just the United States that is being hit but most nations with anything worth stealing. Many of these nations are noticing that China is the source of most of this espionage, and few are content to remain silent any longer.

Its no secret that Chinese intelligence collection efforts since the late 1990s have been spectacularly successful. As the rest of the world comes to realize the extent of this success, there is a building desire for retaliation. What form that payback will take remains to be seen. Collecting information, both military and commercial, often means breaking laws, and striking or hacking back at the suspected attackers will involve even more felonies. China has broken many laws. Technically, China has committed acts of war because of the degree to which it penetrated military networks and carried away copies of highly secret material. The U.S. and many other victims have been warning China there will be consequences. As the extent of Chinese espionage becomes known and understood, the call for consequences becomes louder.

China has tried hard to conceal its espionage efforts, not just denying anything and everything connected to its hacking and conventional spying, but also taking precautions. But as their success continued year after year, some of the Chinese hackers became cocky and sloppy. At the same time, the victims became more adept at detecting Chinese efforts and tracing them back to specific Chinese government organizations or non-government hackers inside China.

Undeterred, China has sought to keep its espionage effort going and has even expanded operations. For example, starting in 2008, China opened National Intelligence Colleges in many major universities. In effect, each of these is an Espionage Department where, each year, several hundred carefully selected applicants are accepted in each school to be trained as spies and intelligence operatives. China has found that espionage is an enormously profitable way to obtain military and commercial secrets, so now China trains and rewards those who have a talent for such things and make a career of it. The internet-based operations, however, are only one part of Chinas espionage efforts.

While Chinese cyberwar operations in this area get a lot of publicity, the more conventional spying brings in a lot of material that is not reachable on the internet. One indicator of this effort is the fact that American counterintelligence efforts are snagging more Chinese spies. This is partly due to increased spying efforts by China, which puts more of their people out there to get caught, as well as more success by the FBI and CIA. All this espionage, in all its forms, has played a large part in turning China into one of the mightiest industrial and military powers on the planet. China is having a hard time hiding the source of the new technologies they are incorporating into their weapons and commercial products. Many of the victims initially had a hard time accepting the fact that the oh-so-eager-to-export Chinese were robbing their best customers of intellectual property on a grand scale. Now, Western firms are much more wary about dealing with the Chinese.

China has been getting away with something the Soviet Union never accomplished: stealing Western technology and then using it to move ahead of the West. The Soviets lacked the many essential supporting industries found in the West. These firms were usually founded and run by entrepreneurs. This sort of thing was illegal in the Soviet Union. Because of that, the Russians were never able to acquire all the many pieces needed to match Western technical accomplishments. Soviet copies of American computers, for example, were crude, less reliable, and less powerful. It was the same situation with their jet fighters, tanks, and warships.

China gets around this by making it seemingly profitable for Western firms to set up factories in China, where Chinese managers and workers can be taught how to make things correctly. At the same time, China allows thousands of its best students to go to the United States to study. While many of these students will stay in America, where there are better jobs and more opportunities, a growing number are coming back to China and bringing American business and technical skills with them. Finally, China energetically uses the Thousand Grains of Sand approach to espionage. This involves China trying to get all Chinese going overseas, and those of Chinese ancestry living outside the motherland, to spy for China, if only a tiny bit.

This approach to espionage is nothing new. Other nations have used similar systems for centuries. What is unusual is the scale of the Chinese effort, and that makes a difference. Supporting it all is a Chinese intelligence bureaucracy back home that is huge, with nearly 100,000 people working just to keep track of the many Chinese overseas and what they could, or should, be trying to grab for the motherland. This is where many of the graduates of the National Intelligence College program will work.

It begins when Chinese intelligence officials examine who is going overseas and for what purpose. Chinese citizens cannot legally leave the country without the state security organizations being notified. The intel people are not being asked to give permission. They are alerted in case they want to have a talk with students, tourists, or businesspeople before leaving the country. Interviews are often held when these people come back as well.

Those who might come in contact with useful information are asked to remember what they saw or bring back souvenirs. Over 100,000 Chinese students go off to foreign universities each year. Even more go abroad as tourists or on business. Most of these people are not asked to actually act as spies but simply to share, with Chinese government officials, who are not always identified as intelligence personnel, whatever information they obtained. The more ambitious of these people are getting caught and prosecuted. But the majority are quite casual, individually bringing back relatively little and are almost impossible to catch, much less prosecute.

Like the Russians, the Chinese are also employing traditional methods, using people with diplomatic immunity to recruit spies and offering cash, or whatever, to get people to sell them information. This is still effective, and when combined with the Thousand Grains of Sand methods, brings in a lot of secrets.

The final ingredient is a shadowy venture capital operation, sometimes called Project 863, that offers money for Chinese entrepreneurs who will turn the stolen technology into something real. No questions asked. If you can get back to China with the secrets, you are home free and potentially very rich. This is the approach Chinese firms are often set up to do, and little else. While these firms are technically supposed to develop new technologies in China, the unofficial mandate is to steal as much as possible from other nations and not get caught.

Not getting caught is becoming more important because that can lead to increasingly dangerous diplomatic and legal problems. When the Chinese steal some technology and produce something that the Western victims can prove was stolen, via patents and prior use of the technology, legal action can make it impossible, or very difficult, to sell anything using the stolen tech outside of China. For that reason, the Chinese long preferred stealing military technology and tried to avoid using stolen commercial tech in a way that made it easy to determine the source of stolen data. This meant keeping stolen commercial technology inside China. And in some cases, like manufacturing technology, theres an advantage to not selling it outside of China. Because China is still a communist dictatorship, the courts do as they are told, and they are rarely told to honor foreign patent claims when stolen tech is discovered in China by its foreign owners.

But increasingly, Chinese firms are boldly using their stolen technology, daring foreign firms to try to use Chinese courts to get justice. Instead, the foreign firms are trying to muster support from their governments for lawsuits outside China. Naturally, the Chinese government will howl and insist that its all a plot to oppress China. This has worked for a long time, but many of the victims are now telling China that this conflict is being taken to a new and more dangerous level.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Awadhesh Prasad on Sunday expressed disappointment over not being invited by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, stating that while the SP does not oppose the festivities, the ruling party's mindset and ideology were the reasons behind the exclusion. Speaking to ANI, the Samajwadi Party leader alleged that although the festival was being funded by the government, he was not extended an invitation. "BJP organised the Deepotsav in Ayodhya... This also happened last year. Many people asked if I was going there or not. I told them I haven't received an invitation, despite it being organised with government money. Due to their mindset and ideology, they didn't invite me," he said. Prasad further stated, "Half of the oil will be used in lamps, and the other half will be sold. We do not oppose the Deepotsav; in fact, we welcome it. However, today there is a need for a system that brings awareness and light into people's homes, dispelling darkness." Commenting on SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav's recent statement regarding the festival, Prasad said, "His statement is correct. You should visit Ayodhya to observe how funds are being wasted and see the poor conditions everyone endures. There must be a system that fosters happiness in people's hearts, increases their income, eradicates unemployment, and promotes development that benefits everyone." Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for Deepotsav 2025 at Ram Ki Paidi, situated on the banks of the River Saryu in Ayodhya. The state administration is aiming to create a record by lighting over 26 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) across the ghats, as part of the grand Diwali celebrations. Devotees and tourists have already begun arriving in the holy city to witness the vibrant spectacle. One of the devotees expressed his excitement at visiting the holy city, "Bahut acha nazara hai..bahut anand aa raha hai," he told ANI. Another visitor from Patna lauded the arrangements made by the government, saying, "There are all the proper arrangements for the devotees who are coming here..." Deepotsav marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. As per tradition, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman by lighting earthen diyas and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The Festival of Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil. People prepare by cleansing homes and spirits. Ritual baths and lighting diyas are central. Homes are decorated with rangolis and flowers. Wishes and messages are shared to spread positivity. (ANI)
In a major move, Air India Express has agreed to reinstate flights from Keralas capital, Thiruvananthapuram, to the UAE, after an earlier decision to reduce the number of flights from airports in Kerala to the Gulf sector triggered backlash.

As per the winter schedule of the low-cost airline, quite a number of services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Thiruvananthapuram have been cancelled. The airline had also cancelled a significant number of flights from Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur airports to Gulf countries during the upcoming winter schedule, which extends from late October to March.

However, as per reports, the airline decided to reinstate Dubai flights from 28th October and Abu Dhabi services from 3rd December. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed the news on his X: Delighted to learn from @AirIndiaX that their flight operations are picking up from/to Thiruvananthapuram. As promised to me in my meeting with them, they will be reinstating Dubai flights from 28th October and Abu Dhabi services from 3rd December, Tharoor wrote in his post.

Also read: Air India Express flight cuts: The full list of suspended and reduced Kerala-Gulf services

The news was confirmed by UAE-based travel agents, who said they received notifications about the continued operations of Kerala flights. The airline had said that they had compared the demand between the south and north Indian sectors and realigned their network as per the demand. Now, due to the pressure from the community and politicians and with the media highlighting it, the flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai have been reinstated, and flights to Abu Dhabi will resume for the winter holidays," Sudheesh TP, general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, told Gulf News.

The news will come as a huge relief to Malayali expats in the UAE, as the holiday season was about to start with Diwali and Christmas.
A North Korean soldier on Sunday crossed the central Gangwon Province area of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), a heavily fortified demilitarised zone that separates North and South Korea.

According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the soldier was tracked this morning (local time), after which they conducted a guided manoeuvre to capture him, as per an MBC report.

The JCS and related authorities will now investigate the possible defection across the inter-Korean border, as well as the soldier's motives, the report added.

A Yonhap news report has labelled it a "presumed defection".

This is reportedly the third attempt to cross the inter-Korean border since the Lee Jae Myung government came into power in South Korea in June. However, this soldier is the first to do so since then, as the previous two attempts were made by civilians.

The first of the previous two attempts was made by a civilian male, as per a local media report. He was detected using military surveillance equipment near the central-western front of the MDL in the wee hours of July 3. He was found in a shallow stream, approximately one metre deep, in that region.

He was interrogated by South Korean authorities later that month, at which time he expressed a clear intent to defect.

On July 31, another male civilian crossed the border via the neutral waters of the Han River off the Gyodong Island in Ganghwa County in Incheon, using plastic foam tied to his body, another local media report said.

He was tracked by the South Korean military using thermal tracking equipment. After he crossed the maritime border, he was promptly captured by the military and handed over to the relevant authorities.
The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed for a day after a robbery took place on Sunday morning. According to French media, two to four masked men accessed the building from the Seine river side of the museum, where repairs were taking place. The robbery took 7 minutes, according to a police chief who spoke to Le Parisien.

 Louvre Soyuldu:

Sanat Tarihinin En Curetkar Soygunu!



Dunyann en unlu muzesi Louvre, bu sabah tarihin en buyuk hrszlklarndan biriyle sarsld.

Hrszlar, Napolyon donemine ait mucevherlerin sergilendigi Galerie dApollon bolumune girip, tam 9 tarihi parcay cald. pic.twitter.com/tx1x7DTGt7  Emrullah Erdinc (@emrullaherdinc) October 19, 2025

Nine items of jewellery are missing from the Napoleon and Empress Josephines jewellery collection, including a necklace, a brooch, a tiara, and more. One of the jewels, believed to be Empress Eugenie's crown, was found outside the museum.

The robbers are said to have parked on T-max scooter before entering the building from the side of the Seine River. They allegedly used a freight elevator to reach the room where the specific collection of jewellery was kept.

"Gallerie d'Apollon" ("Apollo's Gallery") at the Louvre museum in Paris where Napoleon and Empress jewels were kept | AFP Crown of Empress Eugenie which is kept at Apollo's Gallery, Louvre Museum, Paris | X, AFP

The robbers used a cherry picker mounted on a truck to directly access Apollo's gallery. They then entered by forcing the windows open with small chainsaws, Paris Match reported.

Two men had reportedly entered the building while a third remained outside. The thieves are said to have escaped on a motor scooter.

The area has been evacuated, and traffic around the Louvre Pyramid has been blocked. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said "Everything is being done to ensure we find the perpetrators as quickly as possible, and I'm hopeful." He also said that it is not impossible that the perpetrators could be foreigners.

Nunez called the crime a "major robbery" carried out by "a clearly experienced team which had carried out reconnaissance and acted very quickly."

The Interior minister also said that video and material items were recovered. "We have an escape route, videos, and abandoned objects. Everything is being done to find the perpetrators as quickly as possible," he said.

France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati said on X that there were no reported injuries and that police are investigating the site.

 Le musee du Louvre restera ferme aujourd'hui pour raisons exceptionnelles.



 The Musee du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons. pic.twitter.com/bFY1hRaW5k  Musee du Louvre (@MuseeLouvre) October 19, 2025

A statement from the Louvre on social media said that they will remain closed for the rest of the day for exceptional reasons.
Millions of people took to the streets in several cities and towns in the United States on Saturday as part of the No Kings protests against the policies of the Donald Trump administration.

According to media reports, at least 2,500 events took place in all 50 states, denouncing what they view as authoritarian tendencies and unbridled corruption of President Trump.

The perceived threats to democracy, the administrations ICE raids and troop deployments in US cities, and cuts to federal programmes, especially health care, were some of the themes that took centre stage during the marches, according to CNN.

US Senator Bernie Sanders slams President Donald Trump and tech billionaires to a roaring 'No Kings' crowd https://t.co/UGId8OlGV8 pic.twitter.com/dIIL7RNFrw  Reuters (@Reuters) October 19, 2025

In Atlanta, the protesters marched from the Civic Centre to the Georgia State Capitol, emphasising an urgent call to safeguard American democracy and resist authoritarian leadership.

The protests in Los Angeles primarily focused on immigrant rights, with many demonstrators carrying Mexican flags or hybrid flags of the US and Mexico. The city had witnessed immigration protests in June after the federal raids.

We know hes (President Trump) not a king, but we dont want to see our democracy slide backwards into authoritarianism and thats what the protests are about, Mayor Karen Bass told CNN. He claimed at least 10 protests were held in Los Angeles, and all of them were peaceful.

New York City witnessed a massive turnout of 100,000 people across all five boroughs, and the demonstrations remained peaceful throughout the day.

"The majority of the No Kings protests have dispersed at this time, and all traffic closures have been lifted. We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests," the New York Police Department said in a statement on X.

The majority of the No Kings protests have dispersed at this time and all traffic closures have been lifted.



We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their first amendment rights and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests.  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 18, 2025

Charlotte, Austin and San Diego, too, witnessed a huge turnout with protesters challenging the Trump-led agenda that upended democratic norms.

According to a Reuters report, the demonstrations were largely festive, often featuring inflatable characters and marchers dressed in costumes. The demographically mixed crowds included parents pushing youngsters in strollers alongside retirees and people with pets in tow, it said.

Just a beginning, say organisers

In a statement, the organisers of the No Kings protests claimed that nearly seven million people gathered on Saturday in over 2,700 cities and towns.

With more than 2,700 lawful and peaceful protests across all 50 states, today's mobilisation was 14 times larger than both of President Trump's presidential inaugurations combined, marking a historic moment of unity and resistance. From rural communities to major metropolitan centres, the message was clear: America will not be ruled by fear, force, or one man's power grab, they said.

They also claimed that Saturdays protests were just the beginning of a broader movement intended to defend democratic norms and hold the administration accountable.
After days of fierce clashes along the border, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire during the negotiations mediated by Qatar and Turkiye in Doha.

The two sides also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days "to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner", Qatars foreign ministry said in a statement early on Sunday.

"A round of negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan was held in Doha, mediated by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye. During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries," the statement said.

Statement | Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to an Immediate Ceasefire During a Round of Negotiations in Doha#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/fPXvn6GaU6  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) October 18, 2025

Qatar expressed optimism that the ceasefire would contribute to ending tensions on the border between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.

Dozens were killed and hundreds wounded in the worst violence between the two countries since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.

Several regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, called for calm, as the violence threatened to further destabilise a region where groups including the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda are trying to resurface.

Both governments had sent their defence ministers to Doha to lead the talks. Pakistan's foreign office earlier said the talks would focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the border.

A high-level delegation from Pakistan, led by our Minister of Defence, will hold discussions with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha today. The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore  Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 18, 2025

The Taliban has denied giving shelter to militants to attack Pakistan and accused the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan and sheltering Islamic State-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty.

The two countries share a 2,611-kilometre border known as the Durand Line, but Afghanistan has never recognised it.
New emails have surfaced revealing the spiteful relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and Leon Black, a multi-billionaire hedge fund manager who was one of his benefactors. The emails, obtained by the New York Times, showed that the sex trafficker often was cruel to the billionaire and had continued to squeeze tens of millions of dollars from him till 2020.

Black had employed Epstein as his financial advisor, who had offered him guidance on taxes and his art collection.

The emails sent by Epstein to Black showed that the two had a strong relationship as friends and as business associates.

Who is Leon Black?

Leon David Black, 74, is known as the co-founder of the private equity fund managing company Apollo Global Management, which manages $785 billion in assets. Black had to step down as the CEO of the company in 2021 after a board investigation found that he had paid $158 million in fees to Jeffrey Epstein. Later on, it was found that the sum was actually $170 million. His net worth is currently at $13 billion, making him the 219th richest person in the world according to Forbes.

Black still owns 7 per cent of the company shares. He also spent $120 million in 2012 for one of four versions of Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream."

His relations with Epstein

Epstein was said to have been spiteful and cruel to Black in the emails.

Last year, while speaking to Puck Magazine, he spoke about Epsteins 2008 conviction for a minor, saying, I mean, he was with a 17-year-old prostitute, got prosecuted for it and got put away for a year, and added, I didnt think it was the end of the world, frankly.

The emails, which were sent between 2015 and 2016, through his personal assistant, showed that Epstein started a pressure campaign to get Black to keep sending in cash so that he could keep his lavish lifestyle going.

On November 2, 2015, Epstein wrote, I never want to have any more uncomfortable money moments with you, I find it very distasteful.

He continued to say, so to be clear, my terms are as follows. I will only work for the usual 40 million per year. It needs to be paid, 25 million upon signing an agreement. 5 million every 2 months thereafter for 6 months, ie march may june. This can begin if I am able in January. I will immediately stop work if the payment is not received [sic]

Leaked emails have revealed that Jeffrey Epstein aggressively pressured billionaire Leon Black for substantial payments, including $25 million upfront and $40 million annually, for financial services between 2015 and 2016.



Despite Epsteins 2008 conviction, Black continued to pic.twitter.com/9JdiaarrHC  AF Post (@AFpost) October 18, 2025

Black had continued to pay Epstein even after he was caught molesting a teenage girl and was put on a sex offenders list in 2004

By 2016, however, the billionaire became more reluctant to continue the payments according to the NYT.

Epstein had sent dozens of emails for several months in a tantrum. He also called Blacks other financial advisors team a really dangerous mess and a waste of money and space.

The registered sex offender also called Blacks children retarded for making a mess of his estate in November 2016. You have a bomb of colored string that your retarded children have formed. It has to be very carefully unwound, he said.

After months, he emphasized that the financial dealings between them didn't make up the entirety of their relationship. Of course re any non financial issues, I am always there for you and will continue to be the best friend I can be. he said

The emails seemed to have worked, and Black had continued to keep his payments to Epstein, which totalled $170 million.

Black's involvement with Epstein's crimes

According to the NYT report, Epstein had also introduced young women to Black over the years, some of whom later accused him of sexual abuse. Court orders and emails showed that Epstein had advised the billionaire to pay around $9.5 million to one woman in settlements to keep it quiet.

He had also allegedly paid three women associated with the pedophile for reasons that are unknown.

Blacks lawyer, Susan Estrich, who spoke to the New York Post, claims that the he only paid Epstein for tax and estate planning advice that saved him and his family billions of dollars. She said, To imply that Epstein somehow had influence over Mr. Black is false and patently absurd. Indeed, it was Mr. Black who fired Epstein because he was disruptive and believed the fees for his services were excessive.

They maintain that Black had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. Mr. Black has never abused a woman in his life, and any such suggestion is false, she said.
P.R. Kumaraswamy

THE WAR IS OVER! President Donald Trump declared loudly and repeatedly, on Air Force One en route to the Middle East, and in his speeches before the Israeli parliament and the Sharm el-Sheikh peace conference. His determination to strengthen the Gaza peace plan is evident. Despite his eccentricity and unpredictability, Trump has succeeded where everyone elseAmericans and others alikehas failed. His arm-twisting of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas eventually forced both sides to accept the terms of his peace deal. Despite all the misgivings and negative portrayalssome calling it colonial, genocidal and anti-Palestinianthe Trump Plan remains the only option that could end the Gaza crisis, at least in the short run.

Minutes before Trump landed in Israel, Hamas released the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, and the first batch of bodies of slain Israelis was transferred for forensic verification and authentication. Around the same time, Israel also freed about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The hype, global participation and broader support are vital to strengthening backing for Israel and Hamas, who need to sell the deal to their domestic constituencies.

The Sharm el-Sheikh conference on October 13, attended by more than two dozen countries and stakeholders, aimed to boost support for the Gaza plan and stabilise the region. The Islamic bloc, which had earlier endorsed the Trump Plan, was fully present. After initial hesitation, President Mahmoud Abbasleader of the internationally recognised Palestinian National Authority (PNA)attended the conference co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Just weeks earlier, the US had denied visas and barred the Palestinian leader from speaking in person at the UN General Assembly session.

The peace deal was officially signed by Trump, not by the two main partiesHamas and Israel. The former chose not to attend, and the latter was unable to. The Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties in Israel had asked Netanyahu not to violate observance of the Simchat Torah festival. El-Sisi tried to invite Iran but was unsuccessful. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi wisely decided to skip the event, Russia and China were also absent. The hype, global participation and broader support are vital to strengthening backing for Israel and Hamas, who need to sell the deal to their domestic constituencies.

While Hamas released all living hostages and Israel reciprocated by freeing Palestinian prisoners, there are concerns that returning the remains of all dead hostages could be delayed. Recovering the bodies from Gazas ruins and their forensic verification by Israel could be heartbreaking for the families who lost loved ones.

As the guns fall silent, Palestinians are returning to their homesor what remains of them. With so much death and destruction, the process of rebuilding a normal life, even by war-ravaged Middle Eastern standards, will be agonising. Though humanitarian aid has begun flowing into Gaza, the immediate supply of food and other essentials must be expanded to support reconstruction efforts. Rebuilding Gaza will be one of the main challenges facing the world, especially energy-rich Gulf Arab countries. Due to its geography and historic role, Egypt will be the pivot for any major endeavour.

But the devil is always in the details. Trump declared in Egypt the dawn of a new era. Whats next? The future of the Trump Plan and the Sharm el-Sheikh summit depends on this crucial question. The outlook is less optimistic than the initial excitement over the release of Israelis and Palestinians.

Hamas gunmen on pickup trucks escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners into Gaza | AP

One: Netanyahu has seemingly achieved his two main goals following the October 7, 2023 attackssecuring the release of the hostages and dismantling Hamas rule in Gaza. Naturally, even the residual presence of Hamas is anathema to Israel, which fears it could be a prelude to the groups regrouping and rearmament.

The violent conflict over the past two years has brought together various ideologies, groups and forces into a strong anti-Israeli coalition. beneath secular and universal rhetoric, many conceal their sympathies for violence against Jews.

Is Hamas prepared and willing to disarm? Is it ready to give up its unique source of strengthone that sets it apart from the mainstream Fatah and contributes to its credibility as a formidable adversary to Israel? There are mixed signals. Some suggest the militant group is ready to surrender heavy or offensive weapons while keeping small arms. Osama Hamdan, who represents Hamas in Beirut, has declared: No Palestinian accepts disarmament and that Palestinians need weapons and resistance. Moreover, given the regions geography, even a short-range missile can have devastating effects; for example, the coastal Israeli city of Ashkelonwith a population of just over 160,000is only 13km north of Gaza and has been the first line of defence against Hamas rockets.

Interestingly, the Taif Accords of 1989, which officially ended the Lebanese civil war, explicitly called for the disarming of Hezbollah, the Shia militant group. More than three decades later, this remains an unfulfilled goal. Will the fate of disarming Hamas be any different? Who will be willing to enforce the disarmament clause of the Trump Plan? If the Arab powers lack military strength, Trump will not be inclined to get directly involved. The same applies to western and Islamic countries. Therefore, any active disarming of Hamas will fall on Israel, which could easily lead to another Gaza war.

Two: The very first point of the Trump Plan discusses creating a de-radicalised terror-free zone in Gaza. Achieving this will be easier said than done. The plan states that Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

In practical terms, this means disarming Hamas in exchange for amnesty for past actions. The possible exile of Hamas members to third countries echoes the dilemma Yasser Arafat faced in August 1982 after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The Palestinian fighters went to several countries, and along with the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, Arafat relocated to Tunis.

The situation is more unstable this time. Which Middle Eastern country will take in former Hamas militants? None of the major Arab powerswhether part of the Abraham Accords or supporting themwill be eager to host Hamas militants. The Doha attack by Israel will serve as an additional warning. For the same reason, the long-term presence of Hamas in Qatar is also questionable.

Israelis in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, wait to welcome freed hostages | AP

In the past, one could consider republican regimes like those in Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen as potential hosts for Hamas. Apart from Yemenalready caught in prolonged civil war and violencenone are in a position to host Hamas. Even the formerly radical Sudan has a peace agreement with Israel and is unlikely to be the host.

India broadly agrees with the Trump Plan: the release of all Israeli hostages, deradicalisation of Gaza, placing the territory fully under PNA control and combating terrorism, including the disarming of all groups.

What is happening to the Islamic Republic of Iran? Over the past two decadesespecially as international attention and concerns grew over its nuclear programmeTehran has been the most vocal supporter of Hamas. Since the 1990s, Iran has also hosted official representatives of Hamas, along with the Palestinian embassy in Tehran. Its ideological, political and occasional military support has made Iran the most significant backer of the militant Palestinian group. During the height of the Oslo process, even Arafat criticised Iran for interfering in Palestinian affairs through its support for Hamas.

The Israeli military offensive following the October 7 violence significantly weakened Iranian proxies, especially Hezbollah and Hamas, although the Houthis in Yemen continue to launch ballistic missiles at Israel. The June confrontation showed Israeli resolve and political ability to strike deep into Iran. The Islamic Republic is currently recovering and rebuilding its military power, addressing intelligence failures and gradually accepting the limitations of its proxies during critical moments. Will Iran provoke another confrontation with Israel over hosting Hamas militants? Therefore, relocating Hamas militants to third countries is a non-starter.

Three: Islamist groups like Hamas do not need to worry about the costs or consequences of their actions. The number of casualties rarely triggers internal anger or demands for accountability. The more casualties, the greater the international sympathy. Instead of seeking accountability, Hamass actions have gained admiration, adulation and emulation. Therefore, until now, few have asked Hamas a simple question: was the death of 68,000 Palestinians necessary or avoidable?

Four: The Trump Plan presents the Abbas-led PNA with a unique opportunity to regain and restore its authority over Gaza. Even before the Hamas takeover in June 2007, Arafat had moved the PNA headquarters to Ramallah in the West Bank. Abbas is seeking to enforce his one-nation-one-army principle, but only with the help of Trump. Indeed, since assuming the presidency of the PNA in December 2004, Abbas has never set foot in Gaza. He wants the international community to fight his battle for control of the Gaza Strip.

Five: It is too early to view the Trump Plan as a victory for Netanyahu or his re-election efforts. Remember Winston Churchill? He led Britain to victory in World War II but lost the battle for the House of Commons. Though Netanyahus popularity has seen a modest rise, public opinion in Israel, as in any democracy, remains fragile. Widespread anger over the governments failure to anticipate the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict, which has led to further Israeli deaths, has sparked frustration among a significant section of the population. The prospect of a national inquiry still looms over Netanyahu, and even after leaving office, he may not be able to avoid it. The release of hostages will not erase all the mistakes and lapses made by the Israeli government and its agencies since October 2023. As shown by the repeated booing targeting Netanyahu during Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoffs speech at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on October 11, the prime ministers political future remains uncertain.

Six: One should not underestimate the role of friends of Palestine in undermining the Gaza plan and its success. The prolonged and violent conflict over the past two years has brought together various ideologies, groups and forces into a strong anti-Israeli coalition. It is important to recognise that, beneath secular and universal rhetoric, many conceal their sympathies for violence against Jews. These groups will aim to prosecute Israel and its leaders over the handling of the Gaza conflict and the large-scale killing of Palestinians. Several pro-Palestinian organisations, including some UN agencies, have already described the events in Gaza as genocide. As a result, there will be strong pressure to charge Israel and its senior officials with war crimes. Support from some Arab nations will likely lead to a surge in resolutions and actions in international forums, including the UN. Some of these groups openly sympathise with Hamas and its methods. Therefore, the potential for the Gaza plan to be derailed by wokeism is greater than through direct actions by states or militant groups.

Seven: While several western states have lined up to recognise a Palestinian state, the Trump Plan seeks to demilitarise, delegitimise and dethrone Hamas from Gaza. However, it remains silent on the future of Palestinian statehood. As many experienced observers have noted, ending the hatred is the most crucial step for long-term stability in the Middle East. But the brutality against women and children on October 7 was so extreme that key Islamic countries were compelled to endorse the Trump Plan, despite its silence on Palestinian statehood. Without a viable Palestinian state that coexists peacefully and securely with Israel, peace in the Middle East remains unrealistic. Yet the lack of any commitment to Palestinian statehood reflects the delayed revulsion in some Islamic countries following the October 7 attacks and has weakened their support for the Palestinian struggle for independence.

What about India? Prime Minister Modis decision not to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in person is a surprisingly smart move. India broadly agrees with the key aspects of the Trump Plan: the release of all Israeli hostages, deradicalisation of Gaza, placing the territory fully under PNA control and combating terrorism, including the disarming of all groups. Additionally, India has consistently supported a two-state solution as the only viable resolution to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

At the same time, New Delhi is aware of the challenges facing the Trump Plan following the release of hostages. Informed observers do not believe Hamas can be disarmed peacefully. Sooner or later, some form of coercion or political pressure will become unavoidable to bring the militant group fully under the authority of the PNA. Most likely, the next round of violence is simply delayed, and another peace proposal will emerge within monthsperhaps once again under Trump. So, Sharm el-Sheikh is not a lost opportunity for Modi.

Is there hope? It is worth recalling the profound words of Faisal J. Abbas, editor-in-chief of the Saudi daily Arab News: Having a plan, with all its faults, is far better than allowing the killing to continue as a result of having no plan. Besides, pleasing everyone is an illusion and a recipe for failure in itself. President Trumps initiative may not be perfect, but it is a start. And in a region where starts are rare and hope is often fleeting, that alone is worth applauding. The question now is whether Israel and Hamas will rise to meet this momentor squander it, as they have so many times before.

Are the parties prepared? The decision rests entirely with Israel, Hamas and their supporters.

The author teaches contemporary Middle East at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Somaya Abueita

We dream that Gaza will rise again

By Somaya Abueita

WE IN GAZA did not sacrifice tens of thousands only to be ruled, in the end, by anyone other than ourselves. The people of Palestine have the right to determine their destiny and to choose who represents them.

We hope to see free and fair electionsand that the world will respect the choice of our people. We must not see a repeat of 2006, when Israel decided to punish Gaza by imposing a siege and arresting the speaker of the legislative council simply because the people had elected Hamas.

This does not necessarily mean that Hamas must rule. What matters is that it is the people who must decide their leadership. We reject any scenario of chaos or one in which Israel supports armed militias, supplies them with weapons and uses them to sow division among our people.

My city has been reduced to rubble. Today, the world calls on Israel to allow other countries to take part in rebuilding Gaza. But the truth is, Israel must be held responsible. More than 90 per cent of our homes and memories have been wiped out.

Yet, we dream that Gaza will rise again, as it once was: a beautiful city, the bride of the Mediterranean. We want our schools rebuiltfor Gazas youth once had among the highest education rates in the Arab world. We want our mosques and churches rebuilt, our hospitals restored and we want our children compensated for what they have lost.

No one can bring back our martyrs, our children, or the finest of our people. But we hope for a sovereign Palestinian state, recognised by the world.

The writer is a Palestinian journalist.
Interview/ Reuven Azar, Israeli ambassador to India

President Donald Trumps peace plan has resulted in a ceasefire, but key issues remain unresolved. These include the disarmament of Hamas, the return of the remains of deceased Israeli hostages and access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Israels Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, says the first step towards peace is recognising the need for peaceful co-existence between Palestinians and Israelis, which has now been taken. Speaking exclusively with THE WEEK, Azar says Israel is looking towards the establishment of a non-Hamas government in Gaza, the reform of the Palestinian Authority and the de-radicalisation of the Palestinian territories. Excerpts:

We will not allow another October 7 to happen. That means Hamas cannot rearm, regroup or threaten our borders. We will not agree to any situation in which Hamas rebuilds its military capability, including getting missiles and other weapons.

Israel's war in Gaza began with the objective of eliminating Hamas's military and governing capabilities. Now with the Trump Plan in place, how is the ceasefire playing out?

We are happy with the ceasefire because it gives hope for peace and quiet. The ceasefire plan has been determined after we demanded and actually received our demands within the framework of the 20-point Trump Plan. The plan not only ensures the return of our hostages, including the deceasedwe still have remains of 21 deceased hostages in Gaza, but also guarantees that Hamass military infrastructure is completely dismantled, in addition to what Israel has already achieved militarily. If the terms of this plan are implemented, it will be a huge achievement for the security of Israel.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire, critics say it is unlikely to last long.

It is indeed a great opportunity because there is a clear path to peace. The question is whether all sides will remain committed. Israel has fulfilled its obligations so far, but unfortunately, Hamas is not delivering. They were supposed to return all the hostages, including the deceased, but have refrained from doing so. We still have remains of 21 deceased hostages in Gaza. So, we must remain cautious. We need the international communitys support to ensure the Trump Plans implementation. There is wide consensus around the plan which covers the reconstruction of Gaza, humanitarian aid, dismantling of Hamass military infrastructure, reform of the Palestinian Authority and the creation of an international body to supervise the process. It will require cooperation and real pressure on Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups to lay down their weapons.

Disarming Hamas is one of the prerequisites for the ceasefire to continue. What are Israels red lines when it comes to Hamas?

We will not allow another October 7 to happen. That means Hamas cannot rearm, regroup or threaten our borders. We will not agree to any situation in which Hamas rebuilds its military capability, including getting missiles and other weapons. That is a red line for us. The Israeli Defence Forces are still inside the Gaza Strip and will not withdraw until the plan is fully implemented, as stipulated in President Trumps plan.

What has been Israels diplomatic and security strategy leading up to this ceasefire?

Over the past two years, we used a combination of military pressure and diplomacy. It became increasingly difficult to secure the release of the final group of hostages because Hamas realised that releasing them would deprive them of leverage. We had to reverse that situation by increasing military pressure through the Gaza City operation launched a few months ago and by intensifying diplomatic pressure on Arab countries. This was done in coordination with the United States. You might recall the meeting in Washington where President Trump engaged Arab and Muslim leaders, convincing them that his plan offered the best path to peace. Once that was achieved, Hamass approval of the plan became much easier.

Regional powers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also been involved. Did the attack in Doha help trigger the peace process?

Probably, yes. Regardless of the immediate result of the attack, it became clear that Qatars mediation efforts were not enough to achieve a deal. Israel was ready from the start to stop the war immediately if hostages were returned and Hamas was dismantled, exactly as written in the plan. So what we needed, apart from military pressure, was additional diplomatic pressure, and that increased substantially after the Doha attack.

With peace returning, what role can India play? Where do you see opportunities for partnership?

There are areas such as workforce, trade, logistics, energy and technology with significant mutual interest. Once peace takes hold, it will be much easier for investors to engage, as the atmosphere will be more conducive to cooperation. Just a few weeks ago, our finance minister visited India and signed a bilateral investment treatya strong signal to the markets. We brought financial sector representatives to explore how to streamline transactions between Israel and India, and to promote investments in both countries stock markets. We also want Indian companies to participate in international infrastructure tenders in Israel. We are set to notify tenders worth around $200 billion over the next decade, including the first phase of the Greater Tel Aviv metro system.

You mention expanding cooperation in sectors ranging from agriculture to technology and trade. Do you face any resistance during such engagements?

We have seen some negative statements from certain leaders in Kerala. However, at the same time, there is productive cooperation in agriculture, high-tech and logistics. Companies from south India are already participating in tenders in Israel. Tourism is also flourishing, with many Israelis visiting south India.

How have Israelis reacted to the ceasefire, especially in the border regions?

There is an overwhelming sense of relief and joy across Israel, as a huge burden has been lifted. For two years, Israelis have lived under immense stress: leaving families to fight, constantly running to shelters and waiting in fear for loved ones who were kidnapped, murdered or tortured. Now, people finally feel hope. Our Palestinian neighbours, who have also suffered, must pressure the terrorist organisations to step aside and give peace a real chance.

There are hardliners in the Israeli government who oppose the ceasefire.

Some right-wing factions did vote against the deal because they were concerned about releasing over 250 terrorists serving life sentences for murdering civilians. That poses a security risk, and their opposition was understandable. But, importantly, they did not leave the government. They understand that leaving the government now or going for elections is not in Israels interest. So, despite internal debates, there is strong public support for this move.

The US has played a key role, including sending 200 troops. Are we seeing the formation of a broader international coalition to support the ceasefire?

Absolutely. The United States has supported Israel from the beginningmilitarily, politically and morally. Of course, there were differences at times, both with the Biden administration and the current one, but we worked through them. President Trump and his envoysDavid Friedman, Avi Berkowitz and Jared Kushnerplayed a major role in rallying our regional partners to support the deal. Beyond that, we will continue cooperating with the 200 American troops and other international forces to help create a stable and prosperous future for Gaza.

Looking ahead, what role do you see for the Palestinian Authority? Is Gaza finally moving toward a non-Hamas administration?

Absolutely. The Trump 20-point plan is very clear on that. We must see a non-Hamas government in Gaza. Hamas must not be involved, directly or indirectly. The Palestinian Authority must be reformed to stop glorifying terrorists, change its education system and cooperate with de-radicalisation efforts in Gaza and Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). We need real change, a population that embraces peace rather than continuing the struggle against Israel through other means.

What role can Israel play in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza?

Israel has been facilitating humanitarian aid from the beginning and will continue to do so, provided the other side also honours the agreement. The international community, too, will not support Gazas reconstruction as long as Hamas remains in power. There is now an international consensus that Hamas must step aside for Gaza to rebuild. Theres a lot at stake, but we have great hope. If this opportunity is seized, it could mark a real turning point for peace in our region.
Interview/ Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, special envoy, foreign ministry of Israel

For India, Israel and the Arab world, defusing tensions that threaten to destabilise their shared economic, political and strategic interests has always been a pre-requisite for regional peace and security. The Israel-Hamas war had put a spanner in these efforts in the past two years. The present ceasefire agreement is giving hope to the stakeholders. In an exclusive interview, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, special envoy for the Israeli foreign ministry, says that with the possibility of an international force being involved, there may finally be a way to prevent jihadist groups from ruling Gaza. Excerpts:

You had warned that Hamas was succeeding in isolating Israel diplomatically. Do you still share that concern?

There was a real danger that Israel could face long-term diplomatic isolation because of a coordinated campaign built on lies and blood libels, painting Israel as the aggressor in a war we did not start. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 to give the Palestinian people a chance at autonomy. The goal was for them to govern themselves, build infrastructure and pursue a future for their children. Instead, Hamas transformed Gaza into a terrorist state. Now, with the possibility of an international force being involved, there may finally be a way to prevent jihadist groups from ruling Gaza.

With Hamas now part of talks with Israel, do you see risks of legitimising the organisation?

Israel had no choice but to engage indirectly to secure the release of hostages. Of the 48 hostages taken, 20 were alive while 28 tragically died. Negotiation wasnt about giving Hamas legitimacy; it was about saving lives. Indirect talks are a pragmatic step to bring our citizens home, not a political endorsement of their ideology. The world needs to understand the difference between strategic engagement for humanitarian purposes and legitimising terrorism.

Could this engagement pave the way for a two-state solution?

Hamas does not want a two-state solutionthey seek the destruction of Israel. Israel has made serious efforts in 1948 and the 2000s to establish peaceful arrangements, but each time, the Palestinian leadership rejected them. Their focus is entirely on undermining Israel, not on building a functioning state for themselves. To even discuss a long-term solution, there must first be a fundamental change in their mindset. They must acknowledge that Israel exists and that coexistence, not annihilation, is the path forward.

How will Israel ensure Hamas adheres to the ceasefire and does not rebuild its military capabilities?

One of the biggest challenges is that Hamas does not want to disarm. The ceasefire is only meaningful if they cannot rebuild weapons, tunnels or military infrastructure that could be used for attacks like October 7. Disarmament is the main sticking point. If Hamas cannot be prevented from rearming, then any ceasefire is fragile. Israel must be able to maintain security while ensuring that Gazas governance shifts from terrorist control to a responsible administration that prioritises its peoples welfare.

How is the public reaction in Israel after the ceasefire and release of hostages?

People are relieved that the war is coming to an end and that hostages are returned, but the cost has been painful. Families have lost loved ones, communities have suffered and soldiers have fought valiantly. Israelis understand that there is always a price to pay for security, and while the relief is palpable, it is mixed with grief, resilience and determination to prevent this from happening again.

Gaza has suffered severe destruction, leading to international criticism against Israel. How do you see reconstruction happening under the ceasefire?

Gazas devastation is largely the result of Hamas own actions-they built over 800km of tunnels to launch assaults against Israelis and hide from military responses. Hamas stole aid, and even the UN has reported that around 80 per cent of supplies were diverted by the organisation. Israels responsibility was to allow aid to pass through, which we did. No country that has been attacked has an obligation to provide aid; international law requires only that you do not obstruct humanitarian relief. Condemnation against Israel in this context is unjustified and part of a campaign to misrepresent the conflict.

If an international force can disarm Hamas and govern Gaza responsibly, reconstruction will be possible. The people of Gaza must make a choice of either living under terrorists who prioritise jihad over development, or accept governance that allows schools, hospitals, infrastructure and livelihoods to return. Hamas has created this dilemma themselves; Israel has provided the framework for reconstruction, but only responsible leadership can make it a reality.

What is the current political situation in Israel regarding the ceasefire?

Israel is a democracy, and as such, there are always dissenting voices. Some hardliners opposed the ceasefire, but the overwhelming majority of the cabinet voted in favour. The political debate reflects healthy democratic discourse, but it is clear that the government is united in pursuing the path that ensures the safety of its citizens. The consensus shows that Israel can make tough decisions even amid political disagreements.

How do you see the possibility of a shared political future of Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank or is that a longer-term challenge?

Judea and Samaria (West Bank) presents additional challenges because its geographically closer to Israel and home to a significant number of Jewish settlements. What we want to see is leadership among Palestinians that focuses on building prosperity rather than fuelling conflict. If the governance in Gaza can shift away from terrorism and towards constructive development, theres potential for gradual reintegration. Ultimately, the Palestinian people must decide if they want a future of destruction or a future of coexistence and growth.

What role do you see for the Palestinian Authority in this context?

Frankly, I do not have much hope for the Palestinian Authority. Their leadership is morally bankrupt and corrupt, enriching themselves with castles, jets and wealth, while ordinary Palestinians suffer. They havent held elections in 20 years and have consistently failed their people. Hamas and the Palestinian Authority both contribute to a cycle of violence and corruption. The Palestinian population must decide whether they want to continue living under this system or choose a future of stability and peace.

How do you see regional powers like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar influencing the ceasefire and negotiations?

Egypt has legitimate concerns because of its border with Gaza and has been actively engaged in discussions. Qatar plays a more complicated rolethey speak to Hamas because they have funded the organisation. Qatar faces a clear choice: continue funding terrorism and groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, or align with countries working toward peace and prosperity in the region. The United States is closely monitoring these developments due to its own strategic and economic interests in Qatar. Regional cooperation is crucial to ensure Hamas abides by agreements and to prevent further destabilisation.

How significant has been US involvement in facilitating the ceasefire and broader regional stability?

The United States involvement is critical. Hamas does not act rationally; they see civilian casualties as part of their strategy. Without US pressure on Qatar, which funds Hamas, there would have been no incentive for Hamas to engage in negotiations or agree to a ceasefire. American diplomatic and strategic intervention played a key role in reaching this stage.

Israel has experience with international forces like United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. How do you see a new international presence functioning?

UNIFIL failed because Hezbollah was able to rearm despite international oversight. That experience has taught us caution. A new international presence must be regional, closely supervised by the US, and committed to ensuring disarmament. Israel will maintain its security perimeter until Gaza has governance aligned with peace and reconstruction.

You mentioned this conflict as a civilisational war.

I use the term civilisational war because this conflict represents a broader struggle: the free world versus Islamic Jihadism. Israel has been at the frontline, holding back groups like Hezbollah, slowing Irans nuclear ambitions and limiting the Houthi threat. Small as we are, Israel has contained forces that could destabilise the entire Middle East. The world has not fully recognised this threat, but it is already evident in Europe and other regions.

How would you describe Israels deterrence posture now?

Israels deterrence has been restored. No rockets have landed from the north, Syria is seeking security agreements, and Lebanon is trying to regain control internally. Israel has demonstrated that it can hold back extremist forces even as a small nation surrounded by hostile actors. Restored deterrence sends a clear message to the region that attacks on Israel have consequences.

Security is the non-negotiable. Israel must maintain a perimeter and ensure that Gaza has a government committed to peace and disarmament. Israel cannot compromise on its borders or trust unstable leadership. The long-term vision is coexistence under conditions that protect citizens and prevent future attacks.

Do you believe the ceasefire could pave the way for lasting peace?

There is hope, but trust in leadership is limited. Israel has faced cycles of conflict where enemies start wars, claim victimhood and rearm to attack again. The hope is that international guarantees hold and that new governance structures emerge in Gaza. Until then, Israel remains vigilant. Moreover, long term peace will require changing education, media and public rhetoric in Palestinian society. For over 100 years, children have been taught that Israel will disappear and that violence is the path forward. Only when they start teaching coexistence and mutual respect can there be a lasting solution. The path forward is not easy, but it is achievable if leadership and societal mindset change.
Interview/ Raji Sourani, director, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Raji Sourani, Gazas foremost human rights lawyer, is on a mission to present evidence before the International Court of Justice against Israels alleged violation of human rights laws. After a bomb attack on his house in 2023, he escaped to Egypt with his wife and son. Although he has been targeted several times, Sourani is still working for the two-state solution based on a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Peace must come with justice and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, he says in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, what does the ceasefire mean for the Palestinian people?

People wanted a ceasefire badly. But that alone will not stop the pain and suffering. It will not end the occupation or the ethnic cleansing. We hope things dont stop with a ceasefire, forgetting that there are two and a half million people in Gaza without shelter, in famine and subjected to genocide. Peace must come with justice and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. We must not forget that this ceasefire came after two years of genocidal war, where civilians were the main target. Ninety per cent of Gaza has been erased. There are no schools, no universities and not one functioning hospital. There is no electricity, no water or trees left to bear fruit. We lost 70,000 people, while 300,000 had to undergo amputations. We struggled and paid a heavy price, but we did not surrender to criminals and genocide. We will not give up until justice is achieved with the help of the worlds committed people, especially India.

What long-term solution do you see for Gaza and the Palestinian territories?

They have to recognise that there is a people called Palestinians. This state of absolute denialof pretending that we do not existwill never bring peace or security to Israel. Palestinians are entitled to justice and dignity. The minimum requirement is a Palestinian state in Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital and an end to occupation so we can practice our right to self-determination and freedom. This is not possible without accountability, respect for international law and the protection of human rights. Without these, lasting peace will remain a mission impossible.

Israel has called for the disarmament of Hamas before talks.

Shame on them. Who is the victim and who is the aggressor? We dont have nuclear arms, Israel does. We dont have the strongest army, Israel does. We are not occupying Israel, Israel is occupying us. We dont impose an apartheid system, they do. Are we the ones committing genocide, occupation and starvation? No. We are the victimsfor 78 yearsof Israels military occupation. We didnt build settlements in the West Bank. We didnt carry out ethnic cleansing in Jerusalem or place a million settlers there. We didnt commit genocide in Gaza. Shame on those who twist the truth. Israel must end the occupation and allow the Palestinian people to practise their right to dignity and freedom by establishing their state next to Israel.

The problem is not Hamas. The problem is Israels refusal to recognise any Palestinian political entity. For them, the Palestinian people simply do not exist. They killed Arafat. They call our president a terrorist. They label the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation terrorist organisations. Whether it is Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine or any secular or nationalist Palestinian group, Israel sees them all as enemies. We compromised 78 per cent of historical Palestine and the reality is that we are the victims of Israel and of a west that supports it blindly.

What role do you see for the Palestinian Authority and the PLO going forward?

The PLO is the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. It should be respected and enabled to act in the interests of our people. The PLO should take the leading role in practising our right to self-determination and independence. The PA must coordinate reconstruction and governance across Gaza and the West Bank. Fragmentation is not a solution.

How do you view Indias support for Palestine historically and now?

Our relation with India is historical. It is one of the great countries with great people who struggled against the British colonial system. They know what colonialism, racism and freedom mean. Thats why it was very legitimate for us to have the support, from day one, of the people of India and the Indian government. We want Indias moral, human and political support for the people of Palestine. We know it exists in their hearts and minds and narrow interests should not override that. I dont understand how India can cooperate with Israel in space projects, in the arms industry or support Israel with immunisations. We cannot understand that. We want Indiathe ethical India, the real Indiato stand for principles and shared standards. We want the India of Mahatma Gandhi, the free and committed people of India, to support justice and dignity for Palestinians against criminal genocide and occupation. We know where the hearts of Indian people lie and how much they support us. But we want this reconciliation once again and India to be in real support of the Palestinian people for justice and dignity.

What role can India play in resolving the conflict?

India can help in reconstruction by rebuilding hospitals, schools, homes and supporting electricity and water supply. It has credibility with both western and Arab countries and can act as a bridge to guarantee reconstruction and dignity for Palestinians. India must play an active role, not just a symbolic presence at the table. It can also press for accountability at the United Nations to deliver dignity and justice.

How do you assess the role of the US in this conflict?

We are being killed with American bombs, with American F-16s and F-35s, with American ammunition and tanks. The US and Europe support Israel with arms, with legal and political protection and with military and economic aid. All we are asking for is dignity and justice according to international law. We dont ask for more. The US holds the greatest leverage over Israel, yet it chose not to use it. Instead, it provided political and military cover for Israeli crimes. The US even threatened and sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court because they wanted to hold Israeli leaders accountable for their crimes. The double standards are obviousone set of rules for the powerful, another for the occupied. We want the US to be a fair brokerto stop giving Israel full immunity, to stop arming them and to make them abide by the rule of law, respect international law and implement UN resolutions. To achieve that, there has to be political will, not just statements. The Palestinian people are entitled to justice, self-determination and independence. For two years, the world watched the killing, destruction, famine and displacement. Now action is required and that means stop arming Israel, stop supporting its crimes, respect human rights and international law. If Washington truly believes in democracy, human rights and international law, it must act accordingly.

What is the role of regional powers like Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia?

Egypt and Qatar have played vital and strategic roles in mediation, especially in securing ceasefires and negotiating humanitarian access. Saudi Arabia also has been involved behind the scenes. We appreciate their efforts, but regional support must go beyond managing crises; it must address the root causes. The Arab world must unite behind justice, international law and human rights. Temporary truces are not enough. We need a political solution that ends occupation and creates a viable Palestinian state. Arab countries must support reconstruction, unity and independence. We want support for international and humanitarian law, but more than that, support for justice, dignity, self-determination and independence.

After immense losses, what does strategic optimism mean for Gaza and its people?

Strategic optimism is the belief that no matter how dark the night, the dawn will come. It is not naive hope, it is strength rooted in justice. When fighting for a just cause, you cannot lose. They can destroy our homes, schools and hospitals, but they cannot destroy our will. That is something no bomb can erase. Our optimism is our strategy, our resistance and our way of survival. People across the globefrom Tokyo to New York and from South Africa to Swedenhave shown solidarity. With every child, every mother, every person who still believes in tomorrowthat optimism keeps Palestine alive. We are on the right side of history. Tomorrow belongs to the people of Palestine.

Moaz Al-Amour | Instagram@athlamour

I want a new home for my family

By Moaz Al-Amour

IN 735 DAYS OF WAR, I have lived through unimaginable horrorgenocide, forced displacement, constant fear. We have endured starvation and the absence of the most basic necessities, and human rights.

Before the war, I was a journalistmarried and father of two. A week after the war, I was forced to leave Gaza City to save my family. My eldest daughter, Julia, fell sickterrified by the sound of relentless bombings. My younger child, Jad, was still in his mothers womb. Like any Palestinian father, I only wanted to protect my family.

Journalism has always been my passionnot just my profession. At the beginning of the war, it became my sole means of supporting my family. As the crisis deepened and famine spread, we struggled to afford basic goods.

Working as a journalist in Gaza is perhaps the most dangerous job. Beyond the lack of equipment, we face constant internet blackouts, severe transport crises and the ever-present risk of being targeted by Israeli forces.

Throughout the war, I lived in constant search of shelter. My only goal was to keep my family safe. The truth is no place in Gaza is safe. We tried to move as far as possible from Israeli tanks that could besiege us and starve us again. People in Gaza even feared being near journalistsafraid that the proximity might invite danger.

I look forward to reuniting with my family after a month of separation. My only wish is to find a new homea place where my children can grow up without fear, violence and with a hope of a future.

The writer is a Palestinian journalist.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday expressed confidence about the BJP's prospects in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. Addressing a public meeting in Bihar, Saha stated that the people are seeking development, which only the BJP can deliver. Saha predicted excellent results for the BJP in Bihar, citing the party's development agenda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Addressing a massive public meeting organised for the nomination filing of BJP candidates from Ramnagar and Bagaha constituencies in Bihar, Saha said, "The candidates will win with massive votes, and the crowd itself is speaking. I want to thank everyone. There are 243 seats in Bihar, and the election will be held in two phases on the 6th and 11th of November, and the results will be announced on the 14th. I am confident that, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is with us, we can tell in advance what will happen on the 14th of November. In Champaran, there are nine seats, and the BJP will win all seats. This year's results in Bihar will be excellent. People are very much excited here." Saha emphasised the importance of continuing development in Bihar, highlighting the central government's schemes and initiatives that have benefited the state's farmers and people. "In Tripura, we also celebrate Bihar Diwas. In our state, many people from Bihar are living. I have spent 5 years in Bihar at the Dental Medical College, Patna. It feels like I am at home. I have so many friends in Patna. Bihar is the soul of India because many talents come from Bihar. We have the Tripura Sundari Maa temple in Tripura, and I took blessings from there and came here so that we can win all nine seats in Champaran. Tripura was once a state of terrorism and unrest. Then, in 2018, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we became free from the CPIM rule. Now all the terrorists have surrendered, and Tripura is free from terrorism. All this was possible because of PM Modi," said CM Saha. The Chief Minister contrasted the current development trajectory with the past, particularly referencing the "jungle raj" era under Lalu Prasad Yadav, asserting that people will not accept a return to that situation. Saha urged the people to participate in large numbers and vote for BJP candidates to ensure the state's continued development and progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. "PM Modi has given us the HIRA Model, including highways, internet, railways, and airways. People of Bihar are very knowledgeable. Farmers in Bihar are also benefiting from central schemes. Bihar has witnessed massive development in the last few years, and this development must continue in the coming days. We are working to make the country Viksit Bharat by 2047, and Bihar will play a key role in that. We know how jungle raaj was in Bihar during Lalu Prasad Yadav's time, and now Bihar has come out of that situation. People will not accept him again. The guarantee of development can be given only by the BJP. Everyone should go early in the morning to vote for our BJP MLA candidates to push Bihar towards development," he added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered Israels defense establishment to take firm action against terror targets in the Gaza Strip following an attack on IDF troops in Rafah on Sunday morning, his office said.

According to the Prime Ministers Office, Netanyahu issued the directive during a meeting with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and the heads of the Shin Bet and Mossad, after Palestinian terrorists fired RPGs and sniper fire at Israeli soldiers operating in southern Gaza.

Katz said he had instructed the IDF to act forcefully against Hamas terror targets in Gaza, warning that Hamas will learn today the hard way that the IDF is determined to protect its soldiers and to prevent any harm to them.

The Defense Minister added that Hamas will pay a heavy price for any shooting and violation of the ceasefire, and if the message is not understood, the intensity of the responses will increase.

A military source said that more than 20 targets have been struck in Gaza since the Rafah attack. The IDF described the strikes as a response to direct fire on its troops and said operations in the area were continuing.

The Hamas terror group denied responsibility, asserting that its fighters in Rafah were acting independently. We are committed to the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, claiming it had no connection to the incident and that communications with the Rafah area had been severed since last March.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The rollout of public charging points for electric cars has stalled, according to industry data.

Just 12,322 chargers have been installed so far this year  or 45 a day  compared with 19,834 across 2024 or 54 a day.

The rate of installation is back to 2023 levels, when 16,502 public charging points were built, and it fuels fears that a lack of places for drivers to plug in is hitting demand for electric vehicles (EVs).

Industry experts said the problem is particularly acute for drivers who cannot charge their cars at home  often due to a lack of off-street parking.

A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: 'Public charge points are essential for motorists, especially those without a home driveway.'

Worryingly for ministers, in their push to net zero, the pace of the rollout is well below the 130 a day required to reach a goal of having 300,000 public charging points by 2030.

In September, it fell to just 858, or fewer than 29 a day.

In the slow lane: Just 12,322 chargers have been installed so far this year  or 45 a day  compared with 19,834 across 2024 or 54 a day

So-called 'range anxiety'  concern among motorists about where they can plug in to top up their batteries while making long journeys  is seen to be holding back the EV revolution.

Price is often cited as the other major reason why drivers are reluctant to buy electric cars.

Ministers this summer launched an Electric Car Grant to provide discounts of up to 3,750 on the purchase of eligible EVs to make them more affordable.

The Government has also announced 65million of investment in 'at-home charging for households without driveways' over the summer and a 'gully scheme' for EV motorists who have to park on the street.

But the slowing rollout of public charging points threatens to undermine efforts to boost EV sales.

The SMMT spokesman said: 'The two main barriers to going electric are concerns around vehicle cost and charging.

'The new Electric Car Grant is helping reduce sticker prices and charging network coverage is improving, but we need to go further, faster.'
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday greeted saints and mahants in Ayodhya ahead of the grand Deepotsav celebrations. He will participate in the Deepotsav being held this evening at Ram Ki Paidi on the banks of the Saryu River. As part of the festivities, the Chief Minister performed the aarti of artists dressed as Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman. He also pulled the symbolic chariot, or 'Pushpak Vimaan,' carrying the artists depicting the divine trio. Meanwhile, security has been heightened along the ghats of the Saryu River, with significant deployment of police and administrative personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations, which are being held on a grand scale. The Deepotsav festivities are scheduled to begin at 5 PM and will continue till 8 PM. A grand aarti ceremony, featuring 2,100 performers, is expected to set a new world record. Following the lighting of lamps, there will be a light and sound show, culminating in a fireworks display. Divisional Commissioner of Ayodhya, Rajesh Kumar, announced that all preparations for the event are complete. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Our preparations are complete. The entire rehearsal for the procession took place yesterday evening. 33,000 volunteers are engaged in lighting diyas during the festival of lights. They are all present here, preparing the lamps in the small sectors they have been assigned. Police forces and magistrates are already deployed. 2100 people will perform aartis here. The program will begin at 5 pm and continue until 8 pm, with an aarti that will set a new world record. After the lighting of the lamps, there will be a light and sound show. Finally, there will be fireworks. Artists from five countries have come to perform Ramlila, which will continue at night." Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. During this exile, Mata Sita was abducted by Ravana, leading to the eventual battle and triumph of good over evil. The festival of lights is a celebration of that triumph. People prepare by cleansing their homes and spirits. Ritual baths, lighting of diyas, decorating with rangolis and flowers, and sharing wishes are all central to the celebrations. This year, a record 26,11,101 earthen lamps are set to illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, creating a divine spectacle that aims to showcase Ayodhya's spiritual heritage on a global platform. The Deepotsav, held under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, is now a symbol of faith, unity, and devotion. It continues to reinforce Ayodhya's identity as a global hub of spirituality and tourism. Volunteers from universities and colleges are preparing to break the previous year's record by lighting over 26 lakh diyas. The effort involves more than 10,000 people. The counting of lamps is being done based on the pattern in which they are placed. Guinness World Records Adjudicator Richard Stenning detailed a structured process for a record attempt, likely similar to a Deepotsav event involving mass lamp lighting. The attempt involves scanning QR codes to track participants entering the venue. (ANI)
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi appealed to the Indian government on Sunday to bring back the four Indians stuck in Russia and currently being made to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. One of the people, Mohammed Ahmed, has also been injured on the frontlines and has sent videos appealing to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to help with his safe return. The Foreign Secretary's office has assured all possible help and is working to bring the four people back, Owaisi said. "There is this youth from Hyderabad who went to Russia and was made to be involved in the Ukraine war and is stranded there. The Foreign Secretary's office was contacted, and the family got the reply that the person is stuck there and that they are trying to get him back. Today, the family came again, and they got to know that along with Mohammad Ahmed, three other boys - Anup Kumar, Manoj Kumar, and Sumit Kumar - are also there. Two of them are from Haryana, one is from Rajasthan," Owaisi told ANI here. According to the AIMIM chief, the men were duped and made to sign a contract under the false pretence of a job. He appealed to the Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the Indian Embassy in Russia to facilitate their safe return. "The four men are stuck in a region there. They had been made to sign a contract and do work there. Whenever they get a signal, they send videos and ask for help. I appeal to our Foreign Minister Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary and the Indian Embassy in Russia to bring them back on humanitarian grounds. They have been trapped there by being lied to, the family is very worried", he said. Arshiya Begum, wife of Mohammed Ahmed, claimed that her husband was promised a job in construction, but when he reached Russia, he was made to sign a contract to work for the Russian army. She further said that a person named "Adil" from a "trusted consultancy" had helped them and had promised them a Permanent Residency (PR). However, when Ahmed reached Russia, he lost contact with the alleged agent. "For completing the process of going there, he had been assisted by someone named Adil from a trusted consultancy. He had been promised a Permanent Residency (PR), job in construction, labour. He was sent to Russia, was told a good salary package, and was told that he will get permanent residency when he goes there," Arshiya Begum told ANI. She mentioned that her husband had tried to get another job but was not given any other opportunity, and was ultimately told that he would be digging bunkers for the Russian army on the frontlines. "He tried very hard to get another job, but no one responded. He had been made to sign a contract with the Russian Army, but he does not know Russian, and he was told that he would get a job to dig bunkers, as he was told that that was also construction work. He also accepted thinking he got the job in the Army. He thought that he would get some cooking work or something. When his first video came, asking for help, his leg had been injured. He said clearly and requested the Indian government to get him out of Russia and save him," she said. According to MEA, there are 127 Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces, out of which 98 have had their service discontinued "as a result of sustained engagement between the Indian and Russian Governments on this matter." "The Russian authorities concerned have been urged to provide an update on all the remaining/missing individuals, and also ensure their safety, well-being and early discharge. For those Indian nationals in the Russian armed forces whose services have been discontinued, the Indian Mission/Posts in Russia assisted them in their return to India, including through facilitation of travel documents and providing air tickets, wherever required", the MEA informed the Rajya Sabha on July 24 in response to a question by MP Sant Balbir Singh. The MEA has taken up the matter with Russian authorities over the past year, asking for the practice of recruiting Indians to be stopped and the people to be released, according to an official statement on September 11. (ANI)
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Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) worker Usha Devi staged a protest outside party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's residence in Patna on Sunday after being denied a ticket to contest from the Bodh Gaya constituency in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The polling for Bodh Gaya is scheduled for November 11, during the second phase of the state elections, with the last date for filing nominations set for Monday. Despite her long-standing association with the RJD since she was 17 years old, Devi claimed she was denied a ticket despite repeated assurances from senior party leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and Khesari Lal Yadav. "I am a party member since I was 17 years old... I visited my village to seek blessings from her parents before heading to Bodh Gaya for election campaigning... Despite all the dedication and assurances from leaders like Khesari Lal and Tejashwi Yadav, I did not get a ticket to contest the MLA election from the Bodh Gaya constituency... I am disappointed but still committed to supporting Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Yadav," Usha Devi told ANI. The protest comes amid ongoing seat-sharing disputes within the Mahagathbandhan, as the alliance is yet to announce its seat distribution. On Saturday, the Congress party released its second list of candidates, adding five more names and taking its total to 53 after releasing 48 names earlier. Earlier today, former RJD candidate Madan Shah broke down in public, claiming that he was promised a ticket by the Rashtriya Janata Dal for the upcoming 2025 Bihar assembly polls. He alleged that when he did not pay the Rs 2.7 crore demanded for the candidature, his ticket was given to another candidate. Speaking to ANI, Shah also said that the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly was "arrogant". Shah was seen tearing his clothes and falling to the ground, weeping after giving chase to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's car at the latter's residence in Patna. "They will not form the government; Tejashwi is very arrogant, doesn't meet people...They are giving away tickets...Sanjay Yadav is doing all this. Rs 2.7 crore... give that much, we'll give you the ticket. I have come here to die. Lalu Yadav is my Guru...He had said that he would give me a ticket...They gave a ticket to Santosh Kushwaha, a BJP agent...," Shah told ANI. Shah further claimed that the father-son duo of Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav backtracked on their promise to give him a ticket. "In 2020, Lalu ji called me to Ranchi and got a survey done regarding the population of the Teli community, and that Madan Shah will defeat Randhir Singh from Madhuban constituency. Tejashwi ji and Lalu ji had called me and said they would give me a ticket. I have been working for the party since the '90s. I am a poor man, I sold my land," he said. The Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14. (ANI)
We'll do our best to explain our view of the problem in a way that everyone can understand . . . We might have more time to write about it soon given that this development threatens to drag the U.S. (and the world) into a recession.

Accordingly . . .

Sure . . .

Lower home prices are nice BUT falling home values spell bad news for the economy given so many investments leveraged on the reliably upward trajectory of housing costs.

Basically, what everyone fears is 2008 housing crisis happening all over again because so many banks were "too big to fail" and therefore didn't learn their lesson.

Funny . . . The spin from so many dorks on this blog attempted to blame minorities and lending practices whilst LETTING THEIR BANKER DADDIES OFF THE HOOK for what was really a crisis of mortgage-backed securities that makes real money equivalent to worthless paper exploited by algorithmic Wall Street speculation that most of low-info voters don't bother to even try to understand.

As always . . .

We remind everyone that money is just an idea . . . And hope for the best as another housing slump is obviously underway . . .

In September, home prices fell substantially from the month before, with a median listing price of $279,750.



The number of listings on the market grew 2.9% from last month, which is a smaller increase than normal for this time of the year in Kansas City, and homes are also selling slower than at the same time last year.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Realtor: Kansas City Home Prices Down in September

Developing . . .
The postscript on today's parade of "resistance" in Kansas City.

COSTUME PARTY VIBES PARADED THROUGH KANSAS CITY'S COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA!!!

The vibe seemed more like a party and we couldn't spot any angry antifa commies alleged by opposition.

Here's some local news reporting on the topic and a preview of midterm season . . .

"The first No Kings protests were held four months ago. The ongoing government shutdown and immigration enforcement crackdowns across the country are some reasons why organizers believed another day of protest was necessary.



"Many people attending the protest were in costume  as dinosaurs, unicorns, President Donald Trump himself. There also were a number of booths selling merchandise, and others were handing out signs and American flags to anyone they could find who didnt already have anything."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Thousands protest Trump administration at Kansas City's No Kings rally: 'We're going to rise up' People gathered by the thousands across cities in the U.S. on June 14 to protest actions of the Trump administration. Organizers expected a bigger turnout for the second wave of protests Saturday, driven by the ongoing shutdown of the federal government and immigration crackdowns.

Thousands gather at Mill Creek Park for peaceful 'No Kings' protest Thousands of protesters filled the Country Club Plaza from every corner, including nearby Mill Creek Park, taking over the area with signs and a unified message.
As well they should . . . Here's the sitch for now . . .

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to keep rolling at home against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7.



Both teams are coming off wins, but the Chiefs 30-17 victory over Detroit is a bit more impressive than the Raiders beating the Titans 20-10.



The oddsmakers have the Chiefs as huge home favorites at the best betting sites for this matchup.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Kazakhstan is expected to set a new dynamic for economic cooperation, independent Kazakh expert on international relations and economic policy Yerik Batyrkhanov told Trend.

President Ilham Aliyevs visit can redefine economic partnership, moving it beyond traditional energy and transport frameworks. Relations between Astana and Baku are transitioning from mutual trade to forming a full industrial-investment ecosystem focused on creating added value, he said.

He drove home the point that logistics and energy are currently the bread and butter of bilateral cooperation, and serving as interconnected engines of progress. Kazakhstan already uses Azerbaijani infrastructure, he said, to export around 1.5 million tons of oil annually, a figure that continues to grow. Joint projects to modernize the Aktau and Alyat ports are laying the foundation for a Caspian hub integrating oil, grain, metals, and container cargo into a unified transport system, transforming both countries from mere transit points into nodes of global supply chains.

The second dimension is food and agrotechnology cooperation. Record growth in Kazakh grain exports to Azerbaijan exceeded 450,000 tons in 2024 and marks the beginning of a new model, establishing joint processing and distribution centers aimed at the Caucasus and Turkiye. This represents a shift from raw material export to exporting finished solutions, he said.

The enhancement of digital connectivity is manifesting through the harmonization of customs data and logistics pathways via the Digital Trade Corridor framework, thereby catalyzing synergies in IT infrastructure, telecommunications, and fintech ecosystems.



Batyrkhanov underscored the criticality of ecological metamorphosis, referencing the Caspian Green Energy Corridor initiative encompassing Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, indicative of the region's shift towards "intelligent energy" modalities such as wind, solar, and hydrogen power.



This indicates that President Ilham Aliyevs visit transcends mere diplomatic engagement, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of systemic partnership enhancement, wherein energy, food security, digital transformation, and ecological sustainability converge to establish a cohesive framework for enduring growth, he articulated.

He noted that Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations are entering a qualitatively new phase, a strategic partnership based on mutual trust and aligned interests in key regional political and economic matters.

In recent years, dialogue at the level of heads of state and governments has deepened, trade volumes have grown, and joint investment projects have been launched. Both countries demonstrate similar understanding of regional challenges, including energy security, transport connectivity, and the need to strengthen Turkic integration, Batyrkhanov added.

He underscored that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are establishing a strategic axis of stability and modernization within the Caspian and Central Eurasia, translating political trust into concrete economic outcomes.



In recent years, the Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan coalition has transitioned from a merely declarative partnership to a robust and synergistic alliance. In the fiscal year 2024, the dyadic exchange of goods and services surpassed the $533 million threshold. Between January and October 2024, bilateral commerce experienced a robust expansion of 38.7 percent, culminating in an approximate valuation of $393.8 million. Azerbaijani outbound trade to Kazakhstan experienced a significant uptick of 23.2 percent, reaching a total valuation of $107.7 million. Concurrently, Kazakhstani exports directed towards Azerbaijan surged by 45.6 percent, culminating in a robust figure of $286 million, he stresses.

Batyrkhanov highlighted the current dialogues aimed at augmenting the Kazakh oil throughput via Azerbaijani corridors to a target range of 57 million tons per annum. In the fiscal year 2023, approximately 1.4 million metric tons of Kazakh crude were strategically transited through the Azerbaijani corridor. By the year 2025, throughput through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) conduit is projected to attain a volume of 1.7 to 1.8 million tons, with aspirations to escalate to 2.2 million tons. The strategic objective is to amplify annual transit capacity to 7 million tons by 2027.



He indicated that throughput metrics along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR / Middle Corridor) connecting Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan experienced a substantial uptick of 62 percent in 2024, culminating in a total cargo volume of 4.5 million tons. The Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Investment Fund has been inaugurated with a foundational capital infusion of $300 million earmarked for collaborative ventures.

These figures demonstrate that cooperation now exceeds rhetoric  it has become an instrument of economic growth, logistical diversification, and energy autonomy. The Middle Corridor is no longer just an alternative route but a strategic axis for new Eurasian transit, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan playing key roles, Batyrkhanov explained.

He noted that by the end of 2024, freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) had surged by 62 percent, reaching 4.5 million tons, with roughly half of that volume consisting of Kazakhstani exports. Today, the route connects over 20 logistics and port operators across Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye. Thanks to tariff harmonization and the implementation of electronic clearance systems such as eTIR and the Digital Trade Corridor, transit times have been halved, dropping from 38 to 19 days.

Batyrkhanov emphasized that the corridor's capacity is evolving in the context of the current paradigm shift in global logistics frameworks. Per projections from the TITR, the annual freight tonnage is anticipated to surpass the 1012 million ton threshold by the year 2030, positioning it to compete with the cargo handling capacities of prominent Black Sea ports.



Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are positioning themselves as pivotal actors in this paradigm shift. The Aktau and Alat ports are synergizing to establish a cohesive logistics nexus within the Caspian Sea, incorporating specialized transshipment facilities tailored for hydrocarbons, cereals, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as intermodal containerized freight. In the extended temporal framework, the Middle Corridor has the potential to metamorphose both nations into epicenters of an emergent transcontinental economic paradigm, wherein velocity of transit, digital integration, and operational predictability, superseding mere geographical distance, emerge as the pivotal determinants, he noted.



He underscored that for both nations, this transcends a mere transportation initiative; it epitomizes a pivotal advancement toward economic autonomy and the reintegration of Eurasia under contemporary, strategic paradigms.

In reference to the Zangezur Corridor, Batyrkhanov articulated that it presents the potentially most efficient terrestrial conduit connecting the Caspian basin to Turkiye, thereby constituting an essential component for the comprehensive actualization of the Trans-Caspian logistics framework.



For Kazakhstan, this initiative embodies substantial logistical and fiscal importance. Should the Zangezur Corridor be operationalized, the transit pathway for Kazakh freight originating from the Aktau and Kuryk ports to Turkish and European markets stands to be optimized by an estimated 600700 km. Furthermore, logistics expenditure, as per expert analysis, is projected to diminish by a margin of 1015 percent, indicated Batyrkhanov.



He noted that the Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye corridor is presently functioning with operational efficacy; however, specific segments are susceptible to bottlenecks and limitations in throughput capacity.Batyrkhanov stressed that the optimal approach for Kazakhstan is to implement the Zangezur Corridor in a multilateral, open framework, integrating it into the unified TITR network. In this scenario, Zangezur would serve as a natural extension of Caspian logistics, enhancing the transport autonomy of Central Asia.

In a broader perspective, this is more than a transport initiative; it represents an opportunity to connect the Eurasian arc from the Altai to the Mediterranean, with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan serving as strategic bridges between regions and cultures, he said.

The expert further highlighted that the partnership between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan within the Organization of Turkic States (OTG) has become the backbone of Turkic integration. This is not merely symbolic; it reflects practical collaboration between two economically and politically mature nations, shaping the strategic direction of the organization.

Kazakhstan was at the forefront of promoting Turkic unity. In 2009, it spearheaded the agreement establishing the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, which later evolved into the OTG. From the outset, Azerbaijan acted as a key promoter and infrastructure hub. Today, it is Baku and Astana that ensure the sustainability and substantive agenda of this organization, Batyrkhanov said.

Economically, the two countries form a link that could become a locomotive for Turkic integration. Their combined GDP exceeds $300 billion, and they account for over 60 percent of Turkic energy exports. Main transit corridors, Caspian, Middle Corridor, and Trans-Anatolian, pass through them.

The political and humanitarian dimension is equally important. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan emphasize modernizing the Islamic and Turkic world through education, digitalization, green economy, and international partnership. This gives OTS a modern and constructive character, distinct from classical interstate unions. Strategically, the Astana-Baku alliance within OTS fosters a new architecture of cooperation in Eurasia, positioning the Turkic world as an influential center between Europe, Russia, China, and the Middle East, Batyrkhanov said.

He articulated that the forthcoming Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan business forum will catalyze targeted initiatives.



For both nations, it is crucial to not only amplify trade throughput but also to enhance the collaborative framework  transitioning from mere commodity transactions to integrated production, logistics, and technological ecosystems. This is accomplished via direct engagements among corporate entities, developmental institutions, and governmental bodies, Batyrkhanov articulated.



He observed that antecedent assemblies yielded accords valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, encompassing initiatives for hydrocarbon logistics, cereal conveyance, harbor enhancement, and a collaborative investment vehicle approximating $300 million.



At the forthcoming symposium, the emphasis will pivot towards direct business-to-business agreements within the sectors of agribusiness, energy, information technology, and sustainable economic practices. Engagement in collaborative knowledge transfer among export-centric enterprises will be pivotal for penetrating tertiary markets in Turkiye, Europe, and the Middle East, he mentioned.

Batyrkhanov emphasized that the business forum also has a reputational function, demonstrating that Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan economic partnership is based on private sector trust, not just government decisions, enhancing investment attractiveness and establishing a new culture of business interaction across the Caspian region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. The executive director of Sputnik Azerbaijan, detained in Baku, has been released and returned to Russia, Trend reports citing informed sources.

Igor Kartavykh, who was under arrest, has been released and returned to Russia. In exchange for him, the Russian side released Mammedali Agayev, former director of the Moscow Academic Satire Theater.

In June, director Igor Kartavykh and editor-in-chief Yevgeny Belousov were detained in a police operation at the office of the Sputnik Azerbaijan news agency.

By order of the Khatai District Court, both were remanded in custody for four months.

They were charged with fraud committed by an organized group, illegal entrepreneurship resulting in large-scale profits, and laundering property acquired through criminal activity.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports.

The erupted 44-day Second Karabakh War ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity.

Trend presents the chronicle of the 24-th day of the second Karabakh war:

- President Ilham Aliyev addressed the people of Azerbaijan.

- In his address to the people, President Ilham Aliyev said that the city of Zangilan and 24 villages had been liberated from occupation.

- President Ilham Aliyev renamed the liberated Vang village of Khojavand district to Chinarli.

- First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva shared a publication on her Instagram account about the liberation of the city of Zangilan and a number of villages of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Khojavand and Zangilan districts.

- The Azerbaijani flag was raised in Zangilan.

- Video footage of the destruction of Armenian armored vehicles had been released. The list of destroyed Armenian military equipment had been announced. A group of mercenaries from the Armenian side refused to fight.

- Armenian Armed Forces shelled the territories of Tartar and Aghdam districts, killing two civilians.

- Video footage of the destruction of a large number of Armenian servicemen and military equipment had been released.

- Armenian anti-aircraft guns were destroyed in the direction of Ganja.

- Video footage of the destruction of units of the Armenian Armed Forces in the direction of Gubadli had been released.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova presided over the Coordination Meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) within the framework of the working visit paid to the city of Geneva of the Swiss Confederation with the purpose of participating in the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Trend reports.

In her speech at the meeting, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova emphasised the important role of those meetings in expanding cooperation and coordination regarding key international issues of shared interest. According to her, the coordination meetings provide an excellent opportunity to utilise in entirety the substantial potential of the APA for discussing of, and exchanging views on important international issues, which is especially significant in such sensitive times. Saying that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis let it be known that the Assembly has already evolved into an important platform for inter-parliamentary cooperation, constructive dialogue and solidarity during the elapsed period. According to her, this organisation unites under its aegis the parliaments of member countries, allows their voices to be heard and makes a parliamentary contribution to the efforts of our countries to achieve common goals.

Informing about the work carried out since Azerbaijan's assumption of the chairmanship of the organisation from 2024, Sahiba Gafarova stated that efforts were made during this period to expand cooperation and dialogue within the framework of the Assembly. Azerbaijan has put forward a number of priorities related to the further strengthening of joint work  development of the institutional capacity of the APA, expansion of its ranks and enhancement of the effectiveness of its existing bodies. The ranks of the organisation expanded during the indicated period. Thus, the Majlis al-Shura of the Sultanate of Oman became a full member of the APA whereas the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus acquired an observer status in it. The number of international organisations holding the observer status in the APA increased as well; the Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments was granted the observer status.

The consensus regarding the decision about forming the APA budget was achieved during the chairmanship of Azerbaijan, was mentioned then; that was extremely important for the continued strengthening and capacitybuilding of the Assembly.

In her speech, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis also said that the scale of the problems our world is facing demonstrates that they cannot be overcome without collective measures and joint efforts. As was once again shown by the ceasefire agreement reached on Gaza. She expressed a hope that all stages of the agreement will be executed properly and that the outcomes of the Middle East Peace Summit will bring a just and lasting peace to the region.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova recalled the transition of the APA chairmanship to the Kingdom of Bahrain next year. She said she was certain that the Assembly will continue strengthening international cooperation across the whole of Asia and will also contribute to the promotion of peace, solidarity and sustainable development on our Continent in accordance with the common goals under Bahrains leadership.

The meeting then continued with discussions of the agenda items.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova who is in the city of Geneva of the Swiss Confederation has met with Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Martin Chungong on the sidelines of the 151st Assembly of the IPU, Trend reports.

The conversation addressed the issues of current and future co-operation between the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The parties recalled fondly their previous meetings and underscored such contacts dramatic contribution to the progress of the ties with the Organisation and between our countries.

It was stressed during the meeting that such events served as important and beneficial platforms in terms of discussing the tremendous international matters. The considerable role of the IPU in the deepening of the co-operation between the Organisations Member States was emphasised.

Also at the meeting were lauded the activities of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, established on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, and the achievements in institutional development and raising the international reputation of the Organisation under the chairmanship of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan were given a high appraisal.
BJP leader Nalin Kohli on Sunday responded to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's comments on Diwali and Christmas, suggesting that Yadav's critique of Sanatana Dharma is selective. Speaking with ANI, Kohli stated that while Yadav is entitled to his opinions, he should ideally share his views on all religions rather than focusing solely on Hinduism. Kohli argued that if Yadav wants to critique Sanatana Dharma, he should also share his views on other religions and advise them accordingly. Kohli emphasised that people should be free to follow their religions in the manner they wish, and that Yadav should respect this freedom. "Akhilesh ji, like anyone else under the Constitution, is entitled to have a point of view. But why only Sanatana Dharma? If, as a political person, he wants to have a point of view on any religion, then perhaps he should share his views on all religions and advise all religions in his own manner on what he thinks they should not do. Otherwise, leave Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma to those who follow it, to follow it in the manner they wish to do. He wants to follow it in the manner he wishes to do. He's entitled to," Nalin Kohli told ANI. This came after Akhilesh Yadav, on Saturday, suggested that people should refrain from spending money on lamps a He stated that cities across the country remain illuminated for months during the Christmas season, highlighting the festive atmosphere it creates. "I dont want to give a suggestion. But I will give one suggestion on the name of Lord Ram. In the entire world, all the cities get illuminated during Christmas. And that goes on for months. We should learn from them. Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it? What can we expect from this government; it should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights," Akhilesh Yadav said while addressing a press conference. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known as the "festival of lights," it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The five-day Diwali festivities commenced with Dhanteras on Saturday. This year, the Diwali celebrations are set for the intervening night of October 20 and 21, marking a time of togetherness, light, and joy across the country. Diwali also marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. During the festival, homes are cleaned and illuminated with oil lamps and lights. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Families exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes, and burst firecrackers as part of the celebrations. (ANI)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Ahead of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Astana, images of the Azerbaijani flag have appeared on outdoor media screens, Trend reports, citing Kazakh media.

On October 19, the Kazakh presidential press service published a video showing the capital's streets adorned in the evening with illuminated LED screens displaying the Azerbaijani tricolor, located along the city's central avenues.

President Ilham Aliyev is expected in Kazakhstan for a state visit at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
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Azerbaijan's ferrous metal export and import volumes shrink in 9M2025

Azerbaijan exported 65,300 tons of ferrous metals worth $68.58 million from January to September 2025. Exports dropped by 7,700 tons (10.6%), but value increased by $724,000 (1.1%). These products made up 4.61% of total exports, with 2.59% from the non-oil sector.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has released the official exchange rates for foreign currencies as of October 19, Trend reports.

According to the rates announced by the CBI, the value of 43 currencies went up, while 2 currencies dropped compared to October 18.

The official rate for $1 is 577,900 rials, while one euro is valued at 673,594 rials. On October 18, the euro was priced at 671,331 rials.

Currency Rial on October 18 Rial on October 16 1 US dollar USD 577,900 575,133 1 British pound GBP 777,098 771,855 1 Swiss franc CHF 726,077 726,130 1 Swedish krona SEK 61,133 60,985 1 Norwegian krone NOK 57,431 57,156 1 Danish krone DKK 90,216 89,881 1 Indian rupee INR 6,566 6,535 1 UAE Dirham AED 157,359 156,605 1 Kuwaiti dinar KWD 1,886,217 1,881,081 100 Pakistani rupees PKR 204,231 203,742 100 Japanese yen JPY 383,807 382,518 1 Hong Kong dollar HKD 74,364 74,041 1 Omani rial OMR 1,501,600 1,494,754 1 Canadian dollar CAD 412,072 409,427 1 New Zealand dollar NZD 330,865 329,025 1 South African rand ZAR 33,271 33,082 1 Turkish lira TRY 13,797 13,708 1 Russian ruble RUB 7,123 7,079 1 Qatari riyal QAR 158,764 158,004 100 Iraqi dinars IQD 43,900 43,900 1 Syrian pound SYP 44 44 1 Australian dollar AUD 375,629 372,998 1 Saudi riyal SAR 154,107 153,369 1 Bahraini dinar BHD 1,536,968 1,529,609 1 Singapore dollar SGD 446,257 444,002 100 Bangladeshi takas BDT 473,589 472,227 10 Sri Lankan rupees LKR 19,084 18,994 1 Myanmar kyat MMK 275 274 100 Nepalese rupees NPR 410,214 408,236 1 Libyan dinar LYD 106,348 105,917 1 Chinese yuan CNY 81,094 80,701 100 Thai baht THB 1,768,033 1,753,628 1 Malaysian ringgit MYR 136,770 136,094 1,000 South Korean won KRW 404,630 404,343 1 Jordanian dinar JOD 815,092 811,189 1 euro EUR 673,594 671,331 100 Kazakh tenge KZT 107,605 106,948 1 Georgian lari GEL 213,718 212,621 1,000 Indonesian rupiahs IDR 34,850 34,747 1 Afghan afghani AFN 8,681 8,648 1 Belarusian ruble BYN 169,381 168,901 1 Azerbaijani manat AZN 339,751 338,313 100 Philippine pesos PHP 994,044 989,657 1 Tajik somoni TJS 62,642 62,328 1 Turkmen manat TMT 165,112 164,398 Venezuelan bolivar VES 2,842 2,851

The CBI adopted the SANA system for currency exchange offices, where one euro costs 843,760 rials and $1 costs 723,892 rials.

NIMA represents a strategic framework for the monetization of a designated fraction of foreign currency accrued through export activities.

The price of one euro in this system amounted to 819,185 rials, and the price of $1 totaled 702,808 rials.

On the black market, $1 is worth about 1.04-1.07 million rials, while one euro is worth 1.22-1.25 million rials.

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Azerbaijan tallies its RON-92 import and export destinations for 8M2025

Azerbaijan exported 6,400 tons of RON-92 gasoline worth $4 million to Afghanistan, Georgia, and Turkiye from January to August 2025. This marks the first export of RON-92 gasoline, as none was exported in 2024. The country also imported 83,000 tons, valued at $64.4 million, a significant rise from last year.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 19. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is evaluating a $564 million financing to support the "Transforming Rail Connectivity in Kazakhstan (Middle Corridor Development)" project, Trend reports via AIIB.

The project aims to co-guarantee commercial loans alongside the World Bank to back Kazakhstan Temir Zholys (KTZ) national company's priority infrastructure program over the coming years. A key component is the construction of a new greenfield railway line between Mointy and Kyzylzhar, designed to optimize the alignment and increase the capacity of the Middle Corridor transport route.

The planned railway shortcut in central Kazakhstan will help bypass congested bottleneck sections, improving throughput capacity and reducing travel distances along the corridor. The initiative also includes technical assistance to enhance KTZs ability to access financial markets and mobilize long-term private investment.

The initiative aims to enhance and upgrade Kazakhstans rail infrastructure to accommodate the increasing transit and trade requirements between East Asia and Europe, concurrently bolstering the fiscal viability of Kazakhstan Temir Zholys railway capital allocations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaya Kallas, Trend reports.

The meeting took place in Luxembourg on the sidelines of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers session, which focused on Interregional Security and Connectivity. Details of the discussion have not yet been disclosed.

It is noted that another meeting will be held in Luxembourg on October 20 to address various issues on the international agenda.
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Watch: America rocked by 'No Kings' protests, violence in Portland

Hundreds of thousands across all the 50 states of the United States of America hit the streets Saturday as part of 'No Kings Day' protest called against Donald Trump's imperialistic and 'anti-people' policies

Sunday October 19, 2025 2:34 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

[In Denver, Colorado, some protesters are seen holding placards comparing Trump with Joseph Stalin, the Dictator of the Soviet Union. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo)]

No Kings Protests: Hundreds of thousands across all the 50 states of the United States of America hit the streets Saturday as part of 'No Kings Day' protest called against Donald Trump's imperialistic and 'anti-people' policies.

There are reports that over 7 million Americans are participating in more than 2,700 events across the United States. The protests have been called by the groups like No Kings, the ACLU, and Reproductive Freedom for All to oppose, what they call, President Trump's policies perceived as authoritarian.

Violence at some places

There are reports of riot like situation in Portland and Boston. Visuals shared online showed security forces lobbing tear gas shells on the protesters.

People in communities big and small came together nationwide with signs, marching bands, a huge banner with the US constitutions preamble that people could sign, and inflatable costumes, particularly frogs, which have emerged as a sign of resistance beginning in Portland, Oregon, according to The Guardian.

At least 10,000 people assembled in Chicago, at Grant Parks Butler Field, many with signs opposing federal immigration agents or mocking Trump. A later crowd estimate by the Chicago Tribune put the number at 100,000.

Some of the protesters said, Hands off Chicago, a rallying cry that began when the president first announced his intent to send the national guard into the city. Others read Resist Fascism, but many others used language unsuitable for broadcast.

The crowd erupted in chants of Fuck Donald Trump when Illinois representative Jonathan Jackson took the stage.

More than 200,000 Washington DC-area residents rallied near the US Capitol. This is what democracy looks like! chanted thousands near the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where the federal government had been shut down for a third week amid a legislative deadlock.

Watch Video

WOW! Protesters created a HUGE human sign on San Franciscos Ocean Beach reading No Kings YES on 50 to support Californias Prop 50 and stand up against Donald Trumps fascist regime pic.twitter.com/NbUnQk6ZZB  Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) October 18, 2025

In many cities, protesters wore inflatable animal costumes  a Dada-esque theme created during immigration enforcement protests in Portland, Oregon, to counter the administrations narrative of a city under the grip of lawlessness and chaos.

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, costumed characters included unicorns, chickens and frogs. Its about the absurdity of it all, resident Amy Adler told the Santa Fe New Mexican while wearing a lobster suit she described as an ode to Portland.

In Los Angeles, protesters floated a giant balloon portraying Trump in a nappy while many flew flags, with at least one referencing the popular pirate anime One Piece, brandishing the skull logo that has recently become a staple of antigovernment protests from Peru to Madagascar.

Fight ignorance, not migrants, read one sign at a protest in Houston, Texas, where nearly a quarter of the population is made up of immigrants, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

In New York, authorities said, more than 100,000 people gathered at one of the largest protests, while in Washington, DC, crowds were estimated at between 8,000 and 10,000.

In Denver, Colorado, some protesters are seen holding placards comparing Trump with Joseph Stalin, the Dictator of the Soviet Union.

Democratic leaders, including Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer, commended the huge turnout, while President Trump dismissed the events, provoking the protesters by uploading an AI video of himself seen adorned with a crown and dumping feces on No Kings protesters from a King Trump jet.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy accused the Karnataka government of diverting the attention of the common people from their failures, amidst the ongoing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) row in the state. Kumaraswamy's comments followed the state minister Priyank Kharge's demand for a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples. He said that permissions should not be granted for activities outside the syllabus in government schools and colleges. "The Karnataka government, because of their failure on all issues, wants to divert the attention of the public from these issues. They are raising this issue through Priyank Kharge," he told reporters. Earlier on Sunday, the Karnataka High Court asked the RSS to submit a fresh petition to hold a route march on November 2 in Chittapur in the State. The High Court directed the petitioners to file a fresh petition to the District Collectors along with the route of the march. While the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers had also sought permission to protest, the High Court directed that separate time slots be allotted to both organisations, the RSS and the Bhim Army. The hearing has been adjourned to October 24. The court was hearing a petition seeking permission for an RSS route march in the constituency of Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge, Chittapur. Following the Karnataka High Court's decision, Priyank Kharge alleged that the RSS had been quiet for a long time and suddenly requested permission for the march after he received abusive calls and death threats from their goons. Speaking with ANI, he emphasised that abusing public representatives could embolden others to engage in similar behaviour. Priyank Kharge requested the RSS to submit documents of their association and questioned why they chose to hold the march at this time. "You should ask the RSS about the timing of the march. They kept quiet for so long, and suddenly, when I got abusive calls and death threats from their goons, they wanted to prove a point and do the march there themselves. If you're going to abuse the public representative, other people and organisations will also be emboldened to do all these things. It's my duty to ensure that nothing untoward happens," he told ANI. (ANI)
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Why Americans Are Protesting?

Over seven million Americans hit the streets in all the 50 states of the United States Saturday October 18, 2025 to join the No Kings protest called against Donald Trumps anti-people policies, especially law against immigrants

Sunday October 19, 2025 8:43 PM , Aneequa Sabahat Faizee

['No Kings Protest': Sea of humanity at Times Square in New York Saturday October 18, 2025.]

Over seven million Americans hit the streets in all the 50 states of the United States Saturday October 18, 2025 to join the No Kings protest called against Donald Trumps anti-people policies, especially law against immigrants.

The Saturdays anti-government rallies , which will go down in the history of America as one of the largest- in terms of numbers and participation, were held in all big and small cities of the United States including Washington DC, New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angles, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio and San Diego.

According to the local media, anti-government protests, rallies, and events were held in more than 2,700 locations across America.

Simultaneously, millions of posts, videos, images and mames have been posted online to express anger against Donald Trump-led Republican governments policies.

Democracy, Not Monarchy, one placard read at The Times Square in New York.

The Constitution is not Optional, another placard at the same venue held by the protesters proclaimed.

Fight ignorance, not migrants, read one sign at a protest in Houston, Texas.

In Denver, Colorado, some protesters were seen holding placards comparing Trump with Joseph Stalin, the Dictator of the Soviet Union.

No Kings Protest Reasons

Anti-government sentiments are on the rife ever since Trump won the 2020 US elections and took control of the White House in January 2021.

The anger against the Trump administration escalated after Trump signed an executive order against, what he called, illegal immigrants and gave United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) uncontrolled power to forcibly deport immigrants living in US without valid documents from the country.

In some cases, including Indian origin, migrants were shackled, handcuffed and bundled in military cargo planes and deported to their home countries.

The government actions infuriated the Americans and protests rallies were called - first in June this year and for the second time on Saturday October 18, 2025.

[No Kings protesters in Chicago]

Referred as "No Kings" protests, the nationwide demonstrations have been organized by a coalition of NGOs including Indivisible, MoveOn, and 50501, along with over 200 other American organizations including the ACLU, SEIU and American Federation of Teachers.

The key reasons behind the No Kings day protests are against the authoritarian rule, government shutdown and power imbalance, immigration raids and human rights, military deployments in Washington DC and other cities, economic inequality and corruption, and pushback against threats to free speech, equal protection, and voting integrity.

Time to stand against tyranny

One of the largest crowd in today No Kings protests was held in Chicago where an estimated 300,000 filled the streets for the protest march, to reject the federal governments Operation Midway Blitz against the city.

Addressing the protest rally, Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson called for general strike against Trump and his ultra rich friends.

If my ancestors as slaves can lead the greatest history of this country, taken into the ultra rich and big corporations, we can also do the same today.

I am calling on Black people, White people, Brown people, Asia people, Immigrants...and everyone throughput the country to stand against tyranny and to send a clear message to the ultra rich and big corporations, he said delivering a fiery speech amidst anti-government sloganeering by protesters carrying placards reading, Hands off Chicago and Tax the Rich.

Watch: Brandon Johnson's Full Speech

Violence at some places

Organisers said their protests across the United States were peaceful. However, there are reports of riot like situation in Portland and Boston. Visuals shared online showed security forces lobbing tear gas shells on the protesters.

People in communities big and small came together nationwide with signs, marching bands, a huge banner with the US constitutions preamble that people could sign, and inflatable costumes, particularly frogs, which have emerged as a sign of resistance beginning in Portland, Oregon, according to The Guardian.

At least 10,000 people assembled in Chicago, at Grant Parks Butler Field, many with signs opposing federal immigration agents or mocking Trump. A later crowd estimate by the Chicago Tribune put the number at 100,000.

More than 200,000 Washington DC-area residents rallied near the US Capitol. This is what democracy looks like! chanted thousands near the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where the federal government had been shut down for a third week amid a legislative deadlock.

Democratic leaders, including Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer, commended the huge turnout.

Thank you to the millions of Americans who turned out in small communities and big cities all over this country to say loudly and boldly No More Kings In America, We the People will rule, Bernie Sanders said.

On the other hand, Trump supporters countered, accusing the protesters of having links with the far-left organisations and working against the United States of America and national interests.

On his part, President Trump dismissed the anti-government rallies, provoking the protesters by releasing an AI video of himself seen adorned with a crown and dumping feces on No Kings protesters from a King Trump jet.

[Aneequa Sabahat Faizee is Staff Writer at ummid.com. With inputs from News Agencies.]



Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) during his address at the Deepotsav-2025 event organised in Shri Ayodhya Dham, accusing them of undermining India's eternal faith and obstructing the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Speaking ahead of the ninth edition of Deepotsav, the Chief Minister emphasised the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival, describing it as a celebration of truth and faith. "While we are illuminating Ayodhya with millions of lamps, we must not forget that during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Congress party declared in court that Lord Shri Ram was a myth. The Congress party gave an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that Shri Ram was a myth, and that the Samajwadi Party had fired bullets at Ram devotees in this very Ayodhya. These are the same people who pray at Babar's tomb, but when invited to the ceremony of the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, they reject the invitation," CM Yogi said, alleging double standards of the Opposition. He further accused the Congress and SP of consistently insulting India's faith. "We must remember their double standards. How these people have been insulting India's eternal faith, and what kind of words they have been using. They even questioned the existence of Ram. Sometimes they go to the grave of an invader and offer prayers, and then they leave no stone unturned to insult India's faith. These are the same people who, during the Ram Mandir movement, deployed separate advocates to prevent the construction of the temple in Ayodhya, so they could protest and create obstacles in the path of the Ram Mandir. But today we can say they fired bullets. We are lighting lamps in Ayodhya," he said. "They had erased Ayodhya's identity and renamed it Faizabad, and we have brought back the identity of Ayodhya, making it Ayodhya Dham again," he added. Reflecting on the inception of Deepotsav in 2017, CM Yogi recalled the challenges faced in reviving the tradition. "When we decided in 2017 to organise the first Deepotsav in Ayodhya Dham, the sentiment behind it was singular: to show the world how lamp-lighting should be done and on what occasion it should be celebrated. Thousands of years ago, when the world was living in darkness, Ayodhya had lit lamps to welcome its Lord, its deity, and the arrival of its faith--those very lamps became the great festival of Sanatana Dharma in the form of Deepotsav and Deepawali," he said. The Chief Minister noted the logistical hurdles in 2017, stating, "When we decided to carry forward that campaign again to keep the spirit of that Deepotsav alive, in 2017, we did not have sufficient lamps available here to light them. For that, we had collected lamps from across the state, and only then were we able to light 1.71 lakh lamps. Today, millions of lamps are lit in Ayodhya Dham." CM Yogi underscored the symbolic importance of the lamps, describing them as representations of triumph over adversity. "These lamps are not just lamps; these lamps are also symbols of the victory of faith over 500 years of darkness. These lamps are symbolic representations of the kind of humiliation we had to endure during those 500 years and the kinds of struggles our ancestors had to fight. Back then, Lord Shri Ram resided in a tent, and now, as the ninth edition of Deepotsav is being celebrated, Lord Ram resides in his grand and divine temple," he remarked. He further emphasised the enduring power of truth, stating, "Every lamp reminds us that truth can be troubled but cannot be defeated. It is the destiny of truth to be victorious, and with that destiny of victory, Sanatana Dharma has continuously struggled for 500 years. As a result of those struggles, a grand and divine temple has been constructed in Ayodhya." The Deepotsav festivities are scheduled to begin at 5 PM and will continue till 8 PM. A grand aarti ceremony, featuring 2,100 performers, is expected to set a new world record. Following the lighting of lamps, there will be a light and sound show, culminating in a fireworks display. This year, a record 26,11,101 earthen lamps are set to illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, creating a divine spectacle that aims to showcase Ayodhya's spiritual heritage on a global platform. (ANI)
Gualtieri says it will take 10 years to profoundly transform the capital.

Rome's centre-left mayor Roberto Gualtieri, currently more than halfway through his five-year term, has confirmed his intention to run again in the next municipal elections in 2027.

Gualtieri, speaking at the Skytg24 Live in Rome event at Villa Torlonia on Saturday, said: "To transform a city, you need to introduce profound changes; it takes 10 years of work."

The mayor, who often appears on social media wearing a hard hat as he inspects building sites, is focusing heavily on construction, using commissioner powers granted to him by the Draghi and Meloni governments.

"At first, it seemed crazy to begin so many projects, but it was a gamble we're winning", Gualtieri said, adding that the first "visible and tangible results have shattered the myth that nothing can be changed in Rome."

Many of the major infrastructure projects related to the city's preparation for the Vatican's Jubilee Year, which is drawing to a close, including the Piazza Pia underpass.

Gualtieri, 59, said he was proud of the organisation of last summer's Jubilee of Youth which put Rome in the international spotlight as the city hosted more than a million pilgrims in just a few days.

As for the planned Roma stadium, "it will be built. The final project will be presented soon. The goal is to have the authorisation process completed before June 2026", Gualtieri said.

Other massive projects for the future include the opening of the Metro C subway station in Piazza Venezia, the construction of the Santa Palomba waste-to-energy plant, and making the river Tiber suitable for swimming, a goal Gualtieri declared within five years.

If successful in getting re-elected in 2027, Gualtieri would follow in the footsteps of his centre-left predecessors Francesco Rutelli and Walter Veltroni, who both led the capital for a second term, from 1993-2001 and 2001-2008 respectively.

In recent days the former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) Giovanni Malago has been touted as a potential contender for the centre-right mayoral candidate to challenge Gualtieri.

Photo credit: Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.com.
The first few weeks after the summer holidays is a busy time in our parishes as we meet with parents of children in second class and sixth class in our schools.

The dates for First Communion and Confirmation are agreed and we meet with parents to discuss the parish-based preparation programmes for the sacraments.

The children really look forward to their First Holy Communion day.

I suppose it's only natural that the promise of a huge party, with bouncy castles and generous financial donations from relatives and family friends.

This secular dimension of the celebration is important in itself as it emphasises the love and esteem of parents and siblings and wider family for the child.

It marks a transitional period in the life of the child as they grow in awareness of their responsibility to others, becoming more independent and more curious about the world around them.

The spiritual dimension of First Holy Communion is not opposed or distinct from the secular side.

There is no dichotomy between the sacred and the secular, really.

I am always amazed at childrens instinctive grasp of this.

They have an amazing capacity for wonder and awe, and the idea of a loving God who reaches out to them in love and friendship in Jesus is as natural to them as the air they breathe. I am puzzled by the claim that this is indoctrination when a humanist approach that denies the supernatural is not. (But this is a bigger question to be explored at another time).

The sacrament of First Eucharist through symbol and ritual communicates the awesome reality of Jesus as the Bread of Life.

Dimensions of the Eucharistic liturgy serve to elucidate the unique perspective on life which flows from Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus welcomed everyone to share a table with him. The outcast, marginalised, the sinner, were invited to share a table with the elite.

When we gather for Eucharist on Sunday, there is no division in the church; the richest and the poorest sit together - there is no such thing as class distinction. St Paul puts it well.. there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave or free, male or female; all are one in Christ Jesus.

The Eucharist then is about hospitality. There is a place for everyone at Gods table.

A central dimension of Eucharist is, of course, the breaking of the Bread, the Bread of Life. Bread is broken to be shared.

It is Jesus sharing life with us and calling us into communion with one another.

To be in communion means there should be no division, conflict can be reconciled and that everyone is respected as a child of the Father.

Sharing Eucharist thus anethemises racism, misogyny, and any other form of segregation; the Traveller, the immigrant, the asylum seeker, the down and out, all are called to communion in the Lord.

The breaking of the Eucharistic bread to be shared in Communion is a powerful affirmation of the unique dignity and absolute equality of all people in the eyes of God.

Christians celebrate Eucharist because Jesus commanded us to do this in memory of me".

It is a memorial of the last supper Jesus shared with the disciples.

But also a memorial of his suffering and death on the cross.

Im so conscious that everyone at our Eucharistic gathering comes with some crosses in their lives.

There is suffering and pain in all our lives.

The Eucharist is a transforming encounter with the One who endured violence to uphold the truth, who embraced the darkness of despair and failure, but who trusted totally in the possibility of a power of love to overcome darkness and to bring healing.

That trust was answered in the Resurrection, the raising of Jesus to new life.

The Eucharistic encounter with the Lord can be such a source of healing for people as they connect their own brokenness with the broken body of Jesus on the cross, but believing that the cross and suffering do not have the last word.

Catholic Christians believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

We all experience how enriching it is when someone is truly present to us.

It is life-affirming, we feel we are being listened to and cared for.

It is a great gift to someone and it is a profoundly spiritual experience.

As I said, Im always amazed at the how much the children can instinctively almost connect with much of Eucharistic doctrine, at their own level of course.

Because they are so loved by Jesus, they realise that they must be kind to one another, to respect people and never to bully other children.

They learn about forgiveness and reconciliation.

The faith journey to First Eucharist helps the kids appreciate how important it is to be grateful  to express thanks to God, to parents, to teachers etc. (Eucharist literally means giving thanks).
A report in the national papers a few weeks ago announced how Irish Rails plans to upgrade the national rail system would widen Dublins commuter belt. There is much to praise in the idea of extending the rail system and Waterford is slated to benefit from extra intercity services from our new Ferrybank station. The journey by rail to Dublin is pleasant even now. The extension of the Dublin commuter zone is a mixed blessing. Ireland is already one of the most centralized countries in Europe. Only Greece is worse. Dublin is already, economically, a different country. The development there is extraordinary and thats expected to some degree. Its real impact on this part of the world has been much analysed by SEEM, but hardly acted on. The national imbalance is stark. Dublin, with 28% of the population, is in the process of receiving 56% of government capital spending.

To understand how modern and efficient transport links impact an area like Waterford; look no further than the M9 motorway. Before the motorway opened in 2010, Waterford was effectively cut off from Dublin by the torturous N9 route through county Kilkenny. Calling a spade a spade, one might say that this economic strangulation of Waterford city suited our neighbours on Noreside. Waterford interests vigorously pursued a new motorway as part of the new network being developed across the country. The government planned to use the motorways to spread economic activity, thus ensuring balanced regional development. Instead, the motorway network effectively spread the reach of Dublin much further in Ireland. In our case, we went from ridiculously poor access to the 21st century, overnight. It is not clear that Waterford was prepared for the change or has adapted as quickly as it should have. This is particularly true in terms of retail business where a Saturday jaunt to Dundrum, Kildare or Kilkenny is almost de rigeur with a consequent huge local loss. Waterford Port has indeed benefitted, but the wider impact on industry, services and general commerce is unclear.

Foreign Direct Investment jobs developed through the IDA are considered the best paying in Ireland. The vast majority are centred near Dublin. Wits suggest that most foreign MNCs (multi-national companies) would prefer to have their business HQ in Swords Co Dublin, to ensure fast airport access. Waterford City has a sprinkling of MNCs but in comparison to its once peer cities of Limerick and Galway, our pickings are rather slim. Cork is a major pharmaceutical hub. Limerick has fostered massive cross-sectoral business development. Galway is widely recognised in the medical devices industry as being in the top four international locations for such business! Galway was fortuitously selected by government for that industry after the well publicised collapse of Digital computer industry in that city. The results have been phenomenal. In comparison, an impeccable source suggests that an international medical devices industry looked at Waterford a couple of years ago but were diverted elsewhere in the region because the IDA apparently, had no strategic site which could facilitate them. Thats really how government develops a regional city, isnt it?

This debacle erupted again recently on seeing a planning application of 19th August by the international property firm CBRE for the construction of a light industrial and manufacturing facility of c.18,650.58sq.m gross floor area, comprising manufacturing and warehousing areas, with ancillary research and development, office space, exhibition areas, and staff welfare amenities at Waterford Tech Park opposite Whitfield hospital for a firm called Deise Diagnostics. I understand the name was chosen to protect the developers true identity. The application, which was very expensive and massively detailed, elicited zero comment locally from any source, political or commercial, despite being nearly two hundred thousand square feet. It was withdrawn without comment from anyone on the 13th October. Where has it gone? What happened?

The proposed new industry site was directly opposite the small Horizon pharmaceutical plant which has a terrific efficiency and technical reputation. That was also due for a massive expansion as a Biopharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Campus. That company was bought and rebranded as Amgen who have a large plant in south Dublin. They propose to close the Waterford plant and concentrate their efforts in Dublin. West Pharma has a large plant in Waterford with ample space for further development. It recently decided to expand its Dublin base with a huge extension. It was also interesting that when MSD wished to develop a new vaccine plant they chose Carlow instead of expanding from Clonmel to Waterford. What is prompting these decisions? Is it politics? Are there shortcomings or deficits that we dont know about? How long is it since Waterford has had a new capital intense IDA development? Where do we stand in the national rankings for such development notwithstanding the current variability in the US White House? SETUs SEEM report is emphatic: Within the region, growth has been uneven: Carlow and Wexford remain static; Kilkenny has seen a significant uplift (due to Abbott); and Waterford has declined, with closures such as Cartamundi. The political and commercial silence is absolutely shocking.

Unfortunately, it is hard to have great faith in our elected representatives. Our SF TDs have largely adopted the motto that it is the duty of the opposition to propose nothing and oppose everything. Our two government reps have disappeared into the woodwork. The feeling of smugness following the commencement of a surgical hub in Maypark Lane and an engineering building at SETU Cork Road is almost palpable, as if to say our job is done. Both investments and the North Quays project are pleasant to contemplate, but barely dent the long term, abysmal, investment deficit. Current planning applications or tenders to develop SETU or UHW are simply not there and in the latter case the major application to develop a new OPD on top of the main hospital which was granted planning in June 2022, now looks as if it may wither on the vine along with other proposed local developments. Waterford Airport being a case in point!

State investment is the private sectors seed capital. The absence, or delayed arrival of the former, has catastrophically and systemically undermined and impacted the latter in Waterford
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LifestyleGenderReligion Opinion Sarah, a former cancer nurse, now leads the church. No wonder men are cranky Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author October 18, 2025  2:00am

October 18, 2025  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 91 View all comments

Devastating. Sorrow. Impossible. Disappointment, anger, fears for the future. The most powerful person in the Anglican communion is, for the first time in its 1400-year history, a woman, and some people are very cranky about it. Which is a shame because its actually an astonishing moment. Dame Sarah Mullally, now the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, worked as a cancer nurse for many years before becoming a senior nurse. A nurse, leading the church. Florence Nightingale would be so delighted. Illustration by Dionne Gain Some have tutted at this  shes not a great theologian! Or a renowned preacher! Or a man, like the 105 before her! Shes a nurse who is now the ceremonial head of 85 million Anglicans in 165 countries worldwide. Its predictable that many conservatives were angered that a woman should be appointed to such a position of authority. And, whats more, a woman who has controversially supported the blessing of same-sex unions. She was disobedient! they cried.

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How do you solve a problem like Dame Sarah? The Church of Nigeria officially rejected her appointment, with Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba saying those responsible had disregarded the convictions of the majority of Anglicans [who] are unable to embrace female headship in the episcopate. The English church has had female priests since 1994, but female bishops only since 2015. The Australian Anglican Church has had female priests since 1992, allowing each individual diocese to decide for itself if it wants them, and female bishops since 2018, although some parts of the country, like Sydney, still refuse to recognise women as either priest or bishop. Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury. There are great commonalities between nursing and being a priest. AP The problem with female bishops, for those who advocate for male-only clergy, is that they ordain other people, and are senior to other male clergy. The opposition stems from: tradition, a literal (and, in my view, archaic and erroneous) interpretation of Bible passages where women are instructed to be silent and submit, and a belief that men should be the heads of women.

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There have also been vigorous Australian critics of Mullally. Bishop Peter Hayward, Commissary for the Archbishop of Sydney, said that while the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury once held a symbolic leadership role in the global Anglican Communion, orthodox Anglicans must now look to other leaders. Related Article Religion First woman appointed archbishop of Canterbury Dr Mark D. Thompson, the head of Sydneys arch-conservative training ground for priests, Moore College, wrote that the Church of Englands leadership continued its tragic slide into irrelevance with Mullallys rise. If we leave aside the provocative appointment of a woman, he wrote, which is disturbing enough in itself [to people who believe women should complement and support men], Mullallys record  demonstrates how unfit she is for this role. Could it be, though, that Mullally may mark a sign of relevance, instead, in a world where women are still fighting for basic rights, where empathy is derided as weakness and compassion as woke, leading to headlines like Loathe Thy Neighbour, which seems a pretty solid perversion of the original? Mullally once told a magazine: There are great commonalities between nursing and being a priest. Its all about people, and sitting with people during the most difficult times in their lives. Who could argue with that?

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She also says: Washing feet has shaped my Christian vocation as a nurse, then a priest, then a bishop. In the apparent chaos which surrounds us, in the midst of such profound global uncertainty, the possibility of healing lies in acts of kindness and love. At a time of pugilistic militarism, populations decimated by bombs, algorithms thrilling to snark, this is a welcome contrast, returning to Christianitys more radical roots of service. But the whole fracas has made me think about how much of the opposition to women becoming priests, or having any authority in the Anglican Church, is rooted in the argument that people must resist the influence of an ungodly world, of an ungodly feminism, of worldliness or a secular society where, I dunno, women supposedly rule. But it has always been clear that the dominant culture is, and pretty much always has been, patriarchy, a world where men dominate parliaments, courtrooms and boardrooms, along with pulpits. What is truly countercultural is pushing back on the silencing, diminishing and stifling of women because they are women. Mullallys time as Archbishop of Canterbury is likely to be difficult, dogged by rejection and criticism of her leadership, some of which may be valid. (Abuse survivors, for example, believe she has been too defensive of the institution.) But the church would be wise to support her. Lets not forget that all the while, female priests, bishops and archbishops around the world just carry on and do their work, steadfastly ignoring those who refuse to value, honour or listen to them.

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In Adelaide, the Right Rev Sophie Relf-Christopher said she delighted with millions of Christians around the world at Mullallys appointment. Related Article US politics Little fight with the wife: Trump trivialises domestic violence amid crime crackdown It may be bewildering to most people outside the church that it has taken so many hundreds of years for this natural step to occur, she said, but for those men and women inside the church seeking to address the significant problem of worldly and divisive patriarchy inside the church of God, this is a relief. The institutional church does its best work when it stands in solidarity with those with less power, and it is hard to imagine how it might continue to credibly undertake that work with men alone leading the way. In a world where theo bros of the hard right are arguing women shouldnt vote, when domestic violence is dismissed by the American president as a little fight with the wife, when kindness is slammed as feminine cliche, a female-led church can be a strong rejoinder. The first woman to be made bishop in the American Episcopal Church, Barbara Harris, was ordered to wear a bulletproof vest to her consecration in 1989. She refused, saying: I thought, if some idiot is going to shoot me, what better place to go than at an altar?

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US politics A brave bishop stumped Trump. You could call it a Bible bashing Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author The mighty Harris was an African-American civil rights leader, who regularly blasted the church for both racism and sexism. She told journalists: I certainly dont want to be one of the boys. I want to offer my peculiar gifts as a black woman ... a sensitivity and an awareness that comes out of more than a passing acquaintance with oppression. People forget that Jesus inhabited not the centre, but the margins of power. Julia Baird is an author, journalist and broadcaster.
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LifestyleHealth & wellnessHealth Theres a least bad time in your life to drink alcohol. And its not in old age David Cox October 18, 2025  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 110 View all comments

For many of us, that first furtive sip of lukewarm beer as an underage teenager is one of adolescences most transformative moments. In retirement, being able to still enjoy a glass or three of red on a regular basis is often viewed as akin to a universal human right. Yet, both of these events happen in life phases where our brains and bodies are undergoing particularly dynamic changes which make us far more susceptible to alcohols effects. Professor David Nutt, director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit at Imperial College London, says for over-65s, regular alcohol can drive elevated high blood pressure, as well as the increasing risk of stroke. Most people dont know that more people die of alcohol-induced strokes, either through hypertension or bleeding in the brain, than cirrhosis [alcoholic liver disease], he says. Alcohol is associated with a range of health problems, but there is a time in life where its impact is lessened. Getty Images/iStockphoto Many researchers say, with justification, that theres no safe time in life to consume alcohol. It is a known carcinogen, playing a causative role in seven different types of cancer, while more recent research has indicated that alcohol is capable of driving biological ageing by accelerating the degradation of telomeres  DNA sequences which cap the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres shorten with age, a biological process which drives a steady decline in the health of our cells and organs, and shorter telomeres have been linked to various age-related diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers.

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A study, by the University of Oxford, found that people who consume more than 29 units of alcohol a week (about 10 large glasses of wine) were one to two years biologically older, based on telomere length, compared with those who drink six or less units a week (about two large glasses of wine). But there are certain timeframes in our life where alcohols effects on our brain and body are particularly magnified in different ways. In the womb While alcohol in pregnancy has long been a no-no, about a tenth of pregnant women still drink, particularly in European countries. However, being exposed to alcohol in the womb can have devastating consequences for the unborn baby. Alcohol passes directly through the placenta to the developing fetus, and can have a toxic effect on developing organs, including the brain, says Louise Mewton, an associate professor at the University of Sydney.

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In particular, alcohol disrupts the brains rapid growth and formation of connections, either through directly causing the death of cells, or damaging mitochondria, the energy-producing batteries within cells which fuel brain development, raising risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder where children are born with reduced brain volume and significant cognitive impairment. Research has shown that the risk is greatest in pregnant mothers who drink heavily, consuming more than seven alcoholic drinks a week, but even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy such as a glass of wine a week, or drinking heavily on a single occasion, raises the risk of children being born with some symptoms. The best option for pregnant women is not to drink alcohol at all. iStock Years 11-19 According to Mewton, adolescents are wired to seek out prohibited substances as the brains reward-seeking system develops much faster than its impulse control network which keeps such urges in check. However, such exploration can have a negative impact on this critical period for brain development. Research has shown that underage drinking exacerbates teenagers impulsive tendencies, as alcohol impacts complex chains of brain chemicals relating to risk-taking and emotional control. Nutt says that the short-term consequences of this are seen every week in accident and emergency departments.

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Adolescents are damaged by alcohol because they get into accidents when theyre drunk, and they get into fights, he says. So many of these kids end up brain-damaged as a result of the head trauma. But premature exposure to alcohol can also have much longer-term consequences. The adolescent years are a critical time for the formation of white matter  the wiry connections which link brain areas, sometimes dubbed superhighways  shaping personality and behavioural traits heading into adulthood. Related Article Alcohol Is your drinking a problem? Four surprising signs to look out for Studies indicate that the earlier teenagers begin experimenting with alcohol, the more likely they are to form patterns of connectivity in their brains which predisposes them to keep seeking out alcohol during the rest of their lives. One of the most consistent findings is that earlier experimentation with alcohol leads to a greater likelihood of alcohol use disorders [the impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use] and other mental illnesses over the long term, says Mewton.

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Years 40-65 Fast-forwarding two decades to our late 30s or early 40s, we reach a time when were beginning to notice the first visible signs of ageing. Scientists have identified this as a period where our body composition starts to change for the worse  studies show that the loss of muscle mass which makes us more at risk of frailty in later life begins in our 30s, and particularly, our 40s. According to Anya Topiwala, a senior clinical researcher at the University of Oxford, loss of muscle volume and quality can actually be exacerbated by alcohol, preventing us building new muscle, and accelerating the breakdown of muscle we already have. Excess alcohol has negative impacts on muscle mass, she says. It inhibits muscle growth and increases fat deposition. It can also impair muscle recovery after exercise. Getting into the habit of drinking to relieve the stresses of work and family is risky. iStock

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Middle age is also a time when life stresses can accumulate, from work pressures to raising children and looking after elderly parents. Many people understandably turn to alcohol as a much-needed relaxant, but as Federica Amati, head nutritionist at ZOE, says this can precipitate a toxic cycle, not least because alcohol disrupts sleep and can actually promote anxiety over time. Its easy to fall into a negative spiral with alcohol, she says. You drink to reduce your stress and help you sleep but the next day, you feel even more stressed and tired, so when the evening finally comes, youre desperate for another drink. One of the most sinister effects of alcohol is on women going through menopause in their late 40s and early 50s, who also often turn to booze to get them through this difficult phase. For women, the negative effects of alcohol in midlife can be even more pronounced, says Amati. During menopause, women have lower levels of the enzyme that breaks alcohol down, meaning it can stay in their system for longer, thereby causing more damage. Drinking alcohol in midlife is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer, underscoring just how negatively it impacts women. Years 65+

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By the time we reach our late 60s and 70s, the bodys relationship with alcohol has become more complex. Nutt says that over-65s are more sensitive to alcohol for a variety of reasons, one being that theyre typically drinking less regularly than those 20 or 30 years younger, and so their tolerance has diminished. But alcohol can also interact with many prescription medications, speeding or slowing their clearance from the body and so altering their levels in the blood, which research has shown to be a risk-factor for falls. Nutt points out that over-65s are at a higher risk of having car accidents after drinking, even if below the limit, because theyre more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Older people get sleepier on alcohol, he says. And theres various chemical reasons for that. As the brain ages, it becomes less responsive and flexible, and the dopamine system, which gives drive and energy, seems to burn out as you get older, meaning you dont get the boost you need to keep you awake. Health professionals suggest cutting back on alcohol as we age, with more alcohol-free days. iStock

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If youve been diagnosed with hypertension, Nutt says that the first step you should do is to cut down on alcohol because it directly raises blood pressure through the actions of a hormone called noradrenaline. It also induces various biological changes to blood vessels which make strokes more likely. It also makes you more vulnerable to what we call obstructive strokes, where you get a bit of plaque in a vessel breaking off and going and blocking blood flow to the brain. And also when people have aneurysms, they bleed more if theyre regular drinkers. Finally, just as alcohol can have profound effects on the brain before birth and during adolescence, it can also drive brain impairments in our latter decades. Heavy drinkers may begin to suffer from thiamine or vitamin B1 deficiency because years of excess alcohol inflames the stomach lining and digestive tract, preventing this vitamin from being absorbed into the body from food. Because vitamin B1 is essential for healthy brain function, this deficiency can cause a serious and irreversible condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff or wet brain syndrome characterised by permanent memory loss and confusion. Related Article Health and nutrition The food and drinks you should avoid to protect bone health Even in more moderate quantities, researchers say that alcohol seems to be capable of accelerating brain ageing by hastening various natural processes which are already taking place, such as decreased size of the brains nerve cells or neurons, and a reduction in the numbers of connections between neurons.

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In later life, alcohols impact on the brain is a cause for concern, says Amati. Older adults may present with dementia-like symptoms associated with alcohol consumption. Its worth reducing or removing alcohol altogether to preserve cognitive function as we age. The best age to drink without damaging your health Alcohol is never truly risk-free, but the decade between 25 and 35 is the time when your body is at its most robust when it comes to handling the booze. When were in our mid to late 20s, our bodies are at their most metabolically flexible, in comparison to your latter decades. This means that the liver is most capable of swiftly ramping up the production of the enzymes we need to safely break down large quantities of alcohol, and safely remove some of the alcohol-related toxins from the bloodstream before they cause harm. Between the ages of 25 and 35 is the least damaging time of your life to drink alcohol. Nattakorn Maneerat/istock By 25, weve not only reached our full adult height, but also our full adult bulk as well, which is important for various reasons. Researchers have found that the comparatively leaner frames of adolescents and even young adults in their early 20s gives them a higher head-to-body ratio.

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Related Article Health Why 36 to 46 is the most important time of your life for your health These proportions mean that its easier for alcohol to move through the bloodstream and more of it ends up in the brain, potentially impacting cognitive development. This doesnt happen to the same extent once weve developed our full adult physique. By our mid to late 20, the brain has completed the complex rewiring which begins at pace during adolescence, providing us with greater control over our emotions, better decision-making and most importantly when it comes to drinking, more self-control. By this point, it means that alcohol is less likely to shape your personality and make you into a more impulsive, risk-taker, and it means youre far less susceptible to getting into scrapes or accidents as a result of drinking too much. How can you reduce your risk without going cold-turkey? Try not to drink every week

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Amati says she feels that the recommended UK limit of 14 units (one unit equals 8g of pure alcohol) a week, which is equivalent to nine small glasses of wine or seven pints, is still too much for healthy ageing. (In Australia, the recommended alcohol intake is no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any single day. A standard drink is 10g of pure alcohol.) I recommend not drinking every week, and sticking to two drinks when you do, Amati says. Spread your drinking out Researchers suggest having alcohol-free days to let your body recover, and spreading your drinking out, rather than consuming all units in a night. Drink water or soft drinks between each alcohol drink

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This is a known way of pacing yourself. To limit alcohols impact on your sleep, Amati recommends leaving a few hours between your last drink and going to sleep. Switch to lower ethanol drinks Try low-alcohol beers (around 3-5 per cent alcohol by volume), light wines and wine spritzers (diluted wines), or for spirits, lighter apertifs like aperol and vermouths, or try new non-alcoholic alternatives. The Telegraph, London Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.

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Updated NationalVictoriaProtests Melbourne has had a gutful: Two officers hospitalised, flags burnt and missiles thrown at police as opposing protesters converge in CBD Ashleigh McMillan, Sherryn Groch and Bridie Smith Updated October 19, 2025  2:03pm ,first published October 19, 2025  9:10am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Police have sharply criticised protesters in Melbournes CBD after two officers were taken to hospital and rocks, glass and rotten fruit were thrown at officers during violent scuffles. Police spent hours on Sunday afternoon trying to keep anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters apart. The counter-protesters were accused of fuelling the violence, although they disputed that claim on Sunday night. Loading A visibly frustrated Commander Wayne Cheesman said protesters had pelted police with bluestone rocks, similar to those found on railway tracks, and bottles filled with glass shards, set bins on fire and even threw a cantaloupe as tensions boiled over at the rallies on Sunday. Melbourne has had a gutful, Cheesman said moments after holding up a large rock, which he said had been thrown at police. The disruption to Melbourne, to the general public who want to come into our fine city, the disruption to businesses  we really need to find an answer of what we do. Enough is enough.

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It appals me, really. This could kill someone. Thats the bottom line. He tipped out a cardboard box filled with other rocks during a heated press conference following the protests. Commander Wayne Cheesman tips out a box of rocks that were hurled at officers. Victoria Police I show you the rocks because I think the public needs to see what the police are being targeted with, he said. Its a bad day for Victoria Police. Its a bad day for Melbourne. Its a bad day for the community.

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Rally organisers hit back via social media on Sunday night, claiming some protesters were hospitalised due to police actions. We condemn the violent acts of Victoria Police, rally organiser Yasmin said. We are appalled by the comments of police commander Wayne Cheesman who praised the far right hate march. It is not peaceful to organise a rally calling for Black and Brown people to not be allowed in this country. Police deployed violence which injured activists, with nearly five hospitalised. Police denied thousands the right to protest, while facilitating the racist, hateful demonstration March for Australia, exercising white sovereignty to defend a white Australia ideology.

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Cheesman praised March for Australia organisers for being peaceful, engaging and they did what they were told. Premier Jacinta Allan thanked police on Sunday night and said some people just want to protest for the sake of protest. While they have the right to do so in a democratic system, they have an obligation to do it peacefully, Allan said.



The moment they get violent like they did today  picking up rocks and hurling them at police  they deserve to face serious consequences.



Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Victorians would be rightly angry about the protests and demanded greater action from the government.

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This was a disgraceful attack on our police officers, he said. Being pelted with rocks and bottles isnt free speech  its criminal violence. Lord Mayor Nick Reece accused protesters of ruining the city and pledged to work with the state government to end the cycle of madness. What we are seeing on the streets of our great city is a form of civic insanity, he said. Hundreds of police were on the streets on Sunday as the crowds of opposing demonstrators, estimated at about 1000 people each, gathered at the rallies. Racist slogans were chanted at an anti-immigration protest, while Australian flags were burnt by pro-immigration counter-protesters.

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One female sergeant was taken to hospital with a suspected broken hand after being kicked by protesters, police said. A male senior constable sustained a non-life-threatening cut to the lower leg and was taken to hospital. I have a member with a nasty gash on his leg from Corio, Cheesman said.

Three other officers were hit by rocks but not injured. One 30-year-old woman from Brunswick West was arrested. Cheesman blamed dozens of demonstrators from issue-based groups on the left for the violent clashes.

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He accused some protesters of coming to the rallies to fight police, labelling them cowards who hid behind face coverings, masks and hooded jumpers. They pull the rocks out of their bags, and they throw them as hard as they can at the police, and its got to stop, he said. Protesters at Sundays March for Australia rally in Melbournes CBD. Paul Jeffers Some of them are professional protesters who certainly dont come to protest. They come to fight. He said the right-wing March for Australia rally had largely listened to police instructions and made their way peacefully through the city to the steps of parliament.

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He said some of the counter-protesters were known to police and more arrests could follow as investigations worked to establish the identities of some in the crowd. Cheesman estimated there were about 1000 protesters on both sides, but only about 50 hardcore protesters were behind much of the violence. The veteran police officer said that while he respected peoples right to protest peacefully, violent clashes at protests were draining police resources from all around the state every week. We have enough problems with the crime crisis, and Ill call it a crisis because ... we dont have enough police, he said. Our police should be out on the street. They shouldnt be here today, dealing with people who are trying to harm us.

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Police were largely successful in keeping the two groups separate, with a barricade erected on Bourke Street and riot police using flash bangs and rubber bullets to disperse counter-protesters. Medics were seen treating and bandaging the legs and chests of those who sustained suspected injuries from what eyewitnesses said were police-deployed flash bangs. Cheesman said no injuries from the devices were reported to police. He defended the use of force by police and said the level of aggression by protesters was almost on par with the violence that unfolded during ugly clashes in Melbourne outside a major weapons expo last year. We have them as an option now for every protest because we are seeing more aggressive behaviour, he said. I dont think the members should be target practice for people who want to hurt us.

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That includes Melbourne organiser white supremacist Matt Trihey, who has hosted events attended by the NSN, and headlined speeches at Sundays march. The Age identified in the crowd a number of NSN members in plain clothes, who at times led chants of white man fight back or rushed to confront counter-protesters. As Trihey spoke to the crowd, blaming immigration for soaring crime rates, chants in the distance from the anti-racism counter-protest grew louder. When counter-protesters took up a chant of no Nazis ever again on the other side of the police line, the anti-immigration crowd all but abandoned speeches on Parliament Houses steps to shout back at the approaching demonstration. The counter-protest was initially led by a procession of First Nations people who marched from Camp Sovereignty on Sunday morning.

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Hundreds of people chanted, No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here and Nazi scum off our streets as they walked along Swanston Street towards parliament. Palestinian man Basil earlier told a crowd at the State Library that anti-immigration talking points were created to divide people and the counter-protest movement needed to stick together. Those sick ideologies that see another human as less equal and with less rights simply because of their colour, their ethnicity  that ideology is the most destructive that you can face, he said. A breakaway group of counter-protesters exchanged jeers with four people holding Australian flags near the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth streets at 2.15pm.

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Counter-protesters advanced on the four men and stole one of their large Australian flags, sparking a fistfight on the steps of an office building. Three police cars arrived at the scene to disperse the men. No one was arrested. Related Article Analysis

Victorian Parliament The day a neo-Nazi ambushed the premier Rallies under the banner of Unite Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome were also held in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide on Sunday. In August, Melbournes CBD roiled with protests as anti-immigration and counter-demonstrators clashed repeatedly and a large number of police were stretched to cope with a shifting struggle that raged through the citys streets for more than four hours. In the Melbourne crowd on Sunday, One Nations Victorian director Warren Pickering told this masthead that politicians hadnt been allowed to speak at the marches.

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Pickering said he had not attended the first march in August because neo-Nazis were involved, but this time he was hopeful the rally was more about the key issue of immigration. We do need to be careful, the stigma associated with One Nation has been a problem for a lot of years, Pickering said. Asked about the known neo-Nazis calling out racist chants on Sunday, Pickering said: I dont actually know any of these guys. On August 31, after the March for Australia rally, a group of men, including neo-Nazis, attacked the standing First Nations protest site, Camp Sovereignty, in Melbournes Kings Domain. Two days later, Premier Jacinta Allan was forced to cut a press conference short when neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell gatecrashed the event.

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Chatlogs and footage obtained by this masthead has previously revealed how neo-Nazi leadership used far-right influencers to sell the March for Australia rallies as a spontaneous groundswell of everyday Australians, while they stacked crowds with plain-clothed neo-Nazis and sent key members to other states to headline rallies. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaEmergency services Millions were spent on a back-up Triple Zero system that could have kicked in this week. It was quietly shelved Aisha Dow and Clay Lucas October 19, 2025  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

A plan to build a back-up system that could have been deployed during this weeks Triple Zero technology outage was quietly scrapped, costing Victorian taxpayers millions. At the same time, a much-vaunted replacement system has been delayed, according to internal documents, unions and insiders. Some Triple Zero Victoria staff are alarmed they will face an extra fire season relying on unstable and overloaded technology prone to crashes and regular glitches. Current and former Triple Zero Victoria staff say they have no confidence the service will weather a future surge in demand caused by unexpected emergencies. Glenn Rudolph On Wednesday morning this week, a simple power outage caused the agencys computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to crash for more than three hours, forcing call takers and dispatchers to use handwritten job cards to co-ordinate responses and delaying responses to emergency calls. An issue with the battery, its taken everything out, said one call taker, who described the scene that unfolded shortly after midnight in the Burwood East centre.

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Everything went down  even the lights went out [because] there was no power to run everything, said the staff member, who was not authorised to speak publicly. Related Article Emergency services Triple Zero dispatchers forced to use pen and paper during hours-long outage And because our [system] went down  and we have the main [computer] servers  it overloaded the others and took them out as well in the CAD system. For several years, there was a plan to build an alternative failover system that could have been deployed in instances when the main CAD fails. In early 2021, at the height of COVID, work began on an alternate CAD, set to act as a back-up or redundancy during unplanned outages. It was meant to be rolled out last year.

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Instead, it was shelved, wasting $5.3 million in taxpayer funds. The project was dumped because the alternate CAD software was unviable, according to a summary on the Victorian government IT dashboard. Triple Zero Victoria provided a different explanation: most of the works were successfully completed, but some components were discontinued because they would be superseded by a new CAD project. Well before Wednesdays CAD outage, staff were raising grave concerns about the geriatric technology system underpinning emergency call taking in Victoria. The old CAD is due to be replaced, and work is under way on the Next Generation CAD project.

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Triple Zero Victoria insists the work is on track, within budget, and its delivery timeframes have not changed. Related Article Exclusive

Emergency services Four years ago, Victorias Triple Zero collapsed. Now its cutting jobs for budget repair But unions and staff members say the planned rollout has been delayed at least six months. And a leaked presentation indicates the new CAD was scheduled to be deployed in October next year. A recent memo to staff says a new refined  project schedule was conditionally endorsed last month, pushing the transition to the new system to mid 2027. The project has been worded quite cleverly so that its still on track, but they have informed AV [Ambulance Victoria] that there will be a six-month delay, said Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill.

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Hill said he had also been advised that recent redundancies at Triple Zero Victoria had affected the team working on the Next Generation CAD, and the training staff who would have been pivotal in rolling out the system. It would seem to me quite counterintuitive, he said. According to Triple Zero Victoria, no operational training staff dedicated to the Next Generation CAD digital transformation program have been made redundant. Concerns over the rollout of the new system coincided with support for leaders falling below that recorded around the time of catastrophic call answering delays during the pandemic. In August, in an email to staff referencing her organisations People Matters survey  a staff questionnaire Victorian public service departments complete  then-chief executive Debra Abbott wrote perceptions of senior leaders have declined to levels below what was seen in 2022. Thirty-three people died following Triple Zero delays or lengthy ambulance waits in 2021 and 2022. Most ambulance calls should be answered within five seconds; instead, people waited up to 76 minutes. A review found that the service had not been adequately funded by the state government to meet the forecast surge in demand.

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Recently, the agency has received WorkSafe provisional improvement notices over unresolved workplace health and safety issues. One of the notices related to a failure to train staff on what advice to give callers trapped in a burning building  an issue Triple Zero Victoria now says its working on with an agency partner. Related Article For subscribers Behind the scenes: Aisha Dow on The Ages triple-zero investigation Call takers have two options. They can either just say to someone, OK, good luck and hang up the phone, or they could try and fumble their way through giving some sort of advice that theyre not trained to give, said one Triple Zero call taker who is not authorised to speak publicly. At the end of this month, Triple Zero will also appear at the Fair Work Commission over a dispute with the Communication Workers Union (CWU), to settle a squabble over whether staff must wear uniforms on Friday and Saturday nights or are permitted to wear casual clothing. After the union launched action at the Fair Work Commission to force Triple Zero to allow members to dress casually on weekend nights, the agency hired law firm Landers & Rogers to fight back.

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CWU assistant secretary John Ellery said he was concerned that the agency was wasting Victorian taxpayers money on external lawyers to overturn the longstanding practice, instead of focusing on providing a proper service to Victorians. Asked about the cost and nature of the dispute, Triple Zero Victoria said the agency had not launched the proceedings, and that because it was the subject of an upcoming hearing it would be inappropriate to comment further. Related Article Opinion

Emergency services I hear him screaming her name: Triple-0 worker recalls shift that broke her This weeks CAD blackout caused minutes-long delays for some Victorians trying to call for an ambulance or police. Triple Zero Victoria has yet to provide details on how long callers waited to get through, as the agency says data is not yet available.

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Triple Zero calls from the community continued to be taken throughout the incident, and emergency responders continued to be dispatched, a Triple Zero Victoria spokeswoman said. Its not just during the high-profile crashes that the CAD system proves unreliable, said Hill, from the ambulance union. There are regular glitches, or it freezes, or there might be a function that doesnt work effectively. I found out just the other day that there was a period of time a couple of weeks back, where they [the dispatchers] couldnt right-click if they hovered over an ambulance. One senior Triple Zero Victoria staff member described the current CAD as like the unstable building block game Jenga. Its been put together over 30 years. Different bits and pieces have been pulled out and put in. So its very unstable.

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United Firefighters Union state secretary Peter Marshall said emergency services workers need systems that work. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Sunday accused Congress of supporting those who hail Pakistan, and oppose those who say Bharat Mata ki Jai. Ashoka's comments come amid the Karnataka government denying permission for a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary march in Chittapur, citing concerns over law and order. The local authorities cited concerns over maintaining law and order in the region as the reason for denying permission. Continuing his criticism, the BJP leader claimed that the BJP never banned Friday namaz prayers despite people blocking the roads, but the Congress-led state government is banning the RSS march. "Every Friday in Bengaluru's markets, people perform Namaz and block the roads. When the BJP government was in power, it never banned that. But if the RSS goes out for a path sanchalan (route march), they do not allow it. The RSS conducts path sanchalan only after obtaining permission. All BJP leaders' children definitely go to the RSS. In that case, have the children of Congress leaders been involved in any struggle? In which Dalit organisation's struggles have the leaders' children participated?" he questioned. He further claimed that the actions taken against the RSS will backfire on the Congress in the future. "We have never imposed restrictions on any organisation's programs. Similarly, the Congress should also behave. They should first understand what the RSS's activities are", he said. Criticising the inaction over repairing roads of Bengaluru, the assembly's LoP said, "The BJP government provided Rs 7-8 thousand crore to BBMP. Even now, road repairs are being done with the same funds. Not a single project has been implemented in the current government. The government has come to a situation where it has to beg. The people of Bengaluru have to asphalt their own roads ahead." The BJP-led government repaid the Rs 15,000 crore loan made by the previous Congress, he said. "Let CM Siddaramaiah answer this, too. Rs 33 thousand crore has to be paid to contractors; even to give that much money, there is no money in the treasury", he claimed. Earlier today, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged that the RSS had been quiet for a long time and suddenly requested permission for the march after he received abusive calls and death threats from their goons. "You should ask the RSS about the timing of the march. They kept quiet for so long, and suddenly, when I got abusive calls and death threats from their goons, they wanted to prove a point and do the march there themselves... If you're going to abuse a public representative, other people and organisations will also be encouraged or emboldened to do the same. It's my duty to ensure that nothing untoward happens...," he told ANI. Kharge represents the Chittapur constituency, where the RSS wants to hold the march. The Karnataka High Court directed the RSS to file a fresh petition on the issue after the organisation asked the march to be shifted on November 2. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on October 24. (ANI)
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NationalForeign relations Opinion What do Americans really think about Australia? What I found raises a big problem Melanie La'Brooy Writer October 19, 2025  10:27am

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Every new political poll usually achieves one of two outcomes. Sometimes it confirms something I already knew, such as recent polling which shows that leading a political party while being sabotaged is hard. Or it leaves me with the disturbing feeling that if this is the answer, then the wrong question is being asked, as with the poll that revealed the sexiest male UK politician is  Nigel Farage. The publication this week of a poll by the United States Study Centre combined both of these trends. By providing Australian perspectives on the Trump 2.0 administration and our alliance with the US, it confirmed things I knew, while leaving me with the unsettling feeling that these are not the most pressing questions that need to be answered. Robert Irwin, pictured from a Bonds US advertising campaign, would have his work cut out trying to explain Australian values to MAGA Americans. The poll of more than 1000 Australians provided a snapshot into our current state of confusion and anxiety regarding the US alliance. Consider the following contradictory findings: Nearly a third of Australians now believe the US alliance makes us less secure. This figure has almost doubled since the 2024 poll. However, only 17 per cent believe that we should end our alliance with the US, a figure that has dropped from 26 per cent since 2024. So almost a year into the second Trump administration, Australians are now stronger in their support of an alliance that they believe makes us less secure. The confusion continues. While 47 per cent believe Australia needs the US alliance more than ever, 30 per cent agree with the statement that the US is a danger to Australia. Meanwhile, 73 per cent are worried about the future of US democracy. These figures reveal the source of tension in todays Australia-US relationship: in a divided America, who exactly are we in an alliance with now? Is it the millions of Americans who marched in the nationwide No Kings protests on Sunday or is it the Americans who referred to them as Hate America rallies?

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Australias security pivot towards the US was announced in 1941 by prime minister John Curtin. In The Task Ahead speech, Curtin said: Without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it quite clear that Australia looks to America. Cut to 2025 and Australia is still looking to America, only now with the same petrified inhibitions of a world leader trapped in a televised Trump ambush in the Oval Office. (Best of luck, Albo.) Our alliance with the US was forged on the basis of mutual goals and shared values that are now sharply diverging. The Trump administration has withdrawn from the Human Rights Council, The World Health Organisation and the Paris Climate Agreement, all of which Australia supports. The US retreat from democratic norms continues at a blistering pace, with attacks on press freedom, pressure campaigns on the US Justice Department to prosecute Trumps political opponents and the sending of troops into Democrat-led cities. The Australia-US relationship has been strong since World War II, but is facing new strains. Getty Images What all of this means for our alliance is unclear but we know that Pentagon chief, Pete Hegseth, has repeatedly stated that the American left should be treated like foreign combatants. In his 2020 book, American Crusade, Hegseth wrote of the need to mock, humiliate, intimidate, and crush our leftist opponents. An overwhelming majority of the Australian electorate voted resoundingly in the last federal election to reject Trumpism and maintain Australias status as a socially progressive, left-leaning country that supports a rules-based international order. At this critical juncture for the alliance, finding out whether the Pentagon chief views our country as an ideological enemy in need of crushing might prove a more useful data point than canvassing Australian views on US tariffs. Perhaps the next time Australia hands over a billion-dollar, non-refundable AUKUS cheque to Hegseth, someone could ask him. The essential question we should therefore be asking is not what we think of the US, but what they think of us. There is no easy way to answer this, given the dearth of polls canvassing American opinions on Australia, so I turned to the comments sections of recent Australian content stories on major US news websites.

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Trump diplomacy Trumps ridiculous war on names has taken a deadly turn Melanie La'Brooy Writer At the Washington Post, there are more than 500 comments in response to a report this week that Australia had denied a visa to right-wing influencer, Candace Owens, who had intended to conduct a speaking tour in Australia. Despite the fundamental American belief in the right to free speech, the vast majority of comments were supportive of Australias stance. Turning to Fox News, I read an article about the booing of the American national anthem at a wrestling event in Perth last week. This report garnered over 800 comments. The overwhelming majority were hostile to Australia with the most common sentiment being Cut Australia off from US military assistance and throw them to China, only expressed in less polite terms. Similarly, a September Fox News report into Australias joint decision with the UK and Canada to recognise a Palestinian state elicited over 3000, predominantly furious, comments. Australian tourism ambassador to the US, Robert Irwin, might want to consider taking a taipan or two for protection, if hes on the promotional trail in Trump heartland. Australias censoring of a MAGA darling, the booing of the American national anthem at a sports event and Australia refusing to fall into line with one aspect of US foreign policy might not seem like critical threats to the alliance. But they are, arguably, early warning signs; flashpoints indicating that Australia is on an ideological collision course with the MAGA agenda. Likely areas of future discord include climate change, human rights, trade and how intelligence gathered from joint facilities such as Pine Gap will be deployed. Twenty-one years ago, Australian foreign correspondent and diplomat, Bruce Grant, wrote a book, Fatal Attraction: Reflections on the Alliance with the United States, which contained the following prescient observation: The United States does not regard itself as another nation-state in a global system. It regards itself as a model to be followed.

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If Grant was right, perhaps that unsettling feeling that the wrong questions are being asked is because the answers we most urgently need arent about the US at all. We may no longer recognise our long-time ally but its imperative that we start asking ourselves the hard questions, without following Trumps America blindly, before we no longer recognise ourselves. Related Article Opinion

Trump's White House In naming the heir to his throne, Trump is setting up MAGA to fail Melanie La'Brooy Writer Melanie LaBrooy is an award-winning novelist who has lived in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and writes on politics and social justice issues. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
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PoliticsFederalSocial media Opinion As the world watches, Australia stands up for childhood Peter Hartcher Political and international editor October 18, 2025  2:00am

October 18, 2025  2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 327 View all comments

Australia won a potent victory this week as it pioneered its most important piece of social policy reform in at least a generation. The forthcoming age restrictions on social media have inspired many countries to follow. Just as the social media corporations feared. The industry has damaged a generation of children. Knowingly. Profitably. And wants to keep at it. Australia stood up. Illustration by Simon Letch We figure we are trying to save our kids generation, says the minister responsible for implementing the ban on under-16s, Anika Wells, mother of three. But parents say to me, Im worried that my kids are already cooked. The whole world erred in offering our childrens unprotected minds as a free resource for manipulative multinationals to plunder for profit. But civilisation is starting to assert itself over exploitation. Thank you to the people of Australia for your leadership on this issue, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said last month on a stage she shared with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in New York.

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And while the idea began with the Labor government of Peter Malinauskas in South Australia before being embraced by the federal Labor government and legislated last year, it is also supported by the Coalition. So its truly an Australian national initiative, not a partisan one. It inspired others, including von der Leyen, to follow. It is for parents to raise our children and not for algorithms, she said. The platforms, of course, insisted that it was impossible. But Australias persistence has now demolished that defence, as this week showed. This bold decision is an example of what middle powers, but determined countries can do, von der Leyen said. On stage with von der Leyen and Albanese was an Australian mum from the Central West NSW town of Bathurst. The federal government invited Emma Mason to speak to the assembled leaders and officials and media to put a human face on the social suffering inflicted by social media. Anika Wells: Parents say to me, Im worried that my kids are already cooked. Getty Images She spoke of the suicide of her 15-year-old daughter, Tilly: This was death by bullying but it was enabled by social media, said Emma. Since Tilly died, Ive had the privilege of meeting so many parents like me because there were so many Tillys in the community. There are Maxs, Ollys, Livs, Charlottes, Siennas, Allans. These are real Australian children who have died by suicide  and social media was to blame. So now I ask you to hold my Tilly and all the lost children in your hearts and do what you can to change the narrative across our world for Tillys sake because how many more Tillys must die?

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Who could fail to be moved? The handful of corporations that profit from the trade, each of which has a market capitalisation of a trillion US dollars or more, of course. Related Video Video icon 2:17 Aussie Mum speaks at UN hoping to take the under-16 social media ban global Communications Minister Anika Wells is exasperated with their inertia. In a series of meetings in Canberra this week with each of the big platforms separately, her frustration was on display. The harms being experienced by Australian teenagers online are manifest and evidence-based, and youve had 10 years and done nothing, Wells relates to me by way of illustration. You have had 12 months notice and now we are two months out. And theyre pleading for exemptions and offering half-measures. The accounts of under-16s in Australia are to be deactivated by December 10. It will be a seismic event for most Australian teenagers under the age limit. But the half-measures on offer this week have only hardened Wells determination. The news, as reported by the Australian Financial Reviews Sam Buckingham-Jones: Two of the worlds biggest tech companies, Meta and Google, have announced new safety features for teenagers on Instagram and YouTube, less than two months before Australias world-first social media ban for people under 16 comes into effect. These companies intend to apply the changes worldwide.

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Wells says that of course, we appreciate the improvements theyve made this week but to me, it demonstrates that they were entirely capable of making their platforms safer all along; theyre only doing this now because theyre facing our ban. Their changes dont meet our policy imperative. I am absolutely unyielding on this. The changes announced by Meta and Google vindicate the governments insistence, and the eSafety Commissions findings, that the age restriction is technologically feasible. This is an important win for Australias case. The only thing lacking is corporate will. The Australian solution will change the incentives for them by applying $50 million fines for systemic failures. To ignore the looming mountain of evidence at this point would be a failure at least as monumental as the Catholic Churchs wilful refusal to confront its crisis of child sexual abuse. The church was guilty of covering up repugnant crimes, said Pope Francis, as were other churches. On Friday, a Vatican commission released a report finding that the church was failing still to support and recompense victims. One of the earlier witnesses for the prosecution of social media companies was Frances Haugen, the Facebook employee who exposed thousands of pages of the companys secret, internal super tragic research, as she called it.

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Among many damning disclosures was that Instagram harms teenage girls and just kept doing it, as Haugen said. One internal study found that 13.5 per cent of teen girls said that Instagram made their suicidal thoughts worse, and 17 per cent said it aggravated their eating disorders. Related Article Social media Frances Haugen blew the whistle on Facebook two years ago. This is what happened next They get more and more depressed, said Haugen. And it actually makes them use the app more. And so, they end up in this feedback cycle where they hate their bodies more and more. And the book The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt last year laid out irrefutably the accelerated mental health epidemic created by the corporations. He listed the four major harms of a phone-based childhood as social isolation, sleep deprivation, fragmented attention and addiction. Wells says the ban, and responses to it, will be fast-moving and wont be perfect, but that it will create cultural change  instead of everyones on TikTok so you must be on TikTok, itll be everyones off TikTok and finding new ways to interact with each other, as people did for generations. Its like the seatbelt law, the ban on under-18s drinking alcohol, its where cultural change comes from.

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A brace of European nations, and a swag of US states, are following with a range of experiments and efforts to achieve something similar. Its been a long time since Australia pioneered such profoundly important social policy. Together with New Zealand, Australia had an early history of leading the world on democratic innovation. As we should. Few Australians realise that we were the first country in history to vote itself into existence. That happened when the people voted in state-based referendums to endorse the proposal to join together to create the federation we formed in 1901. Among early path-breaking reforms were the enfranchisement of women. New Zealand was first to allow women the vote, in 1893, and South Australia followed the year after. At the same time, SA became the first jurisdiction to allow women to stand for parliament. The secret ballot was known worldwide as the Australian ballot when Victoria and SA became the first to implement the concept in 1856. These decades were the Australian spring. More recently, the Hawke government invented a clever scheme to make sure that no one was denied entry to university because of a lack of money. It was HECS, now HELP. The Gillard government, with the support of the Abbott opposition, introduced the NDIS.

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But while these were both world-leading in the specifics of their design, they were iterations of much older ideas for the subsidisation of students and support of the disabled. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant: The harms AI could unleash may be irreversible and much more catastrophic. Alex Ellinghausen On the other hand, decisive regulation of social media is revolutionary, not evolutionary. Its qualitatively more akin to the enfranchisement of women; this is the enfranchisement of childhood. The social media corporations havent given up. Theyve been busy lobbying the Trump administration to confront Albanese to scrap the age ban. Trump has said in the past that hell be very tough on any country that tries to restrict the freedom of US platforms. If the president chooses to challenge the Australian prime minister on this policy in their White House meeting next week, Albanese will not take a backward step. But Trump would be making him a national hero.

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This is not the final word, however, in the recovery of civilised treatment of our children. The fast-forming frontier is AI. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says: Im very concerned that the AI industry is not learning the lessons of the social media era of moving fast and breaking things. And the harms AI could unleash may be irreversible and much more catastrophic. The work of responsible government is never finished. Peter Hartcher is political editor. Lifeline 13 11 14
Brendan Cauchi was looking for a rental property in Melbournes west, but it felt like a bidding war.

Its advertised for $420. If you give us $490 a week and give us three months rent upfront, the house is yours, youll jump the queue. Yeah, thats what one real estate [agent] said to us, he recalls. I said to my partner, Look Im not comfortable with this.

Brendan Cauchi moved homes after his last property cost top dollar. Credit: Jason South

The now 37-year-old building industry site manager is not alone in finding Melbournes pricey rental market a challenge. Only a fraction of Melbournes rental listings are affordable to essential workers, an Anglicare Australia report has found.

A school teacher would have the most options, and could afford 1.3 per cent of rental properties listed in Greater Melbourne, the Rental Affordability Snapshot Essential Workers Report 2025, released on Thursday, found.
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Exclusive WorldEuropeDefence Europe steps up plan for defence pact with Australia David Crowe October 19, 2025  1:55pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Key points Australia has stepped up talks with the European Union on a defence pact to counter threats from Russia and China.

The partnership, proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in May, aims to build up military power on both sides.

It would not be a formal military alliance, instead focusing on co-operation against shared hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and terrorism.

London: Australia has stepped up talks with the European Union on a defence pact that aims to counter threats and build up military power on both sides amid rising concerns about Russia and China. Australian officials have been sent to Europe to discuss the terms of the partnership and clear the way for closer work on threats ranging from terrorism to drones, cyberattacks and direct military force. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put the idea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a meeting in May, and the two leaders confirmed the plans when they met again at the G7 summit in Canada in June. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right) and European Council President Antonio Costa at the G7 in June. Alex Ellinghausen But the security and defence partnership will not be a formal alliance that commits either side to military action, say those involved in the discussions. Instead, the agreement would mean both sides working together to prepare for common threats.

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The security talks are separate from a long negotiation with the EU on a free-trade agreement, but could help smooth the way for a final trade deal by the end of this year. Related Article Exclusive

AUKUS We will get there: Nuclear company key to submarine plans rejects AUKUS doubts Crucially for Australian defence companies, the partnership is an essential step before a country can take part in an EU military spending boost worth 150 billion ($270 billion) and known as SAFE, for Security Action for Europe. European and Australian leaders are emphasising the strategic goal of the partnership more than the procurement benefits, however, because both sides face similar threats from hybrid warfare such as cyber. Von der Leyen sealed similar agreements with Japan and South Korea last year and added deals with the United Kingdom and Canada this year, highlighting the European push for greater co-operation with liberal democracies.

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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hailed the UK partnership in May as a new model for international agreements. The terms of the partnerships include working together on maritime security, freedom of navigation, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, foreign interference, counterterrorism and international peacekeeping. Loading With Japan, for instance, the EU partnership has led to defence industry co-operation despite strong competition between the two sides in areas such as shipbuilding. Australia awarded a $10 billion contract to Japanese company Mitsubishi in August for three new frigates, rejecting Germany company TKMS. European Australian Business Council chairman Duncan Lewis said the two sides of the proposed agreement shared the same values and should be working together to deal with strategic uncertainty in the world.

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The EU has concluded that the Asia-Pacific region is inextricably linked to global security and therefore their own security and safety, said Lewis, a former ASIO chief and Australian ambassador to the EU and NATO. We have much to gain from a strategic and defence partnership with the EU, including access to co-operative defence procurement and technical development opportunities. Related Article Opinion

Defence and national security Why Europe needs a defence deal with Australia  and why we need it, too George Brandis Former high commissioner to the UK and federal attorney-general Australian defence industry, the Australian Defence Force and our nations security preparedness would benefit from a quick but well-negotiated SDP [security and defence partnership]. Behind the defence push is a growing belief in the EU that security in Europe is linked to the Asia-Pacific because of the no-limits partnership struck by Russian President Vladimir Putin with Chinese President Xi Jinping three weeks before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Chinese companies are making motors and electronics for drones based on Iranian designs and manufactured by Russia, sometimes using munitions from North Korea. Russia has scaled up daily manufacturing to the point where it can launch hundreds of drones against Ukraine in a single night. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles framed the partnership as a way to tighten the connections between Europe and Asia. Related Article Opinion

International affairs China and Russia are winning the hybrid war. Sadly, the West hasnt noticed Peter Hartcher Political and international editor While our regions are geographically distant, security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific is increasingly interconnected, a spokesperson for Marles said. A security and defence partnership will strengthen our collaboration on shared security challenges, enhance strategic dialogue, and create new opportunities for joint defence procurement.

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A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the partnership would provide a framework for co-operation in areas such as defence industry, cyber and counterterrorism. Griffith University associate professor Matthew Sussex noted in June that the partnership did not need to be a complex and granular accord to work for both sides because the objective was to build on the agreement over time. The threats we face, our political and normative alignment, and our preference for free and liberal trade are all shared, he wrote in an analysis for the Lowy Institute. And while it will not magically smooth the complex and fraught security order we must navigate, it would be a missed opportunity if we did not try to chart that course together. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
Avoiding a Zelensky moment or the humiliation of South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa will be a top priority for the prime minister as he walks into the White House this week.

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Washington: Kim Beazley, the former Labor leader, defence minister and ambassador to the US, urged Anthony Albanese not to rush to secure a meeting with US President Donald Trump, at least until the fate of AUKUS was known. But if they invite you, you have to go, Beazley says. They obviously felt bad about it, he said of the failed attempts for the two men to meet. Albanese arrives in Washington with the AUKUS defence pact still under a cloud but confident the $368 billion agreement will proceed as planned. He also comes armed with a goodie bag of critical minerals, new defence spending and superannuation money intended to satiate the US presidents desires. What have we got to offer? Shitloads, says Beazley. This is Albaneses seventh trip to the US as prime minister, and his sixth interaction with Trump  if you count last months handshake and selfie at the United Nations in New York. The wait for a face-to-face encounter  and the pure politics of Albanese being of the centre-left and Trump a right-wing Republican  has brewed a narrative from some commentators (and the opposition) that Australia is on the back foot, losing favour in Washington and fearful of what might transpire in the Oval Office. Loading

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Beazley says thats wrong. I dont think hes scared about meeting Trump at all, he says. Albo is a developed Albo. Hes been there now quite a while. Hes very self-confident. Nonetheless, there have been nerves in Washington this week that exceed the usual level of carefulness from Australias embassy and its ambassador, former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd. On Thursday, Rudd hosted a full-day AUKUS summit at the embassy, with a packed speakers list that included Rudd, five members of the US Congress, Australias Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, Defence Department secretary Greg Moriarty and British Prime Minister Keir Starmers special adviser on AUKUS, Steven Lovegrove, among many others. Presented by the American Australian Association, the summit and its entire agenda were advertised online. But unlike the equivalent event last year  which was not held at the embassy  the media was not allowed inside, not even for the keynote addresses. US sources indicated they were disappointed by that. Kevin Rudd, Australias ambassador to the US, on stage at the Institute of International Finance in Washington this week. Bloomberg Journalists were likewise not permitted at another event Conroy attended with defence industry figures and members of Congress the previous evening. And Australian media were not told Rudd would be speaking on stage at the Institute of International Finances annual conference in Washington. Conroy and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who was visiting for a financial summit, did hold press conferences while in town. And it is common for the embassy to hold private functions. But the degree of secrecy regarding events in Washington this week has frustrated Australian correspondents in the lead-up to the prime ministers meeting with Trump.

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Publicly, the government is projecting confidence about the encounter. It is convinced the AUKUS defence pact will survive Trumps America First review, and knows it has a compelling offer to make on critical minerals at a time when the US is desperate to find alternative suppliers to China. Privately, though, some are anxious about what could happen when Albanese comes face to face with the highly transactional, notoriously impulsive Trump. Avoiding a Zelensky moment, or the humiliation of South Africas Cyril Ramaphosa, is a top priority. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump during their heated Oval Office meeting in February. Bloomberg Trump shows South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stories about white farmers who were victims of crime. AP Anthony Albanese would like to have a meeting that affirms the importance of the alliance, and get out of the Oval Office without any fireworks, says Charles Edel, Australia chair at the bipartisan Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. Thats clearly what everyones gunning for. But thats not guaranteed, Edel says, noting Trump has happily bullied his close ally and neighbour, Canada. I think that we can say that Donald Trump has, generally speaking, a warm set of feelings toward Australia  he generally thinks of Australia as a good ally. That doesnt necessarily translate into his desire to have a positive meeting no matter what.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meets Trump in the Oval Office in May. AP On the sensitive topic of defence spending, Albanese can make the case that Australia is already lifting expenditure and making key investments that benefit the US, including $12 billion for the Henderson shipyard and this weeks announcement about co-production of guided missiles. But will that be enough for Trump, who likes to talk about the headline figure of defence spending as a share of gross domestic product? The US has been forthright that it wants Australia to increase expenditure to 3.5 per cent from 2 per cent (or 2.8 per cent, Conroy says, if using a NATO formula to measure it). [Albanese] has been pretty consistent in saying he doesnt think GDP is a useful metric, Edel says. That is not, however, how the Trump administration talks about things. Thats not what Trump and [Secretary of War] Pete Hegseth have discussed in terms of what theyre looking for allies to contribute. Its unclear if that will be sufficient. Beazley, who says he has advised Albanese about how to talk to Trump about critical minerals, said Australia should count its billions of dollars in investments and subsidies for critical minerals as defence spending. If we do that, he said, we look totally different in terms of spending as a share of GDP. Kim Beazley, now the chairman of the Australian War Memorial, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in February. Alex Ellinghausen Albaneses task, says Beazley, is to get the Americans to concentrate on Australia  rather than, say, Greenland  as a potential and indeed preferred source of critical minerals. Australias strength lies not just in having three dozen of the 50 critical minerals the US needs, but in being able to mine them, process them and supply them fairly and reliably.

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Theres nothing less rare than rare earths, Beazley says. If you went out in my backyard with a shovel, youd probably find some. They pop up everywhere. What we need to start to practise is statecraft ... The Western world doesnt do it any more. We basically let the market take care. The market is not necessarily good strategically. Related Article Exclusive

Critical minerals Australian miners would link with Department of War in Albanese-Trump deal Even though Albanese and Trump have had four productive and by all accounts friendly phone calls, Australias friends in Washington are relieved the face-to-face meeting is finally happening. They know Trump is an old-school businessman who likes to meet people in the flesh, look them in the eye and make a judgment. Trump can be contradictory. He loves flattery and to be credited for his successes. But he abhors weakness in other leaders. It is clear that Albanese would be best served by an assertive, rather than sycophantic, approach. A week ago in Egypt, Trump made this clear when praising Turkeys hardline right-wing leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I like the tough people better than I like the soft, easy ones, he said. I dont know what the hell it is, its a personality problem, I suspect. Republican congressman Michael McCaul, who co-chairs the Friends of Australia Caucus in Congress and sits on the House foreign relations committee, says he was encouraged that Trump was meeting Albanese and hoped they would discuss ways to make AUKUS strong, successful and enduring.

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The Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 was successfully organised in Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve by the Assam Bird Monitoring Network (ABMN) in collaboration with the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve Authority. The event occurred on October 18, and aimed to promote bird monitoring, raise conservation awareness, and encourage participation among local communities, with a special focus on engaging women forest staff and the younger generation. Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, said that a total of 63 participants, including bird enthusiasts, students, researchers, and forest officials, took part in the count. "Bird surveys were conducted across five key locations - Panbari Range (coordinated by Rofikul Islam), Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (Samarjit Ojah and Neeraj Borah), Panpur under Biswanath Wildlife Division (Dr. Ranjit Kakati), Gamiri Range under Biswanath Wildlife Division (Rahul Sarmah), and Agoratoli Range (Dadul Gogoi). A notable feature of this year's event was the active participation of female forest staff in Laokhowa and Panbari, marking the first joint initiative by ABMN and Kaziranga to promote women's involvement in wildlife conservation," Dr Sonali Ghosh said. She further said that the collective survey recorded a total of 146 bird species and 1,919 individual birds, with Agoratoli recording the highest diversity at 89 species, followed by Gamiri and Panbari with 59 species each, Panpur with 55 species, and Laokhowa with 37 species. "Among the recorded species, two were endangered (Swamp Grass Babbler and Pallas's Fish Eagle), six were vulnerable (River Tern, Greater Spotted Eagle, Slender-billed Babbler, Lesser Adjutant, Great Hornbill, and Swamp Francolin), six were near threatened (woolly-necked stork, northern lapwing, blossom-headed parakeet, grey-headed fish eagle, spot-billed pelican, and river lapwing), while 132 species were of least concern," Dr Sonali Ghosh said. The Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve further said that the survey documented several important resident and migratory birds, including blue-eared barbet, bluethroat, grey-headed fish eagle, grey-headed lapwing, grey-headed woodpecker, great hornbill, greater racket-tailed drongo, Indian spot-billed duck, jerdon's baza, lesser adjutant, northern lapwing, ruby-cheeked sunbird, swamp francolin, taiga flycatcher, swamp grass babbler, chestnut-capped babbler, slender-billed babbler, pallas's fish eagle, spot-billed pelican, greater spotted eagle, woolly-necked stork, and blue-naped pitta. "The presence of species such as the Swamp Grass Babbler, an endangered and habitat-specific bird, along with raptors like Pallas's Fish Eagle and Greater Spotted Eagle, highlights Kaziranga's ecological importance for both resident and migratory species. The Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 served as a significant citizen science initiative, promoting inclusive, community-based conservation. The active participation of students, youth, birders, and especially women forest staff demonstrates a growing commitment to wildlife conservation in Assam. The findings will contribute to long-term monitoring of bird populations and enhance understanding of habitat health in the Kaziranga landscape," Dr Sonali Ghosh said. The Assam Bird Monitoring Network extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, coordinators, and the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve Authority for their support and also expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr Sonali Ghosh, Director, Kaziranga National Park, for her encouragement and unwavering support, which was instrumental in making the Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 a success. (ANI)
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The drone revolution, which began during the current war in Ukraine, has forced armies and air forces to rethink how they operate and adapt to dealing with thousands of cheap drones rather than traditional weapons like artillery and tanks. Ukraine defeated and largely destroyed the Russian Black Sea fleet with a few anti-ship missiles and hundreds of aerial and naval drones. Ukraine never had a navy, other than some patrol boats, but using drones, they defeated Russian naval forces that had long dominated the Black Sea and blockaded Ukrainian ports that handled the export of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products, as well as vital imports.

Most of the actual fighting was done by Ukrainians operating drones, especially First Person View, or FPV, drones. The drone operator uses a headset that enables them to see what the drones video camera sees. The larger naval drones sometimes had a wireless connection to a land-based operator, but these drones were also equipped to operate autonomously if the wireless links with the operator were disrupted.

Noting the Ukrainian experience, navies, especially the U.S. Navy and the Marines transported by the Navy, began to experiment with drones and experience how decision-making shifted to drone operators, who must make decisions quickly and cannot rely on a hierarchy of superiors to manage everything they do. The Ukrainian experience demonstrated that you train drone operators and then turn them loose in the combat zone.

This new form of warfare does not change the need for large naval task forces able to move thousands of kilometers to the combat zone quickly. Drones have had little impact on ship-to-ship warfare but have revolutionized operations in coastal or riverine environments inland. This is where drones dominate operations, and commanders depend on the skills of their drone operators and the capabilities of the latest drone models. The Ukrainian war has demonstrated that technical improvements in drones happen frequently, and many of those changes are in response to some new tactic or technology the enemy is using.

Navies must consider how they will deal with swarms of aerial and naval drones attacking ships that get within a few or dozens of kilometers of a hostile shore.

The Chinese Navy is particularly active in developing new uses for drones. They already have a drone carrier ship and several smaller autonomous ships controlled from shore or a nearby manned ship. The Americans pay close attention to what the Chinese are doing because China expects to have a larger and more powerful fleet than the United States by the 2030s. Chinese naval superiority will rely on how well their drones perform. This is a new and as yet untested naval weapon. The Ukrainians demonstrated how effective drones could be in the Black Sea, but no one has convincingly demonstrated the use of drones in other naval theaters. At least not yet. Whoever develops the most effective drones and tactics first will have an edge in future naval conflicts. Victory will go to the side that most effectively selects and employs its autonomous drone operators.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended warm Diwali greetings to the people of the state and visiting well-wishers, urging everyone to celebrate the festival with a commitment to cleanliness, environmental conservation, and social harmony. Addressing citizens ahead of the festival of lights, CM Dhami called upon the people to participate actively in the state's journey toward sustainable development, while keeping the spirit of Diwali alive through responsible celebration. In a post on social media platform X, CM Dhami wrote, "With the love and blessings of all of you, we are able to take the state forward on the path of development and prosperity. Heartfelt best wishes to all of you for Deepotsav." The Chief Minister said that the festival of Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and truth over falsehood. This festival inspires us to spread light, purity, and positive energy in society. He expressed hope that Diwali would bring new hope, prosperity, and happiness into the lives of the people of the state. CM Dhami also expressed hope that Diwali would usher in new opportunities, happiness, and prosperity for the people of Uttarakhand. On Sunday, the Chief Minister hosted Diwali visitors at his official residence in Dehradun. Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior officers from the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Forest Service extended their greetings to the Chief Minister during the traditional Deepotsav meet-and-greet. In a post on X, CM Dhami shared, "Today, at the official residence, the Honourable Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, officers of the Indian Administrative Service, Police, and Forestry Services affectionately met and extended their heartfelt wishes for the Diwali festival." Earlier on Saturday, the Chief Minister had also extended his wishes on the occasion of Dhanteras. In another post, he wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the state on the auspicious festival of Dhanteras. I pray to Lord Dhanvantari that this festival brings happiness, prosperity, and well-being into all your lives, and that the light of health and auspiciousness always remains illuminated in everyone's life." Meanwhile, Deepotsav marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. As per tradition, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman by lighting earthen diyas and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The Festival of Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil. People prepare by cleansing homes and spirits. Ritual baths and lighting diyas are central. Homes are decorated with rangolis and flowers. Wishes and messages are shared to spread positivity. The five-day Diwali festivities commenced with Dhanteras on Saturday. This year, the Diwali celebrations are set for the intervening night of October 20 and 21, marking a time of togetherness, light, and joy across the country. (ANI)
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Eva Osborne

A man in his 40s is in critical condition after a serious assault in Co Waterford.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred on Friday night at the junction of Cook Street and Mill Street, Cappoquin, at approximately 11:50pm.

Following the incident, the man was conveyed to University Hospital Waterford for treatment of serious injuries, where he remains in critical condition.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information in relation to this incident or who may have video footage (including dash-cam) to contact Dungarvan Garda Station on (058) 48600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Gardai said investigations are ongoing.
The Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society is set to commence a series of talks for the 2025/26 season.

The title of the first talk is entitled 'A UNESCO Global Geopark for Connacht: How local rocks influence our natural and cultural heritage'. It will be held on Wednesday next, October 22, in the ATU Campus, Castlebar at 7.30pm. The talk is being held to coincide with the awarding of UNESCO Geopark status to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark next spring.

Geologist Dr Benjamin Thebaudeau will describe the geological heritage in the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Region and offer an insight into how the geopark was put together and developed. The talk will also mention the roles of the geopark team and partners and discuss the plans for the future.

Dr Thebaudeau is based in Tourmakeady. He has a background in Physics, a MSc in Geophysics and completed a PhD in 2013 at the Department of Geology of Trinity College Dublin.

His current post in the geopark has to do with the telling of the geological story as well as linking it to the wider heritage of the region. Besides the production of outreach and education resources, both printed and digital, he is also visiting schools and delivering presentations to local interest groups in the wider area. Part of the current education offering from the JCWL Geopark is a Geopark ambassador course delivered by Benjamin.

The upcoming series of talks are most interesting and informative. Membership of the society for the coming year will be taken prior to the first talk and is open to all. Failte roimh chach.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

A few evening snow showers and flurries, mostly in the Poconos; otherwise, partly cloudy, cold, and brisk overnight. Wind chills in the teens. .

Tonight

A few evening snow showers and flurries, mostly in the Poconos; otherwise, partly cloudy, cold, and brisk overnight. Wind chills in the teens.
In coordinated operations on Sunday, BSF troops apprehended 21 illegal infiltrators -- 11 Bangladeshi nationals and 10 Rohingya migrants -- from different locations in Tripura, BSF said in a press release.

Based on specific intelligence inputs, BSF teams detected suspicious movement at Agartala Railway Station, where 11 individuals were found to be Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered India and were attempting to travel further inland.

In a separate incident in North Tripura, alert BSF personnel intercepted 10 Rohingya illegal migrants, including women and children, who were attempting to cross over to Bangladesh. Preliminary questioning revealed that they had travelled from Delhi and Jammu and intended to reach Moulvibazar, Bangladesh.

These apprehensions underscore the BSF's heightened vigilance and operational alertness to curb illegal infiltration, human trafficking, and trans-border crimes during the ongoing festive period.

Earlier, Aloke Kumar Chakraborty, IG (Designate), took over the charge of Inspector General, Tripura Frontier, BSF, from AK Sharma, IG, who has been posted to Manipur on Friday, a press release said.

Aloke Kumar Chakraborty is a highly decorated BSF officer and a recipient of the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, the UNMIK Medal, and the Ati Utkrisht Sewa Padak.

He brings with him vast experience in both operational and administrative roles, having served on the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pakistan borders as well as in Anti-Naxal operations.

He has also had instructional assignments in premier training institutes like the BSF academy, Gwalior and the Central School of Weapons and Tactics, Indore. In addition, he has served on deputation to the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). (ANI)
During the visit, the Army Chief reviewed formations deployed in high-altitude areas of Pithoragarh and adjacent forward posts. He received briefings on ongoing capability enhancements, including advanced surveillance systems, specialist mobility platforms, integration of next-generation technologies, optimisation of reconnaissance assets and coordination with allied security agencies. He lauded the professionalism, discipline, tactical agility and innovative employment of new equipment in challenging terrain.

Interacting with personnel stationed in remote reaches, General Dwivedi praised their resilience, courage and steadfast devotion to duty under extreme climatic conditions and rough terrain.

He reaffirmed the Indian Army's full preparedness to counter evolving security challenges, invoking the core ethos of "Service Before Self." The Chief also interacted with veterans and local communities, acknowledging their sacrifices and extending warm Diwali greetings to all ranks and their families.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the Kumaon region, especially as a gateway to border areas with Nepal and China, the COAS lauded local patriotism and resilience. He invoked the glorious legacy of the Kumaon Regiment. He reviewed initiatives under Operation Sadbhavna and the Vibrant Village Programme, including tent-based homestays in Garbyang and Kalapani, road infrastructure, hybrid power systems, medical camps and agricultural support through polyhouses.

He underscored that the Indian Army in Kumaon embodies "strength with compassion," defending frontiers while empowering border communities.

Concluding the tour, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Indian Army's unwavering resolve to maintain operational excellence, enhance civil-military harmony and uphold the highest traditions of duty, honour and service to the nation. (ANI)
A Delhi court has stayed proceedings against a former Station House Officer (SHO) accused of delaying a trial and perjury in a 14-year-old dacoity case. The former SHO, Vishram Meena, was accused of causing delays in the trial of a 2010 dacoity case at Adarsh Nagar police station. It is alleged that police officials, including the then SHO, caused a delay in a 14-year-old case of dacoity. An FIR was registered in 2010 at Police Station Adarsh Nagar. Additional Sessions Judge Vandana of Rohini district court stayed the trial court proceedings against Meena and issued notices to the respondents and listed the matter for hearing on December 3, 2025 to consider Meena's revision petition challenging the trial court's orders. The court ordered, "In view of the above and considering the record, proceedings before the Trial Court against the present revisionist stand stayed till the next date of hearing on December 03, 2025." Vishram Meena has challenged two orders of the trial court passed on April 2, 2024 and February 27, 2025. Advocate Rishabh Jain, counsel for Meena, submitted that interim relief is required in the present case till the next date of hearing, which is fixed before the Trial Court on November 3, 2025. As before the Trial Court, the matter is fixed for framing of charge against the revisionist, herein; otherwise, the whole purpose of filing the present revision petition will become infructuous, the counsel submitted. After considering the submissions, the sessions court stayed the trial court proceedings on November 3 before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Garima Jindal. A court complaint was filed before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) by the reader at the order of Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Babru Bhan on January 10, 2024. Thereafter, a case was instituted before the judicial magistrate Neha Pandey and summons were issued to the accused policemen, including Vishram Meena, the then SHO, on April 2, 2024. Metropolitan Magistrate Neha Pandey had ordered, "Since the present complaint has been filed by a public official, there is no requirement of examination of the complainant on oath in view of section 200 Cr.P.C and I accordingly take cognisance against police officials under sections 173, 174 and 187 IPC." " Summons be issued against accused SI Krishan Lal, constable Devender, ASI Avinash and SHO PS Adarsh Nagar for NDOH," the court ordered on April 2, 2024. The court had issued notice to all accused persons on February 27, 2025. (ANI)
On October 15, Booker Omole, the general secretary of the Communist Party MarxistKenya (CPM-K), published a brief but revealing statement on Twitter following the death of veteran bourgeois opposition leader and former prime minister, Raila Odinga:

Raila Odinga is dead. We honour his courage against dictatorship and his role in Kenyas bourgeois democratic struggle. Yet his politics never broke with imperialism. His end reminds us: reforms die, revolutions live.

In the weeks since Odingas death, his passing has dominated headlines across Kenya, the region, and the world. Virtually every major international outlet has published at least one tribute. The entire political and media establishment, from President William Ruto and the official opposition to former US President Barack Obama and the New York Times, has hailed Odinga as a champion of democracy. Kenyas leading news organizations, including the Standard, Daily Nation, Citizen TV, and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, have devoted continuous coverage to every facet of his life and career.

Amid this chorus of praise, the Kenyan Stalinists have remained almost entirely silent, only broken by Omoles brief tweet. The tweet stands out for what it reveals about the CPMK and the wider decay of Stalinist politics in Africa. A political current that still claims to represent socialism has proven incapable of even writing an article or statement offering an analysis of a man who shaped Kenyas bourgeois order for four decades. Instead, it has issued a carefully worded tweet that simultaneously distances itself from and pays homage to a leading representative of the Kenyan ruling class.

Odingas political career had nothing to do with the struggle for democracy. From the outset, his central concern was to maintain bourgeois rule which rested on imperialist domination and preserve the capitalist exploitation of the Kenyan, African, and international working class.

Raila Odinga speaking at visit to Peace Corps, June 19, 2008 [Photo: US Government]

From the late 1980s through his tenure as prime minister between 2008 and 2013, Odinga served as a political fixer specializing in policing popular anger. Each time mass opposition emerged against the Kenyan elite, whether under Western-backed dictator Daniel arap Moi in the 1990s, or later Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta and today William Ruto, his main task was to channel it into demands for constitutional reforms and national unity governments. A more detailed exposure of Odingas role can be found in Former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80.

It is not surprising that Omole rushes to defend Odingas political record. His reaction underscores the historical role Stalinism has played in propping up and legitimising bourgeois figures, portraying them as progressive actors in a supposed democratic struggle.

Odinga was a central architect of the 2010 constitution, a document crafted to contain mass discontent after the 2007 and 2008 crisis when President Mwai Kibaki stole the election from him. The eruption of opposition, largely drawn from Kenyas working class and impoverished layers in the slums and rural areas, was met with brutal state repression. Ethnic violence, inflamed by both ruling factions, engulfed the country, leaving more than 1,300 people dead and over 650,000 displaced.

The 2010 constitution was a mechanism to safeguard property relations, Western investment and Kenyas role as an outpost of imperialist control of the Horn of Africa. In this process, the predecessor of the CPM-K, the Social Democratic Party, played a direct role. The CPM-K proudly acknowledges its participation in drafting this capitalist framework, boasting on its website that it participated actively in the capitalist struggle for the progressive reforms that are summarised in the national Constitution of Kenya 2010. We were involved in the debates of the Constitution-making conference at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi between 2003 to 2005 and fought for the inclusion of the progressive articles in the Constitution that included Article 10 on national values and principles of governance that also form the summary of the minimum program of the CPK.

Fifteen years later, what can be said about Kenyas democracy? A third of the population, about 20 million people, are undernourished; 67 percent of youth are unemployed or underemployed; 60 percent of the countrys annual revenue is used for debt servicing to international finance; and fewer than 0.1 percent of Kenyans (about 8,300 people)including the Odinga, Kenyatta and Ruto familiesown more wealth than the bottom 99.9 percent (over 44 million people). The country remains in the boots of the International Monetary Fund, with its elite imposing savage austerity in health, education and privatisations.

As for democratic rights guaranteed in the Constitution, the Ruto government that Odinga supported to the end routinely suppresses peaceful protests with live ammunition, teargas, and abductions. Hundreds have been killed by police and military units, thousands maimed for life and thousands of others arrested, with dozens abducted to never be seen again by their families. Kenya is sliding back into the darkest days of Mois dictatorship, the authoritarian rule that the 2010 Constitution was meant to end.

To say Odingas politics never broke with imperialism as Omole does, prettifies his role as an imperialist stooge who maintained close relations with every US and British ambassador since the 1990s.

During the 20072008 post-election violence, when the country was plunged into near civil war, US and European imperialism intervened to protect their geostrategic and economic interests. Recognising that the path to stabilisation between the corrupt and tribalist factions of the Kenyan elite was the formation of a government of national unity, Odinga was tasked with striking a deal with President Mwai Kibaki. Under this Western-brokered arrangement, Kibaki retained the presidency while Odinga was installed in a newly created position of prime minister.

Odinga went on to fully back imperialism across Africa. He endorsed Frances 2011 imperialist intervention in Ivory Coast and backed Kenyas illegal US-supported invasion of Somalia that same year. Later given a fig leaf of legality through the United Nations, the invasion of Somalia was justified under the pretext of fighting Al-Shabaab but in reality served Washingtons objective of consolidating control over the Horn of Africa.

Omole openly supported this operation. As he admitted, Regarding the issue of Somalia, we had a different policy. [] the Kenyan government was helpless to control the terrorists killing in our country. That is why, for a moment, we supported the military offensive against Al-Shabaab organisations in Somalia. Ever since, thousands of Somalis have died at the hands of Kenyan troops and US-led drone operations launched from Kenyan soil.

Amid the 2024 Gen-Z protests that confronted the whole post-independence Kenyan elite, Odinga manoeuvred to suppress social opposition. He joined Ruto in his broad-based government to enable him to continue imposing IMF austerity and consolidate police state rule. Odinga urged youth to seek dialogue with Ruto. For this, the Kenyan elite and Western governments reward him with praise as a statesman.

Protesters block the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway in the Mlolongo area, Nairobi, Kenya., July 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Brian Inganga]

The CPM-K played a role in paving the way to the Ruto-Odinga government. During the Gen Z protests this meant vacillating between timid appeals for Ruto to reverse his austerity measures and calls for his resignation in favour of an ill-defined pro-poor government or peoples democracy. Central to this chimera was the claims that 2010 Constitution is site of class struggle, arguing that the bourgeoisies failure to implement its provisions is the main obstacle to progress, and that enforcing them will inevitably lead to socialism.

Omoles claim that Odinga played a role in Kenyas bourgeois democratic struggle expresses a distinctly Stalinist counter-revolutionary conception to block the revolutionary struggles of the working class. The two-stage theory developed by the Stalinist faction in the 1920s against Leon Trotsky and the Left Opposition states insists that first there must be a national democratic revolution led by progressive bourgeois forces to achieve full independence and democracy. Only later, in an indefinite future is a socialist transformation possible.

This perspective has served, historically, to subordinate the working class to bourgeois nationalism across the former coloniesfrom China to Egypt to South Africa. It functions to justify alliances with sections of the capitalist class under the banner of national development.

Today CPM-K presents itself as the tribune of the national democratic revolution, advocating for the preservation of the profit system and a supposed national, state-led, path to developing Kenyan capitalism, as a first step to socialism. The CPM-K calls for a mixed economic system where the state, private sector, and cooperative sector coexist.

The two-stage perspective is bankrupt. In the epoch of imperialism, democratic and national tasksland reform, economic sovereignty, and popular rulecannot be separated from socialist ones. Only the independent mobilisation of the working class, in alliance with oppressed layers across Africa and the world, can achieve these aims.

Trotskys theory of permanent revolution begins from the recognition that in countries of belated capitalist development like Kenya, the capitalist class can no longer lead the struggles for democracy as it did in the bourgeois revolutions of the eighteenth century in the United States and France. Fearful of the proletariat and, in ex-colonial countries like Kenya, bound by a thousand threads to imperialist finance, the capitalists necessarily oppose democratic rule. Democracy can be established only by the working class seizing state power and placing all the resources of the economy under the control of the workers and oppressed masses.

To grasp why the Kenyan Stalinists would praise Odinga even while admitting his ties to imperialism, it is necessary to recall their historical lineage. The Communist Party MarxistKenya descends politically from the Mwakenya group of the 1980s and 1990s.

Mwakenya was an underground Maoist party that became the main left opposition to the Moi dictatorship, advocating for democracy, human rights, and national development, as opposed to the struggle for socialism. Its social base lay largely in the urban petty bourgeoisie, including students, professors, and sections of the professional class, whose grievances with Moi centred on exclusion from the state pie rather than on class exploitation. Mwakenya oriented itself to figures like Oginga Odinga and later his son Raila during the 1990s, seeing them as vehicles for a progressive national front.

When the multi-party elections were introduced in 1992 and the 24-year-old regime of Moi ended in 2002, many of Mwakenya members adapted to the new bourgeois order and rebranded themselves as reformists and democrats.

Oduor Ongwen, once a leading student radical, became Odingas long-time campaign strategist and is today the executive director of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party founded by Odinga in 2005. Willy Mutunga rose to become Chief Justice under the 2010 constitution between 2011 and 2016, with the public support of Odinga. Wanyiri Kihoro, once a political detainee, became a Member of Parliament in Odingas camp. Makau Mutua, a self-described progressive law professor, became one of Odingas international spokespersons. Miguna Miguna, who once claimed exile as a radical student, returned to Kenya to serve as Odingas senior adviser. James Orengo, detained alongside other left-leaning activists in the 1980s, evolved into one of Odingas closest allies, serving as senator and later as governor of Siaya County. Today, still an ODM leader, Orengo has become a supporter of Rutos government.

A particularly revealing case is that of Mwandawiro Mghanga. As chairman of the University of Nairobi Students Organisation (SONU) in the early 1980s, Mghanga was among the most prominent student leaders of Mwakenya. Arrested and brutally tortured at the Nyayo House chambers, he spent months in detention before being released and fleeing into exile in Sweden. There, he presented himself as a Marxist-Leninist revolutionary, building contacts with international Stalinist networks. Upon returning to Kenya in the 1990s, he entered parliamentary politics, winning the Wundanyi seat in 2002 under Odinga-backed National Rainbow Coalition (NARC). After the NARC victory, Mghanga was appointed Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in President Mwai Kibakis first Cabinet.

Mghanga lost his parliamentary seat in the 2007 elections and subsequently became Chairman of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK), the renamed successor of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In 2022, a split happened within the CPK between Mghanga and Booker Omole, when Mghanga joined Ruto in his electoral front and then joined his government.

Mghangas trajectory, like that of Omole today, vindicates the World Socialist Web Sites analysis that Stalinist and Maoist currents in Kenya have functioned as political instruments of the national bourgeoisie, obstructing the independent mobilisation of the working class.

This independence can only be secured through Trotskyism. This is why Omole, echoing generations of Stalinists before him, identifies Trotskyism as the chief threat to the CPM-Ks pro-capitalist, nationalist programme. Earlier this year, in an international conference of Stalinists in Nairobi he called for a fierce ideological struggle against all erroneous ideas, specifically naming Trotskyist and ultra-leftist deviations that must be defeated.

This follows Omoles hysterical diatribe against the WSWS, denouncing Trotskyism, praising Stalins purges of old Bolsheviks during the 1930s, and vowing to crush Trotskyist deviations with iron discipline.

Leon Trotsky

Odingas legacy demonstrates that no amount of constitutional reform or national rhetoric can resolve the fundamental contradictions of Kenyan society. The same petty-bourgeois layers that once rallied behind Mwakenya now serve as the ideological cover for a new generation of lefts who fear revolutionary change more than they oppose imperialism.

The central task before Kenyan workers and youth is to break decisively from this heritageto reject both the ruling elite and its Stalinist shadowand to build a Marxist movement grounded in the international unity of the working class. Only through such a perspective can the promise contained in Omoles own closing words, reforms die, revolutions live, acquire genuine revolutionary meaning.
Taking on the BJP over its unfulfilled promises, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi Women's Wing held a padyatra and demonstration on Sunday against the false assurance of free gas cylinders on Holi and Diwali. Led by the party's Delhi Women's Wing President Sarika Chaudhary in Zamrudpur and councillor Krishan Jakhad in Chirag Delhi, women marched with empty cylinders and posters, demanding answers from the BJP government. Sarika Chaudhary said the BJP's promise had once again turned out to be a 'jumla', as women have received neither the 2,500 nor the promised free cylinder. AAP Delhi's Women's Wing President Sarika Chaudhary stated, "Women across Delhi are saying that Diwali has come and gone, Holi too has passed, many festivals have gone by -- but neither the free gas cylinders nor the 2,500 have been received yet. During the Delhi elections, PM Modi had promised at the Dwarka rally that if the BJP came to power, 2,500 would be the first thing deposited into women's accounts, and the announcement would be made in the first cabinet meeting." She continued, "Under Rekha Gupta's leadership, Delhiites gave the BJP the mandate to form the government. The first cabinet meeting has already taken place, but there has been no announcement of 2,500. We thought that at least the free gas cylinder would be provided." Highlighting the unfulfilled promises of the BJP government, Sarika Chaudhary said, "People in Delhi had hoped that the BJP government would at least fulfil its promise of free gas cylinders, but now even that hope is fading. During Holi, women had again demanded free cylinders, but instead, the BJP increased the cylinder price by 50. Electricity bills have also gone up." She pointed out that under the Arvind Kejriwal government, women had access to facilities like free bus travel, which were available to all women. But the BJP has restricted this benefit -- now, only women with Delhi voter ID cards can travel free. If a woman doesn't have a voter card but has lived in Delhi for five years, should she not be allowed to travel? Now they are saying women will be given a special card, like a MetroCard, for buses. This is just another way to fool women. They took their votes, and now they are harassing them. Speaking about the discontinuation of essential public facilities, Sarika Chaudhary added, "The BJP has even shut down Mohalla Clinics, which were the biggest relief for women. This Diwali, instead of meeting relatives or cleaning their homes, women across Delhi are out on the streets demanding the free gas cylinders that Rekha Gupta had promised, along with 2,500. Both promises have failed. We have been forced to come out and protest. Every woman and man in Zamrudpur is saying that they have not received the free cylinder." Sarika Chaudhary further said, "Today, people are remembering Arvind Kejriwal. Under his government, middle-class and poor women received basic facilities. But everything changed after the BJP came to power. Even when someone's income is not 10,000, their electricity bill is 12,000, their water bill is 5,000, and their hospital expenses are 25,000. How are Delhi residents supposed to manage these costs? Should they steal or commit robbery? This government has pushed people to the streets. That is why we are protesting." (ANI)
Vogue Brazils 50th anniversary celebrations remain on-ogin, with the magazine having been in full celebration mode since the start of the year. Names like Alessandro Ambrosio, Camilla Pitanga, Adriana Lima, Daiane Sodre, Irina Shayk, and Naomi Campbell have helped the magazine commemorate 50 years of print as cover girls. Up next on the cover of Vogue Brazil is Joan Smalls, who takes to the October 2025 issue of the magazine. Paula Merlo, who has served as editor-in-chief since 2018, called upon the photographer Lufre to profile the Puerto Rican model. Across a duo of collectable cover offerings, the industry icon is dressed by stylist Rita Lazzarotti in looks from Chloe and Pucci.

Joan Smalls for Vogue Brazil October 2025

IMAGE | VOGUE.GLOBO.COM

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpots forum members:

The retouching is at a criminal level. Look at those legs. Theres no way people find this acceptable! exclaimed DK92 upon checking out the cover.

Its giving Angela Bassett, which Im not against, but something seems a little stiff with Joan here, noted forum member marsnoop2.

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Im truly angry when I see such cheap results! Joan Smalls is a top international fashion model, and you do this? The stylist should be fired and never work again. The retouching is crazy bad! complained Bertrando3.

Vogue28 wasnt best impressed either. A megawhatt smile wouldve elevated that second cover SO much. The first cover should never have even seen the light of day. The retouching is awful, I hate those cushions, and its reading like a last-minute decision to make that shot the cover, vogue28 voiced.

Nice to see Joann Smalls landing a new Vogue cover. The intention is good, but I find the production weak, confessed badgalcrush.

MModa shared: Joan is definitely over-retouched, but I think that it is a very good cover. It has a cool and unusual colour palette.

IMAGE | VOGUE.GLOBO.COM

See more of Joan Smalls from the Vogue Brazil October 2025 cover shoot and click here to join the conversation.

The post Joan Smalls Might Have Deserved Better as Vogue Brazils October 2025 Cover Girl appeared first on theFashionSpot.
Vivienne Westwood made history Thursday night as the first international house to participate in Riyadh Fashion Week, also unveiling five gowns bearing the intricate embroideries of Saudi artisans, part of an unprecedented collaboration.

The heirloom-like patina of their gilded handiwork stood out amid the tamer looks from Westwoods boudoir-inspired spring 2026 collection, and the archival designs that stalked the vast open-air runway, erected in the middle of a palm grove.

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It was a lively and diverse display; his-and-hers gold pinstripe tailoring one minute, milk-maiden dresses the next. All of the main brand codes from the incendiary British founder were there, including tartan patterns, a mini-crini, references to historical costumes and sultry corset dresses, but minus punk styling and saucier elements like codpieces.

There were bursts of applause when the looks done in collaboration with Art of Heritage appeared, the first a draped, grass-green gown with a flowing skirt and structured bodice glimmering with antique gold threads in geometric arrangements.

The capsule collection seemed to encapsulate the global ambitions of Saudi Arabias burgeoning fashion industry, and the spirit of cultural exchange gripping a rapidly liberalizing kingdom.

It was the Westwood house that wished to connect its Riyadh showing to the local culture, yielding a collaboration with Art of Heritage, a cultural institution dedicated to safeguarding Saudi Arabias legacy of craftsmanship.

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To have an international couture brand thats modern, forward-thinking and slightly rebellious juxtaposed against our traditional culture, I thought that was something really exciting. Theres a tension there, Princess Nourah bint Mohammed Al Faisal, chief executive officer of Art of Heritage, told WWD before the show. Theres a long history of preservation of heritage, passing on of techniques, protection of crafts, trying to do a lot of training and education.

Al Faisal said Westwood sent its artisans dress patterns and some fabrics, and gave them carte blanche to adorn them with a range of local embroidery techniques employing antique metals, crystals  and cotton and silk threads, too.

It was a team of 25 people, and they were working day and night, including weekends, she said. But they were just so excited by the whole project, by the idea of collaborating with an international brand, and by the idea of having their work showcased at an event like this.

In her view, the project yielded mutual respect and understanding  and opened a door to further exchange and education.

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The more we can get world-class brands coming here and sharing that knowledge, the better, Al Faisal said. We have a lot of talent, but we dont have a lot of the techniques and the technical skill, and the more we can learn, the better.

Art of Heritage grew out of an NGO and has been operating for about 40 years, and is currently focused on evolving Saudi Arabias craft legacy via its young, up-for-it population.

We have designers who are rediscovering their heritage, and my job is to first give them the practical knowledge and the depth of knowledge so that they actually understand that heritage, but then to give them the freedom to evolve it into something new, Al Faisal said. Its not just about the embroidery. Its about different patterns.We have 13 different regions in Saudi, and each one has myriad patterns that come from architecture, from embroidery, from culture, from everything. How do you take those, those colors, those references, and then turn them into a new representation?

Were trying to create our creative economy, she said.

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Carlo DAmario, chief executive officer of Vivienne Westwood, said his teams discovered a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage, promoting female empowerment, and celebrating artisanal quality.

This collaboration has been an opportunity to return to the origins of fashion: creativity and craftsmanship, not just marketing, he added. We strongly believe that fashion should be an excuse to do other things: it must go beyond aesthetics, and it must be a connection between cultures.

The British fashion house plans to archive the pieces, knowing they have the potential to be shown in museum exhibitions. DAmario noted they will also be available through our couture service, allowing the conversation to continue through bespoke orders.

Launch Gallery: Vivienne Westwood x Art of Heritage Spring 2026 at Riyadh Fashion Week

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Angelina Jolie showed off her gigantic back tattoos on Oct. 18

The actress' ink commanded attention as she attended the red carpet premiere for her new film Couture in Italy

Jolie's large tiger tattoo and the ones she has for the Buddhist blessings for peace, love and a prosperous life could be seen

Angelina Jolie is showing some skin  and ink!

The actress, 50, attended the red carpet premiere for her new film Couture in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, Oct. 18.

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Jolie wore a caped backless gown, which showed off her gigantic back tattoos, some of which include a large tiger and the Buddhist blessings for peace, love and a prosperous life.

She accessorized her look for the event held at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica with black heels and matching stockings.

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Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Angelina Jolie at the 'Couture' film premiere in Italy on Oct. 18. Angelina Jolie at the 'Couture' film premiere in Italy on Oct. 18.

Jolie plays a mother and filmmaker who's working on a Paris Fashion Week runway film while getting divorced and learning of a breast cancer diagnosis in Couture.

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Working on writer-director Alice Winocours movie hit close to home for the Oscar winner, who underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 because she carried the BRCA1 gene. (Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of ovarian and breast cancer in 2007, and her aunt and grandmother also died of the disease.)

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Jolie told Variety at the Toronto International Film Festival in September that she knew signing on to the film would bring up many personal things."

"But I have always found the heaviest films tend to have the most loving sets. Theres something quite comforting about having real conversations and having real feelings with a shared community," the star continued. "It was quite healing in many ways because you look at the other faces of the people on the set, because one in three people have cancer, and most everybodys been in a hospital room with somebody theyve loved. Everybody on set has lost someone theyve loved.

Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Angelina Jolie at the 'Couture' film premiere in Italy on Oct. 18. Angelina Jolie at the 'Couture' film premiere in Italy on Oct. 18.

Jolie had another big fashion moment while promoting Couture at TIFF last month. At the time, she stepped out on a red carpet in a leggy ensemble, reminiscent of one worn during her memorable appearance at the 2012 Oscars.

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Wearing a floor-length brown double-breasted coat featuring buttons that stopped at her waist, the attire created a sultry thigh-high slit that allowed Jolie's leg to peek through.

The mother of six wore a similar leg-baring look at the 84th Annual Academy Awards  a black Atelier Versace gown with a dramatic slit. She posed with her leg stretched out in now-viral photos.

Couture does not yet have a release date.

Read the original article on People
Hollywood star Joe Manganiello and actress Caitlin OConnor are engaged. This news has taken the internet by storm. After nearly two years of dating, the couple have officially put a ring on it. The pair revealed the same when Caitlin, took to Instagram to share the happy news. She captioned their photo, June 24th, 2025, indicating the day that Joe proposed. In the picture, OConnor, 36, revealed the diamond on her finger alongside Joe and his dog.

The couple shared engagement news and photos on their Instagram accounts

Recently, the 48 year old, Manganiello publicly referenced OConnor as his fiancee during his acceptance speech at 2025 San Diego film festival. The pair began dating shortly after Manganiellos split from his ex-wife Sofia Vergara. They made their first red-carpet appearance at the Children of Armenia Fund Gala in December 2023.

A source told People magazine, Theyre very happy. He was devastated and felt like a failure after he separated. Then he met Caitlin and quickly fell in love.

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This marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Caitlin and Joe. Netizens were quick to chime in and comment on the post. Collectively, their fans are hoping for a new and happy beginning for both of them.

The post Caitlin OConnor & Joe Manganiello Are Officially Engaged appeared first on Reality Tea.
Weve said it before and well say it again: Vogue Germany isnt the magazine it once was. Time and time again, the magazine disappoints. Not even covers starring the likes of Bill Kaulitz, Tilda Swinton, Emilia Schule, Emma Corrin, and Paloma Elsesser have managed to impress over recent months. Kerstin Weng, who has served as head of editorial content since 2021, now welcomes Chloe Sevigny onto the cover of Vogue Germany, who fronts the October 2025 edition of the magazine. In a shared cover shoot with Spanish Vogue, the American actress poses for the photographer Michael Bailey Gates. In the cover shot, styled by Stella Greenspan, Sevigny dons a leopard print ensemble from Anthony Vaccarellos Saint Laurent Fall 2025 collection.

Chloe Sevigny for Vogue Germany October 2025

IMAGE | VOGUE.DE

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpots forum members:

For the first time in years, I like the cover, expressed JPineapple.

One of their least worst covers in a while? To say anything more, Id have to look through recent issues, and I dont think I could do that. When will Vogue Deutschland ever get its glow-up? asked tigerrouge.

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Apart from the outfit in the cover shot, which I would be glad to wear myself, theres basically and literally nothing to get thrilled about when it comes to this issue. Another waste of paper, another non-attempt to not even try, doomed from day one to fall into fast oblivion, shared penny609.

Kite noted: Quite Jocelyn Wildenstein on the cover!

This cover is the best thing that this edition has published in what feels like forever, MModa confessed. The only flaw is that there is no eye contact with the viewer/reader.

What a horrible shoot. Shes not even looking out toward us in the cover shot, which irks me to no end. Not to mention how lifeless Chloe looks, chimed in vogue28.

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See more of Chloe Sevigny from the Vogue Germany October 2025 cover shoot and click here to join the conversation.

The post Chloe Sevigny Takes to the Cover of Vogue Germany in Leopard Print Saint Laurent appeared first on theFashionSpot.
In a swift and coordinated operation, the Assam Rifles operating under Spear Corps of the Indian Army, successfully rescued two labourers abducted by the NSCN-K (Rebel) cadres in Laho village, Dadam Circle, Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday. According to an official release, the incident occurred when armed cadres of NSCN-K (Rebel) abducted two labourers from a construction site at Laho village on October 18. Acting on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles columns were swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search and rescue operation in the general area of Nianu to trace the abductees and apprehend the perpetrators. During the operation, when the search operation began, insurgents opened indiscriminate fire on the advancing security forces. Demonstrating utmost professionalism and restraint, the troops retaliated in a controlled manner to prevent any collateral damage and ensure the safety of the abducted civilians. The measured and timely response by the Assam Rifles troops resulted in the successful rescue of both labourers without any harm and prevented further subversive actions by the faction in the area. Rescued individuals are being brought to Khonsa for medical inspection and assistance. Search and sanitisation operations are in progress. Earlier, Assam Rifles achieved a major attainment, recovering a large consignment comprising 90 bags of poppy seeds and 120 bags of Areca nuts in Champhai, Mizoram. Based on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles conducted a search operation on 17 October 2025 in the general area of Farlui Road, Ruantlang, Champhai, Mizoram. "During the operation, security forces recovered a large consignment comprising 90 bags of poppy seeds and 120 bags of Areca nuts. The estimated value of the seized goods is approximately 99 lakhs rupees," the Assam Rifles said in a release. "This significant recovery underscores Assam Rifles' zero-tolerance approach towards illicit activities in the region and its continued commitment to ensuring the law and order situation is maintained," it said. The seized consignment has been handed over to the Customs Preventive Force, Champhai, for further investigation and prosecution under relevant laws. "This operation highlights Assam Rifles' ongoing dedication to securing the North Eastern borders and preventing illegal trade that adversely impacts the socio-economic stability of the region, a release said." (ANI)
Rachael Ray's getting a taste of the spotlight again ... appearing at a burger event after an absence from public life amid serious health rumors last year.

The celebrity chef and author looked her usual happy, healthy self while hosting the Blue Moon Burger Bash 2.0 -- an annual event held during the New York City Wine & Food Festival -- Friday night.

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We've obtained video from the event ... which shows Ray talking up Brooklyn Beckham -- calling him a great partner since he co-hosted the event with her.

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Ray says she had a great time with BB before pulling him in for a hug ... and Brooklyn responds by repeatedly thanking her as well.

More importantly than what was said is what this appearance means ... 'cause it seems to indicate Rachael's feeling well enough to get back to business -- taking professional gigs about a year after a video showed part of her face dropping while she told a story about nearly killing Tony Bennett at dinner.

While Ray hasn't addressed exactly what went down in the clip, she did resurface earlier this week outside the "The Drew Barrymore Show" in New York City ... wearing a bomber jacket and corduroy pants.

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We didn't know if this was just going to be a one-off ... but, from the way Rachael's moving and talking in our clip, it's seems she's back to her old self!
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Venezuela Fury revealed what her dad Tyson Fury really thinks of her engagement in a new interview

The athlete's eldest got engaged to Noah Price at her 16th birthday party last month

We are really happy for her, and it's her choice in life, mom Paris Fury said in a separate interview of her daughter's engagement

Venezuela Fury has the full support of her parents, Tyson Fury and Paris Fury, ahead of her wedding to Noah Price.

After getting engaged to her boxer boyfriend at her 16th birthday party, Venezuela told The Sun her now-fiance asked her father, 37, for his blessing before getting down on one knee.

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Though she told the outlet that Noah was having palpitations about doing it," Venezuela said it immediately became clear to her during the proposal, which took place in front of all of her family and friends last month, that Tyson wouldnt interfere."

She added that her athlete father is "very happy for us.

As for how Venezuela felt about the grand gesture, she told The Sun that the proposal came as a huge surprise.

I wasn't overly emotional because I was so surprised and I was very nervous, as I realized a lot of people were watching me, she said. It was a very exciting moment, though, probably one of the best of my life. But I would have been content if he had asked me to marry him anywhere. I didn't care about the 'big proposal', but I am very happy.

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Though Venezuela admitted she has yet to meet Noahs family because he lives a few hours away and works during the week, she has received an abundance of support from her own mother, who married Tyson in November 2008. (Paris was just 19 years old at the time.)

Paris Fury/Instagram (From left to right): Paris Fury, Tyson Fury, Noah Price and Venezuela Fury. (From left to right): Paris Fury, Tyson Fury, Noah Price and Venezuela Fury.

Venezuela is only young, she's only 16 and she is engaged, but we are really happy for her, and it's her choice in life, Paris, 35, told the Daily Mail in a recent interview. It is a lovely moment, that's what I'm saying to her, enjoy this moment, enjoy where you are. I am really proud of her. I have said to Venezuela she has been shown different avenues in life and been offered different opportunities, and this is what she has chosen.

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However, the mom of seven went on to admit that she isnt quite ready to call herself a grandmother before shes even reached her 40s.

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I will smile, but I really don't think I'm ready to become a granny, the At Home with the Furys star said. I couldn't be an old-looking granny. I will have to be the youngest-looking granny ever.

Paris continued, I install into her, Venezuela, enjoy your life, travel, see places, even if it's them together. Although I don't believe there is anything more fulfilling than motherhood.

Read the original article on People
Australia  its time to hypa hypa again. German electronicore juggernauts Electric Callboy have announced their biggest Australian headline tour to date, returning down under in September 2026 for a full-blown arena takeover.

Kicking off on Friday 4 September in Perth, the chaos will roll through Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, marking the bands first Australian shows since their completely sold-out 2023 run.

Electric Callboy  ELEVATOR OPERATOR

The upcoming tour follows the global success of their gold-certified 2022 album TEKKNO, which spawned viral bangers like We Got The Moves, Ratatata (featuring BABYMETAL) and Pump It. With over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a live reputation thats nothing short of apocalyptic, Electric Callboy have cemented themselves as one of the most explosive bands on the planet.

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Formed in 2010, Electric Callboy have built a cult-like global following through sheer joy, chaos and sonic innovation. This 2026 tour will be their biggest down under.

Cop all the details down below.

Electric Callboy 2026 Australian Tour Dates

FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2026  RAC ARENA, PERTH

SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2026  AEC ARENA, ADELAIDE

TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2026  ROD LAVER ARENA, MELBOURNE

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2026  QUDOS BANK ARENA, SYDNEY

SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2026  RIVERSTAGE, BRISBANE

General tickets on sale: Thursday 23 October @ 10am local time via www.destroyalllines.com

Further Reading

Electric Callboy Drummer Departs Band After 13 Years

Parkway Drive To Headline Australias First Metal Festival Cruise, Hellbound

Good Things Review  Melbourne Crowd Makes the Most of Heavy Festivals Return

The post Electric Callboy Announce 2026 Australian Tour appeared first on Music Feeds.
Sam Rivers, the bass player in the nu metal band Limp Bizkit, died on Saturday, according to social media posts by his band mates.

The band did not disclose where Rivers died or the circumstances, but praised him as pure magic and the soul in the sound.

From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced, they wrote in a group Instagram post. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.

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Fred Durst, the band's front man and lead vocalist, posted a video Sunday morning that recounted how they met at a club in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and went on to music stardom and performances around the globe. Durst said he has shed gallons and gallons of tears since yesterday.

He really did have an impact on the world and his music and his gift is the one thats going to keep on giving, Durst said. I just love him so much.

Rivers, 48, had spoken of heavy drinking that had caused liver disease. He left the band in 2015 and received a liver transplant before reuniting with Limp Bizkit three years later.

Limp Bizkit has scheduled a tour of Central and South America to begin in Mexico City in late November.

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Durst said he and Rivers shared a love of grunge music, naming the bands Mother Love Bone, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots.

He had this kind of ability to pull this beautiful sadness out of the bass that Id never heard, Durst said, calling Rivers so talented I can't explain.

Limp Bizkit, with roots in Jacksonville, Florida, emerged in the late 1990s with a sound that melds altenative rock, heavy metal and rap.

Their off-the-wall sense of humor is reflected in the titles of their mega-selling 2000 album, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, and a single released last month, Making Love to Morgan Wallen.
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Every year sees a new crop of cookbooks published, and by the fall of 2025, collectors were utterly spoiled for choice. Hundreds of tomes explored every aspect of food imaginable  there really was something for every taste. As well as listing recipes covering everything from world cooking to classic American desserts, many of them also featured stories that were vivid, entertaining, and astonishing.

In "Mostly French," Makenna Held (who bought Julia Child's summer home in France) brought the flavors of the south of France to life, while former Somalian refugee Hawa Hassan's "Setting a Place for Us" was a startling, educational read. Lovers of Mexican food snapped up Rick Martinez's "Salsa Daddy" with its colorful, inventive take on the popular food, and for anyone worrying about their contribution to a potluck dinner, "What Can I Bring?" by Casey Elsass came to the rescue.

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Putting together any curated list of the year's cookbooks is a challenge, after all, one person's must-have book is another person's "meh." But we've done the reading and there are several that we think are head and shoulders above the crowd. Whether you're looking for the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas gift or you just want to treat yourself, here's our pick of the best new cookbooks of 2025 (so far). Prices may vary.

Read more: 11 Celebrity Chefs And The Foods They Hate

Start with a Vegetable by Jessica Smith

A copy of Start with a Vegetable by Jessica Smith - Amazon

Any parent knows trying to persuade children to eat their greens can be a nightmare, but plenty of adults sidestep these goodies too. Jessica Smith aims to change all that with her debut book, "Start with a Vegetable," published in January. In it, Smith draws on her expertise as a professional meal planner to help home cooks get organized, so there are lots of handy checklists, storage advice, and, of course, meal plans.

While that's a good reason to snap up her book, the really great one is her recipes. There are 100 to choose from, and they are organized by vegetable, so as well as putting them firmly at the center of a dish, everything is quick and easy to find. If you prefer to wing it rather than cook a specific recipe every weeknight, Smith's mix-and-match charts are invaluable, while her clear, no-nonsense instructions make for stress-free preparation and cooking.

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Despite its title, "Start with a Vegetable" doesn't leave out the vegans or fish and meat-eaters of the world, either, and  unlike some cookbooks  each recipe has a photo (all taken by Smith herself) so everyone has an idea what the finished result should look like. If you over-buy veggies or grow your own and regularly end up with a glut, but want to do more with them than make compost, this is the cookbook for you.

Purchase "Start with a Vegetable" on Amazon for $17.39.

Symon's Dinners Cooking Out by Michael Symon

A copy of Symon's Dinners Cooking Out by Michael Symon - Amazon

Regular viewers of T.V. series "Symon's Dinners Cooking Out" were thrilled when the book of the same name emerged in March. Yes, it included some of the recipes featured in the show, as well as plenty of brand new dishes to try  all cooked to perfection on the grill. "Symon's Dinners Cooking Out" had its origins in the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, when the chef and his team filmed live cooking shows in his kitchen with a cellphone, and the resulting cookbook is more than worth the wait.

Pitched at owners of coal and gas grills, as well as a traditional oven, it covers everything from tasty sides to moreish desserts. Think you can't rustle up a chocolate chip cookie bar on your BBQ? Don't worry, Symons will walk you through every step, including setting up the grill itself. As for the food, the chef breaks everything down across multiple sections, including Plays Nice with Others, Feed a Crowd, and A Bit Fancy.

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The photography is glorious and the recipes are simple and clear to follow. Each comes with a little anecdote, hint or tip, so readers are both entertained and informed as they work their way down the page. Symon's enthusiasm for outdoor cooking is thoroughly infectious. In the introduction, he admits it may be easier to boil water for pasta or bake a finicky cake indoors, but adds, "Where is the fun and adventure in that?!"

Purchase "Symon's Dinners Cooking Out" on Amazon for $18.

How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea by Ari Kolender

A copy of How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea by Ari Kolender - Amazon

How long does it take to cook the average frozen pizza? About 20 minutes? According to chef and restaurant owner Ari Kolender, in his introduction to "How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea," co-written by Noah Galuten, that's enough time to create his rather more interesting fish in paper recipe. The cookbook, published in April, is a love letter to marine food, but that's only to be expected from the man behind the Found Oyster and Queen St. restaurants in Los Angeles.

Kolender, however, isn't just talking to those who adore fish and shellfish as much as he does  he's also keen to appeal to intimidated home cooks with the two-word motto: "Do less." The opening section of "How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea" includes a helpful primer on buying the best produce, preparing and storing them, before getting into the culinary nitty gritty. Over six sections, Kolender covers everything from working with chilled and raw fish, different cooking methods, including broiling and breading, and there's even a section devoted to fish that comes in a can.

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The 100 recipes include fried cod sandwiches, scallop tostadas, smoked trout dip and the free-for-all that is Frogmore stew (also known as lowcountry boil). Gorgeous photography and easy-to-follow recipes also help demystify the process of cooking fish well. It has seduced lots of foodies, including Benny Blanco, who urged anyone reading it in a book store to buy it, "Skip all the way home, and cook this entire book!"

Purchase "How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea" on Amazon for $27.80.

For the Love of Lemons by Letitia Clark

A copy of For the Love of Lemons by Letitia Clark - Amazon

When life gave food writer and illustrator Letitia Clark lemons, she didn't make lemonade, she wrote a book about them. Published in May 2025 and swooned over by beloved foodie Stanley Tucci and kitchen goddess Nigella Lawson, "For the Love of Lemons" is Clark's fourth cookbook, and provides a comprehensive, mouthwatering look at this very versatile citrus fruit.

The book is made up of six sections, including a history of lemons, a look at the many different varieties, and Italy-inspired recipes that take in both savory and sweet dishes. There are a lot of standouts but it's impossible to ignore the creamy carbonara combining lemon and zucchini, (working under its European name of courgette) baked, breadcrumbed lemon leaf chicken, which Clark admits is one of her personal favorites, and a beautifully photographed lemon tiramisu is irresistible.

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Readers of Sardinia-based Clark's earlier books will know her images are so sun-drenched you can practically feel the Italian heat pouring off the page, while her writing paints an equally colorful and evocative picture in between her easy-to-follow recipes. Tucci, himself no stranger to the delights of the country's cuisine, said "For the Love of Lemons" is a "joy to read and cook from." He's not wrong.

Purchase "For the Love of Lemons" on Amazon for $25.32.

Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream by Nicholas Morgenstern

A copy of Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream by Nicholas Morgenstern - Amazon

Imagine the CEO of Coca Cola publishing a book that dove into the secrets of how the drink was made  it would be incredibly bad for business. Luckily for everyone who loves ice cream, (is there really anyone who doesn't?) Nicholas Morgenstern thinks differently. The founder of New York-based Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream has created a cookbook of the same name, filled with the company's recipes taken from its production manuals.

If the heart-tugging introduction doesn't grab you and pull you in, the many, many recipes in "Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream" certainly will. "Europeans developed ice cream and elevated it to an art. But Americans turned it into an everyday indulgence," he writes. Recipes are sensibly listed under flavors, so readers can work out all their chocolate, fruit, or nut cravings without confusing their taste buds.

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Alongside the traditional ice creams are plenty of less run-of-the-mill flavors, including labneh sorbet, the intriguing Nick's It, and french fry. It's worth noting that Morgenstern doesn't make ice cream with eggs, and they probably use less sugar than the average recipe, but that's no bad thing. Flicking through the pages, the photographs blend arty, abstract splodges of finished ice cream with drawings and shots of the team at work. "Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream" is more than just a cookbook, it's as dreamy as the sweet treats inside. His Grandpa would love it.

Purchase "Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream" on Amazon for $16.61.

Parm to Table by Christian Petroni

A copy of Parm to Table by Christian Petroni - Amazon

Some cookbooks are so stiff and cold, you can barely connect with the recipes, never mind who wrote them. Chef Christian Petroni's debut, "Parm to Table," could not be more different. Published in September 2025, it's an arm around your shoulder, friendly chat of a book that will also help you create some tremendous Italian-American food: Petroni's personality pours off the page in the very best way.

From his descriptions of his childhood in The Bronx and summers with family on the tiny Italian island of Ponza, to a dish of garlic bread that was a revolution for him in every way, his writing is vivid and inviting. The same goes for the recipes, some of which read like conversations over coffee  cursing included. Chicken Francese is a good example of the furrow "Parm to Table" treads, with its line about it being a break from "all the red sauce-based dishes," and you can almost hear his mom at work as he describes canned artichoke pie.

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As you might expect from the man behind Fortina restaurant, Petroni brings not only his heritage to bear in his book, but also his expertise. That means readers can try their hands at classics such as eight-hour marinara sauce and fried meatballs, as well as his take on lemon spaghetti and baked clams. Throw into the mix food photos that make your mouth water, as well as shots from Petroni's world, and you've got a cookbook classic.

Purchase "Parm to Table" on Amazon for $26.98.

My Cambodia by Nite Yun

A copy of My Cambodia by Nite Yun - Amazon

When reading about a list of great cookbooks, it's easy to forget that not every culture writes down their recipes. Instead, the generations cook together, and the act of doing passes on age-old techniques and recipes. Award-winning chef and restaurateur Nite Yun's extraordinary book "My Cambodia," which hit shelves in September, not only seeks to introduce Khmer (the pre-colonial name for Cambodia) cuisine to a wider audience, but also preserve knowledge she feels is in danger of being lost forever.

It's a big book that covers a lot of ground over five parts, taking in her childhood stomping ground of Stockton in the Bay Area and her Cambodia heritage, a country her parents left to escape the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. But there's no culture clash here: Yun's book begins with a showcase of the incredible flavors of Khmer cuisine, underpinned by lots of pickles (think way beyond cornichons) and infused oils, the ubiquitous kroeung, a blend of smashed lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, and turmeric, among other ingredients, fermented fish paste prahok, and perfectly cooked rice.

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From those building blocks she helps the reader construct lots of incredible recipes, from Kuy Teav Phnom Penh pork and noodle soup, and the enigmatically named "soup outside the pot" or somlaw kraung chnuk. "My Cambodia" also features dishes from Yun's former restaurant Nyum Bai, such as crispy pork egg rolls and stir-fried water spinach, and while the dessert section may be short but it's definitely sweet.

Purchase "My Cambodia" on Amazon for $33.60.

Cook Like a King by Melissa King

A copy of Cook Like a King by Melissa King - Amazon

Some celebrity cookbooks are a bit of a let down, with recipes so fancy ordinary home cooks can't possibly recreate them. That's not the case with Melissa King's "Cook Like a King." The 2020 "Top Chef All Stars" winner took her time crafting her debut cookbook, published in September, and the end result is all the better for it.

Blending her Californian tastes with her Asian heritage to create something really special, "Cook Like a King" explores both sides of her culinary personality, from the foods King ate and cooked as a child, to the dishes she prepared on "Top Chef." Recipes for Shanghainese black vinegar ribs (inspired by her grandmother) and Chinese sticky rice, sit alongside swordfish au poivre and her divine-looking Hong Kong tea tiramisu. She says in the introduction to that dish, "Like so much of the food I create, the secret is a lot of care and a little bit of me."

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Aside from the mouthwatering recipes and beautiful photographs throughout, one of the reasons King's book stands out from the crowd is how she writes. Thanks to her experience of teaching people to cook during the COVID-19 pandemic her style is smart without being stuffy, while the ability to level up a recipe (and down if you feel you're outside your comfort zone) is particularly clever.

Purchase "Cook Like a King" on Amazon for $29.45.

Steak House by Eric Wareheim

A copy of Steak House by Eric Wareheim - Amazon

On October 14, Eric Wareheim's book "Steak House" was published, freeing the "Foodheim" author from his social media pledge to read every page before it hit the shelves. As anyone who owns a copy knows, it's a thing of beauty and far more than just a literary and culinary road trip. "Steak House" gets under the skin of this uniquely American institution, getting up close (and sometimes a little dirty) with the people at its heart.

Wareheim puts in the miles for his journey, dividing the book and the United States into multiple parts, spotlighting the stories of independent steak houses that offer both style and substance. Each section is followed by recipes that make up the steak house experience -- 45 in total  from breads and crudites right through to accompanying drinks. As for the meat? Images of perfectly cooked rib eye steak with roasted garlic, or an elegant slice of Beef Wellington will have readers' mouths watering even as they're reaching for their skillets.

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The subtitle for "Steak House" tells you what to expect: "The People, the Places, the Recipes." Some meat-loving cookbook collectors might sniff and say the recipes ought to come first, but that would be missing the point of Wareheim's glorious  and hefty  tome. Even if you never get the chance to visit a fraction of the places featured, reading about these steak houses and the people who make them special, is as joyful as eating their food.

Purchase "Steak House" on Amazon for $59.

Recipes from the American South by Michael W. Twitty

A copy of Recipes from the American South by Michael W. Twitty - Amazon

There are some foods that are so much more than just a collection of ingredients: They are intrinsic to a culture. In the hands of Michael W. Twitty, "Recipes from the American South" reveals how it can also be part of a nation's soul. Eric Adjepong hit the nail on the head when he described it as a "sweeping love letter to the region that shaped America's palate."

Twitty's book also delves deeper into the cosmopolitan mix of cultures and peoples that made up the South, taking readers on an important and valuable journey that helps them understand the roots of the dishes featured in the pages. Great storytelling aside, the food is where "Recipes from the American South" really shines. You can almost taste the juicy oven-baked spare ribs, likewise the duck and orange gumbo, and crisp, golden-brown calas.

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Some of the 260 recipe descriptions are short and to the point, while others are a little longer, but the accompanying photographs say more than thousands of words (the beautiful Maryland stuffed crab is a perfect example). It might be best to buy two copies of Twitty's book: One to use, love, and get a little scuffed around the edges in the kitchen, and the other to display like a work of art on your coffee table.

Purchase "Recipes from the American South" on Amazon for $43.23.

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Read the original article on Foodie.
If there's one thing Trader Joe's does well, it's frozen food. The store's selection of frozen foods is not to be underestimated: It's got everything from a daring reinvention of the chicken pot pie to a range of easygoing treats your kids will love -- and it's also got a selection of everyday staples you likely can't do without. Plus, one area where Trader Joe's particularly excels is with its world cuisine. Check out any of its freezers and you'll find loads of tasty options from food cultures all around the world  and its Mexican foods are particularly good.

Trader Joe's manages to strike a balance of offering frozen Mexican foods that everyone loves, while also not going too simple. Options like its chicken mole and black bean and cheese taquitos are both accessible and kinda trendy, while its papas rellenas and chiles rellenos con queso offer something a little different. Oh, and it's got your kids covered, too: Mini chicken tacos and salsa verde chicken enchiladas are options the little ones will enjoy. Let's dig in and find your new favorite frozen Mexican food from Trader Joe's.

Read more: 7 Healthiest Costco Prepared Foods To Eat And 7 Unhealthiest

Mini Chicken Tacos

Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos - Trader Joe's

Few foods are as pleasing as a mini chicken taco: They're handheld, easy to prepare, tasty, and undeniably cute. However, the frozen versions can be a little hit and miss, and all too often retailers can miss the mark on them  or else change their recipes and frustrate customers. Trader Joe's saw this happen in real time when it replaced its original Mini Chicken Tacos with a version from a new supplier, which left fans of this food very annoyed.

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In 2025, however, Trader Joe's let slip that its old Mini Chicken Tacos were making a comeback, and lo and behold, they soon appeared on store shelves. It's fair to say that customers have been super pleased. These tacos, which cost $5.99 per 1 pound box, have been dubbed "divine" by people who have reviewed them over on Reddit. They win particular points for their crispiness and develop an excellent crunch when cooked in the air fryer. They're perfect as a snack or quick lunch for family members of all ages, particularly when you're out of fresh food in the fridge.

Papas Rellenas

Trader Joe's Papas Rellenas - Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's doesn't just offer tacos and burritos in its frozen Mexican range: It also takes some slightly bigger swings and gives customers access to slightly more niche options. One of these is its papas rellenas, Mexican croquettes, which provide a serious amount of comfort in every bite. Trader Joe's Papas Rellenas consist of a filling of ground beef, onions, and diced peppers, which is then covered in mashed potatoes and coated with breadcrumbs. The croquettes are then fried to perfection (although you don't need to worry about frying them at home, as you can simply pop them in the air fryer).

Now, if you're a spice lover, it's fair to say that you might find these papas rellenas a little underpowered  Trader Joe's is going for mass appeal here, after all. However, if what you're looking for is a warming, homely bite to eat, then they hit the spot, and manage to nail the balance of a crunchy outside and soft interior. "I just tried these and damn are they delicious," said one person who purchased the product on Reddit, who recommended pairing them with sour cream. You can also always whip up a spicy dipping sauce to go with them to hit those heat cravings.

Beef Birria

Trader Joe's Beef Birria - Trader Joe's

Birria is everyone's favorite taco and burrito filling, but there's a reason why most people order it in a restaurant instead of making it at home: It takes hours. So, how do you get all of that intense flavor without putting any of the work in? You head to Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's Beef Birria costs $7.99 for 1-pound pack, and for that price, you get a pile of spicy, flavorful, tender beef, just ready to pile onto your favorite tortilla. All of that complex flavor takes just a few minutes to unlock, too, as all it takes is a blast in the microwave.

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Trader Joe's Beef Birria is a little on the saucy side, so be warned if you're expecting a solid block of beef. It should also be mentioned that its sodium content is pretty high: With 1,070 milligrams of sodium per portion, a single serving will cover almost half of your recommended daily allowance. However, if there's too much sauce for you, you can always bulk it out by adding beans  and this can also help to stretch the meal out, so that you're eating less sodium per dish while you upgrade taco night. As for what Trader Joe's customers think, this birria hits the spot for them. "Such an excellent dish and so easy to heat up! The beef is fall off the bone tender and juicy," stated a happy diner on Reddit. Another person recommended using leftovers in scrambled eggs.

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Trader Joe's Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas - Trader Joe's

Figuring out what to serve your kids can be tricky  you want to keep things easy and interesting, while also feeling as though you're providing them with nutritious food. That's why we're big fans of Trader Joe's Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas. This freezer meal manages to pack a load of flavor into each bite without overdoing it on the spice, and its combination of chicken, cheese, tortilla, and a light salsa verde is a real winner. It provides a generous 24 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, is completely free of any artificial additives or preservatives, and it's a breeze to cook. Simply put it in the oven (or the microwave), and then serve.

This dish isn't just for kids, either. Adults love it too, and it can be a cost-effective meal for one or two people. "Probably the best frozen enchiladas I have ever had and only $5.99," said one pleased customer on Reddit. It's also the kind of dish you can jazz up with little effort by scattering on some extra beans, additional salsa, or a handful of cheese.

Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos

Trader Joe's Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos - Trader Joe's

It's fair to say that the Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos at Trader Joe's may not be the most eye-catching item in the freezer cabinet. After all, when they're sitting next to big, bold offerings like beef birria and chiles rellenos con queso, these unassuming taquitos can look a little boring. Well, we're here to tell you that they're anything but boring. Trader Joe's Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a tasty frozen option that delivers a yummy crunch with every bite, and which makes a welcome change of pace to the normally meat-based Mexican dishes on offer at the retailer.

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The best thing about these taquitos is how versatile they are, with their malleable flavor allowing them to be used in loads of different ways. If you're looking for a hearty meal in a pinch, you can rustle up some enchiladas with them by covering them in prebottled enchilada sauce and cheese before baking. Alternatively, they make a delicious receptacle for your favorite dip. "These are one of my staples! Toaster oven for some blackening on the ends, dipped in a mix of greek yogurt and taco sauce," said one customer on Reddit, with another recommending you pair them with spinach artichoke dip. All of these sound pretty good to us.

Carne Asada Burritos

Trader Joe's Carne Asada Burritos - Trader Joe's

The problem with store-bought burritos, and especially frozen versions, is that they often just don't have the amount of filling you want. Instead, they skimp out on the main event and provide you with a lot of tortilla and not much else. This isn't the case when it comes to Trader Joe's Carne Asada Burritos, which are deeply meaty affairs. One reviewer on Reddit noted that they're "surprisingly loaded with steak," accompanying that comment with an image of the burrito, which indeed confirms its hearty interior.

In a change of pace from other frozen burritos, this product doesn't have any cheese in it. That might sound boring, but to be honest, it's kind of a good thing. The lack of cheese here allows the steak flavor to shine through properly and its rich notes to come to the fore, and the sprightly cilantro-based sauce inside helps to stop it tasting too meaty. These burritos might be best avoided if you're looking to keep your sodium intake low  they contain 880 milligrams per portion, or 37% of your daily value  but if you're smart about reducing salt elsewhere, they can make a substantial, yet easy dinner.

Chicken Mole

Trader Joe's Chicken Mole - Trader Joe's

Chicken mole is one of those dishes that takes hours to cook from start to finish. While all the best meals do require an investment from the person making them, sometimes you just want to have dinner on the table in a few minutes, without the thing you're eating tasting flat and lifeless. Next time you feel this way, grab a pack of Trader Joe's Chicken Mole. The tomato-based Trader Joe's version combines chicken leg meat with a palette of peppers and spices, which are then simmered together until the meat is tender and the flavor is deeply complex. Amazingly, too, it doesn't rely on having too much sodium to produce a punchy taste.

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Despite not having the classic chocolate flavors of traditional mole, this product has proved a hit with customers, who still recognize that it's never going to hit the mark of the homemade version. "It obviously isn't the most authentic, deepest, richest, or smokiest mole you'll ever have. But this is a great version to have for a weeknight dinner at home," said a reviewer on Reddit. "All of the flavors are there." That's the kind of honest review you can trust: This product won't change your life, but it'll certainly give you a good meal.

Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

Trader Joe's Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos - Trader Joe's

We get so bored with the same old taco fillings, and it seems like Trader Joe's feels the same way. That's why we're big fans of its Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos, which offer vegetarians a hearty snack or light meal that goes light on spice but remains flavorful. Trader Joe's opts for a corn tortilla here, which is folded over the fillings and fried until crispy and golden-brown. When you're ready to eat them, they cook in just under 10 minutes in your air fryer, where they retain all of their delicious crunch.

These tacos are definitely on the mild side, so if you're looking for something fierce, you'll be disappointed. However, when paired with a hotter counterpart, they really sing. "I just tried these for the first time today and they were pretty great! I put them in the oven and ate them with green dragon hot sauce," said one Redditor, with fellow customers recommending that you pair them with salsa verde or sour cream. Plus, at just $4.99 for six good-sized corn tortilla tacos, it's a reasonably priced option.

Cheese & Green Chile Tamales

Trader Joe's Cheese & Green Chile Tamales - Trader Joe's

Fancy a flavorful package that's ready in just a few minutes for your breakfast, lunch, or dinner? It's time to try Trader Joe's Cheese & Green Chile Tamales. These frozen tamales cost $3.79 per pack and can be cooked in just four minutes in the microwave. You can, of course, take the slower and more traditional route of steaming them on the stove, where they take a maximum of 30 minutes  but either way, you'll be rewarded with a meal that's hearty and tasty. When celebrity chefs like Samin Nosrat recommend them, you know they're gotta be good, right?

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Nosrat isn't the only one who says these tamales are the real deal: Even the people who work at Trader Joe's report they're worth buying. "Crew member here ... Personally out of all of our tamales I give the frozen chile and cheese ones the #1 spot," said a happy customer on Reddit. The person went on to recommend serving them for breakfast with a fried egg and hot sauce. Excuse us while we run to the store to buy these right now.

Chiles Rellenos Con Queso

Trader Joe's Chiles Rellenos Con Queso - Trader Joe's

This legendary item has been a Trader Joe's staple for years, and it's easy to see why. Trader Joe's Chiles Rellenos Con Queso is a delicious fan favorite that takes a complicated dish and turns it into something that will be hot and ready to eat in no time. These cheese-stuffed peppers are definitely on the hearty side, and with a side of rice and beans, they can make a perfect vegetarian dinner. With 870 milligrams of sodium per portion, they're a little saltier than you might think  but there's no denying that flavor.

Peppers crammed with cheese and smothered in a red sauce might not sound like the most refined dish in the world, but Trader Joe's has managed to get a lot of complexity out of its product. "They are fantastic! The batter is crispy-yet-fluffy  almost tempura-like," said a happy customer on Reddit, who went on to state that "the sauce is excellent  so subtle." Fellow fans have pointed out that they manage to taste deep-fried even when cooked in the oven or air fryer. They also feel solid and rich, as opposed to watery. If you want quality from your frozen Mexican food, you really can't go wrong with this product.

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Read the original article on Daily Meal.
There are a few reasons why New Mexico is known as The Land of Enchantment. For one, New Mexico has a diverse array of geographical features, including snow-capped peaks, sweeping desert vistas, ancient caves, and even a one-of-a-kind national park with dunes that look like an alien planet. This state is also home to Magdalena, a tiny town rich with great food and interesting shops.

Magdalena is a tiny village with a population of about 760 people as of 2025. But that doesn't mean there aren't ways to enjoy this culturally rich part of New Mexico. Here, you can browse a collection of shops, galleries, and eateries that feature local business owners and creators.

Plus, this town still has echoes of a rich mining and ranching history. For example, Magdalena has the nickname "Trails End," because it was once the last stop on a railroad line that delivered important goods and supplies. This only adds to its Southwest charm and makes it one of the most authentic hidden gems in the region. Whether you're aching for some New Mexican comfort food or you're ready to dive into a vibrant arts scene, here's a look at what to see, eat, and do in Magdalena.

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Read more: One Of West Virginia's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Train Ride Through A Canyon You Can't Reach By Car

A culinary hidden gem in Magdalena

Magdalena Hall Hotel exterior with sign hanging - Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

Eateries are limited in Magdalena due to its small population, but the food that does exist is certainly delicious. Take Tumbleweeds Diner, a husband-and-wife-owned eatery that opened in a formerly abandoned cafe in 2021. Its walls are adorned with decor from Navajo artists, cowboy artifacts, and other historical pieces donated directly from residents. The intention behind this diner is to serve comfort food that has a uniquely Southwestern twist, which can be seen in menu items like cheeseburgers smothered in green chile, a New Mexico staple, and even family recipes from elders in Magdalena.

Looking for a casual dinner of pizza and beer? Visit The Golden Spur Saloon in Magdalena. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, plus a Bloody Mary bar on Sundays, The Golden Spur is laid-back and inviting to all.

To shop local, delicious food and culinary souvenirs to take home, check out the Magdalena Food Cooperative. With an emphasis on local, healthy, and sustainable food, shopping here helps support the village of Magdalena through economic and community involvement. And, in the neighboring town of Socorro, visitors can enjoy authentic and affordable tacos at Taqueria Mi Jacalito. This small but mighty taco hut has takeout and dine-in options with a few places for outdoor seating.

Shop and stay in Magdalena

Snowy view of a house in Magdalena - Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

You can't visit this town and miss the La Posada de Maria Magdalena art gallery. Found in the same building as the La Posada (meaning "the inn" in Spanish) Bed and Breakfast, this gallery features exhibits and represents numerous local artists. Immerse yourself in the Southwestern art on display or browse a curated collection of rugs, photographs, pottery, and more for sale. For Southwestern antiques, local jewelry, and Pendleton products, visit The Marketplace in Magdalena, located in a building that once housed wool in the city. These shops and galleries help make Magdalena a worthy, less crowded alternative to the popular getaway that is Santa Fe, known as the "Artisan Capital of the U.S."

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Since Magdalena is such a small town, there are just a few hotels and places to stay. One well-rated option is the Magdalena Hall Hotel. Tripadvisor users say this spot has "historical charm" and "immaculate rooms." Contact the property for rates and availability. The High Country Lodge is another place to stay, but for a deeper dive into New Mexico's Western heritage, consider booking a vacation at Concho Hills Guest Ranch. This all-inclusive ranch offers a rate that includes both meals and lodging. The rooms are equipped with antique furniture and wood finishes for a cozy stay.

The best way to get to Magdalena is to fly into Albuquerque International Sunport, the capital city's main airport. There, you can rent a vehicle and drive to Magdalena, which is situated about an hour and a half south of Albuquerque. If you take this route, you'll pass the town of Socorro, a beautiful, art and culture-filled center, located just 30 minutes before the town of Magdalena. For more exploring (and eating) in the state, consider road tripping to this unique New Mexico park, which offers a fresh look at American history.

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Read the original article on Islands.
Oct. 18There's nothing quite like childhood and devouring a cup of mac and cheese.

That nostalgic reminder was one of many takeaways from my recent visit to New Mexico's first Dave's Hot Chicken restaurant, which officially opened to the public Oct. 10.

Before the public debut, the Nashville-style chicken restaurant first previewed its food to media and friends and family of employees two days earlier.

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It was a packed house, with every seat inside and outside the restaurant filled and lines of people flowing out the door into the parking lot.

Deryl Pangelinan  COO of Dave's Hot Chicken's first and largest franchise group, DHC Licensing  said the event received a "busier-than-normal" turnout for a typical friends and family opening event. The franchise group has opened more than 20 locations so far.

"This day is where it really beefs up the excitement for us," Pangelinan said at the event. "This is it. When you see the life of the community right in front of you, this is what it's all about."

Those in attendance included Toni Kersting, a friend of an employee at the restaurant, and her 5-year-old son Nolan Kersting, who gave the mac and cheese his stamp of approval.

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The chicken itself was equally thrilling for Kersting, who ordered a Reaper chicken sandwich. The Reaper is the restaurant's hottest spice level, deriving its heat from Carolina Reaper peppers, one of the world's hottest. Customers must sign a waiver to order this heat level.

"It's pretty spicy," Toni Kersting said. "I think it's delicious. I'm really impressed."

With New Mexico known for its spicy chile, I asked Pangelinan how Dave's heat compares and if he thought New Mexicans could handle the Reaper.

"I think a lot of people from Albuquerque can handle it," Pangelinan said. "But I don't recommend it on your first try. I recommend working your way up."

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Customers are given the option to try two different spice levels, of which there are seven, including No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot and Reaper.

Pangelinan recommended heat lovers start somewhere in the middle, so that's exactly what I did.

My order came with two chicken tenders, two slices of white bread, pickles, Dave's sauce, a side of fries and an additional side of mac and cheese. Meals at the preview event were free for all, but the typical cost of an order at Dave's Hot Chicken ranges from $15 to $17, Pangelinan said.

I ordered one tender with a Medium heat level and the second with a Hot heat level; there was a stark difference between the two.

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One offered a spicy but comfortable heat that allowed my taste buds to fully enjoy the flavor of the tender, which offered plenty of juicy white meat and very little, if any, fat (much to my satisfaction), as well as a savory breading with a just hint of sugary sweetness.

The other offered a surprising level of heat that no amount of Sprite, water, bread, fries or panting could relieve  this coming from someone who pretty regularly indulges in every hot chip you could imagine and prides herself on living by the concept of, "The hotter the chile, the better."

Don't get me wrong, the second, spicier tender was still delicious and fully consumed  but it could only be done at a ratio of one small bite per five bites of the other, less spicy options in the meal.

As for those other options, the mac and cheese was saucy and yummy; the pickles were thick and juicy; and the wavy-cut fries were covered in tasty seasoning. My only wish was that the fries were a little crispier.

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Otherwise, I can say my first introduction to Dave's Hot Chicken truly did hit the spot.

It filled a hole in the fast foodie portion of my heart that was left there by KFC, when it removed the Nashville Hot Tenders meal from its menu years ago.

I vividly remember that meal being my first exposure to Nashville-style chicken and being amazed at how much I loved the sugary breading. I remembered thinking, "Wow, I never would have thought sugar and chicken go well together." But there was just something about that spice-infused sugary substance that made me fall in love and opened up a whole new world of chicken cuisine.

I was also impressed with the transformation of the Dave's Hot Chicken space, which used to be a Panda Express. Now, it's a vibrant space with colorful murals bursting off every wall.

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Every Dave's Hot Chicken location features art unique to and reflecting the surrounding community. New Mexico's Dave's Hot Chicken art features references to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the iconic television show "Breaking Bad."

It's apparent through the opening of Dave's Hot Chicken and several other chicken chains in the last few years that Albuquerque is becoming a hot spot for big chicken.

I've heard many complain that the influx of chicken chains is overwhelming Albuquerque's food scene, and not for the better. I respect that, especially when I'm sure there are plenty of good local places to try. However, as a picky eater and chicken lover myself, I appreciate the options and think Dave's Hot Chicken adds something a little different from the rest.

For those waiting a couple of months for the buzz to die down before visiting, I don't blame you. It's a tight squeeze in the restaurant when packed. But trust me, it's worth circling back for eventually.
When people think of traveling to New Mexico, the first place that comes to mind is White Sands National Park, a one-of-a-kind national park that looks like an alien planet. However, The Land of Enchantment's largest city, Albuquerque, is also home to the neighborhood of North Valley, a riverside gem with trails and farm-to-table dining. But if you don't want to be in a big city and would rather spend your time in a picturesque small village, etched in peace and quiet but with plenty to do, head to Capitan.

With a population of just around 1,400 people, Capitan sits tucked high up between the Capitan Mountains to its northeast and the Sacramento Mountains to its southwest. At an elevation of 6,350 feet, it's not easy to get to either, with Albuquerque being its closest major city. Once there, though, you'll be in the birthplace of Smokey the Bear and have a chance to visit his museum. Smokey the Bear was an actual bear cub who was originally named "Hotfoot" and was severely burned in a devastating forest fire in the area.

The Smokey Bear Historical Park is an absolute must-visit during your time in Capitan. It stands as an educational center intended to remind the public of the importance of environmental health, ecological preservation, and wildfire prevention, while also commemorating Smokey's life. There's a playground, picnic area, and Smokey's somber yet peaceful burial spot. The park costs $6 to visit for adults, $4 for seniors, and is free for children. It's open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Mondays and remains closed on major holidays like Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day. Do note, though, that pets are not allowed in the park.

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Read more: One Of West Virginia's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Train Ride Through A Canyon You Can't Reach By Car

Exploring the charming town of Capitan

Smokey the Bear statue inside the visitor center and museum - RaisaMacouzet/Shutterstock

The little village has everything you'd expect, including an ever-popular gift shop and museum, and some local-favorite restaurants. The Smokey Bear Museum and Gift Shop is the go-to spot if you're looking to learn more about Smokey's life and buy all things Smokey-related. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the life of Capitan's favorite son through drawings and pictures, and was built in the '60s by volunteers. As for the gift shop, happy customers are able to buy things like scarves, hats, coins, stamps, and Junior Forest Ranger badges, to name just a few items. One happy customer said (via TripAdvisor), "Our son completed his Junior Ranger badge and in the process we all learned more about fighting forest fires."

Capitan is also home to many great restaurants, with Oso Grill and Che Palle being the most popular of the lot. Oso Grill offers diners contemporary American fare mixed with Southwestern flair, with items like fried green chile strips, their famous green chile cheeseburger, barbecue beef brisket sandwiches, and green chile chicken quesadillas. They also have a diverse selection of beer and wine.

If you're looking for something sweet, though, Che Palle is where you should go. Although they do offer salads and classic Italian dishes like pizzas, they also serve up delectable delights like cheesecake, chocolate ganache, and banana pudding.

How to get to Capitan and where to stay

View of Albuquerque International Sunport - EQRoy/Shutterstock

Because it's at a higher elevation nestled between two mountain ranges, Capitan can be a bit of a challenge to get to. Once you're there, however, you can make the most of the area's parks, museums, and small-town charm, with an abundance of tranquility to accompany all of that. The best way reach Capitan is by flying into Roswell Air Center and then driving to Capitan. The drive takes approximately an hour and a half to complete.

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Alternatively, if you're looking to fly into a major airport, Albuquerque International Sunport is the best option. From there, the drive to Capitan is about two and a half hours long. The best part about landing in Albuquerque is that it's home to Indian Pueblo Kitchen, one of the best indigenous restaurants in the state. And given how foodies from all over the country are road-tripping to New Mexico to sample the best of innovative Native American cuisine, it's a must-stop for you before you drive on over to Capitan.

If you're looking for a place to stay during your visit to Capitan, a good accommodation option is the Smokey Bear Motel. Rooms cost $113 at the time of writing, and it's located in the village of Capitan itself. La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Ruidoso Downs is another good budget-friendly option, with its rooms being priced at $105 at the time of writing. Although not located in Capitan itself, but instead in the nearby city of Ruidoso Downs, roughly a 30-minute drive to the home of Smokey the Bear.

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The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been honoured with an award for its outstanding contribution towards the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN). Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, received the award on behalf of the Ministry from President Droupadi Murmu. The felicitation ceremony was held during the National Conclave on 'Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan' at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. More than 2000 Anganwadi Centres have been made functional in the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) areas under the PM JANMAN scheme, empowering communities at the last mile. During FY 2023-24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) for the socio-economic development of 75 PVTG communities residing in 18 states and one UT. The mission aims to provide basic facilities, including safe housing, clean drinking water, improved access to education, health, and nutrition, as well as road and telecom connectivity, electrification of unelectrified households, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, within 3 years. These objectives are planned to be met through 11 interventions implemented by 9 line Ministries. Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the national conclave on the 'Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan' and presented awards to the best-performing states, districts, blocks, and Integrated Tribal Development Agencies at a function held in New Delhi on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that this conclave reflects our national resolve to make governance truly participatory, inclusive, and based on people's participation. She added that the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan was launched with the transformative vision of making every tribal village self-reliant and a proud village. She highlighted that this campaign aims to ensure that tribal communities participate in the nation's development journey and that the benefits of development reach all tribal areas and people. She expressed confidence that the Tribal Action Framework will play a vital role in the development of our tribal people and the country. The President said that the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan strengthens the spirit of public participation by empowering Gram Sabhas and community-led institutions. She stated that through meaningful participation of tribal society, national policy can be influenced and schemes can be made more effective. The President stated that tribal communities are a vital part of the country's socio-cultural diversity. She said that tribal traditions remind us that development must be in harmony with nature. The President highlighted that in recent years, the Government has taken several concrete steps to ensure the overall development of tribal communities. She further stated that these efforts aim not only to provide financial assistance but also to offer opportunities in education, health, employment, technical skills, and equal participation in governance. (ANI)
A condo owner in Hawai'i took to Reddit to discuss a major issue they'd run into with their local HOA after a serious issue in their building left them facing a massive repair bill.

Posting in the r/HOA subreddit, they explained that their association was trying to stick them with the bill after pipes burst in their building.

They explained that the plumbing to their air conditioning unit had been leaking behind their walls, soaking their drywall and ruining both it and the flooring beneath. When they went to the HOA, they were essentially told that because the AC unit wasn't from when the building was built, the HOA was unlikely to cover it.

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They say they were told to go through their homeowner's insurance, and the HOA might agree to pay part of the deductible.

"The pipes were 100% the buildings fault, they are within the walls so that makes it their responsibility," they said. "So what they are basically telling me is, yes the leak was completely our fault due to old insulation of pipes, but sorry for all the damage that's on ME to get fixed."

HOAs are a frequent cause of stress around the country. While they're ostensibly there to make sure that property values stay high and help with repairs that may impact the entire community, their rigid rules and regulations often leave homeowners infuriated.

They've fined homeowners for letting towels dry on their porch after Labor Day festivities, made unilateral landscaping decisions without consulting the homeowner, and have even tried to prevent things like solar panel installation.

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However, it's possible in many cases to work with HOAs to improve your community and change bylaws, rather than turning things into a prolonged fight, improving everyone's lives without conflict.

Unfortunately for this condo owner, commenters seemed to think that the HOA might be in the right in this instance.

"In condos, generally (read the governing documents) no matter who is responsible for the damage, repairs by the HOA generally only go walls in, this would be drywall and subfloor, etc. Paint, wallpaper, etc. are your responsibility," one said.

They continued on, writing, "This is why you have insurance. Now, if the insurance company thinks the HOA is responsible, they will fight it.  if you can prove the HOA was NEGLIGENT and that their negligence either caused the leak itself or the damage, than you have a different claim, not of the leak damage, but damage caused by negligence."

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They further explained that if the HOA was aware of the pipe issue but hadn't done the necessary repairs or made an effort to start the process, then it would be negligence.

"I actually let them know I thought there was a leak and they came out and checked it and said it was fine so 3 days later I email them again saying it's getting worse and THEN they finally figure out there actually is a leak," the poster replied. "Insurance will hear about that and they can do with it as they please.  I don't think I'm cut out for condo living because this has been a nightmare since we moved in."

"Usually your responsibility is walls in," said another commenter. "Your insurance should cover this. The HOA will fix the wall itself."

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When it comes to outdoor recreation in the U.S., states like Colorado, California, and Wyoming get all the attention, while others like North Dakota fly too far under the radar. This is a shame, as North Dakota actually has a surprisingly rich collection of fantastic outdoor destinations of its own. North Dakota's overlooked treasures include lesser-known hikes like the Boicourt Trail in the underrated Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There's also the Cross Ranch State Park, which has superb paddling and fishing opportunities along the Missouri River. However, the crown jewel of the North Dakota state park system may be its very first one. Though opinions will always differ on which of its state parks is the most beautiful, the amazing Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park has the perfect blend of outdoor beauty and engaging history to delight any traveler.

One major advantage of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park  particularly for those who don't care for long road trips  is its convenient location. While other North Dakota parks require lengthy drives over vast Upper Midwest terrain, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is just 20 minutes away via car from the state capitol of Bismarck. Despite the minimal distance from civilization, the state park remains a scenic preserve of both North Dakota's natural beauty and its complex history. With restored military installations and historic sites, as well as gorgeous views of the North Dakota landscape, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is sure to amaze outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike.

Read more: The 5 Best Parks Where You Can See Bison Roam (Other Than Yellowstone), According To Visitors

Fort Abraham Lincoln blends history with North Dakota's beauty

The Slant Indian Village, a reconstructed Mandan earthlodge site within Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota - Photo Spirit/Shutterstock

Established back in 1907, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is the first state park in North Dakota. However, the site's history goes back long before that. In the 19th century, Fort Abraham Lincoln was a U.S. military post (then called Fort McKeen), before becoming the headquarters of General George Armstrong Custer, who held command of the fort until his death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. Before it became a U.S. military installation, the site was home to the Mandan Native American tribe, who established settlements there as early as 1575.

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The modern Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park reflects this long and multifaceted history with excellent restorations, as well as informative and interactive displays. Most notable among the park's historic sites is the remarkable On-A-Slant Village. Situated on the site of a major Mandan settlement that thrived before a devastating 1781 smallpox epidemic, On-A-Slant Village features five reconstructed Mandan earth lodges, complete with interpretive tours and exhibitions that provide information on the indigenous people's history and culture.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park also features an interactive reconstruction of the house that General Custer lived in during his time as commander of the fort. Visitors will even encounter guides in period clothing offering tours and information on the site. And, of course, the park features authentic reconstructions of Fort Abraham Lincoln's blockhouses, including the fort's original flagpole. Even if you're not a history buff, you can enjoy Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park's majestic views of the mighty Missouri River and its surrounding river valley. The Missouri is both America's longest river and a major vein of outdoor recreation and natural beauty, and Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park showcases its grandeur as it flows through the North Dakota plains.

Enjoy North Dakota's wonders at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Sunset over the Missouri River at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota - John Coletti/Getty Images

With such an impressive collection of natural and historical treasures, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is an excellent stop for a day trip in Bismarck. Many of the top activities in the park involve its excellent historic reconstructions and interactive educational exhibits. Visitors can tour the park's recreated military barracks, Custer House, and Mandan Village for a unique lesson on the people and events that shaped the region. The park's Visitor Center also has an informative museum, with original artifacts and comprehensive exhibits on both the park's Native American and U.S. military history.

Yet Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is much more than a series of indoor museum exhibits. It also features a terrific network of hiking trails that show off the park's historic sites and stunning outdoor views. The main Fort Lincoln Loop Trail, for example, is an easy, 3.7-mile circular hike that takes you past the park's recreated Mandan village and military installations, with amazing Missouri River Valley views lingering in the background the entire way.

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If you're looking for a more authentic 19th-century cowboy experience on your trip to North Dakota, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park also has 6 miles of trails that are suitable for horseback riding. Alternatively, the bluffs along the Missouri River make excellent spots for fishing and scenic picnics. The park's day-use hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. However, Fort Abraham Lincoln does have several overnight camping facilities, including 51 modern campsites, 15 modern group campsites, 15 primitive campsites, one primitive group campsite, four primitive horse campsites, and two cabins.

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An idyllic tiny house in Vermont that is surrounded by 15 acres of beautiful fall foliage has hit the market for just $225,000offering enormous earning potential in one pint-sized package.

The dwelling, which is nestled in the Green Mountains in Jamaica, VT, already boasts quite the impressive fan club, having been featured on an episode of A&E's "Living Smaller."

Nestled on a sprawling and lush parcel, the farmhouse-inspired residence may be small in size, but it has plenty of design personality, having been thoughtfully designed to maximize every inch of space in a way that would impress even the likes of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

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Offering just 265 square feet of cozy living, the one-bedroom abode has been used as a rental property by the sellers, who charge upward of $250 a night for the itsy-bitsy abode.

"The property sits up high, and you can hear the water nearby, which is very peaceful. The location is amazing," listing agent Sandy Laserte, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Stratton Home, says.

The loft-style interior has a cathedral ceiling, skylights, and a modern kitchen. (Realtor.com)

The cozy living room has a fireplace and French doors that open to the patio. (Realtor.com)

The open floor plan boasts exposed beams, shiplap walls, and laminate flooring. (Realtor.com)

While the home offers plenty of earning potential as a short-term rental, Laserte warns that the large plot of land surrounding it likely won't provide a cash cow.

"I have shown it quite a bit to people who are looking to use it as an investment property. Some people are attracted to the listing for the 15 acres, but it's a mountain in the back of the house that is not developable. You are actually owning a part of the mountain," she explains.

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Located across the road from the Ball Mountain Brook, the Green Mountain dwelling is being offered fully furnished. The full kitchen boasts a four-burner gas stove and oven, farmhouse sink, and butcher block countertops.

There is even a soaking tub inside the bathroom, as well as a showeranother example of the sellers' incredible design skills.

"They really do a remarkable job decorating and designing their properties," Laserte says. "Kitchens in most tiny homes often have smaller appliances, but this one has a full-size stove and sink. There are a lot of amazing features, including a small soaking bathtub with shower."

The open floor plan boasts a vaulted ceiling, skylights, laminate flooring, and shiplap walls. The main living area has an electric fireplace, and a loft-style bedroom features a queen bed.

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"Most tiny homes have ladders that go upstairs, but this one has a full set of stairs that go up to the bedroom," she notes. "Each of the stairs has a drawer for extra storage as well."

A spacious deck and patio found on the turnkey property feature a grill, picnic table, Adirondack chairs, and a Solo stove to warm up by on chilly Vermont nights.

The property comes with a well, septic system, and Starlink internet access.

A queen bed can be found in the loft upstairs. (Realtor.com)

A small deck and spacious patio were designed for relaxing. (Realtor.com)

The 15-acre property is located near a stream. (Realtor.com)

The location is just a 5-minute drive from nearby Jamaica.

"Jamaica has a cute downtown with restaurants and shops, and there are state parks with trails nearby as well," the agent adds. "There are also ski resorts, including Stratton, Bromley, and Mount Snow, that are about 20 minutes away."

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In fact, the dwelling was originally located in downtown Jamaica, until the owners moved it to its current plot.

"The Green Mountain Tiny House has moved!" the owners announced on Instagram in 2022. "While we enjoyed three great years in downtown Jamaica, we are super excited to announce that the GMT now resides just down the road on a wooded hillside in the Green Mountain National Forest.

"Fun fact: this was the spot we had originally planned to place the house back when we bought it in 2019  but fate had other plans for us! So happy to see this dream finally come true and cant wait for guests to enjoy the quiet, relaxing surroundings of this special place."

The current sellers are seasoned experts when it comes to transforming tiny houses, having also overhauled multiple other rental properties across the U.S.

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"They are property owners who own the Wildwood Collective, which has a collection of rental properties from New England to Florida," Laserte says. "They also own The Modern House next door, which they would often offer together to groups for rental."

Laserte believes the next owner will likely continue to use it as an investment property.

"It is priced right for a tiny home on wheels that has a well, septic, power, on-demand hot water, and Starlink for internet access," she says. "If the buyer wants to use the sellers as a property manager, the sellers have said they can continue offering the property for rent under the Wildwood Collection."
Dreaming of a getaway usually brings to mind beaches, sightseeing, or a little time away from work. But for some travelers, booking a flight means more than just relaxation  it can also mean affordable medical care. According to Forbes, more travelers are pursuing medical tourism to save money.

Read More: Heres the Toll Pass Youll Need To Travel in All 50 States

Find Out: 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025

GOBankingRates spoke with Abdullah Boulad, founder and CEO of THE BALANCE RehabClinic, about how he discovered that a trip abroad isnt just an adventure; its a way to finally get the treatment he needed  without draining his bank account.

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I flew to Thailand for a knee surgery  and saved $28,000. No joke. In my experience, medical tourism isnt a luxury  its a lifeline for the overcharged.

Heres how a medical vacation ended up saving him thousands.

Top-Quality Healthcare Services at Reduced Costs

The $28,000 Boulad saved from knee surgery in Thailand allowed him to recover at a beach resort while enjoying mango sticky rice.

He explained that in his experience, medical tourism provides patients with superior healthcare services through its combination of world-class medical treatment and restorative travel experiences.

The medical tourism industry provides top-quality healthcare services at reduced costs to patients who achieve better results than domestic treatment, he said.

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Because of this, through his work, Boulad wants to help people understand how to access medical tourism services while maintaining their safety and achieving optimal results.

Discover Next: I Asked ChatGPT the Best Travel Hacks To Save Money in 2025: Heres What It Said

Better Health Outcomes and Financial Stability

Through his Rehab Clinic, Boulad has observed numerous patients who achieved better health outcomes and financial stability through their decision to pursue medical tourism.

The spinal rehab treatment in Mexico provided me with a total cost of $8,000, which included travel expenses and seven days of accommodation at a lower price than the $25,000 U.S. medical costs.

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He said the medical procedure allowed him to heal quickly while eliminating debt and generating money for family vacations.

Premium Medical Care With Vacation-Like Recovery Environments

Boulad explained that his patients who visit Thailand and Mexico, and Turkey often receive premium medical care while experiencing vacation-like recovery environments and shorter treatment delays.

People who select medical tourism make intelligent decisions to prevent themselves from facing excessive medical expenses.

Do Your Research First

Boulad recommended researching three countries with accredited clinics to obtain the most suitable medical treatment at the best price.

A basic application enables you to track your recovery journey, which helps you maintain active control over your wellness.

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He also noted that medical tourism insurance policies offer protection against unexpected medical issues during your trip because they include coverage for unexpected medical emergencies.

Overall, the process of health recovery through medical tourism creates a positive experience by uniting treatment with travel activities  which Boulad said creates a feeling of empowerment instead of stress.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Took a Medical Vacation  How Seeing a Doctor Abroad Saved Me Thousands
Some civil rights advocates are worried that Question 1 on next months referendum ballot could block incarcerated peoples right to vote.

The coalition Voter ID for ME successfully petitioned through a citizen initiative to put the proposed legislation on the November 4 ballot. Question 1 asks voters to consider requiring photo identification to vote both in-person and absentee.

It would also prohibit absentee ballot requests by phone, end the ongoing absentee voter registration program, limit the number of drop boxes in municipalities and eliminate two days of absentee voting, among other changes to voting procedures.

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Alex Titcomb, the lead petitioner and co-founder with state Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn) of the conservative political action committee The Dinner Table, said the proposal is partially a reaction to election integrity issues, and that, if passed, it would increase the security and transparency of the election process.

Others disagree. The League of Women Voters of Maine argued that Question 1 will only guarantee voter suppression. The nonpartisan coalition Save Maine Absentee Voting, of which the League of Women Voters, the ACLU of Maine and others are members, said that, if enacted, Question 1 would unfairly restrict Mainers access to the ballot box.

People who are incarcerated in Maine prisons in particular are worried it could eliminate their ability to vote. Maine and Vermont are the only two states in the country where people maintain their right to vote while serving a prison sentence for a felony conviction.

Maines constitution is very clear on those rights for all citizens to have the opportunity to vote, Foster Bates, the president of the Maine State Prison chapter of the NAACP, said.

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Bates, who has been incarcerated for more than two decades, helps organize voter registration and education efforts at the Warren prison. As word spread that Question 1 would require photo IDs to vote, Bates said some inmates were furious.

The restriction itself is taking away our ability to register, to use absentee ballots, try to force us while were incarcerated to get the right type of IDs, which were not allowed to have, Bates said. Voting is the last thing that gives us some type of responsibility, some type of accountability to our life to have a say in what goes on.

Question 1 would require voters to show a valid form of photo ID to vote at the polls. To vote absentee, voters would have to return their ballots with a new identification envelope on which voters would have to provide either their license number or a photocopy of their ID.

Valid forms of ID would be limited to a Maine drivers license, non-driver identification card or interim identification card; a U.S. passport or passport card; or a military or veteran identification card.

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Maine Department of Corrections policy prohibits inmates from keeping items such as drivers licenses on their person while in custody, according to a corrections spokesperson.

Only case managers can access those documents when necessary. Instead, every inmate gets a department of corrections-issued ID, which is not on the proposed legislations list of acceptable forms of identification.

Titcomb, from The Dinner Table, said he knew that incarcerated people in Maine maintain the right to vote, but he didnt realize the photo ID requirement might prevent prisoners from voting.

Thats news to me, he said.

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In response, Titcomb pointed to the third section of the proposed legislation, which directs the Department of the Secretary of State to establish procedures for the issuance of free, non-driver ID cards.

I would think that that would cover the situation about the folks in prison if for some reason they dont have a valid ID that is currently listed, he said.

The coalition chose the valid forms of ID in the legislation because they are the most common, Titcomb said.

Inmates can apply for a state-issued ID while in custody. However they only gain possession of it when they leave prison. Leading up to their release, a case manager will verify that inmates have at least two forms of ID for employment purposes, such as a drivers license or non-driver ID card, or help inmates obtain those if they dont, according to agency rules.

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But they currently cant have the IDs on them as prisoners. The department of corrections would have to change its rules to give inmates access to the valid forms of ID listed in Question 1. That means a solution wouldnt be up to the secretary of states office; rather, the corrections department would have to change its policies.

However, if Question 1 passes, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said her office would work with corrections officials to ensure incarcerated people could continue to vote.

DOC spokesperson Jill OBrien echoed this: MDOC and SOS work cooperatively on many issues and will determine the appropriate course of action, depending on the outcome of the referendum.

All voting in Maine jails or prisons is done by absentee ballot. Regardless of where a person is incarcerated, inmates register to vote in the town they lived in at the time of their arrest. The secretary of states office routinely conducts voter registration drives inside prisons, and distributes and collects voter registration applications to send to municipal clerks for processing.

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The exact impact of Question 1 on each of Maines 15 jails is more difficult to pin down, given that each jails policy on allowable possessions could differ. The correction department is the state agency that runs and establishes the rules for all of Maines prisons, where inmates may remain for years. Jails are run by counties and have a more short-term, fluid population.

Even if the corrections department changed its policy, the photo ID requirement and other changes to absentee voting would still create additional, logistical hurdles for people in prison, said Alicia Rea, a policy fellow at the ACLU of Maine.

Question 1 would increase the number of steps required to vote, which vastly increases the risk of a ballot being rejected for a technical reason. When you are in custody, your time to fix that technicality is way diminished, Rea said.

Then were putting so much dependency on the department of corrections cooperation and also expediency for this process, she added. And thats not really fair to them when voting is not their lane at all. Their job is the custody and care of these people.

Update (Oct. 20): This article was updated to reflect the fact that the secretary of states office collects voter registration applications during voter registration drives inside prisons, not the absentee ballots themselves, to send to municipal clerks for processing.
What happens now?

That may well be the question being asked by No Kings protesters, who marched, rallied and danced all over the nation on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Pro-democracy groups had aimed to encourage large numbers of Americans to demonstrate that together we are choosing democracy. They were successful, with crowds turning out for demonstrations in thousands of cities and towns from Anchorage to Miami.

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And while multiple GOP leaders had attacked the planned demonstrations, describing them as hate America rallies, political science scholars and national security experts agree that the current U.S. administrations actions are indeed placing the worlds oldest continuous constitutional republic in jeopardy.

Once a democracy starts to erode, it can be difficult to reverse the trend. Only 42% of democracies affected by autocratization  a transformation in governance that erodes democratic safeguards  since 1994 have rebounded after a democratic breakdown, according to Swedish research institute V-Dem.

Often termed democratic backsliding, such periods involve government-led changes to rules and norms to weaken individual freedoms and undermine or eliminate checks on power exercised by independent institutions, both governmental and non-governmental.

Democracies that have suffered setbacks vary widely, from Hungary to Brazil. As a longterm practitioner of democracy-building overseas, I know that none of these countries rival the United States constitutional traditions, federalist system, economic wealth, military discipline, and vibrant independent media, academia and nonprofit organizations.

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Even so, practices used globally to fight democratic backsliding or topple autocracies can be instructive.

In a nutshell: Nonviolent resistance is based on noncooperation with autocratic actions. It has proven more effective in toppling autocracies than violent, armed struggle.

But it requires more than street demonstrations.

Tactics used by pro-democracy movements

So, what does it take for democracies to bounce back from periods of autocratic rule?

Broad-scale, coordinated mobilization of a sufficient percentage of the population against autocratic takeover and for a renewed democratic future is necessary for success.

That momentum can be challenging to generate. Would-be autocrats create environments of fear and powerlessness, using intimidation, overwhelming force or political and legal attacks, and other coercive tactics to force acquiescence and chill democratic pushback.

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Autocrats cant succeed alone. They rely on what scholars call pillars of support  a range of government institutions, security forces, business and other sectors in society to obey their will and even bolster their power grabs.

However, everyone in society has power to erode autocratic support in various ways. While individual efforts are important, collective action increases impact and mitigates the risks of reprisals for standing up to individuals or organizations.

Here are some of the tactics used by those movements across the world:

1. Refuse unlawful, corrupt demands

When enough individuals in critical roles and institutions  the military, civil servants, corporate leaders, state government and judges  refuse to implement autocratic orders, it can slow or even stop an autocratic takeover. In South Korea, parts of the civil service, legislature and military declined to support President Yoon Suk Yeols imposition of martial law in 2024, foiling his autocratic move.

2. Visibly bolster the rule of law

Where would-be autocrats disregard legal restraints and install their supporters in the highest courts, individual challenges to overreach, even if successful, can be insufficient. In Poland, legal challenges in courts combined with public education by the judiciary, lawyers associations initiatives and street protests like the March of a Thousand Robes in 2020 to signal widespread repudiation of the autocratic governments attacks on the rule of law.

3. Unite in opposition

This years Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Corina Machado from Venezuela, is an example of how political parties and leaders who cooperate across differences can offer an alternative vision.

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Novel candidates can undermine the ability of autocrats to sow division and demonize major opponents. However, coalitions can be difficult to form and sustain to win. Based on experiences overseas, historian Anne Applebaum, author of Autocracy Inc., has called for a pro-democracy coalition in the U.S. that could unite independents, Libertarians, the Green Party, dissident Republicans and the Democratic Party.

4. Harness economic power

Everyday consumers can pressure wealthy elites and corporations that acquiesce to, or prop up, would-be autocrats through boycotts and other methods, like the Tesla Takedown in the U.S. that preceded a drop in Tesla share value and owner Elon Musks departure from his government role. General strikes, led by labor unions and professional associations, as in Sudan or Myanmar, can be particularly effective.

5. Preempt electoral manipulation

Voting autocrats out of office remains the best way to restore democracy, demonstrated recently by the u-turn in Brazil, where a pro-democracy candidate defeated the hard-right incumbent. But this requires strategic action to keep elections truly free and fair well in advance of election day.

6. Organize your community

As in campaigns in India starting in 2020 and Chile in 2019, participating in community or private conversation forums, local town halls or councils, and nonpartisan student, veterans, farmers, womens and religious groups provides the space to share concerns, exchange ideas and create avenues to take action. Often starting with trusted networks, local initiatives can tap into broader statewide or national efforts to defend democracy.

7. Shape the story

Driving public opinion and communicating effectively is critical to pro-democracy efforts. Serbian students created one of the largest protest movements in decades starting in 2024 using creative resistance  artistic expression, such as visual mediums, satire and social media  to expose an autocrats weaknesses, reduce fear and hopelessness and build collective symbolism and resilience.

8. Build bridges and democratic alternatives

Bringing together people across ideological and other divides can increase understanding and counter political polarization, particularly when religious leaders are involved. Even in autocratic countries like Turkey or during wartime as in Ukraine, deepening democratic practices at state and local levels, like citizen assemblies and the use of technologies that improve the quality of public decision-making, can demonstrate ways to govern differently.

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Parallel institutions, such as schools and tax systems operating outside the formal repressive system, like during Slobodan Milosevics decade-long crackdown in Kosovo, have sustained non-cooperation and shaped a future vision.

9. Document abuses, protect people, reinforce truth

With todays technologies, every citizen can record repressive incidents, track corruption and archive historical evidence such as preserving proof of slavery at danger of being removed in public museums in the U.S., or collecting documentation of human rights violations in Syria. This can also entail bearing witness, including by accompanying those most targeted with abusive government tactics. These techniques can bolster the survival of independent and evidence-based media, science and collective memory.

10. Mitigate risk, learn and innovate

The success rate of nonviolent civil resistance is declining while repressive tactics by autocrats are evolving. Democracy defenders are forced to rapidly adjust, consistently train, prepare for diverse scenarios, try new techniques and strategically support each other.

International solidarity from global institutions, like European Union support for democrats in Belarus or Georgia, or online movements, like the Milk Tea Alliance across Southeast Asia, can bolster efforts.

Democracys future?

The end of American democracy is not a foregone conclusion, despite the unprecedented rate of its decline. It will depend, in part, on the choices made by every American.

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With autocracies outnumbering democracies for the first time in 20 years, and only 12% of the worlds population now living in a liberal democracy, the future of the global democratic experiment may well depend on the people of the United States.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Shelley Inglis, Rutgers University

Read more:



Until July 1, 2025, Shelley Inglis served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
NEW YORK  An estimated 100,000 protesters turned out to rally against the Trump administration during a massive No Kings march through Midtown on Saturday, calling for President Donald Trump's despotic policies to come to an abrupt end.

Gathering in Times Square, protesters carrying signs reading, No Kings make the world a better place and Trump is a traitor, lined up for several blocks as they began their way through the heart of Manhattan to Union Square, aerial shots taken in Midtown Saturday show.

Similar No Kings protests, billed as a nationwide day of defiance against Trump and his hard-line immigration policies were held in each borough and across the country.

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The first No Kings protest, held this past June, coincided with Trumps birthday and military parade in Washington, D.C. About 50,000 turned out to protest in New York City.

Saturdays protest saw twice that number, city officials said.

Very little has changed in the last four months, protesters said. They angrily cited the Trump administrations current war on New York Citys transit system  just on Thursday, federal regulators demanded the city halt work on Manhattans recently revived 34th Street busway continued ICE operations, and the since-abandoned push to strip millions in federal anti-terror funding from the NYPD.

Im appalled at whats going on in this country. I cant believe it, said one 73-year-old protester, who identified herself as Lisa. I feel like Im living in Nazi Germany, I feel like Im in a science-fiction movie  and nobodys doing anything.

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Trump is going after immigrants and disenfranchised Americans just because, Lisa said.

The fact that Congress is letting him do whatever he wants, thats my biggest issue, she said. Trump is Trump. Hes a piece of s. And with no ethics, morals, whatever. But the fact that the Congress allows him to do this, I think, is what upsets me the most.

Upper West Side native Robbi Conal, 81, who held up an oil painting of Trump with the words Dick Tater on it, said the Trump administration was destroying America.

Im really about working-class people and regular people and Trump is really for billionaires and all his cronies and the tech bros, and not really serving the American people who are taking the brunt of his corrupt policies, Conal said.

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While 100 people were arrested at New York Citys first No Kings event in the late spring, the NYPD said no arrests were made Saturday.

We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their first amendment rights and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests, the department said on X.

Madeline Scheffler, 38, took the train from New Rochelle to Midtown to take part of the No Kings march with her 6-year-old daughter, Eloise.

Why are we here, sweetie? she asked her daughter as she marched through the streets.

Eloises answer was as adorable as it was defiant. Because we dont want kings, the child said.

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My daughter should be home coloring or at the playground, but it felt really important to show her that theres a lot of people who believe in what we believe in, Scheffler said. We think theres room for everybody in our country and we think families shouldnt be separated.

People who we elect to lead us should be thinking more about the people than themselves, she said. And thats not happening right now at all levels of government.

Scheffler said she wanted to inspire her daughter to use her voice to speak out against injustice.

Its not the childs first protest, she added, though gazing around at the throngs of people, she said, This is by far the largest!
CHICAGO  For the second time this month, federal immigration agents targeted rideshare drivers at OHare International Airport despite recent vows from Mayor Brandon Johnson to prevent more raids.

About 9:15 a.m. Saturday, agents were seen detaining rideshare drivers parked in a designated staging area off Balmoral Avenue as they waited for pickup requests, Service Employees International Union Local 1 spokesperson Bailey Koch said.

Koch  whose union is part of a labor coalition seeking to organize Illinois rideshare workers  said she did not immediately have information on the identities or whereabouts of the drivers.

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A Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released a statement saying that Border Patrol agents conducted a targeted operation near Chicago OHare airport parking lots Saturday morning and arrested 11 immigrants who were in the country illegally. McLaughlin cited criminal histories such as domestic battery and driving under the influence but did not provide their names.

Without their identities, The Chicago Tribune could not verify McLaughlins claims related to criminal histories.

The fact of the matter is those who are in this country illegally have a choice. They can use the CBP Home app and receive a free flight and a $1,000 check or they can be arrested, detained, and deported, McLaughlin wrote.

Meanwhile, Border Patrol field boss Gregory Bovino responded to a user asking When are yall going to clean up the oHare airport? on X with: We arrested dozens of illegal alien ride share operators taking jobs from American citizens out there last week. More to come.

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Koch said the Johnson administration had agreed to provide 24/7 security for the lot to ensure only people with the correct credentials could enter, but the mayors spokesperson did not immediately confirm that.

Saturdays immigration raid was the latest flashpoint in a roiling turf war between the Johnson and Trump administrations, the latter of which has been waging a mass deportation campaign in the city  including on airport grounds.

On Oct. 10, Border Patrol officers arrested 18 people at OHare, DHS confirmed. Immigration agents also targeted the same staging area for rideshare drivers, known as the Transportation Network Providers Alpha Lot, Koch said.

The progressive mayor, for his part, has sought to resist the presidents crackdown via a flurry of executive orders and invocations of Chicagos sanctuary city policy that bans local police from assisting with immigration enforcement. But with federal agents still running rampant on the streets of Chicago amid Operation Midway Blitz, city leaders are seeing the limits of some of their stances.

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Ald. Michael Rodriguez, the mayors handpicked Workforce Development Committee chair, said he will be calling Johnsons team to see what further measures can be taken to prevent another raid.

The Gestapo efforts by this president have no boundaries, Rodriguez said. Quite frankly, theyre doing unlawful things every minute of the day, and heres another opportunity for them to do that.

While air traffic and security are controlled by the federal government, airport grounds at OHare and Midway International Airport are city property  a fact Johnson pointed out when he condemned the Oct. 10 arrests.

My administration is working closely with the Illinois Drivers Alliance to ensure drivers are protected, their rights are respected, and that our City property is never used to facilitate unlawful civil immigration enforcement, Johnson had said in a Tuesday statement.

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Earlier this month, the mayor signed an executive order banning federal immigration authorities from staging and carrying out enforcement operations on city-owned land. Johnson also called for criminal charges against agents who violate the order, though its unclear how that would play out.

After the Oct. 10 arrests at OHare, Johnson spokesperson Cassio Mendoza said the administration believed that because signs laying out the immigration enforcement ban had not yet been installed at the airport parking lot, the administration lacked a legal avenue to pursue against the federal agents for carrying out a raid in the lot. Such signs should be posted in the lot soon, Mendoza said on Tuesday.

As of Saturday afternoon, there did not appear to be any such signs in the parking lot.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights urged drivers affected to call its Family Support Hotline.

These abductions at OHare are reprehensible and will only separate working families who were otherwise just trying to make ends meet, ICIRR deputy director Veronica Castro wrote in a statement. Citizens and non-citizens alike rely on drivers to get around Chicagoland and this attack is yet another way that the Trump admins ICE and CBP escalation is disrupting life for everyone.
In December of 2024, the Pacific Ocean raged with a huge storm, and satellites orbiting the earth detected the waves, documenting the largest swells ever seen from space.

It was the same swell that brought 50-foot waves to Waimea Bay during the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in Hawaii on December 22nd, and some of the biggest rides ever witnessed at Mavericks in California a few days later.

Now, scientists from the European Space Agency have published the data observed from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, and they showed that waves recorded from December 21st, 2024 were the largest ever detected from space  ranging from 19.7 meters (65 feet) and some more than 35 meters (115 feet).

New satellite observations have recorded ocean wave heights of almost 20 metres  the highest measurement obtained by satellite altimetry since 1991 



The findings have been validated using the Sea State dataset from ESAs Climate Change Initiative. They reveal that long ocean pic.twitter.com/C81GeOtaM4  ESA Climate Office (@esaclimate) October 13, 2025

Per a press release regarding the findings:

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During recent storms, satellites recorded ocean waves averaging nearly 20 meters high  the largest ever measured from space. Moreover, satellite data now reveal that ocean swells act as storm messengers: even though a storm may never make landfall, its swell can travel vast distances and bring destructive energy to distant coastlines.

According to an infographic regarding the findings from the December 21st, 2024 swell event: "With an average wave height measured at 19.7 meters [65 feet], Storm Eddie likely produced individual waves exceeding 35 meters [115 feet].

From a surfing perspective, those waves reached Waimea Bay on December 22nd, giving the greenlight to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which was won by Hawaiis Landon McNamara. And then, the following day, the same swell made its way to California, where Santa Cruzs Alo Slebir rode what many believed to be the biggest wave ever surfed at Mavericks. Although, the official measurement came in at 76 feet  thats 10 feet shy of the official world record held by Sebastian Steudtner in 2020 at Nazare, Portugal.

Related: No 100-Foot Wave? Inside Alo Slebirs Monster at Mavericks

As for the scientists, theyre using the data to analyze climate change and its effects on generating bigger storms. According to Dr. Fabrice Ardhuin of the Laboratory of Physical and Spatial Oceanography in France:

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Our next step is to link the findings to climate change. We will test this with modeling. We are now able to track storm intensity trends over time. Climate change may be a driver, but it is not the only one. At the coast, seabed conditions also shape waves, for example, and these very large storms are rare  occurring roughly once a decade  which makes it hard to prove trends.

For more, the study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Related: 97-Foot World Record Wave Surfed at Nazare, Study Claims

This story was originally reported by Surfer on Oct 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
History is more than just dates and dusty old books; its the story of us, a collection of moments that shaped who we are and the world we live in. From moon landings to revolutions, these events stand as reminders of humanitys ability to change, adapt, and persevere. Some of these moments make us proud, others force us to reflect on hard truths, but all of them have left an undeniable mark on our collective journey.

What makes a moment iconic? Maybe its the way it inspires millions, or perhaps its how it shifts the course of history in an instant. These events were turning points, the kind that ripple across generations and across continents. Understanding them is about seeing how one decision or discovery can change everything.

Lets look back at 14 unforgettable moments that redefined the world. There are hundreds of moments in history that shape our lives; these are just a very small snippet from across the ages.

1. The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

Image Credit: Lear 21 - CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

Few events in recent history capture the spirit of unity quite like the fall of the Berlin Wall. For nearly three decades, this wall divided East and West Germany, both physically and ideologically. But on November 9, 1989, crowds gathered to tear it down, celebrating an end to decades of Cold War tension.

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The fall symbolized a victory for freedom and democracy, inspiring similar movements worldwide. Its a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they refuse to accept division.

2. The Moon Landing (1969)

Image Credit: Unknown author or not provided - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. When Neil Armstrong spoke these words, humanitys collective dream of exploring the stars became a reality. On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 mission made history as the first successful moon landing.

This was about pushing boundaries and proving that the impossible could be achieved. Its a testament to human ingenuity, collaboration, and determination, qualities that still drive us to reach for the stars today.

3. The Signing of the Declaration of Independence (1776)

Image Credit: John Trumbull (US Capitol) - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

On July 4, 1776, a group of visionaries gathered to declare independence from British rule. The Declaration of Independence was a bold statement that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

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This act of defiance sparked the birth of a nation and inspired countless others to fight for self-governance. Its impact resonates far beyond the United States, influencing movements for freedom and democracy around the world.

4. The Abolition of Slavery (19th Century)

Image Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

The abolition of slavery marked a turning point in humanitys fight for equality. In the United States, the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the 13th Amendment in 1865 signaled the end of this horrific practice.

Globally, movements to abolish slavery highlighted the universal struggle for human rights. While the journey toward equality is ongoing, the abolition serves as a powerful reminder of our capacity for progress and justice.

5. The Printing Press Revolution (15th Century)

Image Credit: Corneille Seghers - CC0/Wiki Commons.

When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the mid-1400s, he didnt just create a machine, he sparked a revolution. Suddenly, books and knowledge became accessible to more than just the elite.

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This breakthrough fueled the Renaissance, the Reformation, and countless other movements that shaped the modern world. Its proof that technology can transform how we think, learn, and connect.

6. The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914)

Image Credit: Walter Tausch - Europeana 1914-1918, CC BY-SA 3.0

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary set off a chain reaction that led to World War I. His death on June 28, 1914, marked the end of an era and the beginning of modern warfare.

This single event reshaped borders, governments, and societies. Its a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be and the far-reaching consequences of political conflict.

7. The Fall of Constantinople (1453)

Image Credit: By Akcel1406 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

When the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople, it marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a new chapter in global history. The fall reshaped trade routes, bridging the East and West in new and complex ways.

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This pivotal event also inspired the Age of Exploration, as European powers sought alternative paths to Asia. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of cultural and economic shifts.

8. The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945)

Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.

When the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, it ended World War II but ushered in the nuclear age. The devastation was unprecedented, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives.

These bombings serve as a haunting reminder of wars destructive power and the need for global cooperation to prevent future conflicts. The lessons learned continue to shape policies on nuclear weapons and peacekeeping.

9. The Fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD)

Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.

The fall of the Western Roman Empire marked the end of one of historys greatest civilizations. Its decline reshaped Europe, paving the way for the Middle Ages and influencing political systems for centuries.

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Romes legacy lives on in modern governance, law, and culture. Its a case study in how empires rise and fall, and what we can learn from their successes and failures.

10. The Womens Suffrage Movement (19th-20th Century)

Image Credit: Unknown author - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Winning the right to vote was more than just a victory for women; it was a victory for democracy. The womens suffrage movement, which spanned decades, redefined what it meant to have a voice in society.

From the U.S. to the U.K. and beyond, these efforts inspired broader movements for equality. The fight for suffrage reminds us that progress often requires persistence and courage.

11. The Fall of Saigon (1975)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War, one of the most contentious conflicts of the 20th century. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured the city, signaling the collapse of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

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The events legacy includes hard lessons about war, politics, and the cost of human lives. Its a sobering reminder of the complexities of global conflict.

12. The Discovery of Penicillin (1928)

Image Credit: Official photographer - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Alexander Flemings accidental discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine, saving millions of lives. This breakthrough paved the way for antibiotics, transforming healthcare forever.

Its a reminder of how curiosity and perseverance can lead to discoveries that benefit all of humanity. The impact of penicillin is still felt in modern medicine.

13. The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)

Image Credit: Rowland Scherman (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The American civil rights movement was a defining chapter in the fight for racial equality. Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., it challenged segregation and discrimination through peaceful protest.

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Landmark achievements like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 showed the power of collective action. The movements legacy inspires ongoing efforts for justice worldwide.

14. The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Century)

Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.

The Industrial Revolution transformed how people lived and worked. Innovations like the steam engine revolutionized industries and economies.

This era laid the groundwork for modern society, with all its benefits and challenges. Its a testament to the power of innovation to reshape the world.

It's amazing to stop and think about all the decisions, big and small, that have led to world we live in today.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday criticised the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar, specifically targeting Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav. Speaking with ANI, Chirag Paswan pointed out that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is contesting elections alone in Jharkhand, which, according to him, showcases the inability of Tejashwi Yadav to forge effective alliances. He also hit out at the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and questioned his absence in Bihar even after the nominations for the first phase were over on October 17, 2025. "Where are those who worried about Bihar a lot and tried to mislead the public, talked about 'vote chori'. Where is Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi? Election dates have already been announced, and nominations for the first phase are over. They could not put their alliance in order. I am surprised by the leader of the opposition. JMM is contesting elections alone. There cannot be a friendly fight...They are contesting elections against each other. What message are they sending?" Chirag told ANI. He further said that the leaders in the Mahagathbandhan who are sitting at the top are unaware of the ground realities. "Leaders at the top will shake their hands later, but what impact will it leave on the party workers on the ground? This is not a matter of 15 to 20 seats, as the message would be spread in the entire state. This shows the incapability of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who is leading the alliance and is projecting himself as the CM face. When he cannot unite his alliance, then how can he think of running a state like Bihar," he further said. Paswan highlighted that, unlike the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), where the BJP efficiently manages negotiations and coordination, the Mahagathbandhan lacks a unified leadership. This results in constituent parties contesting against each other rather than presenting a united front. In the Bihar Assembly elections, two key alliances are presenting different interpretations of the 'MY' formula to woo voters. The Mahagathbandhan led by RJD is banking on its traditional stronghold of Muslim and Yadav voters, while the NDA, comprising the BJP and JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas) is focusing on Mahila (women) and Yuva (youth) to drive its campaign. Chirag's party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is contesting on 29 seats, the same number of seats his father won in the February 2005 assembly elections. Paswan attributes this to manifestations and spiritual connections. Notably, the Lok Janshakti Party, led by Ram Vilas Paswan, won 29 seats during the 2005 Bihar Assembly polls as an ally of Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) announced its first list of 14 candidates for the Bihar elections on October 14 and later released its second list of 15 candidates on October 16. The 2025 Bihar Elections will have the main contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, meanwhile the Mahagathbandhan led by Rashtriya Janata Dal include Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. Meanwhile, polling in the Bihar 2025 elections is scheduled to take place on November 6 and 11, respectively, while the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)
DENVER (KDVR)  A suspect in connection with two hit-and-run incidents Saturday in Clear Creek County is in custody, according to law enforcement.

The Clear Creek Sheriffs Office said that the first hit-and-run incident occured around noon, where the suspect allegedly hit a parked vehicle in the parking lot of Safeway in the town of Idaho Springs.

According to the sheriffs office, officers attempted to make contact with the alleged suspect at his home. At that time, the suspect was reported traveling in a vehicle eastbound on Dumont Road.

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Denver police: Several arrested after group of protesters tries to access I-25

A Clear Creek deputy, along with an officer with the Idaho Springs Police Department, responded and stopped the vehicle, attempting to get the alleged suspect to exit the vehicle.

Instead, the suspect put his vehicle in reverse, knocking over the officer as he drove backward to try to flee, said the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office said the officer was transported as a precautionary measure and is expected to be okay.

After allegedly knocking over the officer, the suspect then drove east on Dumont Road and then entered east on Interstate 70 around mile marker 236. The sheriffs office said that a deputy, shortly after, also entered east on I-70, ultimately locating the suspect traveling on the interstate in the right lane, which was around mile marker 236.

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Driver in critical condition after shooting on southbound I-225 in Aurora

The deputy then attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect allegedly veered left, pushing the Clear Creek patrol vehicle into the center barrier, causing the vehicle to be damaged, said the sheriffs office.

The vehicle was said to have exited the highway at Fall River Road, prompting a search for the suspect. The Idaho Springs department also issued a shelter-in-place at around 3:00 p.m. for residents and businesses in the areas of Lawson and Dumont.

At around 3:15 p.m., the sheriffs office reported that the suspect was taken into custody after allegedly crashing near West Dumont Road and Stanley Road.

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The sheriffs office identified the suspect as Aaron Family, who now faces the following charges:

First-degree assault on a peace officer

Second-degree assault on a peace officer

Resisting arrest

Felony menacing

Felony vehicular eluding

Reckless driving

Reckless endangerment

DUI

Accident involving damage (Hit & Run)

The Fifth Judicial District Attorneys Office will determine final charges.

Jacob Factor contributed to this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Two people were killed in a shooting the morning of Oct. 18, and a suspect is in custody, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.

The fatal shootings happened around 7:32 a.m. in the 7900 block of West Appleton Avenue, close to Timmerman Airport.

Police said a 43-year-old was taken to a local hospital for life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after. A 33-year-old died at the scene.

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The Milwaukee Police Department arrested a 35-year-old suspect at the scene. Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips.

The department's latest quarterly crime data shows homicides are tracking slightly above last year's numbers, though shootings overall have decreased this year.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2 people killed in shooting early Saturday morning; suspect arrested
Editors note: This story has been updated with the age and identity of the victim. Initial reports from the NYPD said the individual was 21-years-old. Police have since updated the age.

JAMAICA, Queens (PIX11)  A 31-year-old man was killed inside a popular Queens nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to police.

Officers responded to 94-02 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica, the address for the nightclub Sweets of NY, just before 2 a.m. for a report of a man stabbed inside, according to the NYPD.

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When police arrived, they found a 31-year-old man, later identified as Joshua Davis, of Brooklyn, with a stab wound to his midsection. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead, officials said.

No arrests were made at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Three people were injured after a car crashed into a building in Cleveland on Saturday afternoon.

According to the Cleveland Emergency Medical Service, a car crashed into a building in the 13800 block of Lorain Avenue around noon.

19-year-old drowns in Lake Milton: officials

According to Cleveland EMS, all three victims were taken to Fairview Hospital.

A 40-year-old man and a 23-year-old man are both considered to be in serious condition. A 31-year-old man is considered to be stable, EMS said.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.




HARTFORD - Three people were rushed to the hospital after suffering injuries following a crash into a tree at an Asylum Avenue intersection, an official said.

Hartford fire Capt. David Cote said emergency personnel responded to the single-car crash at Elizabeth Street just after 2 a.m. Sunday.

Crews found two victims in critical condition and one victim unresponsive, Cote said. Two of the three victims needed to be extricated from the vehicle, he said, and the other victim was able to self-extricate themselves before crews arrived.

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Cote said city police were investigating the crash, but the department did not provide further information later Sunday morning.

This article originally published at 3 injured in Hartford single-car crash into tree on Asylum Avenue overnight, official says.
Oct. 18JAMESTOWN  Around 300 people showed up on Mill Hill in Jamestown on Saturday, Oct. 18, for a peaceful No Kings rally to show solidarity with their voices while exercising their First Amendment rights.

"It's really heartening to see this many people show up," said Olivia Schloegel, an organizer of the event. "I also am struck by the various ages and people from all ways of life and political affiliations that are here."

She said those who came out were using their constitutional rights to peacefully protest.

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"I think right now people need to know they are not alone with their concerns (that) they feel about the destruction and the kind of disregard for checks and balances they're seeing in our country," she said.

Individuals gathered with signs opposing the Trump administration's actions at the top of Mill Hill before walking down the hill.

Millions gathered on streets nationwide on Saturday as part of the No Kings protest. Ten No Kings protests were planned across North Dakota, including Valley City.

No Kings is a peaceful movement that does not believe the U.S. belongs to kings, dictators or tyrants, according to the No Kings' website. The website says the country belongs to the people who care, show up and fight for dignity, a life individuals can afford and real opportunity.

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"I think the three things that are the most concerning to me are the destructive cuts to our federal services and programs that so many people in Jamestown rely on not just for jobs, but for services, for resources," Schloegel said. "I think the recent troop and paramilitary deployment to our bigger U.S. cities is alarming, and I think that people are increasingly worried about our free press, unprecedented politically motivated attacks on comedians or giving really ridiculous rules to journalists at the Pentagon."

Schloegel, who was formerly a federal worker, said federal employees are needed because there are lots of programs in the U.S. that help multiple states.

"We have lots of people who are advocates for folks with disabilities, advocates for education and those federal dollars and programs, they have a local impact here," she said.

Dianne Conlon, a Jamestown resident, was the featured speaker before individuals marched down Mill Hill. She said she was one of seven children in her family who became an educator.

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Conlon said her mother was not able to finish school beyond eighth grade, but she eventually got a GED before taking some college courses.

"She would fill out all of our FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) papers," she said. "We were able to get grants because those subsidies were there for us, and that's another thing we wanted to keep so our kids can keep going to school."

Conlon said there have been some small wins for democracy, including TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement from suspension, the silence of U.S. generals to President Donald Trump's speech in Quantico, Virginia, and journalists exiting the Pentagon rather than agreeing to government-imposed restrictions on their work. She also called for the Jeffrey Epstein files to be released.

Conlon said individuals need to stay positive and vote whenever possible.

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"Whenever you get a chance to vote for anything, city, state, federal, anything, get out and vote," she said. "We got to use that right because it might be taken away from us, but that's why and spread that word to any like-minded people."

She said citizens can download the 5 Calls app on their cellphones to contact the congressional delegation. She also called on individuals to find like-minded people and to stick with them.

"If you need somebody to talk to you, you have that," she said. "I do have a lot of like-minded people. My whole family, all seven of us kids, are on the same page, and I feel like this has broken up a lot of families."

Elaine Hegland, a Jamestown resident, said she came to march for democracy.

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"We are marching without intimidation or without using fear," she said. "We are marching using our weapons, and our weapon is our voice and our vote."

She said she did not come to the rally to protest but rather to support democracy.

"I would rather support our right to free speech," she said. "I would rather support our right to health care and the list goes on."

John Reger, of Eldridge, North Dakota, said it was more than an obligation to come to the No Kings rally.

"They (Trump administration) are not listening to the courts, not listening to the will of the people, and the whole deportation thing is just outrageous and shameful and will be looked back on history by this country as a dark, dark period in time," he said.

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Reger said the administration is not doing what the majority of the country wants done.

"I don't know anybody that wants masked agents to use a Black Hawk helicopter to rope down into an apartment building in the middle of the night," he said.

He said the deportations are going after minorities, but anyone opposing Trump and his supporters are next. He said $170 billion has been allocated for immigration and border enforcement, of which a portion of the funding is specifically for expanding immigrant detention centers.

"Do you think that's just for illegals," he said. "I foresee, I hope I'm wrong, a plan that is just the primer, and that all dissent will be crushed, the Insurrection Act will be enacted, and then martial law before the elections next year will make him cancel elections."

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Reger said tariffs have had a "destructive" effect on the U.S. economy.

"My 22-ounce can of Folgers was $9.98 at Walmart on Jan. 21 and it spiked as high as $15.98 now," he said. "So that is outrageous to me because of the promises that Trump made repeatedly during the campaign of lowering prices on day one, even going so far as having a table-filled prop on the White House lawn with Cheerios and other products like coffee on there. That's how much he promised over and over, and I haven't seen any prices go down. It's affecting our relationships with other nations."

He also said farmers cannot sell their soybeans because of the tariffs.

"I'm worried that they're just going to be destroyed and another bailout from our stolen tariff money for farmers," he said. "I'm not so much mad at the farmers, but that is our money for that extra price in coffee that I paid."
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The recall of Jackson County Democratic Executive Frank Whites complete, and an interim county executive in Democrat Phil LeVotas been named.

Legislative Vice Chair and Democrat Donna Peyton supported LeVota in Mondays vote.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

Democratic Legislator Jalen Anderson did not. Regardless, both of them came to FOX4 for the Sunday episode of 4 The People.

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LeVota starts his term off with the backing of Peyton and four other legislators. Anderson and three colleagues of his voted for former Democratic Legislator Dan Tarwater instead of LeVota.

The Monday vote created the normal 5 to 4 split of the Jackson County Legislature thats created division within the body.

Anderson said if the Legislatures Democratic Chairman DaRon McGee and fellow Democratic Legislator Charlie Franklin hadnt gotten out of the race, there could have been multiple votes on Monday before any of the candidates reached the five-vote threshold. Anderson did tell FOX4 he would have voted for LeVota in later rounds if he needed to.

Peyton told FOX4 when she and White had differing opinions, their relationship would get somewhat contentious. She called White a determined person but they did have a relationship. Despite voting differently Monday, Peyton and Anderson say theyre optimistic about the next 14 months.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
1. Did you know women were encouraged to douche with Lysol in the '40s for hygiene and even contraception?

2. This person actually found an old bottle in their home from when it had this purpose.

3. Speaking of dangerous things advertised to women...literal arsenic wafers. Women were told that if they ate them, it would help their skin.

Jay Paull / Getty Images

4. This ad also did not age very well.

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5. Touch screen techonology has been around way longer than you probably thought  in 1986, Buick actually tried out touch screens on their cars.

GM News / Via news.gm.com

6. Did you know the last lawful execution by guillotine in the Western world was in 1977? The man's name was Hamida Djandoubi, and he was executed in France for murder. This is him.

GERARD FOUET/AFP FILES/AFP via Getty Images

Related: People Are Revealing The Most Bizarre, Baffling Things They've Ever Witnessed, And I Can't Believe These Are Real

7. Here's what Nirvana charged for a ticket in 1993...and their reaction to higher ticket prices. For reference, $17 in early 1993 would be about $38-$39 today.

8. This example of a literary test* for Black potential voters in 1960s Louisiana demonstrates how such tests were used to confuse test-takers and prevent them from voting.

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*There are questions about whether this exact test was actually used, with one Civil Rights volunteer confirming it was "the same in all material respects" as a test he saw in 1964, but difficulties in finding the exact source. This test may have been created as an example of what an unfair literacy test of the time might have looked like. Either way, tests like this were used to disenfranchise Black people in the US, particularly in the South.

9. This news article from 1912 is straight-up eerie  and sad  to see now, considering how little we've done to combat climate change.

10. Check out this news station as it switched to color for the first time.

11. Another thing that aged very badly? When Neville Chamberlain, then Prime Minister of Britain, met with Hitler (along with France's Edouard Daladier and Italy's Benito Mussolini) to essentially cede part of Czechoslovakia in exchange for Hitler's pledge of peace, he came home and declared, "Peace in our time." This was, of course, not what happened. Just under a year later, Hitler invaded Poland, starting World War II.

Central Press/Hulton Archive / Getty Images / Via reddit.com

12. Check out the old Pledge of Allegiance. Notice anything strange? It doesn't feature "Under God." That was added in 1954.

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13. Ever wonder what condoms used to look like...?

14. Wanna see a Russian machine gun from WWII? It's kind of awesome (and also terrifying). The machine gun is way older than I realized  the first fully automatic machine gun was invented in 1884.

Related: I Curated The Hardest "Would You Rather" Questions Submitted By Real People  Now You Have To Choose

15. Speaking of WWII, this propaganda poster is wild to see now. It speaks to the sentiment of the time  that women were dumb and wouldn't understand political or war speak  and warns men that they could actually be spies (or could gossip to people who were).

The National Archives/SSPL / Getty Images

16. Check out these people interviewed about stricter drunk driving laws in the '80s. The communist comments are hilarious.

Cut the Shorts / Via youtube.com

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17. Also, check out the "drunkometer," an early version of the modern breathalyzer.

Orlando/Three Lions/Hulton Archive / Getty Images

18. I can't even imagine what it felt like to receive these papers giving a family permission to leave Germany in 1940.

19. This is what glasses for blind people used to look like back in 1850, and it's kind of cyberpunk.

Heritage Images / Heritage Images via Getty Images / Via Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

20. As someone who remmebers 9/11, but wasn't old enough to really understand it, it's eerie to see these newspapers released in the wake of the attack.

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21. Speaking of NYC, here's what the Empire State Building looked like when it was first built in the early '30s. Now, tbh, it always feels smaller than I want it to be. Also, fun fact : there were originally plans to have blimps or airships dock at the top of the building. A dirigible did actually briefly dock in 1931.

Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Related: I'm Honestly Speechless After Seeing These 27 Absolutely Mind-Blowing Photos That Completely, Totally, And Utterly Shattered My Tiny Little Peanut Brain Last Week

22. Wanna see a torture mask from Germany in the 19th century? It's pretty horrifying.

23. Here's another torture device. Invented in the 1500s, it was used primarily to punish women after they had gossiped or spoken out of turn. Messed up, right?

Print Collector / Print Collector/Getty Images

24. The very first Amazon office, from 1994, is a far cry from what they are today.

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25. And this old parody news report aged very, very poorly.

26. This old illustration of a Siberian unicorn is incredible because THEY ACTUALLY EXISTED. They were essentially giant rhinos with horns, and they became extinct approximately 200,000 years ago (how's that for history?). Forget regular unicorns, I want more of these guys in fantasy series.

Florilegius/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

27. And did you know this is how big turtles used to be?

:Robert E. Barber / Alamy

28. Did you know they had to do tilting tests for London's famous double-decker buses to make sure they wouldn't fall over on the streets? Here's one such test from 1933.

PA Images via Getty Images / Via reddit.com

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29. Check out these tickets for the Olympics held in Paris in 1924. A little different than today, huh?

30. And here's what a plane ticket would've looked like if you wanted to attend.

31. This 1920s motorized scooter cracks me up. Just imagine someone zooming down the street in one of these bad boys dressed like this. It's also wild that motor scooters existed then!

Roger Viollet / Roger Viollet via Getty Images

Related: People Are Confessing The Glaring Red Flags They Ignored Because Their Partner Was, Well, Extremely Hot

32. This ad for a computer is shocking to see now, considering how much $6k is in today's money: almost $25k. Can you imagine spending that on a computer?

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33. Ever heard of the half-dime? Production started in the late 1700s and continued even after the nickel was introduced, until the nickel eventually replaced it post-1873. There was also a three-cent coin that I've personally never even heard of, which was around until the 1880s, when it was discontinued because the new version of the dime looked too similar. There was also once a half-cent coin, which declined even earlier.

34. Speaking of money, I bet you didn't know there's such a thing as a $100,000 bill. It's from the 1930s, and it was not meant for people to actually use; rather, it was to be used between Federal Reserve branches.

35. This doctor's medicine bag is probably full of illegal and expired meds now, but it's still cool to see what doctors carried around in the 1930s.

36. And apparently, this used to be normal back in the day.

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37. This electric corset from the late 1800s or the early 1900s looks...uncomfortable, to say the least. "Electric" devices were all the rage then, ranging from belts to brushes to garters. They were reported to have medicinal and therapeutic uses. It seems to have used magnets, not electricity, and no, it didn't work.

CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

38. Speaking of corsets, the woman with the smallest waist in history is Ethel Granger, who had a 14-inch waist.

Sunday Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

39. This letter from a soldier sounds like it could have been written only a hundred years ago. However, it's actually an 1,800-year-old letter. It's from a soldier deployed in a Roman legion sent to his family in Egypt. In the letter, he expresses frustration that his family has not replied, despite his having written them six letters. "You treat me so as a stranger," he wrote, saying he was going to try to get leave to go see them.

[deleted] / Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley / Via reddit.com

This appears to be a rough translation of part of it:

"I pray that you are in good health night and day, and I always make obeisance before all the gods on your behalf. I do not cease writing to you, but you do not have me in mind. But I do my part writing to you always and do not cease bearing you (in mind) and having you in my heart. But you never wrote to me concerning your health, how you are doing. I am worried about you because although you received letters from me often, you never wrote back to me so that I may know how you.

I sent six letters to you. The moment you have (?) me in mind, I shall obtain leave from the consular (commander), and I shall come to you so that you may know that I am your brother. For I demanded (?) nothing from you for the army, but I fault you because although I write to you, none of you (?)  has consideration. Look, your(?) neighbor  I am your brother."

40. Obviously, it makes sense that WWI wouldn't have been called "World War I" at the time, but it's still weird to see this pre-WWII book called it "the world war."

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41. Finally, Axel and Eigil Axgil were the first-ever couple worldwide to have a legally recognized same sex domestic partnership, which awarded them legal recognition comparable to married couples. Here they are in 1989 when they entered a domestic partnership. They'd been together 40 years. Oh, and BTW, their last name is a mix of their first names! They'd combined them all the way back in 1956.

KELD NAVNTOFT/AFP via Getty Images)

Jack Baker and Michael McConnell had previously been technically married in the US in 1971, which was achieved by Michael adopting Jack, then changing Jack's name to something more gender-neutral, and acquiring a marriage license in this manner. This was not sanctioned by law, but the two argue the license was never challenged or voided, so it was legitimate.

The Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage, so the first-ever gay marriages  not domestic partnerships  happened then, in 2001.

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Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday reiterated his support for Nitish Kumar as the leader of the NDA alliance in Bihar assembly polls and said that after the results, elected MLAs will once again choose the JD(U) leader as the Chief Minister. In an exclusive interview with ANI, he said, "Every party wants its leader to become the Chief Minister. I myself wanted my father to become the Chief Minister or even the Prime Minister. Discussions on these topics should be held at the right occasions. In today's situation, many leaders of the NDA alliance have made it clear that we are contesting the elections under the leadership of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and after the elections, the elected MLAs will once again choose Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister." Paswan stressed his current focus is on strengthening his party's candidates. He expressed a strong commitment to prioritising Bihar's development over the next four to five years. "I have always maintained that I want to focus more on Bihar. I wanted to contest the Bihar elections, but the prolonged negotiations shifted my priority to focusing on the candidates of my party. In the next four to five years, I will try to focus on Bihar even more," he said when asked about why he is not contesting polls in Bihar. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) announced its first list of 14 candidates for the Bihar elections on October 14 and later released its second list of 15 candidates on October 16. The polling for the Bihar Assembly elections will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14. In the seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA, the BJP and JD(U) are contesting on 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (headed by Ram Vilas) is contesting on 29 seats, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) are contesting on six seats each. The main contest in Bihar will be between the NDA and the Mahagathbandha alliance spearheaded by Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The INDIA alliance is aiming to unseat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who currently leads the NDA in the state. The Mahagathbandhan, comprising the Congress, RJD, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP), appears to be grappling with internal coordination. Although Congress and the RJD have declared their candidates, the alliance has yet to formally announce its seat-sharing formula. (ANI)
The majority of Germans are against financial payments to Ukrainian refugees, while supporting the return of men of conscription age to Ukraine.

Source: a survey conducted by INSA Public Opinion Research Institute, as cited by German international broadcaster and media outlet DW and reported by European Pravda

Details: When asked whether all Ukrainian refugees in Germany should receive social assistance, only 17% of respondents answered "yes" or "probably yes".

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Sixty-six percent opposed this, giving a clear "no". Another 7% said they did not care, and 10% did not respond.

When asked whether Ukrainian men of conscription age living in Germany should return to Ukraine, 62% of Germans answered "yes".

Only 18% opposed this, 8% said they did not care, and 12% did not answer.

The survey was conducted on 16-17 October with 1,003 respondents.

According to the German Federal Employment Agency, as of March 2025, 701,000 Ukrainians were entitled to social assistance paid to jobseekers and low-income individuals.

Of these, 502,000 were able-bodied citizens aged 15-66. Compared with the previous year, their number has fallen by around 4,300.

Background:

In August, the German government prepared a draft law to reduce state payments for newly arrived Ukrainian refugees.

Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Soder called for increasing incentives to work in Germany, including for Ukrainian refugees.

He also called for the abolition of Burgergeld payments for Ukrainian refugees. These benefits are granted to those seeking employment or whose income is insufficient for self-support.

Soder argued that social payments are preventing many Ukrainians from seeking employment in Germany.

It was reported on 15 October that the number of Ukrainian refugees working in Germany has risen significantly over the past two years.

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Soaring home values in Connecticut after the pandemic may give property owners a sense of security and even a bit of wealth, but the increase can cut another way when it comes to local real estate taxes.

Nearly three dozen towns and cities are close to sending out letters to residential and commercial properties owners with the results of the once every five years revaluation  a state-mandated rebalancing of how local government and schools are funded through property taxes.

Residential properties are generally expected to see hefty increases in value, and some towns are preparing taxpayers.

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In Newington, for example, an analysis posted on the towns website shows that the average increase on the median market value of residential properties  where half the properties were above, half below  was 62% across 13 categories, ranging from bungalows and Capes to ranches and split-levels.

The median value rose to $352,100 in 2025 compared with $218,230 five years ago, according to the analysis.

Property taxes are based on an assessment that represents 70% of the fair market value as determined on a property-by-property analysis that has been unfolding since the spring, usually by a consultant hired by the municipality.

Jennifer Lineaweaver, president of the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers, said a substantial rise in a propertys value doesnt necessarily mean the taxpayer will see a major increase in taxes.

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A broad-based rise in the Grand List  all taxable property and its value in a municipality  typically means that the tax rate  the rate, calculated using mills, and used to calculate property taxes based on the assessment  will drop, easing the blow to taxpayers, Lineaweaver said.

The tax rate is set when the town or city adopts its budget in the spring for the next fiscal year.

Lineaweaver, Stoningtons assessor, said revaluation is intended to shift property taxes based on changes in the market, with individual tax bills going up or down depending on those changes.

If your residence is supposed to be taxed based on its value, but five years later the waterfront properties went up 200% but the rest of the town went up 50%, then the waterfront is not being taxed based on its value like the rest of the town and that defies fair taxation, Lineaweaver said.

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Lineaweaver acknowledged there will be winners and losers who pay more or less after revaluation and frankly, that is the intention of revaluation.

Sometimes, however, the shift from one type of real estate to another can be dramatic.

The 2021 revaluation in Hartford, for instance, saw tax bill sticker shock for homeowners because the value of residential properties surged in the aftermath of the pandemic, amid a scarcity of properties and strong buyer demand that pushed up sales prices. At the same time, the value of the citys mainstay office towers downtown began falling as tenants downsized, leaving an increasing amount of space vacant.

Hartford will conduct its next revaluation in 2026 and similar issues are expected as office vacancies have deepened.

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When there is a surge in the Grand List of taxable properties, the tax rate is knocked down to keep it in line with local municipal and school budget increases, assessors said, typically between 4% and 6% a year.

If the mill rate were held the same, everyones taxes would go up by their assessment increase, and the town would get a 40% or 50% windfall and nobody would stand for that, said John S. Philip, who holds the post of assessor in both Durham and Hartford.

Paycheck to paycheck

As home sales prices continue to rise in Connecticut, local real estate taxes also have climbed, according to an analysis by real estate data tracker ATTOM.

In 2016, the average value of a single-family house in Connecticut was $348,513 with an average annual tax bill of $6,963. By 2024, the average single-family house was valued at $581,618, with an average annual tax bill of $8,690. Tax bills rose by nearly 25% in the period.

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Connecticut had the second highest average property tax bill in the country, second only to New Jerseys $10,134, ATTOM found. Connecticuts neighbor to the north, Massachusetts, came in fourth, at $7,894.

Statistics like that worry advocates for working and middle-class families like The Connecticut Project.

Melvin Medina, who heads advocacy and external affairs for the organization, said any increases in property taxes in Connecticut will come on top of electricity costs  among the highest in the nation  rising homeowners insurance premiums and increasing prices at the grocery check out.

Medina said even what may be seen as a modest $50 monthly increase in property taxes will further compound an already stressed household budget.

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What were seeing across the state is that people are living paycheck to paycheck, Medina said. Theyre working hard but barely making ends meet.

Medina said, And I think the thing for policymakers to understand is that this isnt a random $50 that, Oh shucks, I cant go out and buy my favorite box of pizza or whatever.

This is deeply rooted in everyday people having now to make choices between Do I invest in my kids future at this moment? Do I pay this credit card bill? Do I pay my mortgage? And in state with the resources that we have, that seems not only not fair but not just either, Medina said.

Here are 7 things to know about property tax revaluation:

Properties that are involved in a revaluation.

A revaluation examines residential and commercial real estate. Motor vehicles and personal property, such as business equipment, get new assessments annually.

Revaluation doesnt boost municipal coffers.

It is a wide misconception that revaluation is performed in order to bring in additional tax revenue, Stoningtons Lineaweaver said. There is no additional revenue because a municipality must pass a budget and then divide the budget by the new Grand List totals. If a towns Grand List went up 50% after revaluation, then, if the town budget stayed the same, the mill rate would drop by 50%.

Homeowners have rights during inspections.

Homeowners have the right to refuse inspection requests, Lineaweaver said, and when they do, the municipality must do its best to estimate the fair market value.

A stew of factors goes into determining assessments.

Its like a big stew where you are trying to get everything to work together, Durhams Philip said. Anything that affects value is something we should be considering. Of course, people are willing to pay more for a house thats just been remodeled as opposed to one that needs work. And, theyll pay more for a bigger house.

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Philip said the consultant conducting the analysis of each property is looking at such factors as appearance of property, the surrounding neighborhood and whether the property is located on a main road, which could affect value.

The evaluation is complicated partly because some of the judgments that are made are subjective.

Property owners can do their own research.

A good place to start is by examining the card that is maintained by the municipality for each property within its boundaries and often they are online, according to Gregory F. Servodidio, chief of Pullman & Comleys property tax and valuation law practice in Hartford.

Theres no easier way to get an adjustment but to point out something that is factually inaccurate, Servodidio said. Youd be surprised how often it happens.

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For residential properties, its also a good idea to consider and be on the lookout for sales of similar properties, comparable properties, Servodidio said.

Gathering that information would either help validate what the municipality has done or indicate that it might be excessive, Servodidio said.

Commercial properties are tougher to research because their value rest heavily on the income that they generate and it often is more difficult to find sales of comparable properties, Servodidio said.

When to approach the municipality about contesting an assessment.

Once new assessments arrive in the mail, property owners can seek out an informal meeting with the assessors office or the revaluation consultant. If a property owner doesnt win an adjustment at an informal hearing, there is the opportunity for a formal appeal.

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A formal appeal with the municipalitys board of assessment appeals must be filed by Feb. 20, 2026, although some towns may extend that for another month. Hearings typically are held in March or April. Property owners must provide an opinion of the fair market value of their property, Servodidio said.

Commercial property owners may be headed to court.

Local assessment appeal boards may decline to hear appeals from the owners of commercial properties valued at $1 million or more. The final option is filing an appeal in Superior Court, a case that is heard before a judge without a jury.

Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that left a 73-year-old man dead.

According to the BPD, the incident occurred on Friday, Oct. 17. At around 10:01 a.m., North Precinct officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 3500 block of 27th Avenue North. Upon arrival, officers found the victim lying unresponsive, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was identified as Alfred Stephens, of Bessemer.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel responded and transported Stephens to UAB Hospital, where he died from his injuries on Saturday, Oct. 18.

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The preliminary investigation indicated that the shooting occurred after a verbal altercation, according to the BPD. The suspect shot the victim and fled the scene.

There is no one in custody at this time.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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TALLAHASSEE  The more than $700,000 a New Orleans developer who was once involved in one of his states biggest bribery scandals invested in Florida political campaigns seemed to pay off last month when Gov. Ron DeSantis and the cabinet decided to buy a four-acre parcel from him for $83 million.

The developers campaign donations went to DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier and possibly to CFO Blaise Ingoglia, funneled through a political committee run by a former DeSantis campaign advisor. Uthmeier and Ingoglia are both cabinet members.

The governor and Cabinet voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to buy the empty, sandy lot on a peninsula off the coast of Destin for an almost unheard-of price of $20 million an acre. Officials said the purchase was necessary to save the land from a condo development.

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The property was owned by two companies whose majority shareholder is Robert Guidry, a hotel and condominium developer from New Orleans with land holdings in Florida. Guidry and his partners will make over $70 million off the deal. The state has 120 days from the date of the vote to close on the deal or the agreed-on price could expire.

Ingoglia, who has portrayed himself as a budgetary watchdog and has spent the last two months criticizing mostly large, Democrat-controlled counties for their spending, faced criticism after the decision because he raised an objection, tried to vote against the deal and then went along with it when DeSantis pushed back.

DeSantis pointed out that the Destin deal was part of a bundle of land purchases worth $167 million.

It was presented as one item, DeSantis said, adding that Ingoglia had to vote the entire package up or down. Then he chuckled.

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Ingoglia said he didnt know how to do it procedurally, but he wanted to be a yes for all but that item.

OK, well, theyre bundled so well take that as a yes and your objection is noted, DeSantis said.

After the meeting ended, Ingoglia was pressed by reporters about his objections. Lets just say I have concerns, he said. I lodged my objections.

He also conceded that DeSantis handled things properly. He later sent out a statement to the media that his main objection was the amount of the appraisal for the parcel.

A Department of Environmental Protection document reported that the governor and cabinet approved the item with the CFOs objection noted.

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Ingoglia did not respond to further requests for comment on his concerns or Guidrys political donations.

The Destin land deal was fast-tracked by a last minute addition to the state budget by Sen. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, which moved it ahead of several other properties the state had identified to buy. The item, however, failed to include a dollar amount for the purchase. Records dont show any campaign donations to Trumbull from Guidry, but Guidry and companies controlled by him donated $85,000 to the Republican Party of Florida between 2019 and 2022  and the party regularly distributes money to its candidates.

Guidry donated $250,000 to DeSantis in 2018 when DeSantis first ran for governor, and $66,000 to former Attorney General Ashley Moody in 2018 and 2021. He also donated thousands of dollars to former Panhandle politicians Jeff Burns and Matt Caldwell, who served in the Legislature. More recently, he donated $6,000 more recently to Nathan Boyles, who was elected in July to the Florida House.

One of Guidrys companies, Superior Waterfront Properties, donated $25,000 to Friends of James Uthmeier in February.

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Guidry and his companies also donated $250,000 to several political committees, including $25,000 to Florida Right Solutions on August 15, which on that same day gave that same amount to Friends of Blaise Ingoglia, a political committee set up to raise money for Ingoglia.

Both Uthmeier and Ingoglia, appointed to their posts by DeSantis, must stand for election in 2026 to keep their current jobs.

Marc Reicheldelfer, chairman of the Florida Right Solutions political committee, did not return a call seeking comment. Reichelderfer is a legislative lobbyist who served as a campaign consultant for DeSantis when he ran unsuccessfully for president in 2023 and 2024.

Guidry did not return a call seeking comment.

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Guidry also salted the campaign coffers of several Destin and Okaloosa county commissioners. His property will become part of a county park adjacent to the property on Norriego Point. The Okaloosa County Commission sent a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in support of the sale and pledging to spend $5 million toward the parks development.

Environmentalists raised objections to the Destin land deal, however, because they said the money used was intended for other, more worthy conservation projects. Spending $20 million an acre on property that was not on the Florida Forever list meant those funds could not be used to preserve thousands of acres of more desirable land elsewhere, they said.

But Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the third cabinet member, said it was a good deal for the state and for Okaloosa County because people will never have to imagine what the land would look like with 250 condos on it.

Guidry is a longtime Louisiana businessman who founded Guidry Enterprises over 10 years ago after selling Harvey Marine for $600 million, according to his corporations website. In 2009 he and his brother got involved in developing the Emerald Grande Resort and Harborwalk Village in Destin.

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The companys current projects include a 250-room Residence Inn in New Orleans and a unique dual-branded 330 room resort located near the gates of Walt Disney World in Orlando, the website says.

Guidry is probably most known for his involvement in one of the biggest public bribery scandals in Louisiana history. He admitted in court to bribing then-Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards $1.4 million in 1993 to obtain a riverboat gaming license, which he sold several years later for $170 million.

He negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors to testify against Edwards and was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay a total of $3.5 million in fines, restitution and forfeitures in 2001.

Guidry and his two partners bought the Norriega Point property in Destin in 2016 for just under $8 million. The Okaloosa County Property Appraiser has the lands taxable value listed at $10.45 million.

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The appraisals that led to a sale price of more than $80 million were justified through a combination of things: a development agreement approved by the City of Destin in 2009 with the propertys previous owners calling for the construction of a 79-unit condominium project with a marina, the assumption that the builders could sell units for between $3.4 million and $7.6 million, and comparable condominium marina projects, most in the more expensive communities of Naples, Clearwater and Sarasota.

The initial appraisal came to $55.3 million, but then the appraisers tacked on an additional $28 million for the estimated construction of the marina and road, seawall and other site improvements, bringing the total to $83.3 million.

State Sen. Don Gaetz, a Niceville Republican, told Mid Bay News that he supported buying land for public purposes in the Destin area, but had doubts about whether the cost of Guidrys land made sense.

I only know that it was a very big price.
The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returns for its 8th Chicago edition in Ravenswood.

Known as the city's leading artist-exhibited fair, The Other Art Fair offers art lovers the opportunity to discover and buy works directly from independent artists.

The fall event will feature original works from over 110 creators.

It kicks off with a high-energy Opening Night on Thursday, October 30.

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Adrianne Hawthorne Thomas with The Other Art Fair stopped by the ABC 7 studios this weekend to give a preview of what guests will see this year.

The event runs through November 2 at the Artifact Events in Ravenswood.

For tickets and to learn more information about The Other Art Fair, click here.
Lidiia, a 98-year-old woman who last year walked nearly 10 kilometres on foot to escape from a partially occupied settlement in Donetsk Oblast, has passed away.

Source: Ihor Zinkevych, member of Lviv City Council

Details: In April 2024, Lidiia Stepanivna left her home destroyed by Russian forces in a partially occupied settlement. Together with her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, she decided to reach Ukrainian-controlled territory on their own.

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Along the way, the family was forced to split up, and the elderly woman had to walk the entire day under shelling. She covered almost 10 kilometres, falling several times from exhaustion but getting up each time to continue.

"Amid intense fighting, the pensioner miraculously survived and was unharmed," law enforcement officers reported at the time.

Later, Lidiia's passport was reissued after her old documents were destroyed by the Russians. She later moved from a shelter for evacuees to a new home purchased for her by Monobank and its partners.

One of the bank's co-founders said he learned about the woman's story from Ukrainska Pravda's Telegram channel.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
ABCs Jon Karl battled House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Sunday, about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth amid the widely-criticized new Pentagon press policy.

In a robust debate on ABCs This Week, Karl took the House Speaker to task about Hegseth banning press from the Pentagon if they did not comply with a series of restrictions on their access. (Every major news organization declined to comply with the restrictions, with only far-right network OAN and several other fringe outlets agreeing. The outlets turned in their credentials on Wednesday and no longer have access to the Pentagon.)

Do you have a sense for why the secretary of Defense seems to be afraid to interact with journalists who cover him? Karl asked.

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I reject the premise, Johnson replied. Fear is not part of the Secretary of Wars make-up, OK?

I mean, the guys only had two briefings since he  became secretary of Defense, Karl shot back.

Hes very transparent, Johnson claimed.

And theyve basically forced the Pentagon press out of the building unless they would agree to sign a pledge that would make it impossible to be independent journalists, Karl said.

Johnson argued that Hegseths public speeches are indicative of his transparency.

I cant remember, and I dont think you can either, a Secretary of Defense who has been so transparent, out in the open, talking about priorities, principles and things, Johnson said.

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Karl countered by noting that its one thing to deliver prepared remarks, and another to take questions from the press.

I traveled around the world with Secretaries of Defense, Karl said. I interviewed them. I questioned them in the Briefing Room. Other reporters did as well.

But did all those secretaries come out and do public speeches as often as Hegseth does? Johnson said. To be everywhere all the time among the troops?

Public speeches?! Karl said. Answering questions!

Watch above, via ABC.

The post ABCs Jon Karl Throws Down With Speaker Johnson On Pete Hegseths Pentagon Press Ban: The Guys Only Had Two Briefings first appeared on Mediaite.
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to a new ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey after deadly clashes continued despite an earlier pause to hostilities.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday that negotiations between Afghanistan's Taliban government and Pakistan were mediated in Doha.

"During the negotiations, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.

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The Taliban and Pakistan also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in Doha in the coming days to sustain the ceasefire and ensure it has been implemented by both parties, Qatar said.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar's hope that this important step will contribute to ending tensions between the two brotherly countries and form a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry praised the ceasefire agreement Sunday and commended Qatar for hosting the negotiations in Doha.

Violence along the 1,600-mile border between Afghanistan and Pakistan began earlier this month when the Taliban accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes in Kabul.

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Pakistan has long expressed concern that Afghanistan's Taliban has been supporting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants, which it considers to be a terror group.

"The sound of an explosion was heard in the city of Kabul," Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for Afghanistan's Taliban government, said in an Oct. 9 statement.

"However, no one should worry, it is all well and good, the investigation of the incident is underway, no report of any damage has been given so far," Mujahid said.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry later condemned "unwarranted aggression" by the Afghan Taliban, which it accused of firing first in attacks along the border on the nights of Oct. 11 and Oct. 14.

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"Pakistan, exercising its right of self-defense, not only effectively repulsed the assaults all along the border, but also inflicted heavy losses on Taliban forces and affiliated terrorist groups operating from the Afghan soil, in terms of men, material and infrastructure," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a media briefing Friday.

"These infrastructures were used to plan and facilitate terrorist attacks against Pakistan," it said.

On Wednesday, both sides announced a temporary 48-hour ceasefire starting that evening, to try to halt the escalation, but hostilities continued. But both sides welcomed the ceasefire reached in Doha on Sunday.

"It is the first step in the right direction. Deeply appreciate the constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Turkey," Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a statement.

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"We look forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism, in the next meeting to be hosted by Turkey, to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Pakistan. It is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives," Dar said.

Mujahid, in his statement after the ceasefire was announced, called the mediation by Qatar and Turkey "instrumental" in reaching the agreement.

"Under the terms of the agreement, both sides reaffirm their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the maintenance of strong and constructive neighborly relations. Both sides are committed to resolving issues and disputes through dialogue," Mujahid said.

"A comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire has been mutually agreed upon," he said.
Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Sunday after a week of border clashes that killed dozens.

Islamabad had accused Kabuls Taliban government of providing a refuge for militants that conduct cross-border attacks.

Qatar mediated the peace talks alongside Turkey, in what was the latest indication of Dohas growing influence as a trusted middleman in global conflicts. Qatar was central to Israel-Hamas talks, and helped end the brief conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US earlier this year.

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The gas-rich Gulf nation has mediation enshrined in its constitution, but it walks a geopolitical tightrope: While serving as an Israeli-endorsed intermediary and close US ally, it also provides aid to groups like Hamas.






Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after peace talks in Doha, officials said on Sunday.

The ceasefire brings to a halt the worst border clashes between the neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul nearly four years ago. The conflict, which erupted a week ago, killed dozens of people on both sides and injured around 300.

Pakistans defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, said a ceasefire had been finalised.

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Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately. Both countries will respect each others sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said on X (Twitter), adding that a follow-up meeting was scheduled to take place in Istanbul on 25 October to discuss the matters in detail.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the breakthrough. Under the terms of the agreement, both sides reaffirm their commitment to peace, mutual respect and the maintenance of strong and constructive neighbourly relations, he said. Both sides are committed to resolving issues and disputes through dialogue. A comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire has been mutually agreed upon.

Mr Mujahid thanked Qatar and Turkey for their mediation.

A tea vendor stands near trucks stranded in the town of Torkham by the closing of Pakistans border with Afghanistan (AFP via Getty)

In a statement issued on Sunday, Qatars foreign minister said the follow-up meetings were meant to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner.

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The simmering conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated earlier this month, with each side claiming they were responding to aggression.

Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan, claiming they were targeting terrorist facilities. Afghanistan denied the charge and said it had carried out retaliatory attacks.

The clashes erupted after Islamabad demanded that Afghanistan tighten its grip on militants who were allegedly using its territory to launch deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

On Friday, a suicide attack near the border killed at least seven Pakistani soldiers and wounded 13, security officials said.

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The Afghan regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and are using Afghan soil to perpetrate heinous attacks inside Pakistan, the armys chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, said while addressing a graduation ceremony of cadets on Saturday.

Mr Mujahid said it was decided at the Doha talks that neither country will take hostile actions against the other, and support will not be provided to groups operating against the government of Pakistan.

But just as officials from the warring sides were meeting to hammer out the details of the ceasefire, Pakistans information minister Attaullah Tarar said on X that its forces had struck verified camps of Islamist militants along the border areas, and rejected that the strikes had targeted civilians.

He said militants had attempted to conduct multiple attacks inside Pakistan during the ceasefire period.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has issued a one-month deadline to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government, urging it to deliver on the pledges made during the formation of the ruling coalition, The Express Tribune reported. According to The Express Tribune, the party warned that it would reassess its stance and consider its future course of action if the commitments are not met. During a press conference following a meeting of the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC), senior party leader Senator Sherry Rehman, alongside PPP Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan and Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, said the party had communicated its concerns directly to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. "In Punjab, people, especially farmers, are in extreme distress... Their lands and livestock have been swept away by floods, leaving them with a bleak and uncertain future. On this issue, party Chairman [Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari] has repeatedly stressed, and the federal government will have to agree, that the wheat procurement price should be set so that farmers receive incentives, get access to DAP and urea, and can stand on their own feet, just as Sindh had initiated," she said, as quoted by The Express Tribune. Rehman noted that meetings had been held with both the president and the Pakistani prime minister, where the PPP outlined its concerns. "The next day, Chairman Bilawal also took his team to Bilawal House, where further discussions were held. The prime minister had invited him to talk about these matters, and today, Chairman Bilawal briefed the CEC on the PM's commitments," she added, as quoted by The Express Tribune. She made it clear that the PPP had not sought cabinet roles or political perks. "The Pakistan Peoples Party has always stood by democracy. We played a major role in government formation; whether it was institutional reforms or social welfare projects, we not only supported them but also helped build consensus. That is why we had hoped our voice would be heard in this coalition," she said, as quoted by The Express Tribune. Rehman also stated that the federal government had accepted Chairman Bilawal Bhutto's proposal to waive electricity bills for flood-affected citizens. "Instead of engaging in political point-scoring, I would urge the government to reconsider and utilise the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)," she said, referring to BISP's effective role in disbursing flood relief in 2022, as quoted by The Express Tribune. Highlighting pending commitments, she remarked, "On matters like government formation and the 26th Amendment, particularly in relation to Punjab and the federal government, promises were made that have not been fulfilled. In the CEC, we have decided to give time to the government and the prime minister. We will meet again after one month and assess what progress has been made on those promises. After that, we will decide our future course of action." Senator Rehman also reflected on the significance of October 18 for the PPP, marking the 17th anniversary of a deadly attack on former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's homecoming rally. The twin bombings, which struck Bhutto's convoy in Karachi after her return from an eight-year exile, killed at least 180 people and injured over 500, making it one of Pakistan's deadliest political attacks, The Express Tribune reported. PPP Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan emphasised that the party had entered the coalition with specific terms, including holding local government elections in Punjab. "At present, we have reservations about the local government system being introduced in the province. The system is unacceptable to us, and we will raise this matter with the government," he said, as quoted by The Express Tribune. He also criticised the deteriorating economic situation, citing the closure of industries in Karachi and Faisalabad due to rising energy costs. (ANI)
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after a week of border clashes which saw dozens of soldiers and civilians killed and wounded.



The foreign ministry of Qatar, which mediated the negotiations in tandem with Turkey, announced the truce in a statement on its X account, saying the two sides had agreed to establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability.

The ministry added that the countries would meet in the coming days to ensure the ceasefire endures.

Tensions had been rising after Islamabad demanded that the Taliban tackle the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for a surge in attacks in Pakistan and is believed to maintain close ties with al-Qaeda.

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The latter groups former military leader, Mufti Muzahim, had joined the TTP and created videos, shared widely on social media, containing threats to attack Pakistani towns.

Pakistan claimed the fighters operated from safe havens in Afghanistan and accused the Taliban of providing operational and logistical support to the TTP, which the Taliban denied.

The row escalated last Saturday when Afghan troops opened fire on Pakistani border posts, to which Pakistan responded with artillery and gunfire, where more than two dozen soldiers were killed.

A Pakistan drone strike on Taliban forces in Kandahar on Wednesday - Reuters

Although the clashes had largely ended by Sunday morning after intervention by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, sporadic gunfire reportedly continued in Kurram, one of several Pakistani border regions where attacks by militants have increased in recent months.

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The warring parties had declared a truce on Wednesday night while their delegations met for talks in Doha.

Donald Trump also weighed in on the conflict, claiming it would be easy for him to resolve.

Thats an easy one for me to solve if I have to solve it. In the meantime, I have to run the USA, but I love solving wars, the US president said during a press conference on Friday.

The talks had been progressing and the ceasefire extended, but a pair of deadly cross-border air strikes by Pakistani forces sparked fears of a renewal of the violence.

On Wednesday, Pakistan conducted strikes on alleged terror targets in Kabul aimed at Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, the TTPs leader, who they claim was killed in the assault.

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However, a voice message and video supposedly from Mehsud circulated afterwards asserting he was still alive and in Pakistan. The Telegraph could not verify the authenticity of the claims.

Cowardly act

Another strike on Kabul on Friday night killed eight people, including three young Afghan cricketers.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board called the attack a cowardly act carried out by Pakistan and a great loss for Afghanistans cricketing family, and announced its withdrawal from the T20 series, which includes Pakistan.

Pakistan claimed the strikes had killed dozens of terrorists in a targeted attack on the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a faction of the TTP.

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Pakistan has also accused India of using Afghanistan as a base to facilitate terror attacks by the TTP on Pakistani soil, and of supporting separatists in the restive region of Balochistan, allegations India denies.

Islamabad had warned of a risk of another war with India after 11 Pakistani soldiers were killed in an attack by the TTP in the countrys north-west on Oct 8.

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ISLAMABAD  Afghanistan and Pakistan, embroiled in fighting that has killed dozens of people and injured hundreds, pledged on Sunday to respect a ceasefire.

The truce, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, came into effect immediately and is intended to pause hostilities.

Violence has escalated between the neighbors since earlier this month, with each country saying they were responding to aggression from the other. Afghanistan denies harboring militants who carry out attacks in border areas.

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Pakistan is grappling with militancy that has surged since 2021, when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and returned to power.

The Taliban governments chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, gave a positive response to the outcome of the talks that took place in the Qatari capital, Doha, a day earlier. He said both countries had signed a bilateral agreement.

It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. Both sides will refrain from targeting each others security forces, civilians or critical infrastructure.

A mechanism would be established in the future, under the mediation of intermediary countries, to review bilateral claims and ensure the effective implementation of this agreement.

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Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif posted confirmation of the deal on X.

Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately, Asif wrote. Both countries will respect each others sovereignty and territorial integrity. A follow-up meeting between the delegations is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss the matters in detail.

Top officials from both countries thanked Qatar and Turkey for their role in facilitating the talks that led to the ceasefire.

The fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan has severely disrupted peoples lives. The two countries share a 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) long border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never recognized. They have just two main trade routes.

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Worsening security has forced locals to leave their homes and also left thousands of people and vehicles stranded for a week at border points.

The Chaman crossing in southwest Pakistan is only open for Afghan refugees to leave as part of a nationwide crackdown on foreigners living in Pakistan illegally. Entry from Afghanistan, including trade and pedestrian movement, remains suspended.

Shafiullah Khan, an Afghan refugee trying to leave Pakistan, had been stuck at Chaman for three days.

We are so happy for this peace agreement, said Khan. The refugees were suffering a lot, but now, after this agreement, we are happy and are going back to our country.

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Less happy was businessman Hazarat Bilal Umaid, whose trade depends on an open border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

People were afraid and worried about how to save their livelihoods, he said. Now our request to both governments is to open the gate for trade as soon as possible.

The Torkham crossing, which straddles Pakistans northwest and Afghanistans east, is completely closed.




Irish-born minister Ray Barnett was on a humanitarian trip to Uganda when he gave a young boy a ride from a war-ravaged area to the safety of another village. As they traveled, the child did something that surprised Burnett.

He began to sing.

Moved by the boys song of hope, Barnett returned to his chosen home of Canada with a burning desire to help the vulnerable young victims of Ugandas violent conflict.

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Having seen firsthand the devastating impact of war and famine, Barnett was unsettled by the photos of emaciated children disseminated to rouse the Western world to come to their aid.

I understand the argument that this was an effective way of getting a message across, but I was slightly fed up with seeing those images," he told the Belfast Times in 2019.

"I wondered what happened when the cameras went away, as they always did. To me, the outside world needed to see the potential of the African children.

With that objective  and a young boys song  in mind, Barnett founded the African Childrens Choir in 1984. The choir would tour the world, with the money raised going toward the education of the youngsters and their peers back home.

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The choir's work also supports numerous schools and training centers, educational sponsorships, counseling camps, seminars, relief efforts and other programs.

Barnett passed away in 2024, but the childrens songs of hope continue.

Seventeen lilting voices will be heard locally when the African Childrens Choir performs at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Tri-Village Christian Church, 7509 E. Broad St. SW, Pataskala. The concert is free and open to the public.

Founded 1984 by minister and humanitarian Ray Barnett, the Grammy-winning African Children's Choir will perform a free concert on Oct. 27 at Tri-Village Christian Church in Pataskala.

Dreams come to life for choir kids

More than just adorable moppets who sing and dance, the young members of the choir are ambassadors of inspiration.

Ranging from 8 to 11 years old, most of the children come from meager means, often living with extended families with scarce resources. Some are orphans. Many would be in substandard schools were it not for the choir program.

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The biggest opportunity they get with the choir is an education. Having an education is a strong kick to a better life, tour leader Daniel Tamale said.

Theyre given the chance to be exposed to a better environment that shows them hope for a better life.

When not on tour, the children attend the African Childrens Choir Primary School, near Lake Victoria in the southeast corner of Uganda. Students join the choir by auditioning, for which basic singing, dancing and drumming skills are required.

Prioritizing education has paid off, with more than 95% of former choir members graduating from a university or trade school.

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We have engineers, doctors, pastors, stay-at-home moms, all of great value to the community, Tamale said.

Over the years, we have seen dreams come to life and we are grateful to God.

The choir has sung at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall and the United Nations, and in front of world leaders such as former U.S. president George W. Bush, Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela.

They've also performed with artists including Queen, Josh Groban, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dierks Bentley, Amy Grant and Rob Thomas.

A 2015 documentary, "Imba Means Sing," offers an intimate look at the group through the eyes of three of its young members. The family-friendly film can be viewed on Tubi.

Members of the African Children's Choir are selected from some of Uganda's most impoverished areas. In addition to touring, the 8-to-11-year-olds also receive an education up to the university level.

Tour life opens worlds of wonder

Tamale was 9 years old when he went on tour for 16 months with the African Childrens Choir and was introduced to a world hed previously only imagined.

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One of my friends was in the choir and he had told me so many stories about the U.S., Tamale said. I was really excited to be part of the choir and what it means.

It was such a fun experience, seeing tall buildings I never saw before, cars I never saw before.

That was 2008 and Tamale, now 27, is one of several former choir members supporting, mentoring and training the current touring crop of choristers.

Though his role has changed, Tamale said one thing hasnt: the wonderment on the childrens faces as they travel to new lands and experience different cultures.

I wish I had photos and videos  you can literally see their eyes pop out like, This is a dream come true, he said.

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You can see the hope and excitement in the tiny eyes of these children.

While on tour, the choir members stay with host families, learning about various communities and cultures.

Hosts offer home away from home

When traveling, the choir and crew lodge with local families. Tonya Dillard, who saw the choir last year in Zanesville, cant wait to host three boys and their bus driver.

Its going to be interesting exposure for my family. Theres so much to learn from each other. The kids are going to be so curious about each other, she said.

Dillard lives outside Granville with husband Lamar and their three children, a 17-year-old daughter and two sons, 12 and 8. She and a neighbor are working in tandem to prep meals and get rooms ready for the Dillards houseguests, who will stay from Oct. 27-29.

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Unsure what foods to make, Dillard joked that she didnt trust her cooking skills enough to attempt a traditional African dish.

Instead, shell offer healthy options, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. But to paraphrase the Bible verse, Man cannot live on bread alone, so there will also be a taco night.

With an abundance of boy energy in the house, Dillard plans to let them burn it off running around the almost 100 acres of farmland between her and her neighbor.

Well go for hikes, have a bonfire, let them run around and enjoy country living, she said.

Even after several tours, Tamale still marvels at the eagerness of the host families to open their homes to strangers.

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A thousand thank yous are not enough. By the end of our stay, we have bonded with them, shared experiences and built such a close connection, he said.

I believe its God who brings these people into our lives to spend time getting to know them. They go over and beyond to make sure we feel welcome and comfortable and were having a great time.

Dillard expects the experience to be an eye-opener that makes lifelong memories for her children.

We get to be a small part of a much bigger story  thats what I hope my kids take away. I want this to open their eyes to see the rest of the world is out there, to see a bigger worldview, she said.

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Its also neat to be part of their mission to improve their country, and also to share the hope, joy, peace and love that comes from knowing God."

Contact features, entertainment and things to do reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: African Children's Choir to perform Oct. 27 in Pataskala
Artificial intelligence has graced humanity with many blessings: videos of Stephen Hawking as professional wrestler, thousands of AI-generated podcasts, and more cutting edge Spotify tunes than anyone can hope to hear in a lifetime.

Unfortunately, the technology of the future demands a high price. On top of the exorbitant energy cost fueling a return to industrial-era levels of pollution, AI is also propped up by a massive global sweatshop operation, where low-wage workers in underdeveloped countries are tasked with doing the hidden intellectual labor that makes the tech useful.

As reported by Agence France-Presse, workers in long-exploited countries like Kenya, Colombia, and India are becoming increasingly outraged over the miserable labor of AI training. For example, as the wire service notes, for an AI chatbot to generate an autopsy report, contract workers have to sift through thousands of gruesome crime scene images, a gig known as data labeling.

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Though the work is often done remotely  thus saving on the overhead costs of leasing an office  data labeling isnt exactly a cushy laptop job. Workers involved in this industrial operation describe grueling hours, few if any workplace protections, and frequent tasks involving violent or grisly content. In theory, its not unlike social media content moderation, another digital practice built on exploitative labor in the developing world.

You have to spend your whole day looking at dead bodies and crime scenes, Ephantus Kanyugi, a Kenyan data label, told AFP. Mental health support was not provided.

Adding to the nastiness, these contract workers arent employed by AI companies like OpenAI or Google directly. Instead, those corporations partner with third-party contractors, who then hire out data labelers like Kanyugi, whose home country has no laws regulating data annotation work.

One of the most well-known firms trafficking in the AI industry is Scale AI, which often works through various subsidiaries and shell companies. Scale AI is arguably the largest company in the seedy data labeling business, boasting deep ties to Silicon Valley behemoths like OpenAI and Meta, as well as esteemed clients like the US Pentagon.

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Scale AIs own labor practices are horrid enough. But AFP reports that one Scale AI subsidiary, Remotasks, is taking it a step further: paying data labelers roughly one US cent for every task they finish, which can take hours. Its a system Kanyugi compared to modern slavery.

People develop eyesight problems, back problems, people go into anxiety and depression because youre working 20 hours a day or six days a week, he told AFP. Then despite working so many hours, you only get poor pay, and you might also not get paid.

So next time you fire up ChatGPT  or ask Grok is this true?  spare a thought for the worker who made your chatbot possible in the first place.

More on AI: Parasitic Startup Pollutes Job Market by Applying to Jobs for You Automatically
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming more mainstream, and Houston-area law enforcement officials say they are seeing the good and bad of the growing technology.

Artificial intelligence is a broad term without a simple definition. According to NASA, AI is a system that can perform tasks without significant human oversight and is designed to think or act rationally, like a human.

How are police and prosecutors using AI?

With the growth of AI comes the growth of AI-generated crime, but the technology also offers benefits law enforcement agencies.

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The Harris County Sheriff's Office, for instance, has implemented AI as a tool help identify the public safety concerns and priorities of residents.

"These systems analyze feedback from social media, public comments and surveys using artificial intelligence to sort through millions of data points, identify key issues and trends, and produce summarized reports with clear charts and sentiment analysis by neighborhood," said Tess Rowland, community traffic safety liaison with the sheriff's office. "These data-driven insights guide how we deploy patrol resources."

Using that data, the department can create targeted social media campaigns to educate and inform the public, Rowland said. Two concerns from residents flagged by the data are bank jugging, where people are robbed after leaving a bank, and traffic safety, specifically in school zones.

For prosecutors, using AI technology can save both time and money.

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"There is a lot of grind in this job and we can let AI do some of this work," Mike Holley, first assistant district attorney with the Montgomery County DA's office, said in a June presentation for the Austin-based Prosecutors' Center for Excellence.

Prosecutors are using AI to enhance aspects of their work such as evidence analysis, data collection and victim assistance, the center's National Best Practices Committee said in a January report.

Holley said his office has been using AI to help with routine tasks such as summarizing criminal history and medical reports, creating timelines and creating witness lists. He said the technology has helped with drafting warrants and subpoenas.

During a recent child sex abuse case, prosecutors were able to use AI to analyze the defendant's chat history and create a chart showing when he talked with others about wanting to have sex with a child.

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"I spoke with the judge after and he said that the chart was incredibly helpful for him," Holley said. "Without AI, or a lot of people working on it, we wouldn't have been able to (create the chart)."

Holley said he has also used AI to help generate questions to ask during jury selection.

"I asked it to create weighted questions, because some of my jury responses were going to be more important to me than others," Holley said. "I could have done this over a period of time, but it was a very effective tool."

However, AI does have deficiencies, he said.

"When we give tasks over to technology, we lose that ability to do that," Holley said, referring to the development of people's skills.

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Police officers need to know how to write police reports and prosecutors need to know how to develop questions for jury selection. "Those are teaching moments," Holley said.

AI can also create what Holley called hallucinations," in that it can insert information that is not real or create false information.

"A human has to look at it and has to verify it is what it is," Holley said. "I don't think there is a way around that, and I don't think there will be a way around that."

Fighting AI crimes

While AI is new to many, police and prosecutors who deal with cybercrime have had it on their radar for several years.

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"We saw these issues coming," said Chief Prosecutor Chris Seufert with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Using AI isn't a crime, but people are using it to further criminal activity, according to the FBI.

"The FBI is working to identify and defend against threats from those who use AI for criminal activity and against those who attack or degrade AI systems being used for legitimate, lawful purposes," the FBI's website states.

One area where the use of AI is seeing an increase is crimes against children.

Over the last several years, Seufert said his office has worked with legislators to expand the definition of child pornography and make deepfake images of child sex abuse illegal.

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"Texas is enough in front of the curve that by the time that computer-generated child sexual abuse material really starts to hit the Internet in earnest, we will have laws to fight that and prosecute (those crimes)," Seufert said.

As of August, 45 states, including Texas, have criminalized AI-generated child sex abuse material. Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont and Washington D.C. have not, according to Enough Abuse, a nonprofit organization founded in 1959 to help prevent child abuse through education and training.

This article originally published at How is AI used in Houston-area law enforcement? The sheriff's office and a prosecutor weigh in..




If Ridgetop Elementary School closes at the end of the school year, Andrew Rottas will miss walking his second-grade daughter to class each morning.

With Ridgetop listed among the proposed closures in the Austin school districts consolidation plan, that could soon be a reality. But despite his satisfaction with his childrens education  and despite the North Loop schools popularity and strong academic ratings  the business consultant doesnt plan to join any effort to press the district to change course. He doesnt think many other Ridgetop parents plan to either.

Fifth-grader Nidia Ochoa, 10, reads in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





Its a great school, the kids are learning a ton, Rottas said. But he knows its not fully meeting its goal as a wall-to-wall dual language immersion program, in which English- and Spanish-predominant students learn together in a bilingual setting, aiming for grade-level fluency in both languages.

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Its falling short because you no longer have a varied community, Rottas said.

Recently: Austin ISD dual language schools face possible relocation amid budget constraints

In the 15 years since the programs began, demographic changes in the neighborhoods around the four wall-to-wall elementary schools  Ridgetop, Becker, Sunset Valley and Reilly  have shifted their makeup, reducing their number of emergent bilingual students, or those learning English who speak another language at home. A surge in interest from affluent and white Austinites has also contributed to this, said Deborah Palmer, a professor at University of Colorado Boulder who studied these changes at Austins wall-to-wall dual language schools. The transformation mirrors a national trend in the gentrification of dual language programs, she added, risking the intentional integration that is partially the programs purpose.

None of the current sites have more than 40% emergent bilingual students. Becker has 19%. Ridgetop has the fewest, with about 12%.

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The district has not used the term gentrification to describe why the programs have evolved as they have or to suggest a need for a change. But it has proposed closing the four schools that house the current programs and relocating them to Pickle, Sanchez, Odom and Wooten elementary schools, which serve larger populations of emergent bilingual students.

Yvette Cardenas, who leads the districts multilingual education department, told the American-Statesman the district wants to center bilingual students and increase their presence at wall-to-wall campuses. A more even split, Cardenas said, improves learning outcomes for both English and Spanish learners.

The four current programs are neighborhood schools that allow others to transfer in. Under the district's proposal, the schools would be open to students districtwide.

Becker Elementary School parents and students protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The group rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





The proposal has already met significant resistance. Becker families have rallied at school board meetings and public protests against the plan to close their school and move their wall-to-wall program.

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Yet many academics, educators and parents told the Statesman the districts proposed changes represent a much-needed reorientation of an important part of its bilingual education offerings. Although the four wall-to-wall programs represent only a small portion of the districts dual language options, their prestige, popularity and changing demographics make them a key test for how the district defines whom its bilingual education program is meant to serve and how it allocates limited resources.

Austins wall-to-wall dual language schools grow whiter, more-affluent

The first dual language schools in the U.S. emerged in the 1970s at the urging of immigrant parents. But it was the 1990s, during a time when bilingual education faced backlash from a nationwide English-only movement, that interest in magnet schools brought them to the attention of middle- and upper-class families without cultural ties to the non-English languages being taught, Palmer said.

As parents began to see bilingualism as cultural capital, public schools marketed dual language programs as boutique alternatives to private and charter options.

"It began to be about more than about just assimilating bilingual kids into English, and instead building bilingualism for a global future," Palmer said. Bilingualism was now seen "as an advantage, as a richness, as a wealth."

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In Austin, the doors opened about 15 years ago, when chronically low enrollment and repeated threats of closure pushed administrators and parents at schools like Ridgetop and Becker to adopt dual language programs to attract new families.

Pre-K students sit on a rug displaying Spanish vocabulary as they read books in class at Ridgetop Elementary School in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The school is one of four in the district that offers Spanish dual language across the entire campus. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





The new programs had their desired effect. Although both schools were largely nonwhite and underperforming academically, new parents came, eventually in large numbers.

With time, the effects became clear. Schools like Becker and Ridgetop gained reputations as popular neighborhood schools, and the neighborhoods around them became home increasingly to white and affluent residents. The emergent bilingual population shrank.

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During that period, the percentage of Hispanic and Black students at Becker, Ridgetop and Sunset Valley declined steadily, according to data provided by Jenna Doane, an educational leadership and policy professor at the University of New Mexico.

New families also reshaped the schools culture. Campuses at times struggled to balance the influence of the newer, more affluent and often white parents with less affluent parents of emergent bilinguals, Palmer and former district employees told the Statesman.

Tanya Vazquez fifth-grade language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





Melissa Adams Corral, who taught at Ridgetop during its first three years as a dual language school, remembers that shift. Ridgetops popularity with neighborhood families came quickly, she said  as did a change in culture. Parent-teacher association meetings shifted to being almost exclusively in English, with little interpretation services for Spanish-speaking parents. Adams Corral said she often had to advocate for Spanish-speaking students who were falling behind in reading because the Spanish half of the day  when they received the core of their instruction  was being slowed to accommodate the English-predominant students.

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Schools have a tendency to prioritize parents who have power and sway and the ability to sort of move things, she said.

These days, Ridgetop PTA president Lindsey Stuart said she begins each meeting in Spanish, asking if any parents need interpretation services. But during her two years as president, she hasnt had a single parent request it.

The groups efforts to host events specifically for Spanish-predominant families, such as a Know Your Rights event, have failed to engage them, she said.

The programs that came to be

Tanya Vazquez teaches fifth-graders Nidia Ochoa, 10, left, and Jazmine Hernandez, 10, in a language arts class at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





The programs the district developed in schools west of Interstate 35 have performed well on state tests and fostered strong parent engagement, but many have struggled to develop student fluency in both languages.

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Thats partly because the lack of Spanish-speaking families is difficult to circumvent, said Claudia Kramer Santamaria, a former district principal who is now a bilingual education consultant.

These programs are not meeting the requirements that TEA [Texas Education Agency] places on us, Santamaria said, referencing the agencys recommendation for emergent bilingual enrollment. Its not quality right now.

Austin school board member David Kauffman said some English-speaking families at the current wall-to-wall programs have become among the strongest advocates for the proper implementation of dual language instruction  and he believes many understand that the programs primary intent is to serve emergent bilingual students.

Moving the program, he said, would help the district address the statewide shortage of bilingual educators and staff its program more efficiently.

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At Ridgetop and Becker, parents have previously lobbied the district to expand its boundaries or bus in emergent bilingual students. Neither proposal was adopted.

Kauffman told the Statesman the district ultimately rejected the idea because officials felt it wasnt fair to bring emergent bilingual students to schools away from their homes when there was little interest from families who already had access to programs nearby.

If the districts current school consolidation proposal is adopted, the movement of students would occur in the opposite direction.

Although the district has not finalized a policy governing the makeup of the new schools, Cardenas, who leads its multilingual programs, said the district wants to bring half of the students from English-predominant families and half from Spanish-predominant ones.

What will wall-to-wall dual language at AISD look like in the future?

Students walk in the hall at Pickle Elementary School in Austin, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





The Austin school board doesnt plan to vote on a final version of its consolidation plan until late November. It could still yield to parental opposition  a result several parents told the Statesman they fear could be unfair.

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Yet the district faces a $19.7 million deficit and has said closing the campuses could save about $25 million.

The proposal gives families at the four current and four proposed wall-to-wall schools priority enrollment in the new programs. When combined, their demographics would bring the district closer to the EnglishSpanish balance it seeks.

But its unclear how many current dual language parents will move their children to the new sites. Some, like Sarai Salazar, the mother of a Becker fourth grader, said she plans to withdraw her daughter if the plan passes. Others, like Rottas, said they likely will transfer to the new site.

Its also unclear whether emergent bilingual students at the East Austin schools will stay. Many parents at Pickle and Sanchez told the Statesman they plan to remain if their campuses become wall-to-wall programs. But Jose Soto, a Sanchez PTA member, said some East Riverside families who rely on buses may not be able to stay  even if they want to. The districts plan does not include bus routes for wall-to-wall schools.

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The district has not yet presented a policy outlining who can attend its wall-to-wall programs going forward. Their popularity, Palmer said, raises the possibility of recreating the same demographic imbalance at the new sites if policies arent put in place to prevent it.

Other concerns also remain. Parents at Pickle, like Ysela Najar, told the Statesman they worry they might lose access to their weekly English-as-a-second-language class if the school loses Title I funding or has leadership changes. Emiliano Guajardo, a fourth-generation East Austinite and Sanchez parent, said he sees the potential loss of his childs school  which has long served Austins Mexican community  as another form of displacement.

Looking ahead, the districts challenge will be to convince parents that the experiences they valued in their old schools can be replicated and improved upon in the new ones, Santamaria said.

At Ridgetop, Stuart, the current PTA president, said parents have begun brainstorming ways to introduce themselves to Pickle families later this year if the district's proposal takes effect  possibly through a holiday event or neighborhood walk.

Going into an established community will require humility and a willingness to learn, Start said. But with intention, she added, it could give everyone a chance to "co-create something new together."
NEED TO KNOW

Mark Anderson and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie, were found dead after their small plane crashed in Montana

The Andersons had gone missing while flying from Alabama to Montana, according to Monte Sano Baptist Church

Church members described Anderson as an experienced pilot

An Alabama father and his two daughters were found dead after their small plane crashed in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana.

According to the Powell County Sheriffs Office, a downed aircraft was reported at around 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Oct. 17. Air resources were deployed from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls and searched the area until around midnight.

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At around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, a volunteer aircraft operating under the Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics division located the aircraft in Northern Powell County and turned it over to the Air Force, which also had helicopters operating in the area at the time. A pilot and two other occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Powell County Sheriff's Office has since turned the investigation over to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to lead efforts to determine the cause of the crash.

On Oct. 18, before authorities confirmed three people had died in the crash, the Monte Sano Baptist Church asked its community for prayers regarding the disappearance of Huntsville pilot Mark Anderson and his two daughters, Lainey and Ellie.

Monte Sano Baptist Church/Facebook Lainey and Ellie Anderson Lainey and Ellie Anderson

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



Mark, Lainey, and Ellie Anderson (father and daughters) went missing yesterday while flying to Polson, church members wrote in a Facebook post. Mark is an experienced pilot, and were holding onto hope that he made a safe landing in a remote area. Weather complicated and delayed rescue efforts, but search teams are back out this morning.

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Soon after, Alabama news outlets WSFA 12 and WBRC 6 reported that the deceased were the Andersons.

The churchs post went on to state Andersons plane was located.

We know that it is a very remote area and will take time. Our prayer is for the complete safety of Mark Lainey and Ellie as well as their dog Stella, the post continued. Pray for their safety, that they are unharmed, for Misty (wife and mother), their family and friends as we all wait. We would also like to pray for the search team as they continue their rescue. We trust in Gods protection and are asking for a miracle.

Read the original article on People
TALLADEGA COUNTY  A head-on collision early Saturday morning claimed the life of an Alexandria woman and left two others hospitalized, according to a news release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Sonia Stoddard, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene after the 2017 Nissan Rogue she was driving collided with a 2016 Jeep Patriot around 6:35 a.m. on Alabama 21 near Garrison Lane, roughly five miles north of Talladegas city limits.

The driver of the Jeep was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, as was a passenger in the Nissan.

Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are continuing to investigate the crash. No additional details were available as of Saturday afternoon.
An argument at a gas station turned deadly in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood.

It happened at 33rd and York streets Saturday night.

When police arrived, they say they found a 36-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Police say surveillance video shows an altercation began inside the gas station and then moved outside.

No arrests have been made.
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by Laurence Peterson

The Nobel Prize for Peace was awarded a few days ago. The prizes for peace, economics and sometimes literature have become so discredited in my lifetimeto the point of inspiring anti-Nobel prizesthat my response to their bestowal every year has usually consisted of a bemused scoffing, rather like when one continues to watch a movie to see how bad it can get. But my reaction to this years award was more like what I think I would feel if I witnessed someone run off the road right in front of me; there was a not insubstantial personal sense of violation attached to it, even though it didnt directly affect me, of course. In terms of the recipient, as well as the circumstances surrounding the affair, I was so struck by an idea of the rottenness of traditional international institutions collapsing under the accelerating moral and intellectual decay of Trump and his aligned political movements that I decided I could justifiably waste one of my humble columns on it.

Most people are aware that Donald Trump has been, for an interminable amount of time, asserting that he deserves the peace prize for a number of things, especially the 7 or 8 wars he claims to have solved, including conflicts between states that do not, and never have existed, and involving countries even on different sides of the world that never had, in any case, much to do with each other. The pertinent fact here is that Trump was inaugurated a mere eleven days after nominations for the 2025 prize were closed, so his nomination was always going to be an exceptionally long shot, much as Trumps jealousy of the pre-inauguration award to President Obama might inspire endless preposterous protestations. But they have made an award to him increasingly likely in 2026 (especially with the mid-term elections taking place a mere weeks after the Peace prize announcement in early-October). Norway is reported to be preparing to respond to tariffs and other measures Trump might impose in response to the Norwegian-based Nobel Peace Committees (a non-governmental organization, mind) giving the prize to someone other than himself, which testifies to the potential room for meddling, intrusion and influence-peddling in the seemingly independent deliberations of important and influential organizations operating in a traditional international system that happens to be crumbling. The fact that Norway is now an increasingly important member of NATO, whose ex-president and current finance minister, Jens Stoltenberg, led the organization, serves to increase this likelihood. Stoltenberg has had an extremely complex and sensitive relation, to put it mildly, with Trump, whose views on NATO (and I do not say this as a fan of NATO, or of Stoltenbergs), as in so many other things, range from erratic to incomprehensible.

But all this is only a small part of the story. The prize was ultimately bestowed upon Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela for keeping, in the words of the Nobel Committee, the flame of democracy burning in that country. Machado has been an opposition leader in Venezuela for a very long time, and when I say opposition leader, I am speaking of someone whose notion of opposition extends to active participation in and support for US-supported coups, that go back to the days of the government of Hugo Chavez from 1999 on, and continues under President Nicholas Maduro, including one as recently in 2018, under Trump himself.

Venezuela does not, and never has, posed the slightest threat to the United States, but the United States, as many know, has very recently blown up at least 4 or 5 (one may have been Colombian) boats containing Venezuelan nationals, none of whom has been convicted or even accused of any crime in the US or anywhere else, and actually sent warships (including one nuclear submarine) to patrol off the Venezuelan coast. It is asserted that this is a response to drugs smuggling by Venezuelan gangs, but Venezuela accounts for a quite small percentage of drugs smuggled into the US. Venezuela does, however, possess one of worlds largest oil reserves, which Maduro has, according to a New York Times article published on October the 10th, offered access to, in an extraordinary gesture if true, and in addition to other natural resources, in exchange for avoiding conflict with the US. But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has long promoted conflict with Venezuela, and it seems, in the everlasting competition for access to Trumps inimitably gullible but rapacious ear, he may be close to securing his target on this issue.

Venezuela has been, since the days of Chavez, but increasingly so, the target of one of the most stringent sanctions regimes imposed by the US, on the level of that imposed on Iran, but involving many, many other third countries, in the world. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Venezuelas gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by more than 80% from 2013 to 2020. The New York Times says that is the worst decline for a nation not at war in decades. In a way, the situation of the Venezuelan people can certainly be compared to that of the Palestinians under a brutal Israeli occupation before 7th October (at least for now). This kind of absurdly intense pressure on a well-endowed, but certainly not wealthy nation has actually vastly increased the very migration into the US that Trump has presumably sent armed goons into American cities to discourage.

Given all this, it is suspicious, to say the least, that the Nobel Committee would designate Machado as deserving of the prize. If, as seems increasingly likely, there is a serious effort made at regime change in Venezuela in the next few weeks, or even an actual military assault or land encroachment, Machado will almost certainly be given a major advantage in asserting a claim to leadership of the country, or, at the very least, will exert a unique influence on the political landscape of Venezuela. And that will, clearly, be bolstered by her status as a Nobel laureate, which observers in the US and elsewhere will, in turn, refer to in supporting her efforts, both in terms of propaganda and publicity, and, probably, with hard cash and other assets. The prize will effectively be putting an outsized thumb on the scale that corresponds to Venezuelan politics. And the vulnerability of neighboring states Trump may take a dislike to cannot be ignored, and this includes endangering Mexico. That the Nobel Committee would make the award with all the unusual goings-on in Venezuela, especially as there are so many other entities to celebrate, like the other-worldly heroism of medics in Gaza, is unintelligible unless one takes into account one thing: Trump.

Trump probably thinks that the deciding factor that should have resulted (in spite of the 11-day window of effectiveness mentioned earlier, if not other strictures) in a prize for him is the Gaza peace deal. In fact, the deal contains several loose ends that have vigorously eluded settlement. But the genocide that preceded the deal, incomplete as the deal remains, must not be forgotten. Trump supported and even intensified the genocide, even from the grotesque levels of lethal force he inherited from the criminal Biden regime. It seems very likely he, like Biden, as some of their predecessors did, could have stopped it with a phone call. To even contemplate the awarding of a peace prize to a monster like this simply must offend common decency and common sense. It is a kind of insult to the people of the world to impose such an absurdity on them, and implicitly ask them to take it at all seriously.

How, then, if the Committee made the award to Machado, and not Trump, does Trump factor into its decision? I believe the Committee did not, for various reasons, some simply administrative or institutional, want to make the award to Trump, but feared, rightly or wrongly, some kind of retribution which might have brutally tangible effects on potentially large numbers of people (the proposed 100% sanctions on China, perhaps?). In this sense, one can only sympathize, to a certain extent, with the poor Committee members forced into the dilemma of degrading a time-honored prize or being responsible for the potentially deadly retaliation of a sociopathic lunatic and his empowering toadies like Rubio. So they chose to reward someone who will do Trumps bidding if put in power with the aid of the prize. And, as on cue, Machado immediately dedicated her prize to Trump. She gave him the booby prize, a prize which, had it been awarded to Trump, would have served to paper over a genocide; now it is poised to propagandize a regime-change or even invasion of a sovereign state, without US Congressional approval, almost certainly (unless there is a so-called false-flag intervention) in violation of international and US law. That an institution presumably dedicated to peace and upholding of anything approximating international law as we know (or knew) it, could be forced into a box limiting its room for effective action to such a preposterous extent speaks volumes about the rot that degrades internationaland largely Western dominatedentities reduced to vassals of a failed state/empire.

***

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The United States on Saturday (local time) issued a stern warning to Hamas over what it described as a "planned attack" on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, saying such an act would constitute a "direct and grave violation" of the existing ceasefire agreement with Israel, marking the end of the two-year war after the October 7 attacks. In a statement, the US Department of State stated that it had received credible intelligence reports suggesting that Hamas was preparing to carry out a serious violation of the truce, this time targeting its own people. "The United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza," the statement read. "This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts," the statement added. The United States, alongside other international guarantors of the truce, called on Hamas to immediately halt any actions that would endanger civilians or destabilise the fragile peace in the region. "The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms. Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the statement said. Reaffirming its commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining regional stability, the State Department emphasised that any aggression from Hamas would not only violate the ceasefire but also threaten ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at long-term peace. "The United States and the other guarantors remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians, maintaining calm on the ground, and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole," the statement added. The warning comes amid ongoing efforts by regional and international actors to maintain calm following the latest round of ceasefire negotiations brokered between Israel and Hamas, with Egypt, Qatar, and the US playing key roles in the mediation process. According to the Times of Israel, the warning follows over a week of reported incidents in which Hamas members have executed dozens of individuals, including members of rival clans and other Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel. However, there is also uncertainty over how such internal actions by Hamas would constitute a breach of the ceasefire, as the agreement is generally understood to focus on preventing hostilities between Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump said the US and Israel were coordinating efforts to establish safe zones within Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza, which would provide refuge for Palestinians seeking to escape possible retaliation by Hamas, the Times of Israel reported. (ANI)
MAGA Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has issued a stark warning to President Donald Trump amid their high-profile divorce. The Georgia Republican told CBS News that she is starting to feel very sorry for the 79-year-old, saying that his attacks on her reflect poorly on him. The great schism began when Greene, 50, broke with him on the cost-of-living crisis, which Trump insists is a hoax, and the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
A nationwide protest event drew hundreds of citizens to downtown Montgomery on Saturday.

The "No Kings" movement was launched by a coalition of political action groups in response to what protesters describe as authoritarian tactics used by the Trump administration.

Oct. 18 was Montgomery's second "No Kings" protest, with the first happening in June. The protests from the beginning were intended to be nonviolent.

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The two organizations running the event, Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters and Alabama Resisters of Indivisible, said that the protest event drew at least 743 citizens, though they expect the turnout may have actually been higher than that number.

Lyn Head holds a sign reading What Would Jesus Say during the No Kings Protest in downtown Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday morning October 18, 2025. About 600 people attended the march and rally.

Nicole Payne, a spokesperson for Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters, said Oct. 18 was a "busy, exciting, and fulfilling day" in what her organization says is a "fight to stop the authoritarian takeover of our nation."

At the protest, citizens marched from near the Riverfront Park to the Court Square Fountain at intersection of Commerce Street and Dexter Avenue. Atendees held a nonviolent rally that featured speakers, chanting and song.

"Quite a few people who attended chose to show up in inflatable costumes, accentuating the fact that the 50501 and Indivisible movements are nonviolent and joyful, while still being completely and seriously dedicated to opposing any fascist regime  and any attempt of a power-hungry leader to assert himself as a king. Weassert that this country will have NO KINGS," Payne wrote in a statement.

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The groups also passed out "Know Your Rights" cards to attendees. The protests focus on educating about and working to preserve First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments, which center on restricting the government's authority.

We cannot allow the current regime to take away the rights that were guaranteed to us when our country was founded. We fought against monarchs and kings, and authoritarian rule. We cannot allow them to come to power again, a recent post from the Montgomery 50501 Freedom Fighters on Facebook states.

"These amendments are the iron wall built by our founders to ensure America would never become a monarchy. They stand for the principle that the individual is sovereign over the state, and that liberty is not a grant from the government but an inherent right. Any attempt to weaken them is an attempt to erode the 'No Kings' foundation of our republic."

Sarah Clifton covers business for the Montgomery Advertiser. You can reach her at sclifton@montgome.gannett.com or follow her on X @sarahgclifton. To support her work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Anti-Trump 'No Kings' protest draws over 700 attendees in Montgomery
Long before cities dotted the Middle East, people gathered in the hills of modern-day Jordan to build something very different from a settlement.

Archaeologists from the University of Copenhagen have excavated what they describe as a ritual landscape at Murayghat. The site is a large Early Bronze Age complex marked not by houses or hearths but by dolmens and standing stones. It also features rock-cut enclosures adorned with intricate carvings. Their research shows that over 5,000 years ago, societies came together here not to livebut to remember, honor, and come together in times of need.

A Landscape Built for Ceremony

When researchers began to chart Murayghat, they were struck with what wasnt there. No houses whatsoever. No ovens or grain storage pits. Instead, they found well over 95 dolmenshuge stone burial monumentssplayed across the hillside in view. Those dolmens group into clusters that may represent clan or family lines, some of which are set out to face a center mound topped with stone-built enclosures and rock-carved bedrock hollows.

Dolmen found at Murayghat in Jordan. (CREDIT: Susanne Kerner, University of Copenhagen)

The architecture constructs a picture of space for ceremony, not habitation. The outdoor dolmens were lacking roofs, subjecting ritual to the weather. Curved and straight stone enclosures surround what would have been ceremonial group spaces for offering, feasting, or memorialization at the summit. In the distance, the mound would have been seen rising above the horizon, indicating to travelers coming from every direction that something divine lay ahead.

Feasts, Offerings, and Shared Memory

While Murayghat was not a town, it was undoubtedly alive. Archaeologists uncovered shards of pottery, communal bowls, flint tools, grinding stones, cores of animal horns, and rare copper objects. They document the history of communal meals and communal rituals.

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Instead of the large domestic settlements with smaller shrines established during the Chalcolithic, our excavations at Early Bronze Age Murayghat show clusters of dolmens (stone burial monuments), standing stones, and large megalithic structures that point to ritual gatherings and communal burials rather than living quarters, says project leader and archaeologist Susanne Kerner from the University of Copenhagen.

The grinding stones and large bowls indicate that the food was being consumed and prepared on a scale far removed from domestic consumption. People likely traveled from nearby locations to share meals together, exchange alliances, and pay homage to ancestors. The presence of copper tools, while rare, suggests metalworking expertise persisted even as settlements retreated from traditional towns.

Dolmen L.7008, constructed platform to the left, connecting wall left lower corner. (CREDIT: The Ritual Landscapes of Murayghat Project, Susanne Kerner)

Responding to Crisis Through Stone and Ceremony

Murayghats establishment came about at a period of intense upheaval. Between 3500 BCE, when the Chalcolithic era was changing to the Early Bronze Age, there were several of the settled communities in the region that were abandoned. A variety of factors might have been to blame for this transition, archaeologists believe: changing climatic patterns, diminishing water resources, collapsed trade networks, and the breakdown of centralized authority.

At such volatile times, Murayghat could have offered something wandering tribes and families yearned fora shared place to call their own. Murayghat gives us, we think, fascinating new evidence of how early societies coped with turmoil by building monuments, rewriting social roles, and creating new communities, Kerner said.

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Instead of rebuilding villages, people chose to imprint land with indelible stone. The standing stones and dolmens became concentrations of collective identity, unifying communities in ritualistic affirmation of unity and continuity.

Redefining Territory and Social Life

Archaeologists view Murayghat as a neutral grounda meeting ground common among groups that would otherwise be separated by territory or tradition. The location of the dolmens and their alignment into the central mound suggest organization and shared purpose. The monuments may also have served as territorial markers, proclaiming unity and cooperation rather than conflict.

Plan of Area 1 (central knoll) showing horse-shoe-shaped standing stone features and trenches. Other lines are other stone structures on the surface. (CREDIT: The Ritual Landscapes of Murayghat project, Hugh Barnes, Silvio Reichmuth)

The project results reveal a society that found stability through ritual rather than politics. Without central authorities or walled cities, people forged unity in ceremonies and in monuments. The planning of Murayghat illustrates that societies were able to flourish on mobilityconcentrating for ritual, feasts, and decision-making, then dispersing until the next occasion.

Questions Still Buried in Stone

There remain questions in spite of the progress. Few human remains have been found inside the dolmens, so the particular use of the structures is still unknown. The small cup-shaped bedrock carvings might have been employed to hold offerings or liquids, yet their purpose is questioned. Researchers also wish to know whether Murayghat was exclusively visited by local groups or drew travelers from across the wider region.

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All these doubts notwithstanding, the site is a powerful testimony to the human ability to endure. In the face of environmental duress and social breakdown, human beings did not wrap themselves in despair. They looked outwardto ritual, to shared space, to collective actions that addressed transformation.

Practical Implications of the Research

The results at Murayghat show that resilience is not necessarily founded on central control or urban amenities. Stress communities can preserve identity and cohesiveness through ritual and shared culture.

Hadjar al-Mansub, the largest of the single standing stones. (CREDIT: The Ritual Landscapes of Murayghat Project, Susanne Kerner)

Knowing how early humans adapted to social change without leaders or cities could help modern researchers question how societies currently handle emergencies like migration, conflict, and climate stress.

Murayghat shows that meaning and collaboration can exist in open space, common assemblies, and the enduring human urge to connecteven in times of uncertainty.

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Research findings are available online in the journal Levant.

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By Tim Cocks

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) -When an elite army colonel joined Madagascar's Gen Z protests earlier this month, forcing the president to flee the country, youth-movement leader Olivia Rafetison was happy to have the protection of men with guns, after weeks of state repression.

"He said: 'we're for the people, we'll help you, we are by your side'. Malagasy were coming together for the same cause," she said, describing the protests against electricity and water shortages that morphed into an uprising against President Andry Rajeolina.

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Days later, Colonel Michael Randrianirina said the army was in charge.

"It went from 'protecting the people' to taking power," Rafetison, 28, told Reuters in downtown Antananarivo. "I'm not saying I'm against it ... But I am a little conflicted."

Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday, just three days after taking control of the island nation in the wake of the demonstrations that forced out his predecessor.

He has said the military will rule alongside a civilian government for up to two years before organising new elections.

GEN Z: CHANGE THE SYSTEM, NOT THE LEADER

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Rafetison, leader of Movement Gen Z Collective, a coalition of several of the protest groups, is not the only participant in the uprising to feel ambivalent about a man in uniform filling the power vacuum left by Rajeolina's hasty exit. Many wonder if their concerns will be heeded or, as in the past, ignored.

On the night of the coup, Randrianirina received Rafetison and other prominent Gen Z figures. "He said 'we're listening to you,'" she said, but the soldiers were all tired and soon ended the conversation, suggesting they talk more at a later date.

"I hope they follow up," she said. "Because this isn't the end of the struggle: we're really fighting for system change, not to swap one president for another."

Madagascar's young population, averaging just 19, faces a litany of problems that are largely the result of mismanagement by a succession of older men. Even Rajeolina, at 34 the world's youngest president when he came to power in a 2009 coup, disappointed the youth by failing to create prosperity or deliver basic services by the time he was ousted in his 50s.

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Since independence from France in 1960 until 2020, GDP per capita nearly halved, World Bank data shows, making it one of few nations that became worse off in that time.

In that time, Madagascar experienced several periods of military-led or military-dominated government, often with disastrous results for the economy.

Today, Antananarivo's winding, cobbled streets are bestrewn with beggars and hawkers eking out a living selling whatever they can.

"Everyone is taking advantage of the system, they don't care. Even if the population dies of hunger, it's nothing (to them)," Alicia Andriana, from the Association of Dynamic Malagasy Students (Assedu-Mada), said in a downtown nightclub that doubles up as a meeting centre for Gen Z movements by day.

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WE ASKED FOR WATER, ELECTRICITY, AFFORDABLE FOOD

Andriana said she was thankful for the army intervention.

But asked if she was happy with the end result, she replied: "No, not really. Not yet, because we don't have what we asked for. We asked for water, electricity, for every family to have enough to eat," she said, adding that the coup leaders needed to "put in place a new system that can change life in Madagascar".

Some elements of Madagascar's fragmented Gen Z movement are uneasier at the prospect of military rule. A Facebook group called Gen-Z Tonga Saina, with 18,000 members, warned late on Thursday it thought the military was compromised and "protects the interests of the system, not the people."

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It did not respond to a request for comment.

Ketakandriana Rafitoson, Vice Chair of Transparency International, which played a role in organising some of the initial protests, and herself Malagasy, told Reuters coups are always undesirable for democracy but in this case, there was "an apparent unwillingness of political leaders to address grievances," followed by violent repression and then a president fleeing with no credible civilian replacement.

"An organised armed unit was in practice the only institution able, quickly, to stop the bloodshed and reopen civic space," she said.

Still, Madagascars newly energized youth activists wont wait forever for the civic space they fought to reclaim.

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"We can't be certain they (the military government) will listen, but we can hope," 23-year-old Gen Z campaign spokesperson Tolotra Andrianirina told Reuters.

And if they don't?

"We'll get back on the streets," he said. "We did it once; we can do it again, if necessary".

(Reporting by Tim Cocks, Editing by William Maclean)




Nearly four years after submitting a proposal to test-fire howitzers in the Adirondacks, Michael Hopmeier's application to the Adirondack Park Agency is complete and out for public comment.

The project in the town of Lewis involves firing steel projectiles into a pile of sand, using the privately owned Big Church Mountain as a backstop. Firing will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, up to 30 times per year, according to the application description.

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The goal is to test the internal ballistics of a portable 155 mm howitzer barrel "to ensure the most efficient means of manufacturing and recurring cost of ownership, thereby reducing waste and cost, as well as improving performance," according to the initial application.

Hopmeier, president and principal investigator for a private security consulting firm in Florida called Unconventional Concepts, Inc., declined to say who was sponsoring the testing.

The initial application pitched it as a project for the U.S. Army at Benet Laboratories in Watervliet, but a stop-work order was issued in August 2022. The Explorer's latest inquiry to an Army spokesperson bounced back with a note about being furloughed. The U.S. government remains shut down.

The APA first received Hopmeier's application in November 2021 to test howitzers on 197 acres owned by James Pulsifer on Hale Hill Lane near the Jay Mountain Wilderness. Over the years it issued six notices of incomplete application and denied his appeal after the fifth one.

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Staff have now deemed the application complete and the agency is collecting public comments on it through Oct. 30.

The agency has already collected dozens of comments from nearby residents over the last several years, many who are against the idea of a firing range.

This the first munitions testing facility application to ever come before the APA, and has environmental groups concerned about the precedent it could set and the impacts on the neighboring Jay Mountain Wilderness.

Hopmeier said he would not address the community's concerns via a newspaper article, but noted that he would be answering questions at a local meeting. The town of Lewis posted that Unconventional Concepts would hold an informational meeting at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16 at the Lewis Firehouse.

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More: Lewis residents push back against military exercises.

The APA board, which oversees public and private development in the park, is expected to vote on the application at its November meeting.

Hopmeier told the Explorer he was glad the agency finally got through his application. It's a process, he said, "that should have been able to be handled in 60 to 90 days."

Hopmeier owns a former Atlas F nuclear missile silo nearby the proposed test site in Lewis, where he is already conducting indoor ballistics testing. He was recently under fire for hosting military exercises conducted by private contractors with retired and active military. Called Jaded Thunder, the exercises in September involved gunfire and Black Hawk helicopters flying low, alarming neighbors.

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This story originally appeared in the Adirondack Explorer, a nonprofit news organization covering people and policy inside the forest preserve.

This article originally published at Artillery weapon testing proposal moves forward in Adirondacks.
By Mrinalika Roy

(Reuters) -AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's new breast cancer drug helped significantly extend survival in some patients in a late-stage trial, marking a potential breakthrough in one of the hardest-to-treat forms of the disease.

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer who were given the drug, Datroway, had a median overall survival of 23.7 months, compared with 18.7 months for those given just chemotherapy. Patients on Datroway also had significantly better response to the drug and survival without progression of disease, the drug showed.

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The companies presented the data at European Society for Medical Oncology Congress on Sunday.

"This is the first time we show survival superiority of a new approach like Datroway versus standard chemotherapy," said Abder Laadem, head of late-stage clinical development oncology at Daiichi Sankyo.

Datroway belongs to a class of cancer medicines called antibody-drug conjugate, which works like guided missiles by directly delivering chemotherapy into tumor cells while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. The drug received approval in the U.S. earlier this year for the treatment of specific types of breast and lung cancer.

The drug's design ensures targeted delivery and reduces toxicity, Susan Galbraith, AstraZeneca's executive vice president of oncology R&D, said. Patients were on the therapy twice as long as chemotherapy, but still rates of Grade 3 adverse events were similar and discontinuations were lower.

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Datroway's success could position it to compete more directly with Gilead's Trodelvy.

Ken Keller, global oncology head at Daiichi Sankyo, said he was confident Datroway would compare favourably with Trodelvy, especially due to its convenience.

"Trodelvy is every two weeks, ours is every 21 days. Those differences matter when drugs are close."

AstraZeneca and Daiichi's blockbuster cancer drug Enhertu is also an ADC.

"Between Enhertu and Datroway, we can actually treat 90% of all women with breast cancer. These drugs have the chance to become the standard of care for 90% of women," Keller added.

(Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
For decades, astronomers have been puzzled by a mysterious glow of gamma rays emanating from near the center of the Milky Way. Two theories have emerged: either the light was the result of dark matter particles colliding, or its coming from rapidly spinning neutron stars  the extremely dense remains of exploded stars  called pulsars.

Now, a new paper published in the journal Physical Review Letters might not have a satisfying answer  it argues that both theories are equally likely  but it does raise the stakes: if the first possibility turns out to be correct, it could be the first-ever concrete evidence that dark matter, the mysterious stuff that is believed to make up more than 26 percent of the universe, actually exists.

Dark matter dominates the universe and holds galaxies together, said coauthor and Johns Hopkins astronomy professor Joseph Silk in a statement. Its extremely consequential and were desperately thinking all the time of ideas as to how we could detect it.

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Gamma rays, and specifically the excess light were observing at the center of our galaxy, could be our first clue, he added.

While taking into consideration how the Milky Way formed, Silk and his international colleagues created a dark matter map to identify where it should be located.

Scientists believe that billions of years ago, smaller galaxy-like systems of dark matter clumped together at the center of what is now the Milky Way, causing collisions between the clumps to increase.

By simulating these collisions, the researchers found that their dark matter map overlapped with existing gamma ray maps, produced with data from NASAs Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.

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While its an intriguing match, scientists are still far from concluding that the glow at the heart of our galaxy is the result of dark matter. Its quite possible that pulsars are the culprit.

Fortunately, an upcoming gamma ray telescope, dubbed the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, could clear things up. The multinational project will be comprised of 60 telescopes across two locations, one on the Spanish island of La Palma and one in the Atacama Desert in Chile, to probe galactic sources of gamma rays.

With these higher-resolution images, researchers are hoping to hone in on the source of the mysterious glow at the center of our galaxy that has puzzled astronomers for decades.

A clean signal would be a smoking gun, in my opinion, Silk said in the statement.

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For now, Silk and his colleagues are looking to probe other neighboring dwarf galaxies for dark matter and whether its distribution matches existing gamma ray maps.

Its possible we will see the new data and confirm one theory over the other, Silk concluded. Or maybe well find nothing, in which case itll be an even greater mystery to resolve.

More on dark matter: Astronomers Detect Mysterious Dark Object in Distant Galaxy
ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH)  A man with a history of convictions and parole violations who was found with drugs inserted into his body while in jail has been sentenced to additional prison time.

According to the Athens County prosecutor, Matthew Holdren will spend the next three years behind bars after his conviction for aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree felony.

Holdren was sentenced after a two-day trial, which began with an arrest Nov. 12, when he was suspected of being in possession of contraband at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

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Report lists best colleges and universities in Ohio, where they rank nationally

After undergoing a body scan, Holdren, serving time on one of several parole violations, was placed on dry cell status. Two days later, a search was conducted, and it was discovered that a bag was inside his rectum, and a toilet paper roll fell out of one of his pants legs.

The bag and toilet paper roll each contained a crystal-like substance inside, which were later identified as over three grams of methamphetamine.

Prosecuting attorneys stated in a sentencing memorandum that it took seven employees, four from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and three from the regional jail, to remove the drugs. The memorandum requested consecutive sentences with his violations, totaling four years and 267 days.

(Holdrens) conduct on jail calls and in the courtroom has shown that this is not that big of a concern of his and that he doesnt view bulk amount as methamphetamine in the jail a big deal, the memorandum stated.

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A common pleas jury found Holdren guilty and ordered a prison sentence of three years.

Southwest Licking hopes to build school with $95M bond issue

Holdren was previously convicted of drug trafficking in 2009 out of Hocking County and incurred multiple probation violations, leading to another prison sentence in 2013. In 2020, Holdren was convicted of possession of heroin and possession of drug instruments out of Fairfield County.

The following two years, Holdren had several probation violations and was convicted of failure to comply. Additional Fairfield County violations in 2023 led to a 12-month prison sentence.

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Holdren was booked in jail multiple times since, again in 2024 on a probation violation, and in April on Adult Parole Authority due to a warrant in this case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A series of storms will bring a deluge of moisture into the Pacific Northwest later this week, sparking a threat for flooding rainfall, mountain snowfall, blustery conditions and travel disruptions across the region.

While some locations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming already experienced a storm diving southeastward into the U.S. from western Canada at the start of the week, AccuWeather meteorologists warn there is much storminess to come as the week progresses.

Early-week pattern

The first storm already impacted the Northwest Sunday afternoon and night with rain and high elevation snow.

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There will be a lull in storm activity for most locations in the Pacific Northwest through Tuesday night.

AccuWeather.com

The early-week break between storms will also provide temperatures near the historical average, or seasonal norm. Cities like Seattle and Portland, Oregon, are projected to have daytime highs in the lower to middle 60s approaching the midweek period.

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An Atmospheric River to drench areas late week

The latter half of the week will feature a more tumultuous pattern across the West compared to the late weekend storm. Additional waves of rainfall are on the docket with multiple storms expected between Wednesday and the upcoming weekend.

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Later Wednesday, the next storm will advance into parts of southwest British Columbia, Canada, Washington and portions of northern Oregon with occasional showers and breezy conditions at the direct coastline.

AccuWeather.com

A potent storm will follow in quick succession across the Northwest U.S. on Thursday, advancing first into western British Columbia as early as Wednesday evening with drenching rainfall and snow across the higher terrain. Wind gusts associated with this storm can range upwards of 50 mph over the ocean and the immediate coastal areas to 30-40 mph farther inland.

While a portion of the interior Northwest U.S. is expected to observe between 1-2 inches of rain from the late-week storminess, coastal regions in Washington and Oregon and the Cascades are projected to pick up higher amounts on the order of 2-4 inches. Localized pockets of around 6 inches will not be off the table, particularly in zones along the coast that see repeated downpours from Thursday into the weekend.

AccuWeather.com

A continued pattern of storms into the Northwest states will gradually help to aid the zones facing severe and extreme drought. Area river levels in need of moisture can benefit from a pattern such as this. However, it will come at a cost, with travel disruptions likely and days of rain generating flooding from the Northwest coast into Northern California.

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"The pattern setting up along the Northwest to Northern California coast is indicative of an Atmospheric River as the moisture can be traced back to Southeast Asia. This type of a pattern typically yields heavy rain and flooding with only very high-elevation snow in the Sierra given the warm air bleeding into the storm," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said.

AccuWeather.com

In addition to the rain and wind, a heavy, wet snow will fall in the highest crests of the Cascades and Sierra, likely above pass level during the late-week period. The potential will remain for cooler conditions through the weekend to lower snow levels and impact heavily-traveled roadways and passes across the region.

"Atmospheric Rivers are most common from November to January in the Northwest into Northern California. They also usually dump heavy rain in a short time period; within 24 hours, several inches can trigger flooding and mudslides. The upcoming late-week and early weekend storm will likely be no exception to that rule."

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Israel on Sunday confirmed that Hamas has handed over two coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip, marking a sombre development in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. According to a series of posts by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on X, the remains were received via the Red Cross and transferred to Israeli authorities. The remains will be received in a military ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi, following which the bodies will be taken to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine for identification in Tel Aviv. "Israel has received, via the Red Cross, 2 coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages, which were handed over to an IDF & ISA force inside Gaza Strip," PMO stated in its post. "The remains will be transferred to Israel, where they will be received in a military ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi. They will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the families," it added. The Israeli government reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to secure the release and return of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Authorities also urged the public and media to act with sensitivity and avoid circulating rumours or unverified information about the hostages. "All of the hostages' families have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned. The public is requested to respect the families' privacy and to refrain from spreading rumors and unofficial and unverified information. We will continue to provide updates with reliable information as necessary," the statement further read. The transfer marks a sombre development in the ongoing hostage negotiations and comes amid heightened regional tensions and continued international mediation efforts. According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli Health Ministry has confirmed that the caskets are believed to contain the remains of two deceased hostages. Authorities noted that the identification process could take up to 48 hours. If confirmed to be hostages, the number of deceased captives still held in Gaza would drop from 18 to 16. (ANI)
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia on Sunday defended a A$2.5 billion ($1.62 billion) deal to deport hundreds of non-citizens to the tiny Pacific nation of Nauru over the next 30 years, a plan criticised by human rights groups.

Australia's centre-left Labor government in September signed the deal with Nauru to resettle people denied refugee visas because of criminal convictions, reviving claims that Australia was "dumping" refugees in small island states.

On Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said 30-year visas issued to deportees would give them the right to work in Nauru, a country of 12,000 people who occupy just 21 square km (eight square miles) and rely on foreign aid.

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"I've gone and inspected personally the accommodation and inspected the health facilities there and the standard there is good," Burke told Australian Broadcasting Corp television.

Human Rights Watch said in September that asylum seekers forcibly transferred to Nauru by Australia had died from medical neglect and suicide.

Nauru business owners and community workers have expressed mixed feelings to Reuters about people with criminal records being resettled on the island.

Burke on Sunday said health facilities on the island were "way beyond" what some people have speculated about their standards.

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A 2025 Brigham Young University report said that healthcare systems in Pacific island nations, including Nauru, consistently fall short of World Health Organisation standards.

Under the deal, Nauru will receive A$400 million upfront to establish an endowment for the resettlement scheme, plus A$70 million annually for the 30-year life of the agreement.

Nauru will decide which non-citizens it will accept, although the funds can be clawed back by Australia if the scheme doesn't meet expectations.

Nauru already hosts an Australian-funded processing centre for asylum seekers which provided the country $A200 million or two-thirds of its revenue last year.

($1 = 1.5399 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
When employees at St. George Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic in Utah started feeling sick several months after a CT scanner facility opened next door, clinic director Paulette Valentine immediately made the connection. It turns out that her suspicions of radiation exposure were unfortunately correct following extensive testing.

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the Intermountain St. George Imaging Center opened in mid-2023. By early the following year, workers began reporting increasingly frequent medical episodes that included dizziness, nausea, migraines, exhaustion, drowsiness, and general feelings of discomfort.

State laws required the new CT scanner lab to install lead-lined drywall between the businesses to protect employees from radiation. But when officials from Utah's Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control cut into the wall closest to the lab, they found no evidence of the protective barrier.

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Because of the alleged negligence of the construction companies hired by Intermountain, employees at the St. George Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic sued the former, along with Medical Physics Consultants, Inc.  a company that specializes in developing shielding plans for businesses  claiming that 27 people, including three children, had been "exposed to excessive levels of radiation."

Since the imaging center opened, one of the patients at the medical clinic has been diagnosed with leukemia, and all the plaintiffs face a higher risk of developing iatrogenic cancer, a type of cancer unintentionally caused by medical treatments or procedures.

Despite the severe symptoms that employees began experiencing coincidentally around the time the imaging center opened, Intermountain determined that their concerns "must not be warranted" after the company reviewed an initial test performed by Medical Physics Consultants that reportedly showed that the lead-lined drywall was working as intended.

But that answer did not sit well with Valentine, other employees, and the patients at the medical clinic, many of whom "became concerned for their health and wanted answers," per the Tribune.

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They decided third-party testing might provide a clearer picture, so they called the Utah Occupational Safety and Health, whose radiation control department discovered "scatter radiation exposure exceeded the maximum amount of radiation exposure allowed for members of the public," according to the lawsuit.

State testing measured radiation levels in the hallway near the X-ray room at around 0.44 rem on average, well exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 0.1 rem of residual radioactivity per year for businesses, according to the Tribune. Langston stated that patients and employees at the diabetes clinic may have been exposed to more than 7.9 rem in the year after the imaging center opened  a dangerous level of radiation.

The Environmental Protection Agency noted that "exposure to low levels of radiation" does not cause immediate health effects, but can cause a slight increase in the risk of cancer over a lifetime. While the body has efficient mechanisms to repair damage caused by radiation, it can become overwhelmed by persistent exposure.

Langston added that since one employee at the clinic was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, it "obviously would concern the others that have been exposed that this might be something that is in their future."

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Because companies have a significant impact on public health, it's essential to hold them accountable and ensure they follow proper safety guidelines. Thanks to the diligence and detective work by the clinic director, the patients and employees were able to get the treatment they needed much earlier than they would have if the clinic had trusted only the consulting company's readings.

Hopefully, they will make a full recovery, and the companies involved will be penalized accordingly for endangering the public.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The historic Catacombs of Commodilla, dating back to the 4th century, have been fully restored in the Holy See with Azerbaijans support and were opened in a ceremony attended by the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva.

The restoration project was carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, under an agreement signed on 4 March, 2021, between the Foundation and the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva with Pope Leo XIV - Vatican Media

Discovered in the 18th century, the Catacombs of Commodilla first underwent archaeological research in 1900. The catacombs house some of the earliest Christian-era artifacts and are traditionally known as the burial site of early Christian martyrs Felicissimus and Agapitus. In the Middle Ages, they served as an important pilgrimage site for Christian believers.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva with Pope Leo XIV - Vatican Media

Interfaith dialogue underlined

During her visit to Rome, Aliyeva met with Pope Leo XIV, where the Pope underlined inter-religious dialogue with Azerbaijan. As part of her visit, she also inspected the Vatican Apostolic Library, reviewed restoration efforts at Saint Peters Basilica, and visited Bambino Gesuthe largest pediatric hospital in Europe.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva in Vatican - Vatican Media

Bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See have witnessed notable development in recent years, with both sides actively engaging in restoration efforts, scientific cooperation, and cultural exchange.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva with Pope Leo XIV - Vatican Media

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As a further sign of this growing partnership, a second Catholic church, dedicated to Saint John Paul II, will be constructed in Baku. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, blessed the construction site and laid the foundation stone for the new church on December, 2024.

The project reflects the growing Catholic community in Azerbaijan and the continued development of interfaith dialogue.
Oct. 18The First National Bank absorbed the Mitchell Exchange Bank and opened its doors in April 1882 at 123 N. Main St. The First National Bank building burned down in 1884 along with a major portion of the block. A chalkstone building was at the same location to house the bank. The pictured building was built in was an expansion of the chalkstone building housing the bank from 1909 to 1930.

The front of the building was built with Sioux Falls quartzite, with three columns made of polished granite. The basement was occupied by a barbershop, Turkish bath parlor, restroom and storage vault. The first floor was occupied by the bank and several offices for doctors and lawyers and the second floor was rented as office space. The third floor had three-five room apartments. In 1923 the bank went into receivership, and the bank was liquidated in 1930. Behind the bank is the Olympia Theatre.

 Researcher Pam Range
(Reuters) -The head of Belarus's security agency said his institution was trying to build contacts with Ukraine to help achieve a settlement of its more than 3-1/2-year-old war with Russia, the country's state news agency reported on Sunday.

Ivan Tertel's comments to state television followed reports last week that a senior Belarusian diplomat had held meetings with Europeans to try to ease the isolation long imposed on his country, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tertel, whose remarks were reported by the Belta news agency, said meetings with Ukrainian officials were vital "in the current situation in order to come up with a consensus".

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"This work is also going on. Of course a lot here depends on the Ukrainian side. Our president is working as much as he can to stabilise the situation in the region," said Tertel, whose agency still uses its Soviet-era acronym KGB.

"And we have found a balance of the two sides' interests in this very complicated situation with a tendency towards tension. I am convinced that we can eliminate this situation only through quiet talks and the search for compromise."

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko allowed the Kremlin to use his country's territory to launch part of the 2022 war with Ukraine, but has kept his armed forces out of the conflict.

Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has long been shunned by the West on grounds of human rights violations. Punitive measures intensified after security forces crushed rallies by protesters accusing the president of rigging his 2020 re-election and again because of his support for the invasion.

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But U.S. President Donald Trump has appealed to Lukashenko in recent months, calling him a "highly respected leader" and sending an envoy to Minsk, which led to the release of more than 50 political prisoners.

Belarusian media quoted Lukashenko last month as saying that he wanted to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to help facilitate a settlement of the war.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Diane Craft)
BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  A Bell County Sheriffs Office lieutenant has been arrested and suspended following an early morning incident Sunday.

According to the Bell County Sheriffs Office, Christopher Roberto Ellis was taken into custody by Temple police and booked into the Bell County Jail on a charge of assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Additional charges may be reviewed by the Bell County District Attorneys Office.

Sheriff Bill Cooke confirmed that Ellis has been placed on suspension while the department gathers details surrounding the case.

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Ellis, who has been employed with Bell County since 2013, was most recently assigned as a lieutenant in the Sheriffs Office Mental Health Unit.

The Sheriffs Office said it is cooperating with the Temple Police Department and will assist investigators as requested. The case remains under investigation, and officials said more information will be released when appropriate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
They walked past corpses.

Bombs exploded as she and her husband fled. Their 1-year-old was strapped to her back and she held her 4-year-old daughter's hand as they hurried past the dead bodies.

The girl, eyes wide, slowed for a moment. She pointed at one of the bodies and looked up at her parents.

"Why is this big man sleeping on the floor with flies in his mouth, on his eyes, in his ears and in his nostrils?" she asked.

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There was no time for grief or for explanations. After civil war escalated in their native Republic of the Congo in 1998, Ghislaine and Raymond Kinzounza fled their home. They took their children, a mattress, a mat, some food, a few cloth diapers, a Bible and the equivalent of $37.50 in cash.

Pre-school teacher Ghislaine Kinzounza, known to students and parents as "Ms. Gigi," lays in the grass with her students for a portrait at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

The Kinzounzas had no plan other than to get across the river to safety in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. People of faith, they thought if they could make it out of the country, God would take care of the rest.

Fear challenged that faith as the family walked past more corpses and burned-out houses. "We saw people buried on the side of road, people dying of malnourishment," Ghislaine Kinzounza said.

The fear grew when her 1-year-old boy's belly started to distend and his ribs were pressed against his skin.

'So what words start with B?'

It's 3 p.m. Aug. 26, and it's snack time in Ms. Gigi's classroom. Eight 3-year-olds sit around a table eating pretzels and hummus. Teaching continued as the children poked pretzels into their mouths.

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"So what words start with 'B'?" Ms. Gigi asked.

"Baskets!" a little boy said.

"Bears!" a girl said.

"Balls!" a boy shouted.

"Tres bien!" Ms. Gigi said, smiling and clapping her hands after saying "very good" in French.

The smile disappeared for a second when Ms. Gigi saw a girl put her hand in the hummus.

"Hey lady," Ms. Gigi said, "why are you using your finger? Would you like a spoon?"

The girl nodded.

"Thank you!" Ms. Gigi said, the smile returning to her face.

'Violence in the air'

Ghislaine and Raymond Kinzounza heard the rocket explosions outside the hospital when Ghislaine Kinzounza gave birth to their second child, their first son, in 1997. The day after, the bombs started to hit the hospital itself, she said.

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"We grabbed my baby, and people were fleeing out of the hospital," she said. "We found refuge in Dads compound and we lived there for a few months."

But even that became too dangerous, and the Kinzounzas started their monthslong trek out of the Republic of the Congo right before Christmas 1998.

You could feel violence in the air, Kinzounza's husband, Raymond Kinzounza, an English teacher in Africa, wrote in his 2012 memoir, "Urban Exodus: From Brazzaville to Nashville."

We walked for a long time. We were hot, thirsty and hungry.

Through relatives and family friends, the Kinzounzas often found an indoor place to sleep at night. They usually crowded into a small room, though. In one house, their room had a giant pot for a toilet. The smells of urine and bat poop permeated.

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Most nights, though, they stayed outside, balancing a few candles on top of the Bible for light while getting ready for sleep. They regularly heard explosions and gunfire in the distance.

The journey to a refugee camp across the border took months, and it was tough to find food. The Kinzounzas feared their 1-year-old son might die of malnutrition, like so many others they saw on the side of the road.

"My son started getting like those starving people on TV, with a big belly, a big head and you can see the ribs," Ghislaine Kinzounza said, her eyes glistening.

Her son's bowel movements were just water.

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"I was questioning my God, saying, 'Where did I go wrong? I did everything by the book, I was married a virgin. I know the rest of the family is safe; why am I lost?'

"I was so distraught, frustrated, upset," she said. "I was broken."

Ghislaine Kinzounza opened her Bible to the story of Lazarus, who died and was buried in the tomb. Jesus raised him from the dead. "And I thought, if you believe, you will see the glory of God."

Several weeks later, a chance run-in with one of her dad's former employees helped the family get the $15 needed to cross a border river into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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On the boat ride, three corpses floated by while Kinzounza covered her children's eyes.

'What color do you need to paint sunshine?'

Ms. Gigi often rings a bell when her students give a right answer, and the bell is nearby as the class continued painting.

"What color do you need to paint sunshine?" she asked.

"Lellow?" a girl said, her upper lip and nose squeezed together.

Ding ding!

"Yellow!" Ms. Gigi said, smiling. "Tres bien."

The little girl beamed as she reached for a paint brush.

The boys brought over blocks to dip in paint and press onto beige construction paper.

"What shape are those?" Ms. Gigi asked.

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"Square!" a boy sang out.

Ding!

""What shape is our table?" Ms. Gigi asked.

"A rectangle!" several kids shouted.

"Man," Ms. Gigi said, "I love the way your brains work."

Changing her siblings' diapers when she was 5

Ghislaine Kinzounza's mom, a secretary at the airport, and dad, a successful businessman, argued all the time when she was a little girl. Their disputes often turned violent, especially at night, she said.

"I was so scared," Kinzounza said, "so I would cover my head, and I would just think, 'now I cant go to the bathroom,' so I would wet my bed."

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The two divorced when Kinzounza was 5. Afterward, her mom moved out of the affluent family's compound, and Kinzounza, the second of four children, became the fill-in mom.

By age 6, Kinzounza, going to school during the day, also changed her younger siblings' diapers, cleaned the dishes and shopped at a nearby grocery store in the bustling capital city of Brazzaville, population 1.8 million, more than twice that of Nashville.

Her three siblings  even her older brother  called her "Yaya," or "older sister" in the Lingala language used in the Congo.

Those duties continued, even after her father got remarried about a year after getting divorced. Her father continued giving his eldest daughter first access to the family's second car and the family chauffeur.

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And her father continued to consult with his eldest daughter, and rarely his second wife, about family decisions  even after his father and his new wife started having children.

So Kinzounza drew resentment from her stepmother and from her siblings, who were jealous of the attention and special treatment.

"I started being responsible very young, too young," she said, sighing. "My childhood was stolen."

Tossing tow trucks

As most of the 3-year-olds finished their snacks, a girl hoists her empty cup toward the teacher.

"Ms. Gigi, look!" the girl said.

"You're good at hydrating," Ms. Gigi said with an approving nod.

Ghislaine Kinzounza, a.k.a. "Ms. Gigi," laughs with her students after posing for a portrait at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

Two boys drifted into the corner of the classroom with the toys. One picked up a plastic vehicle and, with a mischievous look, asked the other: "Do you want a tow truck?" And the tow truck went flying through the air as both boys giggled.

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"Hey, be gentle," Ms. Gigi chided. "Can you please tell him to be gentle?" she asked the other boy.

"Please be gentle," he said.

"OK," the truck tosser said. "I'm sorry."

Her secret crush

By age 14, she felt hopeless, even more so after her dad got divorced again, remarried again and had more children with his third wife.

More children for Kinzounza to care for. More resentment from another one of her father's ex-wives.

Kinzounza wanted out, but really wasn't sure how that would happen.

One thing was for sure  she's never get married.

"From what I saw," she said, "it wasn't easy, it wasn't healthy, and I don't want to grow up like that."

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Then again, when she was a teenager who helped run the youth group at the local Evangelical Church of the Congo, Kinzounza developed a secret crush.

It was on the Protestant church's youth group leader, Raymond Kinzounza, a well-traveled, handsome man from a family with connections to political and military power.

Still, she thought, "Im too young and too beautiful for him."

A jazzy moment

When it was time to paint, the seven children ran in seven directions, all grabbing different things and talking over each other.

"Just a minute," Ms. Gigi said, her voice gentle but loud enough to be heard over the cacophony. "Let's be patient."

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The children immediately calmed down and started helping each other.

"Let's play some great music that will inspire us," Ms. Gigi said. "Let me help you discover great music called jazz."

A few of the kids cheered as Ms. Gigi instructed the classroom Amazon speaker to play jazz.

Too short to be a flight attendant

As her crush grew, Ghislaine Kinzounza took two overseas trips in her teen years, one to Switzerland, the other to Russia, and she fell in love with traveling.

Kinzounza developed two dreams  to become a flight attendant or to become a lawyer, so she could fight for people who faced injustices as she believed she had as a girl.

Neither came true. Her older relatives said she was too short and not pretty enough to be a flight attendant. And adult family members said if she was going to college, she should study education like most other women in university did.

So Kinzounza settled, or "surrendered," she said, and she started studying education at the state-funded Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville.

But she did get her man.

After four years of friendship, which included about a year of exchanging letters with Raymond Kinzounza while he lived in France, he worked up the courage to propose.

At 25, she knew he was the right guy, the only one intimately familiar with her childhood trauma, the only one she trusted with it.

"I knew," Ghislaine Kinzounza said, "he was strong enough to carry my baggage."

But would they be strong enough to escape a bloody civil war?

'I love you; don't touch me'

As painting time closed, one boy bonked another on the head with a paint-covered ball. All the kids exploded into laughter.

"Let's do inside voices," Ms. Gigi said. "And let's wash your hands, merci beaucoup."

"Merci beaucoup!" two children sang back, using the French phrase for "thanks much."

Ghislaine Kinzounza, known to pre-schoolers and parents as "Ms. Gigi," high-fives one of her students after completing a painting activity at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

Before hand washing started, Ms. Gigi gave each child a paint-covered, two-handed high five, smiling throughout.

One boy started mischieviously waving a paint-covered hand near Ms. Gigi.

"I love you," she said, "don't touch me."

They both laughed.

Their safe refuge turned dangerous

In 1999, after the Kinzounzas took the boat ride from Republic of the Congo, Christian church volunteers met the refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ushering them under giants tents with dozens of holes in the ground outside to use as bathrooms. Raymond Kinzounza, weak with dysentery, went to a makeshift hospital.

The Kinzounzas ate a little better than the other refugees; Raymond Kinzounza's uncle, in the camp, had enough money to get the family fresh fish from the nearby river.

The family eventually rode in the back of a packed truck to the DRC capital city of Kinshasa, where they moved into a friend's parents' house.

There, the Kinzounzas finally started to decompress. But not for long.

Ghislaine Kinzounza is part of the oppressed Tutsi ethnic group, the same group subjected to genocide in 1994. That year, the manager of Hotel Rwanda, married to a Tutsi woman, tried to save thousands of Tutsis, a story that inspired a Hollywood movie starring Don Cheadle in 2004.

A 1999 picture of Ghislaine "Ms. Gigi" Kinzounza, right, and her family in a West African refugee camp about a year after they fled a bloody civil war in their native Republic of the Congo. The family was resettled in 2000 Nashville, where Kinzounza became a beloved day school teacher. From left, her husband, Raymond, their then 5-year-old daughter, Natey, their then 2-year-old son, Eliel Siama, and Kinzounza.

In Kinshasa, neighbors started glaring at Ghinslaine Kinzounza when she left the house. Local friends said her life was in danger, and the family fled again, this time to a U.S.-supported World Health Organization camp for Tutsis.

From there, the family boarded a bus with blacked-out windows, which took them to a military airfield, where they boarded a cargo plane to a refugee camp in a West African nation.

After a year in that camp, the Kinzounzas, subjected to demeaning medical exams and repeated interviews with officials from nonprofit Catholic Charities, landed at JFK airport in New York.

There, once again, Ghinslaine Kinzounza found herself covering her children's eyes.

'Oh those boys'

Just before story time, Ms. Gigi had her electronic speaker play a song to help settle the children.

When the lyrics "you are my sunshine" poured from the speaker, Ms. Gigi's face lit up.

"It's true!" she told the kids.

Charlie Crouch bursts out in laughter while painting with his classmates in class with teacher Ghislaine Kinzounza, known to kids as "Ms. Gigi", at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

The story is about feelings, and after Ms. Gigi talked about being happy, she started to sing "If You're Happy and You Know It."

The boys clapped their hands, stomped their feet and shouted "Hooray!" much louder than the girls.

"Oh those boys," Ms. Gigi said under her breath, "those boys."

'This is America?'

Ghinslaine Kinzounza, shocked by a teen girl in crop top with a belly button ring in the New York airport, put her hands over her children's eyes.

"So immodest!" she said.

It was the first of many surprises in the United States.

The family ended up in Nashville in 2000 after refugee relocation officers said Tennessee was a good place to raise children. Catholic Charities volunteers who greeted them were kind, and one of them even spoke French, one of the Kinzounzas' native languages.

Ghinslaine Kinzounza remembered feeling grateful. Grateful her husband and her son survived. Grateful for food stamps. Grateful for health care through TennCare. Grateful for the volunteers who showed them how to shop and to go to the doctor and to look for jobs. Grateful for their first two-bedroom apartment in the Nations in Nashville.

Until she went into the kitchen in the middle of the night and turned on the light.

"Cockroaches everywhere! I screamed!" she said. "This is America?"

Raymond Kinzounza worked as a custodian, a telemarketer and a grocery store worker before landing a job with Nashville Public Libraries, where he still works.

Ghinslaine Kinzounza, whose daughter started attending Metro Schools, needed a job where she could bring her now 2-year-old son.

A Catholic Charities caseworker brought her to the Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville's affluent Oak Hill neighborhood, just a few miles from Brentwood. The church school, which taught children ages up to age 5, needed teachers badly.

"I hired her right on the spot, which I rarely do," said Debbie Ferguson, Glen Leven day school's director for 29 years.

"It was her demeanor and how appreciative she was just to have the interview, like shes received such a tremendous gift."

There was a language barrier at first. The children and their parents sometimes couldn't understand her accent. And Kinzounza, fluent in what she calls "British English," sometimes got tripped up by Southern accents and expressions.

"They are 'fixin' to go' somewhere?" she said. "I'm like, what are they saying?"

Ferguson said Kinzounza regularly started dancing and singing with the children, especially when there were language challengers, and teacher and students soon were deeply connected.

"She was expert on loving kids," Ferguson said. "Thats what she was here to do and thats what she did."

And blessings started to flow after that.

Kindness, compassion and love

A Glen Leven parent helped the Kinzounzas find better housing; Ferguson and other school gave Kinzounza and her son rides to and from the bus stop, a parent donated a used car that Kinzounza practiced driving in the church parking lot.

In 2002, parent Kim Chaudoin visited the Kinzounzas in a Nashville hospital when Kinzounza gave birth to her third child.

"Recognizing she didnt have a lot of family around here," Chaudoin said, "I went to let her know we love her and were excited for her.

Judson Chaudoin, a student at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School from 1999 to 2003, has visited his favorite teacher, Ghislaine Kinzounza, a.k.a. "Ms. Gigi" regularly since he left the school and even invited Kinzounza to his wedding shower in 2021.

"You can tell when someone genuinely cares for a child," Chaudoin said. "She was very loving and always put me at ease."

Several parents said Kinzounza regularly takes time to find out about them and not just their kids. One mom said Ms. Gigi helped her through grieving a death in the family.

"I will never be able to express how much Ms. Gigi's kindness and compassion touched our family," said Nashville communications consultant Molly Sudderth, whose son, Will, was in Kinzounza's class in 2016. "Leaving him each morning was so much easier because I knew he was in amazing hands."

Kinzounza has become so popular that parents sometimes plead with school administrators to try to get their children in her class.

In July, a Nashville education nonprofit named Kinzounza its Early Childhood Educator of the Year. At the awards ceremony, Kinzounza moved many to tears after sharing parts of her story and speaking of her devotion to children.

Kinzounza, who has earned college degrees and certifications in education in the U.S., said she has considered teaching elsewhere or going into education administration. But she said stayed at Glen Leven because she wants to be loyal to the community that showed her and her family such kindness.

"Being a pre-school teacher isnt financially rewarding," Kinzounza said, "but I had greater gains than money, and I realize money is not all that."

Her older daughter, Natey Kinzouzna Ndlovu, a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia, wonders if her mom's past keeps her from looking for other professional opportunities.

Teacher Ghislaine Kinzounza, known as "Ms. Gigi," helps a 3-year-old in her class at Glen Leven Presbyterian Church Day School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

"Mom had so little stability, whether in childhood or early adulthood, or in coming to the States," she said.

"Ive encouraged her many times to look for another job," Ndlovu said. "I made more as a 25-year-old law clerk than my mom did after 20 years on the job.

"But Mom really loves security and stability and being able to control things. She'd never ever had that."

Kinzounza said her trauma gives her purpose and joy in teaching the youngest children.

"Ages zero to five  such a crucial time. I remember my parents fighting when I was 0 to five," she said.

"And my perspective on the value of life changed when I escaped death. So when I see these children are careless and happy with me  the wonder of young children  I thought, I love this. I know I will impact them for life. So I could do this forever."

Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 'Ms. Gigi' faced trauma before becoming day-school teacher




After 25 years, a beloved South Texas variety store located along the U.S.Mexico border is about to close for good. But Julie and Harrison Kong have nothing but fond memories about the shop that has allowed them to raise their children and about the community that has welcomed them in like family.

In a different era, US Trading, the shop located at 1302 E. Washington St. in Brownsville that the Kongs have operated since October 20, 2000, would have been called a five-and-dime store. It's located just a block and a half from the bustling Gateway International Bridge that connects Brownsville to Matamoros, Mexico, and in the middle of Brownsville's vibrant downtown, where budget-friendly mom-and-pop shops like theirs are located right next to sites steeped in centuries-old history, as well as more modern trappings.

US Trading, a budget variety store in Brownsville that has been owned and operated by Korean immigrants, Julie and Harrison Kong, for 25 years, is set to close on October 21, 2025. (Courtesy US Trading)





Filled with an assortment of trinkets, from fashion accessories like sunglasses, jewelry, and belts to toys, seasonal items, and home decor, US Trading has become an integral part of the fabric of Brownsville. But now the Kongs are preparing to turn out the lights one last time on Tuesday, October 21, just one day after US Trading's 25-year anniversary and the couple's 35th wedding anniversary.

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Twenty-five years ago, neither Julie nor Harrison would have imagined themselves as small business owners. At the time, the couple lived in Southern California, where Julie worked at a bank, and Harrison was an engineer at a telecommunications company. But already, the cost of living in California was skyrocketing, and the couple wondered if they would be able to continue to raise their three children comfortably in the Golden State. It was during a trip to visit Julie's sister, who lived in Brownsville, that everything changed. The Kongs, who both emigrated to the United States from Korea, noticed a thriving and growing Korean community in South Texas.

Julie jokingly told her brother-in-law that they'd move if they could find a spot in Brownsville, too. But the joke soon became more serious after her brother-in-law found a spot just begging for a store. Harrison flew out from California to take a look and liked what he saw.

"In a month, everything changed," Julie told MySA.

After giving notice to their employers, the couple relocated to Texas and established their shop near the border. But what many may not know is that the "US" in US Trading doesn't stand for "United States." Instead, it's the combination of the first initials of their Korean names. For Julie, that's Unsil, and for Harrison, that's Sukchin.

Shown is US Trading, a variety shop located at the corner of Washington and 13th Streets in downtown Brownsville. After 25 years in operation, the shop will be closing its doors permanently on October 21, 2025. (Courtesy Google Street View)





Harrison said it was easy to see how Brownsville could provide his family more stability. The cost of living was - and remains - lower than in California. But now, as the store's final day approaches, Harrison says he's realized just how quickly 25 years have passed.

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"It was a very short time to me because I was so busy, I couldn't see other things," Harrison said.

Along the way, the couple has faced a few hardships, such as the massive sales slump that many businesses across the country experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of longtime regulars who have passed away over the years. But overall, the positives have far outweighed any hard days. Several months ago, however, the store's landlord listed the building for sale. A buyer snatched it up in late August, Cameron County property records show. The finalization of the sale helped cement the Kongs' decision: it was time to retire. It was time to indulge their two grandchildren. Harrison said he's also looking forward to volunteering at a local school.

This article originally published at Beloved Texas trinket shop bids farewell after 25 years.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected the presence of two sorties by Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Sunday. In a post on X, MND said, "2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1979714179637624929 This is a sharp decrease in China's fresh incursion into the island nation compared to its military activities on Saturday. On Saturday, Taiwan's MND stated that it had detected the presence of 27 sorties by Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels operating around its territorial waters. As per the MND, of the 27 sorties, 19 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). "27 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 out of 27 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the MND stated. The fresh incursion marks yet another episode in China's continuing military pressure campaign against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory. The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Meanwhile, China's swift growth and diversification of its nuclear capabilities have led to concerns that Beijing might engage in "nuclear blackmail" or even nuclear conflict with Western countries if they intervene in a Taiwan dispute, reminiscent of the warnings from the Kremlin during its incursion into Ukraine, as reported by Central News Agency (CNA). During the military parade on September 3 in Tiananmen Square, China showcased three missiles capable of carrying nuclear payloads: the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile, the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, and the DF-61 surface-to-surface intercontinental missile. This threatening exhibition of what analysts characterise as a potential Chinese "nuclear triad", the capacity to launch nuclear weapons via air, land, and sea, has heightened alarms among democratic nations. Previously, China did not possess the capability to conduct airborne nuclear strikes, according to CNA's report. (ANI)
Germany is temporarily recalling its ambassador to Georgia for consultations, the Foreign Office in Berlin announced on Sunday.

In a post on X, it said that the Georgian leadership had been engaged in activities against the European Union and against German ambassador Peter Fischer personally.

The Foreign Office said it had for that reason taken the decision to recall Fischer from Tbilisi to consider how to proceed. It noted that the EU's Foreign Affairs Council would discuss Georgia on Monday.

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More than two weeks ago, the Foreign Office made an official protest regarding Fischer's treatment to Georgia's charge d'affaires in Berlin.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze had accused the ambassador of interfering in his country's internal affairs after Fischer repeated criticism of the Georgian government's authoritarian course.

Fischer drew criticism from Georgian leaders after attending court proceedings against opposition figures and was for this reason summoned by the Foreign Ministry in Tbilisi at the end of September.

The ruling Georgian Dream party declared itself the winner of elections in 2024 amid allegations of electoral fraud. Kobakhidze then suspended an article in the country's constitution pledging closer ties with the EU.

This was followed by weeks of protests, mainly in the capital, but also in other cities.
Joe Biden was seen in public for the first time since starting radiation therapy earlier this month.

Last week, a spokesperson for the former president told Politico, As part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer, President Biden is currently undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment.

On Saturday, Biden was photographed attending evening mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine in Wilmington, Delaware, which has been his home parish for decades.

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The 82-year-old, who is still sporting a scar above his eye from skin cancer surgery last month, was seen walking slowly and holding onto a woman for support. He spoke to parishioners for 10 minutes before departing.

Joe Biden seen publicly for first time since beginning radiation therapy for prostate cancer https://t.co/V1B5F7801H pic.twitter.com/g1QR04gzLv  New York Post (@nypost) October 19, 2025

It was announced in May that the former president had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. His office said at the time that his cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.

After news of his diagnosis broke, Biden posted a message to X, accompanied by a photo of the former president, his wife Dr. Jill Biden, and their cat Willow.

Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.

Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support. pic.twitter.com/oSS1vGIiwU  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 19, 2025

The Biden family is no stranger to cancer; the former presidents eldest son Beau died from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

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At a Memorial Day service earlier this year, Biden gave his first public speech since receiving his cancer diagnosis and acknowledged the 10th anniversary of Beaus death.

I know for many of you, Memorial Day, like for us, is deeply personal. For the Bidens, this day is the 10th anniversary of the loss of my son Beau, who spent a year in Iraq. And to be honest, its a hard day Being with all of you makes things a little bit easier, it really does. Thank you for allowing me to grieve with you, Biden said, while paying tribute to fallen service members in Delaware.
Bill Nye the Science Guy is using his voice for more than science. The beloved television educator and engineer delivered a fiery speech at Washington, D.C.s No Kings rally on Saturday, warning the massive crowd that the U.S. is confronting the possible end to our republic. The nationwide "No Kings" protests, which saw millions gather across more than 2,600 cities, were organized in opposition to what demonstrators describe as the abuse of power and authoritarianism within President Donald Trumps administration. Standing on stage before thousands near the Capitol, Bill Nye called on citizens to stand up for democratic values, free speech, and scientific truth, all of which he says are under attack.

Bill Nye The Science Guy Issues Dire Warning At Protest

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Opening his remarks with a question that echoed through the crowd, Nye asked, How did we get here?

It hasnt been one instance of abuse of the power of executive order by this president. It hasnt been just one twist in a court ruling, Nye said. Instead, it has been years in the making, enabled by this president. A group of confederates has worked together to undo many of our traditions and understandings of fairness and of citizens rights.

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The Science Guy didnt hold back, calling the situation a slow-motion erosion of democracy thats only accelerating. We are confronting the possible end to our republic, he warned, prompting chants of No Kings! from the crowd.

Nye Condemns Trumps Attacks On Critics And The Press

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Throughout his speech, Nye urged peaceful protest and civic participation while blasting what he described as the presidents ongoing hostility toward critics and the press.

This president and his associates cannot tolerate dissent, he said. To them, our free speech is frightening.

Nye said that the presence of demonstrators across the country was proof that citizens still believe in accountability. Your being here tells lawmakers they must stop the abuses of this petulant president and his circle of sycophants, he added.

Bill Nye Slams Trumps $15B Defamation Suit And Pentagon Media Ban

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Nyes appearance comes amid growing concerns about press freedom and scientific suppression under Trumps second term.

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In recent weeks, the Pentagon reportedly required journalists to sign pledges restricting their reporting or face having their access badges revoked, a move that nearly all major newsrooms refused. Earlier this year, Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and threatened ABC after it reinstated "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following a suspension for anti-Trump jokes.

Nye also criticized the administrations handling of science and research funding, pointing to reports from the Government Accountability Office alleging that $8 billion in funding to the National Institutes of Health had been illegally withheld.

For decades, the U.S. has been one of the worlds leading nations in science, Nye said. But this administration has failed to accept scientific facts or promote progress. Instead, theyve suppressed science to the detriment of our health, well-being, and international competitiveness. It is a formula for failure.

From Times Square To Hollywood Boulevard, America Says No Kings!

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While Nyes fiery remarks lit up Washington, D.C., his message echoed across the nation. From New York Citys Times Square to Hollywood Boulevard, millions of Americans flooded the streets on Saturday in one of the largest protests in modern history. Organizers say nearly 7 million people showed up at more than 2,700 events nationwide, all aimed squarely at President Trump and what demonstrators call an abuse of power in his administration.

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Signs reading Democracy, Not Monarchy and Power to the People turned city streets into a wall of resistance. The outrage focused on ICE raids, troop deployments in U.S. cities, and deep cuts to health care and federal programs.

One protester even dressed in a unicorn costume and danced to the music. He said he picked the outfit because he felt the unicorn represented the diversity and spirit of L.A.

No Kings Protests Intensify Amid Federal Government Shutdown And Funding Standoff

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Adding to the chaos, the protests erupted in the middle of a federal government shutdown, as Trumps White House and Congressional Democrats stayed locked in a funding standoff. The political freeze only added to the anger in the streets.

Across the nation, the message stayed the same. No kings, no silence, and no backing down.
Bill OReilly has been generally supportive of the Donald Trump administration and its policies  but he drew the line at Secretary of War Pete Hegseths treatment of the press, calling it craziness that simply wont stand.

Hegseths new policy  that reporters from need to get permission to publish information gathered inside the Pentagon  sparked a weeks-long standoff that came to a head last week when longtime journalists the New York Times, The Washington Post, the Associated Press, Reuters and more cleared out their desks and left rather than abide it.

For OReilly, this time, its personal.

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Are you kidding me? he said Friday. So, let me make it real personal.

OReilly recounted a 1988 story he did for ABC News about corrupt people inside the Pentagon who were triple-billing for the then-new Bradley fighting vehicle.

I got the story, OReilly said. It was an award-winner  one of the most proud stories Ive ever done. Didnt get anybodys permission to do it. Pentagon hated it. Hated it! Went after me and everything like that. So I know you have to do independent reporting, particularly when you have a trillion dollars of discretionary spending.

Hegseths demand to sign off on stories is simply not freedom of the press, OReilly said, noting that Trump was at first wary of the policy, but has changed his tune. Restrictions are one thing, OReilly noted, suggesting that if the Pentagon wants to ferret out leaks, they have the right to demand polygraph tests of military officials.

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But this craziness  no, he growled. And its not going to hold. [The] Supreme Court or somebody going to come in and say you cant do it.

Watch the entire monologue in the video above.

The post Bill OReilly Growls at Pete Hegseths Pentagon Press Restrictions: Craziness  Its Not Going to Hold | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Bolivia's presidential runoff election on Sunday is the nation's first and excludes a socialist candidate after voters narrowed the field to two conservative candidates on Friday.

Christian Democratic Party candidate Sen. Rodrigo Paz Pereira secured 32% of the popular vote to lead all candidates, while former President Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga secured the second-most with 27% of votes to set up Sunday's runoff, according to Americas Quarterly.

Paz is a centrist candidate and the son of former Bolivian President Jaime Paz Zamora, who led the nation from 1989 to 1993.

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Quiroga, 67, was serving as Bolivia's vice president when he ascended to the presidency for one year, from Aug. 7, 2001, to Aug. 6, 2002, following the resignation of President Hugo Banzer due to a cancer diagnosis.

He was elected vice president in 1997 at age 37, which made him the nation's youngest person to hold that office.

Quiroga was defeated in three prior campaigns to be elected president, but many now view him as the favorite.

His platform includes establishing a free market economic system rooted in capitalism and that supports private property rights for citizens.

He also wants to transfer government ownership of the nation's ample natural resources, especially natural gas, iron and lithium, to private citizens and entities.

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Paz, 58, also wants to establish a market-based economy and made "Capitalism for All" his campaign's motto.

The lack of a socialist candidate in the presidential runoff is viewed as a public rebuke of the Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement Towards Socialism) Party, which has controlled Bolivia's politics over the past two decades.

Bolivia has been one of South America's leading socialist states over the past 20 years, but the nation is mired in an economic collapse that many attribute to government mismanagement of natural resources, according to The Telegraph.

MAS presidential candidate Eduardo del Castillo received only 3% of the vote during the first round of voting.

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The MAS party also is about to lose its majorities in both houses of the Bolivian Legislature amid recent controversies.

They include an arrest warrant for former MAS Party member and former President Evo Morales being issued due to an alleged statutory rape.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday, adding its reopening will depend on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages as the two sides continued to trade blame over ceasefire violations.

Netanyahu's statement came shortly after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt announced that the Rafah crossing, the main gateway for Gazans to leave and enter the enclave, would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza.

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Netanyahu's government and Hamas have been trading blame over violations of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire for days. Late Saturday in Washington, the State Department said it had received "credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza."

The State Department said the planned attack against Palestinian civilians would be a "direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement."

"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the department said in a statement, without providing further details.

Trump had said he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the ceasefire deal that he brokered.

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Hamas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The militant group has launched a security crackdown in urban areas vacated by Israeli forces, demonstrating its power through public executions and clashes with local armed clans.

DISPUTE OVER AID, RETURN OF BODIES

Hamas, in a statement late on Saturday, said Netanyahu's decision "constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and a repudiation of the commitments he made to the mediators and guarantor parties."

It also said the continued closure of the Rafah crossing would prevent the entry of equipment needed to search for and locate more hostage bodies under the rubble, and would thus delay the recovery and handover of the remains.

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Israel said it received two more bodies late on Saturday, meaning 12 out of 28 bodies have been handed over under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal agreed between Israel and Hamas last week.

The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with nearly all inhabitants driven from their homes, a global hunger monitor confirming famine and health authorities overwhelmed.

The dispute over the return of bodies, and shipments of life-saving humanitarian aid, underlines the fragility of the ceasefire and still has the potential to upset the deal along with other major issues that are included in U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the war.

As part of the deal, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages it had been holding for two years, in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian detainees and convicted prisoners jailed in Israel.

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FORMIDABLE OBSTACLES TO PEACE

But Israel says that Hamas has been too slow to hand over the bodies of deceased hostages it still holds. The militant group says that locating some of the bodies amid the vast destruction in Gaza will take time.

The deal requires Israel to return 360 bodies of Palestinian militants for the deceased Israeli hostages and so far it has handed over 15 bodies in return for each Israeli body it has received.

Rafah has largely been shut since May 2024. The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid into the enclave, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

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After cutting off all supplies for 11 weeks in March, Israel increased aid into Gaza in July, scaling it up further since the ceasefire.

Around 560 metric tons of food had entered Gaza per day on average since the U.S.-brokered truce, but this was still well below the scale of need, according to the U.N. World Food Programme.

Formidable obstacles to Trump's plan to end the war still remain. Key questions of Hamas disarming and how Gaza will be governed, the make-up of an international "stabilization force" and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to be resolved.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, additional reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Hatem Maher and Menna Alaa El-Din, and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Maayan Lubell, Alex Dziadosz, Hatem Maher and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Diane Craft and Nick Zieminski)
An employee proudly posted her bosss response to her sick day request  and the non-American people of the internet had a lot to say about it.

Ley Sabandal lives and works in the Philippines but has an American boss.

After feeling under the weather and asking to take a sick day, her boss responded with an answer that satisfied her: Sorry youre not feeling well. No problem taking the day to rest. Yes, youre welcome to flex your time to make up hours anytime during the month. No hurry catching back up. Thanks.

The employee thought her boss gave a nice response  but the internet disagreed. Monkey Business  stock.adobe.com

As one often does in this digital age, Sabandal, who goes by the username @pixelleyted, posted her bosss response on Instagram threads: This is how my American boss responds to my sick leave request alongside a teary eye emoji, but was shockingly met with a ton of backlash from commenters who clearly dont understand how sick days vary in different countries.

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The Post reached out to Sabandal for comment.

Seeing this as a German is like.. what the fk. catching up work time because I was sick? Hilarious, wrote one confused person.

Poland here: A normal sick day. Paid 80%. No need to make up anything. No limits in sick days / year, quipped someone else.

A Sweden resident chimed in, too: So sick days and vacation days come from the same budget? Swede here  that sounds terrible. Really. In Sweden, if you are on a planned holiday and get sick, you can actually call in sick and get new vacation days. Probably unheard of in the US.

Meanwhile, some Americans in the comments thought the boss gave an empathetic, kind response.

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Lmao at us Americans here like Aww what a kind, understanding response meanwhile the rest of the world is like MAKE UP TIME LOST?! joked an American commenter.

The post sparked a debate about how the right and wrong ways countries handle employee sick days. Prostock-studio  stock.adobe.com

I dont get it. It seems quite empathic to me. What am I missing here? another confused soul wrote.

Aside from those few comments, thousands of others joined in on what turned into a bigger conversation: how different countries handle employee sick days and PTO.

Norwegian here: I had to take a mental health day last month. Ive got a lot going on in my life and had a lot of unforeseen things happening at once. Told my boss and he said it was okay and told me to take care of myself, read a comment.

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This was on a Thursday. Came back Friday, was met with a hug and he told me that I didnt have to fight my battles alone. He was there for me whenever I needed to talk. Even after work hours. That promise still stands and Im so happy for the support Ive got at work, the Norwegian resident continued.

New Zealander here. My boss would prob respond with. Hey anything I can get for you? 24 days paid sick leave, mental health days, two paid union days off plus 4-5 weeks annual leave. America is weird. Oh and free healthcare, someone else wrote.
Abu Dhabi [UAE], October 19 (ANI/WAM): The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) will celebrate its 80th anniversary through its participation as a strategic partner in the second edition of Abu Dhabi Global Food Week, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 21st to 23rd October 2025. FAO's participation is led by its Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen, based in Abu Dhabi, which serves as a regional hub for advancing agrifood transformation efforts, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. This year's engagement carries special significance as it coincides with FAO's eight decades of global leadership in transforming agrifood systems, combating hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture. In close partnership with the United Arab Emirates--one of the region's leading supporters of food security and agricultural innovation--FAO will lead a series of high-level dialogues focused on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable natural resource management, and livestock health. The organisation will also highlight the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to forecast potential supply and demand shocks. In addition, FAO will present key findings from its flagship report, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, to support evidence-based national and regional policymaking and strategic responses to future food challenges amid climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources. Dr. Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Representative ad interim to the UAE, said, "As FAO marks 80 years of service to humanity, our participation in Abu Dhabi Global Food Week reaffirms our ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation, enhancing climate resilience, and delivering data-driven solutions to support food systems at both national and global levels." He added, "FAO's engagement goes beyond reflecting on its legacy--it contributes to shaping the future of agrifood systems through high-level dialogues on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and livestock health. The organisation will also showcase applications of artificial intelligence and data analytics in forecasting food shocks, as part of its longstanding partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. This collaboration has led to strategic initiatives that support national food security and position Abu Dhabi as a global center for agricultural innovation and sustainability." Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, congratulated FAO on its 80th anniversary and praised its outstanding contributions to global food security, hunger eradication, and sustainable agricultural development. He stated, "FAO's participation in Global Food Week reflects the depth of our strategic partnership, which has enabled pioneering initiatives across the region and provided a platform for knowledge exchange in climate-smart agriculture, resource management, and food supply chain improvement." He added, "We at ADAFSA take pride in this constructive collaboration, which reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting international efforts to achieve food security and reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for agricultural innovation and a preferred destination for hosting specialized events that bring together experts and decision-makers from around the world." (ANI/WAM)
NEED TO KNOW

A 41-year-old Texas woman has been charged with felony injury to a child after police officers found her 11-year-old son allegedly covered in feces and weighing only 46 lbs. during a welfare check

The boy was later diagnosed with autism and was found to have severe malnutrition

"She is not a good mom," the boy's grandmother said

A 41-year-old Texas woman has been charged with felony child abuse after police officers were called to her house, where they discovered her 11-year-old son allegedly covered in feces and weighing only 46 lbs.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Harris County, police in Baytown  located about 26 miles outside Houston  responded to a mobile home, where Rachel Nicole Blaylock lived with her son, after they received an "urgent" request for a welfare check in May.

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The court document, filed on Oct. 3 and obtained by PEOPLE, states that Blaylock's son is nonverbal, has never been to school and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

The police officer said that the moment she stepped into the house, she saw flies all around and dried fecal matter on the floors. The smell was "bad enough she nearly threw up," per the complaint.

Blaylock allegedly told police that she replaced her son's bedroom door with a screen door and would lock it to prevent him from leaving the house, as he had done before. The officer at the scene described the bedroom as "dirty" and the mattress as "filthy," as fecal matter was spread around.

Baytown Police Department Rachel Nicole Blaylock Rachel Nicole Blaylock

The 11-year-old also had dried feces on his face, arms and hands, and underneath his fingernails, per the complaint.

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After the officer suggested that she take her son to the hospital, Blaylock replied, "I just can't drop everything I'm f------ doing and take him to the hospital so a quack-a-- doctor can say, 'I don't know what's wrong with him,' so we can see another one."

Per the complaint, the child's grandmother told police that the boy was often locked in his bedroom all day, and that only Blaylock and her boyfriend could unlock the door, leaving the grandmother unable to bring the 11-year-old food or water.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

"She is not a good mom," the grandmother said, per the complaint, also claiming that Blaylock often told the child to "shut up" and that she "don't do much of anything with him."

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The boy was taken to a local hospital, where he was formally diagnosed with autism. Medical personnel wrote that he was suffering from severe malnutrition, had significant language and developmental delays, had dental issues and had "concern for possible sexual abuse."

His teeth were decaying, and he weighed about 46 lbs., per the court document. The average weight for an 11-year-old boy is over 80 lbs.

Blaylock was charged with felony injury to a child with serious bodily injury, court records show. On Oct. 8, she was also charged with possession of methamphetamine in an unrelated case. Her bond was set at $250,000.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
TOOMBS COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an investigation after an officer-involved shooting took place in the city of Vidalia.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the area of Martin Luther King Drive and Epstein Street, where two officers of the Vidalia Police Department (VPD) conducted a traffic stop and found that the passenger of the vehicle had an outstanding warrant.

The passenger was identified as Travis Kelly Parrish, 47, of Lyons.

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According to a press release by the GBI, when officers attempted to arrest Parrish, one of the officers deployed a taser and then shot Parrish, hitting him.

Parrish was transported to a local hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound. He is currently in critical condition.

An investigation by the GBI is currently underway. Anyone with information should contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988.

We also ask the community to keep the subject and the officer involved in their thoughts and prayers as we work in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said Capt. John Humphrey.

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WSAV will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS)  Bridge Day is an event like no other for many vendors.

It provides a spotlight and first-hand conversations with tons of potential new customers or partners especially for first time Bridge Day vendors. This rang true for Shane Griffith and Matt Holliday who sat up as vendors for the first time with Mens Alliance  who opened a new chapter in Greenbrier County.

SportsZone Week 8: Blockbuster matchups with blockbuster results

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The bandwidth has been awesome. I mean, we have talked to people from New Mexico, Michigan, Kentucky, Florida. So being able to get the word out about our group, so many different locations, all by stationed here at Bridge Day has been awesome, said Griffith.

It has been huge. We just talked to someone from Portugal, so people from Europe and all over. Well over 100,000 people [are here] usually every year. So it has been amazing, like nonstop just getting to talk with people from all over, added Holliday.

Mens Alliance is a Christian group that encourages weekly meetings combining rugged, outdoor workouts as well as fireside devotions. Holliday and Griffith say this has been a great way for them to hold each other accountable and be able to grow in their faith.

If you would like to know more or connect, visit this link.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Broadway is in danger of going quiet as musicians continue to negotiate their contracts.

Actors with Actors Equity reached a tentative agreement with the Broadway League on Saturday, meaning their looming strike has likely been averted. The union said there is still contention over health care, hiring and holiday schedules.

More Local News

But a strike still looms as musicians with the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 have yet to reach a deal during contract negotiations.

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The union, AFM Local 802, represents 1,200 musicians who have been working under an expired contract since Aug. 31. Union representatives say the musicians are looking for fair wages that reflect Broadways success, better health coverage and job security for freelancers.

If either musicians or actors walked off the stage, it would impact 26 out of 31 shows currently on Broadway.

On the heels of the most successful season in history, the Broadway League wants the working musicians and artists who fueled that very success to accept wage cuts, threats to healthcare benefits, and potential job losses, said President Bob Suttmann.

The Broadway League said it has been bargaining in good faith and is happy to have reached a tentative agreement with Actors Equity.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
He is survived by his wife Racheli, and his two children, Shalev and Ofek, as well as his parents and siblings.

Former Gaza hostage Uriel Baruch was laid to rest in Jerusalem on Sunday after being returned during phase one of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.

"You don't know how much I'll miss you, my love. How much I'll long for your silliness. I can't understand how I'm supposed to go on from here," Racheli Baruch, Uriel's wife, said at the funeral.

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"How is a 31-year-old woman supposed to accept the title "widow"? How was our life together severed? We had so many plans ahead of us! It will be so hard without you."

"Uriel, I want to tell you that you're not just my brother, you're a brother to all of Israel," Roee Baruch, Uriel's brother, said.

"People everywhere in the country and around the world prayed, hoped, embraced us, supported us, and cried with us. Everyone feels like they know you. You've become a symbol of peace, love, hope, and unity."

The Givon native was murdered at the Nova Music Festival massacre on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken into Gaza, where it was kept for over two years. Baruch was 35 years old at the time of his murder.

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He is survived by his wife Racheli, and his two children, Shalev and Ofek, as well as his parents and siblings.

Baruch arrived at the Nova party along with his friend, Michael, to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Two days after his murder, his family received footage showing Baruch in his vehicle, wounded and still alive. However, his death was later confirmed when the IDF informed the family on March 26, 2024.

'Always smiling, and surrounded by friends'

Baruch worked in the building materials industry and was fond of techno music and going out. His mother, Naomi, described him as a child who loved life, always smiling and surrounded by friends.

His friends described a happy, kindhearted, and ethical man who always took care of others and gave his time to anyone who needed it.

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In November 2023, 50 days after Baruch had been kidnapped to Gaza and during the first agreed release of hostages, his younger brother Idan told The Jerusalem Post that We had hoped to see a general agreement which would bring all of the hostages out, but the government has insisted that nobody will be left behind, and we have to trust in that."

Idan described his brother as having a very generous soul and being young in spirit. He also mentioned that his brother, the third of four siblings, had a passion for music and festivals.

Judith Sudilovsky contributed to this report.




The Buffalo Bayou Mural Festival continued its second annual event Sunday afternoon in East End, displaying the work of 50 artists both local and international.

The festival featured live art creation, a vendor market, car show, live music and a lucha libre show hosted by Coliseo Houston. Here's a look at the festival.

This article originally published at Buffalo Bayou Mural Fest in East End celebrates a colorful Houston tradition.
Guest Opinion. Cherokee Nation remains deeply committed to protecting our culture, preserving our history and strengthening families for future generations. Across our reservation in northeast Oklahoma, we see both the resilience of Cherokee people and the challenges that still persist from generations of historical trauma. Among the most vulnerable are our children, who depend on us so that they feel supported and safe.

That is why the recent dedication and ribbon cutting at our new Indian Child Welfare headquarters marks such an important milestone for our Nation. For too long, this critical team of just over 100 dedicated professionals has carried out sacred work in spaces that were never built for it  offices too small for private conversations, too limited for safe family visitations, and without room for meaningful cultural programming. Yet, even in those conditions, theyve continued to respond to thousands of monthly notifications and care for more than a thousand children at any given time, guiding families through adoptions, fostering and healing.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

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The work of Cherokee Nations ICW department restores hope, reunites families, and ensures that Cherokee children remain connected to their tribe.

The new Tahlequah ICW facility is more than just an office building: Its both a symbol of our sovereignty and a place filled with compassion. It will be a site where staff can collaborate closely, where caseworkers and therapists can meet face to face with families in comfort and privacy, and where children can play, learn and heal surrounded by reminders about what it means to be Cherokee.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.

It gives our team the space to carry out their vital mission with dignity and provides families a welcoming environment when they need it most. With more room and resources, our team can strengthen both their outreach and services  from prevention and reunification to foster support. When Cherokee citizens walk through its doors, they will see themselves reflected back  through art, language and a sense of belonging.

Yes, this expansion helps with the demand, but it is also an important act of self-determination. For generations, others decided what was best for our children. Today, we own that duty. Its sacred, and we know that there isnt an investment more important than nurturing the next generation. These are values that reflect who we are as Cherokee people.

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We owe this to our elders who endured broken cycles and to our children who deserve a future of belonging. Together, we are building more than new offices  we are creating a sanctuary of hope and healing.

Learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent by visiting the Indian Child Welfare website at http://icw.cherokee.org/, calling 918-458-6900, or emailing homes4kids@cherokee.org.

Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  After much-needed rain in Central Illinois over the weekend, some Emergency Management Agencies and fire officials are lifting their burn bans.

The Iroquois County EMA said that the ban was officially lifted on Oct. 19 after significant rainfall reduced the risk of rapidly spreading fires. If you choose to burn, the EMAs office said you should not leave the fire unattended, and you should be able to put the fire out quickly if necessary.

October 18th  19th Rainfall Totals

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The Eastern Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, the Iroquois County Board and Chairman Paul Ducat, and the Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency would like to thank everyone that respected the ban, the Iroquois County EMA wrote in a news release.

On Saturday afternoon, the Moultrie County EMA notified community members that it was lifting its burn ban.

We are going to go ahead and LIFT the burn ban with the rain that is starting and going to get today. We will monitor it closely but this is a start. We know it has hindered a lot of plans and we appreciate the understanding. Please be mindful of open burning if you do burn after the weather passes, the EMA said in a post on Facebook.

In Champaign County, several fire departments announced that their burn bans were lifted. This included:

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Sidney Fire Protection District

Homer Fire Protection District

Gifford Fire and Rescue

St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District

Officials continue to encourage caution and ask that anyone who chooses to burn anything check the wind beforehand, keep a water source nearby and never leave the fire unattended.

In Piatt County, both the Cisco Fire Protection District and the Mid-Piatt Fire Protection District lifted their burn bans.

Champaign Co. EMA receives grant for technology upgrades

Cisco Fire officials said the ban that was put in place in September was lifted after the weekend rainfall. But  community members are still asked to practice caution.

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Please keep in mind that we are still drier than normal so please use caution when burning, the fire protection district wrote in a post on Facebook.

Findlay Fire and Ambulance District, located in Shelby County, also lifted its burn ban on Sunday. Community members are still asked to be cautious when burning anything.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The No Kings Protest saw a turnout of nearly seven million protesters, CNN reported on Sunday, citing organisers. The protests have seen turnouts from more than 2,700 cities and towns across the United States with people voicing strong opposition to US President Donald Trump's administration and policies. According to CNN, the number was higher by two million when compared to the first round of the 'No Kings Protest', which took place in June earlier this year. According to the police, the widespread rallies have been largely peaceful with no reports of incidents or arrests. CNN reported that Chicago, which stands as the epicenter of Trump's immigration crackdown, people rallied with homemade signs and "Hands Off Chicago" posters, waving upside-down American flags along with a few Mexican and Pride flags. In Los Angeles, demonstrators appeared in inflatable costumes waving American flags across the streets. While in the national capital, the current and former federal employees took to Pennsylvania Avenue on Day 18 of the government shutdown, and rallied for a calmer political rhetoric. Despite the mounting opposition, the White House on Sunday (local time), shared a screengrab on X where the US President was seen wearing the Emperor's crown. https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1979723618155466841 The demonstrations come at a time of heightened political tension, amid a federal government shutdown and partisan deadlock in Washington over a funding bill. Democratic leaders have largely voiced support for the protests, while many Republican lawmakers have criticised them as anti-American. Meanwhile, in New York City, authorities reported that the protests remained peaceful throughout the day, despite the massive turnout of 100,000 across all five boroughs. It further stated that no protest-related arrests were made. "The majority of the No Kings protests have dispersed at this time, and all traffic closures have been lifted. We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests," the New York Police Department said in a statement on X. (ANI)
Westwood firefighters rushed to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon.

The fire took place on High Street near Grove Street, in Westwood.

The bus was carrying UMass Lowell students on the way to a band practice in Norwood, according to fire officials.

The students smelled smoke which caused the driver of the bus to pull over. Everyone was able to get off the bus safely, according to the Westwood Fire Department.

Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.

One student on the bus was evaluated for smoke inhalation, but declined transport, officials say.

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Photos provided to Boston 25 News show flames coming from the back of the bus.

Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.

Officials tell Boston 25 News that there was roughly $100,000 worth of musical instruments in the front three compartments of the bus, all of which was able to be safely removed and is undamaged.

Another bus was called to pick up the students.

Westwood firefighters rush to put out a bus fire, Sunday afternoon. Photo credit: Westwood Fire Department.

Firefighters were able to put out the flames. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UMass Lowell issued the following statement:

Today members of the UMass Lowell Marching Band safely evacuated a bus traveling to a band show in Norwood due to a fire. About 40 students  mostly members of the bands percussion section  were aboard the bus and exited without injury. A second bus with students and a truck carrying band equipment safely arrived at the venue without incident. The band performed in the show, reflecting the wishes of the students, to an enthusiastic crowd at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Associations (MICCA) competition at Norwood High School. UMass Lowell is grateful to members of the Westwood fire and police departments who responded to the incident and ensured the safety and wellbeing of our students. The university is also grateful for the quick thinking of a senior band member who reported a noxious smell and the sight of smoke and flames, and who prompted the evacuation of the bus.

Boston 25 News has also reached out to both the bus company for comment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A major Southern California highway was shut down for a U.S. Marine Corps demonstration on Oct. 18. The event pitted California Gov. Gavin Newsom against the federal government yet again.

Interstate 5 shut down from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road, a stretch of the main artery over 15 miles, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, according to the California Highway Patrol. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attended the event at Camp Pendleton commemorating the Marines' 250th anniversary.

The news comes after days of back-and-forth between Newsom, federal officials and the Marines over whether the demonstration would require any roads to close.

John Owen Scudder, 8 of Philadelphia, waves an American Flag as Scudder stands in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia and views the Parade of Ships, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. The USS Lassen sails up the Delaware River as part of regional celebrations marking the U.S. Navys 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Oct. 9, 2025. REUTERS/Matthew Hatcher Onlookers gather in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia and view the Parade of Ships, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Spectators gathered at Battery Park in New Castle on Oct. 9, 2025, to watch the Parade of Ships that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. A U.S. Navy ship sails up the Delaware River as part of regional celebrations marking the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Oct. 9, 2025. REUTERS/Matthew Hatcher A flyover takes place over the Navy Yard in Philadelphia to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Onlookers gather in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia and view the Parade of Ships, that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. The USS Lassen takes part in the Parade of Ships, that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, in the Delaware River near the Navy Yard in Philadelphia on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker attend a ceremony in the Navy Yard to watch U.S. Navy ships sailing up the Delaware River as part of regional celebrations marking the U.S. Navys 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Oct. 9, 2025. REUTERS/Matthew Hatcher The USS Billings sails up the Delaware River as part of regional celebrations marking the U.S. Navys 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Oct. 9, 2025. REUTERS/Matthew Hatcher Fighter jets in formation perform a flyover above U.S. Navy ships sailing up the Delaware River as part of regional celebrations marking the U.S. Navys 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Oct. 9, 2025. REUTERS/Matthew Hatcher Onlookers gather in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia and view the Parade of Ships, that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Parade of Ships celebrates 250th anniversary of US Navy and Marine Corps 1 of 12 John Owen Scudder, 8 of Philadelphia, waves an American Flag as Scudder stands in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia and views the Parade of Ships, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.

Standing atop a 7-ton military truck with his wife, Vance on Oct. 18 watched the largest Marine exercise in a decade, featuring F-18 and F-35 flyovers, parachute landings, Navy SEALs swimming ashore, offshore destroyers and amphibious ships, simulated village explosions, and MH-60 helicopters dropping additional SEALs over the water.

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The Marines said in a statement earlier in the week that the event would take place "on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols."

"No public highways or transportation routes will be closed," the statement said.

Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis, the current operations officer for I Marine Expeditionary Force, told USA TODAY in an email that the Navy-Marine Corps team coordinated closely with state agencies to ensure the amphibious demonstration could proceed safely without closing I-5 or rail transit, underscoring the Marines ongoing partnership with Southern California communities and their commitment to maintaining combat readiness through regular live-fire and amphibious training.

Freeway signs warn drivers on Interstate 8 approaching Interstate 5 of "Live Weapons Over Freeway" in San Diego, California on October 18, 2025.

Car, rail delays throughout Southern California

I-5 is the primary connection between coastal San Diego County and Orange County. The busy freeway travels directly through the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base for nearly 20 miles, with no other major thoroughfares in the region.

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The Marines told USA TODAY in a statement on Oct. 18 that it did not request the closure.

"We appreciate the publics patience as Marines and Sailors conduct realistic training during todays historic Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration, showcasing the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team and ensuring we remain ready to defend the Homeland and our Nations interests abroad," the statement reads.

An Oct. 18 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) news release called it an "unscheduled closure."

Because of the event and closure, drivers should expect delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California before, during, and after the event, Caltrans said. The governor's office said 65,000 vehicles cross between San Diego and Orange counties each day using the route.

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In addition to the coastal freeway, officials said Southern California rail service along the route, which runs from San Diego to Los Angeles, would also be disrupted in the afternoon.

Aerial footage by ABC 7 showed I-5 backed up with congested traffic due to the closures. The freeway reportedly reopened briefly before closing again. By 3 p.m., the freeway had opened.

Interstate 5 in California on December 10, 2013, traffic travels north from San Diego to Los Angeles.

'Absurd show of force'

Newsom called the demonstration an "absurd show of force." The shutdown was decided because of "extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden, unexpected, and loud explosions," he said.

"The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isnt just wrong  its dangerous," Newsom said in a statement. "Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isnt strength  its reckless, its disrespectful, and its beneath the office he holds. Law and order? This is chaos and confusion.

I-5 in Carlsbad, California, on Oct. 18, 2025

Newsom said Caltrans received a request from the event organizers to display signage along I-5 that reads "Overhead fire in progress." State officials also observed live munitions being fired near the freeway on Oct. 17 in an apparent test run, the governor said.

Marines fire artillery regularly

The military news outlet Task and Purpose, citing a Marines statement, reported the artillery exercise was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. local time, which included M777 howitzer cannons firing from west of the 5 into designated ranges east of the freeway.

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Marines fire artillery nearly every week, from High Mobility Air Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to M777 howitzers, Capt. Dreibelbis said. Live-fire training sessions occur regularly at the battery and small-unit levels. At the regimental level, large-scale artillery exercises occur twice per year.

The Marines have used the M777 howitzer since 2005, Dreibelbis said, adding its been safely and effectively employed in combat operations, such as in Syria.

This amphibious demonstration is what Marines and Sailors train for every day, he said. Weeks of deliberate planning and rehearsals ensured success at every phase of execution, underscoring the Navy-Marine Corps teams ability to safely conduct complex amphibious operations.

'No accountability, no planning'

Rep. Mike Levin, a California Democrat whose district includes Camp Pendleton, said on social media that public safety and the Marine Corps' reputation are "far more important than the political agendas of J.D. Vance or Pete Hegseth.

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"We can and should celebrate the Marine Corps in a manner that honors their proud legacy without compromising safety or community wellbeing," he said.

On social media, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican representing Camp Pendleton and surrounding communities, said the freeway shutdown shows exactly whats wrong with politics.

No accountability, no planning  just finger-pointing while everyday people sit in traffic, miss work, and watch their plans fall apart, he said.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contributing: Zac Anderson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marines massive demo closes I-5, fueling NewsomWhite House feud
During the 2025 legislative session, when Republicans pushed to pass a school voucher bill that would use public money to pay for private education, many Capitol watchers thought Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin might be positioning herself to run for state comptroller.

The five-term lawmaker, a former Austin school board president, had been a fierce critic of the voucher plan. Controlling the agency that manages Texas finances would have given her a powerful role in shaping how such a program was implemented.

But in hindsight, it seems Hinojosa may have been aiming higher.

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That became clear on Feb. 13, when she challenged Gov. Greg Abbott directly on social media.

"Call me a liar to my face," Hinojosa said eight months ago on the social media platform X in a post tagging Abbott, the Republican she announced Wednesday she intends to face in next years governors race if she wins the Democratic nomination on March 3.

Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, speaks at a Feb. 3, 2025, news conference where Democratic lawmakers denounced school vouchers. (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman)





The exchange came after Hinojosa posted that Abbotts voucher plan would drain money from public schools. Abbott responded that Democrats either didnt understand the bill "or they lie about it."

Abbotts bid for a record fourth term as governor looks all but assured, with less than three weeks before the primary filing period opens. On the Democratic side, Hinojosa still has to get past entrepreneur Andrew White  who fell short in the 2018 primary for governor  and a couple of relatively unknown first-time candidates.

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READ MORE: Rep. Gina Hinojosa launches Democratic bid against Greg Abbott

But the dustup back in February suggests that if Democrats go with Hinojosa, she wont shy away from confrontation in the stretch between the primary and November. It also signals that Abbott wont back down easily when the punches start flying.

Hinojosas response to Abbotts suggestion that she might not understand education policy was to invite him to her Capitol office to explain what shed learned about school finance as an Austin school board trustee. Abbott wasnt interested.

"Can we really trust the former head of the woke Austin school board to give us the facts about our childrens education?" he replied, escalating what would become one of the sessions most memorable political dustups.

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Abbott ultimately got his way. After failing to pass vouchers in 2023, he campaigned with a vengeance against House Republicans who joined Democrats to block the measure and helped unseat several of them. With a newly solidified pro-voucher majority, the governor made a show of signing the bill into law.

READ MORE: Andrew White officially launches Democratic bid to take on Greg Abbott

Hinojosas sharp exchange with Abbott, though, offered an early glimpse of her willingness to confront him head-on  a tone that has carried into her campaign. In her launch video, she urged Texans to fight back, saying Abbotts policies have deepened inequality and drained public services. Her campaign has highlighted education, housing and health care as core issues.

White, meanwhile, has also been critical of Abbott since announcing his comeback bid for the Democratic nomination. But the son of the late Gov. Mark White is presenting himself as a consensus builder who would seek to end the partisan bruising of modern politics.

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I'm a balanced candidate. I'm a candidate, as an independent Democrat, that's willing to work with both sides," White said when he reintroduced himself to voters.

Abbott, who took office in 2015, would become the state's longest-serving governor if he is reelected and serves out a fourth term. That means hes a known political commodity  and a tested campaigner.

His first race for governor, after serving three terms as Texas attorney general, came against thenstate Sen. Wendy Davis and with a built-in boost: a national Republican wave as voters vented their frustration at President Barack Obama in his final midterm election cycle.

Four years later, the winds were more favorable for Democrats, allowing former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke to come within a whisker of unseating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. But again, the breaks fell Abbotts way when Democrats fielded the untested and underfunded Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez to challenge him during President Donald Trumps midterm.

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Fast-forward to 2022, and the tide was again running red in President Joe Bidens only midterm. ORourke was Abbotts opponent  flush with cash, charisma and confidence to throw a punch. But too few of them landed, and voters stuck with Abbott. He won by double digits.

Were still a year and change out from November 2026, but Democrats are holding out hope that Trumps second midterm cycle will be no better than his first. If that holds, it remains to be seen whether Abbott can again buck the tide. If Hinojosa emerges as the Democratic nominee, expect her to keep swinging  looking to exploit, or create, any opening that comes her way.
Calling Colombian President Gustavo Petro an illegal drug leader, President Donald Trump announced Sunday the end of all U.S. aid to the South American country, upending the relationship with one of the regions closest military allies at a time of a massive U.S. buildup near neighboring Venezuela.

Trump said Petro, who he said has a fresh mouth toward America, is strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields throughout Colombia, which the president misspelled as Columbia. Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America.

AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLUMBIA, Trump said. Better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

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In a series of posts on X, Petro responded Sunday that trying to promote peace in Colombia is not being a drug trafficker and that Trump is deceived by his advisers.

The Colombian president called Trump ignorant and told him to read One Hundred Years of Solitude, a novel written by Colombian Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez, that follows the members of the Buendia family in a cycle of wars and political disillusionment in the fictional town of Macondo.

Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the US; on the contrary, it has deeply loved its culture, he wrote. But you are rude and ignorant toward Colombia. Read, as your charge daffaires in Colombia did, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and I assure you that you will learn something from solitude.

In another post, Petro called on Colombians living in Chicago to join a general strike.

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Tensions with the Colombian leftwing leader have escalated recently.

On Friday evening, Petro accused the U.S. of killing a Colombian fisherman in a boat strike last month that he said happened in Colombias territorial waters.

U.S. government officials have committed murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters, Petro wrote on X. Fisherman Alejandro Carranza had no ties to drug trafficking and his daily activity was fishing. The Colombian boat was adrift and had a distress signal on.

The Trump administration is carrying strikes in Caribbean waters near Venezuela in what it says is a counternarcotics operation, but seems also to be a push to oust Venezuelas strongman Nicolas Maduro. The legality of the strikes has been questioned internationally and at home, and the administration has yet to provide Congress any evidence the people killed were trafficking drugs.

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On Sunday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military struck Friday a vessel suspected of carrying drugs that was affiliated with the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN), a guerrilla group operating in Colombia that the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization. Hegseth said the three male narco-terrorists on the boat died and that the strike happened in international waters.

Last month, the U.S. State Department revoked Petros visa after he urged the U.S. military to disobey Trump, amid comments about the war in Gaza during a rally in New York.

Do not point your rifles at humanity, he said. Disobey Trumps order, obey humanitys order.

Petro, a former guerrilla member, has called Trump an accomplice of the genocide in Gaza.

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Colombia is the recipient of the largest amount of U.S. aid to any country in Latin America and is a key military ally in the region. President Joe Biden designated Colombia as a major non-NATO ally in 2022.

Congress appropriated $377.5 million for foreign assistance for Colombia in 2024 and a similar amount for 2025, with certain restrictions out of concerns over Petros policies and counternarcotics efforts.

For first time since 1997, Trump administration said last month that Colombia was not compliant with its obligations as a drug-control partner, but issued the country a waiver on national security grounds to maintain cooperation.

Trump and Petro clashed early in January over migrant deportation flights. After both leaders slapped tariffs on each others countries following Petros initial refusal to allow two U.S. military flights carrying deported Colombian migrants to land in his country, Petro quickly backtracked.

Petros popularity has dipped in Colombia, where he faces tensions with the Colombian congress amid allegations of taking money from drug trafficking for his presidential campaign.
Oct. 18A local teachers union and an education-focused nonprofit organization have spent the most money so far on races for four Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education seats, according to campaign finance reports filed this past week.

The political fundraising arm of the education policy advocacy group New Mexico Kids Can is the lead donor for candidates backed by the business community, while the Albuquerque Teachers Federation is funneling cash to its slate of candidates.

Incumbents lead the way

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Leading the fundraising race so far is Danielle Gonzales, the current president of the APS board and District 3 representative. Her campaign has received $73,275 in contributions, including over $15,000 from the New Mexico Kids CAN Action Fund PAC and more than $12,000 from the New Mexico Leadership for Educational Equity PAC.

She has also received donations of $5,000 from Michael Dewitte, a local consultant and $2,500 from Brian Colon, the former state auditor.

The figure raised by Gonzales shatters the previous fundraising record held by Courtney Jackson's 2021 campaign of nearly $50,000.

So far, Gonzales' campaign has spent $35,922, including over $20,000 on campaign literature and mailings. Most of that amount has gone to Bottled Lightning, which has been paid almost $20,000.

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The company provides campaign services and has had clients such as U.S. Sen. John Fetterman,, D-Pa., and former New Mexico representative and current gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland.

Just behind Gonzales is fellow business community-backed incumbent Jackson, who has over $60,000 in contributions. The District 7 board member's biggest donor is the New Mexico Kids CAN PAC, which gave her around $17,300.

The top expense for Jackson is political consultant Jay McCleskey's company, McCleskey Media Strategies. The company has received about $12,900 of the $15,000 spent.

Meanwhile, the majority of the contributions to Jackson's campaign have come from individuals, and she has raised nearly $38,000. Among those donations, Jackson also got $5,000 from Dewitte and $2,000 from fellow board member Crystal Tapia-Romero, who is not running for reelection in District 5.

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The numbers in Dist. 5

In District 5, two candidates are vying for the seat being vacated by Tapia-Romero, and less than $25,000 has been spent.

Chamber-endorsed Joshua Martinez has raised nearly all of that, garnering $22,550 in contributions, with key donations of over $5,800 from New Mexico Kids CAN Action Fund PAC, $5,000 from Dewitte and $1,500 from the national 50CAN Action Fund.

His biggest expense so far has been over $3,000 paid to Bosque Advisors, a "municipal advising firm" that specializes in strategies for local government, higher education institutions and school districts, according to its website.

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His opponent, independent Brian Laurent Jr., has raised $2,025, with $2,000 of that amount coming from NM Voters First, which self-describes itself as a "pro-voter, pro-democracy reforms" organization. Laurent donated the other $25 to himself.

Laurent is the only candidate in the race not backed by the teachers union or the Chamber of Commerce. He has spent $50 on "loan and debt repayment."

The newcomers

The District 5 seat isn't the only one being vacated by an incumbent. In District 6, Josefina Dominguez, the only teachers union-backed candidate who won a seat in 2021, opted not to run for reelection.

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Warigia Bowman is vying to hold onto the union seat. She has secured $49,366 in contributions so far. The Albuquerque Teachers Federation gave her campaign nearly $11,000, its committee on political education donated $5,000, and the New Mexico Federation of Teachers contributed another $5,000.

Of the nearly $50,000 Bowman has raised, she has spent over $18,000, and $15,384 of that on consultants, specifically a firm called "SWEL," which describes itself as "strategists who work with campaigns, causes, philanthropies, and candidates to create measurable social impact."

David Ams, who has racked up some $31,600 in contributions, is challenging her for the open seat. The New Mexico Kids Can PAC donated $13,000 to the Ams campaign and Dewitte, the second-highest donor, gave $5,000.

Additionally, Terri Cole, longtime President and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, donated $2,500 to the campaign. The chamber has endorsed Ams in his race.

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Like Gonzales, Ams' most significant expense has been Bottled Lightning, where he has spent some $10,100. In total, the campaign has spent $17,670.

The two teachers union-backed candidates running to unseat incumbents in Districts 3 and District 5 find themselves behind on fundraising compared with Jackson and Gonzales.

In District 3, Rebecca Betzen's campaign has raised $45,845, and two donations from the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, $10,000 and $5,000, top her contributions list. AFT New Mexico also contributed $5,000.

Using the consulting firm SWEL, Betzen's biggest expense is the over $14,550 she paid them.

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Fellow union-backed challenger Kristin Wood-Hegner, who is taking on Jackson, decided to tap Jessie Weahkee as her consultant. According to her LinkedIn and website, Weahkee is an Indigenous Albuquerque-based CNM alumna and graphic artist.

Her services are the biggest expense for Wood-Hegner's campaign, coming in at $6,000.

In terms of contributions, Wood-Hegner has secured nearly $36,000. Her biggest contributions are two, of $5,000 a piece, from the Albuquerque Teachers Federation and $5,000 from AFT New Mexico.

Suspended campaign

Isaac Flores suspended his campaign for the District 3 seat last week. His campaign brought in around $4,600, of which he spent $1,440. He gave $600 to the Democratic Party of New Mexico for "voter registration" and another $426 to local print shop Don Mickey Designs Inc.

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Voters in District 3 will still see Flores' name on the ballot because he did not withdraw from the race by the deadline to have it removed.

District geography

District 3 represents the city's north-central corridor and stretches across the river to Corrales, bordering Rio Rancho Public Schools. District 5 represents the city's central and far West Side, bordered on the east by District 3.

District 6 accounts for the foothills, part of Uptown and the Northeast Heights' lower end, stretching to the East Mountains. District 7 represents the northern part of the foothills and the north end of Northeast Heights. It is bordered on the west by Interstate 25.

Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting began Oct. 7 and ends Nov. 1.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Six people are without a home after a vehicle crashed into a residence on Worthington Street in Springfield Saturday night.

Greenfield to close portion of Main Street for pavement repairs

The Springfield Fire Department stated that at approximately 10 p.m., crews were called to 849-851 Worthington Street regarding a car crashing into a house. One occupant was freed from the vehicle and brought to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

(Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department) (Springfield Fire Department)

Springfield Fire said that six residents have now been displaced and are currently being assisted by the Red Cross. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.

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ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police said traffic is being impacted after a car crashed on Saturday night.

2-car crash injures 3, including child in Montgomery County

The Anne Arundel County Police Department said in a post on X at 8:39 p.m. that West Nursery Road at Digital Drive has been shut down. There, a car crashed into a pole.

Drivers are asked to find other ways around or to avoid the area.

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WAUKEGAN, Ill.  The Archdiocese of Chicago has removed a north suburban priest accused of grooming and sexual misconduct involving adult seminarians.

Father Xamie Reyes of Little Flower Parish in Waukegan will live away from the parish pending the outcome of an investigation into the charges, according to a letter sent to parish members on Saturday by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.

Cardinal Cupich has appointed Reverend Ismael Garcia, the parishs associate pastor, as administrator of Little Flower Parish, effective immediately.

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Archdiocese receives allegation of sexual abuse by priest from Mexico who visited Chicago parish years ago

In his letter, Cardinal Cupich says the allegations received against Father Reyes do not involve children and youth, but they do involve seminarians.

I know that this is unsettling news, but I take seriously the responsibility to ensure those

serving you are fit for ministry and that all are kept safe, Cardinal Cupich writes in the letter. I do appreciate your patience as we work to evaluate thoroughly these allegations. Only by doing so can we remain true to our promise to keep everyone safe.

The Archdiocese of Chicago takes seriously all allegations of misconduct and encourages everyone experiencing it to come forward. They will be received with dignity and

compassion. Complete information about reporting misconduct can be found on the

archdiocesan website at archchicago.org.

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The hard-won ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appeared threatened on Sunday as Israel accused the Palestinian Islamist group of attacking its troops in the Gaza Strip, before launching fresh strikes in response.

The Israeli military said terrorists had fired an anti-tank missile and guns at soldiers who were working to "dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area" in the south of the coastal territory in accordance with the US-backed ceasefire agreement, resulting in two fatalities.

In the north of the Gaza Strip, armed men approached Israeli troops and were shot dead, it said.

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The attacks prompted the Israeli Air Force to bomb dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.

A total of 14 Palestinians were killed in the various attacks, medical sources said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it was striking "to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity," calling the attacks a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement.

A senior Israeli military official blamed Hamas for the attacks on the Israeli soldiers.

"Both incidents occurred in an area controlled by Israel east of the yellow line," he said, referring to the line to which Israeli troops withdrew on October 10, when the current ceasefire agreement took effect.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to "take firm action against terror targets in the Gaza Strip," according to a statement from his office.

It said the head of government had decided this after consulting with Defence Minister Israel Katz and security officials.

An Israeli security official also announced that the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip has been halted until further notice, citing a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement. The deal provided for an expansion of aid deliveries, with a target of 600 lorries per day.

Hamas military wing denies responsibility for attacks

However, Hamas's military wing denied any responsibility for the attacks, saying it has not had any contact with the remaining Hamas units in that area of the territory since the end of a ceasefire in March.

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"Accordingly, we are not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas, as we are unable to communicate with any of our mujahideen (fighters) there  if any of them remain alive," the al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement.

"We reaffirm our full commitment to implementing all agreed-upon terms, especially the ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip," it added.

A member of the Hamas politburo, Izzat al-Risheq, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and fabricating "flimsy pretexts" to "justify its crimes."

He accused Netanyahu of trying to shirk his responsibilities to the ceasefire mediators because of pressure from his right-wing coalition partners.

A fragile ceasefire

The attacks and counterattacks have raised fears for the fragile ceasefire, which took effect on October 10 but has been marked by several violent incidents in which Palestinians have been killed.

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As reports of the attacks on Israeli soldiers emerged, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir appealed to Netanyahu to resume the country's war against Hamas.

Netanyahu should instruct the military to "fully and with full force resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip," Ben-Gvir wrote on X.

His far-right colleague, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, published a one-word X post: "War!"

Both ministers criticized the ceasefire agreement from the outset and voted against it.

The ceasefire is part of a peace plan initiated by US President Donald Trump and brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States.

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Its first phase envisions the return of all living and dead hostages from the Gaza Strip to Israel, the release of Palestinian prisoners and a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

US Vice President JD Vance and negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected in Israel this week for further talks.

16 dead hostages left in Gaza Strip

Hamas has faced criticism for failing to uphold the terms of the ceasefire agreement as it struggles to locate the remaining bodies of dead hostages in the rubble of the Gaza Strip.

Israel accuses the group of deliberately delaying the process.

The group released the last 20 living hostages on Monday and has been gradually returning bodies of dead hostages since then.

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On Saturday evening, Hamas handed over two more bodies. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said they had been identified as Israeli photographer Ronen Engel from Kibbutz Nir Oz and an agricultural worker from Thailand.

The Israeli military said Engel was killed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting more than 250 into the Gaza Strip.

The attacks triggered a massive Israeli military response, which has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip.

According to the information provided, the Thai man had been working in Israel for eight years. He was killed on October 7, 2023, and taken from Kibbutz Beeri.

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This leaves the bodies of 16 hostages in the Gaza Strip.

The al-Qassam Brigades said on Sunday that the body of another hostage has been found, warning that new Israeli attacks could jeopardize efforts to recover further remains.

Hamas rejects US accusations of Gaza attack plans

The US State Department on Saturday warned that Hamas was planning an "imminent" attack on Palestinian civilians.

It informed the guarantor powers of the Gaza peace plan about "credible reports" indicating a violation of the existing ceasefire, the department announced.

Hamas rejected the accusations in a statement, referring to them as "baseless claims" aligned with Israeli propaganda.

Following the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from nearly half of the coastal strip, there were reports of executions of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
Sharif announced that Pakistan agreed for a ceasefire at the behest of Afghanistan and asked for tangible actions against terrorists, Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday.

In a post on X, Pakistan PM's Office said, "The Prime Minister also apprised his Malaysian counterpart of the security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He underscored that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan but continues to face cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Afghan authorities must take effective measures to take immediate and effective steps to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil that continue to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan," the statement read.

"He reaffirmed that Pakistan had agreed to a temporary ceasefire at the request of the Afghan authorities to facilitate dialogue in Doha, and stressed the importance of tangible action against all terrorist entities, including Fitna-al-Khwarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, TTP, and BLA, to restore peace and stability along the border," as per the statement.

Both leaders agreed to remain in touch."

Earlier in the day, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/1979676113837363330

Afghanistan's Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, on Saturday (local time), blamed Pakistan for the recent escalation of border clashes, stating that Islamabad "initiated" the conflict by violating Afghan territory.

The remarks were made during a telephone conversation with the Afghan PM's Malaysian counterpart, Dato' Mohammad Anwar Ibrahim, according to government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

In a series of posts on X, Mujahid said the Afghan Prime Minister reaffirmed that Kabul does not seek conflict but was forced to respond after alleged Pakistani aggression.

The Doha meeting follows a deadly ceasefire violation by Pakistan on Friday in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province. According to Tolo News, the airstrikes hit residential areas in the Argun and Barmal districts, causing significant civilian casualties. (ANI)
Israel launched airstrikes Sunday in Gaza after what it said was a Hamas attack on its forces, adding to the two-year-old wars death toll and rattling a delicate U.S.-brokered ceasefire that had brought a measure of relief to the beleaguered enclave.

The day descended into finger-pointing as each side accused the other of violating the pact that President Trump, just six days earlier, had said would usher in "a golden age" of peace for the Middle East.

The ceasefire compelled Israel to end its months-long blockade of the enclave, but Israel said Sunday that it once again halted aid flows, potentially plunging Gaza once more into famine even as aid groups were clamoring for additional supplies to be trucked in.

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Sundays strikes constituted the strongest challenge yet to an uneasy truce that came into place Oct. 10 after intense diplomacy  and no little pressure on the belligerents  from Trump and a raft of Arabic and Islamic nations to stop fighting and bring an end to a war that has killed tens of thousands and all but flattened much of Gaza.

War!

Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli finance minister

Live broadcasts Sunday showed blooms of smoke rising across the Gaza Strip, as Israeli warplanes hit multiple areas in Rafah, Khan Yunis and Deir al Balah, killing at least 15 people, Palestinian health officials said. The Israeli military said one one soldier and one officer were killed.

In a statement, the Israeli military accused the militant group Hamas of firing an anti-tank missile at troops in southern Gaza, calling the attack "a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. The military added that it responded to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity.

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Later, reports of dozens of attacks by Hamas came in from local media.

A wounded Palestinian child is brought to Nasser Hospital after an Israeli bombardment in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Oct. 19, 2025. (Jehad Alshrafi / Associated Press)

Hamas will pay a heavy price for every shot and every breach of the ceasefire, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. If the message is not understood, our response will become increasingly severe.

The Israel Defense Forces said targets included "weapons storage facilities, infrastructure used for terrorist activity, firing posts, terrorist cells, and additional terrorist infrastructure sites. The IDF also struck and dismantled [nearly 4 miles] of underground terrorist infrastructure, using over 120 munitions."

Flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes

Izzat al-Risheq, senior Hamas official, on Israeli strikes

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Hamas military wing, the Qassam Brigades, denied any connection to the violence in Rafah, saying that it was unaware of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area and that it hadnt had contact with any of its fighters since March, when Israel broke an earlier ceasefire.

Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq insisted that it was Israel  and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  that was continuing to violate the agreement and fabricating flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes.

Netanyahu's attempts to evade and disavow his commitments come under pressure from his extremist terrorist coalition, in an attempt to evade his responsibilities to the mediators and guarantors, Al-Risheq wrote on his Telegram messaging app channel.

Hamas says Israel has violated the ceasefire 47 times, killing 38 Palestinians and injuring 143 since the truce began Oct. 10.

Israeli twins Gali and Ziv Berman, who were recently released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, are welcomed home as they return from the hospital to Beit Guvrin, Israel, on Oct. 19, 2025. (Ariel Schalit / Associated Press)

In the days since, Hamas has handed over 20 living hostages kidnapped in its operation on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war; in exchange, Israel released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Hamas also returned the bodies of 12 other hostages who died in captivity, and said it was still searching for the remains of 16 others.

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The Qassam Brigades said in a later statement Sunday that it had recovered another body and that it would deliver it to Israel that day if field conditions permit. It added that any escalation will hinder the search, excavation, and recovery of the bodies.

Israel still controls just over half of Gaza's territory.

The violence Sunday sparked calls from Israeli leaders across the political spectrum for a return to the fight against Hamas. A Netanyahu rival  Israeli politician Benny Gantz  said that all options must be on the table.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist minister in Netanyahus government who was against any truce with Hamas, said fighting should resume with maximum force. His right-wing ally, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, tweeted a single word: War!

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Details on what had prompted the Israeli onslaught remained scant. The Israeli daily newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported the incident began at 10 a.m., when Hamas fighters emerged from a tunnel and fired an anti-tank missile at an engineering vehicle. That was followed by sniper fire at another vehicle.

But one Palestinian channel on Telegram seen as close to Hamas said the target was a Palestinian militia that had worked throughout the war with Israel.

The head of that militia, Yasser Abu Shabab, did not respond to questions sent to the militias email address.

Relatives grieve as the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire are brought to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza, Oct. 19, 2025. (Abdel Kareem Hana / Associated Press)

The violence comes a day after the State Department said in a rare weekend statement that there were credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

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The State Department warned that should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.

In response, Hamas dismissed what it called U.S. allegations as false and said that they fully align with the misleading Israeli propaganda. It accused Israel of supporting criminal gangs that it said were assaulting Palestinian civilians.

Read more: How Israel is pitting Palestinian clans in Gaza against Hamas

"Criminal gangs" was an apparent reference to militias competing with Hamas for control of Gaza. Last week, video emerged of what was said to be Hamas operatives executing accused collaborators in Gaza.

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Last week, Trump noted the internal conflicts in Gaza when he repeated his demand that Hamas abide by a key part of the 20-point peace pact: that it disarm. If not, Trump warned Hamas, "we will have no choice but to go in and kill them."

The war began after Hamas-led militants blitzed into southern Israel and killed about 1,200 people, two-thirds of them civilians, according to Israeli authorities, and kidnapped about 250 others.

Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which says the majority are women and children and which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJW)  Strong storms that the FOX 8 Weather team is tracking has led to an early closure at Cedar Point amusement park.

In a social media post, the park announced it would close at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Popular rice brand issues nationwide recall: FDA

FOX 8 Weather has been tracking a strong storm system that is bringing rain and strong winds to Northeast Ohio.

According to Cedar Point, guests who purchased tickets for today will be able to use them until Nov. 2.

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Cedar Point told FOX 8 that many of the rides hadnt opened because of the weather.

The latest weather details here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Pride Month is typically celebrated in June, but organizers of the Central Arkansas Pride Fest chose October because it is National LGBTQIA+ History Month.

The 12-year tradition has grown to draw hundreds in attendance. On Saturday morning, dozens packed the streets again, waving American and colorful flags. Voices from the LGBTQIA+ community advocated for equal rights and treatment.

Austin Pfrenger and his family were there to show support.

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It feels like I was a part of history today, Pfrenger said.

Former NFL player attends Central Arkansas PrideFest brunch at Clinton Center

Being a part of the Pride Fest was a moment for people like Austin, who have watched Arkansas progress regarding the LGBTQIA+ community.

I think this is a very important time in history to use our voices, be heard, and stand up and fight for what we believe in, Pfrenger said.

That belief is for equal rights and representation among all, regardless of gender. Pfrengers husband, Porter, was in the crowd cheering everyone on.

Hearing all the voices, I had goose bumps the entire time, and it was healing, Porter Pfrenger said.

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No Kings 2.0 protests planned in 15 Arkansas cities, hundreds nationwide

Porter said the festival was liberating and shows how far Arkansas has come.

All we want is to live. We just want to be able to live our lives like anybody else, Porter Pfrenger said.

While the day of celebration is over, Central Arkansas Pride nonprofit has dozens of resources for locals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Thousands of rebels gathered outside the state Capitol on Saturday, mindlessly trampling the lawn in their Hokas, even as the autumnal sun in Sacramento forced them to strip off their protective puffer vests.

With chants of "No Kings," many of these chaotic protesters spilled off sidewalks into the street, as if curbs held no power of containment, no meaning in their anarchist hearts.

Clearly, the social order has broken. Where would it end, this reporter wondered. Would they next be demanding passersby honk? Could they dare offer fiery speeches?

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The answer came all too soon, when within minutes, I spotted clear evidence of the organized anti-fascist underground that U.S. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi has been warning us about.

The "Raging Grannies of Sacramento" had set up a stage, and were testing microphones in advance of bombarding the crowd with song. These women wore coordinating aprons! They had printed signs  signs with QR codes. If grandmothers who know how to use a QR code aren't dangerous, I don't know who it is.

Read more: Dont let MAGA turn protest into a crime

Ellen Schwartz, 82, told me this Canadian-founded group operates without recognized leaders  an "international free-form group of gaggles of grannies," is how she put it, and I wrote it all down for Kash Patel.

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Within moments, they had robbed Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews of their most famous duet: "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," mutilating it into "super callous fragile racist narcissistic POTUS."

Ellen Schwartz, 82, is a member of the "Raging Grannies," a group that protested at the "No Kings" rally in Sacramento on Saturday. (Anita Chabria / Los Angeles Times)

Not to be outdone by the Silent Generation, 2-year-old Rhea also showed up, first clinging to her mom, then toddling around on her own as if she owned the place. This is a kid to keep an eye on.

Since Rhea cannot yet speak about her political beliefs, her parents gave me some insight into why she was there.

"I'm not sure if we'll still have a civilization that allows protest very long, so I want her to at least have a memory of it," said her dad, Neonn, who asked that their last names not be used. Like many Americans, he's a bit hesitant to draw the eye of authority.

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Kara, Rhea's mom, had a more hopeful outlook.

"America is the people, so for me I want to keep bringing her here so that she knows she is part of something bigger: peace and justice," she said, before walking off to see the dinosaurs.

Kara holds her 2-year-old daughter, Rhea, at the rally in Sacramento. (Anita Chabria / Los Angeles Times)

Dinosaurs, that's right. And tigers. And roosters. And unicorns. Even a cow hugging a chipmunk, which I believe is now illegal in most of the South.

Yes, folks, the Portland frog has started something. The place was full of un-human participants acting like animals  dancing with abandon, stomping around, saying really mean things about President Trump.

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Read more: SoCal 'No Kings' protests draw tens of thousands alongside massive rallies nationwide

Meanwhile, the smell of roasting meat was undeniable. People, they were eating the hot dogs! They were eating the grilled onions! There were immigrants everywhere selling the stuff (and it was delicious).

I spoke to a Tyrannosaurus Rex and asked him why he went Late Cretaceous.

"If you don't do something soon, you will have democracy be extinct," Jim Short told me from inside the suit.

Jim Short, left, and his wife, Patty Short, donned dinosaur costumes at the "No Kings" rally in Sacramento. (Anita Chabria / Los Angeles Times)

His wife, Patty, was ensconced in a coordinating suit, hers brown, his green. Didn't they worry about being labeled anti-American for being here, as House Speaker Mike Johnson and others have claimed?

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"I'm not afraid," Patty said. "I'm antifa or a hardened criminal or what's the other one?"

"Hamas?" Jim queried. "Or an illegal immigrant?"

"I think people need more history," Patty said.

I agree.

And the day millions of very average Americans turned out to peacefully protect democracy  again  may be part of it.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This story is reported by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit news organization. Find more in-depth reporting at www.sdnewswatch.org.

CHAMBERLAIN, S.D.  This picturesque city on the shore of the Missouri River is so eager to encourage development of new housing that it bought a tract of land and is giving away lots to anyone who promises to build a home.

The free lots, awarded to individuals or developers through a lottery system, are located in a subdivision where the city has used taxpayer money to build streets and install sewer and water lines to further jump-start construction.

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The effort to use municipal funds and resources to spur growth in Chamberlain is seen as the only way to create significant new housing in a city of about 2,500 people known more for walleye fishing and bird hunting than for commerce or industry.

We said it for a long time in Chamberlain, that as a community, youre either growing or youre dying, and theres no in between, said Greg Powell, who spent 25 years as city engineer and led a previous city housing project before retiring in 2021.

In recent years, Chamberlain has seen development of very few new homes and has been losing some family housing to conversion of existing properties into short-term rentals, said Sheena Larsen, executive director of the Lake Francis Case Development Corp.

The city has several apartment buildings, but all have waiting lists for occupancy, Larsen said.

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The overall lack of housing  a common problem in small South Dakota cities and towns  is holding back growth by limiting options for new residents and employers, she said.

With the school or the hospital, anytime they need employees, the biggest thing is trying to find a place for them to live, Larsen said. A lot of times, they take the job and cant find a place to live, so they have to turn it down.

Response: City goes all-in on housing

The land giveaway is part of a municipal subdivision development project that began in 2018 when the city spent $900,000 to buy a 60-acre tract south of downtown and east of Interstate 90, said city administrator Clint Soulek.

The property was divided into 30 housing lots, one multi-family lot for apartments and 11 commercial lots for businesses, he said.

Chamberlain, S.D., city administrator Clink Soulek, shown at city hall on Sept. 23, 2025, said giving away land for housing speeds up the development process. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch/ South Dakota News Watch)

Not long after buying the land, the city gave away 11 buildable housing lots through a computerized lottery system to applicants who met financial parameters and promised to begin building within 18 months, said Soulek, who was on the city council at the time.

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The city created a tax-increment financing district, then spent about $2 million in taxpayer money and another $2 million in state and federal grants to hire contractors to build roads and curb and gutter and to extend sewer and water systems to the neighborhood, he said.

With the free lots, it entices people to get things moving quicker, Soulek said. Without this, I dont think theres any way we can grow.

Since the lottery, seven homes have been built in the subdivision, known as the Smokey Groves Addition, after a historical name for the area. Of those, four houses have gone to families who are new to the area, Soulek said.

Recipients of the lots have contracted with builders to construct the homes, which have ranged in price from $330,000 to $630,000, he said.

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The subdivision project has had strong support from the city council and from the public, Soulek said. Anything weve done with housing, we havent had any opposition, including giving the lots away, he said.

Though the subdivision development has been slowed by the road contractor who is facing penalties for missing deadlines, Smokey Groves will be a win for the city and for the people who live there, Soulek said.

The homeowners get $15,000 to $20,000 in instant equity due to the free land, which can lower their downpayment or lead to better terms with a lender, he said. And its going to benefit the city in the end with new housing and a stronger tax base.

Insights: Small towns cannot wait around

Smokey Groves will be the second major housing project launched by Chamberlain town leaders.

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The city took the bold step of jumpstarting construction of its first new subdivision in 2000 after realizing it was unlikely that private developers would ever build new homes in the city.

Small town development is so much different than in big cities, and nobody wants to invest in small-town subdivisions, said Powell, the retired city engineer who led Chamberlains early municipal housing efforts.

This apartment building, shown on Sept. 23, 2025, is part of the Cedar Heights subdivision, the first municipally supported development project in Chamberlain, S.D. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch/ South Dakota News Watch)

Private developers want to move houses faster and obtain larger profit margins than are available in small cities like Chamberlain that are seeing slow or stagnant growth, he said.

It takes you 20 years to get your lots sold, and most developers want their money back in five years, Powell said.

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In the years before the city developed Cedar Heights, it was seeing as little as one new house built per year.

All of these small towns, if they want to grow and survive, theyre going to have to take responsibility for housing themselves.  Greg Powell, former Chamberlain city engineer

In its first subdivision development  known as Cedar Heights  the city owned a large tract of land on its south side and paid to install infrastructure. The land had been used as an airport in the mid-20th century and was vacated when a new airport was built, Powell said.

The city hired a contractor to build the streets and install sewer and water connections, and the city began to sell lots to builders or homeowners, though at below-market prices, Powell said.

At the time, the need for new housing was so great that buyers didnt wait for the infrastructure to be completed before making offers on lots, Powell said. People bought them on blind faith after we promised to install streets, sewer and water within three years, he said.

Limitations: Growth comes slow, but thats OK

Soulek said other cities considering subdivision development or land giveaways should get the roads paved and curb and gutter fully installed before offering lots for development. Smokey Groves has been hampered by road work delays and the inability of potential buyers to fully visualize how it might look when completed, he said.

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Id tell them to get the roads in first before you allow any building because youll have less headaches later, Soulek said. A lot of people held off on building because without the infrastructure, it is hard to see what it can look like in the end.

Though it took nearly two decades to build out, Cedar Heights ultimately resulted in construction of about 70 houses, six multi-family properties and 15 commercial enterprises, he said.

The growth was slow, but the effort provided new development and strengthened the city economy and tax collections, Soulek said.

One of the big reasons it worked for us is that we expanded housing but we also grew our tax base, he said.

This home, shown on Sept. 23, 2025, is one of those built on free lots given away by the city of Chamberlain, S.D., to spur faster residential development. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch/ South Dakota News Watch)

Local builders and businesses, including a concrete company and contractors outlet, benefited from revenue and product sales related to housing construction, Soulek said.

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Powell said Chamberlains experience with subdivision development in the early 2000s and now again with the Smokey Groves project provide a lesson to other municipal leaders around the state.

All of these small towns, if they want to grow and survive, theyre going to have to take responsibility for housing themselves, he said.

Vance Hickey is a retired developer who built several homes in the Cedar Heights subdivision over the past two decades. He co-owns VC Hickey Construction, which is now run by his son, Cliff.

Hickey said he isnt sure if his son, who is busy on other projects, will pursue home construction on lots being given away by the city in the Smoky Groves subdivision.

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But the citys willingness to make lots available and affordable and to install critical infrastructure has helped expedite construction of new homes in Chamberlain, he said.

In the early 2000s, Chamberlain had no available lots for homes, so the citys involvement was key to making home construction possible, Hickey said.

It made it easier, he said. We had no building sites, so the city developing that with sewers and water and streets, all you had to do was walk up, pick out a lot you wanted and get going on the house.

Hickey built several spec homes, or homes that are built before a contract is signed, in the Cedar Heights subdivision and had success selling them.

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His adult son and daughter both live in homes he built in Cedar Heights, he said, adding that he is proud to have been a part of a project that has made life better in Chamberlain.

I sometimes drive through that area and I hold my head up high, he said.

This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email to get stories when theyre published. Contact Bart Pfankuch at bart.pfankuch@sdnewswatch.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
EAGLE BUTTE, SD (Sept. 29, 2025)  It might be early fall, but the Cheyenne River Youth Project is already preparing for the holiday season. In less than three months, the nonprofit youth organization will deliver personalized gifts to more than 1,000 children across the massive Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, and it will need every available moment to prepare for this years Wo Otuhan Wi, the moon of giving away presents.

The first step is registering local families for the program, and to that end, CRYP launched its 2026 Family Services Membership Drive earlier this month. From now through Saturday, Nov. 1, families may join the program or renew their membership for a discounted rate of $25, which includes a bucket of free cleaning supplies.

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Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

A single membership covers all household members for 12 months, and it provides access to school supplies, winter clothing, shoes, household needs, baby items, and of course the Wo Otuhan Wi Toy Drive.

When a family obtains or renews a Family Services membership, they receive Wish Lists for each child in their household. CRYP shares those lists with supporters across the country, and in December, the family will be able to pick up holiday gifts specifically chosen for their childrentheir names will even be on the packages.

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According to CRYP Chief Executive Officer Julie Garreau, this massive, nationwide initiative is deeply grounded in the traditional Lakota values of generosity and caring for others.

Our toy drive isnt just about toys, although we definitely love to see our kids shining faces when they receive something theyve been wishing for and dreaming about, Garreau said. Its about showing our children that they matter, that they are loved and cared forboth within our community and by friends across the country.

In nearly four decades of doing this work, we have learned that these children, as adults, will always remember how this program made them feel, she added.

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All Wo Otuhan Wi Wish Lists must be returned to CRYP by Friday, Nov. 14, so sponsors have time to adopt the lists, shop for gifts, and ship the packages to CRYP. Once the gifts arrive, staff and volunteers will prepare thousands of packages for distribution to Cheyenne Rivers families.

The earlier our families return their childrens Wish Lists to us, the earlier we can get to work on fulfilling those special holiday wishes and work with partners to fill any gaps, said Jerica Widow, CRYPs programs director. Every year, we serve between 1,000 and 1,500 children, and we make sure no one is forgotten. Its a huge project, but our donors, partners, staff and volunteers all work hard to make it happen.

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To sign up for Family Services or renew a membership, visit https://lakotayouth.org/programs/family-services/membership/

Local families may also visit the CRYP office at their earliest convenience to sign up or renew in person. Again, the discounted membership rate is good through Nov. 1, and all Wish Lists must be returned by Friday, Nov. 14.

To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, follow the youth project on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson boldly called for Americans to stage a general strike during his speech at his citys No Kings rally on Saturday.

Summoning people of all backgrounds to unite and take a stand against President Donald Trumps tyranny, the ultra-wealthy and corporate greed, Johnson said, We are going to make them pay their fair share in taxes to fund our school, to fund jobs, to fund healthcare, to fund transportation.

Politics: Donald Trump's New Im Not A King Rant Has Critics Giving Him Royal Side-Eye

Democracy will live on because of this generation, he proclaimed. Are you ready to take it to the courts and to the streets?

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It was an audacious declaration from the mayor, who has risen to the top of Trumps list of enemies as he resists the vicious immigration operations and arrival of hundreds of National Guards currently shaking Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called for a general strike during the 'No Kings' rally in his city on Saturday. Daniel Boczarski via Getty Images

Millions of Americans hit the streets for 'No Kings' rallies across the nation on Saturday. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI via Getty Images

There has never been a true, nationwide general strike in the United States, though a series of post-World War II work stoppages remembered as the great strike wave of 1946 mobilized five million American workers demanding leaders to address economic instability and untenable working conditions.

In its aftermath, congress cracked down with the Taft-Hartley act, a legislation prohibiting a broad range of union tactics, including calling for political strikes. The 1947 law is still in place, despite repeated attempts to repeal it.

News: 'Democracy Is A Verb, You Do It': 'No Kings' Protests Draw Millions Across U.S.

While Taft-Hartleys restrictions make it all but impossible for labor unions to orchestrate anything akin to a national general strike, it does not dictate how grassroots activists and coalitions could organize, as long as those efforts do not include the help of legally-recognized labor unions.

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Johnsons call to action made it clear he wasnt afraid to stay in Trumps crosshairs, weeks after the president demanded he be jailed in a post on Truth Social.

Over 2,700 No Kings demonstrations took place across the U.S. on Saturday. According to organizers, nearly 7 million Americans attended the events.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
A month ago, Joshua D. Mahley, 42, of 8595 Bunker Hill Road in Gasport, was charged by the Laurel County Sheriffs Office in Kentucky with traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

A teen girl was found with Mahley in Niagara County and Kentucky-based news reports indicated that Mahley had paid a woman in Kentucky to bring her to him, after becoming acquainted with the girl on the internet.

The incident is an example of the appalling but most frequently identified situation of child trafficking: an adolescent girl and a connection through social media.

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The Safe Harbour New York program, administered by the state Office of Children and Family Services, leverages organizations to respond to youth who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking, or who are vulnerable to it. According to 2022 Safe Harbour program data, the most recent available, more than half of referrals to the program for exploited youths were age 15 and younger. The relationship with the trafficker was unknown for about one-third of program referrals involving sex trafficking, but when known, it was a person the victim met on the internet or social media.

More than 80% of referrals were for girls, according to Safe Harbour, with 23% identifying as Hispanic, 38% as white, 23% black and 13% not including race information.

The public perception of trafficking is of someone who is kidnapped or taken out of their everyday life and held in another location or in captivity for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, said Shelley Hitzel, LMSW, executive director of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara. Often, kids who are exploited are still living at home in the community and going to school. Similar things go on with adults. It often occurs in plain sight because the force or coercion is psychological. The internet and social media have definitely made it easier for perpetrators to have access to children and to use them for the purpose of sexual abuse and pornography. So the victim isnt restricted to a location.

Theres this kind of public myth that we need to be aware of the stranger in the van who will kidnap children, Hitzel said. Most kids are abused by someone they know. Most people who are trafficked or exploited  it is done by someone they have a relationship with. Its much more likely that you will encounter a child who is victimized by a partner, family member, or someone they have a known, trusting relationship with.

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Police Chief Steven Abbott agreed that the internet has allowed sexual trafficking to occur anywhere, with no particular locations to patrol or focus an investigation until a tip comes forward.

Hitzel explained, When were thinking about children and sexual trafficking, they are exploited online. Thats the most common. They are groomed and sexualized on the internet, exchanging pictures. Then that material is used to coerce them. We also see children who are groomed online and establish relationships with older adults. Often, kids who are trafficked think they are engaged in romantic relationships with an older adult, the perpetrator. But there are also elements of child sexual abuse and domestic violence. It creates a complex web of identifying what the youth is experiencing and trying to untangle it.

Less talked about, Hitzel said, is intrafamilial trafficking  when a childs caregiver allows sexual acts in exchange for money or some other goods or services.

Sometimes that can be drugs or food, she said. A lot of kids who are identified or targeted by adults are kids that are engaging in high-risk behavior  multiple AWOLs or running  or are kicked out of their home frequently and dont have a place to go.

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Hitzel said after a few nights on an adults couch, a youth may be told that they need to perform a sex act to continue staying there, to be fed, or to get their next drug fix.

Online, a child who chats through an online game is deceived into believing they are the same age, Hitzel said. This allows an adult to more easily prompt the child to exchange explicit images or videos.

Once they send that picture, it escalates quickly to asking for money or they will contact the parents or their school, she said. They say, Everyone in your school is going to see this. Were having conversations with girls about what to do, but were not having it with boys and theyre less likely to know what to do in these situations. Theres sometimes a stigma that is felt more heavily with boys.

New York States Erins Law requires public schools to teach prevention classes for child sexual abuse and exploitation to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Sue Cappell, executive director and CEO of Youth Mentoring Services in Lockport, said the organizations LINKS program does just that, teaching the High Five  self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship building.

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Youre including self-awareness  comfortable and uncomfortable, she said. A family member giving you a hug is different than a stranger giving you a hug. You have to say, That makes me uncomfortable. 

At one program, Cappell said a student was using the speaker on his phone during a conversation. She said he didnt know who he was talking to, but he was sure it was another teenager. The student said he had just found the phone number and called it.

Theyre in over their heads so quickly that they dont realize it, Cappell said. Were trying to slow their brains and make them think it through. We talk to kids about being able to see beyond that initial impulsive behavior. So if youre drinking, we review the law and what happens if you drive a car. We talk about the consequences, and are those the consequences youre willing to accept? We walk through the process and the pros and cons of something.

Starting with the youngest children, Cappell said the program helps children understand the idea of reporting.

Theres a lesson that we do about tattling and telling, which ties into Erins Law, she said. We tell kids that tattling is something you can handle on your own. Telling or reporting is for when kids are unsafe.
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- China on Sunday accused the United States of espionage against the country's top time center, which China said could seriously impact the orderly functioning of its society.

China's top counter-espionage agency, the Ministry of State Security, said the U.S. National Security Agency is responsible for a series of cyberattacks on the Chinese National Time Services Center.

The Chinese Ministry of State Security made the accusation via a social media post Sunday.

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Based in Xian, Shaanxi province, the time center is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is responsible for generating and disseminating the country's standard time.

It also provides the precise time for China's communications, finance, power, transportation, mapping and defense systems. The U.S. embassy in China did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

China said in a statement Sunday that the attacks were "long-tem, highly covert, and employed state-level cyberespionage tools."

China alleged that the NSA exploited a security flaw in time center software, allowing it to seize control of foreign-brand phones used by several of the center's employees, and gain access to sensitive data.

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China said the NSA began targeting vulnerable cellphones in March 2022 to steal login credentials and other information and, starting in April 2023, used the information to gain access to the sensitive time center data and infrastructure.

Chinese security officials said the NSA carried out its cyberattacks during late-night hours in Beijing via private servers in the United States, Europe and Asia to hide activity.

The Chinese investigation also alleged the United States forged digital certificates to bypass security, and used encryption algorithms to erase evidence of their presence.
BEIJING (Reuters) -China has accused the U.S. of stealing secrets and infiltrating the country's national time centre, warning that serious breaches could have disrupted communication networks, financial systems, the power supply and the international standard time.

The U.S. National Security Agency has been carrying out a cyber attack operation on the National Time Service Center over an extended period of time, China's State Security Ministry said in a statement on its WeChat account on Sunday.

The ministry said it found evidence tracing stolen data and credentials as far back as 2022, which were used to spy on the staff's mobile devices and network systems at the centre.

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The U.S. intelligence agency had "exploited a vulnerability" in the messaging service of a foreign smartphone brand to access staff members' devices in 2022, the ministry said, without naming the brand.

The national time centre is a research institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences that generates, maintains and broadcasts China's standard time.

The ministry's investigation also found that the United States launched attacks on the centre's internal network systems and attempted to attack the high-precision ground-based timing system in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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China and the U.S. have increasingly traded accusations of cyberattacks in the past few years, each portraying the other as its primary cyber threat.

The latest accusations come amid renewed trade tensions over China's expanded rare earths export controls, and the U.S. threatening to further raise tariffs on Chinese goods.

(Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by Michael Perry)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised alarm over mounting reports of civilian killings and relentless bombardments amid ongoing Pakistani military operations in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar district, Balochistan, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, in a statement shared on X, the HRCP condemned the alleged airstrikes that killed several civilians, including children, when a wedding ceremony came under fire. The rights body noted that residents' movement has been severely curtailed, with several towns "practically turned into no-go zones." The HRCP urged federal and provincial authorities to conduct "an impartial and transparent investigation" and demanded that journalists and observers be granted immediate access to the conflict-hit areas. The district has been under a continuous military lockdown since mid-September, when the Pakistani army launched massive ground and aerial operations purportedly to eliminate Baloch "pro-freedom" fighters. Eyewitnesses stated that tanks, drones, artillery, and helicopters have been used extensively, causing widespread destruction and numerous civilian deaths. The most recent strike, in the Moola Pass area, killed six people, four of them children. Victims included Manzoor Ahmed, his two sons, a nephew, and Bibi Raheem, along with her young child. Two other minors were critically injured. In a video, a distraught villager said the army attacked right after a funeral gathering: "The helicopters bombed our homes and slaughtered our children. What crime did they commit against the state?" Earlier in September, air raids in Pandarani and Tarasani villages killed multiple civilians, including women and children, revealing a grim pattern of indiscriminate targeting. Large portions of Zehri now remain sealed off under heavy troop deployment. Locals report complete communication blackouts, shuttered markets, and a military takeover of the only hospital. Food and medicine shortages are severe, and a pregnant woman reportedly died due to the blockade, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. This situation highlights Pakistan's persistent disregard for civilian lives and lack of transparency in military actions. They called for an end to the siege, accountability for the killings, and unrestricted access for humanitarian observers, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
We are getting what could be our first look at Chinas very large stealth cranked kite flying-wing drone, unofficially dubbed the GJ-X, in flight. TWZ broke the news on the existence of this aircraft in September after it appeared in satellite imagery at Chinas sprawling test airbase near Malan in Xinjiang province. We estimated then that the aircrafts wingspan was roughly 42 meters (137 feet), which puts it in a very rare class for a stealthy uncrewed aircraft. Since our report, there have been persistent claims that the aircrafts wingspan is larger than that of a B-21, but that is very unlikely to be the case. Its still a gigantic stealthy flying wing drone, but it is not Chinas largest, by a significant margin.

As it seems, likely the huge GJ-X UCAV was seen again.https://t.co/adZRqExhBh pic.twitter.com/aq5IOzLBZd  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) October 19, 2025

NEW: China is testing its large unmanned stealth bomber, likely the GJ-X UCAV.



The drones wingspan reportedly exceeds 42 m. pic.twitter.com/IKSdQVV9Fc  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 19, 2025

The short clip above shows what appears to be the same aircraft, or one with a very similar design, in flight. Building on that caveat, it is possible that the aircraft depicted is a different one than what was seen in the satellite image at Malan, with both aircraft sharing a similar cranked kite planform. China has at least one other drone in development that shares a similar planform, although its possible that both aircraft are related developmentally.

Its worth noting that we see split rudders in the image as outboard control surfaces, which are common on flying wing concepts and found on the B-2. We also see a small hump that looks off center above the jets empenage. This is likely to be the top of the recessed engine exhaust pointing to a twin-engine design.

The satellite image that was the first public evidence of this aircraft existing showed it on the runway at Chinas test base near Malan. (PHOTO  2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION)

The most interesting detail from the short video clip is the aircrafts underside coating. It appears to have a counter-shaded paint job that is intended to make it harder to properly identify the aircrafts shape at altitude, with the dark design taking on a more traditional fuselage and wing shape. Its possible this could also be a coating installation process byproduct, but the shape being so clearly like a conventional aircraft configuration points to camouflage. This technique has been used for many years to visually break up an aircrafts shape and/or misidentify its orientation.

The X-47B demonstrators were fighter-sized cranked kite flying wing UCAVs from Northrop Grumman that flew as a test program for the Navy in the 2010s. There was talk of a much larger X-47C concept that would have been nearly tactical bomber-sized that never moved ahead. Some renderings of the B-3/Next Generation Bomber also featured cranked kite planforms. (USN)

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The purpose of this aircraft is perhaps the most contentious aspect of its existence. Some Chinese military watchers state its a very large unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) with kinetic operations as its focus. Others claim it is straight-up an unmanned stealth bomber. Meanwhile, a reconnaissance role, taking on a similar task as Americas rumored clandestine RQ-180 high-altitude, long-endurance stealth drone, is maybe the most overlooked and probable possibility. But having a multi-role aircraft that can take on various tasks, from kinetic attacks to reconnaissance, would also be highly advantageous. We just dont know conclusively at this time what Chinas intent is for the design.

The GJ-X is just one of a dizzying array of stealth combat aircraft developments over the last year, starting off with the simultaneous first flights (or at least publicly witnessed and disseminated first flights) of the so-called J-36 very heavy stealth tactical jet and the heavy J-XDS fighter, both advanced tailless designs. A steady stream of other unmanned tactical aircraft of a similar generation have been spotted or unveiled, as well. The speed at which China is now moving when it comes to advanced combat aircraft development is truly stunning, and this is just what we are allowed to see, and maybe some leaks. Much more is underway in the shadows.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com
Im just back from Central Asia where I spent a fortnight travelling through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

These four landlocked nations, along with Turkmenistan, comprise Central Asia  post-Soviet nations not only rich in natural resources but now playing host to the rapid creation by China of a trans-continental land bridge from the Peoples Republic to Europe and on to global markets.

Attention is understandably focussed on the Chinese spy crisis and fears about the proposed super embassy opposite the Tower of London. Beijing now warns of consequences if the semi-secretive building isnt promptly approved.

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But my travels across Central Asia  a region I hadnt visited since the mid-1990s  brought home to me Chinas global influence beyond well-documented resource grabs and infrastructure investments in Africa and Latin America. For China is now commercially dominant in Central Asia too  having usurped both Russia and the US in this intensely strategic region.

Central Asia is vast and largely empty, home to just 1pc of the worlds population. But between them, the five Stans  the Persian word for place  produce 4pc of global oil supplies, 5pc of all gas and lots of copper, zinc and uranium, plus lots of agricultural output too.

There is huge scope to extract far more hard and soft commodities from this region, as well as rare earth elements vital in semiconductor manufacturing and countless electronic, renewable energy and military applications. But while Central Asias resource riches are well-known, whats less appreciated is that China is taking over what used to be Russias backyard.

Russia and China arent traditionally allies. Cold War antagonists, they were at war over borders in Russias Far East as recently as the late 1960s. Since the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, though, they have become major commercial partners.

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The economic synergy between the worlds largest energy exporter and the worlds biggest manufacturer and energy importer is vast  as evidenced by the construction since 2008 of two 4,000km oil and gas pipelines from East Siberia to Northern China.

Sino-Russia trade skyrocketed from just $8bn (6bn) a year in 2000 to $64bn in 2015, before accelerating again to $245bn last year. Since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russia-China bilateral trade has doubled.

Beijing has not only ignored US and EU sanctions, it has openly helped Russia to flout them, the two nations sharing a common desire to reshape the Western-dominated global order.

But despite their many mutual interests on the global stage, in Central Asia, Russia and China are most definitely rivals. The Stans were part of the Soviet Union and Russian remains very much the regions lingua franca, the historical and cultural links running deep. Yet China, by a long stretch, now has the commercial upper hand.

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Back in 2000, Russian trade with Central Asia outstripped Chinese trade with the region more than five-fold.

Since then, Chinese trade with Central Asia has soared, accelerating after the launch of Beijings so-called Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 before rising even faster over the last three years, since Putins invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Chinese trade with the region is now more than twice that of Russia.

With Moscow distracted and Americas Central Asian military bases closed since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Beijing has filled the vacuum  not only securing more resource deals with Central Asian nations but also engaging in a frenzy of infrastructure construction across the region to make sure China, whatever the geopolitical weather, can keep transporting goods to and from Europe and global markets.

China has long relied on the so-called Northern Corridor  goods transit by freight train across Russia into Western Europe.

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Beijing has also traditionally heavily used the maritime Southern Corridor too  that is seaborne freight via the South China Sea, then the Indian Ocean and through the Suez Canal.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, though, China has used the Northern Corridor much less with many Western logistics firms, for fear of sanctions, eschewing goods that have crossed Russia. As if to emphasise the dangers, Poland last month temporarily closed its border with Belarus  a vital East-West transit point.

Chinas use of the Southern Corridor has also dropped significantly, again because of geopolitical tensions. Passage through the Suez Canal has been complicated by Horn of Africa piracy and Iran-backed Houthi rebels firing rockets from Yemen. Many ships now detour around Africa, adding a fortnight to what is already an expensive six-to-eight-week voyage.

Tensions between China and the US, and the West in general, are rising  as shown by Donald Trumps tariffs and Chinas random restrictions on rare earth exports, with Beijing now controlling 90pc of global production. President Xi Jinping also remains determined, of course, to pursue his One China policy  code for taking over Taiwan.

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Thats a big reason why China is now investing heavily in the long-neglected multi-modal trade route  across Kazakhstan and/or Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan by train, across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, then through Turkey or Georgia to Western Europe.

This is the so-called Middle Corridor, sometimes called The New Silk Road, with Beijing now funding countless railways across Central Asia and investments in Caspian and Black Sea ports while using Chinas political and financial muscle to push the Middle Corridor nations into line.

Beijing worries that, in the event of major conflict  not least a Taiwan stand-off  the US Navy could blockade the Strait of Malacca, linking the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. This currently carries 25pc of global goods exports each day, including 80pc of Chinas oil imports.

This explains Chinas increasingly heavy investment in Central Asia as a transit route  because when Beijing needs to keep its export economy going, its far easier to control roads and railways across far-flung dependent nations than it is to negotiate with America.

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HONG KONG (AP)  One of Chinas most important meetings begins Monday, as leader Xi Jinping and other ruling Communist Party elites gather to map the goals for the next five years.

The closed-door gathering  known as the fourth plenum  is expected to last four days and will discuss and put the final touches on Chinas next five-year plan, a blueprint for 2026-2030.

The leaders are meeting at a time of heightened trade tensions between Washington and Beijing and just ahead of a possible meeting between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump during a regional summit later this month.

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Here is what to know about the meeting:

What the fourth plenum is and why it matters

The fourth plenum refers to the fourth plenary session, out of typically seven during the five-year term of the Chinese Communist Partys central committee. Xi and about 370 members of the central committee are expected to attend.

The gathering also may coincide with personnel changes. Since it's held behind closed doors, details may come days or weeks later.

Such gatherings are meant to help unite officials and the public behind the party's agenda.

The full five-year plan for 2026-2030 and specifics will likely not be released until the annual session of the National People's Congress in March.

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But there is little reason to expect a radical shift from the format and messaging style of previous five-year plans, Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING Bank, said in an interview.

What to expect in Chinas next 'five-year plan'

The worlds second-largest economy is forecast to expand by 4.8% this year, according to the World Bank, a figure close to Chinas official target of about 5% annual growth. Growth in July-September slowed to 4.8%, the lowest pace in a year. China faces challenges from the trade war that has intensified since Trump took office, but also from chronic domestic problems that are dragging on growth.

Longstanding efforts to boost consumer spending and investment by businesses and to curb excess capacity in many industries top the list of economic priorities. But Xi also will likely highlight China's push to become the global leader in many technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

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Chinas pursuit of technological self-sufficiency, weaning its industries of their reliance on advanced computer chips from the U.S., has sped up as Trump tightens American export control measures and raises tariffs. That could result in more spending on advanced technology, said Ning Zhang, a senior China economist at UBS.

One key question is whether there will be any meaningful shift in the leaderships approach to boosting consumption, said Leah Fahy, a China economist at Capital Economics. The government has adopted incremental policy moves  such as increased government subsidies for child care, consumer loans, and trade-in programs for appliances and electric vehicles.

Boosting consumption, which would drive borrowing and demand, is much more important than before but consumer confidence has been undermined by the bursting of China's property bubble several years ago, Zhang explained.

Economists say bolder moves are needed to make a significant difference.

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Price wars in the auto industry are an example of the risks of the ferocious competition that results from overcapacity that afflicts many Chinese industries. China's exports  including to Southeast Asia and Africa  have surged as companies seek markets beyond its borders, adding to friction with the United States and other trading partners.

China's chief challenges in the next five years

Since the massive disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has struggled to reignite faster economic growth. Its property sector downturn has complicated that effort, causing massive layoffs and leading families to cut back on spending as house prices have fallen.

Wendy Leutert, a professor of economics and trade at Indiana University, noted in a recent report that China is still stinting on spending on areas that might help to balance the economy and encourage more consumer spending, such as health care, education and child and elder care.

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Overall, Chinas leaders still appear willing to accept economic costs, including resource misallocation and failures, in order to pursue self-sufficiency and technological leadership in strategically important industries and strengthen overall national power, she wrote.

While it faces increasing friction with the U.S. and other trading partners, China is also running up against demographic pressures, as its population of 1.4 billion begins to shrink and age more rapidly. The unemployment rate for young workers aged 16-24 is nearly 19%, according to official data, impinging on their potential contributions to the economy.

The Chinese leadership has set a goal of doubling the size of Chinas economy in 2020 by 2035, and like any other government, still cares (about) growth and is still trying to get richer, said Zhang of UBS.

He estimates that keeping the economy growing at a robust 4% to 5% pace in the next decade will likely be challenging. But it's imperative to show it is striving for such ambitious goals, to demonstrate the ruling party's capacity to keep delivering a better quality of life  its chief claim to its legitimacy.

"For Chinas leadership, what do they care about? Stability, legitimacy, and also ongoing support," he said.
BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Sunday for efforts to advance "reunification" in a message of congratulations to the new leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, whose election took place amid accusations of interference by Beijing.

Former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun, who will take over as leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party on November 1, won Saturday's election at a time of rising tension with Beijing, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory. Taiwan's government strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims.

The KMT traditionally backs close relations with China and is Beijing's preferred dialogue partner. China refuses to talk to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, calling him a "separatist".

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Xi, in a message in his role as head of China's Communist Party, told Cheng the two parties should strengthen their "common political foundation", the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Both parties should also "unite the vast majority of people in Taiwan to deepen exchanges and cooperation, boost common development, and advance national reunification," he added.

Cheng, in her message to Xi, did not make any mention of union with Beijing, but said both sides of the Taiwan Strait were "members of the Chinese nation", using an expression in Chinese that refers to ethnicity rather than nationality.

"Both parties should, in light of the current situation, strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation on the existing foundation (and) promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Cheng said, according to a party statement.

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ACCUSATIONS OF CHINESE INTERFERENCE

While the KMT lost the presidential election last year, the party and its ally, the small Taiwan People's Party, together hold the most seats in parliament.

Cheng, 55, opposes Taiwan increasing defence spending, a key policy plank of Lai's, and won the leadership vote over the KMT establishment candidate, former Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin.

Accusations of Chinese interference in the election by a key supporter of Hau's, the KMT's vice presidential candidate last year, Jaw Shau-kong, overshadowed the campaign. Jaw said social media accounts had spread disinformation about Hau.

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China said on Wednesday that the election was a KMT matter, and that online comments did not represent an official stance.

Writing on his Facebook account on Sunday, Jaw said the KMT must reduce pro-China influence and that the majority of Taiwanese desire peaceful relations and dialogue with China.

"The KMT must recognise that elections are held in Taiwan, and voters are in Taiwan, not mainland China," Jaw added.

Late on Saturday, DPP spokesperson Justin Wu said there were clear signs of Chinese interference in the KMT election.

His comments were dismissed by the KMT, which responded with a statement saying: "Who is this?"

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Ben Blanchard;Editing by Helen Popper)
Correlation is not necessarily causation, but it can give some hints, and the decline of education in Connecticut and particularly in its cities has correlated with the decline in Catholic schools and the decline in Catholicism and religion generally. Of course the church has had grave faults but it has excelled with its schools, stressing the responsibility of children to God and humanity and upholding academic and behavioral standards that public schools in Connecticut have largely abandoned.

So it's wonderful that the Hartford archdiocese's new archbishop, Christopher Coyne, aims to return Catholic elementary education to the city, nine years after the city's last Catholic school closed. The new school will start slow next year with pre-kindergarten through second grade in a building adjacent to the Cathedral of St. Joseph, and then add a new grade each year up to Grade 8. Tuition will be geared to family income, so the church likely will be doing a lot of subsidizing. With luck it will get financial help from friends of the poor and better education.

Students in church schools generally do far better than students in public schools. Critics claim that this is because church schools can choose their students, taking the well-parented and motivated while the public schools have to take everyone, particularly the neglected, indifferent, and demoralized.

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This indeed explains some of the difference in performance but not all. The key distinction is that public schools in Connecticut are far more accepting of poor performance. That's what their social promotion is about, and they persist in it even as Mississippi - once the heart of darkness - lately has gotten spectacular results from its poor minority elementary school students, results better than those Connecticut gets, by ending social promotion at third grade. Now no Mississippi student gets beyond third grade without being a competent reader.

Meanwhile Hartford awards high school diplomas to illiterates.

In any case, why should church schools be resented for helping children escape the underclass? Escaping the underclass is what society in Connecticut and much of the country long has been about, the more so as the welfare system expanded and began destroying the family, the cities, and their schools by depriving millions of households of fathers.

Suburbs embody the escape from the underclass. That escape is largely the middle class' pursuit of school choice.

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Would it be better if no children in the city were saved than if church schools and independent public "charter schools" saved a few?

Many on the political left in Connecticut seem to think so. Teacher unions hate charter schools and have more influence with the General Assembly than any other special interest, and the legislature keeps refusing to appropriate funds for charter schools proposed in Danbury and Middletown, cities with low-performing schools and many poor children who might benefit from choice and higher standards.

The knock against those charter school proposals is that they might draw students and teachers away from those low-performing schools. Yes, that's competition. But how is it better to lock the poor into bad schools?

Of course the real solution to the education problem and most social problems would be to elevate the underclass. That might begin by seeking the cause of Connecticut's and the country's worsening poverty and social disintegration.

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Last month in New Haven there was another horrible example of that social disintegration: a 13-year-old shot and killed a 15-year-old. An arrest was made last week.

Mayor Justin Elicker called the incident "deeply troubling," though many similar incidents in his city also have left him deeply troubled. "This is why," the mayor said, "we have so many youth programs, jobs programs, and outreach workers that engage with our young people."

Oh, yes - programs, programs, and more programs - more, it seems, than there are fathers in New Haven watching out for their children and their "baby mommas." But the programs are at best mere remediation. The solutions lie where government in Connecticut does not yet dare go.

Chris Powell (cpowell@cox.net) has written about Connecticut government and politics for many years.

This article originally published at Chris Powell (opinion): Church schools might save some city kids; is that bad?.
The honorees of the Cincinnati Enquirer's Women of the Year class of 2025 share a love of community and a focus on giving back.

The Cincinnati Enquirer honors its 2025 Women of the Year.

Since 1968, The Enquirer and Cincinnati.com have been honored to recognize more than 500 outstanding women who have changed our community for the better.

The 2025 Enquirer's Women of the Year will be saluted at a luncheon in their honor on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Tickets are available at www.enquirerwoy.com through Sunday, Oct. 19.

More: See all of the Enquirer Women of the Year honorees

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Cincinnati Enquirer honors the 2025 Women of the Year
CLEVELAND (WJW)  A No Kings protest in downtown Cleveland Saturday attracted thousands from across Northeast Ohio.

The event was one of several held locally and organized in an estimated 1,500 cities across the country to stand against President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again movement.

Police: 18-year-old man shot, killed in Lorain

We came out to defend democracy in America. Its been under attack, protestor Jack Filak said.

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Demonstrators met at the Free Stamp sculpture at E. 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue, where several people addressed the crowd, including Congresswoman Shontel Brown and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.

We believe in our democracy in Cleveland, Bibb said.

Event organizers said they want an end to government grift, corruption and crony capitalism.

We organized this rally with several other groups because we are not happy with the unconstitutional and illegal actions in Washington and we do not feel represented, said Ellen Brown, Mobilize the Vote NE Ohio.

The coalition included the ACLU of Ohio, Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, Mobilize the Vote and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, who said theyre upset over the deportation of illegal immigrants and over President Trump deploying troops to D.C. after declaring a crime emergency.

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Cleveland Public Square Hospitality Kiosk now open

We got workers being picked up by ICE, and the threat of federal troops coming to be in certain working-class communities. And we want to show solidarity, said Greg Levy with the Party for Socialism & Liberation.

Some protestors came in costume, and many carried signs as they marched through downtown.

They chanted things like All power to the people, nobody is illegal.

Although all other recent presidents, including most recently President Joe Biden, also deported millions of illegal immigrants, some in the crowd said they did not like the way it was happening.

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In this country, you arrest people when you have evidence, Brown said.

3 injured after car crashes into Cleveland building

The event was the second No Kings protest since President Trump took office.

Protestors promised to continue and said they pledged their allegiance to the Constitution and not a king.

Some Republican lawmakers, including the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, responded to the protests, calling them anti-American and pro-Marxism.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
PANAMA CITY  Over time, a handful of key attractions in Bay County have vanished, leaving only memories of what once was.

From Oct. 19-24 the Panama City News Herald is taking a poll on what former attractions people miss the most. The options are the Panama City Mall, Miracle Strip Amusement Park, Gulf World Marine Park and Club La Vela.

Though the shell of the Panama City Mall still stands, it has not been operational  apart from a couple businesses like JCPenney and Dillard's  since it was heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that struck the Panhandle in October 2018.

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Miracle Strip Amusement Park was a theme park located in the Panama City Beach area from about the 1960s to the early 2000s.

Gulf World Marine Park was an aquarium in the Panama City Beach area that closed earlier this year after its parent company, the Dolphin Company, went bankrupt.

Past poll: Should local government in Bay County formally honor Charlie Kirk? Our poll results are in.

Club La Vela was a booming nightclub that closed also after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael. During its heyday, it was one of the largest nightclubs in the U.S.

Voting will remain open until noon on Friday, Oct. 24. The News Herald will report back on the results. If there is an attraction you miss but it's not listed in our poll, please make note of it in the comments section of this story on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCityNewsHerald

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Poll asks which former Bay County, Florida attraction is missed the most
NEED TO KNOW

A recent college graduate jumped into a moving car after the driver suffered a medical emergency in Montana

Markus Klewin, a former Montana State student, said he was at the right place, right time when recounting the incident

Markus said he thought the driver was doing donuts in a parking lot for fun before he realized something was wrong

A recent college graduate pulled off a heroic rescue when he jumped into a moving car after the driver lost consciousness in Montana.

The incident occurred on Monday, Oct. 6 at about 8:36 a.m in Bozeman, according to Lieutenant Quinn Ellingson of the Bozeman Police Department in a statement to PEOPLE.

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Markus Klewin, 24, had stopped into a convenience store  a Town Pump on 19th Avenue  and had re-entered the parking lot when he realized something was off, per local news outlet KBZK 7.

Basically, I just walked out, and then I see this car kind of going around in circles. At first, I just thought it was somebody doing donuts in the parking lot to be fun or whatever, the Montana State graduate told the outlet.

Then it just kept going and going, and I was kind of freaked out. I walked up to see what was going on, and it looked like he had fallen out of the vehicle, he continued.

The driver was having a seizure, according to Town Pump employees, per KBZK 7, and it was at this point that Markus jumped into action.

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[It was] kind of just natural instincts to jump in that car, slam on the brakes and try not to escalate the situation any further, he explained to the outlet.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Markus said that after safely stopping the vehicle he ran back inside the store and called 911, at which point he said that EMS workers arrived on the scene. The driver is now recovering, per KBZK 7. The Bozeman Police Department also confirmed that the driver received medical attention on the scene.

Security footage of the harrowing incident shows the driver getting into his SUV and starting his car; however, he appears to lose consciousness before he has a chance to close the drivers side door.

Google Maps Town Pump on 19 Avenue in Bozeman, Mont. Town Pump on 19 Avenue in Bozeman, Mont.

The car can be seen reversing in circles in the near-empty parking lot  the drivers side door still swinging open. Markus then approaches the vehicle and jumps inside, and it stops moving shortly thereafter.

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Markus said he has since seen the footage of what happened, calling it crazy to watch.

I didnt honestly realize the car was going that fast, he admitted to KBZK 7, adding, I dont know, [I] just kind of blacked out during the whole thing.

Markus shared that he banged up his ankle a little bit during the incident, but said he considers himself lucky to have been there.

I just like to thank God for putting me in that position in the first place, just being there in the right place, right time. I think of myself as a guy whos just trying to do the right thing. But it feels good, though, he said.

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In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Markus father, Kurt Klewin, said he wasnt surprised by his sons actions.

Hes just always been one of those kids who goes out of his way to help people. He was an Eagle Scout, he said. He was just kind of brought up like that.

Hes a pretty humble kid, Kurt continued. He didnt really want people to even know that it happened. He didnt even tell me for three days!

Authorities have since praised Markus for his quick thinking.

"I commend Markus for his actions in this incident; his willingness to immediately jump into action without hesitation ensured that the situation ended without further harm to the driver or other citizens," Ellingson said in his statement to PEOPLE.

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A representative from the Town Pump legal department responded to PEOPLEs request for comment, calling the incident heroic.



"Markus Klewin is an ordinary individual who, when confronted with this dangerous situation, took heroic action to save another persons life," the representative said. "At Town Pump we are in awe of how quickly Markus responded and will make sure we supply him with some energy drinks. We are grateful for the quick response time from Bozeman EMTs."



Read the original article on People
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, on Sunday lauded the peace agreement signed with Afghanistan, and reiterated Pakistan's accusation of Afghanistan for the attacks. Dar called for efforts to prevent any further loss of lives. In a post on X, he said, "Welcome the Agreement finalized late last night in Doha. It is the first step in the right direction. Deeply appreciate the constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Turkiye. We look forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism, in the next meeting to be hosted by Turkiye, to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Pakistan. It is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives." https://x.com/MIshaqDar50/status/1979774581549519219 Earlier in the day, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a telephonic conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, pointed the blame at Afghanistan for the recent cross-border escalations. Sharif announced that Pakistan agreed for a ceasefire at the behest of Afghanistan and asked for tangible actions against terrorists, Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday. In a post on X, Pakistan PM's Office said, "The Prime Minister also apprised his Malaysian counterpart of the security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He underscored that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan but continues to face cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Afghan authorities must take effective measures to take immediate and effective steps to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil that continue to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan," the statement read. "He reaffirmed that Pakistan had agreed to a temporary ceasefire at the request of the Afghan authorities to facilitate dialogue in Doha, and stressed the importance of tangible action against all terrorist entities, including Fitna-al-Khwarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, TTP, and BLA, to restore peace and stability along the border," as per the statement. Afghanistan's Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, on Saturday (local time), blamed Pakistan for the recent escalation of border clashes, stating that Islamabad "initiated" the conflict by violating Afghan territory. The remarks were made during a telephone conversation with the Afghan PM's Malaysian counterpart, Dato' Mohammad Anwar Ibrahim, according to government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. In a series of posts on X, Mujahid said the Afghan Prime Minister reaffirmed that Kabul does not seek conflict but was forced to respond after alleged Pakistani aggression. https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/1979676113837363330 Earlier in the day, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. (ANI)
The Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (Colombian Aerospace Force) has relied on the Israeli-built Kfir fighter since its northern neighbor Panama was ruled by Manuel Noriega. This jet first entered service with its home country's Air Force in the 1970s and it's fair to say that it is no longer a pilots' favorite. The half-century old technology is also becoming an issue for technicians as keeping these planes in the air safely gets more challenging with time.

Colombia's government shopped around with aerospace companies around the world to choose its next primary fighter jet. Among the considerations were America's F-16, France's Dassault Rafale, and the Chinese J-10CE. After lots of deliberation, Bogota struck a $1.9 billion deal with Saab to buy 18 Gripen E jets from the Swedish company. The deal also included renewable energy and infrastructure improvements and a line of credit from the Swedish government, and Colombia showed off its new planes at the nation's International Aeronautics and Space Fair (F-AIR 2025) in July.

For the nation of more than 50 million people that shares a border with five other countries the Gripen is a huge climb in terms of fighter technology. The Kfir debuted in 1975, but its design roots go back even further. The plane is actually a reverse-engineered copy of France's Mirage 5, a jet that first flew in 1967. Although the Kfir's replacement can't be considered a fifth-generation fighter like the F-35 Lightning II, it still goes a long way in bringing Colombia's air defenses up to date. Let's take a closer look at the jet the country will use to close that generational gap.

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Read more: 11 Of The Most Iconic Ground Attack Military Planes In History

about the Gripen E-series fighter

Brazilian Gripen E flying past Christ the Redeemer statue on mountaintop - Tuomo Salonen / SIMFinnish Aviation Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Gripen E Multirole fighter is the latest generation of the venerable machine and is powered by a GE F414G turbofan engine that can take it as fast as Mach 2 (over 1,500 mph) at altitude. The Gripen E has a maximum take-off weight of 16,500 kilograms (just over 18 US tons) and a design lineage that goes back to the 1980s. The E-Series is the latest member of the Gripen family and was introduced in 2014 as an upgrade over the previous C/D generation. Improvements included new avionics, greater range, and increased payload options. The Gripen-E is designed to operate in harsh Scandinavian conditions and can be scrambled from unimproved runways or roads. This operational ability made it an enticing buy for Brazil's Forca Aerea Brasileira and should be of help in the mountains and rainforests of Colombia.

It's also worth noting that although the original Gripen design is some decades old, the electronics and avionics are fully state of the art. Pilots have access to a digital cockpit including helmet-mounted and heads-up displays. The electronics suite also includes an advanced electronic weapons management and intelligence gathering system, and these and other features combine to make up Saab's AI-powered Human-Machine Collaboration system. For battle the Gripen-E has ten pylons that can carry an array of pods and weapons like the long-lived Sidewinder, IRIS-T, R-Darter, A-Darter, and Derby missiles. It can be outfitted for a wide range of combat missions, and ground crews can turn one around for another sortie in as little as 10 minutes. With all these advantages, Colombia's military leaders hope the Gripen E will keep the FAC flying for the next 50 years.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
VARYSBURG, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Western New Yorker known in his community for having a generous heart, is now in need of a new one.

My dad has lived in the community for 47 years, said Frank Nappos daughter Mary-Pat Steiner. Always lends a helping hand, everybody knows him.

After Frank Nappo retired from being a correction officer, he ended up at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure in Varysburg, N.Y. For more than a decade, Frank has been behind the wheel of the safari bus, giving tours and bringing joy to guests and the animals.

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Its like a home away from home, said Steiner. He loves the tour guide, he drives the trolley. Hes known the Boxer family for many years. Its all community and support.

Hes a good soul, someone you would want around, said Hidden Valley General Manager Barbara Dominesey. He brings the best out of you, right? And the best out of Hidden Valley.

After giving back so much to the community, Frank needs help in return. He was diagnosed with a heart condition that makes his heart functions at only 35 percent.

What we thought was him getting older and slowing down was something that was actually attacking his organs, said Steiner.

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Frank was admitted to the ICU at a hospital in New York City and was just approved for a heart transplant. This is the news his family has been waiting to hear, but it also carries a lot of medical expenses as a transplant could take days, weeks or months.

Anyone who really knows my dad knows Frank Nappo doesnt ask for help, Steiner said. You have to just know that he needs it. And its been a very humbling experience for all of us.

Franks daughters set up a GoFundme to raise money, but when the folks at Hidden Valley heard what was happening, they stepped in to help.

Hes special to a lot of people and the community recognizes that, said Dominesey. Hes been so giving that we want to give back.

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On Saturday, a portion of the proceeds for guided or self-guided tours go to Frank and his medical needs.

Its awesome to see how many people really loved him and all the people who appreciate the things hes done in the community, said Franks son-in-law Brett Steiner. I cant thank Hidden Valley enough, its incredible.

As Frank waits for his new heart, all the love and support keeps his current one pumping.

If we can be a little part of helping him when he needs, thats good, said Dominesey. Thats a good day for us and hopefully for him as well.

Latest Local News

Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy award-winning reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Many people rallied across America on Saturday for the No Kings Protest, and a local organization brought the rally to Columbus.

Organizers and volunteers from Columbus and Phenix City Indivisible gathered community members near the River Center Fountain for a peaceful protest, which they said aims to defend democracy.

The No Kings protest 2.0 is another event planned by the organizations in connection with the first No Kings rally that took place in June.

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Indivisible leaders intend to help bring an end to the authoritarian attacks on certain freedoms.

According to a Leadership Board Member from Columbus, Ga. Indivisible Laura Irvin, No Kings is not about one person, its about understanding that its time to hold elected officials accountable and that no one owes anyone their undying loyalty.

If youre one of the 300,000 Georgians that are going to lose their Medicaid because of the Big Beautiful Bill, this rally is for you, Irvin said. And if youre one of the Georgians whose industry is being hurt by ICE raids or tariffs, this rally is for you.

Although Irvin said the event wasnt just about one person, many participants had signs and things to say about President Donald Trump. A chant leader and volunteer with Indivisible explained her purpose for protesting.

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We need to stand up to a man in Washington who thinks he is a king and has no regard for the U.S. Constitution, said Ilene Kent. As you can see from my sign here, this is all about defending the Constitution. We love America. We want to see it thrive.

Despite the hundreds of people in attendance to support the rally, some individuals had other views. One Columbus resident stumbled across the rally and shared a different perspective.

I understand that people say, No Kings, but I dont believe that President Trump is a king, said Columbus resident Eric Davis. He doesnt look at himself as a king. He came to this country and got reelected. He has no agenda outside of fixing America.

The event remained peaceful; however, everyone there made sure to have their voices heard. De-escalators from the organization made sure to keep the peace.

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Participants were also joined by local officials to push the message and embody the democracy in the Columbus that the community wants to see in the future.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  According to the Alzheimers Association, more than ten percent of adults over 65 in West Virginia are living with Alzheimers dementia, so dozens laced up their sneakers in the hopes of finding a cure as the annual Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimers took place Sunday afternoon.

Current WVU Mountaineer Cade Kincaid poses for a photo with participants of the walk (WBOY Photo)

From caregivers to families and those currently fighting, the community came together to raise money in support of Alzheimers research.

There are over 600 of these walks nationwide, with the Walk to End Alzheimers event being the worlds largest fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimers care, support and research.

Members of the committee gave their testimony on how Alzheimers has impacted their lives prior to the events start (WBOY Photo)

Over $72,000 was donated prior to the start of the event, with all the proceeds going towards the Alzheimers Association.

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Monongalia County unites in pink for annual breast cancer walk

12 News spoke with Debbie Spiker, co-chair for the Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimers, about how this event is important for spreading awareness regarding the disease.

Members of the Sigma Kappa sorority at WVU lead the charge for todays walk despite the rain (WBOY Photo)

I think its very important for people to recognize that Alzheimers is a form of dementia and there are multiple types, but Alzheimers is the one thats most prevalent and really impacts the most number of people, Spiker said. We know that there are 39,000 people in the state of West Virginia that are dealing with either Alzheimers or some form of dementia, and then there are about 68,000 of those people, too, that are caring for someone with Alzheimers or another form, so we just want them to know that there are resources available.

Close to 400 participants and 52 different teams participated in Sundays fundraiser.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A rainy Saturday morning didnt stop about 300 people from gathering in Abilene for the annual Out of the Darkness Walk  an emotional event aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support.

Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the walk raised more than $17,700 for programs focused on education, advocacy, and community outreach. Participants braved the wet weather to walk in memory of loved ones lost to suicide and to support those still struggling with mental health challenges.

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For Hailey Shirley, the event carries deep personal meaning. Shirley lost her brother to suicide in 2024. Her family now helps organize the walk as a way to foster healing and connection.

I could never even begin to understand what my parents go through every day having lost a child, Shirley said. And I know thats the story of multiple people that are here. I think just giving them the opportunity to connect with other people that do understand their pain is incredibly important.

She said the walk gives her family, and many others, a place to feel understood and supported.

It gives my parents, someone, other people to lean on and to discuss those things with that do kind of understand that level of loss, she said. The community and the support is really all that its about.

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AFSP representatives said funds raised from the walk will go toward suicide prevention research, local educational programs, and policy advocacy work.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A drop in temperature led to a rise in sales at clothing boutiques throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties in the past few weeks.

Kim Evans, owner of TheKimmy in Olyphant, noted shopping patterns in the region are often dictated by the climate.

As soon as the weather turns, people in Northeast Pennsylvania are ready to put their money into their fall wardrobe, she said. Were very weather-driven in this market. The weather is a little crisper, and of course, the foliage is turning, so people are a little more eager.

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Evans also expects a shorter-than-usual fall shopping season due to a late start and an earlier and earlier shift to holiday attire.

We had a rather warm September and then, as soon as we turn off our porch lights on (Halloween), we are flipping to the Christmas season, she said.

However, for the time being, camouflage is back, and balloon-bottom pants, which havent been in demand since the 80s, are popular in the young contemporary market, Evans said.

Evans  who opened the shop at 203 E. Lackawanna Ave. in January 2020  feels fortunate to have great support from the community.

Weve been very blessed that our growth has been a steady climb every month, she said. I started as an e-commerce retailer and I trended the opposite way. We are no longer doing e-commerce, were fully brick-and-mortar, which is contrary to most apparel trends. People are coming back to Main Street America. Mall revenues are declining, yet the boutique sector of the market is increasing.

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Sales among clothing and accessories stores across the county were down just more than 1% month over month in September, seasonally adjusted, but up 7.35% year over year, unadjusted, according to the CNBC/National Retail Federation Retail Monitor, which uses credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions.

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Kim Evans, owner of TheKimmy on E Lackawanna Avenue in Olyphant, shows off some of the popular fall fashions. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Fall apparel featuring rich colors and cozy fabrics available for purchase at Natalie Grace Boutique in Pittston. (Courtesy Natalie Grace Boutique)

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Fall apparel for sale at Natalie Grace Boutique in downtown Pittston. (Courtesy Natalie Grace Boutique)

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Kim Evans, owner of TheKimmy on E Lackawanna Avenue in Olyphant, shows off some of the popular fall fashions. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Kim Evans, owner of TheKimmy on E Lackawanna Avenue in Olyphant, shows off some of the popular fall fashions. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Kim Evans, owner of TheKimmy on E Lackawanna Avenue in Olyphant, shows off some of the popular fall fashions. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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In addition to rich colors like chocolate brown and wine, Natalie Ferretti, owner of Natalie Grace Boutique in Pittston, which opened in August, notices customers seeking high-quality clothing.

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People are looking for good investment pieces that theyre going to have year after year, instead of something they can purchase off Amazon, Temu, or any of those websites, she said.

Ferretti believes the ability to try on clothes gives local boutiques an advantage over online retailers.

There is definitely value in being able to go into a dressing room to see what fits, she said.

Ferretti also strives to help shoppers get the most use out of their purchases by suggesting ways to incorporate pieces into several different outfits.

We run posts on our social media pages starting with one clothing base, and how to wear it at least three different ways, she said. We know with the economy and everything right now, people arent looking to spend a fortune on clothes. If we can give them multiple ways to wear the same pieces, thats very helpful.

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Ferretti enjoyed supporting fellow businesses like AH Baby Co. and Showroom 56, and felt her boutique at 48 S. Main St., Suite 100, would complement the existing shops in the downtown.

I thought my store is different and it would add to whats already here, giving people a better opportunity to park their car, walk around Pittston, have lunch and have a variety of places to shop, she said.

The communitys response during her first two months in business has been even better than she could have imagined, Ferretti said.

Weve been overwhelmed by the amount of people who have been walking through the doors and supporting our small business, she said. Its blown away any expectation I had, and if its any indication of how things are going to go here, we should have a bright future in Pittston.

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Ferretti echoed Evans sentiment that customers tend to purchase clothing that aligns with each season.

As the weather has started to get a little chillier, people are ready to start wearing sweaters and light coats, and are looking to get some new denim in their wardrobe, she said.
NEED TO KNOW

A mom and dad were charged for allegedly leaving their six-month-old baby unattended on a beach in Florida

Witnesses told police that the baby was left alone while the parents wandered the beach with the other children

Brian and Sara Wilks claimed "they lost track of time"

A mom and dad are facing charges for allegedly leaving their six-month-old baby unattended on a beach in Florida.

Brian and Sara Wilks of Houston, Texas, were at Miramar Beach with their four children when they allegedly left the baby alone under a tent for about an hour, according to a statement from the Walton County Sheriffs Office (WCSO).

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Offices responded to reports of an unattended infant on the beach on Friday, Oct. 11, around noon local time.

Witnesses told police that the baby was left alone while the parents wandered the beach with the other children.

Walton County Sheriff's Office Brian Wilks Brian Wilks

The baby was cared for by Good Samaritans during the parents' absence.

Brian, 40, and Sara, 37, returned to the scene while police were waiting for South Walton Fire District (SWFD) personnel to arrive, the WCSO said.

The Wilks "both admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children," per authorities.

The parents further claimed "they lost track of time."

Walton County Sheriff's Office Sara Wilks Sara Wilks

"Security footage obtained during the investigation confirmed the family was away for nearly an hour and did not bring their cell phone with them," the WCSO said.

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The couple's baby had normal vitals and was not in distress, the SWFD determined.

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) responded to the scene and took custody of the children until the arrival of relatives traveling from Texas.

Sara and Brian were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm, according to the WCSO.

They were released on a $1,000 bond the next day. It is not clear if they have legal representation to comment on their behalf.

"This incident serves as a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences and can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes," the WCSO said.

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"Were thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own," added Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

Major Dustin Cosson with the sheriffs office told ABC 13 that the couples explanation was unacceptable.

"That's all fine and dandy, but you don't just leave a baby at a house and then leave and go off to the store," he said. "The baby could roll over and suffocate itself, or the wind could blow a towel over its face. There's no telling what could have happened."

Getty Miramar Beach in Florida Miramar Beach in Florida

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Cosson cautioned others in Florida to not follow in the Wilkss footsteps.

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"Yes, it's a bubble, but that doesn't mean as you cross over the county line or over the state line into Florida that we can just leave your common sense behind. It still means you have to do the best for your children," he said.

Sara, according to Cardiovascular Business, works as a regional president at US Heart and Vascular in Houston.

US Heart and Vascular declined to comment when reached by PEOPLE.

Read the original article on People
A man has died after a crash in Westmoreland County on Saturday evening.

Westmoreland County 911 dispatchers confirm emergency crews responded to a crash involving a motorcycle around 6:21 p.m. at the intersection of Route 30 and Wimmerton Boulevard in Unity Township.

A Mutual Aid EMS spokesperson says a man was taken to a hospital from the scene in critical condition. Another man refused care.

A report by Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson states the motorcyclist, Brandon Shea, 43, of Mount Pleasant, was taken to the hospital. Shea later died of his injuries.

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Carsons report says Shea was hit by a Toyota Camry while that vehicle was trying to make a left turn onto U.S. 30 from Wimmerton Boulevard. Shea was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Route 30 was closed near the intersection until around 10:30 p.m.

A day earlier, a head-on crash in the area resulted in two people being taken to a hospital in stable condition.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Police responded to the scene of a crash involving at least two vehicles near Spring Valley Saturday night.

Police closed a portion of the 8100 block of Jamacha Road near Spring Valley in both directions around 9 p.m. for the traffic collision.

Pedestrian killed in Carlsbad collision, driver arrested

First responders had to free at least two people trapped in one of the vehicles, the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident page reports. Both vehicles were reported to have major damage.

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Traffic was backed up Saturday night after authorities closed the road in both directions. 511SD was still showing a road closure near Darby Street, with slow moving traffic on one side, as of 11 p.m. Saturday.

Check back for updates on this developing story

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
US Vice President JD Vance asserted that the Trump administration will "never stop fighting for the American people, especially our Armed Forces", while addressing the country's Marines at the US Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. Vice President JD Vance watched with pride on Saturday as Marines fired 155-millimeter artillery shells over a major freeway in Southern California, calling the demonstration a "testament to the corps' strength and unbeatable power," New York Times reported. Vance said, "Chuck Schumer and the Democrats may have shut down the government but President Trump is going above and beyond to ensure our brave Marines get the paychecks they deserve. We will never stop fighting for the American people, especially our Armed Forces!" https://x.com/JDVance/status/1979704692084269242 "In the Trump Administration, we know that the work you do protecting our country, putting your lives on the line to defend our way of life, is at the heart of Marine Corps service," Vance said in his remarks Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of the state, deemed it an "absurd show of force" and "dangerous," as per New York Times. Vance used a speech in front of hundreds of Marines to attack Democrats over the government shutdown, referring to the impasse as the "Schumer shutdown," a dig at Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader. Throughout the day, protesters filled streets in American cities, including nearby Los Angeles and San Diego, lambasting the Trump administration's domestic agenda and its consolidation of power, as per New York Times. What the White House had initially planned as a celebration of the country's 250th birthday and of the might of the Marines became half of a revealing split-screen: As the likely heir of Trump's political movement showcased the power of the military over the objections of a state governor, thousands of people across the country protested a president they accused of using his power like a king, New York Times reported. (ANI)
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A Colorado man was killed in a crash during the Abilene Airstrip Attack racing event on Sunday afternoon.

According to the Abilene Police Department, the crash occurred on October 19 at the Abilene Regional Airport when a modified 2006 Chevy Corvette experienced a tripped event, rolling multiple times before catching fire.

The driver and sole occupant, 74-year-old Gregory Vernon Ibsen of Colorado, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time, the Abilene Police Department shared.

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WEATHERSFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  The Weathersfield Fire Department battled a large brush fire Saturday.

It happened around 3 p.m. in a wooded area off Third Street. The department posted on its Facebook page that the fire involved a mixture of brush and discarded tires, with black smoke visible from as far as State Route 46 and Interstate 80.

The department said the fire was quickly contained, but crews faced challenges due to difficult terrain and limited access to the fires location.

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One bystander sustained a minor injury inhaling smoke while trying to extinguish the fire before first responders arrived on scene. The bystander was assessed and treated on scene.

Courtesy: Weathersfield Fire Department Courtesy: Weathersfield Fire Department Courtesy: Weathersfield Fire Department Courtesy: Weathersfield Fire Department Courtesy: Weathersfield Fire Department Courtesy: Weathersfield Fire Department

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WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  A person was pulled out of a car that was submerged in water in Warwick Saturday night.

A Warwick police supervisor at the scene told 12 News the car was on Arnolds Neck Drive when it went off the road into the water.

Police Chief Michael Lima said three officers quickly jumped into the water to rescue the person and CPR was performed.

The person was rushed to the hospital, Lima said, and their condition is unknown at this time.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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My most recent column was headlined Genocide in Gaza? Why it is increasingly difficult to deny. I was planning to explore the topic in greater depth this time, as the horrors of starvation in the Gaza Strip continued to mount and intensify, but a part of my brain kept telling me that, even if that dire accusation were merited, it was not the whole story. For now, we have a ceasefire, and welcome as that is, it doesnt erase how Israel has waged this war. Genocide describes the destruction of a group, but there was, I thought, another also unsavory dimension to the conflict, a purely political one, involving the determination of the Israeli right wing to forestall the creation of a Palestinian state, something the United States and much of the rest of the international community had long supported.

Maybe, I thought, there could be an alternate term for this aspect of the matter. Would nationcide be too awkward, or silly? I typed it into Google Search, expecting no results, but to my surprise the term was shown to be already in existence and could be used to describe the destructionpolitical, economic, culturalof a nation-state. This made it different from genocide or ethnocide (destruction of a culture). Still, Google noted, its not in any dictionaries, and Google tried mightily to autocorrect it to nationwide.

The first mention I was able to find in that search came from 1794, when Gracchus Babeuf, a French revolutionary, used the term in his The War of the Vendee and the System of Depopulation. In August 2024, American Political Science Review published an article about how, after the defeat in 1867 of their French occupiers foisted on them by Napoleon III, Mexican republican liberals accused the European powers of attempted nationcide (nacioncidio) of their country. In 2019, Julien Philippe, a French IT technicianself-described as into geopolitics, ex-Yu Balkan & linguistics on the question-and-answer website Quoratook credit for inventing the term (spelling it nationicide), and posed this question: If we coin the term Nationicide on a parallel with Genocide in order to address the attempted or realized elimination of a Nation instead of a People, how would we properly define a nationicide & what could be [examples] of it...? And in 2022, Christopher DeMuth, writing for The Wall Street Journal, suggested the word nationcide could describe the extermination of the national civilization a people have builtcustoms, traditions, civil associations and practices of self-government.

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The United Nations, in its Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, defined the crime as: Acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, as such. In his Quora discourse, Julien Philippe suggested the following phraseology for a similar, hypothetical Convention on the Crime of Nationicide: acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national entity as such.

Here, it might be objected that the Palestinian people do not constitute, and have never constituted, an actual national entity, and therefore a charge of nationcide against Israel would be moot. I have a twofold rejoinder to this claim. First, the Palestinians have long experience in governing themselves at the local level, for centuries under the Ottoman Empire and then under the British from the end of World War I to the creation of Israel in 1948. That the Palestinians developed a strong sense of nationalism after the large influx of Jewish people into what had been their lands for centuries was amply demonstrated by their ferocious uprising against British rule in 1936 (Britain had committed to supporting a Jewish state in Palestine in the Balfour Declaration of 1917).

Second, there is now widespread international recognition of the existence of a Palestinian state, as hypothetical as that state might be; 157 out of 193 member states of the United Nations General Assembly, or 81 percent, have recognized a Palestinian state.

The worlds attention has focused on possible genocidal intent on the part of the Israeli government, including suspecting the deliberate creation of famine in the territory. But there is another dimension to the conflict, involving the future not only of Gaza but of the West Bank. With respect to Gaza, Israels continual, implacable bombing of the strip has decimated its infrastructure. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor any other Israeli official has breathed a word about reconstructing the strip, leaving many to speculate that he may have some form of ethnic cleansing in mind for the area (his American doppelganger Donald Trump has suggested as much).

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As far as the West Bank is concerned, it would be the heart of any Palestinian state, and that is where the Palestinian Authority, which has some limited governing control there, is located. It was birthed into existence by the 1993 Oslo Accords and was thought to be a precursor to full-fledged Palestinian self-rule, but Netanyahu now aims to carve up the West Bank in ways that will render a contiguous Palestinian state impossible.

In doing everything in its power to destroy the possibility of ever creating a coherent Palestinian state, Israel stands guilty of the crime of nationcide.
A crowd estimated at more than 3,000 people participates in a No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025, in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

About 3,500 people gathered in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday for the latest No Kings protest  making it the citys largest protest so far this year, according to organizer crowd estimates.

The protest was the 13th in South Dakota for the day, organizer Craig Brown with Indivisible 605 said. Protesters gathered to listen to speakers, display homemade signs and chant this is what democracy looks like and we love America; thats why were here, and call for President Donald Trump to go.

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Brown said the turnout is a testament to the movements momentum and peoples anger at the Trump administration.

Lexi Pratt attends the No Kings protest in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with her daughter on Oct. 18, 2025. Pratt said she could not, in good conscious, be a good parent without standing up when she sees something wrong. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Theres a sense of commitment in this crowd that we havent felt before, Brown said.

More than 2,600 No Kings rallies with millions in attendance took place across the country on Saturday. The second No Kings day, following the first in June, is in response to what a broad coalition of liberal advocacy and labor organizations say is the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.

Lexi Pratt, of Sioux Falls, brought her daughter to the No Kings protest in Sioux Falls, saying that she could not, in good conscience, be a good parent without standing up when she sees something wrong. Shes concerned about womens health care and the Trump administrations attack on our public education.

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The Trump administration is violating all the checks and balances that our country was founded on to ensure that we all have the same rights, Pratt said.

Jody Fleischhacker holds a POWER to the FROG (the PEOPLE!) sign along Phillips Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Jody Fleischhacker, of Sioux Falls, wore a frog hat  a symbol of resistance after a Portland protester wearing an inflatable frog costume was sprayed with chemicals through his costumes air vent by a federal agent earlier this month.

Fleischhacker, who is an Air Force veteran, said she attended both No Kings protests in Sioux Falls this year because she believes Trump is unsuitable for office and should be removed.

Hes made changes that are hurting his own people, Fleischhacker said. He wants to build a big, beautiful ballroom and yet take away our health care and take away food benefits to people who need them.

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The turnout exceeded organizers expectations despite a police investigation into a suspicious vehicle that was viewed as a potential explosives threat at the site of the protest the night before. The area was shut down to the public between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. before police determined there were no explosives in the area.

A counter protest, dubbed the Real American Rally, was held during the same time a block away from the No Kings protest. It drew about 30 people.

(Left to right) Mark Isackson, John Small and Brandon Hawn pose for a photo with signs Trump save America and Christ is king at the Real American Rally a block away from the No Kings protest in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

John Small, an organizer of the counter protest, said the gathering was intended to be positive and show love for the country we live in.

I understand there are people who dont like our current president. I understand that they want their voices heard. Thats great. But I dont know how this is going to help, Small said, referring to the No Kings protest. Do they think there is going to be something to come from this?

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Brown said he sees the No Kings movement continuing up until the 2026 elections. That could impact midterm elections and turnout to create real, sustained pushback against this regime.

But the real impact of Saturdays protest is a continued effort to build community, Brown added.

Maybe I look across the crowd and I see my neighbor who I had no idea they feel like I do. Maybe I go and talk to them and we connect. We decide to go to a city council or county commission meeting were concerned about together, Brown said. Those are touch points that were seeing in real time. This is working.

Renee Bostick stands along Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025 for the No Kings protest. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Protesters display signs at the No Kings protest in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025. Signs include ICE is a gang, ICE: Quite terrorizing my neighbors, and We the people have a Constitution, not a king. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

George Hamilton cheers on protesters while riding in the back of a pick up along Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025, for the No Kings protest. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Trump supporters walk through crowds booing them at the No Kings protest in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025, on their way to the Real American Rally nearby. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

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Nyla Helgason holds a Democracy is the only king sign while listening to speakers at the No Kings protest in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Protesters gather with signs and American flags while listening to speakers at the No Kings protest in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

A protester at the No Kings protest decorates their walker with Thank you veterans and Kristi, wheres Cricket? signs along with a skeleton dog Halloween decoration in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

No Kings protesters verbally spar with a passerby holding a Nobel peace prize for Trump sign along Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

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Nyna Nygaard walks her dog Henry along Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls on Oct. 18, 2025, for the No Kings protest. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
Crowds across New York City and the Tri-State area gathered for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of survivors, caregivers, friends and family participated in the walk taking place in Central Park, which kicked off at 8 a.m.

Eyewitness News Reporter Kemberly Richardson caught up with one survivor, Shannon Barrett, ahead of the walk's start.

Kemberly Richardson speaks with survivor Shannon Barrett in Central Park about the walk and its significance.

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Out on Long Island, people took part in the 32nd annual Making Strides walk at Jones Beach.

For Eyewitness News Reporter Stacey Sager, Sunday's walk is personal for her as a three-time cancer survivor. Last year, Sager marked the one-year anniversary from her own diagnosis.

Sager spoke with Dr. Jennifer Halpern, another breast cancer survivor, as festivities for the walk got underway.

Stacey Sager speaks with breast cancer survivor Dr. Jennifer Halpern in Jones Beach about the walk.

More than 150 communities nationwide are hosting Making Strides events on Sunday.

Making Strides has always been more than just a walk. It's a movement raising lifesaving funds that support not only survivors, but also those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer as well as those in treatment through every step of the journey.

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Organizers say the important takeaway from Sunday's walks will be education. Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.

But we cannot forget about another large part of the population that is affected by breast cancer: Men. Roughly 3,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., health officials say.

WATCH: NYBRA Plastic Surgery reunites with breast cancer patients at Making Strides walk

Stacey Sager speaks with Dr. Randall Feingold of NYBRA Plastic Surgery at the Making Strides walk in Jones Beach.

The American Cancer Society had booths set up at the walks, including the one in Central Park, where they answered questions and provided information about breast cancer. There was also be a "Survivor and Thriver Village" booth, where people who have beat breast cancer or are undergoing diagnosis or treatment shared their stories.

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According to Stephen Cavanaugh of the American Cancer Society, there are a plethora of resources available to breast cancer survivors, patients and their families. Some resources include the Hope Lodge program, the Road to Recovery program for people who need free rides to treatment, and their National Cancer Information Center.

"Those tangible resources, are really, really valuable for people day in and day out, and we are seeing a lot of progress," Cavanaugh said. "The breast cancer death rate has declined, mostly due to preventative care and getting people back to screening, so that's a major initative for us right now."

Since 1998, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $600 million to go towards breast cancer research.

We invite you to join forces with us and the American Cancer Society - the nation's nonprofit leader working tirelessly to end breast cancer as we know it.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Thousands of protesters took to the streets across Colorado on Saturday as part of the nationwide No Kings rally, to show their viewpoints on the current state of American politics and the Trump administration.

Organizers said the rallies were planned to be held in 74 locations throughout the state and estimated that at least 20,000 protesters marched Saturday.

Denver police: Several arrested after group of protesters tries to access I-25

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In Denver, multiple roads were shut down around the Colorado Capitol and the downtown Denver area as they marched. The demonstration was planned to end around 4 p.m.

No Kings rally in downtown Denver on Oct. 18, 2025 (KDVR)

This is really about working people coming together to speak out against the rise of authoritarianism, said Nate Paer, a mental healthcare worker and member of SEIU Local 105.

The rally in Denver included union service workers and state employees protesting a range of federal actions, including healthcare subsidy cuts and mass layoffs of federal workers.

I think people are fed up, Paer said. A lot of our communities, especially migrant communities, are afraid to even exist. So, I think were also out here standing up to protect one another today.

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2 hit-and-run incidents prompts search in Clear Creek County, suspect in custody

Tiffany Weber, one of the organizers of the No Kings rally and a part of the organization Solidarity Warriors, said there were so many people at the Denver rally.

The march was 1.7 miles long and the front got back before the back left, said Weber.

The protests were part of a larger national movement that organizers said is aimed at resisting what they call an abuse of power by the president.

In the city of Broomfield, demonstrators lined Sheridan Boulevard and 120th Ave., waving signs at passing traffic.

In the city of Fort Collins, a crowd gathered at Civic Center Park for a rally Saturday morning. Also in the city of Arvada, protesters marched through Olde Town, with some dressed in costumes inspired by demonstrations in Portland, Oregon.

No Kings rally in the city of Arvada on Oct. 18, 2025 (KDVR)

Were not looking to harm people or hurt people  just make our voices heard, said Ken Truhan, a protester in Arvada dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume. The costumes are a fun, lighthearted, non-threatening way to do that.

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So many people are losing funding, jobs, science, research, education, added Heather Truhan, also sporting an inflatable dinosaur costume. Were going to feel the pain of whats happening for a long, long time. So this is a way for us to let loose and try to stand up.

Brighton resident Gary Livingston attended the Denver rally, who was also dressed in a Spider-Man costume.

It sends a message that we can have fun with it. Its a peaceful protest. We dont believe in violence and its just fun, said Livingston.

Denver police issued traffic advisories throughout the day due to road closures tied to the rallies. Police have since reopened those roads to traffic.

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In a social media post, Denver police called the protest peaceful. However, the department did note that officers arrested a person for possession of a Weapon (knife).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
An East Hartford man is facing multiple charges following an alleged road rage and domestic violence incident that began in East Hartford, continued into Manchester before concluding in Bolton, according to Connecticut State Police.

Connecticut State Police were called to the area of Route 6 near Bolton Notch following a 911 call for road rage and a domestic violence incident after 9 p.m. on Saturday night.

State police said Dederick Jimenez, of East Hartford, is accused to have fired multiple shots at the victims vehicle during a chase on I-384 Eastbound in Bolton.

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Jimenez was transported to Hartford Hospital due to possible minor injuries following a crash. No one else involved was injured.

Jimenez is facing charges of reckless driving, failure to drive in a proper lane, disorderly conduct, second-degree threatening and first-degree reckless endangerment. He is being held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Rockville Superior Court on Monday.




BOLTON - An East Hartford man allegedly fired gunshots at another car while driving on I-384 east following a domestic situation turned road rage incident, police say.

Connecticut State Police said troopers were initially called to the Route 6 eastbound, also known as Hop River Road, at around 9:16 p.m. on Saturday for a single-car crash, police said. Troopers then received reports that there had been a road rage and domestic incident related to the crash, police said.

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Police said 35-year-old Dederick Jimenez was involved in the incident that began in East Hartford, police said, but continued through Manchester and into Bolton. Police said Jimenez was reported to have shot at the victim's car while traveling on I-384 east.

Police said Jimenez was taken to the hospital after the single-car crash and was subsequently taken into custody. Police said nobody else involved in the incident was injured.

Jimenez was charged with reckless driving, failure to drive in the proper lane, disorderly conduct, second-degree threatening and first-degree reckless endangerment. At the time of Jimenez's arrest, he was not charged with criminal attempt at first-degree assault or illegal discharge of a firearm.

Jimenez was scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Rockville on Monday after being held on a $100,000 bond, police said.

This article originally published at CT man fired shots at car during I-384 chase through 3 towns, police say.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been elected to lead its parent organization, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, signaling the statewide union is moving into a greater progressive role as it advocates for education funding throughout the state.

The election of Davis Gates creates a dynamic shift in educational politics in Illinois, elevating the issue of school funding in Chicago to a level higher than it has been traditionally factored into the states overall allocation of funds to elementary and secondary schooling.

With Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU activist, being elected mayor in part due to the unions efforts in the city, there are also questions about how far the IFTs influence will extend beyond Chicago to statewide financial support for schools.

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In an example of its sometimes-adversarial relationship with state legislators, CTU roiled some in Springfield last year when it called widely supported legislation to extend a moratorium on school closures racist. The measure, which was also opposed by the Johnson administration, then passed overwhelmingly in a 92-8 House vote, but it was not called for a vote in the Senate after a plea from Johnson.

As president of the IFT, Davis Gates will continue to fight for school funding and changing Illinois backwards tax code, a news release from the union said.

The belly of a child who just had their one hot meal a day cut from school budgets rumbles the same, whether that young person is on the southside of Chicago or in Cahokia, Davis Gates said in the news release.

The IFT declined to disclose the salary of Davis Gates as head of the statewide union. Though shes taking on the new role, Davis Gates will also remain head of CTU.

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She faces a General Assembly that has been cautious to increase school funding beyond its existing obligations under state law.

Democrats just this year cut back on the $350 million annual increase in school funding required under a 2017 state law, withholding $43 million that normally would go to a grant program designed to help school districts with high property tax rates and low real estate values.

They characterized the move as a pause to allow for a study of whether the program is working as intended, a choice that allowed them to help balance the states $55 billion budget.

In addition to the CTU and IFT, another major state teachers union is the Illinois Education Association, whose membership is largely concentrated in suburban areas that were once Republican-dominated but have since shifted to the Democratic side due to the heavy influence of suburban socially moderate women.

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The IFTs previous president of 15 years, Dan Montgomery, is leaving to lead the American Library Association. Prior to Montgomery, multiple IFT presidents held local leadership roles, as Davis Gates will now, an IFT spokesperson said Sunday.

The IFT plans to hold a statewide lobbying day in Springfield next Wednesday, on the fifth day of the General Assemblys planned six-day fall veto session, it said in a statement.

Under Davis Gates, CTU has regularly criticized Pritzker for not moving to increase school funding and pushing for more progressive funding sources to support public schools. But Pritzker shared a stage with Davis Gates at the IFTs Rosemont convention on Sunday, where he praised the union and touted his administrations role in school funding.
US President Donald Trump said that two surviving "narcoterrorists" from a semi-submersible vessel destroyed by the US military in the Caribbean will be sent to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia, Al Jazeera reported. "It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1979627240670560502 He said that US intelligence has confirmed the vessel was carrying fentanyl and other narcotics. The vessel was targeted on Thursday in what Trump described as a strike aimed at disrupting a major drug trafficking route. Two crew members were killed, he said, while two others survived and were airlifted by US forces in a helicopter rescue operation to a nearby US Navy warship. The US military held the survivors on board at least until Friday evening, as per Al Jazeera. The press office for Ecuador's government said it was not aware of the plans for repatriation. There was no immediate comment from Colombian authorities. The president has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels. He is relying on the same legal authority used by the administration of former President George W Bush when it declared a war on terrorism after the September 11 attacks on the US. This includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and use lethal force to take out their leadership. Trump is also treating the suspected traffickers as if they were enemy soldiers in a traditional war, Al Jazeera reported. At least six vessels, most of them speedboats, have been targeted by US strikes in the Caribbean since September, with Venezuela alleged to be the origin of some of them. Washington says its campaign is dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, but it has provided no evidence that the people killed were drug smugglers. With Trump's confirmation of the death toll on his Truth Social platform, that means US military actions against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people. (ANI)
The Athens Clarke County Fire Department will soon unveil the newest addition to its fleet.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Rescue 4 is a custom heavy rescue vehicle that has the most advanced equipment to respond to emergencies.

This new unit enhances our ability to respond to high-risk incidents both within Athens-Clarke County and throughout the region, said Capt. Aaron Claas. Having these capabilities in our County saves critical time when every second counts.

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It is built to help with things like technical and high-angle rescues and structural collapse incidents, among others.

Rescue 4 is a testament to our continued commitment to protecting the residents and visitors of Athens-Clarke County, said Fire Chief Nate Moss. ...To respond to complex rescue situations quickly and effectively.

Every addition to our fleet is an investment in the safety and well-being of the citizens we serve, Chief Moss added. We appreciate the continued support of the Mayor and Commission and the trust of our community.

A traditional push-in ceremony will happen Oct. 24 at Fire Station Four, located at 900 Oglethorpe Ave in Athens, at 2 p.m.

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Video shows as a driver crashed into an Indiana Jimmy John's as customers enjoyed a meal.

The incident happened at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 in Chesterton, Indiana at 524 Indian Boundary Road, police said.

Video shows two customers at a table and an employee barely escaped with no injuries.

Police said the driver "inadvertently shifted into drive while attempting to park."

An employee of the restaurant said the vehicle got stuck on a concrete block from the handicapped parking sign.

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"If that hadn't been the case, I fear what would have happened to the nice couple enjoying lunch at the table or the employee who was walking out the door," the employee said.

No injuries were reported.
Dallas police arrested four suspects involved in a retail theft ring after tracking them from one crime scene to their next target.

The North Central Crime Response Team recovered over $21,000 in stolen merchandise during the midday bust last week, per an October 17 press release. The coordinated arrest demonstrates how quickly police communication can disrupt organized retail theft operations that plague North Texas businesses.

Police received notification at 11:45 a.m. on October 10 from the Dallas Police Central Investigative Unit about a theft crew that had just hit a store in the 6400 block of E. Mockingbird Lane. The suspects were heading north on Abrams Road.

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Instead of pursuing, the Crime Response Team anticipated the crews next move. Officers positioned themselves at Preston Road and Royal Lane and waited. Their patience paid off when the suspect vehicle arrived at the predicted location. Police stopped the car and arrested all four occupants.

The DPD news release did not elaborate on what type of business the suspects targeted or how the officers were able to anticipate the suspects next hit.

Three juveniles face charges of theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000. The driver, 22-year-old Zakerra Jackson, received the same theft charge plus outstanding warrants from Dallas County and Tarrant County sheriffs offices.

Officers returned all recovered merchandise to the store owner. The case represents a complete recovery of stolen goods.

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Thanks to the quick and clever response of our officers, we not only brought justice to the owner but also played a key role in restoring an element of their livelihood, said Major Pollyanna Ashford, North Central Patrol Commander. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.

The investigation continues under case number 146228-2025.
Two landmark towers in Dallas are transforming the Dallas skyline with major residential projects that will add hundreds of luxury apartments to downtown and Uptown.

Construction is underway on phase two of the Santander Tower conversion at 1601 Elm St., which will create 105 new apartments across five floors.

The projects signal a broader shift in Dallas real estate as developers reimagine underutilized office space and vacant lots into high-end residential communities. Both developments promise extensive amenities and luxury finishes aimed at attracting affluent residents to the urban core.

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Adolfson & Peterson Construction began work on the Peridot Residences this month. The company completed phase one in October 2024, converting 14 floors into 291 apartments.

The Peridot Residences offer a holistic lifestyle, inspired by comfort and luxury, and the new units will further enhance downtown Dallass residential offerings, says Granger Hassmann, regional president at Adolfson & Peterson. Santander Tower is a great example of what underutilized office buildings can become, offering hotel, retail, office and luxury apartments.

Pacific Elm Properties, working with Mintwood Real Estate, is leading the adaptive reuse project. The 50-story tower, built in 1982, was renamed Santander in 2020 after its main tenant.

The continued transformation of Santander Tower reflects our vision for revitalizing Dallas urban core through innovative mixed-use redevelopment, says Billy Prewitt, CEO of Pacific Elm Properties. The success of Peridot Residences has shown theres strong demand for luxury living in the heart of downtown and phase two builds on that momentum, bringing new energy, residents and experiences to one of the citys most iconic addresses.

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Residents will enjoy a swimming pool, dog park, fitness center, pickleball court and Pilates studio. The mixed-use development includes on-site dining, a boutique hotel, meeting rooms and community lounges.

Meanwhile, California-based Proper Hospitality announced plans for Dallas Proper Hotel and Residences at 2500 Cedar Springs Rd. in Uptown. The 34-story tower combines a 200-room hotel with 80 luxury residences.

Set to open in 2029, the project features architecture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interiors by Kelly Wearstler. Lincoln Property Company acquired the four-acre site in 2024.

Dallas Proper brings together design, wellness, food, and a deep connection to community, says Brian De Lowe, president and co-founder of Proper Hospitality. This is more than a hotel or residential offering. Its a fully integrated destination for how people want to live and gather today.

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The development will include a 15,000-square-foot wellness center and 6,000-square-foot members-only club. Hotel guests and residents will have access to three restaurants, five bars, a rooftop pool and 22,000 square feet of event space.

Residential units range from one to four bedrooms, including penthouses with city views. Homeowners receive private amenities including a rooftop pool, dining terrace and owners lounge.

This site gave us the rare opportunity to shape a meaningful part of Uptown, says Clay Duvall, co-CEO of Lincoln Property Company. Propers track record in Texas and beyond, and their approach to design, lifestyle, and wellness made them the ideal partner for creating a landmark.

Pacific Elms portfolio includes seven Class A towers totaling 6.5 million square feet in Dallas and Raleigh. Proper Hospitality operates luxury hotels in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and Miami  with Dallas marking its latest Texas expansion and first entry into the Uptown market.

Together, the developments underscore Dallas continued evolution as a national destination for high-end urban living.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  In 2013, then-City Controller Dan Miller lost the Democratic primary for Harrisburgs mayor to political newcomer Eric Papenfuse by just under 400 votes. Despite his loss, Miller still appeared on the November ballot.

Thats because Miller encouraged Republicans to write his name on their ballots. With no declared candidates, he won the GOP nomination with fewer than 200 votes.

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This is a Democracy, Miller told abc27 News in 2013 to explain why, as a longtime Democrat, he decided to run on the Republican ticket. We need to have someone to challenge.

Now, Miller is using the same reasoning to, once again, accept the Republican nomination for mayor. He lost to incumbent Wanda Williams in this years May Democratic primary election but received more than 100 votes as a write-in candidate on Republican ballots.

In a way, this is now a runoff election between the top two candidates, Miller said in June as he explored continuing his campaign. But his 2013 run shows how difficult it may be to clear the hurdle of having an R next to his name in a city where Democrats far outnumber Republicans.

Two elections a decade apart

Much like the 2025 primary election, the 2013 primary was hotly contested.

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Incumbent Mayor Linda Thompson, Papenfuse, and perennial candidate Lewis Butts were all on the ballot alongside Miller when election day rolled around. Miller faced four other candidates in the 2025 election, including another incumbent.

Despite the crowded field, Miller was a major vote-getter, placing second in both elections. He lost the 2013 primary by 396 votes, and by 83 votes in the 2025 primary.

But data from both primaries show that even after a decade, Miller has struggled to expand his support in the city. This is especially true in the citys east side neighborhoods, a stronghold for Williams, where Miller lost voters.

Not a coronation

Miller started his political career as a civil rights activist fighting for equality and a fair chance. It earned him the ire of elected officials, including past mayors, but it is also what led him to accept the Republican nomination in 2013 just two months before the general election.

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We cant have a coronation, Miller said in an Election Day 2013 interview with abc27 News. We need a real election. We got a real election, and I think its gonna go down to the wire.

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Running as a Republican in Harrisburg could be compared to walking on a tight rope; the city last elected a Republican mayor in 1978. But in Millers case, the rope had a lot of slack.

He lost the general election to Papenfuse by 1,290 votes.

2013 Harrisburg Mayoral Election (Choropleth map)

Millers bet that primary votes for candidates other than Papenfuse would transfer into general election votes for himself did not come to fruition. Hes now making the same bet against Williams.

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Thats not to say victory is impossible for Miller. Williams herself lost votes in parts of the city where Miller gained ground, and hes repeatedly attacked her for what he sees as financial failures and mismanaged city funds. Unlike Papenfuse, who billed himself as an outsider, these attacks may stick with voters who are frustrated with vacant lots and little progress on the Broad Street Market.

Miller said his administration would be night and day from a second Williams administration.

Maps show where Wanda Williams lost support in Harrisburg mayor race

Im running because I am a person who likes to solve problems, Miller said in a sit-down interview with abc27 News Alicia Richards ahead of this years election.

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Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Steps of hope echoed through Hazel Ruby McQuain Park Saturday morning as members of the community came together for Morgantowns Out of the Darkness Walk, a suicide prevention fundraiser that aims to break the stigma and bring mental health awareness to light.

Photos placed in memorial of loved ones who have been lost (WBOY Photo)

Volunteer members from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention helped organize the walk, and this one in Morgantown is just one of eleven held in the Mountain State throughout the year, with over 600 taking place nationwide.

Monongalia County unites in pink for annual breast cancer walk

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Participants were given colored beads in honor and memory of those they have lost, and members of the community were asked to step forward and pour commemorative sand into a glass before the start of the event, with each color representing a different relationship to their respective loved ones.

A volunteer hands a participant the commemorative sand to pour in honor of their lost loved ones (WBOY Photo)

Despite the somber subject matter of the walk, the event was designed as a day of celebration and remembrance, and to remind those struggling that they are not alone in their journey.

12 News spoke with the Area Director of the West Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Amanda Farley, on how these walks help break the stigma around mental health awareness.

Suicide is a serious health issue that we need to recognize; its the number two cause of death in West Virginia for those ages 10 to 34, Farley said. West Virginia continues in the top 15 states nationwide in suicide rates, so its really important for people, especially our loss survivors, to be able to come together and connect with people and realize that theyre not alone in their loss.

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Farley says that more than 200 people were in attendance today and that more than $15,000 was raised for the cause.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
(WHTM)  The need for energy has never been higher in Pennsylvania, and there seems to be one culprit: data centers.

In the past 20-30 years, the growth for energy demand has been incremental, said Stephen DeFrank, chair of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which regulates utility providers in the state. The low demand led market signals to close generators, but now they cant open fast enough.

Whats inside Pennsylvanias data centers?

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Simple supply and demand, DeFrank said, means energy prices are spiking. But he warned Pennsylvanians shouldnt be quick to shun new developments in the state.

These are multi-billion dollar facilities, DeFrank said. They are going to go somewhere. If they dont go in Pennsylvania, theyre probably going to go in a neighboring state. So, that excess power that we have here in Pennsylvania, were going to be shipping it out of the state and powering that data center and helping another local tax base.

I think we should bring the local tax base here, DeFrank added.

But what can he do to soothe the shock of rising electric bills?

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Pennsylvania is whats called a restructure state, meaning it has a competitive electric market where homeowners can shop around for rates. PJM Interconnection operates the states grid and gives market signals for whether generation should open or close, not the PUC.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has expressed frustration with PJM over rising electric bills, going as far as to threaten to go in a different direction and leave PJM.

Thats not likely something the governor can do on his own through an executive order, DeFrank said. However, several state legislators have drafted proposals for such a move.

There are actions the PUC can take in its role as a utility regulator.

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[The] state utility commission is the one player in this whole paradigm that stands up for consumers, DeFrank said.

Watch This Week in Pennsylvania to see how the PUC does that, and what its doing to address the approaching energy challenges.

Plus, analysts J.J. Abbott and Christopher Nicholas discuss whether Sen. John Fetterman is still a Democrat. Its a tough question even the senator struggles to answer.

Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the weeks biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The mortuary owned by former Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter has officially relinquished its license to operate as a funeral home and crematory in Colorado after 24 bodies and several containers of bones and probable human tissue were found inside the funeral home in late August.

The license relinquishment of Davis Mortuary, which was owned and operated by Cotter and his brother Chris, has the same effect as a revocation, according to documents obtained by the Chieftain. That means the Cotters and the funeral home have agreed to never apply for any registration or licensure with the Colorado Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services at any point in the future.

Windows and doors have been boarded up at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo.

The relinquishment comes in lieu of a disciplinary hearing, according to the documents.

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A stipulation and final agency order issued by the Colorado Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services alleges Cotter and Davis Mortuary committed several violations of the Colorado Mortuary Science Code.

The alleged violations include:

Engaging in willfully dishonest conduct or committing negligence in the practice of embalming, funeral directing, or providing for final disposition that defrauds or causes injury (or is likely to do so);

Failing to embalm, refrigerate, cremate, bury, or entomb human remains within 24 hours after taking custody of them;

Taking custody of more human remains than the funeral establishment had the capacity to refrigerate and maintaining custody of human remains for more than 24 hours;

Engaging in willfully dishonest conduct or committing negligence in the practice of cremation or providing for final disposition that defrauds or causes injury (or is likely to do so).

Although Cotter agreed to relinquish his registrations, the documents state Cotter is continuing to deny the allegations.

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A criminal investigation continues in the case, headed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Cotter and the funeral home became the subjects of the CBI criminal probe after a routine Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) inspection on Aug. 20 revealed several bodies in various stages of decomposition being improperly stored in a concealed room of Davis Mortuary.

Cotter allegedly told the DORA inspectors that the bodies were awaiting cremation and that some of them had been in the concealed room for about 15 years. He also allegedly stated that some of the decedents families may have been given fake cremains. DORA then issued a summary suspension for Davis Mortuary on Aug. 21.

Six of the 24 bodies so far have been identified  all of which came to the mortuary between 2010 and 2012, according to CBI.

DA Kala Beauvais speaks at a press conference on Oct. 1, 2025.

In a press conference on Oct. 1, 10th Judicial District Attorney Kala Beauvais said that charges are still likely months away due to the nature of the investigation and the constraints of the law.

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"I understand that the community wants legal action now, we are being as transparent as possible when we tell you this complex investigation and identification process means we are likely months away from reaching a state where charges can be filed. It's not possible to predict an exact timeline at this point."

Beauvais assured the community that the DA's Office, in partnership with CBI and local law enforcement, is committed to building the strongest case possible and filing all appropriate charges once the investigation is complete.

Chieftain Reporter Justin Reutter can be reached at jreutterma@gannett.com or on X at @jayreutter1. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Former coroner Brian Cotter's Davis Mortuary relinquishes license
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are investigating after a man was killed in a stabbing on Benning Road in Northeast late Thursday.

Just minutes after 11 p.m. on Oct. 16, officers responded to the 1600 block of Benning Road for a reported fight. There, police found Timothy Sistrunk, 51, of no fixed address, with stab wounds.

Sistrunk was pronounced dead at the scene, according to D.C. police.

Man dies at hospital after being shot in DC

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As the investigation continues, investigators urge anyone with information to call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the departments TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Karachi [Pakistan], October 19 (ANI) Amid an escalating health emergency in Sindh, discrepancies between official dengue data and figures from major hospitals have raised serious questions over Pakistan's handling of disease surveillance, while the provincial health department reported only 819 dengue cases this year, data collected from three leading Karachi hospitals and a public-sector lab in Hyderabad point to more than 12,000 infections within just six weeks suggesting an outbreak far beyond official acknowledgment, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, government records list just one dengue-related fatality since July. Yet, some independent medical sources stated that six deaths, four in Hyderabad and two in Karachi, were linked to the mosquito-borne disease. Despite mounting concerns, authorities have remained tight-lipped, with senior Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) members openly doubting the accuracy of government statistics. The data from Indus Hospital, Liaquat National Hospital, and the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital reveal nearly 3,000 confirmed dengue cases between September 1 and October 16 alone. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre recorded another 1,062 instances since July, while Aga Khan University Hospital also reported an unprecedented surge. In Hyderabad, the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences reported 9,075 cases within a similar period, Dawn reported. Health experts attribute the crisis to poor sanitation, stagnant rainwater, and a lack of fumigation. PMA-Sindh President Dr Bashir Ahmed Khaskheli criticised the authorities for failing to engage private clinics and local practitioners in data collection, calling official reports "a misleading reflection of the ground situation." The crisis is not limited to dengue alone. Official figures claim 215,270 malaria cases across Sindh this year, but private hospitals indicate far higher numbers. Doctors warn that malaria appeared nearly a month earlier than usual, worsening the public health outlook, as cited by Dawn. Although Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho claimed that intensified fumigation drives and monitoring efforts are underway, experts argue that Pakistan's neglected sewerage and drainage infrastructure continue to breed mosquitoes. The widening data mismatch highlights deep institutional dysfunction in Pakistan's health response, where denial and inefficiency have allowed preventable diseases to spiral out of control, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)
Delawares deer are on the move and drivers are urged to be on high alert.

As white-tailed deer enter peak mating season, bucks are chasing does across highways and backroads, increasing the risk of collisions. With daylight fading earlier each evening, state officials warn that the coming weeks are among the most dangerous for deer-related crashes. They provided tips on how to stay safe.

According to Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls Division of Fish and Wildlife, an average white-tailed deer weighs around 140 pounds. Colliding with an animal of that size is roughly equivalent to hitting a washing machine. These impacts can total vehicles, cause serious injuries and endanger other motorists.

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Deer rut, or mating season, runs from about mid to late October through late November and into December. State officials say collisions are already happening and want drivers to develop habits now to be better prepared when deer activity surges.

As the deer breeding season gets going, the number of crashes with deer likely will rise. Crashes with deer can be deadly, for man and beast.

Tips to avoid hitting deer

Data from the Office of Highway Safety shows that most deer-vehicle collisions occur during the early morning and evening hours, particularly between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and again between 5 p.m. and midnight.

So far in 2025, Delaware has more than 923 deer-related crashes. From 2020 to 2024, nearly half of all such incidents happened between October and December. Last year, Delaware State Police investigated 1,993 animal-related collisions, and 94% involved deer. Of those, more than 900 crashes happened during deer mating season.

MORE FROM THIS REPORTER: How one Blue Envelope can aid understanding between Delaware police and disabled drivers

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Authorities are offering several tips to help drivers stay safe during this active time of year:

Reduce speed at night, on curves and in bad weather.

Use high beams when possible to spot deer eyes along the roadside.

Heed Deer Crossing signs and slow down in those areas.

Expect company: if one deer runs out, others are usually close behind.

Hit your horn with a long blast if deer are near the road. Dont rely on deer whistles or reflectors, which have not been proven effective.

Never swerve to avoid a deer. Brake firmly and stay in your lane to prevent hitting another vehicle or object.

If you hit a deer, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 if there are any injuries. Avoid touching the animal, as injured deer can be unpredictable and dangerous.

For more roadway safety information, visit www.arrivealivede.com. To learn more about Delawares white-tailed deer population, go to de.gov/deer

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To share your community news and activities with our audience, join Delaware Voices Uplifted on Facebook. Nonprofits, community groups and service providers are welcome to submit their information to be added to our Community Resources Map. Contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware officials urge drivers to be alert during deer mating season
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Library of Michigan has awarded the Delta Township District Library with the 2025 State Librarian`s Excellence Award.

State Librarian Randy Riley will present the award, which includes $3,000 in privately donated funds, on October 29 at the Michigan Library Association Awards event in Lansing.

All Michigan libraries do amazing work on a daily basis. Our communities are better informed and stronger because of this work, Riley said in a news release sent to 6 News. Singling out the successes of just a few for the State Librarian`s Excellence Award program is extremely difficult.

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The Michigan Department of Education reports that the selection committee was made up of public, school, academic, and special library representatives, who evaluated libraries staff service and programs to determine the winner.

What a great honor for the staff of the Delta Township District Library to receive this award for excellence from State Librarian Randy Riley and the Library of Michigan Foundation, Mary Rzepczynski, director of Delta Township District Library, said in a news release sent to 6 News.

The Ecorse Public Library in Wayne County and Waldron District Library in Hillsdale County are this years co-winners of the Citations of Excellence Award and will each receive $1,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
In 2013, at just this time of year, the government shut down for 17 days. At the time, it was one of the longest shutdowns. Then, as now, it hinged on the Affordable Care Act, which was slated to come online on Oct. 1. House Republicans, under the influence of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and many conservative outside groups, were determined to stop it. Since funding for the ACA was not a discretionary budget item, it would not be affected, but that didnt stop Republicans from refusing to pass a budget that didnt defund  or, at the very least, delay  the new program.

The GOP eventually caved, and in the end, the media scored it as a Democratic win since they not only succeeded in raising the debt ceiling but also staved off the assault on their signature health care legislation. Still, there is no evidence that any of it made much difference politically. In the 2014 midterms, the GOP picked up nine Senate seats and 14 House seats.

During this shutdown, the media inexplicably felt the need to ask reality star and New York real estate developer Donald Trump what he thought. In an appearance on the Today Show, he said, If there is a shutdown, I think it would be a tremendously negative mark on the president of the United States. Hes the one that has to get people together. Asked what he would do in such a situation, Trump said, I would get everybody together and wed have a budget. When the host pointed out that Democrats and Republicans had all gotten together to no avail, Trump replied, Well, thats because they dont have the right leader. You dont have the right leader.

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Trump also called in to Fox and Friends and was asked, Whos getting fired, whos going to bear the brunt of the responsibility if indeed there is a shutdown of our government? He once again took the opportunity to blame Obama. It always has to be the top. I mean, problems start from the top and they have to get solved from the top. And the presidents the leader and hes got to get everybody in a room and hes got to lead. And he doesnt do that. He doesnt like doing that. Thats not his strength.

Five years later, the shoe was on the other foot. In late 2018, Trump was the president and presided over the longest government shutdown in history. Over the course of 35 days, he refused to sign any bill that didnt include funding for his border wall, and Democrats were having none of it. On January 25, after short staffing at the Federal Aviation Administration forced many flight cancellations, Congress passed a funding bill with a veto-proof majority, essentially forcing Trump to sign it. He then declared a national emergency, allowing him to pilfer some military appropriations to build his wall. (Sound familiar?) For all his big talk, Trump handled his shutdown worse than any president before him.

Today hes presiding over yet another standoff, and according to a recent AP-NORC poll, a majority of Americans are laying the blame at the feet of Trump and the GOP. Six in 10 Americans say the president and congressional Republicans bear a great deal or quite a bit of responsibility; 54% blame congressional Democrats. Other polls have produced similar findings. The public isnt thrilled with any of them at the moment.

For all his blather about Obamas lack of leadership, Trump is completely checked out of this shutdown. The administrations work in brokering a ceasefire and pending peace deal in Gaza has blown up his ego to even more gargantuan proportions, and it appears he just cant be bothered. He is on a massive sugar high right now, standing astride the world like a colossus and taking credit for every positive thing thats happened around the globe in the last nine months while treating Americas allies and enemies alike as his puppets. Trump has claimed hes ended eight wars, so many he cant even remember the names of the countries involved.

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On Thursday he made a new claim. Ive made deals, I know about deals, I do it well, he said during a press availability in the Oval Office. I dont think any president has ever ended a deal and Ive done eight Did Bush ever end, do you think Biden ever ended, no  Biden started wars because he was stupid I ended eight and its going to be nine.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

The presidents peacemaking prowess is apparently due in part to his willingness to murder civilians, which he persists in doing in the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. And just yesterday, on receiving word that the fragile peace in Gaza is seeing Hamas commit executions against opposition Palestinians, he appeared to indicate he had given his approval  until someone likely reminded him that hes supposed to be enforcing a peace deal. So he posted his own threat on Truth Social: If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

After all of Trumps bragging in years past about how a president must lead and strutting around like hes emperor of the world these last few months, he doesnt seem to realize that his lackadaisical attitude about the shutdown is not a good look  and his own supporters appear to be taking note.

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Sophia Cole is a Trump voter from St. Louis who participated in the AP-NORC poll, and she placed equal blame for the shutdown on Trump and Congress. The 38-year-old mother said Republicans and Democrats should be able to find a compromise to open the government. But she believes it is ultimately the Republican presidents responsibility to broker a deal. Were dependent on him to get the House and everyone to vote the way that he needs them to vote, Cole said.

Its easy to see why she might be a bit confused. Trump, after all, has conjured an image of himself as not just a dealmaker, but a strong, decisive leader who brings everyone into the room and cracks their heads together until they do what he tells them to do. He supposedly brought Hamas to its knees and wrestled all of Europe to the ground  and now he cant get Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to bend the knee? Whats going on here?

As the shutdown drags on, its possible this realization may percolate up to the MAGA faithful. Everyones starting to feel the effects of this shutdown and theyre logically going to start wondering why Daddy Trump can end eight wars around the world but he cant seem to end a mere congressional standoff. Something doesnt add up, and even his own people could begin to wonder why he isnt using his magical prowess to provide for their needs and wants. What happened to America First? they might well ask.



If for no other reason, Democrats need to hang tough. The shutdown is exposing the fact that Trump is anything but the strongman he portrays himself to be. Instead, the feeble man behind the curtain is really just a sad, bent, braggart who spends most of his time redecorating the White House and fantasizing that hes been anointed king of the world. Every day the Democrats hold their ground, Trump looks weaker and weaker.

The post Democrats are finally exposing Donald Trumps weakness appeared first on Salon.com.
WASHINGTON  Thousands gathered in the nations capital on Saturday, rallying and repeating one refrain: No kings.

They joined thousands of other gatherings around the country organized by Democratic groups and activists to protest President Donald Trump and his administration with a second round of No Kings rallies following an initial nationwide day of protest in June.

While many protesters spoke to NBC News about their dissatisfaction with Trump, a plethora of left-leaning and liberal protesters also made one more thing clear: Theyre not happy with their Democratic leaders, either.

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I dont have a lot of faith in the Democrats right now, Alex, a construction worker who traveled to Washington from northern Virginia on Saturday and declined to provide his last name, told NBC News. They dont have  they dont seem to have a lot of spine or a single message. Theyre just too disorganized to put up a good fight against this bulls---.

It pains me to say it, but Trumps goons are f-----g organized compared to the Dems right now, he added.

Clark Furey and his dog Scooby. (Alexandra Marquez / NBC News)

Clark Furey, 40, who lives in Washington, called on elected Democrats to throw some more elbows.

Were just taking it on the chin, and were not speaking out, he told NBC News while attending the rally with his dog, Scooby. You know, I think we need to throw some more elbows. Unfortunately, the high road doesnt work.

Jenny Wang, left. (Alexandra Marquez / NBC News)

Jenny Wang, 35, who lives in Washington and attended the rally, used two words to describe how she feels about the Democratic Party at the moment: disappointed and underwhelmed.

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Many of these rank-and-file Democrats arent alone.

Since Democrats lost the White House and the Senate in 2024 and failed to flip the House, approval ratings of the party have dipped to their lowest levels in decades.

Scott, 45, who lives in Washington and attended Saturdays rally but didnt want to share his last name, said he felt that Democrats were almost as bad as Republicans.

By and large, the Democratic Party is also bought by corporate interests, and they fail to stand up for the average working people, he told NBC News.

He pointed to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and their ongoing hesitance to endorse New York Citys Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Scott also pointed to Schumers decision to support Maines Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, 77, for Senate over military veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner in the primary there.

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You can see it in their lack of interest in the leadership endorsing Mamdani in New York City. You can see it with them trying to get an almost octogenarian [in the] race in Maine to undercut progressives, he said.

Amanda Nataro, 41, at the No Kings protest in Washington, D.C. (Alexandra Marquez / NBC News)

Amanda Nataro, 41, who lives in Washington and lost her government job earlier this year when the Trump administration made deep cuts to USAID, said she perceived Democrats to be too scared about losing their elections to stand up to Republicans.

Democrats pushed back against the Trump administrations attempts to slash funding for USAID, which Congress appropriated last year, before the Supreme Court in September allowed the Trump administration to go through with $4 billion worth of cuts.

I think all of them should be at home in their states at these No Kings protests letting people know that they stand with democracy. I think a lot of them are worried about holding on to their seats in purple states and their seats being flipped, and theyre missing an opportunity right here to show what democracy looks like, to speak out, Nataro told NBC News at the rally. I think they showed a little bit of backbone with the shutdown. But we could have done this in March. We let this go on for way too long before taking a stand.

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Many elected Democrats did attend No Kings protests on Saturday. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., spoke to rallygoers in Boston. Schumer joined protesters in New York. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spoke to demonstrators in Chicago. Sen. Andy Kim and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor in New Jersey, addressed people attending a No Kings protest alongside Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin in Montclair, New Jersey.

Despite their anger at Democrats, many demonstrators in Washington joined Nataro in acknowledging that the elected leaders within their own party have taken recent steps to fight back.

Many praised Democrats in Congress for their opposition to a Republican-backed stopgap funding measure that would have kept the government open.

The federal government has now been shuttered for more than two weeks, with Democrats saying theyll vote alongside Republicans to fund it if GOP leaders agree to extend health care subsidies in the Affordable Care Act that are set to expire at the end of this year.

Anita, left, Lydia, second from left, and Lydia's daughters. (Alexandra Marquez / NBC News)

Im happy that theyre kind of holding their ground finally, Lydia, 44, who traveled to the rally from Springfield, Virginia, with her daughters, told NBC News.

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I know the shutdown sucks, especially, like, my brother is not working right now. But, I mean, its very effective, Lydia, who didnt share her last name with NBC News, added. Its a very important thing. I know I cant afford higher health care [costs] and I dont make a small amount of money.

Laurel Beedon, left. (Alexandra Marquez / NBC News)

Laurel Beedon, 79, who lives in northern Virginia and attended the rally with a friend, acknowledged that Democrats in Congress cant take a lot of action while in the minority, but applauded their efforts to lower health care costs.

Theyre doing what they can against a unthinking, enabling Republican majority, she said. I do applaud them around health care.

Many rallygoers also saw another glimmer of hope for Democrats in a new generation of leaders and activists.

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In response to questions from NBC News about whose work they are satisfied with in their party, demonstrators repeatedly threw out the names of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Chris Murphy, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost, Mamdani and Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow.

Lets get rid of a lot of the old guard and bring in some fresh blood, Wang said. We have too many octogenarians and septuagenarians in Congress.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A few thousand protesters demonstrated against the administration of President Donald Trump on Saturday during one of several Michigan-based "No Kings" rallies, which were held simultaneously nationwide. Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo By Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

As the administration of President Donald Trump continues to usher in anti-democratic policies, turns federal agents against migrants and begins a crackdown on any resistance against his administration and its policies, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Saturday across Michigan to join in the nationwide No Kings rallies.

More than 100 communities from southeast Michigan to the westernmost part of the U.P. joined in the show of might to advocate for civil rights, democracy and the rule of law. The protests were expected to attract millions of people nationwide to speak out against the Trump administration since he took office this year for a second term.

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At Michigans Capitol building in Lansing, the show of resistance was palpable.

For over an hour before the official start to the event, people gathered on the Capitol lawn. Several demonstrators greeted their friends and family with hugs while taking pictures with rally signs. Over that hour, the size of the protest grew from a small crowd to a group that nearly reached the edges of the front lawn.

Many protestors waved upside-down American flags throughout the crowd, traditionally a signal of distress. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

Like other protests against the administration documented earlier this month, many wore costumes, which ranged from various inflatable animal suits to robes from The Handmaids Tale. Security for the protest was pronounced, with several Michigan Department of State Police troopers in tactical gear and road patrol uniforms on the lookout for threats.

As the crowd grew, cars and trucks driving by honked in support throughout the event. Some waved flags, held up signs or played loud music, and most were met with cheers and applause from demonstrators along North Capitol Avenue.

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Just before a series of speakers began, various songs of resistance played over the loud speakers, including Holiday by Green Day, which was met with cheers from the crowd.

Several signs identified demonstrators as veterans, teachers and union members. Some protestors spoke of their concerns about Trumps narratives on free speech, including his claim that he has ended free speech over flag burning, and some expressed worries about detentions and deportations by ICE.

Others, especially older protestors, spoke about their fears for the future for younger generations  wanting their children and grandchildren to live in a country where they were free to protest.

We must commit ourselves, each and every one of you, all the way back to the streets to never, ever [give up], Lansing-based community activist Lorenzo Lopez said in one of several addresses at the event. We have to continue to resist, and we must never, ever let this country become a dictatorship.

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Speaking directly to the administrations use of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to terrorize the immigrant community and enact its sweeping mass deportation policies, Lopez said it amounted to human trafficking.

My fellow Americans, the mass deportations are not deportations at all, he said. When people are [detained] without due process, thats called kidnapping. When they are sent to another country against their will, thats human trafficking.

Lansing community activist Lorenzo Lopez speaks to the thousands of protesters gathered at the Michigan Capitol on Saturday for one of several Michigan-based No Kings rallies, which were held simultaneously nationwide. Oct. 18., 2025. | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

Throughout the speeches, chants of Release the files and Lock him up permeated the crowd, especially in reference to Trumps felony convictions in early 2024.

The rally started at 3 p.m. and was scheduled to run until 6 p.m. However, impending poor weather and gloomy skies ended the event early. As one organizer put it in a final speech, those who have been paying attention to the excesses of the Trump administration and its authoritarian tendencies have heard all the complaints before.

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Now, however, was a time for action. As the crowd moved away from the Capitol lawn, thousands marched east down Michigan Avenue. They continued to chant, saying: Donald Trump has got to go.

Cars and trucks driving through downtown Lansing continued to honk in support of the demonstrators who took to marching, a line of people that stretched across the bridge into the citys Stadium District and beyond.

State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) attended the rally in their district. They said it was a clear sign of solidarity and community building, and was bigger than the first No Kings rally held in June. With the Trump administrations actions veering further into autocratic territory, the representative was also reflective on the moment, and the fight to retain the core tenets of the nations democratic values.

If this isnt a statement as to what we should do next, it is a statement that we have a community and we have resistance that is ready to push back, Dievendorf said. This rally was remarkable, in part, because the average person has reason to be afraid and to feel there might be consequences for dissenting right now. And yet we showed up anyway. I think that were starting to understand that silence is not going to get us out of this. The only way to fight fascism and to get our democracy back to a stable place is for us to have a united front in favor of rule of law and the Constitution.

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There were very few agitators or those launching counterprotests at the Lansing event, which ran counter to a warning from a GOP official who on Thursday claimed there would be problems from left-wing trouble makers at the event. At least one report of a counterprotester showed a peace keeping unit ushering him out of the crowd with little resistance otherwise.

On Thursday, Oakland County GOP Chair Vance Patrick warned in a bizarre statement issued in a vague email that left-wing agitators were planning to infiltrate and derail Saturdays protests in Michigan. He specifically called out the Democratic Socialists of America.

The political party was indeed there at the Lansing rally, one of several political party vendors at the event, simply talking to voters about the issues of the day.

A number of political groups and campaigns, including the Democratic Socialists of America, set up tents and tables around the outskirts of the protest at the Michigan State Capitol. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

Among them was Sam Nelson, co-chair of the Greater Lansing DSA. Nelson said the event was certainly about mobilization, but it wasnt a strike or a show of civil disobedience.

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Its about putting out the calls. Everyone can come out and stand with hundreds of thousands, even millions, across the country, Nelson said. Yes, this is a rally, and rallies are about as peaceful as you can get when it comes to political demonstration.

Instead of drumming chaos that didnt exist, Nelson posited that the GOP in Michigan should look inward and denounce the young Republican group chats that were recently unveiled in news reports, which showed young party organizers shared slurs and violent political rhetoric.

Then they can talk about peaceful discourse, Nelson said.

Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor and beyond

Rallies in other parts of the state also saw large crowds with thousands willing to exercise their rights to free speech while those rights still remain intact.

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Among the larger No Kings rallies was at Roosevelt Park in southwest Detroit, where thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds began arriving just before 3 p.m., holding up signs in Spanish and English as they stepped out of their cars or buses, including America has no kings, or No National Guard in Detroit.

The people united will never be defeated, were one of the main chants heard around the crowd.

Demonstrators march down Michigan Avenue in Detroit after holding a No Kings rally at Roosevelt Park. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), who is running for the U.S. Senate next year, applauded the courage of the protesters and told the Advance she hoped that more protests like this one will continue

It is encouraging, I know protesting might be intimidating, but it is a good way to stand up and fight back. We have an opportunity to stay together and raise our voices against Donald Trump and his administration, McMorrow said.

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After rallying at the park, demonstrators then peacefully marched down Michigan Avenue, although there was at least one arrest when a counter-protestor and supporter of President Trump, Andre Williams, 24, was taken into custody by Detroit Police after he followed No Kings marchers and reportedly began to scuffle with demonstrators and force his way into the crowd before being handcuffed and placed in a squad car.

Andre Williams, 24, a counter-protester and supporter of President Trump is taken into custody by Detroit Police after he followed No Kings marchers in Detroit from their rally site at Roosevelt Park to Downtown Detroit. He reportedly began to scuffle with demonstrators and force his way into the crowd before being handcuffed and placed in a squad car. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance

At the Ann Arbor demonstration earlier Saturday, resident Angela Williams, 91, sat among the several hundred demonstrators at Veterans Park and told the Advance that while she had lived through many turbulent times, this felt different.

I have feared for our democracy before, but Ive always felt that the three branches of government were independent. And now Im very disturbed by the lack of independence, Williams said.

Ann Arbor resident Angela Williams, 91, at the No Kings rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

In Flint, among the several thousand demonstrators who turned out to the citys No Kings rally was former U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint), who told the Advance the crowd itself stood as a rejection of the characterization from Trump and his administration that participants were violent extremists.

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This is dissent. This is a group of people who are just everyday citizens. Ive run into people that I went to elementary school with, not people that Ive met along the path of political activism that has defined my work until now, but people that I havent seen for years, neighbors, old friends. These are citizens.

Michigan Advance Editor-in-Chief Jon King and Freelance Reporter Erick Diaz Veliz contributed to this story.

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Demonstrators at the No Kings rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

Ann Arbor resident Angela Williams, 91, at the No Kings rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

A demonstrator at the No Kings rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

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One of the flags at the No Kings rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

Demonstrators at the No Kings rally in Flint, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

Former U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) was among those attending the No Kings rally in Flint, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

Demonstrators at the No Kings rally in Flint, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

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Demonstrators at the No Kings rally in Flint, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

Demonstrators at the No Kings rally in Flint, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance

Demonstrators march down Michigan Avenue in Detroit after holding a No Kings rally at Roosevelt Park. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

Demonstrators at a No Kings rally at Roosevelt Park in Detroit. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

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Aerial view of demonstrators at a No Kings rally at Roosevelt Park in Detroit. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

Andre Williams, 24, a counter-protester and supporter of President Trump, tries to force his way into the crowd of No Kings marchers in Downtown Detroit. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance

Andre Williams, 24, a counter-protester and supporter of President Trump is taken into custody by Detroit Police after he followed No Kings marchers in Detroit from their rally site at Roosevelt Park to Downtown Detroit. He reportedly began to scuffle with demonstrators and force his way into the crowd before being handcuffed and placed in a squad car. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance

Andre Williams, 24, a counter-protester and supporter of President Trump is taken into custody by Detroit Police after he followed No Kings marchers in Detroit from their rally site at Roosevelt Park to Downtown Detroit. He reportedly began to scuffle with demonstrators and force his way into the crowd before being handcuffed and placed in a squad car. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance

Andre Williams, 24, (with back to camera) a counter-protester and supporter of President Trump, tries to force his way into the crowd of No Kings marchers in Downtown Detroit. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance

Andre Williams, 24, a counter-protester and supporter of President Trump, tries to force his way into the crowd of No Kings marchers in Downtown Detroit. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz/Michigan Advance

Demonstrators at a No Kings rally in Detroit's Roosevelt Park. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

Demonstrators at a No Kings rally in Detroit's Roosevelt Park. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

Demonstrators at a No Kings rally in Detroit's Roosevelt Park. Oct. 18, 2025 | Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

A few thousand protesters demonstrated against the administration of President Donald Trump on Saturday during one of several Michigan-based "No Kings" rallies, which were held simultaneously nationwide. Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo By Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

One of several thousand protesters who attended against Saturday's "No Kings" rally in opposition to the administration of President Donald Trump on Saturday. The logo represents the Social Democratic Party of Germany, which was one of the few groups that stood up to the Nazi Party as it galvanized power in 1932. Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo By Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

Michigan Congressional District 7 candidate Elyon Badger promotes his campaign while also demonstrating the actions of the Trump administration at Saturday's "No Kings" rally in Lansing, Michigan. Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

Lansing community activist Lorenzo Lopez speaks to the thousands of protesters gathered at the Michigan Capitol on Saturday for one of several Michigan-based "No Kings" rallies, which were held simultaneously nationwide. Oct. 18., 2025. | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

A few thousand protesters demonstrated against the administration of President Donald Trump on Saturday during one of several Michigan-based "No Kings" rallies, which were held simultaneously nationwide. Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo By Ben Solis/Michigan Advance

Under a League of Women Voters sign, a long line of people march down a sidewalk across a bridge.

Marching protestors spanned the length of Michigan Ave. in Lansing after the speakers at the Capitol finished. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

Demonstrators gather to listen to speakers at the No Kings protest in Lansing on the lawn of the State Capitol building. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

A man holds a sign with a crown crossed out that reads 'No! No! Never!!'

A protester holds a sign as a part of the Lansing, Mich. No Kings Day rally. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

A woman holds an upside down American flag that reads 'SOS' in front of the Michigan State Capitol.

Many protestors waved upside-down American flags throughout the crowd, traditionally a signal of distress. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.

State police stand alongside the street on the outskirts of the protest.

State police monitored the protest throughout. | Oct. 18. Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.
We are writing in support of voting yes to the bond that will be on the ballot on Nov. 4 for voters to support Des Moines Public Schools.

The two of us and other signers to this essay are all proud parents of students who currently attend Hubbell and Perkins elementaries, which are part of DMPS. We realize DMPS has been in the news a lot the past few weeks. However, DMPS is more than just one person. DMPS consists of 30,000 students and 5,000 staff members and is an important part of our community. We are asking voters who live in the DMPS district to approve the $265 million, 20-year general obligation bond by marking yes on their ballot this fall. The bond will support many aspects of DMPSs Reimagining Education plan and will benefit DMPS and our community for years to come.

The Reimagining Education plan was developed collaboratively over many months, with multiple opportunities for engagement and input including from community members. The plan is focused on preparing all students for successful futures from preschool to graduation, boosting enrollment, improving student outcomes, making needed upgrades to buildings and technology, and expanding programs. Key initiatives in the bond proposal include signature schools and career training, an enhanced Diploma+ program, expanded preschool access, middle school transformation and improved facilities.

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More: An enthusiastic, 'tell your friends' yes to Des Moines Public Schools' bond plan | Opinion

If the bond does not pass, it will not be status quo for our schools. There will be additional school building closures, layoffs that increase class sizes, and cuts to programming that will hurt students. Our district has not asked our community for a general bond since 1989, 36 years ago. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen DMPS.

Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy and is foundational to our society. Everyone in our community benefits from strong public schools. Even if you do not have children, or if your children do not attend DMPS, you still benefit from having a better educated population. Public schools are places where all kids can see they are part of a community that values them and cares for them.

The bond, if passed, would cost roughly $188 a year in additional property taxes over the next 20 years for the owner of a home was valued at $200,000. This is a chance to collectively invest in our children, our communities, and our city.

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Another view: Tom Ahart guest column: What makes Des Moines Public Schools stand out

DMPS is Iowa's largest school district. DMPS, as a public school district, welcomes all students, of all incomes, of any disability status, and from any background. Our schools are incredibly diverse: Our multilingual kids speak over 100 languages, and 75% of our DMPS students qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school. However, like all public schools, DMPS is currently facing challenges, including a lack of adequate investment in our public schools from the state. We can provide local funding with this bond, just as Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Southeast Polk are also asking local voters to support school bonds for their districts this fall.

We know how great DMPS is already because we see how dedicated and incredible the DMPS teachers and staff are every day. We are grateful for the investments generations before us made in DMPS to build and maintain our beautiful, historic schools. We also know that we need to invest to keep them updated. Iowans have a long history of pride in our public schools.

Marie Gernes

On March 1, 1924, the Des Moines Tribunepublished an editorial celebrating the dedication of the new Roosevelt High, one of the first schools in the country to cost over a million dollars. The Tribune's editors wrote, "We built what would have been called a palace in earlier times, and because we call it a school building, we take it as a matter of course, without stopping to consider why we take school buildings so much as a matter of course.  What contribution has America made to the world so important as the free public school?" A century later, we have an opportunity to keep that contribution going.

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We encourage you to check out yesfordsm.com for more information about the benefits of the bond. You can also learn more about the plan on DMPSs website at reimagine.dmschools.org.

If you arent sure if you live within the DMPS district, you can check out this map: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/7831/download?inline.

Please help us invest in children and in our public schools. We hope all Des Moines voters will join us in voting yes for the bond on Nov. 4.

Katie Mary Jones

Marie Gernes is a mother of two Hubbell Elementary students, a Des Moines Public Schools neighbor, and a DMPS alum. She can be reached at mgernes@gmail.com. Katie Mary Jones is a mother of one current Hubbell Elementary student and a 4-year-old, an alum of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and a volunteer at DMPS. She can be reached at katherinemaryjones@gmail.com.

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This essay is also signed by Lindsey Batz, the Rev. Robyn Bles, Maryanna Bryant, Stacey Cochetas, Katy Kiick Condon, Stephanie Cooper, Erin Cusack, Taylor Ducharme-Jones, Johanna Dunlevy, Nathan Esteras, Amber Graeber, Maia Fiala Jessen, Amy Garza, Marie Gernes, Emily Jepson, London Jepson, Katie Mary Jones, Katie Michelle Jones, Patty Jones, Kerry Jordan, Ginger Laidlaw, Natalie Lancial, Lauren Martin, Adam McDermott, Melissa Mickael, Nickole Miller, Julie Montgomery, Colin Nelson, Kelsey Nelson, Jennifer Nessa, Erica Nichols Cook, Jesse Richardson-Jones, Spencer Richardson-Jones, Leah Ruopp, Kyle Ruopp, Shoshana Salowitz, Brianne Sasek, Natalie Schafbuch, Meredith Smith, Mazie Stilwell, Chandler Surrency, Erik Weber.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Vote yes on the bond to strengthen Des Moines Public Schools | Opinion
As Hamas tightens control over Gaza through executions and torture, the US has warned the group against violating the ceasefire deal and targeting civilians.

Hamas's brutality in Gaza has been growing since it emerged from the tunnels on October 13 and began handing over hostages to Israel. The US is beginning to warn Hamas about its behavior. As part of the deal agreed to in Egypt on October 8, Hamas is supposed to be handing over all the deceased hostages as well.

Hamas is slow-playing this, taking its time as it claims to search for bodies. At the same time, it has increased its brutal attacks on Gazans.

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On October 18, the US State Department put out a statement that the United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

The US says that this planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts. The guarantors demand that Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms. 

It is not entirely how the State Department is defining what an attack may constitute. Hamas has already been executing people, and videos show them torturing and abusing people. Hamas has also been calling people in for interrogations.

Hamas members stand at the funeral of Marwan Issa, a senior Hamas deputy military commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, February 7, 2025. (credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)

Fatah has condemned the Hamas abuses, the Palestinian political party that leads the Palestinian Authority in Gaza. The US has said that should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.

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The United States and the other guarantors remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians, maintaining calm on the ground, and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole.

The American statement appears aimed at deterring further Hamas atrocities. This is a warning shot across the bow of the re-emerging Hamas leadership in Gaza. Hamas is supposed to be disarming, but it has instead appeared to be re-militarizing Gaza. This illustrates how Gaza is at a crossroads at the moment. When Hamas emerged from the tunnels on October 13, it was clear that the clock was ticking on whether Hamas would be able to re-establish its rule.

Some reports have emerged about clans and militias that oppose Hamas. Several militias are reportedly backed by Israel. However, in the fifty percent of Gaza that is controlled by Hamas, any dissidents appear to have already been murdered. Hamas has begun a reign of terror so that people will be afraid to oppose its return to power.

The goal of Hamas is to present the international community with a fait accompli so that it doesnt have to be replaced by an Egyptian-backed Palestinian security force. Israel, meanwhile, opposes reopening the Rafah crossing until the hostage bodies are returned. Israels officials also oppose having the Palestinian Authority run Gaza.

Hamas is more disarmed in the West Bank than in Gaza

The Palestinian Authority has generally kept Hamas threats in the West Bank in check. Hamas is more disarmed in the West Bank than in Gaza. However, Israels officials dont see the PA as the solution, even though Fatah opposes Hamas and doesnt want it running Gaza. This, along with the continued closure of Rafah, means there is a power vacuum in Gaza. Hamas is returning to the vacuum.

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The US has sought to remain focused on Hamas. However, in the first days after October 13, there did not seem to be an attempt to deter Hamas from attacks, or find a way to send into Gaza some kind of initial force that would prevent Hamas' return. Nevertheless, the wheels are in motion.

US Central Command flew personnel into Israel who are apparently linked to monitoring the October 8 deal. Reports over the weekend noted that US envoy Steve Witkoff was supposed to return to the Middle East this week in order to make sure the Trump-backed deal was proceeding. In addition, US Vice President JD Vance is expected in Israel this week.

Each day that goes by without the Gaza deal moving forward means Hamas continues to cement itself in power. By October 20, this will have been a week in which Hamas has returned to try to run half of Gaza. Israel is warning Hamas to disarm and wants to see parts of the October 8 deal come to fruition.

However, it is not clear how much Israels ruling coalition is actually sold on the deal. For instance, reconstruction and having countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar playing a major role in Gaza, even sending their own personnel, may not be something Jerusalem wants to see.

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Instead, the continued brutality of Hamas and the slow return of hostages may work in Hamass favor, as it slowly consolidates power behind the scenes.

Hamas does not seem to be taking the US statement seriously. It is also not taking Fatah condemnations seriously. Hamas continues to behave in the same arrogant way it has for years.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons $16.6 billion 2026 budget proposal won early praise from progressives and disdain from business interests when he unveiled it last week.

While he framed his pitch as the city withstanding the financial impact of President Donald Trumps term while avoiding hits to middle-class taxpayers, it pushes off more lasting fiscal reforms that could save future taxpayers money, budget watchdogs say.

Though its likely to go through several tweaks in the weeks to come as Johnson runs a gantlet of aldermanic counter-proposals, heres a look at his budget by the numbers.

New or improved taxes, hits to others

Johnson wants to close a significant part of citys $1.19 billion 2026 deficit with revenue enhancements.

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The largest is a 3 percentage point increase to the citys existing tax on cloud-based computer services. Though the mayor framed the tax as one on big tech, the tax isnt due by the companies themselves.

Itll get passed along to every small business that uses cloud computing, that uses offsite data servers, all the streaming stuff, said Justin Marlowe, director of the Center for Municipal Finance at the University of Chicago. I think a lot of this framing will be cut through pretty quickly.

In all, the city is counting on $1.1 billion in personal property lease transaction taxes with the increase. Thats up from a little over $800 million this year.

Its a more sustainable solution than many alternatives, Marlowe said, and is ahead of the curve compared to many other cities that havent caught up with charges on digital services.

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The mayors proposed $21-per-employee head tax, which Johnsons team estimates would bring in $100 million next year, might be less sustainable, Marlowe warned, since companies can encourage workers to spend more time working from home or move them to suburban offices.

Johnson plans to dedicate that money to a community safety fund, including about $54 million to youth employment and intervention programs; $3.6 million to wellness programs for police officers; and $35 million to violence reduction, street outreach and grants to outside organizations. Another $6 million would go to victim support and just under $1 million would help staff the mayors office of community safety.

Johnsons planned social media tax  charging 50 cents a month to Facebook, X and other platforms for each active user in Chicago over 100,000  was met with some fears about whether it would withstand an almost certain legal challenge by the countrys top tech firms. It would be charged as an amusement tax, and bring the citys total amusement tax revenues up to $303 million next year.

Johnsons plan to increase certain ride-share charges would start in April, adding a second congestion zone where riders will have to pay more while also charging a rate based on distance instead of a flat fee. City ride-share charges have helped boost the citys ground transportation tax revenues from $17 million in 2015 to $230 million this year.

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There are other one-time revenues in the budget  including rejiggering the citys properties by canceling unnecessary leases. The city expects to raise $31.7 million more from the sale or lease of city-owned land, driven by higher anticipated revenues from the Citys advertising contract, according to the citys budget overview.

Another big TIF surplus, pension advance retreat

Johnson has already joined predecessors Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot in balancing city budgets by sweeping money out of special taxing districts, so-called TIF surpluses.

But this year, Johnsons sweep is unique in its scope: He plans to tap roughly a third of the total balance left in all of the citys TIF accounts at the end of 2024.

That is a revenue source that will always be there, but very, very unlikely to be there with the size of the numbers that theyve been able to depend on over the last several cycles, Marlowe warned.

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The move throws a key lifeline to both the city and Chicago Public Schools, yielding an estimated $232.6 million for the city next year. CPS would bring in about $522 million. The Chicago Public Library would receive an additional $19 million.

Johnsons TIF proposal was applauded by both the Chicago Teachers Union and many progressive aldermen keen to see what have long been considered City Hall slush funds be put to better use.

But other aldermen fretted Wednesday about the fate of certain projects in their wards that count on TIF money. Even Budget Chairman Jason Ervin, who generally supported Johnsons budget plan, said he was worried the city would miss out on opportunities to grow its tax base by using the property tax money in TIF districts to spur development as the program originally envisioned.

When I think about the Midwest TIF on the West Side of Chicago, when I think about some of the things that weve done in the Northwest TIF, to have to delay those types of things for other communities that are not putting in their total share, in my opinion, is having the residents of the South and West sides ultimately have to bail out CPS when other communities are not having to pay that burden, he said.

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Jill Jaworski, the citys chief financial officer, said officials had done an extensive vetting of TIF projects on the docket and removed ones that have not moved forward, that do not appear to be moving forward. We did not remove any active projects, all the projects that are in engineering, in construction that are actively moving forward all remain in the TIF.

That means major housing projects downtown being funded by the massive LaSalle Central district are untouched.

Johnsons decision to pull back on the citys planned extra payments to its pension funds also drew some rebukes from organized labor and watchdogs. The city had originally planned to put a combined $260 million extra into the citys four funds, but instead proposed $120 million. The total pension payment is a budgeted $2.76 billion  a whopping figure, but lower than last years $2.9 billion payment.

Skipping it now is especially troubling, the Civic Committees Mary Wagoner said, because of the new burden of a recent bill granting more benefits to certain police and firefighter retirees, which adds about $11 billion to the funds liabilities.

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The payments mattered before  because they kept the funds from going underwater  but they really matter now, Wagoner said.

The Johnson administration hoped by now that revenues from the city casino would help fill the gap, but the Ballys in River North is only projected to generate about $45 million for pension payments, according to the citys budget overview.

City budgets for fewer employees overall, but more in Department of Environment

Budget officials say the current hiring freeze will stay in place next year, another one-time fix that is expected to save about $50 million. In all, the citys budgeted headcount dipped slightly from 36,206 to 35,760. The biggest decreases were in grant and federal pandemic dollar positions, hitting the Department of Public Health hardest.

The Department of Environment was one of few departments to see a major boost. It gained 65 FTEs, or full time equivalents, in Johnsons proposal. Restored under Johnson, the department is slated to take over environmental regulations and permitting across the city.

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The Police Department, the citys biggest, saw its FTE count decrease only slightly, from 13,807 to 13,793.

There are 282 fewer budgeted FTEs at CDPH compared with last year, according to the citys budget overview, bringing the budgeted number to 764. Thats in large part because pandemic-related funding across all departments dropped from $666 million to $164 million in 2026, according to the citys budget overview.

The Department of Housing is also seeing its so-called housing entitlement funding that built up during the pandemic dwindle by $32 million, but its budgeted headcount is roughly the same as last year.

Anders Lindall, spokesman for AFSCME, which represents thousands of city workers, foreshadowed the difficulty Johnson will face with his overall plan, saying the union was grateful the mayor didnt cut pay or city services, but we cant forget that more than 70 layoffs have already been announced in the city public health department alone due to loss of federal grants.

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This proposal doesnt include the revenue needed to prevent those layoffs and the erosion of the services those employees provide, such as epidemiologists who protect city residents from disease outbreaks and staff who vaccinate kids in schools, Lindall said. Well be asking alders to revisit that.

_____
Former Congressman George Santos said he was degraded and dehumanized by prison wardens in his first public statement since President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.

The disgraced former New York Congressman had served just 84 days of his seven-year sentence when the president announced Friday he had commuted his sentence, which was handed down in April after the 37-year-old pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft stemming from several schemes to deceive donors and steal identities to fund his campaign.

In his first public comments since leaving New Jerseys FCI Fairton, Santos posted on X that he holds no anger toward anyone  but then bashed two prison wardens by name: No one should ever be dehumanized or degraded like I was by the FCI Fairton Warden Kelly and Assistant Warden Nobile.

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The Independent has asked the prison for comment.

Its not immediately clear what Santos was referring to, but he told CNNs State of the Union Sunday morning that he had been placed in segregated isolation after 41 days for [absolutely] no valid reason other than a retaliatory warden. His lawyer told the New York Post Saturday that his client was decompressing from a traumatic experience behind bars.

George Santos said he was dehumanized by prison wardens in his first statement after Trump commuted his seven-year sentence (REUTERS)

Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023, said he plans to dedicate his focus to prison reform and accountability, ensuring that those in power uphold the dignity and humanity of every person in their care. These efforts were inspired by President Trumps work toward peace in the Middle East, he added.

Hes re-entering the world beyond prison walls as a new man, Santos said. I do not carry shame, I carry purpose. My goal now is to turn my past into something meaningful, to help create a justice system that truly believes in rehabilitation and second chances, he wrote.

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In the lengthy social media post, he thanked his friends, family, and the president.

He spoke with Trump on Saturday, he said.

The ex-Republican Congressman reflected on that conversation with CNNs Dana Bash Sunday morning.

The president was very kind, and it was a humble experience to have the privilege of speaking to the sitting president of the United States, he said, noting that where I come from thats not just something that happensits not normal.

Bash then quipped: Its also not normal for a president to commute the sentence of somebody like you, who pled guilty to the crimes that you did.

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Santos said he learned his sentence was being commuted by watching prison TV.

I wasnt even aware until I learned it off the chyron of mainstream media inside the prison myself, he said. He was in the other room when the news popped up on TV and other inmates called him over to the see it, he said.

I called my family, and they told me it had happened. I was not aware. It was a surprise, he told Bash.

The president announced he had commuted the former congressmans sentence on Friday. George Santos was somewhat of a rogue, but there are many rogues throughout our Country that arent forced to serve seven years in prison, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The court had ordered Santos to serve 87 months in prison and to pay $370,000 in restitution to his victims. However, Santos is no longer required to pay any further fines, restitution, probation or other conditions, according to a copy of the grant of clemency posted by U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  Across Connecticut, there are people living in fear of their intimate partner, and there have been several cases of domestic violence this year. Dennis House talks with Mary-Jane Foster of Interval House, a domestic violence intervention and prevention service, on This Week in Connecticut.

If you need help call 24-Hour Hotline: 860-838-8467 English | 844-831-9200 Spanish

Watch above.

THIS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi on Sunday extended Diwali wishes for India and said that the Embassy of Japan hosted a special celebratory Diwali lunch party Ono also shared visuals of the celebration. In a post on X, Ono said, "The Embassy of Japan in India held a wonderful Diwali lunch party to celebrate the Festival of Lights. We extend warm wishes to everyone for a joyful and prosperous Diwali. May the light of Diwali bring hope, and positivity to all." https://x.com/JapanAmbIndia/status/1979584270575562779 Earlier on Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the entire city will celebrate the festival of Diwali together and hoped that this festival would bring a smile to the faces of the people of Delhi. Speaking to reporters during the celebrations of Deepotsav at Kartavya Path, the Delhi CM said, "Diwali is not just a festival but a symbol of devotion for us. Lord Ram returning to his home and the triumph of good over evil continues to inspire us. The entire city of Delhi will celebrate the festival of Diwali together. Lakhs of diyas are lit at the Kartavya Path...We hope that the festival of Diwali will bring a smile on the faces of the people of Delhi." The Delhi government organised a "Deepotsav" programme at Kartavya Path for the common public on Saturday on the occasion of Dhanteras. The event featured the lighting of 1.51 lakh diyas, accompanied by Ram Katha, a drone show, and various cultural performances. The Kartavya Path was illuminated with diyas and a drone show on the occasion. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known as the "festival of lights," it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali also marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. During the festival, homes are cleaned and illuminated with oil lamps and lights. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Families exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes, and burst firecrackers as part of the celebrations. (ANI)
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Over the weekend, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center hosted an event to celebrate a major milestone.

The center not only held its annual fall festival but also celebrated their 30th anniversary. The event was packed with family-friendly activities, delicious treats, and hands-on experiences for the kiddos; such as pumpkin painting, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Were just excited to be able to share this with the community and for the community to come out here and celebrate with us, said Mariah Myers with the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. It means a lot. So, were very happy with the people that have been out here today. A good crowd. Theres lots going on I know around in Siouxland, so its nice that people are able to come out here.

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The event went until 3 p.m., concluding with a live bald eagle presentation.

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DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  Honks of support and approval, those were the sounds outside of the Houston County Courthouse Saturday as Dothans second No Kings protest took place.

Organizors say close to 300 people partook in the peaceful protest, aimed to push against President Donald Trump and his administration. Protestors gathered in front of the Houston County courthouse Saturday morning. The demonstration continued well into the afternoon.

A multitude of the protestors were seen holding signs with slogans like No Kings, Honk for Democracy, and Liberty and Justice For All.

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There were also several people dressed in inflatable costumes, and one man was singing parodies of popular songs.

Among those protesting on Saturday was Michael Mullen, who gave WDHN insight into the protest from the eyes of a participant.

People that are here for all sorts of reasons. There are people that are concerned about whats happening in our healthcare systems, people that are concerned about all the people that have been laid off from their jobs, theyre concerned about their insurance, theyre concerned about public lands, said Mullen.

Mullen shared his agreement with the crowds concerns, as well as his own.

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All of em. I think the main one is legal violations, said Mullen. The disaster that is happening in this country, basically, Trump and Steven Millers disaster.

This protest was one of fifteen planned to take place across the state, and among the thousands around the country.

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, called the No Kings protest the Hate America Rally in the weeks leading up to the demonstrations.

While some may feel nervous to take part in protests, Mullen, who said he has attended several himself, stressed that there is no need to feel afraid.

I think probably the most important thing, Ive heard it from people out here, Im not alone. A lot of people, especially in this part of the country in the south, theyre afraid to get out and protest. Theyre afraid to express themselves.

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The American Federation of Government Employees said the protest movement has taken on new urgency thanks to the government shutdown.

The first No Kings protest held back in June garnered around 5 million people nationwide, and this weekends protests were anticipated to be even more packed across the country.

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A woman was killed and 13 others injured when a car drove into a birthday party tent filled with children Saturday in Bladensburg, Maryland.

Criminal charges are pending against a 66-year-old Washington, DC, man who initially fled the scene on foot but later turned himself in, the Bladensburg Police Department said Sunday in a news release.

The woman who died has been identified as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, of Washington.

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Jocelyn Route, a former Prince Georges County school board member and Bladensburg council member who lives down the street, told CNN affiliate WUSA she heard the crash from her bedroom.

I was awakened by big booms  There were ambulances all around, there was a car that was actually in the yard, there was screaming, Route told WUSA. By the time I got down here, the emergency personnel were trying to resuscitate a woman who was pinned underneath a car.

Route said she saw five children who appeared to be badly injured and another three who were able to walk to ambulances. She added neighbors told her a car had been driving erratically through the neighborhood before the crash.

A video posted on X shows police and firefighters at the scene early Sunday morning, where a tent believed to have been used for the birthday celebration was torn open and partially collapsed.

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The victims, including six adults and eight children ranging from 1-17 years old, were taken to hospitals, Bladensburg police said. One of the children remains in the hospital in stable condition.

Three of the adult victims remain hospitalized in stable condition, one is awaiting treatment and another has been released, police said.

CNNs Karina Tsui contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Editors Note: The article has been updated to accurately reflect the location.

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo.  An Aurora man was sentenced to a decade in prison for his role in a 2023 DWI-related crash that killed another driver.

According to court records, Jarod Lueders was sentenced Friday, Oct. 17, after being charged in July 2023, with driving while intoxicated resulting in death, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, and failure to wear a seat belt.

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Investigators say that on July 6, 2023, Lueders was driving east on U.S. 60 near Lawrence 1160 in Verona, when his Ford Pickup crossed the centerline and struck another pickup head-on. The other driver, Mance Wilkerson, 82, died from his injuries on July 9.

A probable cause statement said Lueders was arrested on July 6, 2023, for DWI after a preliminary breath test indicated a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of 0.08%. He was also cited for careless driving and not wearing a seat belt.

Lueders suffered serious injuries, including a suspected broken hip, and was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital Springfield. Authorities said they detected a strong odor of alcohol and that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy with slurred speech. Lueders admitted to drinking, but said he did not remember taking the breath test or being told he was under arrest.

An hour after his first BAC, another breath test showed Lueders blood alcohol content was above the legal limit, according to investigators. He later consented to a chemical blood test after being read his Miranda rights, which he said he understood.

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Lueders will serve his sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

FOUR STATES CRIME

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Oct. 19Dan Casey saw the bird first, shimmering against the distant horizon like a desert mirage. From his perch, about two miles away, it was little more than a flicker of motion sketched across a cerulean sky. That was all he needed.

"It's a sharp-shinned hawk," he barked after a perfunctory glance through his binoculars.

Gathered behind Casey, a handful of birders squinted into their own specs.

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"It's just a speck," huffed one. "How can you tell?"

"The way it flaps," deadpanned Casey. "The fact that I've probably seen 10,000 of them from this spot."

That may not be an exaggeration. For the past 18 autumns, the 70-year-old retired ornithologist has made weekly pilgrimages to the same spot on a ridgeline high above the Jewel Basin. On an average visit, he might spend upwards of six hours nestled in the krummholz and bear grass, recording the age and species of each raptor that flies by, bound for warmer overwintering grounds in the southern United States or Central America.

It's a tedious job, but invaluable in researchers' attempts to better understand how native populations of eagles, hawks, falcons, kestrels and harriers are faring.

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As a child, he recalled visiting hawk watch sites along the East Coast. Perched on mountaintops in key migratory corridors, biologists and citizen scientists would spend the fall recording daily counts of more than a dozen species of hawks, eagles, falcons and other raptors.

Decades later, Casey hatched the idea for a similar site after spotting a few raptors on a hike in the Jewel Basin. On reflection, Casey realized that he and his wife nearly always encountered some sort of hawk, eagle or falcon on their autumn hiking excursions.

He hypothesized the peaks in the Swan Range formed a sort of atmospheric freeway for raptors migrating south for the winter from Canada and Alaska. The steep slopes and deep valleys sculpt air currents into a series of updrafts and thermals that large birds can easily soar on  minimal flapping required. The birds likely also use the ridgeline as a navigational tool to help keep them on their migratory path south.

In 2007, Casey started experimenting with different ridgelines around the Jewel Basin, searching for the perfect location to stage the hawk watch. On his first visit to the chosen site, about a half mile north on the ridgeline from Mount Aneas, Casey counted 160 raptors in the span of four hours. He recalled turning to his wife, who had accompanied him on the trip, and exclaiming, "Oh, this is probably going to work!"

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Flathead Audubon started conducting regular migration surveys in the Jewel Basin the next year. Beginning in late August, at least one volunteer ascends the mountain each day to count migrating raptors. The tallies are automatically uploaded to an online database called HawkCount, which houses data from more than 300 hawk watches across North America.

"Data from one site is not that meaningful," explained Casey.

Inclement weather or poor visibility can easily skew a daily count, making day-to-day trends difficult to discern. Combining data from multiple sites and years mitigates those factors and helps bring long-term patterns into focus. The more data that is gathered, the better chance scientists have of seeing issues as they arise.

"Sometimes, you don't even know the questions you need to answer," said Casey.

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He pointed to golden eagles as one example. Data collected from hawk watches across the western United States points to widespread population declines, possibly as a result of habitat loss and conflict with humans. In the mid-1990s, biologists recorded about 2,000 golden eagles on fall migrations past Mount Brown in Glacier National Park. Counts from the past four years have averaged about 1,500 golden eagles.

Casey has spotted his fair share of eagles in the Jewel Basin, but he said the most frequent flyers are sharp-shinned hawks. When migration peaks in late September, more than 100 "sharpies" might whiz by the ridgeline in a single day.

Though slight in stature, sharp-shinned hawks, like many raptors, are notoriously territorial. Casey uses a decoy great-horned owl to lure passing birds closer to the ridgeline, where he can get a better look at their markings and size.

Over the course of 18 years, Casey and the other volunteers at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch have counted and identified more than 50,000 individual raptors. The current record for a daily count, set on Sept. 21, 2020, included 595 birds from 12 different species, including sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, golden eagles, northern harriers and American kestrels.

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In the future, Casey said he would like to expand the efforts in the Jewel Basin to include banding for some key species. Researchers can use the numbered bands, which are attached to a bird's leg, to track the movement, reproductive success and survival rate of individual birds.

This year, though, Casey let the birds come to him.

Reclined in his camp chair on a sunlit section of the ridgeline, he watched the steady approach of the sharp-shinned hawk. From a bare pencil-line sketch, the bird grew a head and wings and then feathers. Then, for seemingly no reason, the hawk dipped to the left. It careened into the neighboring valley, out of sight.

"Oh, come one and quit farting around so I can count you already," Casey mumbled, binoculars still pressed firmly into his eye sockets.

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He lowered them just in time to see the hawk pop over the ridgeline, a few feet away. Rocketing up from the valley, speckled belly on full display, the bird angled itself toward the plastic owl decoy. A crash seemed inevitable, but, at the last moment, the hawk tipped its wings and juked upwards.

Another recalibration set the raptor back on course, toward the southern horizon. It disappeared the same way it emerged, a flash of auburn melting into distant blues.

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].

A sharp-shinned hawk flies high above the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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Dan Casey, with the Flathead Audubon Society, scans the skies and ridgetops around the Picnic Lakes monitoring raptor migration at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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A mountain goat explores around the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch site on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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A yellow-rumped warbler sings on a branch at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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Dan Casey, right, and Denny Olson, with the Flathead Audubon Society, scan the skies and ridgetops monitoring raptor migration at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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A hawk perches on a distant tree as members of the Flathead Audubon Society monitor raptor migration at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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A sharp-shinned hawk flies high above the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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A Clark's nutcracker perches on lichen-covered tree below the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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Denny Olson, with the Flathead Audubon Society, scans the skies and ridgetops monitoring raptor migration at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

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A ruffed grouse walks across the trail near the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch on Tuesday, Sept. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)

Casey Kreider
Northwest suburban homeowners could soon be asked to shoulder another massive property tax hike.

High School District 214 has begun gauging public support for roughly $850 million in renovations planned across seven facilities, including six high schools.

You read that correctly. Within sight of a billion dollars. These arent new schools. Theyre renovations.

Sure, government construction is expensive. This is Illinois, after all. But to show the scale of this proposal, its worth noting that 311 S. Wacker Drive, one of Chicagos tallest skyscrapers, sold for $45 million earlier this year.

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And its also worth noting that the district is weighing this property tax hike as the Chicago Bears  whose proposed Arlington Heights stadium site falls partly within District 214  are demanding property tax certainty.

An $850 million ask is a jaw-dropping figure for anyone who owns a home in District 214 suburbs, which include all or part of Arlington Heights, Wheeling, Elk Grove Village, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect and Rolling Meadows. Many folks have come to view this part of Cook County as one of the last affordable places to buy if you want to live and work in or near the city, but rising property taxes are crushing that reputation.

No question that Prospect High School and John Hersey High School are likely in need of some love  thats normal and to be expected. But taxpayers in this district are wondering why these projects are so expensive.

The district paints a picture of decrepit, crumbling schools that cannot keep students safe, warm and dry.

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So, then, we have to ask  where has all of that property tax money been going?

Theres some sort of disconnect here between the exorbitant bills local folks are paying and the conditions of their schools. District 214 is projected to end the 2025-2026 school year with approximately $170 million in reserves  about 47% of its annual budget, according to a district spokesperson. The district says it needs to keep sizable reserves to guard against late property tax payments from Cook County (which are indeed a thing) and to avoid costly short-term borrowing. A cushion is prudent. But thats half a years budget sitting in the bank. If health and safety issues truly exist, it would make sense to tap these funds now.

We find this argument, included in a district presentation, particularly unconvincing:

Many of our standard classrooms look the same as they looked 30 years ago, with rows of archaic desks, old carpets and lights and dreary paint.

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This is also the case in many of the homes paying District 214s bills. Wed all love to invest in a facelift, but if you pump folks for more of their hard-earned money, nobody can afford it. Not when the facelift is $850 million.

Another presentation notes that our youngest building is 52 years old, with our oldest built in 1957. OK, but many of the homes in the district are the same age, and with responsible maintenance theyre still standing just fine.

Remember, this potential tax hike is coming on the heels of some truly painful property tax increases for schools in contiguous districts, the full reality of which has not yet been realized.

For example, Mount Prospect School District 57 approved last year an $85 million referendum that is expected to increase the annual property tax by approximately $714 per year for a homeowner with a modest $375,000 home value. Many family homes in that area are worth well over that value, and so the tax hike will be even higher. This money will go primarily toward a new building for a middle school that currently has about 750 students enrolled. District 57 will also get full-day kindergarten as part of the deal.

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Many Mount Prospect homeowners are already paying well over $10,000 in property taxes for a house. Now they could be facing hundreds or even thousands more.

We fear this once relatively affordable part of the burbs is quickly barreling toward becoming another unaffordable place to live, icing out lower- and middle-class families whove traditionally flocked there for good education and safe neighborhoods.

District 214 should read the room. Were in an uncertain economy, property taxes continue to skyrocket, and people are worried about affording the basics.

Were sympathetic to the desire to give kids good educational facilities, which is one of the things that draws families to the suburbs in the first place. We respect that District 214 hasnt gone to a referendum in over 50 years.

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But that restraint doesnt excuse this excessive level of an ask.

If districts keep chasing bigger and costlier projects, the families who built these communities wont be able to stay, and many prospective families wont be able to move to these communities, either.

Even the Chicago Bears are asking for a break from punishing property taxes. Homeowners deserve the same consideration.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
The discourse surrounding American policy and culture often focuses on the destruction, real or imagined, of norms that previous generations took for granted. These lamentations are applied to a host of issues from immigration and trade policy to artificial intelligence and marriage rates. But rarely is the discussion of norms applied to what can now be safely characterized as a long-term collapse in school attendance.

School shutdowns prompted by COVID-19  which were prolonged in blue states such as Connecticut, representing a divergence from the consensus in red states and many other advanced countries, where schools reopened in the early months of the pandemic  sent a clear message to many families: School just isn't that important. As the Center for Juvenile Justice put it last year, shutdowns and virtual-learning arrangements led to a culture in which "both children and parents started seeing school as more optional."

This holds true in Connecticut, which, as Hearst Connecticut Media reported Oct. 15, is failing to fully rebound to pre-COVID attendance figures.

"Like schools nationwide, those in Connecticut have been dealing with steep chronic absenteeism rates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent state data shows that while those rates are improving, they're still not at pre-pandemic levels," Hearst CT noted, adding that 17.2% of Connecticut students were chronically absent in the 2024-25 school year, which means they missed at least 10% of school days.

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Additionally, Hearst CT noted that "students from low-income backgrounds and English language learners are the most over-represented among chronically absent students, as they are 1.6 times as likely as their peers to miss 10% or more of the school year," according to a report by EdTrust. In other words, the students who most need to attend are the ones least likely to do so.

This change in attitude couldn't have come at a worse time. For generations, schools have adopted policies of social promotion  pushing kids along from grade to grade regardless of academic competence. An educational culture that has all but done away with the idea of refusing to withhold diplomas from the worst-performing students is not equipped to deal with students who barely bother to attend. Graduating students who struggle with basic literacy and numeracy is destructive enough, but one has to wonder how many students in post-2020 America have graduated high school without even internalizing the value of showing up. For those graduates, even the most menial jobs will pose a serious challenge.

Ironically, the people responsible for undermining American public education are the ones who most loudly and ostentatiously claim to be its stewards. As schools in Republican-controlled states had reopened and even blue-state parents pushed for their schools to do the same, the Chicago Teachers Union infamously claimed "the push to reopen schools is rooted in sexism, racism and misogyny." But the desperate and often politicized attempts to keep schools closed existed in Connecticut, too. Teachers across the state  ostensibly criticizing the details of the state's reopening protocols, but, in practice, demanding guidelines that would make in-person learning effectively impossible  held "car-caravan" rallies with dramatic slogans such as "6 feet apart or 6 feet under." (Anthony Fauci, who headed the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the pandemic, would later admit to Congress that the 6-foot rule "wasn't based on data.")

At the national level, Joe Biden promised to swiftly reopen schools if elected president  a promise he broke after his officials met with American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, an advocate of slow-walking a nationwide public-school reopening.

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It will take many years to get anything approximating a true measurement of the generational damage done by the top-down signaling that school just wasn't that important. But we do know that five years later, Connecticut is still struggling to bring roughly 85,000 students back into the classroom on a consistent basis. It's safe to assume that it's only a matter of time before many of these students become unproductive adults for whom taxpayers are on the hook.

This article originally published at Editorial: Chronic absenteeism predictably lingers.
What counts as savings and efficiencies in Mayor Brandon Johnsons government?

In the 2026 budget the mayor presented last week, the two biggest items in that category were a $118 million reduction in how much the city planned to contribute to its woefully underfunded pension plans and a cap on how much overtime the Chicago Police Department could accrue.

Thats akin to an individual or household saying theyre tightening their belts by paying the minimum on their credit cards.

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Needless to say, no reasonable person would count that step as tantamount to cutting spending, and the Johnson administration proposes precious little in the way of cost-cutting in a $16.6 billion budget that on paper plugs a 2026 budget deficit estimated at $1.2 billion.

Of course, theres a vast array of new and increased taxes on local businesses, which we discussed on Friday. Many of them are massively counterproductive to achieving what the city of Chicago ultimately must have to balance its budgets structurally in the future  economic and population growth. The Johnson administrations refusal to pursue anything other than minimal actions on the cost side of its ledger while continuing to pile costs on businesses  including an absurd proposal to tax those employing 100 or more $21 a month for each person theyre putting to work in the city  is like a blaring siren warning investors to steer clear of Chicago if they want to start or grow an enterprise.

So that means the City Council will demand more cost reductions and fewer tax increases before the city finalizes its 2026 budget, right?

Not so fast, we hear. While there surely will be efforts to trim those tax hikes, were not hearing the same rumblings of intense aldermanic revolt that upended Johnsons budget last year.

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This is worrying news to our ears. Very worrying news.

Other blue cities have shown how to get to a balanced solution to budget crunches.

What weve seen elsewhere are mayors putting pressure on public-sector unions to make concessions in order to help plug those deficits. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass initially budgeted for 1,600 layoffs of city workers to balance a budget that was $1 billion short (sound familiar?) and in June signed a final budget that included about 600 layoffs. But in the intervening months, she negotiated with unions and won concessions including furlough days with one unionized group and the conversion of overtime pay for police into paid time off to stave off the remaining layoffs.

In San Francisco, Mayor Daniel Lurie proposed to lay off 100 workers and eliminate 1,300 unfilled positions. The final budget includes 40 layoffs along with the erasure of the unfilled jobs while adding to public-safety budgets in response to San Franciscans backlash against more progressive approaches of the past.

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There are others. But what they all have in common is a mayor willing to advocate for taxpayers and make it clear to public-sector unions that they will have to share with everyone else in the pain of budget balancing.

Needless to say, we dont have one of those mayors in Chicago.

And so public-sector unions took the initiative a little over two weeks ago. We are told they warned aldermen, in a series of meetings led by the Chicago Federation of Labor, not to attempt to force concessions from the city workforce in the budget negotiations if they value their political futures.

Those sessions, we are told, were effective in cowing many aldermen who will be the deciding votes on Johnsons budget from backing even threats of furloughs or layoffs  the only kind of positioning that will force organized labor to the table.

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And there are substantial cost savings short of pink slips that could help the situation. In a wide-ranging report on ways the city could tackle its budget mess, for example, Ernst & Young identified between $80 million and $103 million in savings that could be achieved by renegotiating health benefits for city workers that are considerably more generous than what their peers in other cities get.

Simply requiring that workers match the employee contributions other cities ask of their workers for preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance options would save $23 million, Ernst & Young found. Consider this: 77% of the city of Chicagos more than 30,000 workers enroll in more generous PPO plans rather than cheaper HMO plans, according to the consultant. In the private sector, the percentage of workers in PPO plans is slightly less than half. With city workers asked to contribute so little out of pocket to those PPO plans, its no wonder.

Thats just one example, but as we hear it, the unions wont entertain even that sort of discussion.

The upshot is that this budget cycle isnt shaping up as a replay of last years, where Johnson lost total control of the council and even some of his progressive allies abandoned him and refused to hike property taxes at all. The progressive caucus is unified this year, and the ardent opponents of this budget dont form a majority.

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So business community, if you are reading us, this is a dire moment.

Deals and investments that have been in the works in parts of the city still attractive to business are teetering, we hear. Capital is fleeing, one alderman tells us.

Its a time now for high-profile corporate leaders to make clear to the mayor and council members what the stakes are. That could well mean that some household names threaten to close Chicago offices or reduce their city workforces. If thats something these corporate leaders are contemplating behind closed doors  and weve little doubt it is  nows the time to make those plans public.

We realize that business leaders typically arent comfortable with such heavy-handed tactics in dealing with local politicians and prefer to leave the lobbying and messaging to the civic organizations and trade groups that ordinarily represent them.

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But, as that alderman said, Theyre in a fight for everything. What do they have to lose?

The city that works, or once worked, has plenty to lose if this budget passes as is. Powerful unions appear to have aldermen cowered. Time for leading Chicagoans to stand up for our shared future and make some noise.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
When someone writes the political history of Florida in the early 2020s, they will have to answer one burning question: What was it about drag queens that made politicians lose their ever-loving minds?

The reality, of course, is that drag queens pose absolutely no threat to Floridians safety, health or wellbeing, and elected officials know that. Floridas leaders dont castigate cross-dressing performances because they are afraid of corsets, fishnets and feather boas.

Scott Maxwell: They stood up to Floridas war on speech and drag and won

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They do it to distract attention from actions that they know will otherwise be deeply unpopular.

The latest ridiculousness comes courtesy of the Volusia County Council, which earlier this month killed an entire cultural-grant funding program because of  well, you know.

At least, that was the pretense.

At issue: A $611,000 pool of grant funding that the council established decades ago  back when county leaders understood the economic and community-building benefits of arts and cultural programs. Every year, a volunteer committee reviews and ranks applications from area museums, theaters, historical societies and other community organizations.

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This year, the committee recommended funding 33 requests, including art camps, history walks, art festivals and other activities. Specific requests included the DeLand Naval Air Station Museums Memorial Day event; a performance of Handels Messiah by the Daytona Beach Choral Society; an Emancipation Day exhibit at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach and art festivals that draw tens of thousands of people to Volusia County each year.

You might be wondering where the drag queens are in that list. The answer is nowhere. None of the programs the county was being asked to fund had anything close to a whiff of scandal.

Naughty by association

That didnt stop Councilman Danny Robins, who must have thought he struck pay dirt when he found a few drag-related events to holler about. At the councils Oct. 10 meeting, right before the cultural grants were set for approval as part of the consent agenda, he asked that the grants be pulled for separate discussion.

Robins led off by exhibiting a web page touting an upcoming showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at DeLands Athens Theater, along with two drag pageants that had rented the Athens and the Shoestring Theater in Lake Helen.

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We hope you didnt miss the word rented. Many Volusia cultural institutions will lease their premises to outside groups, and thats what was happening here. After all, they want to follow a request made a few years back by the County Council to become more self-sustaining.

The annual showing of Rocky Horror predates that request, however. Its become a Halloween tradition in DeLand and always draws a crowd.

Maybe the 50-year-old cult classic still sends Robins clutching for his pearls.But its not as if innocent children will be viewing the tale of a newly engaged couple that takes shelter from a rainstorm, only to be corrupted by intergalactic transvestites. Nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to attend drag performances. It might not be family friendly, as Robins kept muttering, but it didnt have to be.

More importantly, this wasnt the Athens Theater presenting the movie and drag events. Rocky Horror was sponsored by DeLand Pride, which rented the theater. The county grant the Athens was requesting was unrelated, meant to buy equipment to assist people with hearing and visual impairments. The Shoestring had requested money for a season of wholesome plays includingFiddler on the Roof and The Lion In Winter.

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Robins eventually brought his comments  larded with pronouncements of how much he loved the arts  to a fumbling close. Its important to keep protecting the true arts and culture, which is some of the lifeblood of Volusia County, he said But like many of you I stand on principle. That principle being, apparently, no programs with even the slightest whisper of a connection to drag queens.

An arts-aimed massacre

Volusia Countys large, politically active arts community had sensed that the council was about to go off the rails, and turned out in force, pleading with the council to rethink the dumb thing they were about to do. Community activist Julia Davidson Truilo, who coordinated the effort to persuade the council, talked about how important it was for parents to have access to cultural activities close to home, and reminded the council that every tax dollar spent on arts generates $2 in revenue. Volusia County has long been a place where culture has played a very important part in the community, she said  which is, if anything, an understatement.

After public testimony concluded, Brower revealed the end game. He wanted to strip away funding for arts programs altogether, he said  claiming that sidewalks and roads were a more pressing priority, as if the county couldnt find room for both in its $1.4 billion budget. He then suggested that Volusia County replace that money by forming an organization similar to the Orlando-based United Arts of Central Florida. Does he not understand that Orange County and the City of Orlando also contribute significant public money to the arts?

They do it for many reasons. Of course, they want to educate residents and inspire them. But they also understand what an economic boost from cultural programs looks like. Exhibit A: Saturdays Come Out With Pride festival, which claims to be the biggest single-day event in Central Florida. Pride regularly draws hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Orlando, and is expected to contribute upwards of $20 million in economic benefit. The Pride parade was well-populated with smiling elected officials waving from the back seats of convertibles, some decked out in rainbow regalia.

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They understand that acceptance can win votes.

None of this inconvenient reality would have made a dent in Browers intentions. Instead of an up-or-down vote on the 2025 grant-funding list, he pressed the council to permanently end the program. Councilman Jake Johansson tried to broker a compromise that would bump the Athens and Shoestring grants off the 2025 list, and bring the fate of the program itself back for full discussion. Brower shut that down.

Only one council member was willing to fight to the end: Matt Reinhart, who cast the lone no vote. Just like that, a 37-year-old commitment was severed.

Put it back

Over the past few weeks, the council has had its collective ears blown back by the outpouring of sorrow and fury, and we suspect many of those protests came from people who have stroked four-figure checks to council members campaign funds. But one response stands out: A letter signed by 19 former council members, urging the current gang to come to its senses. The names include staunch, small-government conservatives such as former County Chair Ed Kelly and Councilwoman Deb Denys and liberals that include Frank Bruno, the councils first elected chair, and the still-popular former Councilwoman Pat Northey. Clay Henderson, who served two stints on the council, laughingly noted that no other issue would have united this particular group so thoroughly.

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But this is no laughing matter. Volusia County should not abandon its decades-long commitment to arts and cultural programs on Browers whim. The council meets again Tuesday, and has a chance to reverse course  which should be made easier by the drag-queen-spooked contingent by the fact that both the Athens and Shoestring theaters have withdrawn their applications for county operating funding.

This should be an easy decision for the council: Repent, restore the funding, and make time to visit some of the programs the county funds. Theyll quickly see the value to Volusia Countys culture and community.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Executive Editor Roger Simmons and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com.
India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations shared on the occasion of the recently concluded International Day of Rural Women how the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Fund has positively impacted the lives of rural women in Fiji through skill training. India's permanent mission to the United Nations reshared the post by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) on how the IBSA fund initiative in Fiji, "empowered 1,530 rural women through skills training and the production of 1,580 clean cookstoves." The Indian Mission underscored, 'IBSA Fund is brightening the livelihoods of women in rural areas in Fiji. " https://x.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1979241694965985292 The India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA Fund) provides support to women in areas spanning health, education and livelihoods, the official website of UNOSSC said. "The IBSA Fund is a remarkable initiative sponsored by three Southern, democratic, multi-ethnic countries that pioneered South-South cooperation with the United Nations system. Operational since 2016, IBSA Fund projects are concrete expressions of solidarity contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in other developing countries", it said. A notable component of the IBSA Fund's portfolio is the contribution to the Sustainable Development Goal on Gender Equality. F The project of empowering rural women in Fiji via upscaling rocket stove project, which was implemented by the UNDP empowered 1,530 women from 56 rural communities with new skills and opportunities for improved livelihoods through the training and production of 1,580 rocket stoves, UNOSSC highlighted. It further noted how South-South cooperation that focuses on empowering women, and mainstreaming gender into activities across all SDGs - be it in agriculture, technology, financial inclusion, health or others - is instrumental at contributing to long-lasting benefits for those furthest behind. Earlier this year during the visit of the Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to India in August, during the meeting with PM Modi, the leaders had reaffirmed continued strengthening of South-South cooperation as a necessary step in effectively addressing contemporary global challenges and agreed to work together on issues of common concern to the Global South, including enhanced, equitable representation in institutions of global governance, the Ministry of External Affairs had noted in a statement. (ANI)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The Ohio Attorney Generals Office has secured seven indictments throughout the state against Medicaid providers, including several from central Ohio, who are accused of fraud.

According to a news release, seven people and one business are alleged to have submitted false claims with respect to made-up services. The cases include two people who billed for in-home services when clients were in jail, a home-health aide who engaged in a kickback scheme and a provider who admitted to submitting a claim in her husbands name.

Judge grants preliminary injunction in lawsuit over STRS

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Among those indicted are four from the central Ohio area.

Asia Drakeford, 30, of Columbus, is accused of submitting timesheets for home-healthcare services while the recipient was on vacation, resulting in a $1,593 loss for Medicaid. The victim told investigators that Drakeford confronted her after her trip and demanded she sign fraudulent timesheets.

Michael Makeba, 53, of Westerville, and his now defunct business, Healthy Connections, were each indicted in a case involving $17,727 loss to Medicaid. It is alleged that Healthy Connections paused its adult day care services in 2022 due to a planned relocation but reportedly continued to bill Medicaid for services, despite not having resumed operations at its new location.

Andrea Turpin, 43, of Blacklick, billed for in-home-services while a client was in jail, the Attorney Generals Office said. Medicaid reported a loss of $2,403.

Daylene Curtis, 41, of Zanesville, reportedly billed for services while she was traveling or working another job, and while a recipient did not live at the address listed on the claims report. Curtis also allegedly submitted fraudulent timesheets using her husbands name, resulting in a total loss of $27,465 to the Ohio Medicaid program.

Additionally, three other suspects, Carri Francis, 46, of Dayton, Cynthia Lange, 55, of Middletown, and Laquandra Williams, 37, of Cleveland, were indicted on fraud charges totaling over $51,000 in losses.

The Medicaid Fraud Unit investigated all cases and secured the indictments through the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Charges for all suspects include Medicaid fraud, and/or theft.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Maryland is one of the states pushing hardest for electric school buses, with millions of state and federal funds distributed in recent years and hundreds of vehicles rolling out across a handful of school districts.

Advocates are optimistic about transitioning toward a clean-energy ride to school, noting the environmental benefits and positive impacts on childrens health. But there are also challenges, including a lack of charging infrastructure, mechanical failures and up-front costs as high as $400,000 per bus.

Federal tax credits for electric school buses, passed under former President Joe Biden, are phasing out at an accelerated pace, following the passage this summer of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The White House has referred to clean energy projects as a Green New Scam, saying the president favors reliable nuclear and fossil fuels.

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The Federal Transit Administration also drew attention in August to battery fires in decommissioned electric buses. This is not the first green deal initiative to backfire with serious long-term ramifications, bringing into question how safe and efficient these investments are, said FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro.

Supporters of electric buses, however, claim that diesel-powered bus emissions impact childrens health. Sue Gander, director of the Electric School Bus Initiative at the World Resources Institute, noted research showing an association between diesel-powered bus emissions and respiratory diseases like asthma, one of the leading reasons nationwide for student absences. Greenhouse gas emissions from an electric bus, meanwhile, are half that of a diesel or propane-powered bus.

Youve got kids with developing lungs, who are more sensitive to emissions, Gander said.

The buses are also quieter.

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Its easier for the driver to drive, she said. The kids dont have to shout over each other.

But Republican Sen. Justin Ready, who serves as Senate minority whip and represents Carroll and Frederick counties, expressed concern about added demand on the electric grid. He also said the millions of dollars in grants for electric school buses would be better spent in other ways, including on other environmental goals.

It seems like its the ultimate sort of luxury item, at a time when budgets are stretched pretty thin, Ready said. I hate to have to be the Debbie Downer, but you know, it doesnt seem like a very good use of resources to me, considering the energy crisis that were about to face.

Ready added, Im for the air being cleaner and for lower emissions. But again, I think people have to look at the whole picture.

Sizing up the cost

While several school districts are rolling out buses, the main concerns tend to be cost and infrastructure availability, limiting routes, said Natalie Buscemi, transportation program manager at the Maryland Energy Administration.

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The up-front costs for electric school buses are significantly greater than non-electric options. The price range for electric buses is $330,000-$400,000, while gasoline or diesel-powered buses cost $105,000-$215,000, Buscemi said.

But Gander notes that electric buses are cheaper when it comes to maintenance and fuel costs, with around $100,000 in savings over the lifetime of a bus. She said that its critical to have incentives like government funding to cover the costs, but that as those buses increase and manufacturing gets to scale, were expecting to see those prices come down.

The Maryland Energy Administrations Electric School Bus Program rolled out $12 million in grants for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which was used to purchase 53 school buses, Buscemi said. The agency is awarding $17 million in the current fiscal year.

The program covers chargers and technician training, and it can also provide a feasibility study for districts that are considering electric school buses in the future. It also gives preference to applications that come from an overburdened and low- to moderate-income community, she said.

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A spokesperson for Baltimore County schools said it is leasing five buses through Highland Electric for a 12-year term. The total cost per bus is $400,000, which includes the full package of the vehicle, charging infrastructure, electricity and maintenance services.

This year, the county secured a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to help offset the cost of electrification for an additional 25 buses.

Prince Georges County is aiming to electrify all its buses by 2040. The countys most recent climate change action plan states that they were awarded a $2.4 million grant from the Maryland Energy Administration, which will help them acquire as many as eight additional electric buses, bringing their total number of electric buses to 20.

Asked if the cost of electric vehicles in Baltimore City has been worth the investment, school system spokesperson Sherry Christian wrote in an email, The electric vehicle program remains in the pilot phase and is still being evaluated. The school system has 25 electric buses and chargers, purchased through an EPA grant totaling $9.4 million, she said.

Operational difficulties

Some Maryland counties have experienced operational or performance challenges with their electric school buses.

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In Montgomery County, which now has 285 buses  by far the greatest number in the state  a 2024 inspector generals report states that issues with mechanical and/or charging infrastructure resulted in buses not being able to run routes on more than 280 instances from February 10, 2022, through March 31, 2024. Out of those instances, there were 180 times when repairs werent made within five working days, averaging out to 13 days per bus. The report also said Montgomery County Public Schools didnt assess the contractor any fees for these mechanical or charging infrastructure issues.

The inspector generals report also said the countys failure to hold the contractor accountable with regard to late deliveries led to millions of dollars in wasteful spending.

Asked for comment on the inspector generals report, MCPS spokesperson Liliana Lopez said in an email, Our primary focus is ensuring safe, timely and reliable transportation for the more than 103,000 students we serve daily.

Current electric bus technology is not fully capable of meeting all of our transportation demands, particularly for longer routes, field trips and mid-day services that exceed charging capacities, Lopez said. MCPS continues to have a business relationship with Highland Electric in order to maintain our fleet of 285 electric school buses.

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Montgomery County initially planned to acquire and operate 326 buses.

Lopez said that although the school system is not currently acquiring additional electric buses, it remains committed to its climate action goals  and those of the county and the state of Maryland, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, for MCPS, transitioning to a fully electric fleet over time.

Asked about mechanical failures with Baltimore County buses, and whether they occur more or less often compared with non-electric buses, school system spokesperson Gboyinde Onijala wrote in an email, The integration of new technology inherently introduces operational learning curves. However, the frequency and nature of mechanical issues observed thus far remain within the expected parameters for a new fleet deployment.

In Howard County, two electric school buses that were purchased by a contractor are no longer in use due to what the contractor described as performance issues, according to school system spokesperson Emily Bahhar.

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Bahhar said the school system will continue looking for grants after having a potential EPA grant canceled earlier this year, which would have helped three contractors replace their current buses with electric buses.

Electric buses can also encounter difficulties in winter. A recent study by Cornell researchers found that the amount of energy consumed by electric school buses increases 48% in cold temperatures. Buscemi said fleet managers adjust to cold temperatures by using the buses for shorter routes.

There are a number of ways bus operators can adapt to the cold, including preheating the buses so the battery isnt drained as much, according to Gander, from the Electric School Bus Initiative. She added that states with colder temperatures than Maryland use electric buses.

Maryland has been a leader, continues to be a leader in this space, Gander said. [Im] really excited about that.

Have a news tip? Contact Brooke Conrad at bconrad@baltsun.com or 443-682-2356.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Big Lots is closing out October with storewide savings and a grand reopening celebration at dozens of locations across Ohio.

The retailers comeback, led by North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers, follows the acquisition of more than 200 Big Lots stores and the brands intellectual property in early 2025. Throughout the past several months, Variety has reopened locations nationwide in four waves, including 28 in Ohio.

Were proud to bring Big Lots back  better than ever, said Lisa Seigies, CEO of Variety Wholesalers. Our team has worked hard to restore the value, selection and experience customers love.

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Smith & Wollensky cancels plan to open new Columbus restaurant

The celebration officially begins at 9 a.m. on Oct. 30 at all reopened locations, with storewide discounts, an expanded furniture department, seasonal holiday decor and new apparel offerings.

We listened to their feedback, expanded our furniture department, and brought back an exciting assortment of seasonal goods at unbeatable prices, Seigies said. We cant wait to celebrate our grand opening with fun events, surprises, and a Christmas 2025 collection customers are going to love.

28 Big Lot locations reopened in Ohio

Ohio was among the most active markets in the Big Lots revival. The final wave of openings, completed in June, added 13 more locations across cities including Columbus, Akron, Cincinnati and Youngstown. Heres the full list of reopened stores in Ohio:

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426 East Waterloo Road in Akron

1890 W. Market St. in Akron

1965 W. State St. in Alliance

241 W. Wooster Road in Barberton

56104 National Road in Bridgeport

1336 Whipple Ave. NW in Canton

3640 Werk Road in Cincinnati

12588 Rockside Road in Cleveland

2837 Winchester Pike in Columbus

4260 W. Broad St. in Columbus

405 Howe Ave. in Cuyahoga Falls

825 Cleveland St. in Elyria

1800 E. State St. in Fremont

400 Silver Bridge Plaza in Gallipolis

3961 Hoover Road in Grove City

10560 Harrison Ave. in Harrison

2050 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering

1700 E Main St. in Lancaster

110 S. 7th St. in Marietta

8489 Market St. in Mentor

408 Bluebell Drive NW in New Philadelphia

6300 E. Livingston Ave. in Reynoldsburg

367 County Road 406 in South Point

3946 W. Alexis Road in Toledo

4331 Mahoning Ave. NW in Warren

498 Cadiz Road in Wintersville

9025 Ohio River Road in Wheelersburg

7100 South Ave. in Youngstown

In addition to expanded furniture offerings, the redesigned Big Lots stores now feature a broader mix of home goods, apparel, and non-perishable grocery staples. Seigies said the relaunch was driven by direct customer feedback.

Our store teams have been working incredibly hard to get shelves stocked and the doors open, she said. Were proud to celebrate and kick off the holiday season with something special.

Delaware restaurants close as Chef Josh Dalton prepares Milestone 229 replacement

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Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September 2024 before being acquired by Gordon Brothers. In the months that followed, many former Big Lots locations were sold to other retailers. Ollies Bargain Outlet acquired several dozen stores, including four in Ohio, while Aldi, Burlington, Tractor Supply Co., and HomeBuys also took over various properties.

The companys headquarters in Columbus was sold to OhioHealth for $36 million earlier this year amid staffing reductions.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
NEED TO KNOW

A Matschies tree kangaroo has been born at the Lincoln Childrens Zoo in Nebraska

The zoo said the joey is "one of only three born this year in AZA-accredited zoos," referring to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The animal has yet to be named, and it is still too early to determine whether it is a male or female

A Nebraska zoo has expanded its animal family by one.

The Lincoln Childrens Zoo announced the birth of a Matschies tree kangaroo through a Facebook post on Oct. 16.

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According to the animal establishment, the joey is "one of only three born this year in AZA-accredited zoos," referring to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The baby, who has yet to be named, was born in April to parents Judie and Bexley. It is still too early to determine whether the animal is a male or female.

"The joey currently spends most of its time inside mom's pouch, but will start to venture outside of the pouch more and more over the next few months," the Lincoln Childrens Zoo said.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Lincoln Children's Zoo/Facebook Judie the Matschies tree kangaroo with her joey. Judie the Matschies tree kangaroo with her joey.

Matschies tree kangaroos are an endangered species, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). They are found only on the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea.

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The Lincoln Children's Zoo said in its social media post that it "has a longstanding commitment to protecting this endangered species."

The organization added that it also "participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan, is a program partner for Tree Kangaroo of Papua New Guinea SAFE (saving species from extinction) and supports the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, an organization working with local communities in Papua New Guinea to preserve forests and protect wild tree kangaroos."

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!



According to the WWF, Matschies tree kangaroos have a distinct mahogany-brown coloring and are thought to live to about 14 years in the wild, but can live longer, around 20 years, in captivity.

The species is composed of herbivores that feed on a mixture of leaves, fruits and flowers, the organization adds.



Read the original article on People
An innovative company called Deep Fission has come up with a plan for a new generation of nuclear reactors. As The Economist reported, the company wants to build a reactor at the bottom of a mile-deep shaft drilled into Earth's crust, which would then be filled with water.

The water would cool the reactor's core and moderate neutrons for more energy production. The rocks surrounding the nuclear core would serve as a containment vessel that could be sealed when the uranium in the core was spent, eliminating the need for waste management.

But there is much to consider when it comes to nuclear power. On one hand, it could be beneficial for the climate since it eliminates the need for burning coal, oil, and gas, which release harmful pollution into the atmosphere.

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Nuclear power also has the potential to produce large amounts of low-carbon electricity. An abundance of power would not only increase our energy security but also complement other renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

However, it is not without drawbacks. The disposal of radioactive waste must be done in the safest of manners, as leaks can be extremely harmful to all living things. In addition, the upfront costs of getting nuclear power up and running can be prohibitive. There's also the ever-present concern that nuclear power could be used for weaponry.

These are all factors to be weighed when considering nuclear power. However, with proper safety protocols and smart innovations like those suggested by Deep Fission, it could be a game-changer in providing people with safe, clean energy.

And this is only the latest innovation in nuclear power. Researchers from the University of Houston published a paper that suggested certain crystals can capture harmful nuclear waste. And last year, plans were approved for a facility in Idaho that utilizes old nuclear waste to power a new facility.

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The leaders behind the company were excited about its potential.

"Nuclear power generation requires a waste disposal solution, and responsible users should plan for waste management from the start," said Deep Fission co-founder and CEO Elizabeth Muller.

"Ensuring that nuclear waste has a reliable and permanent disposal method is essential for the industry's long-term success," said Rod Baltzer, the CEO of Deep Isolation, a company that works closely with Deep Fission.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.




The European Union is moving closer to a decision on training Ukrainian troops directly in Ukraine and expanding other forms of support.

Source: Radio Liberty citing internal EU documents, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The option of conducting training inside Ukraine is being discussed in two strategic reviews  one by the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM), which focuses on strengthening the civilian security sector and another by the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), which has so far trained 80,000 Ukrainian troops within the EU.

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According to the EUMAM review, three training centres have already been established in western Ukraine, but none are operating at full capacity due to insufficient infrastructure and a lack of qualified external instructors.

The document highlights several drawbacks of keeping the mission outside Ukraine, including logistical strain and the challenge of Ukrainian troops having to travel far from the front line for training.

It also notes that "training in the peaceful conditions of EU territory makes it difficult to use unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare equipment, which are widely employed in this conflict".

However, the review acknowledges that relocating part or all of the EUMAM structures to Ukraine "would require a ceasefire or some form of truce" and that such deployment should be "coordinated with US involvement or security guarantees".

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The EU Advisory Mission's strategic review also proposes new areas of work  supporting Ukraine's ability to control its borders with Russia and Belarus, and maintaining a presence along any potential line of contact in the event of a ceasefire.

Other new ideas, based on Ukraine's requests, include assistance in cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. The EU is also ready to help reintegrate Ukrainian war veterans into the civilian security and civil protection sectors, according to the review.

Background:

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The European External Action Service has proposed expanding EU member states' powers to inspect vessels of Russia's shadow fleet that transport oil in circumvention of the imposed price cap.

Source: European External Action Service's document seen by Politico, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The document states that EU member states should be given "an additional tool  to boost the effectiveness of enforcement actions", including creating grounds for inspecting vessels that may be involved in circumventing restrictions.

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It is also proposed to conclude bilateral agreements between the EU and flag states (those under whose flag the vessels operate) to allow for pre-authorised inspections of such ships.

The relevant declaration is expected to be prepared by the end of November 2025, after which it should be approved by the EU foreign ministers. Then, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will be authorised to start negotiations with designated flag states.

Politico reports that the activity of the shadow fleet not only helps Russia sustain its war economy but also poses a threat to the environment and maritime safety.

Read more: Russia continues to ship oil directly to the EU despite sanctions, investigation finds  video

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Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson believes that the intensification of Russia's hybrid operations requires European states to respond decisively and prepare for a possible war.

Source: Jonson in an interview with German outlet RND, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Jonson, to preserve peace in Europe, countries must "prepare themselves both mentally and militarily for the possibility of war".

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Quote: "A change of mindset is needed: we must switch to war mode to firmly deter, defend and preserve peace. Russia is constantly testing our unity and determination. But Putin will not succeed."

Details: The Swedish defence minister also said that recent incidents involving drones and aircraft entering NATO airspace have shown that "Russia is ready to take political and military risks and intensify its hybrid operations".

Quote: "That's why we must counter and respond. We must take new military steps to counter Russian escalation  whether it concerns hybrid operations or violations of our airspace."

More details: Jonson added that Russia must clearly understand that any provocation will be met with a response.

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Quote: "Russia must know: if a hostile warship or combat aircraft enters our airspace or waters, we will be forced to drive it away  and, if circumstances require, shoot it down."

Background:

Sweden recently reported a sharp increase in GPS interference over the Baltic Sea originating from Russia, which affects civilian aircraft.

Last year, Sweden identified Russia as the most serious threat in its new national security strategy.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!


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This morning, in just under ten minutes, thieves entered the Gallery Apollo at the Louvre and made off with nine pieces of jewelry of incalculable value, according to the French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

First built in the 16th century and rebuilt after a fire in 1661 by King Louis XIV, the Apollo Gallery became a model for the Hall of Mirrors, that most famous of famous gilded spaces at the Palace of Versailles. Today, the Apollo Gallery holds what remains of the French Crown Jewels. A few pieces on display beneath the gallerys paintings and murals include the  Cote de Bretagne  spinel, said to have belonged to Anne de Bretagne, as well as the Regent, Sancy, and Hortensia diamonds. Along with the jewels is a set of hardstone vessels carved from minerals like agate, amethyst, and lapis lazuli: Louis XIV, reads the museums materials, had a particular passion for hardstones, and his collection comprised some 800 pieces.

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When thieves broke in earlier this morning , they had their pick.

Kiran Ridley - Getty Images

While the robbery is still under investigation, by 10:30 am ET, at least one item had been retrieved  because the thieves likely dropped it as they hopped on scooters and sped off into the Parisian morning. According to the BBC , the item they left behind was a crown once belonging to the Empress Eugenie, from the 19th century, and the wife of Napoleon. When it was found, it was broken.

While robberies are rare at the museum , they are not unheard of; famously, the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911, but the manner in which the gallery was penetrated this time underscores just how vulnerable the Louvre is to theft.

Here, we take a closer look inside the famed Galerie dApollon.

Where it happened: The Galerie dApollon (or Apollo Gallery): Sun, Gold and Diamonds

The gallery that housed the jewels stolen today is named for King Louis XIV, who identified both with Apollo, the god of the sun, and goldthe substance, the color, and everything it symbolizes. The gallery itself is considered a masterpiece. Filled with architectural and decorative details by Charles Le Brun, the First Painter to the king, who called on the finest artists to create it. The result was a laboratory for aesthetic and architectural experimentation which, twenty years later, served as a model for an icon of French classicism: the Hall of Mirrors at the Chateau de Versailles.

FRANCOIS GUILLOT - Getty Images

The experience of visiting both the Galerie Dapollon and Versailles delivers a similar impact: viewers are met by an overwhelm of ornate, gilded molding, and a variety of stunning murals, including Le Bruns depiction of Apollo, in chariot, and Eugene Delacroixs Apollo Slaying the Serpent Python (the l atter having been completed two centuries after Louis XIV left the Louvre and installed his court permanently in Versailles).

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Today the gallery houses the Crown of Louis XV, the tiara of the Duchesse d'Angouleme, and the Hortensia Pink Diamond (a 20 carat Golconda diamond mined in India) and the Regent Diamond (a 140 Carat diamond valued at 48 million in 2015).

How it Happened

In whats being called a brazen daylight robbery, the masked thieves appear to have driven a truck close to the exterior of the gallery, overlooking the Seine, as one might if they were intending to wash windows. Once the truck was in position, they proceeded to raise a ladder, at the top of which was a basket intended to hold a person.

Remon Haazen - Getty Images

Birds continued their Sunday morning patter as the window was forced open with the use of a saw, and a reported two to three people entered, took a freight elevator to the second floor, smashed displays, grabbed the jewels (nine pieces from a 23-piece collection associated with Napoleon and the Empress, whose crown was later found), and fled the same way theyd come. It was among the highest-profile museum thefts in recent memory, reported the AP , ranking as one of Europes most audacious since Dresdens Green Vault museum in 2019, and the most serious in France in more than a decade.



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PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  The discovery of presumed blood evidence in the death of a Floyd County woman in 2023 has prompted the need for new testing, causing her familys attorney to consider pushing back the trial date.

Mark Wohlander, attorney for the family of Amber Spradlin, wrote in an announcement on Sunday, Oct. 19, that the Kentucky State Police Crime Lab had found multiple items of evidence in the case that indicated a presumptive positive for blood.

Those items will have to be tested for DNA next, Wohlander said, taking more time.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Legal counsel for the Spradlin family said that after discussing with Commonwealth Attorney Brent Turner and the victims relatives, and lab personnel, the decision was agreed upon to file a motion for continuance, which would delay the trial, on Monday.

Spradlins family spoke out in full support of a motion for continuance, saying the case for the prosecution is already very strong, with more evidence only making it harder for the defense to refute it.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Michael MK McKinney III has been charged with murder and seven counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence in Amber Spradlins death. Michael McKinney II and Josh Mullins were both charged with seven counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence in the case. A pre-trial conference in the case had been set for Dec. 1, but if the motion for continuance is granted, that arraignment could be pushed further into the future.

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In July, Spradlins Cousin, Debra Hall, told Nexstars WOWK that they wanted the case to receive the proper thorough investigation necessary to bring justice for Amber.

State police investigators are still analyzing evidence in the case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
In a fresh act of political provocation, China has accused five Taiwanese technology companies of financing a so-called "psychological warfare unit," a claim that Taipei denounced as yet another attempt by China to intimidate and divide the island's democratic society. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) dismissed the allegations as baseless and malicious, warning that such propaganda campaigns are part of China's wider psychological operations against Taiwan, as reported by The Taipei Times. According to The Taipei Times, the controversy began when the Xiamen Public Security Bureau published names, photographs, and ID details of 18 individuals it branded as members of a "Taiwanese psychological warfare group." Chinese state media, including China Central Television's online channel Ri Yue Tan Tian, went further by claiming that "Taiwanese netizens" tipped them off about five local companies: EZTrust Technology Co, LargeitData Inc, DiTV Technolog Co, Digimiracle Tech Co, and MasterConcept Co, allegedly providing financial support to the unit. The MAC, in its sharp response, said Beijing's fabricated legal accusations are a dangerous form of psychological warfare meant to foster fear among the Taiwanese public and business community. By portraying itself as having legal authority over Taiwan, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to blur jurisdictional boundaries and spread insecurity, the council stated. It warned that such disinformation campaigns are designed to weaken Taiwan's morale and disrupt its democratic resilience. The MAC stated that China's intimidation directly contradicts international law and the global rules-based order. Taiwan, it said, remains fully capable of defending its people and private enterprises against foreign coercion. Citizens were urged not to be swayed by Beijing's propaganda or manipulated by fear-mongering reports, as cited by The Taipei Times. The MAC also reminded that sharing sensitive information with China could violate the National Security Act, National Intelligence Act, or the Criminal Code, carrying prison sentences of up to seven years. The council warned individuals and corporations to not risk their integrity or freedom "for negligible benefits dangled by Beijing." Through falsehoods and coercive rhetoric, China continues to wage an information war, one that increasingly exposes its desperation to undermine Taiwan's democratic stability, as reported by The Taipei Times. (ANI)
An excerpt from the forthcoming memoir from Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epsteins accusers, was released by CBS News Oct. 19.

The released portion of the memoir details a 2021 trip Giuffre took to the Louvre Museum as she prepared to testify against French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel in a Paris court.

"For a while, everything went as I'd imagined. I lost myself in the larger-than-life bronze and marble sculptures, texting my husband photos of 'The Four Captives,' a quartet of soldiers in shackles, and of Hercules fighting an oversized snake," the excerpt reads. "I climbed a flight of stairs, turned a corner, and froze. I know this room, screamed a voice inside my head. I'd been in this precise spot before  two decades ago, when I was just seventeen."

Giuffre, born Virginia Roberts, was among the most outspoken of Epstein's abuse accusers. She played a critical role in the investigations that eventually led to criminal charges against the financier and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.

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She also filed a sex abuse lawsuit against Prince Andrew in 2021, alleging that she had been trafficked to the British royal family member by Epstein three times around 2001 when she was a teenager. Andrew settled the suit in 2022 and denied the allegations.

Virginia Giuffre, an alleged victim of Jeffrey Epstein, walks after the hearing in the criminal case against Epstein at Federal Court in New York, Aug. 27, 2019.

On Oct. 17, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew will no longer use his royal titles after being stripped of his patronages and military associations in the midst of the lawsuit.

Giuffre died of suicide near her home in Neergabby, Australia, this year. "Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice" is set to be released Oct. 21.

Co-author says Maxwell shouldn't be pardoned

In an interview with "CBS Sunday Morning" that accompanied the excerpt release, "Nobody's Girl" co-author Amy Wallace stood behind Giuffre's allegations. She added that Giuffre "knew" that names of people who participated in her abuse have not been made public.

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"What she always said to me was, 'I may not remember days, times, dates. But when you have a man raping you, his face six inches from your own, you remember that face,'" Wallace said.

Wallace described the abuse Giuffre alleged Epstein and Maxwell of having gone beyond sexual assault, calling it a "a modern 'Handmaid's Tale.'" Wallace said that the pair asked Giuffre to carry a child for them and sign away her parental rights. "Interestingly, that was the straw that broke the camel's back for her," Wallace said.

Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre speaks at a press conference following a hearing where Jeffrey Epstein victims made statements, at Manhattan Federal Court on Aug. 27, 2019, in Manhattan, New York. Virginia Giuffre memoir on alleged abuse by Prince Andrew coming months after her death. Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre speaks at a press conference following a hearing where Jeffrey Epstein victims made statements, at Manhattan Federal Court on Aug. 27, 2019, in Manhattan, New York.

Wallace stated that she does not believe that Maxwell should receive a pardon from President Donald Trump. "This woman participated in the sexual abuse, and she should absolutely not be pardoned."

She added that Giuffre did not implicate Trump as a part of Epstein's "ring" during the writing of the memoir. Trump told reporters in July that the staff Epstein "stole" from him worked in the spa and included Giuffre.

Family dismisses Giuffre death conspiracies

"CBS Sunday Morning" also interviewed Amanda and Sky Roberts, Giuffre's sister-in-law and brother, who told the program that the loss of Giuffre's custody rights in a legal battle with her husband may have led to her suicide.

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"The worst thing that could happen to a mother: Her children, she was separated from her children. And that is something that she couldn't bear," Amanda said.

Amanda dismissed conspiracy theories that allege Giuffre did not take her own life. "I was with her in her final days. I mean, I was the one that found my sister when she had passed."

Contributing: Karissa Waddick and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY

If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Excerpt of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre's memoir released
A climate expert offered a sobering take on Arctic ice loss and its powerful impact on communities around the globe.

What's happening?

As the World Economic Forum observed, the Arctic is warming faster than any other region on the planet.

This is primarily due to Arctic amplification, a process driven primarily by the ice-albedo feedback, or when melting ice exposes darker water that absorbs more heat. This creates a powerful positive feedback loop, accelerating the region's warming beyond the global average.

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Gail Whiteman, professor of sustainability at the University of Exeter Business School, explained that the impacts of this phenomenon aren't just limited to the Arctic.

"People tend to think that what happens in the Arctic, stays in the Arctic," Whiteman said, per the World Economic Forum. "Or what happens in the Antarctic stays there. And it doesn't, of course. It's a larger system."

Why are warming temperatures in the Arctic concerning?

As a result of rapidly warming temperatures in the Arctic, regions across the globe are experiencing increases in extreme weather events and vector-borne diseases.

This is due to changes in global temperatures and even rising humidity levels, creating the perfect living conditions for pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

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"We've got West Nile. We've got Zika virus. We've got dengue, and we've got Lyme disease, which comes from ticks," added Whiteman, per the World Economic Forum.

As the Arctic experiences changes in its climate, regions all over the world have experienced outbreaks in a number of these diseases. This includes countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and even North America.

West Nile virus and dengue fever are two vector-borne illnesses that can often cause similar symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, and rash. In each disease, severe complications can lead to life-threatening neurological conditions that can lead to death.

What's being done about outbreaks of vector-borne diseases?

The development of severe complications can be especially common in communities that lack specialized care.

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"Northern Europe and the health care system are not used to diagnosing cases of West Nile or of dengue, that's for sure," said Whiteman, per the World Economic Forum.

However, health care providers in Europe are often "robust" and are better suited to treat vector-borne diseases.

The same can't be said about "marginalized areas" around the world that may not be equipped to handle outbreaks. Whiteman explained that these health care systems will likely be "overcome with surges in vector-borne diseases," which may be where the "real risk comes in."

To combat this ongoing concern, Whiteman has urged governments to take the threat of disease outbreaks seriously by developing concrete "risk and response plans" as well as investing in "cross-national, multilateral vaccine preparedness, and medication."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.




A recent string of black bear encounters in Northern Ontario has experts raising alarms  not because the behavior is new, but because it's appearing more often.

"This has all happened before," Martyn Obbard, a former resident bear biologist with Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources, told Cottage Life. He noted that worsening droughts and food shortages are pushing wildlife closer to human communities.

What's happening?

On September 16, a couple in Nipigon, Ontario, opened their back door to let their dog out  only to find an adult black bear waiting. The animal entered the home, attacking both the couple and their dog before becoming trapped in the basement until police arrived. Officers ultimately shot the bear for safety reasons.

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Just days earlier, another black bear in nearby Red Rock growled and charged at residents late at night. Police shot that bear after attempts to scare it away failed. Both incidents left locals shaken and raised urgent questions about what is driving these encounters.

Why are bear encounters important?

Obbard explained that this summer's drought devastated key bear food sources, including blueberries and mountain ash, forcing hungry bears to seek alternatives in backyards and garbage bins. "Most bears double their body weight between early July and the time they go into their den," he said.

This pattern reflects a broader trend identified by the U.S. Geological Survey, which found that climate-driven changes in food availability increase humanbear interactions. A University of Washington-led study also concluded that climate change is forcing wildlife into populated areas worldwide.

The consequences go beyond public safety. Food scarcity can cause starvation and reduce reproduction, since female bears need sufficient fat reserves for successful pregnancies. This year's poor conditions could mean fewer cubs this winter  followed by a surge in births if food improves in 2027.

What's being done about these bear encounters?

Obbard has urged Ontario authorities to provide bear management training for law enforcement, aiming to reduce lethal encounters. Residents can also help by securing garbage, cleaning barbecues, locking doors, and avoiding scented products that attract bears.

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Similar challenges have appeared elsewhere: in Lake Tahoe, bears broke into homes during drought, and in Aspen, Colorado, experts noted an early surge in bear activity linked to poor natural food availability.

These events remind communities that healthy ecosystems aren't just important for wildlife  they're essential for keeping people safe and reducing conflicts at home.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.






STILES, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The next stop for our ghost town is going to be Stiles, Texas. Right along Highway 137, north of Big Lake in Reagan County, Stiles was on the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the mid-1800s before being settled by sheep and goat ranchers in the 1890s.

The town was named after Gordon Stiles who donated land for the townsite. Shortly after William G. Stiles applied for a post office in 1894.

The only building that is still standing somewhat today is the old court. We head inside to see what remains of the stiles once-used building, and all you see is wood and rusted metal laid out on the floors.

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Because Stiles was the only town in the county, it was chosen county seat of Reagan County when the county was organized in 1903.

After passing through the old town, we go up the highway to check out Stiles Cemetery As you can see, the headstones of those who have passed away in the area date back to people born in the early 1900s.

At its peak, Stiles had nearly 200 residents, but after the discovery of oil at the Santa Rita oil well near Big Lake in 1923, Stiles began to decline.

From what we found, records show that the population was at four in the year 200,0 as the once popular town at the time is now a shell of its old self.

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Is a viral story about Johnny Depp saying "I don't know who that is" about Charlie Kirk and the reactions to it real? No, that's not true: The article, which also has Depp saying he doesn't follow "men who shout for a living", originated on a Facebook pages and site run from Vietnam. There are no actual news reports of Depp saying the words attributed to him.

The quotes appeared in an article (archived here) published by a site simply named "News" on October 8, 2025 titled "THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO SHOUT: HOW JOHNNY DEPP TURNED A MOMENT OF HUMILIATION INTO A MASTERCLASS IN GRACE, HUMANITY, AND SILENCE THAT SPOKE LOUDER THAN WORDS" which opened:

It began as a passing comment -- a simple exchange that most celebrities would have brushed off or ignored. But within hours, it turned into a viral storm that once again placed Johnny Depp at the center of a cultural battleground. The spark? A moment on a red carpet when a journalist asked Depp about a recent controversy involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Depp, ever the artist lost in his own world, responded honestly: "I don't know who that is." The internet pounced. Critics mocked him, telling him to "leave the country," accusing him of being "out of touch," and branding him as "another elitist Hollywood type who doesn't understand America." The outrage grew fast and loud -- hashtags, headlines, talking heads on late-night TV. For a man who has lived through more than his fair share of public firestorms, it could have been just another round of noise. But what Johnny Depp did next -- or rather, how he did it -- turned the entire moment into something unforgettable.

The story was being promoted by a Facebook post (archived here) on a page named "The Funny Pages":

Later on in the story, Depp was quoted as saying:

"I don't follow men who shout for a living. I follow stories, music, and the kind of humanity that actually heals people."

However, a Google News search for stories mentioning both "Johnny Depp" and "Charlie Kirk" showed no results confirming the story (archived here).

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The article also claimed the following:

Months later, Depp's line still circulates online -- often stripped from its context, posted under photos of sunsets, art, or music. But for those who watched the moment unfold, it remains electric.

Charlie Kirk died on September 10, 2025. Even if Depp would have said the line in question right after the shooting it would have been impossible for it to already have been still circulating online "months later" when the article was published on October 8, 2025.

According to the transparency tab (archived here), the Facebook page "The Funny Pages" is mainly administered by people from Vietnam.

Image source: Facebook page transparency tab of "The Funny Pages".

According to WHOIS registration data (archived here) the website that published the story was registered anonymously. However a look at the user accounts listed on the site (archived here) shows names like Quan and Hoang which are associated with Vietnam and China.
Is the story of "Judge Keisha Williams" exposing an "officer Martinez" for violently assaulting her and making racist remarks in the courthouse before she turns the tables on him real? No, that's not true: The story promoted by a Facebook page run from Vietnam contains several verifiably false details while lacking information about place and time. The video that accompanied the story also shows glitches typical of AI-generated content.

The story appeared in an undated article (archived here) published on a website named "Most Viral Story!" under the headline "Cops Slapped a Black Woman in Court, Seconds Later, She Took the Judges Seat". It opened:

Judge Keisha Williams approached the courthouse early one morning dressed in civilian clothes, carrying a briefcase filled with case files. To anyone passing by, she looked like another professional on her way to work. But to Officer Martinez, posted at the steps, she was nothing more than a target for his contempt. "Another ghetto rat trying to sneak in," he muttered before blocking her path. Without hesitation, his open palm cracked across her face so hard her head snapped sideways. Her briefcase hit the ground, scattering documents across the stone steps. Martinez grabbed her by the throat, slammed her against the wall, and hissed, "Filthy animals like you belong in cages, not courthouses." Then he twisted her arms behind her back and cuffed her as nearby officers laughed and recorded on their phones.

It was promoted in a Facebook post (archived here) that also contained a video of the purported events:

This is what the thumbnail of the video in the post looked like:

Image source: Dr. Tom Facebook page post.

The Facebook account that posted the story appears to be run from Vietnam according to the page transparency tab (archived here):

Image source: Dr. Tom Facebook page page transparency tab.

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The video in the Facebook post contained several odd glitches typical of AI-generated content, such as the hands of two of the officers weirdly blending together and a ghostly piece of paper appearing behind the shoulder of the woman. The officer also seemed to be holding some kind of zip-tie despite the woman's arms being crossed in front of her body.

Image source: screen recording of video in Dr. Tom Facebook page post.

In another glitch a man in the background seems to absorb some kind of red banner or arrow into his ear as he stands filming the events:

Image source: screen recording of video in Dr. Tom Facebook page post.

The writing on the courthouse wall in the video also showed garbled lettering often seen in AI-generated content:

Image source: screenshot of video in Dr. Tom Facebook page post.

The ending of the story claimed:

Judge Williams became a national figure, invited to speak at universities and legal conferences. Her courthouse was renamed in her honor, a plaque at the entrance declaring, "Here, justice finally found its voice." The viral footage of her reclaiming the bench became a symbol of courage against corruption, viewed by millions worldwide.

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However a Google search for the phrase "Here, justice finally found its voice" did not return any results other than recent copies of the same story (archived here) and a Google Maps search for "Keisha Williams" only returned a doctor's office with that name (archived here) and no courthouse.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Palestinian militant group Hamas has released the last surviving hostages it was holding in Gaza, in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, under the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

In the days following the initial October 13 release, Hamas handed over the bodies of some of the deceased hostages it had been holding. Here are some details about the 20 living hostages released on Monday and hostages still in Gaza, all of them declared dead:

NOVA HOSTAGES

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Most of the living hostages released were abducted from the site of the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel.

They include Evyatar David, 24, who was videoed by Hamas in August, looking skeletally thin and digging what he said in the video was his own grave; pianist Alon Ohel, 24, and Avinatan Or, 32. A video showing Or's abduction with his girlfriend Noa Argamani pleading for her life and reaching desperately towards him as he was marched alongside her on foot circulated across the globe. Argamani was rescued in June. The couple reunited soon after Or's release.

HOSTAGES TAKEN FROM KIBBUTZIM

Seven of the hostages were taken from their homes on kibbutzim, small communities near the Gaza border. They include twins Gali and Ziv Berman, 28, and brothers Ariel Cunio, 28, and David Cunio, 35, who were abducted with his wife Sharon and toddler daughters. Sharon and the girls were released in a brief November 2023 truce.

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ISRAELI SOLDIERS

Matan Angrest, 22, and Nimrod Cohen, 20, are Israeli conscript soldiers who were seized by Hamas militants in the battles of October 7 and released on Monday.

FOREIGNERS

There are two foreigners among the 16 remaining hostages in Gaza. Both of them, a Tanzanian student and a Thai worker, have been pronounced dead in absentia. The body of Nepalese student Bipin Joshi was handed over by Hamas on October 13 and the body of Thai national Sonthaya Oakkharasri was returned five days later.

DECEASED

All the 16 hostages still in Gaza were declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities, based on forensics and intelligence.

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One of the deceased is an Israeli soldier killed in a 2014 Israel-Hamas war. The remainder were all among the 251 hostages taken in Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, which precipitated the war. Some were already dead when taken, others were slain by the captors or killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza.

Hamas has indicated that recovering some of the bodies may take time, as not all burial sites are known. A special international task force is meant to help locate them all.

(Reporting by Pesha Magid and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Michael Perry and Louise Heavens)




With one exception, no one in Nicholas Hartman's family thought he would ever come home again. He went to war and became another 20-year-old American soldier killed on D-Day.

Hartman was never really accounted for, recorded as "unidentified" along with three U.S. Army brothers. Instead of returning to his native Houston, he was interred in France at the makeshift cemetery set up as the Allies advanced into France.

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News of his death came back to Houston, but he didn't. His mother, Nanny Hartman, held onto hope he was still alive, and that her son would someday walk up the street. She'd go to the door to look, or amble to the mailbox religiously in search of a letter. He was her youngest, with two older brothers and a sister.

Decades passed, with few in the family talking about Hartman much, his nephew Norman Graves said. His maternal grandmother  Hartman's mother  deteriorated, and the family worried she'd walk off, confused, looking for her youngest boy who never returned or heading to the old mailbox at the end of the street.

"She was always looking for her son," Graves said.

His mother, his brothers and his sister have since all died.

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"I do not believe there is anybody alive who ever talked to him," Hartman's niece, Phyllis Struckmeyer, 83, said of the family.

She barely missed her chance, being born shortly after he shipped off. All she's lived with for as long as she can remember are stories about an uncle who went to war and never came back.

But, finally, Nicolas Hartman is home.

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It hurt too much to talk about'





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Who Hartman was, beyond an uncle who died in the war, was lost to the next generation of the family.





"This is just my opinion, but I think it hurt too much to talk about," Graves said of why relatives seldom spoke of him.





As a result, gaps remain in the family's memories. Though a city kid, growing up in Houston's East End, he enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing.





At 16, he delivered the Houston Chronicle in the Ship Channel area, while attending Edison School, now Edison Middle School.





"I am using the money I earn on my route to help my mother take care of the household expenses and to pay for clothing and other needed things," he said for a profile in the Chronicle about his job. "After I get through school, I would like to go into some kind of business."

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He never got the chance. With the country at war, Hartman began working at the Houston Shipbuilding Company. At 18, he married Earline Berts, and the young couple moved to Port Street, in Denver Harbor.





A short time later, he headed to England and to war as a member of the medical corps.

","text_visual_type":"","text_visual":"","text_visual_alt":"A sketch of Pfc. Nicolas Hartman from his service identification photo.","text_video_poster":"","text_visual_position":"","text_position":"center","text_visual_credit":"","background_visual_type":"Image (URL)","background_visual":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/tx-data/2025/hc-hartman/Hartman_Big%20portrait.png","background_visual_mobile":"","background_alt":"This is a strapping portrait of Hartman as a young soldier.","background_format":"full","background_crop":"contain","background_credit":"","background_video_poster":""},{"header_text":"","text":"

Early casualty in an epic invasion





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Hartman didn't even make it to Omaha Beach. Along with 200 others, he was aboard LCI-92, a large landing craft aimed at the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944, as part of the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France.

The ship was built in Orange  a 90-minute drive from Hartman's home.

","text_visual_type":"","text_visual":"","text_visual_alt":"The front page of the Houston Chronicle from June 7, 1944.","text_video_poster":"","text_visual_position":"","text_position":"center","text_visual_credit":"","background_visual_type":"Image (URL)","background_visual":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/tx-data/2025/hc-hartman/hartman-dday-cover.jpg","background_visual_mobile":"","background_alt":"And here we have a newspaper. Newspaper a day keeps the... doctor away?","background_format":"full","background_crop":"contain","background_credit":"","background_video_poster":""},{"header_text":"","text":"

That morning, it was on approach to Dog White Beach, a kilometer-wide segment of Omaha Beach where troops planned to make one of four organized assaults on German resistance and gun bunkers. Once LCI-92 hit the beach, the troops aboard would rush inland while the ship's crew would stay back.

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A half-hour earlier, another transport had landed, according to later troop accounts. It was sitting in flames on the surf. The crew on LCI-92 intended to use the smoke from the flaming boat to conceal its own approach.

"At (8:10 a.m.) she passed through the first row of obstacles and cleared the outer three rows successfully," according to an article in the July 1952 issue of Coast Guard Magazine. "When apparently clear, however, a terrific explosion on the port side rocked the ship, setting the No. 1 troop compartment in flames and spraying the entire forward deck with burning fuel."

","text_visual_type":"","text_visual":"","text_visual_alt":"A map of the Normandy landing of Allied forces on June 4, 1944. Americans landed at Utah and Omaha beaches to the west while British troops landed at Gold and Sword beaches to the east.","text_video_poster":"","text_visual_position":"","text_position":"center","text_visual_credit":"","background_visual_type":"Image (URL)","background_visual":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/tx-data/2025/hc-hartman/hartman-normandy_desktop.jpg","background_visual_mobile":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/tx-data/2025/hc-hartman/hartman-normandy_mobile.jpg","background_alt":"And the Normandy invasion map. Maps are great. Love a map.","background_format":"full","background_crop":"contain","background_credit":"","background_video_poster":""},{"header_text":"","text":"

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Later assessments showed LCI-92 had hit an underwater mine approaching the beach, setting off the explosion and fire that killed everyone in the forward troop component, including Hartman.





"Due to the urgency of the situation, it was impossible for others to search for survivors," the military said in a summary of his service. "Hartman's remains were not accounted for after the war."





A world away, or exactly 4,875 miles of it, his mother held onto impossible hope.





"She didn't accept the announcement that he was dead because they never gave her a body," Graves said.

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","text_visual_type":"","text_visual":"","text_visual_alt":"A schematic of LCI-92, the troop transport carrying Nicolas Hartman.","text_video_poster":"","text_visual_position":"","text_position":"center","text_visual_credit":"","background_visual_type":"Image (URL)","background_visual":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/tx-data/2025/hc-hartman/Hartman_ship.png","background_visual_mobile":"","background_alt":"Ken loves to illustrate ships. I bet this assignment was really fulfilling for him.","background_format":"full","background_crop":"contain","background_credit":"","background_video_poster":""},{"header_text":"","text":"

Technology catches up after 75 years





Hartman was never considered missing, so much as the Army could not locate him. But they did not stop trying, and eventually technology helped them out.





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Four days after the battle, members of a medical company examined the wreckage as part of their search for survivors. They found remains on the ship that were collected and buried in the U.S. cemetery established in St. Laurent-sur-Mer.





By 1946, with the war over and Europe rebuilding, the registration command dug up and analyzed the remains. They were able to segregate the remains as those of four people. Each was then reburied in the Normandy American Cemetery, where nearly 9,400 soldiers are laid to rest.





There Hartman's remains, labeled X-83, laid unnamed for 55 years.





Over time, technology caught up with the tragedy. New ways of identifying people from hairs and small amounts of remains have made it easier to make a match. In June and August of 2021, the four identified soldiers from LCI-92 were exhumed and taken to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory.

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The agency operates three labs  two in Hawaii and one in Nebraska  that combined are the largest skeletal identification lab in the world, processing many of the 81,000 unaccounted for American soldiers. The vast majority of those unidentified, nearly 72,000, are from WWII.

","text_visual_type":"","text_visual":"","text_visual_alt":"A sketch of Pfc. Nicolas Hartman as a teenager, from a family photo.","text_video_poster":"","text_visual_position":"","text_position":"center","text_visual_credit":"","background_visual_type":"Image (URL)","background_visual":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/tx-data/2025/hc-hartman/hartman-young.jpg","background_visual_mobile":"","background_alt":"Young man Hartman! Just young lad.","background_format":"full","background_crop":"contain","background_credit":"","background_video_poster":""},{"header_text":"","text":"

Key to a connection is a relative for DNA comparison. Sons and daughters carry DNA markers similar to those of their parents. So do nieces and nephews, even those Hartman never met.

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"When they called and said they wanted to do swabs, I was like what-what,'" Graves said.





Both he and his sister provided a sample, twirling a cotton swab inside their cheek and mailing it back in a plastic little vial. So did their mother, shortly before she died in 2022 at 101. They never got their hopes up.





"That was the end of it for us," Graves said. "Everybody from back then was gone; it was like everyone had come to terms with it."





Then the call came, shocking the family.





"They are beside themselves," Graves said. "Ecstatic. This is big news to us."

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So Hartmans, Graveses and their kin will soon gather to bury a man they never met back in a city he called home before war took him away. He'll be laid to rest in Houston on Oct. 20  on what would be his sister's 105 birthday and two days before he would have turned 102.





"I didn't even realize that until later on," Struckmeyer said.





It's a homecoming, albeit a few miles short.





Graves and other relatives wanted to lay Hartman to rest where fate and family would have preferred  right next to his mother in a small South Houston cemetery.





That did not work out, however, so he now will join other fallen service members in Houston National Cemetery. Still, Graves said, it is meaningful for a family that never got to know him.





"He's coming home," he said. "That's what really matters."



","text_visual_type":"","text_visual":"","text_visual_alt":"","text_video_poster":"","text_visual_position":"","text_position":"","text_visual_credit":"","background_visual_type":"Image (WCM ID)","background_visual":"28537574","background_visual_mobile":"","background_alt":"Honor Guard members salute as the remains of U.S. Army Private First Class Nicolas Hartman arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. Hartman was killed on June 4, 1944, during the Normandy invasion of World War II, Hartman was considered unidentified until earlier this year, when DNA allowed for his identification and his remains to be relocated.","background_format":"full","background_crop":"contain","background_credit":"Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle","background_video_poster":""}]}}

This article originally published at A fallen D-Day soldier is 'finally home' in Houston after 81 years thanks to new DNA analysis.
LOCKPORT  A Niagara Falls woman serving a 15-year prison sentence for stabbing a man to death will be back in Niagara County Court Tuesday, looking to have her sentence reduced.

Testimony will resume on a motion filed by Ashley Marie Berger that seeks to have her sentence reduced under the provisions of New Yorks Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA). The legislation, signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019, is intended to expand the situations judges can consider in determining appropriate sentences for domestic violence survivors if they commit criminal offenses.

It can be applied in pending cases, as well as in motions for re-sentencing. Berger, 42, who has served 10 years of her original sentence, is seeking either a reduction in her original 15-year prison term or her outright release from behind bars.

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Niagara County prosecutors are opposing Bergers motion. County Court Judge John Ottaviano has already heard three days of testimony from Berger and experts in the fields of domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Among the experts who have testified is Dawn Hughes, a New York City clinical and forensic psychologist who has been called as a witness in the rape and sex abuse trials of both Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and hip-hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs.

At the time the legislation was enacted, a study by the Brooklyn Law School determined that as many as 487 inmates, statewide, might be eligible for sentence reductions under the DVSJA. Berger was identified as one of those inmates.

The law requires that a person must show that they were a victim of abuse at the time of their criminal offense. The abuse may be physical, sexual, or psychological (in nature), committed by a family member or person in the (victims) household, and must be a significant contributing factor in the criminal conduct.

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In November 2014, Berger, 31 at that time, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter in the slaying of Richard Christian inside a South End motel room.

Falls police said they were called to the Rodeway Inn Motel, in the 400 block of Main Street, in the early morning hours of April 27, 2014. When they arrived, they said they found Christian, 22, with a single stab wound to his chest, lying outside the door to one of the motels rooms.

The officers found him outside the motel room, on the ground in a pool of blood, Falls Police Detective Lt. Mike Trane said at the time. We believe he was stabbed inside the room and then went outside and collapsed.

Investigators said Berger was staying at the motel, which was around the corner from her home.

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Christian was rushed to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators and prosecutors later revealed that Berger and Christian had gone to the motel for an act of prostitution. Berger, a mother of two, who had no prior criminal history, admitted in her guilty plea that she had stabbed Christian after he tried to take back the money he had paid her for sex.

I believe (Berger and Christian) got together (for an act of prostitution), said then Niagara County Court Judge Sara Sheldon. The money was put out, the deed was accomplished and then (Christian) was going to take the money.

Sheldon said the cash involved was a hundred bucks.

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Bergers defense attorney at the time argued for a lesser sentence, noting his clients lack of a criminal history and asserting that Berger had been sexually and physically abused as a teen.

The totality of the circumstances here comes from her bad decisions, attorney Michael Santa-Maria said.
Iran, China, and Russia have sent a joint letter to the United Nations Secretary-General and the UNSC, stating that the nuclear deal with Tehran has been terminated, "marking the end of the Security Council's consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue", IRNA reported on Sunday. The three countries also slammed the UK, France, and Germany, known as the E3, for attempting to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reinstate previously lifted sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The letter stated that the three countries had no legal right to have the sanctions restored in light of their own non-commitment to the JCPOA, Iranian state media reported. "The attempt by the E3 to trigger the so-called 'snapback' is by default legally and procedurally flawed," said the letter, adding that the European parties, "having themselves ceased to perform their commitments under both the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ) and Resolution 2231, lack the standing to invoke its provisions." Iran, China and Russia said that they "affirm that in accordance with operative paragraph 8 of Resolution 2231, all its provisions are terminated after October 18, 2025." The date, therefore, "marks the end of the Security Council's consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue," the countries' envoys added. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi was cited on Saturday by IRNA as stating that five key documents issued by independent nations "clearly and substantively" refute the E3's "invalid and illegal" attempt to reinstate previously lifted sanctions under UNSC 2231. The JCPOA is a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and others. Upon ratification, it mandated suspension of nuclear-related sanctions against Iran. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed its sanctions in 2018. The UNSC Resolution 2231 concerns Iran's nuclear energy program. Resolution 2231, valid for 10 years, endorsed the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group (the US, China, Russia, France, Germany, and the UK), which limited Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions imposed by the Council. Meanwhile, Iran, Russia and China also urged all parties to stay committed to "finding a political settlement that accommodates the concerns of all parties through diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on mutual respect" and to refrain from unilateral sanctions, threats of force or any action that could escalate the situation. The letter penned by the allies' diplomatic missions to the world body was addressed to Antonio Guterres. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted parts of the joint letter from China, Iran, and Russia to the Secretary-General and President of the United Nations Security Council on his X account. The US's European allies succumbed to American pressure, betraying a pledge to return Washington to the deal and also suspending their own trade with the Islamic Republic, the joint letter read. It added that the overall Western bid has been focusing on allegations of Iranian nuclear activities' "diversion," claims that have never been verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency, despite its most intrusive inspections to date. They, meanwhile, noted that the Security Council's adherence to the resolution's expiration date "contributes to strengthening the authority of the Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy." (ANI)
Oct. 18RAMSEY COUNTY, N.D.  The family of a 35-year-old woman who died days after a suicide attempt at Lake Region Correctional Center in 2023 has filed a federal case against the jail, its employees and a number of other entities.

The complaint, filed Thursday, Oct. 16, says Cassandra McDonald

died on Nov. 10, 2023,

as a result of negligence, including a failure to obtain adequate medical care, as well as a failure to provide adequate supervision and care during a time of crisis.

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Defendants in the case include the correctional and law enforcement center; the city of Devils Lake; Ramsey, Nelson, Benson and Eddy counties; Mary and John Does 1-10, who are unnamed jail staff; Brock Charette; Ramsey County Sheriff Steve Nelson; Keaton Martin; and Dr. Derek Waymann. Charette, Martin and Waymann are LRCC employees.

The plaintiffs are the estate of McDonald, through Evelyn McDonald and Julie Sailor, on behalf of the deceased's three juvenile children.

Financial relief  the amount determined by a jury trial  is being sought.

The complaint says McDonald died at 2:16 a.m. Nov. 10, 2023, at Sanford in Fargo, after being found unresponsive in her jail cell at approximately 7:50 p.m. Nov. 8, 2023.

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She died of ligature strangulation subsequent to hanging, according to the complaint. She had been in LRCC custody since Nov. 4, 2023.

The complaint alleges McDonald had mental health and addiction issues that all defendants were aware of, and had access to methamphetamine while incarcerated.

The document says LRCC was previously found noncompliant with North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation standards, including providing mental health screenings to inmates once they are no longer under the influence, are removed from observation, or experience any life event that causes a noticeable decline in their affect or emotional stability.

Another issue of noncompliance was for a lack of a written policy and procedure for conducting rounds, and for moving inmates in and out of close observation, according to the complaint. The document alleges jail staff failed to make consistent rounds for inmates who are in crisis.

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McDonald was seen at the emergency room in Devils Lake the day before she hanged herself, due to a broken arm sustained by jumping off the top bunk of a bed, according to the complaint.

She was allegedly not moved to an observation/safety cell after returning to jail following that incident, despite the purpose of the cells being for those who are under the influence, display violent or self-harm behaviors or have an inability to exercise self-control.

Toxicology reports show McDonald had methamphetamine in her system at the time of her death, according to the complaint. The document alleges Wayman ignored McDonald's admission that she had smoked methamphetamine while in custody.

Defendants in the case are accused of disregarding risks to McDonald's life, showing deliberate indifference to her medical needs, therefore violating her rights while she was under the care of the correctional center.

A summons was issued to the defendants on Thursday. No response to the allegations had been filed as of Friday afternoon, Oct. 17.
This year marks 17 years since Matt Novak was shot and killed.

"It hasn't gotten easier. You learn to adept, and basically live with what happened. You move forward as best you can," says Novak's father, Matt Novak.

It happened on Sunday, September 28th, 2008.

The 24-year-old Novak, along with two friends, were returning home from the Puerto Rican Day Parade when their car broke down at 6th and Green streets in Northern Liberties.

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In an effort to get the car running again, Novak accepted what he thought was help from passersby.

"When those guys pulled over, the one bit of information we got from one of his friends was that Matt, last thing Matt says is I'm going to get jumper cables. Why he got in their car, I don't know," says Novak.

Novak would be shot less than a mile away at 13th Street and Fairmount Avenue.

He later died at the hospital.

"As time goes by, people's hearts soften a bit and maybe they want to say something now," Novak says.

Novak's father is hoping someone remembers seeing something that fateful night.

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"The reward is still out there. 45k if anybody else out there that knows anything about this."

As Mr. Novak says, there is a $45,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.

All calls will remain anonymous.


Four people were killed and another was injured in a wrong-way crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Sunday, New Jersey State Police said.

The accident occurred at about 12:42 a.m. on the southbound side, near milemarker 1.3 in Carneys Point.

Christopher Neff, 41, of Westminster, Colorado was driving a Dodge pick-up truck northbound in the southbound lanes when it collided with a Mazda SUV traveling in the left inner lane.

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After those two vehicles collided, the Mazda was struck by a Freightliner tractor trailer that was in the right lane, behind the Mazda.

The driver of the Mazda, Yaakov Kilberg, 19, of Lakewood, and his three passengers  Aharon Lebovits, 18, of Lakewood; Shlomo Cohen, 18, of Lakewood; and Chaim Grossman, 18, of Fallsburg, New York  were killed, police said.

Neff sustained serious injuries, police said.

The driver of the tractor trailer, Harpret Singh Sandhu, 29, of Nova Scotia, was not injured.

The four people who were killed were reportedly Yeshiva students who were on a school break, according to The Yeshiva World.

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The crash remains under investigation, New Jersey State Police said.

Traffic was restricted to the highways shoulder until after 8 a.m. The incident was cleared in the mid-morning, according to a New Jersey Department of Transportation website.

Allison Pries

Stories by Allison Pries

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oct. 18Handcuffed in the backseat of a police car, Matthew "Solo" Garcia told officers he wanted to kill himself, that he wouldn't go back to jail and he had a gun.

What came next was the subject of a police investigation and public outcry.

An internal probe found that Albuquerque Police Department officers Precious Cadena and Zachary Earles violated APD policy when they shot and killed Garcia while he was handcuffed in the back of the police car, according to Internal Affairs Force Division findings.

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The tussle in the squad car's back seat could have largely been prevented by a pat down that officers never finished, the investigation found.

"This ultimately was the major contributing factor to the need to use force," according to the investigation, obtained by the Journal through an Inspection of Public Records Act request.

The investigation found the shooting furthered a "lawful purpose" and was a "reasonable" reaction by officers given the gun on Garcia's person. However, the use of force was neither minimal nor necessary due to a failure to follow protocol during Garcia's arrest.

As discipline, Cadena was given a 48-hour suspension and Earles, who'd been involved in a previous shooting, was slated to receive a 96-hour suspension. Earles appealed his suspension and that process is ongoing, said APD spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos. Both are still employed with the department.

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The investigation raised concerns about a sergeant caught in the officers' crossfire, a failure to pat down Garcia and a misunderstanding of APD's role that day at the Tewa Lodge.

The daylight shooting was witnessed by residents of the Tewa Lodge and a rumor that Garcia had been shot "execution-style" on the sidewalk spread quickly on social media, drawing a crowd of protesters.

Garcia's death caused community uproar, vigils and headlines. His family has since filed a wrongful death suit in 2nd Judicial District Court.

"How many people have to die before APD says, 'Hey, maybe we need to have a retraining of everyone in the department,'" said Francis Crockett Carpenter, an attorney representing Garcia's family.

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Since 2010, Albuquerque police have shot 149 people, killing 90 of them, according to Journal reporting and APD-provided data. After the high-profile shooting of James Boyd, a homeless man camping in the foothills, in 2014, APD was put under federal oversight by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The consent decree between the DOJ and APD aimed to reform a department that the DOJ said displayed a "pattern or practice" of officers using excessive force. In May of this year, the DOJ announced it had agreed to end the consent decree, having found APD met its end of the bargain and "has become a self-assessing and self-correcting agency."

Garcia's lawyers, who have represented the families of others killed by APD officers over years, said that lifting the decree was premature.

"I don't think the consent decree should have been lifted and I still think there's a ton of work to be done within the city of Albuquerque," said Taylor Smith, another attorney representing Garcia's family.

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Last year, APD shot 13 people, killing nine. APD has fatally shot nine people and wounded four this year.

'A Trojan horse'

What would end in a fatal shooting began as an inspection of the Tewa Lodge by city Code Enforcement.

APD was there to serve as security for Code Enforcement employees while they examined the property after reports of unlivable conditions, the investigation states. APD was on scene to clear occupants from their rooms and protect city employees while they did inspections.

Garcia was one of those residents asked to leave by officers. He shuffled out of room 20 and caught Cadena's eye after she noticed a small green vial hanging from his neck.

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She'd seen necklaces like that before, she told investigators, and they sometimes concealed fentanyl. Cadena detained Garcia, who initially gave a false name.

That day officers were briefed for a civil operation, not a criminal one, the investigation states.

"It is important to note that these concerns related to the tactical operation did not directly result in the need to utilize deadly force, but it certainly contributed to scene/role confusion," according to investigators.

Garcia's attorneys called the event an unlawful "shakedown" of the Tewa Lodge residents.

"Code Enforcement is not a Trojan horse for APD to become involved," Smith said.

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Lapel camera footage shows that Cadena donned gloves to search Garcia and confiscated a vial necklace containing fentanyl pills. But after Garcia began to hit his head repeatedly against the car window  Cadena abandoned efforts to search him, the investigation states.

She instead shut him in the back seat where grunting and banging sounds can be heard in her lapel camera footage.

A toxicology report found that Garcia had 4,700 nanograms of methamphetamine per milliliter of blood in his system, as well as 890 nanograms of methadone, 290 nanograms of amphetamines and other drugs.

People with 200 to 600 ng/mL of methamphetamine in their system can exhibit "violent and irrational behavior," according to the Office of the Medical Investigator. Garcia had nearly eight times that amount in his system.

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The investigation did not consider Garcia's intoxication a factor in the shooting.

Cadena told investigators that she chose not to search Garcia because a higher-ranking officer told her not to and because she believed it would de-escalate the situation. The investigation found that no such order was issued and that another statement by a sergeant was misinterpreted.

"Throw him in the back of the car then," a sergeant told Cadena after she explained why she was detaining Garcia.

The investigation states that Cadena didn't pat down Garcia even though it was "both feasible and legally appropriate" creating a situation that put both her own life and Garcia's at risk.

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While Garcia was in the back seat, Cadena expressed concerns that he would try to hurt or kill himself and offered him a cigarette, lighting it for him and letting him smoke it in the backseat.

Later, while in the front seat confirming Garcia's three outstanding warrants, Cadena told officers she had never searched Garcia.

"He has something back there, that's why I asked you to watch him for now," she told another officer. "He's (expletive) freaking me out"

The sergeant who eventually would take the gun from Garcia, warned Cadena that his clothes were bunched up and he might be armed. Cadena opened the car door and Garcia began to mutter, lapel footage shows.

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"You don't wanna do this," Garcia said. "You guys really don't wanna do this."

Then Garcia said he had a gun.

Lapel camera footage shows a sergeant wrestle the handgun from a handcuffed Garcia seconds before a volley of gunfire erupted. Two officers fired 11 rounds at Garcia and all but one of those bullets pierced his body while the sergeant lay on top of him in the back seat. The sergeant moved away from the crossfire just before the final shot rang out.

Garcia's last recorded words were unintelligible except for its ending, "(expletive) die."

"When somebody dies in the way that Mr. Garcia did, it has a ripple effect," Smith said on behalf of the family.

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Garcia had two children, one of whom wanted to be a police officer, Smith said. His father's death completely shook the boy and dissuaded him from joining the force, Smith said.

"They're just completely heartbroken by this," Smith said. "And they just want the city to do the right thing and have some sense of justice for Mr. Garcia."

Saturday, on the anniversary of Garcia's death, the Southwest Solidarity Network is holding a vigil outside of the Tewa Lodge at 6 p.m. The lodge has remained closed since the shooting  its windows and doors boarded up with plywood.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Amid the joy of being released after 20 months of suffering in Israeli prisons, Mohammed Abu Moussa could tell something was wrong.

Descending from the bus that brought him and other released Palestinian detainees to Gaza last week, the 45-year-old medical technician was reunited with his wife and two young children. But when he asked about his mother, his brother wouldnt look him the eye.

Finally they sat him down and told him: His mother, his younger sister Aya, Ayas children and his aunt and uncle had all been killed by an Israeli airstrike that hit their shelter in central Gaza in July.

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More than 1,800 Palestinians seized from Gaza by Israeli troops during the two-year war were freed this week under the ceasefire deal that brought Hamas' release of the last living hostages. Israel also freed around 250 Palestinian prisoners convicted over the past decades, who mainly returned to the occupied West Bank or were exiled abroad, though a few were sent to Gaza.

Those released back to Gaza were met by the shock of how their homeland had been destroyed and families shattered by Israeli bombardment and offensives while they were locked away, with little news of the war.

Recounting his return, Abou Moussa said the grief hit even before the freed detainees got off the bus on Monday. Some shouted out the bus windows to people they knew in the cheering crowd welcoming them and asked about brothers, mothers and fathers.

Often, he said, their reply was terse: God rest their souls.

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Taken as his family fled

Abu Moussa suffered his first loss soon after Israel launched its campaign aiming to destroy Hamas after the militants' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Eight days later, an airstrike hit his familys home in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while he was on duty in Nasser Hospital, where he worked as a radiology technician. Video circulating online at the time showed him and his wife, Rawan Salha, rushing around the hospital in search of their son, Youssef, among the casualties. Hes 7 years old, curly hair, fair-skinned and beautiful, Salha cried.

The boy had been brought in dead. Also killed in the strike were the wife of one of Abu Moussas brothers and their two children.

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In the next months, Abu Moussa worked constantly as wounded flowed into the hospital, where Salha and his two surviving children were also sheltering along with hundreds of others driven from their homes. In February 2024, Israeli forces surrounded the hospital, preparing to storm the facility to search for suspected militants. They demanded everybody leave but staff and patients too critical to move.

But Salha refused to leave without Abu Moussa, he said. So they set out walking with their children. At a nearby Israeli military checkpoint, Abu Moussa was called aside with others for interrogation in a nearby stadium.

It was the start of his long separation from his family.

Abuse in prisons

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Abu Moussa says his months in Israeli prisons were filled with abuse. Like the other detainees released back to Gaza on Monday, he was never charged.

It began in the stadium, where he said he was beaten with sticks and fists during interrogation. All those taken from the checkpoint were kept with their hands bound in zip ties for three days, given no water and not allowed to use a bathroom. Almost all of us soiled ourselves, Abu Moussa said.

He was taken to Sde Teiman, a military prison camp inside Israel, where he would be held two months. Every day, he said, detainees were forced to kneel for hours without moving  its exhausting, you feel your back is broken, he said. Guards would pull some aside for beatings, said Abu Moussa, adding that his rib was broken in one beating.

He was moved to Negev Prison, run by civilian authorities. There, he said, beatings were less frequent, taking place mainly when guards conducted weekly searches of the cells, he said.

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But conditions were harsh, he said. Nearly all the detainees had scabies, an infestation by mites that dig into the skin. People were rubbing themselves up against the walls trying to get rid of the itching, he said. Despite requests, prison officials did not give detainees creams to treat it until a few weeks before his release, he said.

Bedding was filthy, and detainees were allowed no change of clothes. Cuts often became infected, he said. When they washed their one set of clothing, they had to strip naked and wrap themselves in a blanket  but if guards saw, they took away the blanket and made you sleep without it, he said.

Sick detainees or those with chronic conditions asked for medicines but were refused, he said. One man, Mohammed al-Astal, suffered a colon blockage that worsened and he eventually died, Abu Moussa said.

They treated us like animals, he said.

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Asked about Abou Moussas account, the Israeli Prison Service, which operates Negev Prison, said it was not aware of it. It said it operates in accordance with the law and that prisoners rights to medical care and proper living conditions are upheld.

Also in response, the military denied systematic abuse takes place in its facilities and said it acts in accordance with Israeli and international law. It said it investigates any concrete complaints.

Abu Moussas account mirrors those of many previously released Palestinians. At least 75 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons and detention facilities during the war, the U.N. said in a report last month, saying conditions in the facilities amounted to torture that contributed to deaths. One 17-year-old Palestinian who died in prison in March was found to have wasted away from starvation and had colon inflammation and scabies, according to an Israeli doctor who observed the autopsy.

Returning to devastation

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Crossing the border from Israel into Gaza after the release, the first shock was the destruction, Abu Moussa said.

His home city of Khan Younis was unrecognizable. Entire neighborhoods were razed. He and his fellow passengers searched for landmarks among the shattered buildings.

The buses pulled into Nasser Hospital, where the crowd awaited them. Panicked at not seeing them in the crowd, Abu Moussa asked a hospital co-worker where his wife and children were. He assured him they were inside, waiting.

He asked one of his brothers about his mother. The brother couldn't look Abu Moussa in the eye, saying only, Shes coming.

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He wasn't being straight with me, Abu Moussa said. After being reunited with his wife and children, he asked again about his mother and his sister, Aya. Finally, they told him.

Recounting what happened, Abu Moussa fell silent for long moments, overcome with emotion. His voice breaking with tears, he recalled how his mother had always been strong, refusing to cry after one of his brothers was killed during the 2009 Israel-Hamas war.

She always kept a grip on herself, so we all wouldnt weaken, he said.

He wondered if the joy would have broken his mother's reserve if shed be able to see him return from his imprisonment.

I miss her. I want to see her, he cried. I want to kiss her hand, her head.

___

Keath reported from Cairo. AP correspondent Sarah El Deeb in Cairo contributed to this report.
NEW YORK  The names of more than 170 FDNY firefighters who died from 9/11 illnesses will soon be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial in Maryland, so that the ultimate sacrifice they made  from their efforts in the days and weeks after the terror attack  wont be forgotten, officials said.

The foundation marked the distinction with a solemn ceremony in Staten Island on Saturday which drew thousands of relatives, friends and colleagues of the 176 fallen firefighters.

It comes down to the fact that these men gave their lives as a result of their rescue and recovery efforts, said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. From our perspective, they deserve to be honored just as those who died that day.

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Every firefighter who succumbs to a 9/11 illness deserves to be honored and their families deserve to be supported, he said.

Following a tradition that began when the federal memorial was constructed in 1981, the families of the fallen firefighters each received an American flag that has either been flown over the U.S. Capitol or the memorial itself, as well as a rose and a badge, organizers said.

Fifteen members of the FDNYs ceremonial unit traveled down to Maryland last month on the 9/11 anniversary to fly the flags over the memorial, then painstakingly folded them in the traditional military style so they can be given to the families, Stagnaro said.

It was a real special event, very symbolic, Stagnaro said. September 11 is usually a day where members of the fire service go to ceremonies elsewhere. So we try not to schedule anything here, but they decided to come here and fly them all on 9/11.

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FDNY First Deputy Commissioner Mark Guerra said that the 9/11 trip to Maryland was just one of many steps to make this event as poignant as possible.

A lot of thought has gone into preparing this, said Guerra, who was once executive officer of the FDNY Ceremonial Unit and was the master of ceremonies at Saturdays event, held on the College of Staten Island campus. Being a ceremonial guy myself, I always looked at anyone who died of a World Trade Center illness as a line-of-duty death.

Sometimes it takes the rest of the world to catch up with our line of thinking, he said. Its very hard to say that they didnt die a line-of-duty death.

The federal government acknowledged the important distinction in 2010 when Congress passed the James Zadroga Act, which provides health monitoring and aid to the first responders, volunteers and survivors of the Sept. 11 attacks who have come down with 9/11-related illnesses.

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As of this week, 412 FDNY firefighters and EMS members have died from a 9/11 illness linked to their time at Ground Zero.

The foundation  created in 1982 to honor firefighters, support their families and work with the nations fire departments to prevent fire-related deaths  has memorialized firefighters who died of 9/11 illness before. But since certain federal criteria must be reached before a name is authorized for the memorial, some slipped through the cracks, Stagnaro said.

When the FDNY announced that the number of 9/11 illness deaths surpassed the 343 (firefighters) that died on Sept. 11, we realized we had only honored 130 (9/11 illness deaths), the memorial head said. We immediately went to the FDNY and said we need to look at your list and compare notes.

A few FDNY 9/11 illness victims werent added because they were EMS emergency medical technicians and paramedics, not firefighters, organizers said, adding that the 176 honored on Saturday should ensure that all FDNY firefighters who died of a 9/11 illness will be included on the wall.

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Its a one-time catch-up, Stagnaro said.

A plaque with the names was unveiled at the ceremony. That plaque will then be taken to Maryland and added to the wall next week.

While there will be a ceremony at the memorial wall in May, organizers decided to do a special ceremony in New York on Saturday so that the families wouldnt have to travel.

The NFFF offered to have the event in New York City so they can get them on the wall, Guerra said. Its really coming full circle for the NFFF to recognize our members.
Federal funding pause poses new threat to Cape Cod bridge projects

Rattled by news delivered in the form of a White House tweet, high-ranking elected officials in Massachusetts said megaprojects to replace two federally owned Cape Cod bridges are moving forward and swiped back at the federal government.

White House Office of Budget and Management Director Russ Vought tweeted Friday at 2:24 p.m. that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be immediately pausing over $11 billion in lower-priority projects & considering them for cancellation, including projects in New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Baltimore.

The Democrat shutdown has drained the Army Corps of Engineers ability to manage billions of dollars in projects, he tweeted as elected officials in Washington remained deadlocked on reopening the government.

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Sen. Dylan Fernandes, who represents the Cape and Islands, said in response to Voughts announcement that the Trump administration is now attempting to steal funds dedicated to the Cape Bridge project.

Trump and Congressional Republicans couldnt care less about the lives of Cape and Islanders, and this cut could do irreparable damage to our region, Fernandes said in a statement. This action by the Trump Administration threatens to close the Cape bridges, and we are going to fight back to ensure Cape and islanders have safe and reliable transportation access.

On Friday night, Gov. Maura Healey, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Congressman William Keating responded to what they called the OMBs announcement that the Trump Administration is pausing $11 billion in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects, including for the Cape Cod Bridges.

While neither the Healey-Driscoll Administration nor the Congressional delegation have received official notification about this action, the USACE has currently committed $350 million to the Sagamore Bridge and $250 million to the Bourne Bridge replacements, the four top Democrats said.

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They added: The Cape Cod Bridges are federally-owned assets that carry millions of travelers a year, and are essential for the safety of Cape Codders and visitors from across the country and the world. This project is moving forward with funding appropriated by a bipartisan Congress and lawfully awarded by the federal government. Our focus remains on rebuilding both bridges and delivering the safe, reliable transportation infrastructure that our residents, visitors, and businesses deserve.

The state officials noted the bridges are nearly 90 years old and are functionally obsolete, and that about $1.72 billion in federal funding for the project had been secured and $700 million in state funding pledged.

Details on projects affected by the funding pause were not available Saturday morning from the Army Corps, but the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works shed some more light on the situation.

Because of the lapse in appropriations that provide for oversight of Army Corps projects, we believe that our office and the Corps may be unable to provide adequate oversight of all the projects currently in the portfolio, which includes projects essential to life and safety, the office said in response to a News Service inquiry. To enable continued oversight of the most critical projects throughout the nation, we will pause and review other projects to see if we can deliver them more efficiently. Once the lapse and review are over, the Administration may consider taking further actions allowable under the law that limit, cancel, or reprioritize resources in a manner that is consistent with these reviews and with the Administrations stated priorities.

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A Healey spokeswoman and a spokesman for Sen. Fernandes said at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday that the state had not received any new information.

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The interior ministry of South Korea said on Friday that it has strengthened security measures for online systems of the government, after detecting signs of hacking of the government's administration platform, Yonhap news agency reported. According to Yonhap, the move comes after Phrack, an online cybersecurity publication, reported that in August this year, the South Korean government branches and companies appeared to have been targeted by hackers. Phrack had earlier reported that the North Korean hacking group Kimsuky was behind the attack. As per the report by Yonhap, signs of hacking were reportedly detected in the interior and foreign ministries, the military, the prosecution, as well as major companies, including Kakao Corp., Naver Corp., KT Corp. and LG Uplus Corp. "In mid-July, (we) confirmed signs through the National Intelligence Service (NIS) that an external internet PC accessed the Onnara system via the Government-Virtual Private Network (G-VPN)," the ministry said as reported by Yonhap. It further noted that the Onnara system is the government's online work platform, which manages official documents and handles internal workflow. As per Yonhap, the ministry said it strengthened security measures in response by requiring officials to go through extra authentication procedures when connecting to G-VPN for remote work. It further noted that the ministry said government public key infrastructure (GPKI) certificates of 650 officials were also presumed to have been targeted. GPKI certificates are used by public officials for authentication. While most of the certificates had been expired, the three that remained valid were scrapped as of August 13. As per Yonhap, the ministry said it plans to replace the GPKI-based authentication system with a biometric system when public officials access the government's internal administrative system. Yonhap said that officials suspected of the certificate information getting leaked due to user carelessness. (ANI)
(Reuters) -A massive fire at the import cargo complex of Dhaka airport has caused extensive damage to goods and materials belonging to major garment exporters, with losses and impacts on trade likely to run into millions of dollars, industry leaders said on Sunday.

The blaze broke out on Saturday afternoon in the import section of the airports cargo village, forcing a temporary suspension of flights. Smoke continued to rise from the charred remains of the facility on Sunday as firefighters and airport officials assessed the damage.

The fire gutted storage areas used for imported raw materials, ready-to-export apparel, and product samples  all essential to Bangladeshs $47 billion garment industry.

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"This incident has caused serious damage to the countrys export trade, especially the garment sector, said Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

High-value goods and urgent air shipments have been destroyed  including garments prepared for shipment, raw materials for production, and, most importantly, product samples.

He warned that the loss of samples could jeopardise future business. These samples are essential for securing new buyers and expanding orders. Losing them means our members may miss out on future opportunities, he added.

ESSENTIAL SAMPLES BURNED IN FIRE

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BGMEA has begun gathering information from affected exporters to determine the extent of the losses. We have asked all members to submit detailed lists of damaged goods, and an online portal has been launched to speed up data collection, Khan added.

The airport cargo village is one of Bangladeshs busiest logistics hubs, handling more than 600 metric tons of dry cargo daily  a figure that doubles during the October to December peak season.

Every day, around 200 to 250 factories send their products by air, Khan said. Given that scale, the financial impact is significant.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway.

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The incident marks the third major fire reported in Bangladesh this week. A fire on Tuesday at a garment factory and an adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka killed at least 16 people and injured others. On Thursday, another burned down a seven-storey garment factory building in an export processing zone in Chittagong.

Bangladesh is the worlds second-largest exporter of apparel after China. The sector, which supplies major global retailers such as Walmart, H&M, and Gap, employs about 4 million workers and generates around $40 billion a year  more than a tenth of the countrys GDP.

The fire, which struck during the peak export season, is expected to delay shipments and pose additional challenges in meeting international delivery deadlines.

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Louise Heavens)
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Texas A&M Forest Service approved more than $164 million in funding to fire departments in Texas.

The funding, which was provided through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, is set to go toward 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units for Texas volunteer fire departments.

Texas fire departments are the front line of local response, and their equipment capacity is vital to response time and effectiveness, said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service director. This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and the governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas lives and property.

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The service said additional funding would be awarded over the coming months, which would allow for more fire and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, training aids and dry hydrants.

By using the funding through this program to purchase critical equipment, local fire departments increase their equipment capacity to respond to wildfires and a wide array of emergency incidents, including house fires and motor vehicle accidents, Texas A&M Forest Service said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Adults and children were forced from their homes after an apartment fire in Ohio on Friday.

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Firefighters responded around 3 p.m. to an apartment fire on Hazelwood Avenue in Cincinnati, according to our news partner, WCPO TV.

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Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire on the first floor of an apartment unit with smoke showing, according to the Cincinnati Fire Department.

They saw several residents evacuating the building.

Firefighters rescued two adults and one child from inside. Medics took them to the hospital for evaluation, WCPO said.

Smoke detectors worked to alert residents about the fire. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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MENGES MILLS, Pa. (WHTM)  Smoke billowing turned to an orange glow as night fell on Jackson Township, York County as a fire continued to burn Sunday night.

Firefighters from several counties and Maryland responded to Old Hanover Road south of Spring Grove just before 3 p.m. for a blaze that overtook a large mulch pile.

The mulch plant where the fire is burning is not owned by H&H General Excavating Co., and the company posted on Facebook that it is owned by Old Castle Lawn and Garden.

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That big mound, it looks like a volcano just erupted, a witness told abc27 News at the scene.

abc27 News PHOTO COURTESY / DUSTIN WEESE abc27 News abc27 News PHOTO COURTESY / NATALIE RODRIGUEZ PHOTO COURTESY / NATALIE RODRIGUEZ abc27 News abc27 News abc27 News

A lot of smoke, and some flames, Abbigail Kreitz described the scene. Its been going on for quite awhile now.

Structures were involved along with excavation equipment according to the Irishtown Fire Co., though the specific nature of the buildings is not yet known.

The fire continued to burn into the night as firefighters remained on scene.

The Shrinestown Community Fire Company said its 3,700-gallon tanker hauled 29,600 gallons of water on Sunday night and will remain on the scene until the fire is completely extinguished.

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York County Emergency Management said the fire is mostly contained but crews are still working to extinguish multiple fires in the mulch that continue to burn. About 30 fire apparatus remain on scene as of Monday morning.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
On October 19, 1954, climbers topped out on Cho Oyu for the first time. A small Austrian party summited via the Northwest Ridge after approaching through Nangpa La. Herbert Tichy, Sepp Joechler, and Pasang Dawa Lama summited without supplemental oxygen.

Scouting Cho Oyu

In 1951, Eric Shipton led a British team to scout the mountain from the west while studying the routes up Everest. They examined Cho Oyu's Northwest Ridge but didnt climb, focusing on maps. In 1952, Shipton returned with a stronger group, including Edmund Hillary. They reached approximately 6,800m on the Northwest Ridge but hit a dangerous icefall with huge ice blocks. Shiptons team found the icefall too difficult and dangerous and turned back.

Herbert Tichy and the 1954 expedition

Herbert Tichy, a 42-year-old Austrian geologist, led the 1954 expedition. Born in Vienna in 1912, he grew up hiking in the Austrian Alps. As a young man, he rode a motorcycle to India in 1935, crossing deserts and mountains while mapping rocks and writing about the people he met. World War II forced him into the German army.

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After the war, he wrote books about his travels, including a popular one on Tibet. In 1952, he tried Kangchenjunga but aborted due to stormy weather. Tichy believed in small teams with light gear.

"We wanted to climb with the least possible means, relying on our own strength," he wrote in the Himalayan Journal. The team carried tents, food, and cameras, but no oxygen or radios.

The normal route on Cho Oyu. Photo: Animal de Ruta

The team

Sepp Joechler, 31, was a bricklayer from Tyrol. Born in Landeck, he started climbing at 17 with his brother Hans. By the 1940s, he was carrying out bold winter climbs in the Lechtal Alps. He climbed the Eigers North Face in 1952 with Hermann Buhl.

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Pasang Dawa Lama, 42, from Namche Bazaar, was already an experienced mountaineer. In 1937, he carried out the first ascent of a 7,000er. Together with Spencer Chapman, he summited Chomolhari, surviving a challenging descent. He carried loads to 8,000m on early Everest trips and climbed Nanda Devi. He joined as the Sherpa leader of the expedition.

The Austrian party included Dr. Helmut Heuberger from Innsbruck, as well as Ajiba Sherpa, Angnima Sherpa, and Gyaltsen Sherpa.

Pasang Dawa Lama. Photo: Wikipedia

Approach and establishing camps

The team left Austria in early September and flew to Kathmandu before heading to Namche Bazaar. During their approach, the monsoon brought rain and mist that turned to snow above 3,900m. On September 19, they reached Namche Bazaar for final preparations. Four days later, after a trek over moraines and frozen glaciers, they crossed the Nangpa La (Nangpa Pass) into Tibet.

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They established Base Camp at 5,500m on the Gyabrag Glacier, below Cho Oyus Northwest Ridge. Using Shiptons maps, they planned a better route.

"We studied the mistakes of earlier expeditions and chose a line that avoided the worst of the icefall," wrote Tichy. In the first week of October, they set up Camps 1 and 2.

The icefall below Camp 3 (at around 6,560m) was the hardest part. Pasang and Ajiba spent two days finding a way through, tying ropes. Soon after, a storm hit Camp 3 during the night. Tichys mittens came off as he tried to save the Sherpas tent, and his hands froze within minutes. Pasang and Angnima warmed Tichy's hands between their thighs, while Ajiba found his gloves. They abandoned the tents, roping up for a desperate retreat.

They descended to Camp 2 and the storm eased, but Tichys hands were "misshapen and hurt." He couldnt undo a button or eat without help. The doctor and the Sherpas moved to Camp 1 to give him space. Tichy despaired.

Cho Oyu from Base Camp, in 1954. Photo: Herbert Tichy

Regrouping and waiting

At Camp 1, the team regrouped. Tichys hands needed hospital care, but Kathmandu was three weeks away. They decided Pasang and a few Sherpas would bring supplies from Marlung, while Tichy rested.

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Camp 1 was "idyllically situated," with views of Cho Oyu and other peaks. Each day, they watched Cho Oyus snow plume to gauge the summit winds.

"We knew that only an almost windless day would make an ascent possible," Tichy wrote. The weather stayed clear but wild, with fierce winds signaling winters approach.

They waited for Pasang. Tichys hands, wrapped in fleece and three pairs of gloves, remained useless but protected. The teams hope wavered after the storms brutality, but Pasangs return sparked new determination. He had trekked from Marlung over the Nangpa La in just three days, driven by fear that a Swiss expedition led by Raymond Lambert, now nearby, might beat them to the summit.

The second attempt

The team planned a second summit push, learning from their earlier failure. Instead of tents at Camp 3, they dug an ice cave, inspired by Arctic igloos. Once, Joechler and two Sherpas tried to reach Camp 4 at 7,010m, but returned. Supplies were low, and Pasangs earlier absence had limited their options. The Swiss teams presence added pressure; they had only one shot at the summit.

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They finally set a new Camp 4 a little bit higher, but digging another ice cave was impossible in the hard snow, so they anchored their tents tightly. Joechler and Pasang were chosen for the summit push, while Tichy debated joining them.

"I hated my helplessness," he admitted. He decided to climb without a rope, so he could turn back without slowing the others. "If I found I was not fit enough myself to grapple with Lady Luck, I would at any rate still not have cost them the summit," he reasoned.

During the first ascent expedition. Photo: Herbert Tichy

The summit push

On October 19, Tichy, Joechler, and Pasang started around midnight. The three climbers moved fast, mostly without ropes to save time. Pasang led, using his Everest experience to pick the best path through snowfields. Tichys hands got so cold they started to freeze. Joechler stayed close, ready to catch a possible slip. At sunrise, they reached the summit ridge. The wind was sharp, and Tichys fingers turned black from frostbite.

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"My hands were useless, but I could not turn back so close to the goal," Tichy said.

On October 19, 1954, at 3 pm, they stood on Cho Oyus summit. But getting down was challenging; Tichys frostbitten hands were swollen and useless. Pasang and Joechler helped him, and the three men finally completed the descent to Base Camp.

"We proved that courage and teamwork could do what heavy expeditions could not," recalled Tichy in his expedition report.

Cho Oyu became the fifth 8,000'er ascended, after Annapurna I, Everest, Nanga Parbat, and K2.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Firefighters rescued fish in a tank trapped during a two-alarm fire at a Tigard dental office Sunday morning, officials said.

Around 10 a.m., crews with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to reports of heavy smoke coming from Kona Kids Dentistry.

Oregonians could see further SNAP cuts as government shutdown continues

Officials said firefighters saw smoke coming from all sides of the one-story building when they arrived at the scene.

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The call was soon upgraded to second-alarm and while some crews worked to put out the fire, others ventilated the roof to release heat and additional smoke.

Although the building was heavily damaged, no injuries were reported.

Further, crews were able to successfully rescue fish from an aquarium inside.

Officials say they are now working to determine the cause of the fire.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Normal operations have been restored at Munich airport after take-offs and landings were halted briefly on account of "suspicious observations," a spokeswoman for the southern German airport reported on Sunday.

The effects of the stoppage had been limited, with three flights diverted late on Saturday evening, one of which eventually landed at Munich, she said.

The federal police, who are responsible for policing the country's airports, reported "suspicious observations" by a number of people.

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Flight security then blocked flight movements for around half an hour from 10 pm (20:00 GMT), the spokeswoman said. There was another brief stoppage from 11 pm.

A police spokesman would made no comment early on Sunday on whether the observations referred to drone sightings.

At the beginning of October, thousands of passengers were affected on two successive evenings when flights were halted at the airport following suspected drone sightings.

Around 10,000 passengers were affected, with some of them spending the nights on camp beds and sleeping mats in the terminals.
The Israeli army has carried out 47 violations of the ceasefire agreement since it took effect in early October, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries, Palestinian officials said, Al Jazeera reported. The ongoing conflict has had a devastating toll since October 2023. Israel's military operations in Gaza have killed at least 68,116 people and wounded 170,200. In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks, and about 200 were taken captive. Amid this context of ongoing casualties and tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday ordered the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed "until further notice," linking the closure directly to Hamas' handling of Israeli hostages' bodies. The Rafah border crossing was the only exit from Gaza not directly controlled by Israel, making it a critical humanitarian and logistical lifeline for residents of the besieged enclave. Its periodic closures reflect the complex political and security conditions in the region. According to the Prime Minister's Office, "PM Netanyahu instructed that the Rafah border crossing will not open until further notice. Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with the manner in which Hamas implements its part in return of the deceased hostages and implementation of the agreed-upon framework." Hamas has handed over two more captives' bodies to Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that the coffins were transferred into Red Cross custody and are on their way to Israeli personnel in Gaza. The IDF added that Hamas is required to return all remaining hostages under the agreement, highlighting ongoing tensions over compliance with the ceasefire. Earlier, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo had announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20, following coordination with Egyptian authorities. The reopening was intended to allow Palestinian citizens residing in Egypt to return to the Gaza Strip. The embassy added that further logistical details regarding gathering points and departure times would be communicated directly to those affected. Meanwhile, Hamas accused Netanyahu of using "flimsy pretexts to disrupt" the ceasefire deal. At the same time, protesters in Tel Aviv rallied, demanding that the government secure the return of all remains from Gaza. (ANI)
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  The last battle to legalize marijuana in the nations third-largest state triggered lawsuits, fingerpointing and a possible criminal investigation.

Get ready for Round two.

Trulieve, the states largest medical marijuana company, has already put up nearly $26 million to bankroll a recreational pot initiative for the 2026 ballot. But the new campaign is opposed again by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and now there are fresh allegations that his administration is improperly using its power to block the measure from going to voters.

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Smart & Safe Florida, the political committee sponsoring the legalization measure, filed a lawsuit this past week challenging a push by Floridas top election officials to throw out as many as 200,000 signatures  nearly one-quarter of whats needed to qualify for next years ballot.

The lawsuit was filed after the director of the state Division of Elections  who works for Secretary of State Cord Byrd  called on local election supervisors to throw out previously validated petitions because organizers did not provide a copy of the entire amendment to people it reached out to by mail.

The suit calls the actions of the DeSantis administration unlawful and is asking a judge to intervene. In a statement about the lawsuit, the campaign said Florida elections officials issued an "unprecedented directive" and they "wrongly attempting to change the rules after-the-fact."

Smart & Safe Florida filed this lawsuit to require the Secretary of State to follow Florida law and to prevent the state from denying the Florida voters who signed the petitions to have their voices heard," the campaign said in a statement. "We are asking the court to enforce the law, It's really that simple."

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The legal challenge comes as a Florida grand jury appears to be investigating what steps the DeSantis administration and the governors allies took to defeat the 2024 proposed initiative to legalize marijuana.

And amid this dispute, another unusual move by the DeSantis administration could also wind up preventing the pot initiative from reaching voters.

In what appears to be a break from the traditional process, the new legalization measure has not been sent to the Florida Supreme Court for a legal review  despite a state law that lays out deadlines for both Byrd and the state attorney general to act. If the court does not sign off on the amendment by April 1, there are questions as to whether it can make the ballot.

Florida has had medical marijuana for close to a decade, but a drive to allow for recreational marijuana fell short of the 60 percent threshold needed for approval. Nearly 56 percent of Florida voters voted yes.

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Donald Trump said he was supporting the amendment, but DeSantis, as well as his administration, stepped in to oppose it. But it was revealed after the election that the state directed $10 million from a Medicaid settlement toward a foundation linked to a welfare initiative spearheaded by first lady Casey DeSantis.Money from the Hope Florida Foundation then flowed to two groups that donated millions to the campaign to defeat the 2024 initiative.

State Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), the chair of a House budget committee that probed the money shuffle this spring, acknowledged this week that he was subpoenaed by a grand jury put together by State Attorney Jack Campbell and testified before it. He did not discuss his testimony.

It was after the defeat of the 2024 amendment that Smart & Safe Floridaquickly geared up to try again in 2026. The revamped measure included changes meant to address criticisms from DeSantis and other Republicans regarding smoking in public and marketing toward children. The governor saidlast February that he opposed the initiative.

This time around, the legalization campaign started by mailing out a petition form along with a return envelope and paid postage. On the reverse side of the petition was a notice directing voters to a website with the full text of the amendment.

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In late March, Byrd sent a letter to amendment organizers stating that they failed to provide the full amendment to voters and contending the forms were not valid because the website address was on the back. After his letter, the group did include a copy of the full amendment and provided Byrd with the names of all those who returned forms to Smart & Safe Florida by mail.

On Oct. 3, Maria Matthews, the director of the state elections division, emailed all 67 local election supervisors and directed them to invalidate up to 200,000 petitions. In its lawsuit filed in circuit court against Byrd and Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley, Smart & Safe Florida contends there is no provision in state law requiring the full text of an amendment be provided before someone signs a petition.

While this legal battle gets underway, there are also questions as to whether the state is trying to throw up other roadblocks.

Under Florida law, the states top election official is supposed to immediately submit an initiative to the attorney general once the Division of Elections confirms enough signatures have been gathered to trigger a review by the state Supreme Court.

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The high court is responsible for determining if the ballot summary is misleading or if the amendment does not stick to a single subject.

That review is supposed to be undertaken when organizers obtain and have verified 25 percent of the more than 880,000 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. Currently the Department of State says that Smart & Safe Florida has gotten nearly 663,000 signatures  or more than 75 percent of the needed amount.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who while chief of staff for DeSantis directed the campaign against the last marijuana amendment, told POLITICO this month that he had not gotten official notice from the Department of State that the amendment had crossed the necessary threshold. State law says the attorney general is supposed to petition the Supreme Court within 30 days after election officials verify enough signatures have been received.

POLITICO asked the Department of State several times in the past week about why it had not notified Uthmeier. When asked outside a legislative committee meeting on Wednesday, Byrd said that his department had been notified they were going to be sued over the amendment.

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In light of pending litigation, Im not going to comment, Byrd said.

A spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida also declined to comment on the delay in the Supreme Court review.

During the last go-round, the Florida Supreme Court reviewed the recreational pot amendment in early November 2023.The court approved it on April 1  the constitutional deadline  by a 5-2 margin. DeSantis, despite appointing the majority of justices on the panel, criticized the ruling.
Japans health authorities have declared an influenza epidemic, with thousands of people infected with the respiratory virus. The number of infections is unusual for this time of year, researchers say, and could seed outbreaks in countries that are heading into winter in Asia and Europe  although it is unlikely to become a global pandemic.

As of 10 October, 6,013 cases of influenza virus have been reported in Japan. More than 100 schools have closed, and nearly half of the 287 people who were hospitalized for flu in September were children aged 14 or younger. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare declared a nationwide epidemic on 3 October. Outbreaks are classified as epidemics when the number of infections is higher than expected in a given area over a particular period of time.

Outbreaks of influenza virus tend to occur seasonally each year, predominantly in winter across countries with temperate climates. In Japan, that usually occurs around the end of November. This year, the increase in people being treated for flu started five weeks earlier than usual, says Vinod Balasubramaniam, a molecular virologist at Monash University Malaysia in Subang Jaya.

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Japan has had early starts to the flu season in the past few years, but not this early, says Ian Barr, a researcher and deputy director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, who is based in Melbourne, Australia. You might see cases in October, but not epidemic-type numbers, says Barr.

Increasing international travel since the COVID-19 pandemic is one factor that could be behind the early start to the flu season, says Balasubramaniam. Other factors include climate change and a lack of exposure to the circulating virus, particularly for elderly people and young children.

Information about which strains are circulating in Japan has not yet emerged, but Barr says the outbreaks there could be caused by a strain of influenza A, called H3N2, that surged in Australia and New Zealand over the past two months, coinciding with the end of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. People from Australia are travelling to Japan in huge numbers, he says, meaning there are more chances for virus transmission between hemispheres.

Not an outlier

Other countries, including Malaysia, have also experienced early flu seasons this year, dominated by the H3N2 strain, says Balasubramaniam. Around 6,000 school students across Malaysia have been infected and some schools have closed, according to Reuters. Australia and New Zealand have also experienced early spikes in flu cases, with various strains dominating the outbreaks, says Barr.

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Japans current influenza epidemic is unlikely to become a global pandemic, he says, given that countries in the Southern Hemisphere are now entering warmer seasons, which reduce viral spread. But it could well go out from Japan and seed into other countries nearby, or countries that are on the travel routes from Japan, Barr says. Nations that are about to enter winter will be more susceptible to outbreaks.

This article is reproduced with permission and was first published on October 14, 2025.
The country  and the global financial market  is reeling from a week of whiplash tariff policy changes from the White House.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced on social media that hes issuing a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs to most nations, while raising U.S. tariff charges on China to 125%.

Life: Kid Rock Makes Quite A Claim About Trump And Black Communities  And Experts Would Like A Word

The move comes after Trump initially announced his liberation day tariffs on April 2, sending the stock market into a downward spiral and leaving many a MAGA supporter shaken. A poll by Reuters and Ipsos found that nearly 25% of Republicans opposed Trumps tariffs, which the president said were meant to restore U.S. manufacturing to its glory days.

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This is not what we voted for, said hedge fund billionaire and vocal Trump supporter Bill Ackman on X over the weekend, echoing the sentiments of many rattled Trump supporters.

We asked former Trump voters what policy or action caused them to step away from MAGA. Bloomberg via Getty Images

While tariffs have long been cornerstone of Trumps economic policy, the market instability triggered by the presidents action could lead some to jump off the Trump train. That may be especially true for fiscal conservatives who held their noses while voting for Trump in the election, in the hopes that hed be as stable in his approach to the economy as he was during his first term. (Then again, after the market surged in the wake of the tariff reversal, some supporters  Ackman included  painted Trump out to be an economic mastermind.)

Other supporters jumped off the Trump train long ago. Recently, we spoke to some of them, asking them how he gained their support to begin with, and what he did to lose it. Heres what they had to say. (Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)

Life: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Oct. 11-17)

Two days after I celebrated him taking office in 2025, he cut my position within the federal government.

I am a registered Republican who actively campaigned for and voted for Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024. I have always supported him because of his MAGA ideals. He seemed to be honest and made good on his promises to the American people during his first term. I thought he would get us out of some of the bad circumstances we as a nation have fallen into under other presidents.

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Two days after I celebrated him taking office in 2025, he cut my position within the federal government. I am a 21-year federal employee who took a position last year in the Office of Equity Assurance at the VA (Veterans Affairs). In that capacity, we were working to assist underserved veteran populations within the U.S. and its territories: rural and tribal veterans, women veterans, minorities, senior veterans, homeless vets. We were working to figure out what disparities these groups face because of where they live, and trying to offer them a more equal chance at obtaining VA benefits. Sadly, we were deemed to be DEI, and Trump signed an executive order following his inauguration which eliminated all DEI offices within the federal government. His EO technically ended our positions, but because of our tenure, veterans status, longevity, and performance status within VA, our senior leadership was planning to reassign each of us to other areas of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)  but Elon Musk and DOGE cancelled those reassignment plans and terminated us via Reduction in Force (RIF).

Ive been pretty bitter ever since. I will be moving towards becoming an Independent from now on.  Denise, a 58-year-old from Northern Virginia

A leader who divides the country that deeply just isnt capable of creating positive, lasting change.

When I supported him, I was still under 18. Back then, it was mostly because supporting him was socially popular in my area, with my family, my friends, and my community. I wasnt educated on politics and kind of bought into the narrative that he was a successful businessman who would do great things for America. I did identify as a Republican at the time, but I dont anymore; now, I consider myself a Social Democrat.

The final straw for me was January 6. Up until that point, I wasnt totally convinced his policies were bad  on paper, some things still sounded like they could work. But the extreme division in the country, which was especially clear on that day, made it obvious to me that he would never be able to implement any policy effectively. A leader who divides the country that deeply just isnt capable of creating positive, lasting change on a national level.  Dean Withers, a 20-year-old from Colorado

What kind of president sells Bibles, gold shoes and a $100,000 watch?" one former supporter said. Brandon Bell via Getty Images

What kind of president sells bibles, gold shoes and a $100,000 watch?

Ive voted GOP since 1984, my first time voting. I stopped in 2020. The last straw? Trumps misogyny. His racism. National security advisers and generals and chiefs of staff told us, Dont vote for this guy, dont support this guy  one of whom, Mark Milley, a Marine and a mans man, has said Trump is the most dangerous person hes ever met. Mad Dog Mattis said pretty much the same thing. Rex Tillerson, Mark Esper ... this goes on and on.

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Then theres his grifting. What kind of president sells bibles, gold shoes and a $100,000 watch (that will likely never be on the market or delivered), but you can buy it through Bitcoin? That means youre making a $100,000 donation to Trump that cant be traced. That is the ultimate grift. His daughter and son-in-law received billions from the Saudis. His convictions, his indictments, January 6  he encouraged a rabid insurrection and then, in real time, refused to do anything to stop it, and told us he would pardon those who did it. What kind of world is this?

Life: Former MAGA Supporters Reveal What Finally Made Them Dump Trump

My wife teaches middle school math and she says that Donald Trump could not get a job at her school, not as a teacher, or a substitute or the person serving food in the cafeteria line. And yet, almost half of our country still supports him. Theyre willing to have a lower standard for the president than they would have for their own elementary or middle school staff. Hes a horrible influence. Why did I turn away from Trump? Why would anybody stick with him?  Danny, a 62-year-old from Texas

I can not, in good conscience, cast a vote for someone who infringes on the constitution.

The only year I voted for him was 2016. I supported him as his opposition was atrocious in comparison. He didnt have a political record to look back on, so as far as that was concerned he was squeaky clean. I also liked the idea of getting someone in office who was not a politician. I am not a Republican or a Democrat.

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Trumps order to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms to ban bump stocks in light of the Las Vegas shooting was what convinced me not to vote for him again. I can not in good conscious cast a vote for someone who infringes on the constitution. (Editors note: In 2024, the Supreme Court struck down Trumps federal ban on bump stocks.)

My advice to anyone that is feeling disillusioned, it is absolutely OK to change your mind. In fact, Id say its healthy to change your mind.  Cameron, a 27-year-old from Michigan

'What Id tell others is, we voted for Trump for what we thought were the right reasons, but it is never too late to change ones mind," one former Trump voter said. Amir Levy via Getty Images

The final straw was the Uvalde, TX, school shooting.

I supported him in 2016 and 2020 because I was a cynical, disenchanted voter who felt that our established political order needed to be obliterated and started anew; Trump, I thought, was the ideal candidate. Before Trump, I was neither a Republican nor Democrat, and often voted third-party.

It was in the summer of 2021 when I began to question my allegiance to Trump, the MAGA movement and my governor, Ron DeSantis. Trumps mismanagement of COVID, 2020 election lies, and acceptance of avoidable deaths, suffering and violence were lines of demarcation I could not cross. The final straw, and what started my leaving-MAGA odyssey, was the Republican response to the Uvalde school massacre. Four months later, I published a mea culpa, renouncing my MAGA activism and punditry.

Life: Trump's Latest Gripe And 'Hyperfixation' Over His Photo Might Reveal 1 Thing, Expert Says

It was difficult to leave MAGA because youre leaving behind a community and second family. Though its painful to realize that so much of what I had believed and that I politically advocated for  was incorrect. What Id tell others is, we voted for Trump for what we thought were the right reasons, but it is never too late to change ones mind; doing so is not a weakness  its a show of evolution, growth and maturation. Rich Logis, a 48-year-old from South Florida, and the creator of the website Leaving MAGA

Trump and MAGA used their self-righteous anger and power as a shield to deflect accountability.

I voted for Trump in 2016 as a Republican, though today I consider myself independent. No, thats not code for closeted Republican. Back then, he appealed to me because he came off as bold, funny and unfiltered. He projected a kind of strength that conservatives had long wanted but rarely saw: someone who punched back, who didnt let the media or opponents box him in. And if you were frustrated like I was  bitter, even  about being misrepresented or accused of bad faith by liberal peers, it felt cathartic. Trump embodied the resentment many of us felt, whether we admitted it or not.

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Around 2018, I deleted Facebook and took a break from politics altogether. I started reading books like Grace Revolution by Joseph Prince  which emphasizes grace over condemnation and offered a path toward self-acceptance and transformation. I learned that we are not simply the sum of our political affiliations, just as we are not the sum of our worst selves.

But as I changed, I also noticed something unsettling: the rhetoric I once cheered on  from Trump, from conservative media  mirrored the harsh, graceless voices in my own head. The self-righteous grandstanding of your typical FOX or OAN host clashed with my newfound humility. I realized that it wasnt just the polarized environment that made me feel bad  the worst offenders of dehumanization were coming from my side. Instead of working through their flaws in public, Trump and MAGA used their self-righteous anger and power as a shield to deflect accountability and project strength where there was often insecurity.

Politics: Trump Marks 100 Days In Office With A Tanking Economy And Approval Rating

I started to see right through it. MAGA ideology, I realized, was less about protecting people or making America great again and more about controlling the narrative  driven by shame, fear, and dominance. It was Pharisaical, and it stood in stark contrast to Christ, who sat with outcasts and lifted them up rather than crushing them under law. It clashed with the humility and grace expected of people we universally acclaim as good.  Matthew, Texas, 33

My vote went ultimately to what feels like a South African chainsaw artist.

Im a former journalist. My views are pretty mixed: I have strong views that reflect both Republican and Democratic leanings, yet there is no major party for that. I am married to a Republican and he and I have many discussions about the world, the state of our nation and who leads it. I think this election I chose Trump because I did not feel Kamala was ready. I think it was a job she would have had to grow into, and how long would it take?

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Im so sorry I did not vote for Harris. My vote went ultimately to what feels like a South African chainsaw artist who has no regards to sensitive populations like little kids on federal lunch programs and young adults trying to get educations.  Susan from Illinois

"I voted Biden in 2020 and Harris in 2024. I went from firmly supporting Trump to being utterly opposed to everything he and his party stand for," said one former Trump voter. CHRIS JACKSON via Getty Images

I supported Trump all along during his first term up until the pandemic.

I voted for Trump in the 2016 election. At the time I was a Republican and diehard Trump supporter who was very active online and interpersonally promoting his ideas and platform.

I supported Trump all along during his first term up until the pandemic. Thats when he lost me, and it was a relatively simple thing. I was initially fairly disappointed by how his administration handled the pandemic lockdowns compared to places like Canada and Europe, which were doing a much better job of handling COVID, something I took seriously. The singular event which cracked my perception of Trump was when he was discussing COVID-19 and said he wanted to bring light inside the body to kill the virus. That idea was so utterly stupid, so profoundly ignorant, so laughably bad that it immediately shook my perception of him, and cast doubt on everything else, too.  Mark from the Midwest

I became increasingly disillusioned with Trumps rhetoric and policies, particularly his lack of regard for basic human rights.

In 2020, at the age of 18, I cast my vote for Donald Trump. As a freshman in college, I had not yet fully engaged with politics. At that time, I did not support his candidacy and hoped for a president who would advocate for universal healthcare. However, many of my friends  particularly those who shared my Christian faith  encouraged me to support the Republican candidate and vote in alignment with my parents political views. That was what we were supposed to do.

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Not long after, I chose to pursue a degree in social work, where I earned my bachelors by working with marginalized communities, including single mothers, survivors of sexual assault, at-risk youth, and individuals with disabilities. This experience led me to deeply regret supporting a candidate who failed to recognize the intrinsic value and dignity of these individuals, and whose policies often seemed to disregard their fundamental right to equality and respect.

Reflecting on my faith, I was reminded of the biblical teachings in the Book of James, which emphasize the importance of caring for the most vulnerable in society, including orphans and widows. Since then, I have earned a masters degree in Clinical Social Work, become a foster mother, provided therapy to incarcerated individuals, volunteered with homeless populations, and advocated for universal healthcare. Over time, I became increasingly disillusioned with Trumps rhetoric and policies, particularly his lack of regard for basic human rights  such as access to food, water, shelter, and healthcare  as well as his mockery of individuals with disabilities. In 2024, I cast my vote for Kamala Harris. Although she did not win, I have no regrets about my vote. I remain hopeful that one day, America will truly live up to its ideals of liberty and justice for all.  Emma

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Former New York Congressman George Santos is speaking out in his first interview after being released from prison.

Santos joined CNN anchor Dana Bash on "State of the Union" on Sunday following his release from a New Jersey federal prison.

"Pardon me if I'm not paying too much attention to the pearl clutching of the outrage of my critics and of the people predominantly on the left who are going to go out there and try to make a big deal out of something like this," Santos said. "It is known that presidents have the power of the pardon and clemency, which are plenary, and they're extended at their will."

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Meanwhile, Santos is expected to attend mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday morning.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: George Santos speaks out after being released from federal prison

Anthony Carlo has the details.

The former New York House Representative was released from prison on Friday night after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.

Santos had been sentenced to seven years after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft, in addition to paying $380,000 in restitution.

He only served three months in prison prior to commutation.

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Historian Karl Schlogel, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is set to receive the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade at the Frankfurt Book Fair on Sunday.

The 77-year-old Russia expert has "consistently set new standards in vivid and vibrant historical writing," the jury said.

The Peace Prize has been awarded since 1950 by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association.

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"We might have understood many things sooner if we had read Karl Schlogel earlier and more often," the association's chairwoman said at the fair on Friday.

The award, endowed with 250,000 ($292,000), will be presented in St Paul's Church in Frankfurt.
Historian Karl Schlogel, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade at the Frankfurt Book Fair on Sunday.

The 77-year-old Russia expert has "consistently set new standards in vivid and vibrant historical writing," the jury said.

In his acceptance speech in St Paul's Church in the city, Schlogel called on Germans to learn from Ukrainians. "They are well aware of the behavioural codes of resistance and teach Europeans what will happen to them if they do not finally prepare themselves for the worst," he said.

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"The people of Ukraine teach us that what is happening is not called the Ukraine conflict, but war. They help us to understand what we have to deal with: a regime that wants to destroy Ukraine as an independent state and that hates Europe," he said.

"They show us that making concessions to the aggressor only whets its appetite even more and that appeasement does not lead to peace but paves the way to war."

The Peace Prize has been awarded since 1950 by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. It is endowed with 250,000 ($292,000).

The prize was awarded on the closing day of the Frankfurt Book Fair in front of an invited audience of more than 700, including Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer, Bishop Georg Batzing and Omid Nouripour, vice president of the German parliament.

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Schlogel was one of the first to issue a warning on the expansionary policies of Putin, the certificate handed to him by German Book Trade head Karin Schmidt-Friderichs states. "His warning to us: Without a free Ukraine, there can be no peace in Europe," it says.

Schlogel describes himself as belonging to a lucky generation that now had difficulty in adjusting to war in Europe. He had not imagined that Russia would fall back into "times that in many ways resemble the practices of Stalinism," he said.

In her eulogy, Ukrainian-German author Katya Petrowskaja described how she met Schlogel in 2022, a few days after the Russian invasion, at a protest in Berlin, wrapped in a Ukrainian flag.

"Your public desperation helped us a great deal at the time, as well as your ability to get up and continue, despite everything," she said. "We knew that we were not alone."

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Schlogel was born into a southern German farming family in 1948. He learnt Russian at his Catholic boarding school, travelling as a young man to Russia and Czechoslovakia and experiencing the 1968 Prague Spring first hand.

He studied the history of Eastern Europe and married a Russian author, travelling back and forth between East and West revealing life behind the Iron Curtain to the West. He turned away initially from an academic career but began lecturing after the fall of communism in Constance and in Frankfurt an der Oder.

His work combines empirical historiography and personal experience, according to the prize certificate.

It does not merely draw from the archives, Schmidt-Friderichs said. Schlogel needed the stories, the smells, the tastes of the land and the people, she said.

But she noted that this was now denied him. "Karl Schlogel, who knows Russia better that virtually anyone else and for whom Russia has become home, cannot travel there without risking arrest," she said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with the Defence Minister and senior security officials following reports that Hamas had violated the ceasefire on Sunday. In a post on X, Netanyahu said, "Following the violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a consultation with the Defense Minister and the heads of the security establishment and directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip." https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1979879357259887064 The announcement comes amid a tense situation on the ground. According to Palestinian officials claims the Israeli army has reportedly carried out 47 violations of the ceasefire since it took effect in early October, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries, reported Al Jazeera. The broader conflict has had a devastating toll since October 2023. Israel's military operations in Gaza have killed at least 68,116 people and wounded 170,200, while in Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks, and about 200 were taken captive. Against this backdrop, Netanyahu on Saturday ordered the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed "until further notice," linking the decision to Hamas' handling of Israeli hostages' bodies. The Rafah crossing, the only exit from Gaza not directly controlled by Israel, serves as a critical humanitarian and logistical lifeline for residents of the besieged enclave. Its periodic closures underscore the complex political and security conditions in the region. According to the Prime Minister's Office, "PM Netanyahu instructed that the Rafah border crossing will not open until further notice. Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with the manner in which Hamas implements its part in return for the deceased hostages and implementation of the agreed-upon framework." Meanwhile, Hamas handed over two more captives' bodies to Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that the coffins were transferred into Red Cross custody and are on their way to Israeli personnel in Gaza, adding that Hamas is required to return all remaining hostages under the agreement. Earlier, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo had announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20, after coordination with Egyptian authorities to allow Palestinian citizens residing in Egypt to return to the Gaza Strip. The embassy added that further logistical details regarding gathering points and departure times would be communicated directly to those affected. Amid the ongoing tensions, Hamas accused Netanyahu of using "flimsy pretexts to disrupt" the ceasefire deal, while protesters in Tel Aviv rallied, demanding that the government secure the return of all remains from Gaza. (ANI)
Freed hostage Omer Wenkert, who was released from captivity in February, was held together with Gilboa-Dalal and David in Gaza, and shared footage of the emotional reunion on his Instagram.

Omer Wenkert, who was freed from Gaza terror captivity in February, documented the moment he embraced follow freed hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David in a social media post on Saturday. Gilboa-Dalal and David were released on Monday after 737 days in captivity. Wenkert's video documented the first meeting between the three terror captivity survivors since February.

"A nightmare that ended - a dream that begins," Wenkert wrote in the caption for his Instagram post.

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Since his release eight months ago, Wenkert has referred to Gilboa-Dalal and David as brothers, after terrorists held them together as hostages in the strip. In a previous interview near the time of his release, Wenkert said that it was very difficult to comprehend that I was leaving and they would be remaining in captivity. I cannot stop thinking about them because I know what they are going through.

Former hostage Omer Wenkert speaks during a rally calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, April 5, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

"Knowing that I'm here, that I'm living my freedom, is completely crazy...There is not a moment that I do not think about them," he commented at the time.

Did Wenkert buy fellow hostages electric guitars?

Screenshots from the reunion shared on social media appear to show Gilboa-Dalal and David posing with electric guitars gifted to them by Wenkert during their reunion.

Former hostage Tal Shoham also joined his compatriots for the reunion.
Protesting the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, people gathered Saturday throughtout Massachusetts and around the world for No Kings demonstrations.

A map indicating which communities were holding protests suggested about 100 in Massachusetts were officially signed up to participate.

Some groups lined up along busy roads, others filled parks and town commons. All manner of homemade signs  creative, profanity-filled and everything in between  could be seen bopping up and down through many communities crowds.

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Inflatable costumes were another common sight, with some protesters explaining it emphasized the positive and non-violent nature of the demonstrations.

MassLive asked readers to share photos from around Massachusetts from their communitys No Kings event. Check them out below:

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

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Mia Alves reported there being about 300 people at Ludlow's "No Kings" protest at near Memorial Park on East Street on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

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Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Erica Swallow submitted photos from the "No Kings" protest at the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Mia Alves reported there being about 300 people at Ludlow's "No Kings" protest at near Memorial Park on East Street on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

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Mia Alves reported there being about 300 people at Ludlow's "No Kings" protest at near Memorial Park on East Street on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Mia Alves reported there being about 300 people at Ludlow's "No Kings" protest at near Memorial Park on East Street on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Mia Alves reported there being about 300 people at Ludlow's "No Kings" protest at near Memorial Park on East Street on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Mia Alves reported there being about 300 people at Ludlow's "No Kings" protest at near Memorial Park on East Street on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Samantha Dubois submitted this photo from the "No Kings" protest in Mendon on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

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Erika Rubin submitted this photo from a "No Kings" protest in Watertown on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Beth McElhiney submitted this photo from the "No Kings" protest in Easthampton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Sandra Kroeber Hall submitted this photo from the "No Kings" protest in Lee near the library on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Lucy Crespo-Soto, of Haverhill, submitted this photo from a Massachusetts "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Samantha Dubois submitted this photo from the "No Kings" protest in Mendon on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Saturdays No Kings effort was the third mass mobilization since Trumps return to the White House and came against the backdrop of a government shutdown that not only has closed federal programs and services but is testing the core balance of power, as an aggressive executive confronts Congress and the courts in ways that protest organizers warn are a slide toward authoritarianism.

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Associated Press material was used in this article.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Israel carried out strikes in Gaza on Sunday after saying militants opened fire on its troops, violating a fragile ceasefire.

The clashes marked the first major test of the US-brokered truce that went into effect just over a week ago, but the situation in the enclave had been fraught before Sunday. Hamas has sought to re-assert control, sparking conflict with its rivals.

Washington is now scrambling to save the peace deal: Israel said it would resume the ceasefire and send aid into Gaza following pressure from the Trump administration, Axios reported.

The next 30 days are going to be critical We are going to be calling the shots, one senior US official said.
Young people are drawn to rebellion, and politics is no exception.

For Gen Z voters, its the spirit of juvenile rebelliousness that has pushed them toward the political right in recent years, said Evan Doerr, who leads the Conservative Coalition at Harvard Kennedy Schools Institute of Politics.

This impulse was channeled in the anti-establishment politics of President Donald Trump, Doerr said, and has fueled a shift rightward among younger voters between the 2020 and 2024 elections.

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I read 2024 as less of an anomaly but more of an inflection point, said Doerr, speaking on a panel at Harvard Universitys Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation on Oct. 14 that examined the shift among Gen Z voters, especially young men, toward the political right.

According to Doerr, many young people felt shut out of opportunities their parents had, such as buying a home or building stable careers. Combined with the broader cultural climate, that frustration ignited a rebellion against what Doerr called progressive orthodoxy.

I dont know if it was so much great affection for the youth for Donald Trump, who was certainly a charismatic president, as much as it was exhaustion with what had sort of become the establishment, said Doerr, who spoke alongside Micah English, a Ph.D. candidate in political science at Yale University, and Dakota Hall, executive director for Alliance for Youth Action.

Young voters for Trump in 2024

Overall, Gen Z voter turnout declined in 2024. Voter participation among the youngest group dropped to 47% from 50% in 2020, according to a report from Harvard Kennedy School titled The 2024 Presidential Election: The Broken Bond Between Youth and Democracy.

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Among those who did vote, Trump captured at least half of the under-20 vote across nearly all racial and gender groups, with the exception of women of color, who largely supported Kamala Harris, according to Blue Rose Research.

Young voters favored Harris over Trump by just four points  a stark contrast to 2020, when they backed Joe Biden by 25 points. The shift marked the strongest performance for a Republican among young voters since 2008, driven largely by young white men, according to a study from Tufts University.

Whether those attitudes will endure remains unclear. An NBC News poll conducted in August found that 64% of Gen Z adults disapprove of Trumps job performance, while 36% approve. The survey, which included nearly 3,000 respondents ages 18 to 29, also showed a sharp gender divide: men were roughly split, but 74% of women disapproved of Trump and just 26% approved the current president.

Why, then, have the promises of the right resonated with some in Gen Z  and is this rightward shift here to stay?

Eliza Anderson, Deseret News

Anti-establishment current

Leading up to the 2024 election, what Doerr referred to as progressive culture has seeped into academia, Hollywood and the corporate world, becoming mainstream, he explained. Many young voters found the Biden administration stale, and uncertainty about the future made younger voters ripe for a kind of rebellion against whats become the establishment.

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The lefts cultural messaging, speakers noted, also failed to resonate with young men, who turned out for Trump in record numbers.

I think broadly the Democratic Partys vision for men has been  be more like women, Doerr said. I think thats really been the cultural message there.

Many felt alienated by cultural movements that labeled them as weak or representatives of the patriarchy, and values often associated with masculinity, such as risk-taking and providing for ones family, drew men toward conservatism.

Hall, of Alliance for Youth Action, noted that the appeal of the populist message among youth has resonated across party lines  from Trumps promises to disrupt the economic system and address working-class concerns on the right to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, whos centered his campaign on issues of economic security and affordability.

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I think that this anti-establishment trend has really been driving politics for longer than weve acknowledged, said English, pointing to the same spirit that fueled Barack Obamas early campaigns and now animates figures like Mamdani. And its going to continue to and the Democratic party ignores that at their peril.

With growing dissatisfaction over issues like government spending and military pay, Hall believes Democrats could have a strong chance in the upcoming 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential elections.

How Gen Z consumes news

Gen Zs political views are increasingly shaped by algorithms and influencers.

Zoe Petersen, Deseret News

Young people are no longer getting information from civic organizations, community groups or even newspapers, said English, but from social media personalities.

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The right is just way more coordinated and theyre getting their information out and their messages out in a way that they just are not on the left, English said.

Members of Gen Z are consuming narratives as opposed to news, according to Hall. Instead of reading the facts of the events, they jump straight to the commentary of their favorite influencer, who is more of a narrative builder rather than a journalist, he said.

Economic and social uncertainty has led young men to embrace the politics of grievance and politics of masculinity, English said. Young men have a lot of anxiety and questions about how gender works now and how theyre supposed to assert their place in the world.

Young women, by contrast, tend to respond to instability with a politics of care, emphasizing empathy, community and collective action, English said.

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Algorithms reinforce this split. Young men are often pushed toward pro-masculinity and anti-woke manosphere content, while young women encounter videos about feminism and reproductive rights.

So young men and young women are just operating in completely different political worlds, according to English.

Groups like Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September at Utah Valley University, have cultivated strong relationships with young men, speakers said, fostering a real-life connection and community.

To regain traction, Democrats would need to connect with young men in a more authentic way, especially men of color, Hall added. That means moving beyond single-issue appeals around criminal justice or immigration and centering the message on financial security and mens roles as caregivers and providers:

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Yes, they care about health care. Yes, they care about climate, Hall said. But overwhelmingly, most young men are talking about what does it mean to start a family, lead a family, and the economic challenges that theyre facing.

Men and economic security

Eliza Anderson, Deseret News

A recent poll by NBC that asked Gen Z voters to rank 13 life priorities for a successful life has revealed another divide thats playing into Gen Zs shift to the right.

Among Trump-supporting Gen Z men in 2024, having children was the top priority, while it ranked much lower for other groups: 10th for Harris-supporting men and 12th for Harris-supporting women.

Because Republicans are having more children than Democrats, and because families often shape political beliefs, this can lead to more children being raised in conservative households and potentially becoming conservative voters in the future, Doerr noted.

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For many left-leaning women, however, starting a family feels less like a path to stability than an additional source of economic and social vulnerability, said English.

Looking ahead, Gen Zs political direction may hinge on how the Democratic Party responds. If Democrats stick to establishment politics and double down on protecting traditional institutions, young people may continue drifting toward Republicans, said English.

But if the party upends its ties to institutions, similar to how Republicans have done under Trump, the political landscape could shift.

It really depends on how the parties behave in the next couple of years, she said.
George Santos is a free man, and boy, is he happy about it!

The former United States representative broke his silence on his latest release from prison, noting that it was a delightful surprise that Donald Trump extended that kind gesture to him.

George Santos was sentenced to seven years behind bars for fraud and identity theft in April, and now he is out after serving for less than a year.

George Santos Claimed He Was Informed Of His Freedom By Other Inmates

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

During an interview, the politician revealed that he was still recovering from spending 41 days in isolation when his colleagues drew his attention to his release as seen on television.

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Santos confessed that the decision completely blindsided him, but it felt incredibly good to know that he is walking home a free man. "I was shocked when I found out. My family confirmed it after I called them," the former representative noted.

Santos also touched on the outrage that stemmed from his commutation, insisting that the reaction would not have been any different even if Trump pardoned Jesus Christ.

As reported by TMZ, the politician saw his release as a second chance at life and noted that the entire experience, including getting to speak with the president, was nothing short of humbling and unprecedented.

The Disgraced Rep's Lawyer Touched On His Traumatic Experience Behind Bars

Annabelle Gordon - CNP / MEGA

Of course, Santos' surprise release instantly became talk of the town with every outlet wanting a piece of the juicy cake, including a detailed account of how and why it happened.

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However, the politician's attorney, Joseph Murray, urged the public to afford Santos the privilege of privacy to help him decongest his memory of such a trying period in his life.

As shared by The Blast, Murray noted that his client had just gotten out of solitary confinement before his release, and the experience was far from palatable. He also informed reporters during the phone call that he had just physically seen his client, hence it was not a good time to talk.

The order to release Santos immediately from the FCI Fairton maximum security prison was signed by the president on Friday. Murray took to Santos' X account to sing praises of the president shortly after the news was confirmed.

Inside George Santos' Pardon From Donald Trump's Perspective

CNP / MEGA

The United States president defended his decision to give Santos an early release on social media, emphasizing that the punishment was too grave for his crime. While Trump acknowledged that Santos was a "rogue," he added that his case was just one of many.

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The politician noted that not everyone who committed the same crime Santos did had to serve seven years behind bars. Trump commended the former lawmaker for having the "courage, conviction, and Intelligence" to vote for a republican who would later be the mastermind behind his freedom.

The politician ended his post by wishing Santos well in all future endeavors. The former lawmaker's release came a few days after he wrote a letter to Trump, urging him to grant him an opportunity to return home to his loved ones.

Santos informed Trump of his lifelong commitment to being a republican and also a firm believer in his political vision and reforms. In his words: "Mr. President, I have nowhere else to turn. With the deepest respect and gratitude, I thank you for taking the time to hear my plea."

The 37-Year-Old Previously Gave A Detailed Review Of His Life Behind Bars

Rod Lamkey - CNP / MEGA

Santos, in August, wrote a detailed jailhouse diary describing what prison felt like and how confinement greatly affected his self-esteem. The Blast reported that he revealed that his dignity had been violated and he had been struggling to get used to the sorry conditions in jail.

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The former lawmaker updated his readers about his new job in the prison kitchen and his fluorescent yellow colored polyester jumpsuit, which all the inmates were mandated to wear. Santos spoke about his grace to grass story, evoking an emotional response from the readers.

"I went from standing at the pinnacle of power and prestige, attending galas, navigating multimillion-dollar fundraisers in glittering Manhattan apartments and Long Island mansions, to the rock bottom of federal confinement," Santos confessed.

The politician reflected on the people he met behind bars and their various characters, which left him super intrigued.

George Santos Made Arrangements To Secure His Safety In Jail

Rod Lamkey - CNP / MEGA

As soon as the former congressman got his sentence, he informed the prison of his arrival and, most importantly, the need to keep him safe. In his letter to the Bureau of Prisons, Santos stressed that if his safety becomes compromised, they might have a serious problem on their hands.

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The politician expressed concern over possible physical and sexual attack that may come his way in jail, and should he experience any, the legal consequences would be damning. According to him:

"We know in theory the BOP is for the well-being of inmates, but we know in practice a lot of sh-t happens to inmates. I don't want to be a BOP statistic."

Additionally, Santos also confessed that he had no interest in mentally preparing to fight his way through prison as he declined to learn self-defense training.

What is next for George Santos?
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., a convicted fraudster and identity thief, has said he will work to reform U.S. prisons, having been released from a penitentiary Friday by President Donald Trump.

Trump commuted Santos's seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft, the latest in a series of moves by Trump to exonerate associates and Republicans involved in criminal activity.

Santos was expelled from the U.S. House in 2023 after refusing to resign following a scathing ethics investigation uncovered his criminal activity. In an interview with the Washington Post, Santos called his time in federal prison "dehumanizing" and "humbling."

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The former representative admitted to stealing the identities of 11 people, including his own family members. He served 84 days in prison before being exonerated by Trump and released from prison Friday night. He also admitted that he embellished and fabricated his biography during his run for Congress in 2020.

Santos called the prison system, and the facility where he was housed, FCI Fairton in N.J., as "broken" with "rotting facilities, and administrators who seem incapable or unwilling to correct it." He said a large hole in the ceiling exposed "thick, black mold," and claimed broken air-conditioning systems forced inmates to endure sweltering heat.

"The building itself is hardly fit for long-term habitation: sheet metal walls, shoddy construction, the look and feel of a temporary warehouse rather than a permanent facility," Santos wrote on The South Shore Press website while he was incarcerated.

As part of his plea deal, Santos agreed to pay $600,000 in restitution and forfeiture costs.

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Santos pushed back on critics who claim the former congressman is not being held accountable for his crimes, and said that, beyond repentance, he has "dealt a second chance."

"I understand people want to make this into "he's getting away with it. I'm not getting away with it," Santos said following his release. "I was the first person ever to go to federal prison for a civil violation ... I don't want to focus on trying to rehash the past and want to take the experience and do good and move on with the future.

In announcing Santo's commutation on social media, Trump claimed that the former congressman had been "horribly mistreated," and that "at least" the former representative had the "Courage, Conviction, and intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!"

Santos, 37, served fewer than three months of his seven year sentence. He said he has no plans to re-enter politics and would do his best to repay campaign donors based on "whatever the law requires of me."
Disgraced former Rep. George Santos, fresh off his release from prison after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence on Friday night, dismissed his critics, telling CNN hes focused on the future after eating a very large slice of humble pie during his time behind bars.

Santos, who had been serving a seven-year term for the fraud charges that got him ousted from Congress, said he had just been released from solitary confinement when his fellow inmates saw news of the commutation on television and told him.

I had no expectations, the New York Republican told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union on Sunday.

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Some Republicans from New York werent happy with the presidents decision. Rep. Nick LaLota posted on social media that Santos didnt merely lie  he stole millions, defrauded an election, and his crimes (for which he pled guilty) warrant more than a three-month sentence.

LaLota added that Santos should devote the rest of his life to demonstrating remorse and making restitution to those he wronged.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, in a statement to the Washington Times, said Santos has shown no remorse. The less than three months that he spent in prison is not justice.

Santos said on Sunday his former colleagues are entitled to their opinion.

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People are going to hate me. It doesnt matter whoever gets clemency in the future, whoever that person might be. Im pretty confident that if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off of the cross, he would have had critics. So thats just the reality of our country.

He claimed he had received a a seven-year disproportionate sentence that is anything but political if you talk to anybody who really looks at these kinds of cases.

Santos is no longer required to pay any further fines, restitution, probation or other conditions, according to a copy of his clemency grant which was posted on social media by US Pardon Attorney Ed Martin.

Asked whether he will pay his donors back, Santos said Sunday he will do my best to do whatever the law requires of me.

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The investment was made to win a race. I won that race, Santos said. There was no fraud there.

He said he is now going to look to the future, apologizing to the American people and people in his former district, saying he was in a chaotic ball of flames at the time he committed his crimes.

Santos said his experience in prison, especially in solitary confinement, has inspired him to focus on helping with prison reform efforts, something he had spoken with the president about.

Its actually creating recidivism because its not doing what its supposed to do, Santos said of the prison system. I told this to the president, that Id love to be involved with prison reform, and not in a partisan way.

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Santos said he did not see himself returning to politics in the next 10 years.

Im 37 years old. I can tell you this, not that I can see if in the next decade.  Im all politicked out, he said.

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NEW YORK (AP)  Freed from the prison where he had been serving time for ripping off his campaign donors, former U.S. Rep. George Santos says hes humbled by his experience behind bars but unconcerned about the pearl clutching of critics upset that President Donald Trump granted him clemency.

Im pretty confident if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics," Santos said Sunday in an interview on CNN.

Santos, who won office after inventing a bogus persona as a Wall Street dealmaker, pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft last year and began serving a 7-year sentence in July at a prison in New Jersey. But Trump ordered him released him Friday after he'd served just 84 days. Trump called Santos a rogue, but said he didn't deserve a harsh sentence and should get credit for voting Republican.

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Speaking on CNNs State of the Union, Santos said he had learned a great deal and had a very large slice of humble pie, if not the entire pie while in prison.

He also apologized to former constituents in his New York congressional district, saying he was in a chaotic ball of flame" when he committed his crimes. Santos admitted last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people  including his own family members.

But when asked about fellow Republicans unhappy that Trump freed him so soon, Santos said other presidential acts of clemency had been worse, citing President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, for gun and tax crimes.

So pardon me if Im not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics, Santos said.

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As part of his guilty plea, Santos had agreed to pay restitution of $373,750 and forfeiture of $205,003. But Trump's clemency order appeared to clear him of paying any further fines or restitution.

Santos said he has been granted a second chance and intended to make amends," but when asked if he intended to pay back the campaign donors he had defrauded, he said only if he had to.

If its required of me by the law, yes. If its not, then no, Santos said.

Santos had appealed to Trump directly for help, citing his loyalty to the presidents agenda and to the Republican Party in a letter published Oct. 13 in The South Shore Press. But he said Sunday that he had no expectations and learned of his commutation from fellow inmates who saw the news on television.

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Revelations that Santos invented much of his life story surfaced just weeks after he became the first non-incumbent openly gay Republican to be elected to Congress in 2022.

Santos had said while campaigning that he was a successful business consultant with a sizable real estate portfolio. But he ultimately admitted to embellishing his biography. He had never graduated from Baruch College, where he had claimed to be a standout player on the Manhattan colleges volleyball team. He had never worked at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. He didn't own property.

In truth, he struggled financially, had drifted through several jobs, including one for a company accused of running a Ponzi scheme, and even faced eviction.

After becoming just the sixth person to be expelled from the House, Santos made hundreds of thousands of dollars selling personalized videos to the public on Cameo. He returned to the service Sunday.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being an "illegal drug leader" and of actively encouraging massive drug production across Colombia. He announced that his administration is cutting off all subsidies to the Latin American country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "It has become the biggest business in Columbia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America." He added that, "As of today, these payments, or any other form of payment, or subsidies, will no longer be made to Columbia." https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115400895783278217 Highlighting the impact of the drug production, Trump said its main goal is "the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc." He described Petro as a "low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America," warning that immediate action is required. Trump cautioned, "Petro better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won't be done nicely." Linking his accusations to concrete action, the president confirmed a recent US military operation targeting a semi-submersible vessel in the Caribbean, describing it as a strike against narcoterrorists. "It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well-known narcotrafficking transit route," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday. He said US intelligence confirmed the vessel was carrying fentanyl and other narcotics, and that the strike on Thursday aimed to disrupt a major drug trafficking route. Two crew members on the vessel were killed, while two others survived and were airlifted by US forces in a helicopter rescue operation to a nearby US Navy warship. The US military held the survivors on board at least until Friday evening, Al Jazeera reported. Trump said the two surviving "narcoterrorists" will be sent to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia, as per Al Jazeera. The press office for Ecuador's government said it was not aware of the plans for repatriation, while there was no immediate comment from Colombian authorities. President Trump has justified these strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, relying on the same legal authority used by former President George W. Bush during the war on terror following the September 11 attacks. This includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and use lethal force against their leadership, treating suspected traffickers as enemy soldiers in a traditional war, Al Jazeera reported. Since September, at least six vessels, most of them speedboats, have been targeted by US strikes in the Caribbean, with some allegedly originating from Venezuela. While Washington claims the campaign is dealing a decisive blow to drug trafficking, it has provided no evidence that those killed were drug smugglers. With Trump's confirmation of the death toll on Truth Social, US military actions against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people. (ANI)
German-Israeli twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman left hospital on Sunday, six days after their release by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The pair were welcomed on their arrival in their new home, Kibbutz Beit Guvrin, south-west of Jerusalem.

Crowds in the kibbutz waved flags and cheered as the 28-year-old brothers arrived.

Ziv Berman said they felt "huge love."

The twins were abducted in the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.

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During more than 700 days of captivity in the coastal territory, they were separated from each other and cut off from the outside world.

Together with 18 other hostages, they were released on Monday under the US-backed ceasefire and have since been treated in hospital.
A German author and politician has been arrested after social media posts comparing Benjamin Netanyahu to the Nazis.

Jurgen Todenhofer, a former parliamentarian for the centre-Right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, was detained by Munich police and had his devices seized.

The 84-year-old, who in 2020 left the CDU to found The Justice Party, wrote on X: Mister Netanyahu, does your conscience never actually protest when you do to Palestinians the same thing that the cursed Nazis did to the Jews?

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Mr Todenhofer said police confiscated his phones and digital devices after monitoring his apartment for weeks.

Though the police have not commented on the arrest, Germany prohibits relativising or trivialising the Holocaust under anti-incitement laws.

Mr Todenhofer has been a longstanding critic of Western intervention in the Middle East.

His new party has never won any seats but he is an outspoken critic of Germanys support for Israel, and has written multiple books about the Islamic State, Afghanistan and Iraq.

The author says he was also investigated by police for accusing Olaf Scholz, the former chancellor, of treason for supposedly allowing the bombing of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Russia.

Thought police

Is there a thought police in Germany again? Mr Todenhofer said after his arrest.

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If a prison sentence comes out of this investigation, it will be an honor for me to serve it. Because standing up for peace and freedom in Palestine is our duty, he said.

It cannot be that Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, is warmly invited to Germany by the chancellor, while his critics are threatened with prison, house searches and confiscation he continued.

The author, who denies that he committed incitement, pointed to a passage in his book And if No One Follows You, Go Alone, saying: There is nothing to relativise about the Holocaust. It is and remains the greatest crime in German history.

In a report earlier this week, the United Nations urged Germany to stop criminalising, punishing and suppressing legitimate Palestinian solidarity activism.

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Under the same law targeting Holocaust trivialisation, another German citizen was convicted after holding up a sign at a pro-Palestine protest reading: Have we learned nothing from the Holocaust.

The conviction was later turned over on appeal but The Telegraph learned on Friday that prosecutors are still pursuing the case.

The UN special reporters said: We are alarmed by the persistent pattern of police violence and apparent suppression of Palestine solidarity activism by Germany.

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius believes that conscription of young men would send a deterrent signal to Russia.

Source: German newspaper Der Spiegel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Pistorius stated that if Germany "calls up all men of a certain age again" and collects data on everyone fit for military service, Russia will notice it.

"In other words, this also acts as a deterrent," he emphasised.

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Pistorius added that in the event of a defensive situation, which "must be prevented", conscription, suspended in 2011, would be immediately reinstated in accordance with Germany's Basic Law.

"Then we need to know who is ready for action and who is not," Pistorius said.

He also called the abolition of district military enlistment offices linked to the suspension of conscription a serious mistake.

"We are now building new, modern structures. We will be ready by mid-2027. Then we will be able to conduct nationwide conscription again," he said.

Pistorius intends to follow the plan to enact the Military Service Law at the start of 2026 and expressed optimism about reaching agreement with parliamentary factions.

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"I am confident we can achieve this. Everyone in the Bundestag knows that this is about Germany's security," he added.

Background:

On 14 October, Germany's coalition parties agreed on changes to the planned conscription model involving the use of a lottery system.

The principle is that if there are insufficient volunteers for military service, conscripts will be selected by lottery from those who have completed a registration form. Service will last six months.

Pistorius will provide data on the required number of conscripts.

The Bundestag's first reading of the bill on new conscription rules was scheduled for 9 October but was postponed due to ongoing disputes.

The bill proposed by Pistorius does not provide for the immediate restoration of compulsory military service in Germany. Under the bill, from 2026 all young German citizens will receive a form to express their willingness to serve in the Bundeswehr. Completing the form will be mandatory for men and voluntary for women.

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FRANKFURT/TBILISI (Reuters) -Germany said on Sunday that it would recall its ambassador to Georgia ahead of a meeting of European Union officials on Monday as relations between the bloc and the South Caucasus country fray.

"For many months, the Georgian leadership has been agitating against" the EU, Germany and personally against the German ambassador, Ernst Peter Fischer, Germany's foreign ministry said in a post on X.

The recall is "for consultations on how to proceed," the German ministry said. On Monday, "The EU Foreign Affairs Council will address Georgia".

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There was no immediate comment from the Georgian government.

Last month, the Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned Fischer, suggesting he was part of attempts to promote a "radical agenda" in the country ahead of closely watched municipal elections.

Georgian officials have for months accused Fischer and other EU ambassadors of backing attempts to overthrow the government in Tbilisi.

Authorities in Georgia have been cracking down on pro-European Union opposition figures and street protesters, who had staged demonstrations following a disputed parliamentary election last October and a subsequent government decision to halt talks on joining the EU.

(Reporting by Tom Sims and Felix Light, Editing by Louise Heavens)
MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Orenburg gas processing plant, the largest facility of its kind in the world, has been forced to suspend its intake of gas from Kazakhstan after a Ukrainian drone attack, Kazakhstan's energy ministry said on Sunday.

Orenburg regional governor Yevgeny Solntsev had said earlier on Sunday that the plant had been partially damaged and that the drone strike had caused a fire to break out at a workshop at the plant. The fire was later put out, Russian media outlet Kommersant reported, citing the operator.

Ukraine, which confirmed it hit a gas processing plant in the Orenburg region and an oil refinery in the Samara region, has stepped up its attacks on Russian refineries and other energy facilities since August to try to disrupt petrol supplies and deprive Moscow of funding.

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Ukrainian military said there were explosions and fire at the site.

It is the first reported strike on the plant, which forms part of the Orenburg gas chemical complex.

The facility, operated by Gazprom, has an annual processing capacity of 45 billion cubic metres and handles gas condensate from both the Orenburg oil and gas field and Kazakhstans Karachaganak field.

Kazakhstan's energy ministry said Gazprom had notified it of the emergency but had yet to provide details on the extent of the damage or a timeline for resuming full operations.

Nobody was reported to have been hurt in the attack.

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Separately, the governor of Russia's Samara region, Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, said on social media that air defences had also been in action overnight against Ukrainian drones and that the local airport and mobile internet services had been temporarily suspended.

Ukraine has previously tried to strike an oil refinery in the Samara region.

Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement that its air defence forces had shot down 45 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 12 over the Samara region, 11 over the Saratov region, and one over the Orenburg region.

(Reporting by Reuters Moscow Buro and Tamara Vaal Editing by Andrew Osborn and Louise Heavens)
TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI)  An investigation is underway after a toddler was killed in a crash in Taunton on Saturday night.

Officials responding to 400 Broadway just after 7 p.m. found a Toyota Rav 4 and a Chevy Van involved in a head-on crash, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office.

The initial investigation showed that the Rav 4 appeared to have crashed into the van, causing heavy damage to both, the DAs office said.

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A 25-year-old woman was in the Rav 4 with her two children, a 5-year-old girl and a nearly 2-year-old girl.

The toddler was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later. The woman was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, while the 5-year-old was transported to an out-of-state trauma center.

Four men were inside the van, the DAs office said, and were not injured.

Its unclear what led up to the crash.

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UPDATED: As millions of Americans take to the streets  from New York to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. to Chicago  Hollywood is voicing its support for the nationwide No Kings protests, with prominent figures like Glenn Close, Spike Lee, Jean Smart and many others praising the day of dissent.

As Deadline reported yesterday, networks have planned extensive coverage of the countrywide event, which is the second round of historic demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his actions in the White House following Junes marches.

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Close, who was most recently seen at the red carpet premiere of Ryan Murphys forthcoming legal drama series Alls Fair, posted a selfie featuring a sign that read: No oligarchs, no dictators, no despots, no autocrats, no kings!!

Meanwhile, the Highest 2 Lowest filmmaker shared a photo of a protester with a sign spoofing Times recent cover of Trump, featuring the caption Time to go! Lee added in the caption: GET UP STAND UP. YA-DIGSH-NUFF.

In an Instagram video made several days ago, multi-Emmy-winning Hacks star Smart urged people to join the peaceful protest in a city near them, adding: The current resident of the White House seems to think he has everybody fooled, but he has made it abundantly clear that he admires dictators and wishes to be one. And ironically, this country was founded on our rebellion against having a king  The most patriotic thing that you can do is say, No kings. A king does not belong in the United States of America.

Many speakers across the country spoke of Trumps dispatch of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and he threat to send them to Chicago and Seattle.

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In Santa Monica, Rob Reiner warned a crowd that we are seeking now what is happening. People are starting to get used to the idea that the military can be on the streets. That is not acceptable unless there is serious, serious unrest and people are killing too. So we have to make sure that the election in 2026 is free and fair, because if it is, we will win. And I think Donald Trump knows that, and so he is trying to position it in such a way that he can make sure that that doesnt happen.

Also in L.A., recently elected WGA West President Michele Mulroney urged writers to use their voices and fight.

In Washington, D.C. speakers Bill Nye and Mehdi Hasan each cited Trumps attacks on Jimmy Kimmel and other late-night hosts. After the chairman of the FCC warned ABC stations over Kimmel, some affiliate groups pulled the program, and the network took the show off entirely. But it was restored after a backlash.

The president and his associates cannot tolerate dissent, Nye said. To them, our free speech is frightening. They are arresting people and denying due process in courts. They tried to silence television hosts. Theyre trying to fire, indict civil servants, prosecutors, judges, even their own cabinet members.

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Hasan, the former MSNBC host who now has his own site Zeteo, pushed back on House Speaker Mike Johnsons claim that those demonstrating hate America.

Im here because I love this country, Hasan said. I love America. I love the First Amendment. I love our democracy. I love our diversity  yes, our diversity. And I am not willing to sit back and watch our glorious American multi-racial, multi-cultural democratic experiment, our Constitutional republic, destroyed by the guy from Home Alone 2.

The protests were organized by a coalition of groups  including Indivisible and Common Cause  and were planned in major cities and small communities across the country. Organizers said that some 2,700 events took place. In New York, more than 100,000 participated across all five boroughs, according to New York City police, and there were no arrests.

On MSNBC, coverage focused on how different the atmosphere was than that predicted by Johnson, who said that it would draw Antifa and Hamas supporters. The networks Jacob Soboroff, reporting from downtown Los Angeles, noted the presence of American flags, some turned upside down to signal distress, and he interviewed one person dressed in an inflatable unicorn. He pressed participants on whether they hate America.

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This is a celebratory atmosphere out here, he said.

There was such a huge gap between scary GOP rhetoric and the completely peaceful reality, said David French, the conservative columnist for The New York Times, who attended the Chicago No Kings rally.

See further reactions and participation from such celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Margaret Cho, Billy Eichner, Murray Bartlett, Kathy Griffin, Cassandra Peterson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lee Daniels, Cecily Strong, Mark Ruffalo and more below:

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They are actually Love America rallies, Mike. Ordinary people, man, trying to save the country from a despot. https://t.co/S0tf2NSvkS  Stephen King (@StephenKing) October 18, 2025

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Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Minister of Defence of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that no one is allowed to violate Afghanistan's sovereignty or disturb the country's security. Speaking at an online press conference from Doha, Mujahid emphasised that the Durand Line is hypothetical and it was not discussed in any part of the agreement, stressing that the issue is a matter between nations, Tolo News reported. Established in the Hindu Kush in 1893, the Durand Line runs through the tribal lands between Afghanistan and British India. In modern times, it has marked the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is a legacy of the 19th-century Great Game between the Russian and British empires in which Afghanistan was used as a buffer by the British against a feared Russian expansionism to its east. The agreement demarcating what became known as the Durand Line was signed between the British civil servant Sir Henry Mortimer Durand and Amir Abdur Rahman, then the Afghan ruler, in 1893. Abdur Rahman became king in 1880, two years after the end of the Second Afghan War in which the British took control of several areas that were part of the Afghan kingdom. His agreement with Durand demarcated the limits of his and British India's "spheres of influence" on the Afghan "frontier" with India. The seven-clause agreement recognised a 2,670-km line, which stretches from the border with China to Afghanistan's border with Iran. With independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited the Durand Line, and with it also the Pashtun rejection of the line, and Afghanistan's refusal to recognise it. Referring to the upcoming meeting in Turkey, Mujahid said that discussions there would focus on the mechanisms of the current agreement. In response to a journalist's question about guarantees ensuring Pakistan will not attack again or breach the agreement, he said: "Pakistan made its commitment in the presence of two other countries," Tolo News reported. The Defence Minister added that if any attacks are carried out by Pakistan, they will take reciprocal actions, noting that Pakistan had previously violated Afghanistan's airspace. He said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan had given a decisive response to Pakistan's military regime, Tolo News reported. Mujahid further clarified that under the agreement, trade between the two countries would return to normal, and stressed that Afghanistan, as an independent nation, maintains positive relations with all countries, including Pakistan, based on its national interests. Regarding Afghan refugees, he said: "We discussed the situation of Afghan refugees and emphasised that they must be treated humanely." Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, on Sunday lauded the peace agreement signed with Afghanistan, while reiterating Pakistan's accusations against Afghanistan for the recent attacks. Dar also called for efforts to prevent any further loss of lives. In a post on X, he said, "Welcome the Agreement finalized late last night in Doha. It is the first step in the right direction. Deeply appreciate the constructive role played by brotherly Qatar and Turkiye. We look forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism, in the next meeting to be hosted by Turkiye, to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Pakistan. It is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives." Earlier in the day, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a telephonic conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, blamed Afghanistan for the recent cross-border escalations. Sharif announced that Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire at the behest of Afghanistan and requested tangible actions against terrorists, Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday. In a post on X, the PM's Office said, "The Prime Minister also apprised his Malaysian counterpart of the security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He underscored that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan but continues to face cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Afghan authorities must take effective measures to take immediate and effective steps to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Afghan soil that continue to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan." The statement added, "He reaffirmed that Pakistan had agreed to a temporary ceasefire at the request of the Afghan authorities to facilitate dialogue in Doha, and stressed the importance of tangible action against all terrorist entities, including Fitna-al-Khwarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, TTP, and BLA, to restore peace and stability along the border." Afghanistan's Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, on Saturday (local time), blamed Pakistan for the recent escalation of border clashes, stating that Islamabad "initiated" the conflict by violating Afghan territory. The remarks were made during a telephone conversation with the Afghan PM's Malaysian counterpart, Dato' Mohammad Anwar Ibrahim, according to government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. In a series of posts on X, Mujahid said the Afghan Prime Minister reaffirmed that Kabul does not seek conflict but was forced to respond after alleged Pakistani aggression. Earlier in the day, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. (ANI)
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs will travel to Mexico City this week to strengthen ties with government and business leaders ahead of a key discussion about the trade partnership between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

The Democratic governor's visit comes amid a backdrop of international uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump's on-again, off-again tariff policy, and months before leaders from the U.S., Mexico and Canada will hold a joint meeting to consider extending the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free-trade agreement.

The agreement allows goods and services to travel across international borders without paying taxes, and discussions to renew it in July 2026 could see tension sparked by tariff policies.

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Mexico is Arizonas top trading partner, and a critical piece of my administrations work to grow our economy, secure the border, and protect our water, Hobbs said in a statement. "By working together, we can forge a path forward focused on our mutual prosperity and security, creating sustainable economic growth and keeping our communities safe."

The trip is meant to find opportunities to collaborate on economic growth and development, supply chains, border security, water conservation and trade, according to Hobbs' office. Hobbs will have a series of briefings with "senior American foreign policy officials" and then she and the delegation traveling with her will host meetings to discuss the gamut of cross-border issues.

Also on the agenda is an education and workforce roundtable featuring leaders from four Mexican higher education institutions: the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Instituto Politecnico National, Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico and Tecnologico de Monterrey.

Hobbs will depart Oct. 19 and return to Arizona Oct. 22.

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The governor has made multiple visits to Sonora, Mexico, since she took office in early 2023, and went to Mexico City on a similar trade-focused trip in February 2024.

This trip is notable for the roster of Arizona business and economic leaders who are traveling alongside the governor. Hobbs' Chief of Staff Chad Campbell and Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson are going, and have traveled with the governor on prior international visits.

Arizona politics: GOP leaders weigh in on racist comments made by Young Republicans

Hobbs' office said this trip includes two dozen others, including members of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, six higher education leaders and representatives of the Phoenix Suns, Intel and Honeywell. The cost to send Hobbs and her staff to Mexico City is being paid by the commission or the Arizona Commerce Authority, but no taxpayer dollars will be used for others in the delegation, according to Hobbs' spokesperson Christian Slater.

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While federal politics and trade policies are unsettled, Hobbs' trip seeks to signal stability  and that could help her own reelection bid. She is asking Arizonans to elect her for a second term in November 2026.

"Voters are beginning to understand these bad trade policies aren't putting money in their pockets," said Matt Grodsky, a Democratic political consultant. "Trump and the GOP have bungled the economy. The governor is continuing to lead on the economic front by engaging with our state's biggest trading partner, but it is incumbent on Democrats to strategically amplify the governors efforts on these issues."

Others going to Mexico City are, according to the Governor's Office:

Billy Kovacs , director of federal affairs, Office of the Governor

Ian OGrady , policy advisor for economic affairs, Office of the Governor

Eva Masadiego , executive director, Arizona-Mexico Commission

Todd Sanders , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber

Stacy Derstine , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; Vice President of External Affairs, Arizona Public Service Co.

Carlos Rebellon , director of government affairs for Spanish-speaking countries and Canada, Intel

Kathy Worthen , vice president of integrated supply chain, Honeywell

Dan Lubowitz , director of state government affairs, Bombardier

Dan Costello , executive vice president and chief revenue officer, Phoenix Suns

Steve Beaver , senior vice president, general counsel and chief legal Officer, Benchmark Electronics

Carolynne Hunter , president, St. Clair Technologies

Tony Astorga , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; CEO, AZTOR Health Management Strategic Advisors

Mike McCoy , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; general counsel and chief legal officer, Avnet

Stan Chavira , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; secretary-treasurer, UFCW

Jason Baran , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; director of state government affairs, Salt River Project

Mignonne Hollis , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; executive director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation

Rana Lashgari , board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission; founder and president, Biltmore Strategies

Fernando Garcia , executive vice president for international trade and investment, Arizona Commerce Authority

Jena Coolidge McGovern , executive vice president for marketing and communications, Arizona Commerce Authority

Lee Stein , regent, Arizona Board of Regents

Steven Gonzalez , chancellor, Maricopa Community College District

Dr. Jeffrey Nasse , chancellor, Pima Community College District

Paola Hidalgo , assistant vice president for government and community engagement, Arizona State University, and board member, Arizona-Mexico Commission

Dr. Tomas Diaz de la Rubia , senior vice president for research and partnerships, University of Arizona

Chad Sampson, executive director, Arizona Board of Regents

Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Katie Hobbs to visit Mexico amid Trump tariffs
This is the War of Revival of our nation, a direct continuation of the War of Independence, Netanyahu told the cabinet.

The government voted in favor of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus proposal to change the official name of the Israel-Hamas War from Operation Swords of Iron to the War of Revival during Sundays cabinet meeting.

Directly after Hamass October 7 massacre, the ensuing war was called Operation Swords of Iron. This decision to amend the original name has been made in the wake of Israels recent ceasefire deal with Hamas.

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After two years of continuous fighting, we remember how we began, rising from the terrible disaster of October 7, Netanyahu told the cabinet ahead of the vote to change the name.

This was a war of revival for our nation, a direct continuation of the War of Independence, Netanyahu said.

He added that the War of Revival will now be the official name used on medals of valor and commendations to our brave soldiers and commanders, which he said are currently being prepared.

'Name is taken,' argues Chikli

The vote passed by a vast majority, though National Missions Minister Orit Strock (Religious Zionist Party) voted against it, and Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud) abstained.

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According to a Saturday KAN News report, the decision to make the name change will cost NIS two million.

On Saturday, Chikli said ahead of the vote that the revised name was unsuitable for various reasons.

Technically, the name is already in use. The War of Independence is also known as the War of Revival, based on an initiative by prime minister David Ben-Gurion, he said.

However, the diaspora affairs minister continued, Operation Swords of Iron should be changed, and alternative names for the war should be offered.

Changing the title resulted in criticism from opposition politicians and hostage family members as well.

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Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) slammed the decision, calling it an escape from guilt and responsibility for the attacks, along with an attempt to erase the governments failures on October 7.

The government can call the October 7 war whatever it wants  it wont help, Lapid said. This was not a war of revival. If anything, it was the war of blame, named after all those who tried to escape responsibility and failed.

He added that slain hostages Daniel Peretz and Inbar Hayman, whose bodies were held by Hamas for two years, will never be revived.

This was, and remains, the October 7 war, the October 7 government, and the October 7 disaster, Lapid said.All attempts to erase what happened will fail, because the real story was written in blood.

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Avigdor Liberman, the chair of Yisrael Beytenu, said, Changing the name of the war wont change reality. The revival of the people of Israel will happen in the upcoming elections.

Yonatan, the brother of hostage Alon Shamriz, who was mistakenly killed by the IDF while in Gaza in December 2023, said that he intended to file a petition against the wars name change, Ynet reported on Sunday.

No one will be able to blur or erase what we went through. While the bodies of hostages are still returning in coffins daily, the government is busy rewriting history and marginalizing the disaster that happened under its watch, he said.

This wont work. The war will forever be called the October 7 war as an eternal reminder of the catastrophe. Hundreds of families will prevent anyone from approaching their loved ones graves to rebrand this disastrous failing as a revival at their expense, Yonatan Shamriz said.

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Alternatively, coalition ministers spoke highly of the name change, with MK Avichay Boaron (Likud) saying that it was part of the desire to set the narrative, in a Sunday N12 News interview.

We must lift our gaze and instill confidence in the people of Israel, and say that we were in a crisis, we overcame that crisis, and then we turned it into a great opportunity and a great success, he said.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud) said that since the prime minister proposed the name War of Revival, I have made a point of using it, during a Sunday KolBarama radio interview.

We are seeing the results of the war. We can walk with our heads held high while our enemies fall before us, he said.

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Netanyahu has tried to change the wars name since 2023. Names proposed in the past included the Genesis war, the Gaza war, and the Simchat Torah war.

Hostage families protested previous attempts to change the name, saying that there can be no revival without the return of all the captives.
The Dougherty Street Government Building in Athens will be closed this week for roof replacement work.

During this closure from Monday through Friday, most offices within the building, including the Planning, Building Permits & Inspections, and Transportation & Public Works Administrative, Engineering, and Stormwater Divisions, will be closed to in-person traffic. However, some services will be offered remotely via email or telephone.

The Transportation and Public Works offices, located on the lowest level of the building, accessible only from the backside, will reopen on Oct. 23-24 while the upstairs offices remain closed.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Building Permits and Inspections Department will not be able to issue permits or Certificates of Occupancy during the closure, though next-day inspections can still be requested by phone before 4:00 PM each day.

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The closure of the Planning Department offices will not affect the Friday deadline for plan review submissions, as all plans are submitted digitally through the online portal.

All department offices are expected to reopen on Monday, Oct. 27 for normal business operations.

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(WHTM)  Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro commented on the No Kings protests that occurred in Pennsylvania and across the country yesterday.

Shapiro released a statement on Facebook in reaction to Pennsylvanians and Americans nationwide protesting against the Trump Administration. His full statement reads:

Almost 250 years ago, patriots in Philadelphia declared independence from a King. Today, thousands of people in Pennsylvania and across the country, from all walks of life, peacefully took up that fight for the fundamental freedoms this nation was built on. The American story is a work in progress  and the darkness coming out of DC right now is a testament to that. To everyone who protested peacefully in the streets: thank you for bringing the light and doing the work. Im going to keep fighting  and I know you will too. Governor Josh Shapiro

This is the second statement Shapiro has released in response to No Kings protests, as he sent a previous one in response to protests back in June.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A Jewish man was arrested in London because his Star of David necklace was said to have antagonised a group of protesters.

Think about that for a moment: a man was arrested for wearing his small symbol of his faith. Yet in 2025, in Britain, that was apparently enough to justify police intervention.

My great-grandmother survived Auschwitz and rebuilt her life here, believing that Britain was different  a country where Jews could live openly and proudly, protected by the rule of law and a shared moral compass.

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She would struggle to recognise that Britain today.

For two years, weve seen mobs flood our streets chanting for jihad and intifada, waving the flags of terror groups and calling for the destruction of Israel  and we have been told this festival of hate is simply an expression of free speech. Yet when a Jew wears a Star of David, its branded a provocation.

Britain has moved from protecting hate mobs in the name of liberty to arresting Jews in the name of public order. Its a moral inversion that would have been unthinkable even a few years ago.

This isnt really about one police officer or one decision. Its about what kind of country we are becoming: a country that excuses Jew-hatred but seems to criminalise Jewish identity. That indulges the extremists while asking Jews to hide who we are.

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The Star of David is not a political statement. It is a religious symbol. The idea that a Jew cannot wear one openly in London, in 2025, should shame us all.

To be clear, being Jewish has always antagonised anti-Semites. That is nothing new. But arresting the Jew  rather than the anti-Semites  is not new either. We have seen this before. We know where it leads.

If we continue down this path, Britain will have betrayed the promise that made it a refuge for survivors like my family: that never again would Jews have to fear walking openly as Jews in this country.

Because when a Star of David becomes a provocation, it isnt the Jews who have changed. Its Britain.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
GREECE, N.Y. (WROC)  Two men have been arrested and now face charges after the Greece Police Department found a stolen vehicle on Friday.

According to police, they were alerted to the location of a stolen 2015 Chevrolet Equinox by the Departments License Plate Recognition System on Friday evening. The vehicle was reportedly traveling around the area of Latta Road and Long Pond Road in Greece.

Officers reportedly found the vehicle with two occupants inside at a nearby parking lot. The occupants were detained as officers searched the car, where they recovered 36.1 grams of cocaine.

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Police said that the driver of the vehicle showed signs of an overdose in custody and was taken to the hospital for additional treatment after being treated with Narcan at the scene.

Lawrence Bryan, 36, of Rochester, and Lascelles McDaniel, 46, of Rochester, have been charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third.

In this incident, Bryan faces the following additional charges:

Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third

Driving while ability impaired by drugs

Aggravated unlicensed operation in the third

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Both men were processed at the Greece Police Department before being transported to the Monroe County Jail. They will be arraigned in CAP Court.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A Greensboro man is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with his girlfriends death, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

On Saturday at 2:10 p.m., officers responded to an aggravated assault in the 3600 block of Sharon Avenue, where Ramona Jasso Cortes, 44, was found dead in her home under suspicious circumstances with evidence of trauma.

Officers determined her boyfriend, Alfredo Santana Trujillo, Sr., 42, who also lived at the home, was responsible. He was arrested and taken to the Guilford County Jail.

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According to police, the investigation is active, and some details may not be available for public release.

This is the citys 30th homicide of 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  One person is in the hospital following a shooting in Greenville County, according to officials.

According to Greenville County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to White Horse Road just before 2 a.m. for a reported assault. While at the scene, deputies were notified a victim had arrived at a hospital with at least one gunshot wound.

The victim is currently listed in serious condition.

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Investigators are continuing to investigate the incident and ask that anyone with information related to their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers of Greenville at 864-23-CRIME.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Group calls for independent probe of Everett Police Department after boys chilling ICE arrest

The Lawyers for Civil Rights group is demanding an independent investigation into the Everett Police Department following the arrest of a 13-year-old Brazilian boy who was later taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Police say the teen was arrested after allegedly threatening another student with a knife at school. However, the civil rights group is raising concerns that Everett police may have violated Massachusetts law by unlawfully facilitating a federal immigration arrest.

The organization is urging officials to examine whether local law enforcement overstepped its authority in allegedly coordinating with federal immigration agents.

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This chilling incident exposes what may be a dangerous breakdown in legal protections for immigrants in our stateand the fact that it involves a child makes it even more alarming, Jillian Lenson, senior staff attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights, said in a statement.

The civil rights group has since penned a letter to Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and the Secretary for Public Safety and Security, urging the Commonwealth to take decisive steps to protect youth in custody and restore public trust in law enforcement.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and police chief Paul Strong say they did not notify the federal government and that ICE was waiting outside the police department.

Police arrested the boy last Thursday at a bus stop outside the Parlin School.

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They found a six to seven-inch double-sided knife on him. He was taken to the police department, booked, and then, as he was outside the station, he was taken away by ICE agents while his mother was inside.

The mayor and police say they have no control over what ICE does.

Homeland Security said the boy had a knife and a firearm when taken in, with a rap sheet that includes violent assault with a dangerous weapon, battery, breaking and entering, and destruction of property.

However, the chief claims the teen did not have a firearm on him when he was arrested.

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Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended warm greetings to citizens on the occasion of Deepavali, sharing a heartfelt video wishing everyone a "bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead." In a post on X, Wong wrote, "Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not just the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. Wishing everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead." https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1979868332905160988 Alongside this, he shared a video wishing citizens a Happy Deepavali, featuring visuals of gods and bustling markets, while inviting viewers to share what Deepavali means to them. Participants shared their thoughts, with one saying, "Deepavali for us, since we were kids, means celebration, having a new start every year. Yeah, being joyful and happy together." Others added, "Fireworks. Sweets. Family gathering." Some reflected on personal traditions, saying, "Money, money, money. By my age, nobody's giving me anything anymore. So now, I actually look forward to just seeing the family. And I want to wish all of you a happy Deepavali. Happy Deepavali." The video also featured participants sending festive greetings, saying, "Happy Deepavali." Visuals in the video showed women applying mehendi, children bursting firecrackers, and people buying sweets, highlighting the festive spirit in markets across Singapore. Meanwhile, Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, on Sunday extended Diwali wishes for India, sharing visuals of a special celebratory Diwali lunch hosted by the Embassy of Japan. In a post on X, Ono said, "The Embassy of Japan in India held a wonderful Diwali lunch party to celebrate the Festival of Lights. We extend warm wishes to everyone for a joyful and prosperous Diwali. May the light of Diwali bring hope and positivity to all." Earlier, on Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the entire city will celebrate the festival of Diwali together and hoped that it would bring a smile to the faces of the people of Delhi. Speaking during the celebrations of Deepotsav at Kartavya Path, she said, "Diwali is not just a festival but a symbol of devotion for us. Lord Ram returning to his home and the triumph of good over evil continues to inspire us. The entire city of Delhi will celebrate the festival of Diwali together. Lakhs of diyas are lit at the Kartavya Path...We hope that the festival of Diwali will bring a smile on the faces of the people of Delhi." The Delhi government organised a "Deepotsav" programme at Kartavya Path on the occasion of Dhanteras, featuring the lighting of 1.51 lakh diyas, Ram Katha, a drone show, and various cultural performances. The Kartavya Path was illuminated with diyas and a drone show for the occasion. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known as the "festival of lights," it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival also marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. During Diwali, homes are cleaned and illuminated with oil lamps and lights. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Families exchange sweets and gifts, wear new clothes, and burst firecrackers as part of the celebrations. (ANI)




Austin voters will decide on the citys steepest property tax rate hike in at least 20 years this November.

Facing a projected $33.4 million budget shortfall, the City Council approved a $6.3 billion budget that depends on a 20% increase in the citys portion of property taxes. Thats well above a 3.5% annual cap set by the Texas Legislature in 2019 as part of an effort to rein in property tax increases. If a local taxing entity like the city of Austin wants to exceed that cap, it must get voter approval through a tax rate election.

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City leaders say the increase is needed to maintain basic services, while business groups say it could worsen Austin's affordability crisis.

Early voting starts Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.

What is Prop Q?

Campaign signs for and against Prop Q are posted on East Riverside Drive in Austin on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





Proposition Q asks voters to approve a property tax rate of $0.57 per $100 in valuation  about 5 cents higher than what's allowed under the 2019 state law. The tax hike would generate roughly $110 million for the citys general fund next year.

A sign opposing Proposition Q is seen off I-35 and Onion Creek Parkway in Austin, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





For the average homeowner with a property valued at about $500,000, the passage of Prop Q would add about $300 to their annual city property tax bill. This year, the average homeowner paid $1,969 in city taxes.

How would Austin spend the money?

That $110 million would go toward a variety of initiatives but most fall under one of four categories: homelessness programs, park maintenance and public health and safety.

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Some of the largest proposed expenditures include:

$20.4 million for up to 350 new rapid rehousing units and expanded emergency shelter beds and services

$3 million for rental and move-in assistance for people leaving shelters

$3.1 million for 24/7 mental health crisis response, including new EMS units

$8.3 million for Fire Department overtime, $5.1 million for EMS staffing and mental health response expansion

$8.3 million for parks maintenance and wildfire prevention

$1.9 million workforce programs, including the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps

Other notable expenditures include $11.5 million to continue emergency shelter operations at the Marshalling Yard and the Eighth Street Shelter; $800,000 for a one-time $500 stipend for city employees ineligible for remote work; and $517,000 to continue funding 20 positions added last year for parks and cemetery maintenance.

For a full list, please visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/ballot-propositions.

Whos in favor of Prop Q?

The majority of the City Council, homelessness advocates and two unions representing city employees support Prop Q.

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A PAC called Love Austin is leading the push, arguing that Prop Q protects core services.

This isnt about taxes  its about our values, said Love Austin leader Joe Cascino, also a political consultant who has worked as Austin Mayor Kirk Watson's campaign manager.

Groups backing Prop Q include Caritas of Austin, The Other Ones Foundation, AFSCME Local 1620 and the Austin EMS Association, whose leaders have argued the city cant sustain essential services  or help vulnerable residents  without new revenue.

Supporters of Proposition Q attend a news conference to announce the Care Not Cuts campaign at Parque Zaragosa on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. A coalition of unions, first responders, social workers, and community leaders announced a coalition of over 20 organizations in support of the upcoming City of Austins tax rate election Proposition Q. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)





Austin is growing, and our EMS needs to grow too, said EMS Association President James Monks.

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Council Member Ryan Alter said the investment could yield long-term savings: If we can get someone into housing instead of jail or an ER, we save money.

The Travis County Democratic Party narrowly endorsed Prop Q, and a coalition called Care not Cuts  made up of unions and community groups  has launched a campaign to rally support.

Notably, leadership for the Austin Police Association and Austin Fire Association said their unions would remain neutral on the initiative.

Whos against Prop Q?

Austins business community and conservative activists say the tax hike is too steep.

The Austin Chamber of Commerce, Real Estate Council of Austin, and Austin Apartment Association oppose Prop Q, warning that it could drive up housing costs and hurt economic growth.

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This dramatic increase will push people out of Austin, Chamber Board Chair Mark Ramseur said.

Apartment Association CEO Emily Blair said multifamily property taxes could rise 35%, hitting renters hardest.

The conservative PAC Save Austin Now, which successfully campaigned for the city's public camping ban, is also urging a no vote.

If the city were serious about affordability, it wouldnt raise property taxes, co-chair Steven Brown said.

A pedestrian walks past a sign that displays opposition to Proposition Q in East Austin, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





What if Prop Q fails?

In short, the City Council would have to go back to the drawing board to find budget cuts  and members have said nothings off limits.

In August when the council approved the 2025-26 budget, it also passed a resolution from Council Member Mike Siegel stating that if Prop Q failed, it would not trigger across-the-board cuts to city services.

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Instead, the council would determine specific reductions to balance the budget in the weeks after the election.

Without the [tax rate election], everything will be on the table in terms of how to reduce expenditures and get back to a balanced budget, Siegel said.

That could include cuts to public safety budgets, which make up two-thirds of the citys general fund. Recent police and fire labor contracts allow for temporary pay cuts if a tax rate election fails, though Watson and others say thats unlikely.

No matter what Austin voters decide, city property taxes will increase next year. Thats because the city will raise the rate by 3.5%, which would add just over $100 to the average tax bill.

Beyond Prop Q

Travis County has already voted to raise its property tax rate by 9.12% next year  a one-time increase tied to the governors disaster declaration after Julys floods.

Homeowners can expect about $200 more in county taxes as a result, plus smaller hikes for Central Health and Austin Community College.
The gunman charged with killing a man in what police called a drive-by shooting in Downtown was wearing an ankle monitor on an illegal gun charge, court records show.

Robert Shaw, 50, of Westwood, is charged with murder after police say he shot 34-year-old Justin Johnson near the 300 block of Sycamore Street around 2 a.m. Oct. 17.

Shaw was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of his arrest for outstanding charges of carrying a concealed weapon and illegally possessing a gun, court records show.

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Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker released Shaw in June for those charges on a $20,000 bond with electronic monitoring lockdown, meaning Shaw was restricted where he could go and when.

Dinkelacker approved adjusting Shaw's monitoring to allow for him to seek employment while the case was ongoing, court records show.

Shaw's criminal history dates back to 1998, when he served six months in prison on a cocaine possession conviction.

In 2003, Shaw was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, illegally possessing a gun and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced to another six months in prison.

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Again, in 2011 and 2015, Shaw was convicted of illegally possessing a gun and sentenced to prison time.

Police used Shaw's ankle monitor data to identify him as a suspect in Johnson's shooing death, court records show.

Shaw was arraigned before Hamilton County Municipal Judge Jackie Ginocchio on Oct. 18. He remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $2 million bond.

Use of GPS ankle monitors came under scrutiny earlier this summer after police said two people wearing the devices removed them and then killed other residents. An Enquirer review found tracking of how often people tamper with and remove the devices only began recently.

This story was updated to correct Judge Patrick Dinkelacker's title.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Downtown Cincinnati drive-by gunman was wearing ankle monitor
A 10,000-square-foot building was among six commercial lease transactions that were finalized recently across northern New Jersey.

Neil Goldstein, principal of The Goldstein Group, reported the transactions for the Paramus-based retail real estate services company this month.

The largest deal involved Academy of Dreams Gymnastics, which secured 10,000 square feet at Northvale Square on Livingston Street in Northvale.

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Sherwin Williams leased 4,400 square feet at 140 48th St. in Union City.

Skylands Urgent Care established a 2,100-square-foot location at 1499 Union Valley Road in West Milford.

Two restaurants signed leases at the same Saddle Brook address, at 487 Market St.  Cuban Eddies and the Moaaz Restaurant.

Capital One Bank/North Fork Bank also leased space at 287 Browertown Road at Route 46 in West Paterson/Woodland Park.

Stories by N.J. News Report

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  With Halloween around the corner, El Paso Community College will host various fun and family-friendly events across all campuses that will be open to the public.

Here is the list of events:

Hall-O-Horros

Friday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Valle Verde Campus (919 Hunter Dr.) Building A, Rooms 1116-1121. Free entry. This event is recommended for older audiences.



Trunk or Treat!

Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mission del Paso Campus (10700 Gateway Blvd.) in Parking Lot 5. Free entry.

Fall Festival

Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Valle Varde Campus in the Americana Village. Free entry. Students and children under 12 enter for free. There is a $5 entrance fee for the event or donate to the Tejano Mercado.



Halloween Zombie Haunted House

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Friday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northwest Campus Library, located at 6701 S. Desert Blvd. Free entry.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
CAIRO (Reuters) -Hamas rejected on Sunday a statement from the U.S. State Department in which it cited "credible reports" indicating the Palestinian militant group would imminently violate the ceasefire deal with Israel.

Hamas said such allegations were false.

(Reporting by Jaidaa Taha and Muhmmad Al GebalyEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Hamas may be planning an attack on "Palestinian civilians" in the Gaza Strip, the U.S. State Department announced Saturday.

In a statement, it said the U.S. had informed nations that signed on to the Gaza peace plan brokered by President Trump "of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza."

The State Department did not provide any details on the timing or location of the possible attack, saying only that it "would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts." Mr. Trump's envoys met Hamas representatives to finalize the peace plan, though the U.S. continues to designate it as a terrorist group.

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"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the State Department added. It did not disclose what those measures might entail.

On Sunday, Hamas rejected the claims by the U.S. State Department, calling them "false allegations." The group accused Israel of supporting armed groups operating in Israeli-controlled areas. Hamas urged the U.S. administration to pressure Israel to stop supporting the gangs and "providing them a safe haven."

This also comes after CBS News obtained a video on Wednesday, which shows armed Hamas fighters standing over Palestinians they have accused of being gang members collaborating with Israel. Moments later in the video, they execute them.

Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin told CBS News that the video depicts a long pattern of punishment that Hamas uses against suspected collaborators with Israel.

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"Hamas is killing them because they can," Baskin told CBS News this week. "Hamas is a criminal organization that has ruled the Palestinian people in Gaza for almost 20 years. This is not a democratic, liberal regime."

Baskin also explained that Palestinian militia groups that are opposed to Hamas had been armed by Israel during the war in an effort to weaken Hamas' power.

"Israel has empowered, with weapons and money, gangs of Palestinians who were involved in mostly illegal activities in the past  selling drugs, illegal smuggling  and they've empowered them as an alternative to Hamas," Baskin said. "This is not sustainable."

Last week, Mr. Trump acknowledged reports that Hamas was engaged in violence against rival Palestinian groups but appeared to downplay them as a concern.

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"They did take out a couple of gangs that were very bad gangs, very, very bad," Mr. Trump said of Hamas while speaking with reporters Tuesday. "And that didn't bother me much, to be honest with you."

Palestinians gather at a market in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, more than a week after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took hold, on Oct. 18, 2025. / Credit: BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images

Hamas' role in Gaza's future remains murky. Israel has demanded that Hamas disarm. The U.S.-brokered peace plan calls for it to relinquish its governance of the Palestinian territory to a "technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza." But Hamas has been quick to reassert itself, making clear that it has retain some power and organization despite Israel's efforts to destroy it.

On Monday, Mr. Trump and world leaders signed onto the U.S.-brokered agreement designed to bring a halt to the two-year Israel-Hamas war.

As part of the deal, Hamas released 20 living hostages, while Israel released about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israel also pulled its troops back to a preapproved line in Gaza.

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The deal also calls for Hamas to release the remains of 28 deceased hostages, but so far it has only released the remains of 10 of those. Another two bodies were released by Hamas Saturday, but they are pending identification.

According to the Associated Press, Israel has so far returned to Gaza the bodies of 135 Palestinians as part of the agreement.

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The military wing of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has denied any responsibility for attacks on Israeli troops in the south of the Gaza Strip on Sunday.

"We reaffirm our full commitment to implementing all agreed-upon terms, especially the ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip," said a statement from the al-Qassam Brigades.

An Israeli military official had blamed Hamas for attacks on Israeli soldiers behind the withdrawal line for Israeli troops agreed in the ceasefire agreement.

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The military said that soldiers had been fired at with an anti-tank missile and artillery in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by ordering new attacks in the Gaza Strip.

"We have no knowledge of any incidents or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as it is part of the red zones under the occupation's control," the al-Qassam Brigades said.

The military wing has not had contact with the remaining Hamas units in that area since the end of a ceasefire in March, the statement said, adding that it did not even know whether the unit's militants were still alive.

"Accordingly, we are not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas, as we are unable to communicate with any of our mujahideen (fighters) there  if any of them remain alive," it said.

The attacks on Sunday have raised fears for the stability of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which came into force on October 10.
"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the State Department said.

The US State Department said on Saturday it had informed the nations guaranteeing the Gaza ceasefire agreement of "credible reports" indicating "an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

"This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement," the department said in a statement.

"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," it added.

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Meanwhile, Gazan media reports claim that an Israel Navy vessel fired shots at Khan Yunis beach in the southern Gaza Strip.

This comes as Hamas returns two additional hostage remains on Saturday, following pressure from Israel and ceasefire mediators to abide by the agreement led by US President Donald Trump. The group continues to delay the return of hostage remains to Israel, a condition of the first phase of the ceasefire deal.

Palestinians celebrate, after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip October 9, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed)

Hamas called on mediators on Friday to follow up on the implementation of the remaining provisions of the deal.

The Palestinian terror group said in a statement that there was a need to complete the formation of a community support committee, which should begin its work in administering the Gaza Strip.

Hamas reasserts itself in Gaza

The terror group has sought to reassert itself in Gaza. Since the ceasefire took hold, Hamas has killed at least 32 people in a wave of killings meant to target anti-Hamas clans that had surged in the Strip.

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Trump responded to the killings in a Truth Social post, saying that "if Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them."

Trump also told CNN that he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the ceasefire deal.

For the first time since the ceasefire went into effect, the IDF confirmed on Friday that it targeted Hamas, striking several terrorists seen exiting a tunnel shaft and opening fire towards troops in Rafah, Southern Gaza.

Liran Haroni contributed to this report.
Hamas has turned over the remains of two more deceased Israeli captives from Gaza, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced, as the Palestinian group accused Israel of continuing to commit ceasefire violations.

Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the bodies of two hostages, which were returned to Israeli security forces in Gaza, Netanyahus office said in a post on the X social media platform early on Sunday.

The prime ministers office said the families of Israeli captives were updated on the return of the remains, and the two bodies had been transferred to Israels National Centre of Forensic Medicine for identification.

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The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned, the prime ministers office added.

The Israeli military reported later that one of the bodies was confirmed to be that of Ronen Tomi Engel. The 54-year-old was killed during the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken to Gaza.

Identification tests are continuing on the second set of remains, the military said.

With the handover late on Saturday, Hamas has now returned the remains of 12 of the 28 bodies of captives being held in Gaza, a key demand by Israel in the week-old ceasefire deal to end the two-year war.

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According to the deal, Hamas was to return all of the Israeli captives  both the living and dead  within 72 hours of its signing. In exchange, Israel was to release 360 bodies of deceased Palestinians and some 2,000 prisoners.





Hamas has said the widespread devastation in the Palestinian territory and the Israeli militarys continuing control of certain parts of Gaza have slowed the recovery of the bodies.

Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said Palestinian authorities do not have adequate equipment to help with the search for captives bodies beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.

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Its very difficult, with recovery teams on the ground facing extraordinary challenges. [They have] no bulldozers, no trucks, no cranes and no heavy equipment to speed up the process and help with the recovery and return of bodies, Mahmoud said.

Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut, who is reporting from Amman, Jordan, because Al Jazeera is banned from Israel and the occupied West Bank, said that Netanyahus government has known for some time that the recovery of captives bodies would be an incredibly difficult and daunting task.

Netanyahu, however, has accused Hamas of not doing enough to return the remains of all 28, saying that all of the bodies need to be returned immediately, Salhut said.

Until that happens, thats when Israel is going to honour more of the commitments of the ceasefire, like letting in more humanitarian assistance, talking about opening the Rafah border crossing, she said.

Hospital workers transport the remains of a Palestinian prisoner released by Israel under a Gaza ceasefire and captives exchange deal to the morgue of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Saturday [Omar al-Qattaa/AFP]

For days, Hamas and Israel have traded blame over violations of the US-mediated ceasefire.

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On Saturday, Hamas accused the Netanyahu government of fabricating flimsy pretexts to not follow through on its commitments to the peace deal, as well as denouncing Israels refusal to open the Rafah crossing with Egypt as a blatant violation of the agreement.

On Friday, Israeli forces killed 11 members of a single family, including seven children, in an attack east of Gaza City.

The Palestinian Embassy in Egypt announced earlier on Saturday that the Rafah crossing, the main gateway for people in Gaza to leave and enter the enclave, would reopen on Monday.

But Netanyahu said the border crossing would remain closed until Hamas hands over the bodies of all the deceased captives.

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The delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza also remains slow despite the ceasefire deal.

On Saturday, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had enough humanitarian food supplies to feed Gaza for three months, but trucks carrying the life-saving cargo are unable to enter Gaza and are stuck in warehouses in Jordan and Egypt.

We must be allowed to get all this aid into Gaza without delay, UNRWA said, adding that it also has equipment to provide shelter to as many as 1.3 million people.




Thousands of people streamed onto the Capitol Campus in Olympia Saturday afternoon for the second No Kings demonstration against a whole host of actions by the Trump Administration.

No crowd estimate was immediately available, but organizers believe it could have been the biggest crowd of the half dozen or so similar events. And the crowd was visibly different from similar rallies that have taken place since Donald Trump became President for the second time in January.

While older residents have made up the bulk of the participants before, there were visibly more younger adults, many with their children. And Annie Rogers from Evergreen Resistance, the local 50501 organization, said it was the first time a conservative Christian church set up a tent at the event, surprising many.

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She saw it as a good sign. The Christian church has a huge impact in this country.

Rogers also attributed the large, diverse crowd to the Presidents recent threats to send to troops to Portland, which seems to have gotten the whole Northwests attention.

At a few points, cars were intentionally cruising along Capitol Way to show support, honking and stopping to share encouragements with those lining the street. They also clogged traffic along the arterial.

The big tent is becoming as big as we need it to be, she said.

Portland people protesting ICE actions have donned inflatable frog and other animal costumes in their effort. On Saturday, dozens of people arrived at Washington states Capitol in similar costumes in a show of support.

Like the protesters in Portland, dozens of people attended Saturday afternoons rally wearing inflatable animal costumes -- but carrying serious signs.

A cohort of handmaids wearing the costumes made famous by The Handmaids Tale at one point also marched through the crowd.

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In the past, rally organizers have heard people question what good a weekend rally at the Capitol can really accomplish. Both Rogers and Lisa Ornstein from Olympia Indivisible, which co-organized the rally with Evergreen Resistance, said dressing up in costumes, waving signs and chanting at passing cars is only part of the goal.

Some of the donation cups at the various organizations tents were full on Saturday, and many people were offering up their email addresses to get more information from the groups, they said.

Ornstein said the message is becoming clearer to more people that organized opposition is necessary.

There is no cavalry. We have to save ourselves, she said.
The Sharjah Charity International (SCI) has participated in preparing the contents of the "UAE Humanitarian Ship" bound for Gaza from Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, as part of the UAE's ongoing 'Operation Chivalrous Knight 3'. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SCI, stated that the Association's contributions to the aid ship, organised in collaboration with "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3", included 10,000 food parcels to meet families' essential needs, 1,000 hygiene kits, and 15,000 pieces of heavy winter clothing for children and the elderly. He added that this shipment follows the first phase of the campaign, which was launched from Sharjah International Airport carrying diverse winter supplies. The SCI continues to intensify its efforts to reach as many families in need as possible, in line with the UAE's broader humanitarian initiatives to support the Palestinian people and alleviate their suffering amid worsening humanitarian and climatic conditions. Sheikh Saqr noted that the SCI has provided AED 10 million in aid since the beginning of the crisis, covering food, medical, and urgent relief supplies for affected families. This demonstrates the SCI's ongoing commitment to rapid humanitarian response both within and beyond the Gaza Strip. He emphasised that such initiatives align with the SCI's mission to uphold human dignity and provide support wherever needed, embodying the UAE's values of generosity and solidarity under its wise leadership. He further noted that UAE charitable organisations continue to strengthen the culture of humanitarian and social responsibility through comprehensive initiatives that provide food, health, and social support for those in need, while ensuring close coordination with humanitarian partners to deliver aid efficiently and effectively. (ANI/WAM)
Six state Tax Department employeesincluding the departments human resources officerallege that Tax Director Gary Suganuma has created an abusive and hostile work environment over issues that have nothing to do with assisting island taxpayers or ensuring that the state collects what its due.

Min Meng, 52,the departments administrative services officer and a former human resources specialist for the departmenthas asked Gov. Josh Green and state legislators to launch an independent investigation  of Suganuma, who was nominated by Green in January 2023 to become tax director and was confirmed by the state Senate in May 2023.

I have nothing personal against Director Suganuma, but hes trying to destroy careers and lives,  Meng, who has been at the department for eight years, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Its a very sad situation. This is my last resort. We are counting on the system working. All we ask for is a safe and non-bullying work environment.

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In a statement, Greens office said, The Office of the Governor is reviewing the submittal and generally does not comment on personnel matters.

Suganuma told the Star-Advertiser that he also cannot comment on personnel matters.

Meng ccd Suganuma on his request to Green and state legislators for an investigation, but said Suganuma has not discussed it with him.

Four of Mengs colleagues and another manager who left the more than 400-position Tax Department, agreed to be identified by name in the Star-Advertiser.

The managers allege that Suganuma regularly berates Meng, along with them and others in manager meetingsand in front of other Tax Department employees.

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They say that some managers and rank-and-file employees have reported that they suffer stress-related issues because of the degree to which Suganuma yells and waves his finger in their faces.

According to Meng, seven Tax Department top managers  have left in less than three years since Suganuma took over.

The managers who said they have witnessed Suganumas interactions with Meng corroborate Mengs allegationsand told the Star-Advertiser that they have received similar treatment.

Tense interactions Denise Inouyethe former Tax Departments administrative rules officer and a multiple winner of the departments employee of the quarter awardsaid Suganuma told her after he took over the department that her annual contract would not be extended past June 30, 2023, after 30 years with the department. Suganuma, Inouye said, would not allow her to take a demotion back to her old job as supervising income tax specialist to stay in the departmentwith a pay cutor to retire.

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I was in manager meetings and from the beginning (Suganuma ) would cut me off,  Inouye said. He would ask questions and I would start to answer and he literally would cut me off and ask someone else, so the writing was on the wall from the beginning. He was treating me like that from the first day, saying I wasnt qualified because I wasnt an attorney and shouldnt be in that position.

I had gone through 10 previous directors who felt I was qualified,  Inouye said.

A week after his Senate confirmation in May 2023, Inouye said she received a letter informing me that they no longer needed my services. Inouye left on May 30, 2023, and was treated for work-related stress, she said.

He didnt allow me to retire from my position,  Inouye said. Im 63 now, so I was eligible. It would have been nice to have closure.

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Others who remain at the Tax Department also have reported stress-related symptoms to the human resources department.

Dean Arashiro, a Tax Department human resources specialist, said that federal privacy laws prevent me from disclosing any medical diagnoses but, yeah, I do know of people who were affected that way.

Arashiro and the other co-workers say Meng continuously receives the brunt of Suganumas criticisms, but that Meng does not argue with Suganuma, at least in front of them.

Because of his HR background, hes very fair and knows how to document everything  in a way thats accurate,  Inouye said of Meng.

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Arashiro said he also was criticized by Suganuma, after being assigned earlier this year to a six-employee committee that included Meng to review parking assignments for employees who work in the Punchbowl Street headquarters.

The review was prompted by an employee checking on her request to be assigned parking closer to the building. It took the committee six months to conclude that the employee was ineligible to receive her desired parking,  according to a statement signed by Virginia Kemmerlinthe Tax Departments current human resources officerthat was included in Mengs request for an investigation.

Arashiro said Suganuma chaired the parking review committee, but that no other state tax director that he served under had ever gotten directly involved in employee parking issues.

Meng and some of his co-workers also say that Suganuma ordered another time-consuming review of how many Punchbowl Street employees have keys allowing them access on weekends and nights to finish their work after hours.

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Kemmerlin, who worked in human resources for the much larger state Department of Corrections for 30 years, wrote that her current position in the Tax Department is severely impacting my physical and mental health.  The HR issues in Corrections far exceed the complexity of cases at DOTAX, and yet I am constantly questioned, accused and treated like I am lying and /or mishandling by Director Suganuma.

Kemmerlin has filed her own complaints about how she said she was treated by corrections officials.

Shes only worked at the Tax Department since January, reporting directly to Meng, and said Im shocked that a number of employees have requested meetings with me about their own work situation.

In her statement, Kemmerlin wrote that early on Director Suganuma tried to recruit me as his snitch to help him fire MM (Min Meng ). After I refused, he then placed me in his target group and has created a very hostile, discriminatory and toxic work environment for me and my staff.  He also asked me to keep an eye on MM and report directly to him about everything going on around MM. I was shocked but kindly declined Director Suganuma and stated that I believed in the chain of command and would inform MM if I ever met with Director Suganuma about anything.

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Kemmerlin wrote in her statement that Suganuma always gets personal about business, when someone presents a different opinion, he gets mad right away and feels that the person is challenging and undermining him and his authority. When he gets angry, which occurs very often, he has a hard time in controlling himself, yelling, cursing, swearing, finger-pointing, accusing, etc., and it has created a very hostile and toxic work environment.

Hiring practices Meng and his co-workers also allege that Suganuma violated multiple state hiring practices and state human resources policies, including failing to properly advertise and recruit candidates and instead hired two inexperienced loyalists to serve as his aides.

Arashiro, the human resource specialist, and some of his co-workers alleged that the new employees were given false job titles they never performed to justify them receiving salaries $6, 000 higher than what employees in similar positions were earning at the time, Arashiro said.

Another of Suganumas hires was assigned a desk inside the Tax Departments human resources office even though his job did not include human resources responsibilities, Kemmerlin said.

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Suganuma also ordered his new aide to be granted access to personnel records, which Kemmerlin said caused her to object that it was improper to allow a non-human resources employee access to confidential health records in violation of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, more commonly known as HIPAA.

She said Suganuma later reassigned the employee to a desk outside of the human resources department after the state Department of Human Resources Development supported her position.

Suganuma also had video cameras installed throughout the department, including in the human resources departments lobby while telling employees that he had eyes and ears everywhere,  further damaging morale because everyone entering and exiting the HR department knew they were being recorded, Kemmerlin said.

Kemmerlin recommended that the department consult with the Hawaii Government Employees Association because the union had concerns since it was a change in work conditions, and (Suganuma ) refused to conduct such consultation stating that the act would be an admission that we were doing something wrong,  she wrote in her statement.

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Employee performance Meng was selected the Tax Departments manager of the year in 2024 by a committee chaired by Arashiro that also had responsibility for selecting the departments 2024 employee of the year and team of the year. After Meng received the highest score for manager of the year, Arashiro says that Suganuma reconfigured the committee to include some of his loyalists, who lowered Mengs scores and selected a different manager of the year.

Kemmerlin chaired this years selection committee that also recommended Meng for manager of the year and says the same thing happened. Suganuma, Kemmerlin wrote in her statement, made it clear that only his desired candidates could be selected and by all means MM could not be selected although MM got the most nominations with the strongest justification.

In June, Suganuma also improperly tried to lower the score of Mengs annual performance evaluation from fully meets expectations  to less than meets expectations,  Kemmerlin told the Star-Advertiser.

Kemmerlin said she consulted with the Department of Human Resources Development again over whether Suganuma could downgrade Mengs ratings over his expectations  because Meng had been given no expectations  before his annual evaluation period began, Kemmerlin said.

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In her statement, she wrote that she told Suganuma that DHRD confirmed her concerns. According to Kemmerlins statement, Suganuma then angrily stated thats (expletive ) (expletive ).

I hear the chatter

Other Tax Department nonmanagement employees like Brenda Singson, a tax department secretary and Mengs administrative assistant, said that Suganumas abusive and unprofessional behavior actually affected me because I also felt harassed. For somebody (Suganuma ) at that level, its unbecoming and not professional.

Emill Acosta, an accountant who has worked for the Tax Department for 15 years, said he has not experienced any mistreatment but his co-workers talk regularly about how morale has gotten worse under Suganuma, leading some of them to also report stress-related issues.

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I hear the chatter,  Acosta said. I try to stay out of it, but you cant help but hear it.

The Tax Department employees who were willing to be identified by name in the Star-Advertiser said they hope that speaking out publicly will provide protection from retaliation and lead to reforms.

I wouldnt be surprised if I was retaliated against,  said Arashiro, the human resources specialist. If he retaliates, its going to look even worse, given everything thats happened already.
HCA Florida Memorial Hospital has been awarded the Silver Level Center on the Path to Excellence in Life Support Award by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) for its ECMO program.

The award recognizes the hospitals exceptional commitment to evidence-based processes, quality measures, staff training, patient satisfaction, and ongoing clinical care in its ECMO program. ECMO, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, is a life support technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, providing oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide.

Our ECMO program has been recognized for its excellence in life support, said Dale Mueller, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief of Medical Staff at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

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With more than 6,000 hospitals in the United States, there are only about 400 ECMO centers nationwide, highlighting the significance of HCA Florida Memorial Hospitals achievement.

We are honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award regarding the critical care services and life support equipment, and training provided to our patients at our hospital, said Donna Wagner, Vice President of Cardiovascular, Critical Care, and Neurosciences at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

ECMO is one of the most advanced forms of life support available to patients experiencing acute failure of the cardio-respiratory system, allowing time for the patients lungs or heart to heal by using a heart-lung machine to oxygenate the blood outside the body.

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The new head of Deutsche Bahn (DB) plans to completely restructure the company and significantly improve the quality of the state-run rail operator.

"We are turning the company upside down: I am aiming for a complete fresh start," Evelyn Palla told the Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

"For this, we need to do everything differently than before."

Drastic cuts at the company headquarters

"I am reviewing every job for its added value to our customers. The administration must serve the railway workers," she said.

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Many decisions, according to Palla, will no longer be made at headquarters  the Bahn Tower in Berlin.

"I am making the people on the ground the decision-makers," she said. "They are the backbone of our company. They, too, deserve a fresh start."

Less bureaucracy

Palla also announced changes at the executive level.

"My goal is less bureaucracy at Deutsche Bahn and significantly more room for doers," she said. "Decisions will in future be made where the responsibility lies, not three floors higher."

Dirty trains, grimy stations, and closed or defective on-board bistros, she said, should no longer exist in the future. For rail customers, there will be a digital "construction site tracker" to better plan their journeys.
RIDGEWAY, Va. (WFXR) -Law enforcement in Henry County are looking for a man wanted in connection with the shooting death of woman found dead in her bedroom.

According to the Henry County Sheriffs Office, the victim, identified as Rhonda Lockett, was found by her 17-year-old son on Saturday, October 18, at a residence in the 1100 block of Garrett Road, in Ridgeway.

The suspect, Joseph Chad Lockett, is considered armed and dangerous. He has been charged with first-degree murder. Deputies said he is the victims estranged husband.

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Our investigators have worked tirelessly since Saturday, and we will not rest until Joseph Lockett is in custody. We ask anyone with information to come forward immediately to help bring justice for Rhonda and her family, said Sheriff Wayne Davis.

Danville man dies in single-vehicle crash

Davis said Joseph Lockett isnt beleived to have the means to travel far beyond the local area. He reminded the public that anyone who assists Joseph Lockett may be charged with accessory after the fact, a felony offense.



RIDGEWAY, Va. (WFXR)  The Henry County Sheriffs Office is conducting a homicide investigation after finding a woman dead during a welfare check.

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According to the offices Facebook post, deputies were called to conduct a welfare check on Saturday, October 18, at 12:15 p.m.

Deputies say when they arrived, they spoke with a juvenile resident who expressed that his mother needed help. Once deputies entered the home, they say they located the woman in a bedroom, deceased.

The office says they have decided to investigate this case as a homicide. According to officials, investigators are currently processing the scene and interviewing witnesses, while the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

At this time, the Henry County Sheriffs Office is reporting that no arrests have been made. However, investigators say they are interested in speaking with Joseph Chad Lockett, who was recently in a relationship with the victim. They add that there are no warrants for Lockett at this time.

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Officials say they will continue to follow up on leads and pursue all available information related to this case. They also say that the Virginia State Police and the Martinsville Police Department are providing their assistance in this investigation.

The Henry County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Joseph Chad Lockett to contact them at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 276-63-CRIME (276-632-7463). Officials say information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has "won certain property" during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and should be expected to take Ukrainian territory as part of a peace deal, U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News that aired Oct. 19.

The interview was taped a few days earlier, directly following his phone conversation with Putin on Oct. 16. The call came ahead of Trump's White House meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky  talks that ended in disappointment for the Ukrainian delegation, with no promise of Tomahawk missiles.

Prior to the call with Putin, Trump had taken a harsher tone with Russia in public comments. But in comments to Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, who asked whether Putin would accept a peace deal without territorial concessions, Trump was cavalier about the loss of Ukrainian lands.

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"Well, he's going to take something," Trump said. "I mean, they fought and uh, he has a lot of property. I mean, you know, he's won certain property, if you say that, he's won certain property."

Trump made no mention of Ukraine's sovereignty or international law, taking it as a given that an invading force has a right to "property" it seizes through strength of arms.

"We're the only nation that goes in and wins a war and then leaves," he said. "You know like we did under President Bush in the Middle East. We go in, we blast the hell out of everybody, destroy the place, and then we leave. ... You know, it doesn't make sense. Never made sense."

Following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump echoed these sentiments on social media, writing that Ukraine and Russia should make a peace deal "with property lines being defined by war and guts."

A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent)

In an interview with NBC after his talks with Trump, Zelensky said he took this to mean Ukraine and Russia could freeze the war along the current line of contact, but that Kyiv is not interesting in surrendering "additional" territory to Putin.

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"We will give nothing to the aggressor," Zelensky later said in his nightly address on Oct. 19.

Russia, however, is reportedly seeking full control of Donetsk Oblast as part of a deal to end the war.

Putin told Trump he was willing to give up parts of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts, both partially occupied by Russian forces, in exchange for the entirety of Donetsk, the Washington Post reported on Oct. 18, citing two senior U.S. officials.

The Financial Times (FT) later reported that Trump pushed Zelensky to accept these terms during their meeting.

In a conversation that at times turned into a shouting match, Trump told Zelensky that Russia was winning the war and would destroy Ukraine if Kyiv didn't make a deal, a European official with knowledge of the meeting told FT.

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"If (Putin) wants it, he will destroy you," Trump reportedly told Zelensky.

The U.S. president parroted a number of Kremlin propaganda points during the meeting, the European official claimed. Trump said Putin told him that the invasion of Ukraine was a "special operation, not even a war." Trump also said the Russian economy is "doing great."

According to the official, Trump also grew frustrated with Ukraine's battlefield map and tossed it aside, saying he was "sick" of seeing these maps.

"This red line, I don't even know where this is. I've never been there," Trump allegedly said.

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Reuters reported later on Oct. 19, citing its sources, that Trump suggested providing security guarantees to both warring parties, leaving the Ukrainian delegation taken aback.

Later in the evening on Oct. 20 while answering reporter questions on Air Force One, Trump denied telling Zelensky Ukraine would need to cede the Donbas in order to secure a ceasefire.

"We never discussed that. We think that what they should do is just stop at the lines where they are, the battle line... the rest is very tough to negotiate," Trump said.

"I think 78% of the land is already taken by Russia. You leave it the way it is. They can negotiate something down the line," Trump added.

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Putin's latest proposal marks a shift from his earlier position in April, when he insisted that any peace deal must grant Russia full control over Crimea plus the full four regions that are partially occupied now: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

While a small concession, it would require Ukraine to hand over territory that Russia has failed to seize after years of fighting despite significant advantages in manpower and military equipment.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Oct. 19 that Ukraine should not be pressured to give up its territory.

"None of us should put pressure on Zelensky when it comes to territorial concessions," Tusk wrote on X.

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"We should all put pressure on Russia to stop its aggression. Appeasement never was a road to a just and lasting peace."

Trump, for his part, has continued to delay imposing sanctions on Russia in an attempt to bring Putin to the negotiating table.

On Oct. 20, U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that Congress was "hitting the pause button," on a Senate bill that proposes to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries that buy Russian oil, amid Trump's planned meeting with Putin.

The White House has not yet indicated that it would like to see the bill brought to a vote on the Senate floor.

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Read also: No, Russian soldiers in Ukraine are not being forced to fight against their will

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The case will be heard before Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit, Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg and Justice David Mintz.

The High Court of Justice will hold a hearing on November 18 on the government's appointment of IDF Maj.-Gen. (res.) David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the court announced on Sunday.

The case will be heard beforeSupreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit, Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg and Justice David Mintz.

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Zini officially began his tenure on October 5, following a complex and contentious appointment process.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Zini in May, after the dismissal of former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Bar's removal was controversial, with allegations that it was politically motivated due to his resistance to Netanyahu's directives, including, per Bar, to surveil protest leaders, as well as the agency's role in investigating Qatari connections and influences over figures close to the prime minister, dubbed Qatargate. The High Court initially froze Bar's dismissal amid legal challenges but ultimately allowed Zini's appointment to proceed.

Criticisms regarding Netanyahu's informal offer of the position to Zini

The Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, chaired by former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, approved Zini's candidacy in September, dismissing concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to the ongoing investigations. The committee also addressed criticisms regarding Netanyahu's informal offer of the position to Zini, stating it did not constitute a breach of integrity.

Despite these approvals, Zini's appointment faced opposition from 186 former Shin Bet officials, as well as former chiefs Nadav Argaman, Carmi Gilon, and Ami Ayalon, in a petition filed in October. They warned that his leadership could harm the balance between security needs and the preservation of democratic principles.

Petitions were filed against Zini's appointment, questioning its legality and alleging conflicts of interest. The High Court declined to freeze the appointment while considering these petitions and scheduled future hearings.
BLADENSBURG, Md. (AP)  A hit-and-run driver slammed into an outdoor birthday party in suburban Washington, D.C., killing a woman and injuring eight kids on Saturday evening, police said.

Thirteen people were hurt in the the crash in Bladensburg, Maryland, according to statements from the city's police department and the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department.

The children ranged in age from 1 to 17 years old, Bladensburg Police said in a statement.

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Video and photos of the scene posted on social media showed a sedan inside a white tent on a lawn outside a home.

The driver, who got out of the vehicle and ran away, later turned himself into police. The 66-year-old man has been interviewed by investigators who are consulting with prosecutors about what criminal charges to file.

The woman killed was identified as Ashley Hernandez Gutierrez, 31, of Washington. At least three adults and one child remained in the hospital Sunday, police said.

Police initially said nine children were injured and their ages ranged from 2 to 9 years old.
Celebrities were among the nearly 7 million demonstrators who showed up at Saturdays No Kings protests to rally against Donald Trumps presidency.

Held in small towns and major cities across the country, demonstrators showed up with creative signs and costumes just one day after the president insisted hes not a king in an interview with Fox News.

Saturdays event marked the third mass mobilization since Trump reclaimed the White House  and one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in U.S. history, surpassing the more than 5 million demonstrators who turned up to the first iteration of No Kings protests in June, organizers said.

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Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis shared a carousel of posters from one protest with the caption: SIGNS 'O THE TIMES! Democracy in ACTION!

She followed that post up Sunday with a photo of a No King Any Time sign.

Celebrities were among those joining in on the No Kings protests around the country (AFP via Getty Images)

In this world of abundance and BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST, it doesn't matter if this was the MOST people ever turning out in protest, it just matters that we SHOWED UP, STOOD UP, said what we THINK and FEEL and now the HARD work, she captioned the image. We have a YEAR to send a real MESSAGE at the BALLOT BOX which is our AMERICAN VOICE, and so, let's get &$@KING BUSY!

Severance producer and director Ben Stiller re-shared an image of an attendee holding a sign that said No Kings except for Knicks player Jalen Brunson.

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Glenn Close posted an image of herself holding up a sign that read: No oligarchs. No dictators. No despots. No autocrats. No kings!!

Director Spike Lee shared a photo from Times Square in New York City of a protester holding a sign showing Trump on the cover of Time Magazine accompanied by the words to go.

High Fidelity and Say Anything star John Cusack had a pointed message for the Trump administration at the Chicago rally: Go to hell!

In an interview with CNN at the rally, Cusack claimed that Trump misunderstands Chicago. The president has asked the Supreme Court for permission to send troops into the city, arguing they are needed to protect federal border and immigration officials. Officials in the city insist they are not needed.

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Whats interesting is that he doesnt understand that all the labor rights around the world came from this town, this place, said Cusack So if he thinks this place is going to be a fascist hub  no chance!

Addressing the president directly, Cusack continued: No, you cant put troops on our streets. You cant create enough chaos to invoke the Insurrection Act so you can stay in power. We all know what your plan is.

Prior to the protests, Mark Ruffalo advocated for participation in a passionate Instagram post.

WE the People - WE have the power and together WE will win! Check out this inspiring video and share it with your family, friends and neighbors to join one of the over 2,500 No Kings protests across our country this Saturday, October 18th, he wrote.

Courage is contagious! Each of us have an important role to play in this historic moment by exercising our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest. Go to nokings.org to find a protest near you. See you in the streets!
In her 96 years Dita Kraus has been an artist, a librarian, a guide and an inspiration.

Edith (Dita) Kraus, the Holocaust survivor known as the librarian of Auschwitz, has died at age 96.

With great sorrow and a broken heart, my beloved grandmother, Dita, has died today, her grandson wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

She had a larger-than-life personality, and she was a painter, writer, teacher, and so much more than I can put into words. From the day I was born, she was a central part of my life, my spiritual guide, and my best friend. I loved her with all my heart. Rest in peace, dear Grandma.

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Lamenting Kraus passing, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky wrote on Twitter, I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dita Kraus, our brave compatriot and Holocaust survivor. I fondly remember our meetings and her eternal life spirit, through which she won the hearts of all those around her. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Dita Kraus and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

Kraus, (nee Polach), was born in Prague to Dr. Hans Polach and Elisabeth Polach. According to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, she did not learn about her Jewish roots until she was nine years old because her family did not follow Jewish tradition. She was 13 years old when she and her parents were deported to the Theresienstadt Ghetto and later to Auschwitz, where her father died.

During her five months in Auschwitz, Kraus served as a librarian for the children there, despite only having a few books. She worked alongside a team of Zionist instructors (one of whom would go on to be her husband) who helped with the childrens educational and cultural activities.

After this, in March 1944, Kraus and her mother were sent to forced labor in Germany, before being transported to the concentration camp Bergen-Belsen in March 1945, where her mother died.

Art in Theresienstadt

According to Yad Vashem, whilst in Theresienstadt, Kraus took art classes with Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, a painter who encouraged the girls to express their feelings through art. Kraus was one of just a handful of child survivors of Theresienstadt whose drawings also survived.

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Kraus married her husband, Otto B. Kraus (one of the educators mentioned above), after the war, and the couple emigrated to Israel in 1949. They had three children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Both Dita and Otto spent 30 years as teachers at the CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village in Israel. Kraus lit one of six torches at the states opening ceremony of Holocaust Remembrance Day at Yad Vashem in 2014.

The librarian of Auschwitz

In January 2025, as part of the commemorations of 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, Kraus spoke to Ynet about her time as the librarian at the death camp.

There were about 12 to 14 books, including an atlas and a Russian textbook. As the librarian, it was my responsibility to safeguard these precious volumes. At the end of each day, I carefully collected the books and hid them in a secret location, she said.

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If the Germans had found me with them, they might have killed me. The fact that I could sit indoors and not do hard labor in the freezing cold gave me a chance to survive; in fact, it allowed me to be chosen for life. Yes, the books saved me from death in the gas chambers, Kraus said.

She told People magazine in 2017, I still discern what matters in life and what is trivial. I love carefully, because my loved ones have died and I need to avoid the pain. These are only the main features of the impact; there are many more residues of my holocaust.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced plans to form a "strategic alliance" with India aimed at fostering political, economic, and technological cooperation between the two nations. In a video message posted on X on Saturday (local time), following the conclusion of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin's recent visit to India, Lula emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral ties with New Delhi. "The visit of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to India, in preparation for my trip early next year, is very important because India has an exceptional market. We can have a fantastic alliance with India - political, space, entrepreneurial, and economic," Lula said. "So, I think it was an extraordinary job, and the Indians like Brazil, and Brazilians like Indians. Therefore, we will create a strategic alliance with India and develop both Brazilian and Indian economies," he added. The Brazilian President's remarks came a day after Alckmin's visit to India aimed at further deepening the partnership between the two nations and also to set the stage for Lula's upcoming state visit to India next year, continuing the implementation of the roadmap outlined during the Modi-Lula summit in July. Lula in the post also stated that the Vice President's visit focused on strengthening business relations, as numerous Brazilian companies are interested in entering the Indian market. He also mentioned that Alckmin came back from India "with a lot of updates" and that he only brings "good news", including the opening of an office of Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, as well as the implementation of an e-visa to facilitate business travel, and the establishment of new partnerships. "Geraldo Alckmin is a vice president who only brings me good news. He returned from India with lots of updates: Embraer opening an office there, electronic visas to facilitate business, and new partnerships," he stated. During his visit to India, Alckmin clarified that India's and Brazil's cooperation is complementary and is not competitive. Alckmin, responding to ANI's question on the positioning of India and Brazil as alternative markets for each other amid tariffs by the US, said that both countries are democracies, and they are not competitors. "We are not going to compete on product, we are going to have economic complementarity," he said. Alckmin further said that both countries have the potential to grow and that, independent of US tariffs, both nations have investment opportunities. "Independent of the American question, we are talking about two countries, two democracies, two countries that defend multilateralism, two countries of continental dimensions, both Brazil and India, that have everything to make trade grow, to make more investments grow. India is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, at 7 per cent, or even more, in the growth of its economy. Brazil this year is having an agricultural harvest that is 16 per cent superior, so there is a lot of possibility for complementarity: in the area of technology, industrial area, mining, agro... We are not going to compete on product; we are going to have economic complementarity," he said. In August, US President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on several Brazilian goods, which already had a 26.4 per cent levy. Trump's tariffs on India are up to 50 per cent on most exports, among the highest for any US trading partner. Meanwhile, economic engagement between India and Brazil has continued to grow. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Brazil in July, the two leaders set a target of raising bilateral trade to USD 20 billion within five years. In FY 2024-25, merchandise trade between the two nations reached USD 12.19 billion, making Brazil India's largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. (ANI)
The ancient Greek poet Homer's Odyssey is one of the greatest adventure stories ever told, inspiring many contemporary literary adaptations and films about heroes embarking on fateful and twisting journeys home.

On Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24, 2025, the National Hellenic Museum and the University of Illinois Chicago's Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies are proud to co-present their popular "Homerathon", a reading of the Odyssey aloud in its entirety with public participation.

The event takes place at the National Hellenic Museum in Greektown, and admission is free throughout the event.

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Elizabeth Niarchos Neukirch, spokesperson for the National Hellenic Museum and Krishni Burns, Senior Lecturer of Latin for the UIC Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies stopped by the ABC 7 Studios this weekend to give us a preview.

To learn more about the Homerathon and to register to read some lines, click here.
WASHINGTON D.C. (WFXR)  It was a long and busy day for everyone involved with the 11th Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight, with plenty of touring in and around Washington D.C. The theme of Saturdays sightseeing was recognition.

It began at the Military Womens Memorial, which recognizes the role of women in combat throughout history. That includes Susan Snyder, who served in the Navy Nurse Corps from 1968 to 1970.

WFXR takes flight with local veterans to Washington, DC

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She was honored for her service at the memorial.

That was amazing, Snyder said. I had no idea that was happening, and it was absolutely amazing.

Several memorials recognized those who lost their lives in combat. That included the Korean War Memorial, which Korean War veteran Paul Hicks visited for the first time.

I feel like my time is about up on Earth, Hicks said. I needed to find out all the men that served our country.

Some veterans recognized companions they lost in combat, like Army and Air Force veteran Thomas Sarge Thompson, whose friend William Pitsenbarger received an Airmans Medal of Honor.

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Its that much more inspirational to be here and honor him and honor all the Air Force veterans, whether living, dying, killed in combat or whatever, Thompson said. Those that served.

Vietnam War veteran Tom Coulson had two names traced on the Vietnam War Memorial.

I had classmates that were killed in action, Coulson said. Its humbling, but its a beautiful tribute.

The final stop of the day was the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, where the Honor Flight veterans were recognized for their service by the next generation.

Im so humbled to see all these kids, Army veteran Chuck Hitzemann said. Its very, very profound, and perhaps the most profound thing that has happened during the time that weve been here.

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Everyone will return to Bedford Sunday afternoon for a closing ceremony with remarks on the trip.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
RAYNE, La. (KLFY)  A Houston driver has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash, on I-10, that claimed the life of a beloved local DJ also known as DJ Sausage.

Thomas Eljhock Smith, 49, of Houston, Texas, was taken into custody by the Rayne Police Department on an arrest warrant on Oct. 6. He is accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal crash that claimed the life of Jeremy Thomas, 38, of Rayne.

According to officials, Smith parked a tractor hauling a white cargo trailer on the shoulder of the I-10 Exit 87 westbound off-ramp on Oct. 5. At approximately 3:18 a.m., Thomas, driving a pickup truck, struck the rear of the parked semi-truck. Authorities said Smith fled the scene before police arrived.

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Louisiana law requires all parties involved in an accident to remain at the scene, exchange information and render aid in the case of injury, regardless of fault. Law enforcement must be contacted if a crash results in more than $500 in property damage or involves an injury or fatality. A fatality hit-and-run offense can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

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Officials identified the company operating the semi-truck through Crime Fighters of Louisiana cameras. Management at Level Up Express LLC cooperated with law enforcement and immediately provided the drivers information, enabling authorities to obtain an arrest warrant the following day.

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Smith was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on Oct. 14.

There was no information released regarding Smiths bond.

Latest news

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.




Houston-area voters will elect nearly 40 board members to open seats overseeing their local school district or community college in November.

Depending on where they live, voters will elect trustees for Houston City College and districts including Aldine, Cypress-Fairbanks, Houston and Klein ISDs in the upcoming Nov. 4 election. They'll be deciding among 38 people running for 14 seats across the districts - not including multiple uncontested seats.

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Under state law, school boards are responsible for adopting the district's tax rate and budget, firing and hiring the superintendent and establishing performance goals. They also hear grievances from the public, change or modify districtwide curricula and vote on whether to close campuses.

Houstonians can find their sample ballot on the Harris County Clerk's website to determine which trustee election, if any, that they are eligible to vote in. Early voting begins on Oct. 20 and ends on Oct. 31.

Here's what to know about the major education races on the ballot:

ELECTION GUIDE: Our comprehensive guide to the races that your vote will decide on Nov. 4

Cy-Fair ISD board election fractures area conservatives

The powerful 6-1 conservative majority on the Cy-Fair ISD board will be at stake in the November election, where the board's president and vice president are challenging each other for the same seat.

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Since obtaining a majority in 2023, board members have infused their political agenda into the state's third-largest school district. They've implemented anti-transgender policies, aggressive book-banning practices and deleted certain chapters from staff-approved textbooks.

Cypress voters will elect three trustees this fall in Positions 5, 6 and 7. A slate of candidates - Lesley Guilmart, Cleveland Lane Jr. and Kendra Camarena - have been organizing since the spring, aiming to take back control of the board from the now-fractured conservative members.

BOARD MEETING: Cy-Fair ISD board workshop devolves into heated claims of lies, defamation, Open Meeting Act violations

The election comes only a few months after several conservative candidates with right-wing support lost their bids for reelection in May, including in Houston-area districts like Katy, Clear Creek and Fort Bend ISDs.

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Guilmart, Radele Walker and Terrance Edmond are seeking Position 5, while Camarena, Elecia Jones and George Edwards Jr. are all running for Position 7.

Board president Scott Henry is seeking reelection to Position 6, but CFISD board vice president Natalie Blasingame and Lane Jr., a professor of practice at Prairie View A&M University, are both challenging him.

End the Takeover' slate seeks 5 seats on HISD elected school board

Despite the state takeover, voters in Houston ISD will still elect three trustees - some of whom could begin formal oversight of the district during their terms in office.

The elected trustees will not have meaningful power while the state-appointed Board of Managers is in place, but trustees will gradually resume oversight of the district once the Texas Education Agency ends the intervention into HISD, which will extend at least until June 2027.

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Three candidates - Maria Benzon, Michael McDonough and Audrey Nath - are running on a slate to end the takeover and eventually reverse several changes from state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles.

The slate has racked up support from multiple progressive groups, including the Houston Federation of Teachers and the Harris County Democratic Party's first-ever HISD trustee endorsements.

BOARD ELECTION: Here's how much each HISD trustee candidate has raised before November elections

Benzon and Robbie McDonough are both seeking the District V seat, which represents West University and Bellaire. Michael McDonough, a former principal at Bellaire High School, is challenging incumbent Kendall Baker for the District VI seat for HISD's west side.

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Conservative Bridget Wade is seeking reelection in District VII, which represents River Oaks, Greater Uptown and other central areas. Both she and Nath have raised more than $60,000 since January.

District I candidate Felicity Pereyra and District IX incumbent trustee Myrna Guidry both ran unopposed for their roles. They are also part of the End the Takeover' slate.

As Aldine ISD trustees step down, a highly contested seat opens up

Three at-large Aldine ISD school board positions are open in the 56,000-student school district, with only one incumbent seeking reelection.

Trustee Rose Avalos, who has been on the board since 2006 and serves as its assistant secretary, decided not to run for another term. Candidates Jill Metcalfe, a transportation administrator at Lone Star College, and Angela Williams are running for her seat representing Position 3.

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OPINION ENDORSEMENTS: See which candidates are endorsed by our editorial board

With Connie Esparza stepping down from Position 4, five candidates are vying for the open seat: real estate company owner Steve Moore, pastor Samuel Cosme Jr., loan officer Judy Palmeros, business owner Jacqueline Alvarado and Veronica Sanches, the deputy executive director at East Aldine Management District.

Nataly Perez, a coordinator at Lone Star College, is challenging incumbent Board President Steve Mead for Position 5.

While Aldine ISD has seen strides in its accountability ratings, nine campuses were shuttered in the past two years, and student enrollment has dropped by 16% since 2019. Candidates have made boosting student enrollment and balancing the district's budget deficit as key priorities.

Familiar faces run for two open seats on Klein ISD board of trustees

In the north Harris County school district with 52,000 students, incumbents and familiar challengers are competing to join the Klein ISD board of trustees.

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Financial advisor Dustin Creager and supply chain operator Jack Velasquez are both running for Position 3, which has an unexpired term. Creager and Velasquez have both run for board before in 2024 and 2022, respectively.

MEETING MONITOR: Catch up on Houston-area school district meetings in minutes

Incumbent Cathy Arellano is seeking Position 6 unopposed. Sales manager Justin "Bumpy" Wooldridge faces the current Board President Rob Ellis, who was elected in both 2019 and 2022, in the race for Position 7.

Wooldridge, who works as a senior sales manager at an engine manufacturing company and ran for the board last year, has expressed frustration over how the board handles grievance processes. He has also shared concerns over social media about transparency and communication between current board members and the public.

Houston City College candidates seek potential reelection to build on progress

Incumbents will try to keep their seats in two races for the Houston City College Board of Trustees.

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The governing body is enjoying a period of relative calm despite a changing national landscape in higher education. HCC has reported enrollment gains nearing pre-COVID levels  a total of 95,000 students in the 2024-2025 school year  and recent improvements under a state funding model that ties allocations to student outcomes like graduation.

Candidates aren't campaigning to dramatically reshape board priorities, especially those that promote workforce training and economic opportunity. All five candidates in the contested races said they will prioritize affordability or access to college.

COLLEGE REBRAND: Houston City College officials unveil logo to go along with new name

In District 1, incumbent Monica Flores Richart will face attorney and geologist Milton "Miles" Sasser.

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District 2 incumbent Renee Jefferson Patterson, an interior designer and former HCC student, is up against retired educator and community activist Kathleen "Kathy" Lynch Gunter and Desmond Spencer, an adjunct professor of government and policy adviser for County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

Patterson will try to win her first election after being appointed to the seat in February, replacing Charlene Ward Johnson, who was elected to the Texas Legislature.

Cynthia Lenton-Gary, also an incumbent, is running unopposed for the District 7 seat.

This article originally published at Houston voters will elect trustees in nearly 40 races on Nov. 4. Here's the education races to watch..
NEED TO KNOW

Human remains were found in a shallow grave behind an abandoned school in Philadelphia on Oct. 18 amid the search for missing 23-year-old Kada Scott

Scott was last seen leaving her job at an assisted living facility on the evening of Oct. 4

The Philadelphia Police Department told PEOPLE that the Medical Examiners Office will work to confirm the identity [of the body] and determine the cause of death

Human remains have been found in a shallow grave amid the search for missing Philadelphia woman Kada Scott.

In a statement to PEOPLE, a representative from the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) confirmed that investigators recovered human remains believed to be those of Kada Scott in a shallow grave on Saturday, Oct. 18. The remains were located on the grounds of Ada H. Lewis Middle School, an abandoned school in the northwest part of the city.

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"The Medical Examiners Office will work to confirm the identity [of the body] and determine the cause of death," the representative added.

PEOPLE reached out to the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office for comment on Sunday, Oct. 19, but did not receive an immediate response.

gofundme Kada Scott Kada Scott

In an update shared by First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford of the PPD during an Oct. 18 press conference, Stanford said that investigators had received a very specific tip the previous evening, which led them to the discovery of the body.

He went on to say that the tip led them to a wooded area behind the school, where they located the remains.

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PPD also stated to PEOPLE that investigators had previously found physical items that they believed belonged to Scott at the school on Wednesday, Oct. 15, including "a cell phone case, an iPad case, glasses, and a card bearing Kadas name."

PPD further said that 21-year-old Keon King turned himself in to authorities in relation to Scott's disappearance this week, and he has since been "charged with kidnapping and related offenses."

They also stated that investigators have "located a gold Toyota Camry connected to Kada's disappearance," and that the vehicle has been "secured and transported for comprehensive forensic processing."

Philadelphia Police Department Keon King Keon King

Scott was last seen leaving an assisted living facility where she worked on the night of Oct. 4, police previously stated. Authorities alleged she was receiving harassing phone calls in the days leading up to her disappearance.

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At a press conference on Oct. 15, Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said King was the last person in contact with [Scott] when her cell phone and social media activities dropped.

Toczylowski declined to comment on whether King is linked to the alleged harassing phone calls.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner revealed additional information about the case in a press conference on Friday, Oct. 17. In the conference, which was livestreamed by NBC 10 Philadelphia, Krasner said that other alleged victims of King have come forward to authorities since his arrest.

After calling the community effort to assist investigators with the case unprecedented, the district attorney said, We even have some information about additional victims of this defendant from incidents that never resulted in an arrest.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Krasner also shared that King was previously charged in an unrelated case with kidnapping and strangulation earlier this year, but those charges were withdrawn when the alleged victim did not appear in court.

Krasner also urged any other potential victims of King to come forward.



Read the original article on People
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Across the country today protestors gathered under the banner No Kings.

Its a movement being used to rally against the actions of the Trump Administration.

In Murfreesboro, honking and signs could be seen and heard for blocks downtown. Attendees included health care workers, former military personnel, and even teachers; they told News 2 they were here to save our democracy.

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PHOTOS | No Kings protests in Middle Tennessee

I swore an oath to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic, Military veteran Alan Chiubka told News 2.

Protests in Middle Tennessee took place in Clarksville, Nashville, Gallatin, Tullahoma, Manchester, and Winchester. Thousands held signs rallying against President Donald Trump.

I dont care who you are. I dont care what side of the aisle youre on, Linda Yates told News 2. Were all humans and we deserve to have our democracy and have the politics in our favornot in the leaders favor.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Yates and friend Carol Newman gathered along Broad Street in Murfreesboro for the Rutherford County protest, encouraging all to vote in the next election.

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In Tennessee, a special election is being held to fill the seat vacated by former Republican Congressman Mark Green, who left public office to take a private sector position. That election will be held Dec. 2

Organizers said the next election is an important chance for local voices to be heard.

The Tennessee protests also caught the attention of some lawmakers. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) shared a message on social media, using the fast food chain Burger King as a prop.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Saturdays protests were the second slate of No Kings protests this year. Attendees told News 2 it likely wouldnt be the last.

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We are humans, Yates said. We are peaceful and we only want whats right and whats decent for usfor everyone.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Hundreds of visitors lined the streets of Tyler on Saturday morning to see the Royal Court, East Texas bands and dance teams in the 92nd Texas Rose Festival Parade.

PHOTOS: Tyler celebrates 92nd Texas Rose Festival Parade

Before the festivities started, young girls shared their guesses about what the Queens dress would look like. Paisly Morgan, a young visitor, guessed the queen would make her debut in a pink flowery dress.

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Then the Rose city came alive with marching bands music, loud cheers and candy thrown in the air! April Nichols, a mother of three, grew up in Tyler and is thrilled to be able to bring her children to see the parade she grew up watching.

I grew up in Tyler, so its fun to come and watch the queen and the princesses and my daughter loves the Disney princesses, Nichols said on Saturday. Were excited to see the Queen, as always. But she also thinks that there might be an ice princess. So she wore her Elsa dress today.

The Royal Court travelled in on decorative floats, this years theme Tapestry of Tales brought beloved fairytales to life. Some stories represented were: The Lorax, Dune, Mother Goose, Wicked and The Rainbow Fish.

Princess Mary-Michael Dial represented all Fairytales with her showstopping purple gown and castle-like float. This years Rose Queen Avery Armstrong represented the library, encapsulating all literature, in her yellow glittery gown.

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Rose Festival fun will continue on Sunday with the Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Show at Bergfeld Park. The shows hosting dozens of vendors wholl be selling their crafts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
(WKBN)  Many gathered across the Valley on Saturday to join a nationwide No Kings protest against the Trump administration.

Hundreds of people took part in the protest Saturday morning in Warren, all lined around Courthouse Square. Protestors say they want to protect the rights of citizens and that they believe authoritarian policies are being implemented.

Were not happy with it. So, were letting people know. The more voices rise up, the better, said organizer Gary Tuttle.

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People of all ages took part in the demonstrations. Organizers say they are amazed to see so much activism among younger generations.

We even see little kids here, and theyre enjoying it. Theyre learning how to express themselves. Theyre learning how to stand up for themselves, Tuttle said.

Protestors say theyre fighting against fascism and a government that isnt representing them. They said they have not been paid to protest.

Many defended the country during war, including in Vietnam and Iraq.

Were looking back to wanting an America that we can all be proud of. I took an oath twice to the Constitution to defend my country, the same oath our elected legislators took. I dont see them doing what I did, said protestor Joe Pecorelli.

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Hundreds more lined up and down Market Street in Youngstown in front of the Mahoning County Courthouse. Protestors there said they disagree with more foreign wars and that they have concerns about the increased military presence in Venezuela.

We go to Iraq under false pretenses, where I served. Then, we go and fail in Afghanistan. How many more foreign wars are we, the people, going to put up with in this country before we just say, No, no more?' said retired Lt. Col. Malcolm Ritchie.

Organizers say the protests arent about hate but about a love for their rights and the United States.

We dont hate America. The GOP keeps telling everybody that we do. Were out here because were trying to protect democracy. Thats what were here for, said Dirk Hermance with the Mahoning Valley Freedom Fighters.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
RICHMOND, IN  An estimated 200 to 300 people attended the "No Kings Rally" at Jack Elstro Plaza Saturday, Oct. 18, the second in four months.

The rally, organized by Wayne County Indivisible, was one of many other protests across the United States.

Chants of "No Kings" and the honks of cars throughout the 90-minute protest echoed through the plaza and down North A Street, while very few, if any, counter-protesters attended.

Speakers compare 'Trump's America' to Nazi Germany

Wayne County Indivisible Steering Committee member Bob Hunter speaks at the "No Kings Rally" at Jack Elstro Plaza in Richmond, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

For the first 30 minutes, seven speakers took to the microphone to share their viewpoints on how the Trump administration is harming the country, including Bob Hunter, one of the members of the Wayne County Indivisible Steering Committee.

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"Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, said this was a hate-America rally," Hunter said. "This is a pro-America rally. We're going to clarify for him what's going on and the difference between love and hate, because apparently Mike does not understand the difference."

Hunter, a minister, a member of the Richmond NAACP chapter and former chair of the Richmond Human Rights Commission, said the country is approaching "a very dangerous time."

"We have a president who is assuming all of the power of the government into himself, and that is extremely problematic," he said. " We have those three branches, and Congress has totally yielded the power to him."

Hunter said he didn't see Richmond Mayor Ron Oler at the rally and that Wayne County Indivisible may need to talk with the city council to see if they can help them understand what their perspective is. He said more rallies may keep coming in different places.

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Other speakers included Jo Swanger, director of the peace and global studies program at Earlham, Tre Ronne, a teacher at Richmond Community Schools, and two students of Richmond High School's Advocacy Club.

A Richmond High School student speaks at the "No Kings Rally" at Jack Elstro Plaza in Richmond, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

"People will say that America is defined by the president, the government or the economy, but that's not true," said Alex, one of the students. "We the people do. We the people who fight for diversity and equity. We the people who are proud to know what's right for our community, our friends, our family and our country. We the people who see our friends taken away, family, too, and endure the pain of our financial situation during this economy, suffering right now."

Matilda, the second RHS student to speak, compared the similarities of "Trump's America" to that of Nazi Germany.

"I do not make that comparison lightly," she said. "I can list off all the injustices and unconstitutional nonsense being pushed on us by Trump in the past year. Fascism is on the rise in our America. Complacency kills and complacency comes from apathy. Your actions and words or lack thereof matter immensely, and when there horrible injustices being committed by our federal government, it's our responsibility to stand against it."

A Richmond High School student speaks at the "No Kings Rally" at Jack Elstro Plaza in Richmond, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Others later reiterated those statements, including Earlham student Django Farlice, who said the Trump administration is the closest America has ever had had to a "resurgence in Nazi power."

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"They have been treating brown people in this country incredibly unfairly," he said. "Specifically immigrants, targeting Mexicans and South Americans in general. My great-grandmother immigrated to the United States from Cuba a long time ago from the Castro regime, and they've been here for a very long time. I think it's completely cruel and unfair that families are being ripped apart and children are being separated from their parents every single day."

Chase Ward, another Earlham student, who identified as transgender, queer, Asian and neurodivergent, and also said he doesn't want to see the country "fall to what Nazi Germany did."

Ward explained his sign, using a quote from Michael Jackson's song "They Don't Care About Us," as a way of saying the government doesn't care about average Americans.

"We have enough money and hunger to end homelessness and hunger in America," he said. "But they are not utilizing that money for the right reasons."

Protesters face middle fingers, verbal taunts

After the rally, attendees lined up down North A Street, as the majority of cars driving by honked their horns in support.

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But several individuals said drivers occasionally shouted at them and rose middle fingers. One driver allegedly revved their engine driving right in front of Richmond police cars sitting there.

Two police cars quickly tailed the driver, although it's not clear how soon they were pulled over as it was out of sight from the rally location.

"I feel bad for that one guy on the bike," Ward said. "He almost got hit by one of those other guys flipping us off, and that guy was going like 100 miles per hour."

Besides that, attendees said the rally was mostly peaceful.

"At most, you've heard a couple F bombs being dropped," said Mia Guthrie, an Earlham student. "Cars have gone by flipping us off, and we've responded with hearts."

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Steven Nicholson, a Richmond resident, wore a John Lewis button and a shirt that said "End Racism."

"To me, when John Lewis marched across the bridge, it was a powerful statement," he said. "The whole message of the Civil Rights Movement in the '60s was to uplift not just Black people and minorities in general, but the poor unions. Being mixed race as I am, I get to see the bad side of people also."

Nicholson said he hopes the rally and others around the world will "at least wake some people up to get out and resist."

"The rallies are not going to change MAGA's mind," he said. "But if it can get the people who are apathetic or the people who are scared to come out and know that they're not alone, I think that's a good start."

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Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email at eweaver@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Hundreds gather in Jack Elstro Plaza for 2nd 'No Kings' rally in Richmond
Hundreds of people joined protests at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Sunday against controversial remarks by Chancellor Friedrich Merz about urban migration.

Demonstrators also called on Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to distance itself from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), as Merz's conservatives held a two-day meeting to determine its strategy ahead of regional elections next year.

The protest was called by an alliance of groups in response to Merz's comments on Tuesday, in which he responded to a question about the rise of the AfD by boasting of his administration's efforts in reforming migration policy since taking office in May.

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"But we still have this problem in the cityscape, of course, and that's why the federal interior minister is facilitating and carrying out large-scale deportations," Merz said.

The "cityscape" remark has been widely criticized as racist, suggesting urban populations - which are more diverse than rural areas in Germany - should be targets for deportation.

"I'm standing here as someone whose father is Kurdish," said one speaker at Sunday's rally. "Is my father a problem in the cityscape - or am I?"

Participants formed a sea of lights with lighters and mobile phone torches.

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Organizers put the number of participants at around 5,000, while police estimated the number at around 1,800.

A poster held by one participant called for an "AfD ban now," a demand that Merz's conservatives have rejected despite pressure from the centre-left Social Democrats.
BRANSON, Mo.  Joining the millions of other protesters across the country and across the globe, hundreds gathered in Branson on Saturday.

Lining up on Highway 76 and Doctor Good Dr., directly across from the Trump store, were people taking part in the No Kings Protest.

Were Americans, said one protester. Its our right to protest.

The No Kings Protest is to voice concern or disapproval of President Donald Trump. The Trump administration has called the protests anti-American.

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I feel like we are headed in the wrong direction into an authoritarian regime that I do not want to live under, said No Kings protester Bonita Peterson. And I have children and grandchildren, and it really matters to me.

Hundreds were lining the streets, despite the threat of severe weather.

The people who fought for our right to talk openly and protest went through so much worse, said a protester. Yeah, we can handle a little rain.

Peterson said not even a tornado could have kept her home on Saturday.

Nothing could have stopped me, Peterson said. The future of our country is on the line. My children, my grandchildren, are counting on bravery at this moment in time.

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Several people driving by were honking their horns, either in support of the No Kings protesters or those who came out to voice their opinion on the other side of the political aisle.

Its a little bit hard to determine once in a while whether theyre honking for them or for us, but at least the people are engaged, Peterson said.

Trump supporter Pete Lampros drove over half an hour to stand in solidarity with the president.

I think we get a lot of love, Lampros said. We have gotten a little bit of hate. But you take that with a grain of salt and let them move on.

Ozarks First crews at the No Kings Protest in Branson said at its peak, there were approximately a dozen people there in support of President Trump.

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Were very, very happy that President Trumps in office, Lampros said. Were very proud of the job that hes doing and along with the rest of his cabinet, and its going in the right direction for a change.

Both Trump supporters and the No Kings protesters said they were happy to see so many people out exercising their First Amendment rights and standing up for what they believe in.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Oct. 19MOSCOW  At least several hundred protesters attended the "No Kings" rally in Moscow on Saturday to protest the current presidential administration.

Saturday's protest was the second in a series of national protests against President Donald Trump, with others in neighboring towns including Pullman, Clarkston and Grangeville. More than 2,500 protests occurred nationally.

Protesters' grievances with the Trump administration were wide-ranging. Many raised concerns about what they see as attacks on free speech.

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Immigration, including raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, were a major issue for many attendees, along with concerns over arrests of both legal residents and citizens.

"They're snatching people off the street. They're masked. We don't know who they are," said Shana Hammett, a Moscow resident. "We need to stand up and stop it."

Others noted what they saw as a lack of due process, a weaponization of the Justice Department against dissenters and the president's political rivals, and reductions in access to reproductive health care.

Some raised concerns over U.S. involvement in the Middle East and the war in Gaza, with at least one individual flying a Palestinian flag and others wearing keffiyehs, a type of scarf worn in the Middle East that has become known as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians.

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Megan Klemesrud, a Moscow resident of 30 years, said she was appalled by the "chaos" of the last several months, and that she sees President Trump as an "oligarch." She's also been negatively affected by legislative changes pushed forward by the Trump administration, she said.

"Losing my health care, that's a huge one," she said. "I'm on Medicare, so a lot of things are gonna change in that aspect."

Across the board, protesters expressed indignation at President Trump and his supporters for painting Trump's critics as violent or anti-American.

Trump has consistently referred to protesters as "troublemakers" and repeated the unsubstantiated conspiracy that protesters are paid actors.

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A September executive order designated antifa, a decentralized, left-wing political movement that is anti-fascist and anti-racist, as a "domestic terrorist organization."

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson recently claimed protesters "hate America," are "pro-Hamas" and antifa people."

"We're getting portrayed as hating America. And we love America. That's why we're here," said Brenda Willett, a Tekoa, Wash., resident.

Lauren Howley, a senior at the University of Idaho, said she was there because she felt a need to fight for her own rights, including reproductive rights, and the rights of other people including immigrants and minorities.

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"I think what ICE is doing right now in our country is a disgrace to what we in America stand for," she said. "They claim that we're violent terrorists, but the actual violent terrorists (are) ICE."

Marilyn Beckett, an organizer with Indivisible Moscow, said now more than ever is an important time for people to exercise their freedom of speech.

"You can't say that all the people that were out there on the street are antifa," Beckett said. "This is an attempt to silence speech."

Andrew Hoehn, a Moscow resident and father of five, said he showed up because he wanted his children to have the same rights he does. He held a sign that said, "definitely not pro-fascist."

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"I just think it's funny that they're demonizing an organization that they made up called antifa," he said. "If you're on the pro-fascist side, maybe you should think about that a little bit."

The Moscow protest did not garner large counterprotests.

Beckett said she saw one couple across the street holding a Trump flag, and had some passing trucks attempt to "smoke out" protesters as they passed by, a practice known as "rolling coal."

Beckett said her group, which organized the protest, is not specifically for one political party.

"We stand for freedom, for liberty, we stand for the constitution," she said. "We believe it is a mistake to destroy our institutions."

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Beckett said Saturday's rally may have surpassed the first "No Kings" rally in June, which was estimated to draw between 800 and 1,000 people at Moscow.

Roughly 200 people RSVP'd online, she said, which she said is usually about a quarter of the actual number who attend.

Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM

A "No Kings" demonstration was also held at Cougar Plaza in Pullman.

Clarkston event draws more than 300

The "No Kings" event near the intersection of Bridge and Fifth streets Saturday afternoon in Clarkston drew more than 300 people, including several in costumes such as a hedgehog, a chicken, a panda bear, Cartman from "South Park" and Patrick Star from "SpongeBob SquarePants."

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The protesters held signs critical of Trump and his administration and waved at cars that passed by. Some vehicles honked in support and others roared by in apparent opposition.

Scott Funk, a retired Lewiston High teacher, came to the protest dressed as Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. Funk's sign quoted a phrase from Jefferson's Declaration of Independence: "A tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

"I'm concerned that the Republicans in Congress have no spine and have turned over all of Congress' duties to the president," Funk said. "The Supreme Court has already said he can do what he wants. So in effect, we have a dictator who is running our nation, and I'm expressing my dissent of that  that's why I'm here."

Another costumed participant was Lori Clarke, of Clarkston, who came dressed as the Statue of Liberty. She selected that costume "because I believe in liberty for all."

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"I just feel like we the people need to take care of our country and not let it slip into authoritarianism," she said. "I don't want to be living in Putin's Russia."

Most demonstrators were content to hold their signs and wave at cars. But Brian Eslinger, 41, of Kendrick, was seen debating people in vehicles waiting for the stoplight to turn green.

"I'm not going to change anybody, but I've got a lot of anger, and I'm going to push the anger out," said Eslinger, who held a sign that accused Trump of being a pedophile.

"I'm a firm believer in our Constitution, the First Amendment, the five protections  the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of grievance and (the freedom of assembly). I'd like to exercise those before they're taken away from us, which feels like it's slowly happening."

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Bob Blakey, who is running for a Lewiston City Council seat, attended the demonstration. Blakey said he's not a fan of Trump, but he was also there to encourage people to vote.

"I think we've forgotten how important it is to vote over the last few years," he said. "That is going to be crucial to the outcome of our nation  this year, next year and years to come. We've got to get back in the habit of voting. Who you vote for, that's a matter of personal opinion. But we've all got to get back to the polls."

A crowd of about 100 turns out at Grangeville

GRANGEVILLE  Waving signs and American flags and singing patriotic songs, about 100 people gathered near the Idaho County Courthouse for the first-ever anti-Trump rally in the county.

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Across the street a small contingent of Trump supporters waved flags and held their signs, too.

Leta Strauss, of Grangeville, one of the organizers of the "No Kings" rally, said she was not bothered by the counter-demonstration.

"I feel like everybody has the right to do whatever if they feel strongly about it," Strauss said. "As long as we can stay on good terms and not have anybody coming and doing something disruptive for us or them."

Strauss said she was moved to organize Saturday's rally because of the administration's "attacks on free press and attacks on immigrants. I thought I have to do this or I have to stop watching television."

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Ninety-one-year-old Spike Dorf, a veteran, said he has lived all over the world and he wanted to protest against Trump because "I've never seen anything in any of the countries I've lived in that compares to the disruptive things he's done to our country. ... I'm ready to battle until I'm 100."

Sister Elisa Martinez of the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, said her primary concern is the fate of immigrants.

"We have a responsibility to speak out for the people who are being even more marginalized, more drawn into poverty because of the administration today," she said. "I am here representing, in a sense, the immigration population, which is part of my family. And I think (the Trump administration) is counting on us quieting down eventually. But as we see here, people are not quieting down. We have to keep speaking out."

Across the street among the Trump supporters one woman who declined to be named said she showed up Saturday "to show support for the best president that we've had in a century."

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And Buck Weckman, of Grangeville, who cast doubts that the "No Kings" ralliers were local residents, said Trump is "saving America."

"Look, Biden let in almost 10 million illegal aliens into our country and ... they're the people that are raping our women and killing people," he said. "And Trump's getting rid of all those criminals."

Sun also reports for Northwest Public Broadcasting. To reach Sun, Baney or Hedberg, email to city@lmtribune.com.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Saturday marked the second day of No Kings protests this year, the first demonstration held in June.

Every major city saw protests from New York to Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. Even here in the Carolinas, people took to the streets of Raleigh, Greensboro, Spartanburg, and of course, here in Charlotte.

Thousands walked the streets of Uptown for the rally, many saying this is just one way to have their voice heard. Others tell Queen City News Anchor Will Lewis, another way to take action will be at the ballot box.

MORE | No incidents or arrests from the No Kings protest return in Charlotte

This is now at a crux of what the American people are feeling, which is there is a lot of unhappiness, but also what am I supposed to do about it? Reed Galen said.

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Many say the first thing to do is let the Trump Administration know how they feel about several issues, from healthcare to the war in the Middle East to defending the Constitution.

My true motivation is always the next generation. I love my children, and the children of my congregation, the children of this country, Rev. Marianne Romanat of the Light of Christ United Methodist Church said.

People have been pitted against each other, the left against the right, and while that is happening, it seems as if our rights are being stripped away from us right in front of our eyes, Todd Wallace said.

The signs are just one way of expression. Some people have severed ties with people they dont agree with.

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My ex was a Republican, Danielle Naughtin said. Its not the sole reason I divorced him, but it was one of the reasons because our policies no longer aligned. Our morals and ethics no longer aligned, and it wasnt something I could be a part of.

The message coming from First Ward Park to the streets of Uptown. Step by step, chant after chant. Right through the four corners of the Independence Square, where some say commerce, industry, transportation, and the future need to change.

Im 90 years old and Im here, and Im marching. I believe in this. This is what democracy looks like.

The crowd is larger than the June No Kings rally, but representation from minority groups was significantly smaller. This left some saying it is a direct result of the action taken by the administration in the last four months.

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People are terrified. People are staying in their homes; they are afraid to leave. Theyre not going to the convenience store, theyre not going to church, theyre not sending their kids to school. Terror, just terror, Immigration Attorney Sharon Dove said.

Us stepping outside and the fear that comes with it. Am I going to be arrested? Am I going to be asked do I have documentation? Its terrible whats happening, and we really need to do something, said Vivianette Ortiz.

Even as the rally reached the park once again, all say its not the end. Only the beginning. Demonstrators say first we need to value each other, even when leaders on the national level dont.

People are so blinded by their hatred of President Donald Trump that they cant find one reason to celebrate America, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said.

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I dont think this is a hate America rally at all. I think this is a love your people, love America, love this land, love our rights. Not hate at all, Ortiz adds.

Organizers with the group No Kings say more than 2,700 rallies were held nationwide. All of this comes as the ongoing government shutdown reaches its 18th day.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

It started with a view  or rather, a lack of one. On a quiet stretch of Idaho riverfront, a homeowner's neighbors apparently decided the only thing standing between them and a perfect panorama was someone else's forest.

According to a Reddit post that's been circulating among homeowners and real estate watchers, the neighbors didn't just complain. They acted. The post read, "They cut through the fence and used a quiet electric saw, cutting down more than 30 fully grown Ponderosa Pines and halfway cutting through another 15 that now have to be removed."

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The 34-acre property, a privately owned waterfront camp, had offered shade, privacy, and a postcard-worthy backdrop  until someone brought a battery-powered saw to what should have been a conversation. What the neighbors saw as an improvement, law enforcement saw as a felony. The sheriff's department completed its investigation and handed the case to prosecutors.

"It's a felony," the property owner wrote. "The guy might want to try to settle out of court."

If that sounds like neighborly drama, Reddit quickly turned it into a mix of courtroom strategy, financial math, and pure spectacle. "Idaho is a triple (treble) damages state," one commenter explained. "File a police report, trespass, get an official survey, get an ISA certified arborist to value trees, get a lawyer, and tell the neighbor to pay up big time, enjoy your payday!"

Another commenter made it clear that this wouldn't be an easy escape. "Settling out of court isn't going to take care of the 45 felony charges, not including damage to the fence and trespassing." Someone else speculated, "Neighbors might lose their property with the fine they're about to get hit with."

Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100.

And that's not exaggeration. When one Reddit user said, "$10 to $15k per tree," they weren't kidding. "I have a court-ordered injunction with my back yard neighbor who tried to cut down trees in my back yard for $10k per tree," they added. At that price, destroying 45 mature trees could push damages into the hundreds of thousands  and Idaho's treble-damages law could triple that figure.

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Reddit's more creative users offered payback ideas that were, if nothing else, poetic. "Love the tarp," one person said, referencing the temporary barrier the owners hung to block the view that started it all. "If the person who lost trees manages to get a settlement, I propose building a barn to block the neighbors' view with the settlement money. Then paint trees on the side." Another added, "No, paint that shit fluorescent orange and build it as tall as possible."

Still, some took the practical route, pointing out that the stunt might have unintended environmental consequences. "Removing all those trees may cause erosion of the waterfront," one commenter warned, suggesting the owner contact the Idaho Department of Water Resources. If the soil starts sliding, the "view" the neighbors fought for might end up in the river.

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Beyond the humor, this story hits home for property owners: trees aren't just decoration  they're assets. Mature pines, oaks, and maples can add tens of thousands in property value and serve as natural erosion barriers. Cut them down without permission, and suddenly you're not improving the landscape  you're destroying equity, and possibly committing a felony while you're at it.

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So, is it really a felony? In Idaho, it can be. State law doesn't take kindly to unauthorized tree cutting  especially when it's done on someone else's land. Under Idaho Code 6-202, anyone who "cuts down or carries off any tree or timber on the land of another" without permission can be forced to pay three times the amount of actual damages in civil court.

But when the destruction is extensive, intentional, or tied to trespassing, it can also cross into criminal territory. Local prosecutors could pursue charges under Idaho Code 18-7006, which covers malicious injury to property, a felony if the damage exceeds $1,000. In this case, with 45 trees taken out, the cost easily clears that threshold  meaning the "quiet electric saw" may have caused a very loud legal problem.

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Image: Shutterstock

This article Idaho Neighbor Wanted To See The River On Private Property, So They Took A 'Quiet Electric Saw' And Chopped Down 30 Ponderosa Pines Worth $10K Each originally appeared on Benzinga.com
A two-vehicle crash near Wilder left a woman dead and another hospitalized Friday afternoon, according to Idaho State Police.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Rodeo Lane and Dixie Road near Wilder, an Idaho State Police news release stated.

Police said a 78-year-old woman was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Impala south on Rodeo Lane and failed to stop at the intersection, causing a collision with a 2012 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 50-year-old woman.

The woman driving the Impala died at the scene, according to the release, and the driver of the Cherokee was taken to a hospital.

Idaho State Police are investigating the incident.
The entry of humanitarian aid trucks will resume when the "bombings conclude," Netanyahu's office stated after initially saying it would cease until further notice.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified on Sunday evening that entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza will only continue when Hamas stops its massive bombings and continues to release slain hostages, following what an Israeli source described to The Jerusalem Post as pressure exerted by the United States.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu decided to pause the entry of humanitarian aid and close all crossings into the Gaza Strip following violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas, which included an incident in Rafah in which two IDF soldiers were killed.

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In addition, Israel will not allow pedestrian movement into or out of Gaza through the Rafah Crossing, Netanyahu initially said. The decision came alongside a new wave of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza  the most extensive since the agreement to release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and a partial Israeli withdrawal.

On Sunday evening, Netanyahu held a meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and senior defense officials. An Israeli official told the Post, Hamas violated the ceasefire, not us. Israel wants to maintain the ceasefire and uphold the agreement, but not at any cost. We will respond to every violation.

Later on Sunday evening, the Prime Ministers Office noted Israel stopped aid convoys from entering Gaza today due to massive bombings and dozens killed on Hamass side. The Rafah crossing will only open when we see Hamas continue to release hostage remains at a reasonable pace, Netanyahus office stated. One Israeli official told the Post that the PMOs clarification came amid heavy US pressure.

The entry of humanitarian aid trucks will resume when the bombings conclude, the PMO added.

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National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to order the IDF to fully resume fighting in the Gaza Strip at full strength shortly after reports of the Israeli strike in Rafah surfaced. The Nazi terrorist organization must be completely destroyed  and preferably as soon as possible.

In a post to X/Twitter on Sunday, Ben-Gvir congratulated Netanyahus decision to halt aid to the Gaza Strip, stating that this aid should not be renewed, the war yes - and as soon as possible.

In addition, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich simply posted War! on X.

US warns of imminent Hamas ceasefire violation

The US administration has urged Israel to exercise restraint in its response to avoid the collapse of the ceasefire, an Israeli official told the Post. Further, as a result of US pressure, Israels eventual reaction was significantly more moderate than some of the options discussed in Sundays deliberations.

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US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Israel on Monday in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and advance the second phase of the Trump Plan.

On Tuesday, US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Israel. The US administration continues its discussions with European and Arab countries about the continuation of the Trump Plan and aims to deploy Arab forces in Gaza as soon as possible to prevent a power vacuum that could enable Hamas to regain strength.

The US administration also issued a statement warning Hamas against killing Palestinians who oppose its rule, threatening consequences if such attacks continue. We have received information that the organization plans to launch assaults against Palestinian civilians. This would constitute a serious violation of the agreement, and steps will be taken to protect the residents of Gaza, the US State Department said in a statement, following the release of Hamas videos showing the execution of anti-Hamas activists and clan members who aided Israel during the war.
The IDF's strikes came after two Israeli soldiers were killed in a reported incident with Hamas terrorists in the southern city of Rafah.

The IDF announced that it will begin re-enforcing the Gaza ceasefire on Sunday night after it carried out a series of strikes against Hamas targets in southern Gaza in response to the terror group violating the ceasefire agreement on Sunday.

Earlier, the military condemned Hamass blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, which occurred when the terror group fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on Israeli soldiers. The IDF later confirmed that two soldiers were killed in the attacks, and another was seriously wounded.

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Previously, the Prime Minister's Office announced thatPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed Israel's armed forces to respond with force against Gazan terror targets during a consultation with Defense Minister Israel Katz and the heads of Israel's security establishment.

As a result of Israeli air strikes in Gaza, 11 people were killed and others were wounded, Hamas's armed wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, later claimed.

The Emirati news outlet Erem News reported first that among those was Yahya al-Mabhouh, a field commander in the Qassam Brigades. The Qassam Brigades later confirmed the terrorist's death.

Smoke billows following an Israeli strike that targeted a building in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on October 19, 2025. (credit: EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

Hamas's military wing also confirmed the deaths of Muhammad Abu Rafi', Hussein al-Sawalha, A'id Sabri Salman, and Zakaria Abu Habl, all of whom were among its members.

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An Israeli military official briefing reporters subsequently warned of additional strikes against Hamas in response to the breach of the ceasefire agreement.

At least three incidents of Hamas ceasefire violations

The official added there were at least three incidents on Sunday in which Hamas fired towards Israeli troops behind the "yellow line," where Israeli forces had pulled back under the ceasefire agreement.

A later IDF statement announced that in one incident, Israel struck terrorists after troops had identified them approaching an IDF position behind Gaza's yellow line in the Beit Lahia area.

The military published footage of the incident and noted that its actions were in line with the ceasefire agreement as "the terrorists were struck after crossing the yellow line."

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IDF footage shows terrorists approaching IDF troops operating in Gaza. The terrorists are later killed in an airstrike. October 19, 2025. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)In a later update, the IDF stated that it had struck multiple Hamas targets in Gaza, including weapons storage, firing posts, and other terrorist infrastructure.The military added that it had dismantled six kilometers of Hamas's underground terror tunnels using 120 munitions.

In the wake of the start of the Israeli military action, Axios reported on Sunday that American officials were working to hold the ceasefire together.

The outlet reported that Israel had notified the US of its strikes in advance and that US President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had coordinated with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

The Americans urged Israel to "respond proportionately but show restraint," a US official told Axios, adding that "Nobody wants to go back to full-scale war. The Israelis want to show Hamas there are consequences, without ruining the peace agreement."

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
iHH, a Turkish relief agency banned in Israel since 2008 due to ties to terror groups, has entered Gaza to aid with humanitarian work.

A Turkish relief agency that has entered Gaza to aid with debris removal and humanitarian work is a proscribed terror group in Israel with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and Al-Qaeda.

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation is a Government-organized non-governmental organization or GONGO, meaning it is closely linked to the Turkish ruling party under President Recep Erdogan.

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Videos from the organization's social media show members operating in northern Gaza to clear roads and remove fallen building material.

However, IHH has long been associated with terror groups, and has been banned in Israel since 2008 under the order of Ehud Barak.

What are the claims against IHH?

According to Israel's Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, IHH has "two hats": one hat is its work as a humanitarian organization that conducts legitimate humanitarian activity around the world; the other hat is "a radical, jihadi and pro-Hamas organization and involvement in terrorist attacks."

A driver hangs Free Syrian Army and Turkish flags to his truck during a gathering before the departure of a Idlib-bound aid convoy of Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), carrying humanitarian supplies, in Istanbul, Turkey September 10, 2018. (credit: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS)

IHH was established in Germany in 1992 amid the war in Bosnia, with the intention of providing aid to Bosnian Muslims. According to the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, it was from the offset a "distinctly Islamist-extremist-jihadi organization" maintaining contacts with global jihadi elements, particularly those in Bosnian and Chechen areas. It also maintained direct contact with Al Qaeda, notably through IHH's leader, Fehmi Bulent Yldrm, who was close friends with Chechen leader Shamil Basayev. IHH reportedly helped Chechen fighters to transfer money to Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia. Throughout the 1990s, IHH also helped provide logistical support to Uzbek jihad groups and Bosnian jihad fighters.

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A lot of what is known about the activities of IHH in this time period is thanks to a 2006 Danish research study that determined that IHH had in the past had ties with Al-Qaeda and global jihad operatives.

Interestingly, IHH was investigated by Turkish authorities in 1994 for these very ties to Islamist organizations, leading to a raid on IHH's office in Istanbul. According to the Danish study, Turkish authorities found weapons, explosives, and instructions for making IEDs. Seized documents also revealed that IHH operatives intended to join jihad groups in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Chechnya.

At the turn of the century, IHH was once more put in the spotlight during the trial of Ahmed Ressam, the Al-Qaeda operative behind the foiled 2000 millennium attack plots.

Ressam had planned to bomb Los Angeles International Airport but was captured before he could do so. During the trial, a French investigator named Jean-Louis Bruguiere testified that IHH was a cover organization for Al-Qaeda, through which Al-Qaeda obtained forged documents, recruited operatives, and transferred weapons.

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"They were basically helping al-Qaida when (Osama) bin Laden started to want to target US soil," Bruguiere said, adding that "IHH had a role in the organization that led to the [millennium] plot."

Then came the Mavi Maramara debacle, also known as the Gaza Freedom Flotilla incident, in 2010.

IHH organized a flotilla mission to Gaza with the stated intention of delivering humanitarian aid and breaking the Israeli maritime blockade. On 31 May 2010, Israeli forces raided the ships via speedboats and helicopters. During the raid, nine activists - eight of whom were IHH members - were killed by Israeli forces, leading to public outcry.

Of the 561 total individuals on the flotilla, 91 were IHH members. According to passenger interviews after the event, those on board intended to violently confront the IDF, and were willing to sacrifice themselves if needed. Aboard the boats, Israeli forces found hundreds of weapons, including iron bars, knives, axes, Molotov cocktails, slingshots, and gas masks. Nevertheless, condemnation of Israel's actions led the Jewish State to ease its blockade of Gaza.

IHH and Hamas

According to Meir Amit, in 2009, IHH sent a representative named Izzet Sahin to the West Bank to assist with Hamas's civilian infrastructure. Sahin was arrested and deported, and replaced by another man, Mehmet Kaya, who was active in assisting Hamas in the Gaza Strip before his arrest by Israel in 2017.

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Meir Amit also alleged that IHH has provided continual financial aid to Hamas. After Operation Cast Lead (2008-9) IHH promised 50 million euros to Gaza, much of which went to families of martyrs, and into the Hamas-led education system.

IHH is also a member of the Union of Good, an umbrella organization for more than 50 Islamic organizations, which the US government defines as "an organization created by the Hamas leadership to transfer funds to terrorist organizations." The Union of Good is also banned in Israel, and the United States Treasury designated it as supporting terrorism under Executive Order 13224 in November 2008.

IHH's German branch, IHH Germany, was banned by Germanys interior ministry in 2010 due to funnelling a believed 6.6m to Hamas.

Under the cover of humanitarian aid, the IHH has been supporting for a long time and with considerable financial resources so-called social groups which have to be seen as connected to Hamas, Thomas de Maiziere, Germanys interior minister, said in a statement at the time.

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Ohad Merlin, a Middle East researcher in the regional program at Mind Israel, told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that "this is a very worrying development that raises questions about the decision, while decision-makers, for their part, have yet to provide satisfactory answers to Israeli citizens regarding the move."

"The organization's entry to Gaza is but one example of the price that Israel is forced to pay for the strong ties between the current U.S. administration and Erdogan and the Emir of Qatar, and it serves as proof of the dominance of Ankara and Doha in the arrangements for the day after in Gaza."

"Unfortunately, Israel finds itself accepting these dictates which are antithetical to Israeli interests, formed and concluded above its head in the best case, or with Jerusalems approval in the worst case," he added.

"And so, after decades in which the Muslim Brotherhood camp led by these two countries has inflicted heavy damage against Israel, Jerusalem now accepts Erdogan as center stage in Gaza."
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  An Illinois State University teaching assistant was arrested for allegedly disrupting two informational tabling events, campus officials said.

Derek Lopez, 27 of El Paso, Ill., was arrested by the Illinois State University Police on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property, a post on the campus polices Facebook page said.

Lopez was arrested on Oct. 17 after a campus police investigation where they said he allegedly disrupted two informational tabling events being hosted by a registered student organization, the post said.

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University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said his office is committed to First Amendment rights.

We are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights as well as safety of everyone in our campus community. We encourage all members of our community to learn more about free speech rights and responsibilities at Illinois State University, including constructive ways to respond when encountering speech they may disagree with, he said in the post.

Lopez is a graduate student and teaching assistant at the university.

The post said the case is still pending and may be grounds for additional charges and university disciplinary action.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
HR executive Dave Greenlaw plans to attend a SHRM conference featuring Robby Starbuck this month.

Greenlaw said HR leaders must understand diverse perspectives, even if uncomfortable.

SHRM faces backlash for hosting Starbuck, but Greenlaw said he values exposure to varied views.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Dave Greenlaw, a human resources executive in Washington, D.C., about why he plans to attend an HR conference later this month where conservative activist Robby Starbuck  a vocal critic of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives  is scheduled to speak.

The event is being organized by the world's largest HR association, the Society for Human Resource Management. SHRM is facing backlash over the matter, with some HR pros saying they are canceling their membership. Greenlaw, who has worked in HR for nearly 17 years and has been a member of SHRM for about four years, explained why he won't be following suit.

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This interview has been edited for space and clarity.

I completely disagree with Robby Starbuck's views. But my personal take is that HR leaders need to understand the full landscape of the workforce and the workplace, even when it might be uncomfortable.

There are so many factors that go into a productive workplace, different political beliefs and walks of life. Whether it's your sexuality, the color of your skin, your religion, whatever, I think it's really important to have that full perspective, particularly as an HR professional, because you're dealing with so much.

SHRM historically has hosted speakers across the political spectrum, such as former Presidents Joe Biden, George Bush Sr., and Bill Clinton, and I think that's a good thing. It goes back to HR leaders needing to understand the full landscape, even when they might disagree with these people or their policies.

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What I think is valuable about this particular talk with Starbuck is that he is going to be on a panel with [lawyer and media personality] Van Jones that will be moderated by SHRM's CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, and they're both people of color. And Starbuck's views on DEI and LGBTQ issues  even though I personally find them abhorrent  he's a voice that I think might resonate with a certain populist out there, and it's important not to silence voices, even when you don't agree with them.

Even though Starbuck might say some terrible things, I think it's so important to acknowledge it and be prepared. What if you're an HR professional and all of a sudden you're handling something internally, and there's a disagreement with two people who are speaking about politics or DEI?

Hearing Taylor, Starbuck, and Jones could give you perspective on the matter, and you can bring it back to your place of employment. A million things could come out of this conversation. It's also important to acknowledge why people are upset about this. A lot of people feel like Starbuck doesn't have a lot to add to the conversation because of certain things he's already said. And I get that, too, and I understand the anger and frustration around it. But I think I see more of a broader, bigger picture.

I am a gay man, and I know the things that Starbuck has said are almost damaging to some of the members of my community. But you have to think of the bigger picture. Not everyone in the world is gay. Not everyone identifies and believes what I do. And when you're an HR professional, that is what you really have to keep in mind.

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If I'm always using my beliefs to make decisions on things  particularly when I'm an employer or an HR person  that's not necessarily fair to the other individual, and I don't think it's necessarily appropriate. So I think it's important to hear these perspectives, have different types of temperament, and work with different voices.

Are you a member of SHRM? Contact this reporter at sneedleman@businessinsider.com .

Read the original article on Business Insider




Joe Okimoto can't help the anger and the disgust when he sees the news these days: Government raids on immigrants. Mass detentions. Police stops motivated by little more than racial profiling.

It reminds him of a similar time in American history: when American soldiers rounded up his family more than 80 years ago and forced them into a squalid concentration camp in the spring of 1942.

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"It's very upsetting," Okimoto said Saturday, at the Tanforan Assembly Memorial in San Bruno. "This is America, and what's happening is unAmerican."

Okimoto and scores of demonstrators gathered at the site of the former detention center, where Bay Area people of Japanese ancestry were confined during World War II, to push back at the Trump administration's encroaching authoritarianism and its attack on the nation's immigrant community.

Demonstrators waved signs that read "ICE OUT OF CA," "Executive Order 9066, BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, NO HATRED, NO FEAR, NO BAN" and "No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings."

Demonstrators gathered Saturday morning at the Tanforan Memorial in San Bruno, many the descendants of Japanese Americans interned in camps during World War Two. (St. John Barned Smith/S.F. Chronicle)





The protest coincided with more than 2,600 other No Kings demonstrations planned across the United States Saturday, in a searing rebuke to the Trump administration that Republicans have attempted to frame as "hate rallies" held by terrorist sympathizers.

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In San Bruno, the gathering Saturday passed without incident, with the exception of an elderly cyclist who yelled "God Bless Donald Trump" as he passed protesters, and then cursed at them.

Organizers have called for peaceful protest and dismissed the Trump administration's criticism as "shameless" and "pathetic."

As planes flying in and out of San Francisco Airport roared overhead, Okimoto and other speakers recalled the trauma they and their relatives experienced when the federal government forcibly removed thousands of Californians of Japanese ancestry from their homes, putting them on buses under armed guards.

Approximately 8,000 Bay Area residents were shipped to the Tanforan Race Track in San Bruno, where thousands of incarcerees lived in horse stalls, euphemistically called "apartments," throughout their stay. The majority were American citizens, but kept behind barbed wire fences guarded by soldiers with rifles - and forced to live there or in other internment camps for years.

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"I'm so disappointed in the Trump administration," said Sterling Sakai, 75, brandishing a sign that read "Japanese Americans Remember: Hands Off Our Immigrant Neighbors."

Sakai's parents and grandparents were among the thousands taken to the Tanforan Assembly Center and later to other internment camps.

He was particularly critical of Trump attempting to invoke the Alien Enemies Act earlier this year to deport residents. While Trump said he'd use it to deport terrorists and rapists, he has instead targeted people because of how they look or their ethnicity, Sterling said.

"In my mind, it's as unAmerican now as it was during World War II," he said. "It's hard to understand how we could be making the same mistake again."

Protesters gathered at the Tanforan Memorial in San Bruno on Saturday as part of the nationwide No Kings demonstrations. (St. John Barned-Smith/S.F. Chronicle)





Gala King, with the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, said she wants to see the detention centers where ICE has been holding immigrants shut down.

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"Our community members and loved ones keep being snatched away," she said, after relating the experience of one mother whose son is currently in an ICE detention center, in filthy conditions, and with little access to the outdoors or ability to communicate with their relatives. "It's important for us to lift up their voices and stories as much as we can."

Steven Okamoto, 83, who also spoke Saturday, told the crowd that he was 5 weeks old when he and his family were sent to the Tanforan Assembly Center.

When they arrived, he said, his parents were among thousands of people who were going to be incarcerated at the site. At first, they saw the barracks at the facility and thought they would be living there, but the barracks were already full. Soldiers told them they would be living in the horse stables.

The soldiers told them not to worry, the stables had been cleaned.

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As he got older, Okamoto's mother told him she didn't remember too much about the assembly center, but "would never forget the smell of the horse manure and urine for the rest of her life," he said.

Steven Okamoto points to names on the memorial to Japanese Americans interned during World War II. (St. John Barned-Smith/S.F. Chronicle)





Now, a memorial to the internment stands on the site, with a replica horsestall the size of the spaces that thousands of Japanese American families were forced to cram into and live in during the war, as well as metal plaques bearing the names of those that passed through the facility.

When Okamoto and others pushed for the creation of the memorial, he thought it would stand as a reminder for everyone that such government action could never happen again.

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"Unfortunately, it is," he said.

Satsuki Ina was born in the internment camps. For her, Saturday's event was a call to action.

"We need to not turn our backs on the people being targeted today," she said. "We need solidarity. We need to bring hope back to America."

Ina, 83, said her father and mother were sent from their home in San Francisco's Japantown to Tanforan, months after their wedding. Later, they were moved to Topaz Internment Camp in Arizona, and then to Camp Tulelake, when her father refused to sign a loyalty questionnaire.

"It feels like I'm living in a nightmare," Ina said. "The same language, the same consequences. People being ripped from their homes, criminalized, imprisoned, separated from their families. Those are the same things that happened to us."

This article originally published at I'm living in a nightmare': Japanese internment camp survivors see history repeating under Trump.
Oct. 18WILKES-BARRE  The second No Kings demonstration of 2025 in Wilkes-Barre was held at Public Square on Saturday to bring together those opposed to President Donald Trump's policies. Many similar protests were held simultaneously across the nation.

The first No Kings demonstration was held earlier this year on June 14  Trump's 79th birthday  and brought hundreds of people to downtown Wilkes-Barre. The size of the crowd at Saturday's protest was similar in size.

Protestors took aim at what they see as Trump's undercutting of democracy.

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"I don't believe in the way that he's taking control of everything, and he has to be held accountable," said John Weissmann, a first-time protester.

Weissmann's criticisms of Trump were broader, while others aimed their ire at specific examples, such as raids by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and cuts to Medicaid.

"I don't like what's going on right now in Washington, and I'm looking for a change," Weissmann said.

Marnetta Bradford, like Weissmann, was drawn to Public Square out of a desire for sweeping shifts in government.

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"I'm just tired of everything and want to stand up for change," said Bradford, who urged local officials to think for themselves.

However, Bradford was not especially hopeful that positive developments would be possible under Trump, especially while he is surrounded by his advisors.

"Listen to your people, and not to those around you," Bradford said in a plea to Trump. "Think about the many people who do need to be served. But 'service' is not in his vocabulary."

With municipal elections approaching, some members of Saturday's crowd were interested in additional public participation. Stephanie Stemmer said that she has been involved with politics for a long time and wants to see people enthusiastic about local races.

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Stemmer asserted that municipal leaders can help protect their constituents from power in other, higher levels of government.

"Especially in the municipal election, I think that it's very important to show up, because, a lot of times, Democrats don't really do that for every single election," said Stemmer, who suggested that voters check their polling places ahead of Election Day.

The atmosphere at Saturday's rally was "chilled out," as described by demonstrator Rita Winnicki, though a potentially scary moment did occur near South Main Street. Wilkes-Barre police arrested a man with Trump flags attached to his red Jeep, though officers did not confirm the reason. Multiple eyewitnesses said that the man was carrying a gun. The red Jeep was later towed, resulting in cheers from the Public Square protestors.

Many demonstrators held signs or wore costumes, the latter in the spirit of Halloween. Winnicki did both, dressing as Winnie the Pooh and carrying a sign promoting anti-fascism. The event also had a patriotic tone, as many signs indicated strong support for the country while denouncing Trump.

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"They kept saying that 'anti-fascists are hateful people' and 'anti-fascists are against the American government,'" said Winnicki of Trump's supporters. "But every historical event against fascism has been led by the American government. I am an American, and I believe in anti-fascism."

Winnicki added that Saturday's demonstration was a good use of American freedom and promoted a sense of unity.

"They're doing what we're supposed to do," Winnicki said of the gathered crowd. "Protest, talk to each other, and remind each other that we're not alone. There are like-minded people in the world."

Barbara Jones added to the atmosphere by playing music from activist performers from the past and present, such as Woody Guthrie, Neil Young, and Jesse Wells.

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Jones described the Trump-led federal government as a "cruel administration," and said that she has personally struggled to reach Trump supporters on even some of the most bipartisan matters, such as releasing the infamous "Epstein list." That refers to the list of clients associated with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a longtime friend of Trump, who himself has been found liable for sexual abuse.

"I've been a big fan of releasing the [Jeffrey Epstein] files, even before [Trump] was in office," said Jones. "I don't care who's in those files. We should be protecting the children."

Jones reflected the rally's spirit by promoting the country's values, but maintained that Trump threatened those values.

"We're here mostly because we love our country and we want to fight fascism," Jones said. "We don't want to see [our country] destroyed."
An Air China passenger flight was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday after a lithium battery "spontaneously ignited" inside a passenger's luggage.

Flight CA139, which had left Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou, China on its way to Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, South Korea, had to be diverted to Shanghai due to the emergency.

"A lithium battery spontaneously ignited in a passenger's carry-on luggage stored in the overhead bin on flight CA139," Air China said in a statement on social media, via France 24.

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"The crew immediately handled the situation according to procedures, and no one was injured."

Video shared by NBC News shows orange flames and thick smoke coming out of an overhead compartment and infiltrating the cabin. The flight crew responded quickly after terrified passengers yelled for assistance.

According to the New York Post, the diverted flight landed safely in Shanghai around 11 a.m., and a replacement plane later transported the passengers to Seoul.

Lithium batteries have caused issues before

Back in June, China banned any uncertified or recalled power banks from being brought on domestic flights.

The move was made after several lithium battery-related incidents, including aboard flights in China and South Korea.

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In America, earlier this year, the TSA and FAA announced a ban on lithium batteries in checked bags, saying that they must instead be stored in carry-on luggage.

The reason for the ban was because all lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating due to a process known as thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects, the FAA wrote in its announcement.

Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less are allowed in carry-on baggage.

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"Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only," TSA said. "Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices."

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Oct 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Saturday morning, the coastal town of San Clemente became ground zero in the battle between California and the Trump administration over a preplanned live-fire exercise over the freeway during a military event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

A 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 was periodically closed through Camp Pendleton. The northern side of the closure was just outside San Clemente's city limits.

Midmorning on Saturday, the southbound 5 ground to a halt about half a mile ahead of the El Camino Real exit, the second-to-last exit before the closure.

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Read more: Interstate 5 closure brings gridlock, new battle between Trump, California

The previous three freeway exits  Avenida Palizada, Avenida Pico and Avenida Vista Hermosa  all had flashing signs warning of the impending closure.

Motorists who were brave or foolish enough to venture beyond Avenida Palizada endured a minimum of 30 minutes trying to exit the freeway.

Some vehicles on the interstate illegally made nearly 90-degree turns on the freeway heading southbound to break through the bottleneck by exiting the vacant El Camino Real onramp for about 15 minutes. A California Highway Patrol officer eventually rode up the ramp and shut off access.

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San Clemente City Councilmember Mark Enmeier said that the freeway closure came completely out of the blue and that he found out about it just as many residents did on Saturday morning when the Orange County Sheriffs Department announced it on Instagram.

There was no coordination with any local officials on this whatsoever, Enmeier said. Or if there was, he said, I was not informed of it.

To Enmeier, the live-ammunition event was a show of force on behalf of a few individuals more than likely intentionally timed to this day of widespread protest. Plus, he said the freeway closure is a source of needless financial strain.

Not only are we paying as a taxpayer for these shows of force, were also losing money, Enmeier said. I mean, this is a major arterial road, and theres no other way down to San Diego from Orange County without taking an hour-and-a-half detour.

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At the SC Cafe in San Clemente, owner Joey Abi-Loutfi said: I heard about the traffic from the news a day earlier and wasnt exactly sure what to think. Thats the give-and-take of owning a restaurant right next to a freeway ramp.

Abi-Loutfi said hes not thrilled about the interstate shutdown, though, aside from slower-than-usual business due to the governments show of force in firing off weapons.

What a great use of funding, he said with a sarcasm thicker than his restaurants chunky salsa.

By midafternoon, it appeared motorists had gotten word of the closure and conditions around San Clemente had eased.

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By the 91 and 15 freeways  the inland alternatives to the 5 between Los Angeles and San Diego  were jammed.

Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the White House for failing to coordinate or share safety information ahead of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebration featuring Vice President JD Vance.

California said it closed the 5 for safety reasons.

It is not safe for people to drive on a major freeway at high speeds directly under LIVE MUNITIONS, his office wrote on X. White House not communicating, endangering the public, and then trying to blame the Governor for doing the right thing  keeping people out of harms way  yet another day living in Trumps authoritarian America, the post said.

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Administration officials said the Pendleton event was safe and that a freeway closure was not needed.

Gavin Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous, said William Martin, the communications director for Vance, in a statement.

Newsoms office said Thursday it was told no live fire would go over the freeway, only to be informed Friday that the military event organizers asked the California Department of Transportation for a sign along the I-5 that read Overhead fire in progress.

Earlier Saturday morning, the state was told that live rounds were scheduled to be shot over the freeway around 1:30 p.m, prompting California Highway Patrol officials to recommend the freeway closure because of the potential safety risk and likelihood it would distract drivers.



Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

Over the past decade, Donald Trumps opponents have struggled to find an effective answer to the rise of right-wing authoritarianism. There have been deeply earnest sign-carrying boomers. There have been antifa-inflected black-clad protesters ready to spar with militarized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

What there had not been, however, were inflatable frogs.

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That is, until Trump sent troops to Portland, Oregon, where ICE agents ran headlong into a 24-year-old in a frog suit named Seth Todd. Todd met a line of grim ICE agents by dancing and thrusting his hips. An agent pepper-sprayed his air vent, but he wasnt defeated. Instead, more inflatable frogs joined him in the days that followed, dancing in the streets.

Fast-forward to Saturdays No Kings protests, a coordinated series of demonstrations in cities and towns nationwide. Here in the District of Columbia, it became clear that inflatable-frog absurdity has become the Resistances weapon of choice.

At a mass protest on downtowns Pennsylvania Avenue, the joking signs outnumbered the serious. There were people in colonial America costumes and in clown costumes; some signs mentioned 67. One protester held a sign calling for Tom Cruise to save them; another accused Trump of loving Nickelback. One group carried a Flying Spaghetti Monster banner. There were some old hitsthe Handmaids Tale costumes from the Womens March days, for example, and tiny hands. But there were more references to antifa: Some women dressed as Aunt Tifa, sporting reading glasses and curlers in their hair, a reference to Republican efforts to portray anti-fascist protesters as extremists.

I Stand With Frog Dude, one banner read. Another: No Kings, Only Frogs.

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Its a joke, but its not only a joke. At a time when the administration is seeking to portray its political opponents as seditious enemiesones worthy of violence and prosecutionthe injection of levity is a matter of strategy: During some No Kings protests, organizers encouraged participants to show up in Halloween costumes. These organizers aimed to deny the administration what it had been desperately seeking: an enemy serious enough to justify an emergency declaration.

What they want is their Reichstag fire, said Sedef Buyukataman, a protester wearing an inflatable unicorn costume. They want something to go wrong. They desperately are looking for a way to bring about martial law so they can abolish whats left of our Constitution, and I just dont want to give them that opportunity.

At the No Kings march in D.C., there was no greater rejection of the Trump administrations desired bogeyman than the presence of inflatable costumesunwieldy walking cushions, literally incapable of fighting or posing any kind of threat to anyone.

There was, among the rotund tottering creatures, a giraffe, an Among Us alien, a left shark, a bald eagle, an alligator, a Pillsbury Doughboy, a raccoon, a chicken, a rubber chicken, a waving tube man, an axolotl, a Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants, and many unicorns. And there were, of course, frogs. Some were repurposed Halloween costumes; most had been purchased in the past week from the internet or Spirit Halloween, its wearers having been inspired by the Portland Frog.

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Asked why they were wearing inflatables, most said they wanted to force the Trump administration to face the absurdity of its narratives. These bubbly creatures seemed to float by on the positive energy of the crowd, sometimes blithely bopping along, sometimes stopping to take photos with enthusiastic fellow inflatables. Behind this goofiness was, to the wearers, a real political goal.

The inflatables wearers also mused about deeper philosophical questions, like the nature of protest. It remains a matter of debate, after all, whether the Black Lives Matter demonstrations were a success. The movement certainly shook up the culture at the time, but we are now experiencing a profound backlash. The very concept of standing up for civil rights has become taboo in much of public life. Its possible that the anger and seriousness of that movement ultimately led to its own undoing. Could silliness be the safeguard against such a backlash? Can revolution succeed by being fun?

One of the frogs, a man who declined to give his name for fear of repercussions at his workplace, said he sees value in the absurdity. He said he normally does not participate in protests; instead, he said, he tends to put more energy into his behind-the-scenes work in politics, an effort he considers serious. But he bought a frog costume last week, looking to embrace fun and whimsy in opposition to authoritarianism.

We also need to bring the whimsy so that we can bring people into the movement. Not everyones gonna be attracted by just seriousness, he said. Were all too damn sad. Were depressed, and weve got to be, like, happy warriors.  If we are just angry and sad, no ones going to join us.

Molly Olmstead

A mother-daughter unicorn duo expressed the same sentiments. The two, from Frederick, Maryland, said they attend protests two or three times a week. The daughter, a 21-year-old named Ramsey, had discovered the Portland Frog on TikTok and had been charmed. Fun and lightness, the two argued, make protests available for all ages and help protesters feel as if theyre part of a community.

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That particular kind of solidarity became visible moments later, as the unicorns explained that they had at various times leaned on the bonds they formed with other protesters for emotional support.

Weve gotten scared, and we feel a little intimidated sometimes, the elder unicorn said. But we have a strong community

She was cut off when a giant inflatable baby barreled into them.

Fat people solidarity! the baby yelled in a Trump voice. The babys face, belonging to an adult man, was painted orange. Both unicorns yelled with delight.

Inflatable nation! the younger unicorn said.

Its my first time in one of these, the baby said. Its hot in these bitches!

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That sense of inflatable kinship carried through these interactions, with occasional awkward attempts at high-fives and hugs between strangers. (The inflatables cut off most wearers peripheral vision.) A meeting of different chickens led to a particularly strong eruption of glee. But it seemed that some of these inflatables wearers were donning their costumes as much for themselves as for onlookers.

Ive been scared for the first time in my life to come out to protest, Buyukataman, the unicorn, said. And when I saw what was going on in Portlandthe right framing for these people is to laugh at them, make fun of them, and show up in peaceful protests. So thats why Im here. I said, Im tired of being afraid, and Im going out in my unicorn outfit. 

Yet another unicorn, a woman named Devidyal, also embraced the silliness of the costume. Almost everyone that I know tells me that Im too serious, she said. I take everything really, really seriously. Im a world history teacher, and I am terrified of what I see. And I just decided: They dont take us seriously when were serious. So why not be silly?

The unicorns husband, Brandon Givens, a raccoon and a candidate for the 11th District House of Delegates in Virginia, said he and his wife had witnessed authoritarianism in Kazakhstan as teachers there. We thought, Hey, you know, one of the best ways to fight fascism and authoritarianism is to mock it, he said. Because theyre trying to say that these people here are terrorists. Well, clearly the unicorn is not a terrorist.

Molly Olmstead

Back during the first Trump administration, some of the anti-Trump protests were faulted for being too unspecific and shallow. They were, critics said, full of smiling people who looked as if they were out for a stroll with friends rather than fighting for their rights. They were too polite, some argued, and too palatable to white moderates; the pink pussy hats were eventually seen as embarrassing.

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But the protesters argued that anyone who questioned their seriousness had missed the point: They were laughing at fascism, they said, to show they were stronger as a public. And the inflatables werent just there having a good time. Mike, one of the frogs, pointed out that the suits took commitment.

I mean, if anything, this suits kind of hot and uncomfortable, and Im taking the effort to actually do it, he said.

Indeed, all of the inflatables users appeared to be overheating; the temperature in D.C. was in the mid-to-upper 60s, but there was direct sun, and several people spoke through fogged-up plastic panels with visibly sweat-slicked hair.

Mike the frog walked along the route as sounds erupted around him: chants of This is what democracy looks like!, booming tubas playing marching band numbers, an a cappella rendering of the national anthem, what appeared to be an original rap composition about Trump blaring from a nearby loudspeaker, and 18th-century fife music emerging from some invisible source. There was chaos to it all, and very few dour faces.

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The D.C. inflatables were not powerful as symbols the way the Portland Frog is; their absurdity did not clash so dramatically against their fellow goofy marchers. But they served to testify to the Portland Frogs strategic success. Maybe this protest will prove ineffective in creating any kind of greater change. But for now its participants have exposed the absurdity behind the right-wing narrativesand that might be enough to remind some Americans that despite what Fox News has said, there isnt an emergency in these streets. There are just inflatable figures dancing.

Its so silly, said Mike the frog. Theres nothing more innocuous and harmless than a frog, right?
Conservative media star Matt Walsh blasted New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (D) for criticizing his competitor, Andrew Cuomo (D), for not being able to name a single mosque, with Walsh saying he is not even going to tolerate this because it is the next step towards Islam being forced upon American citizens.

Walsh ripped Mamdani on the Friday episode of his podcast, The Matt Walsh Show, which is part of Ben Shapiros The Daily Wire network. Mamdani, a night earlier, skewered Cuomo during a debate, saying he had ignored Muslims until Mamdani beat him in the June Democratic primary.

It took Andrew Cuomo being beaten by a Muslim candidate in the Democratic primary for him to set foot in a mosque, Mamdani said.

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Walsh said this line of attack would have been unbelievable to anyone in 2002, a year after Muslim terrorists, as he mockingly put it, rearranged the Manhattan skyline.

But in 2025, Walsh said, leftists not only want you to tolerate their positions or beliefs on topics like trans rights  the next steps are affirmation, celebration, [and] participation.

The podcaster said you can count him out on participating in anything Islam-related.

You know what, Im not even going to tolerate this. I am actively opposed to this. I think its bad. I dont want it in my community, and I dont want it in my country, Walsh said. We need to be intolerant. Intolerance is a virtue. Intolerance is good, intolerance is holy, intolerance is Christian, intolerance is moral and courageous.

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He added intolerance is loving to your family, country, and way of life in America.

Walsh said, a moment earlier, that he is not really interested in defending Cuomo. But that he felt this was a significant moment in American politics that showed a bizarre shift, where politicians will now have to conform to Muslim culture, rather than Muslim immigrants assimilating to American culture.

Mamdani, during an interview with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum on Wednesday, refused to say Hamas should disarm; he also said he would exhaust every legal option to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu, if he is elected NYCs mayor.

You can watch his full segment on Mamdani above, via YouTube.

The post Intolerance is a Virtue: Matt Walsh Slams Zohran Mamdani for Shaming Cuomo Over Islam first appeared on Mediaite.
Just last year, several oil majors looked to be betting big on biofuels, but some momentum seems to have been lost in project development in recent months. Despite a growing demand for biofuels, as several hard-to-abate industries strive to decarbonise, greater sectoral uncertainty and other challenges have led the rollout of new projects to stall in several parts of the world.

By the end of 2024, several oil majors had increased investments in biofuel development, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). At the time, there were 43 projects expected to be operational by 2030, according to Rystad Energy. Oil and gas firms such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Shell had all committed to biofuel production, with a production capacity pipeline of 286,000 barrels per day(bpd).

With aviation contributing around 2 percent of greenhouse gas emissions globally, the sector is searching for ways to decarbonise operations, with many airlines introducing SAF targets for 2030 and beyond. SAF production mainly comes from waste and residue, like used cooking oil or organic crops. Although it still emits carbon dioxide, as it is produced using waste, it is considered less polluting throughout its entire lifecycle. The benefit of using SAF is that airlines do not have to invest in new fleets or retrofitting activities, as most aircraft engines can use SAF alongside traditional jet fuel in their existing engines.

While SAF is generally more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel, several regions of the world have introduced minimum targets on SAF use, which has encouraged an accelerated uptake of the fuel. For example, the European Union requires a minimum of 2 percent of SAF use in aviation by 2025. Biofuels can also be used for other activities, such as in heating and electricity generation, and in fertilisers for food production.

The OECD expects the global use of biofuels to grow by 0.9 percent a year over the next decade, much lower than the 3.3 percent annual growth seen in recent years. The OECD forecasts that biofuel growth will slow in high-income countries due to stagnating fuel demand resulting from electric vehicle adoption and weaker policy support. However, the demand in middle-income countries is expected to offset the slowdown, with biofuel consumption expected to increase by 1.7% annually across these countries, with Brazil, Indonesia, and India driving demand.

As demand eases, some companies are backtracking on their commitment to biofuels. In September, Shell announced it would not be moving ahead with plans to develop a biofuels factoring in the Netherlands. The oil major initially paused work on the project in July following a review that deemed the facility was too expensive and insufficiently competitive. The plant in Rotterdam was expected to be one of the biggest in Europe to transform waste into SAF and biodiesel.

This is expected to hinder the European Unions target of decarbonising its aviation sector. It also reflects Shells recent move away from a net-zero commitment, following the reduction of investment in green energy and cleantech in favour of fossil fuels. Shells downstream, renewables and energy solutions president, Machteld de Haan, said of the move, As we evaluated market dynamics and the cost of completion, it became clear that the project would be insufficiently competitive to meet our customers need for affordable, low carbon products.

Meanwhile, Ashley Kelty, an analyst at Panmure Liberum, said it was another nail in the ideological coffin for SAF and biofuels. He added, It means that SAF is going to be more expensive, limited in supply and therefore difficult for airlines to justify using. Biofuels were expected to be a major part of Shells anticipated energy diversification plan, as part of its shift to green. However, the recent move demonstrates its commitment to its fossil fuels business and could signal the beginning of a move away from biofuels across the oil and gas sector.

An August analysis by Reuters showed that out of 165 SAF projects over the past 12 years, only 36 have come to fruition. Among those 36, just 10 projects, or 6 percent of the total, have reported producing commercial volumes of SAF. The analysis found that if all the pending projects announced by airlines reached their maximum potential, it would only add 12 billion gallons of SAF production, or around 10 percent of whats needed to achieve the net-zero target. Several airlines have blamed the oil and gas industry for backtracking on its biofuel commitments.

There was great optimism around the future of biofuels in 2024, with a strong project pipeline and several years of production and demand growth. However, as some oil and gas companies backtrack on their commitments to biofuel production and several projects are delayed not yet started, there is greater uncertainty in the sector. The lack of meaningful commitment to biofuels, particularly SAF, could make it more difficult to achieve decarbonisation targets in the coming years.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The State Comptroller's Office has been investigating and publishing timely reports on the failures of October 7 - often at odds with the military.

Along with the turning point in the Israel-Hamas War scored last week with the announcement of the ceasefire, the release of all 20 living hostages from Hamas captivity, and the trickling return of the bodies of slain captives, the issue of a State Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the failures of October 7 has returned with full force.

Over the weekend, Channel 12 reported that the coalition was looking into the option of advancing the establishment of a government COI during the upcoming winter session, which opened on Sunday.

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The report was corroborated in other news outlets, but has yet to be independently confirmed by The Jerusalem Post.

Over the past two years, bereaved families, many comprising the October Council forum, families of hostages, and much of the public have vehemently pushed for a State COI.

The October Council said on Saturday night, For two years, the prime minister has insisted that it would be impossible to objectively investigate the war while it is still ongoing. Now that it is not, he has decided to turn his guns on bereaved families and the victims of October 7.

Families of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip and activists protest at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 5, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

It added that it would be kicking up emergency meetings to push for a State COI, and that it would intensify protest measures if the governments efforts persist.

The Likud, on Saturday night, denied the reports.

The State Comptrollers Office has been investigating and publishing timely reports on the failures of October 7  often at odds with the military.

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Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara said in August that this was proof that failures indeed can be investigated during an active war.

A state COI is a public committee established by the Knesset, usually through the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, after it has been greenlit by the government. Its chief purpose is to restore public faith in the government, as it is viewed to be apolitical and all-encompassing.

The Supreme Court president appoints all members of the commission, and its head will always be a jurist  either the Supreme Court president, a district court judge, or a retired judge.

A proposal put forward in the past year by President Isaac Herzog suggested that moderate activist Supreme Court Chief Isaac Amit and staunchly conservative Deputy Chief Justice Noam Sohlberg be charged with forming a state COI in an effort to grant broad legitimacy to the committee, and by doing so, to its findings.

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The broader context is the coalitions fight, since its incorporation in 2022, against the judiciary, led by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. The justice minister has repeatedly said that he does not recognize or trust the authority of Amit and Baharav-Miara, and, along with Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee chair MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party), has pushed for controversial judicial reform legislation. The coalition has been fairly uniform in this stance.

The argument is that if individuals that the government has no confidence in are the ones steering and appointing the members of the state COI, it will be perceived as invalid. To investigate the most horrific attack against the Jewish state since its founding, the appointment of the members of the investigative body must be recognized across the board.

The commission, once formed, would call witnesses to testify and would have the authority to summon any information that might aid in the investigation  even if classified.

Once a state COI publicizes its findings, the government must discuss its suggestions in a thorough manner, though it is not obligated to adhere to them. And, despite the built-in tension of having an external group of people probe the government, no government has yet ignored its suggestions, even if they have not all been adopted. To date, 20 different commissions have been established over the years.

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The weekend reports claimed that the coalition approached Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron, who celebrated his approaching retirement just a few weeks ago after he turned 70 years old, and retired Judge Asher Kola, who currently serves as the Commissioner for Complaints Against Judges. In response to an Israel Hayom query, Kola said that he had not been approached on the matter.

Channel 12 also reported five to be the anticipated number of members in the investigative body.

The Judicial Spokespersons Office on Saturday night said in response, Elron will, for the next three months, do nothing but write court rulings. He will attend to nothing else but that!

In a government COI, the members are appointed by the ministers themselves, and there is no requirement to include a jurist. However, if the government wishes to grant the commission the same powers as a state COI, the commission needs to be led by a retired judge.

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Reportedly, this is what the government wishes to do.

The goal of such a commission is narrower than a state COI: to investigate incidents or topics that come under the authority of the ministers, such as Defense Minister Israel Katz, for example.

In a Wednesday decision, the High Court of Justice informed the government that it had 30 days (until November 14) to update on advancements for a state COI.

There is no substantive divide over the need to establish an investigative body into the failures of October 7, read the decision.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
TONEY, Ala. (WHNT)  An investigation is underway by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), after a child was hit by a vehicle in Toney.

On Saturday just before 7 p.m., Toney Volunteer Fire & Rescue responded to an accident between a vehicle and a child along Opp Reynolds Road.

TVFR crew members along with a civilian driver began to provide critical aid to the child.

Within minutes, members and officials with the Madison County Sheriffs Office, Huntsville-Madison County Rescue Squad, Toney Volunteer Fire & Rescue were also providing additional aid.

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TVFR said that a survival flight along with HEMSI assisted during the incident.

The incident remains under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Stay connected with News 19 as we will continue to update the story as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran executed on Saturday an individual accused of spying for Israel, the judiciary's Mizan news agency reported on Sunday citing an Iranian prosecutor.

The individual had links to the Israeli intelligence service Mossad and had leaked classified information, Mizan cited the judiciary official as saying.

Entangled in a decades-long shadow war with Israel, Iran has executed many people it accused of having links with Israel's intelligence service and facilitating its operations in the country.

(Reporting by Elwely ElwellyEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran executed a person convicted of spying for Israels intelligence agency Mossad in the city of Qom, the official judiciary news agency reported Sunday.

The sentence was carried out early Saturday after the Supreme Court upheld the ruling and a request for a pardon was denied, the Mizan news agency said.

The report didn't identify the person, but said that the individual was accused of intelligence cooperation with the Zionist regime and found guilty of corruption on Earth and enmity against God  crimes punishable by death under Irans Islamic penal code.

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Mizan said that the person began contacts and cooperation with Israeli intelligence services in October 2023 and was arrested four months later, in February 2024.

The defendant had allegedly provided sensitive information to Mossad and carried out missions inside Iran on behalf of Israeli intelligence, according to the report. No further details about the nature of the alleged espionage or the date of the person's arrest were made public.

Irans judiciary has repeatedly described such executions as necessary to safeguard national security, particularly amid what Tehran calls Israels infiltration and sabotage operations.

The execution in Qom, home to a sacred Shiite shrine about 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of the capital Tehran, follows a recent series of similar cases involving alleged cooperation with Israel.

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On Oct. 4, Iran executed six people accused of conducting bombings and armed attacks in Khuzestan Province while allegedly working with Mossad. Authorities said that the group had operated in direct connection with the Zionist regimes intelligence apparatus.

Days earlier, on Sept. 29, Iran hanged another defendant, identified as Bahman Choobiasl, who was convicted of spying for Israel. Choobiasl was executed in Arak Prison, after being found guilty of collecting sensitive information and providing it to Israeli handlers.

Since the 12-day war earlier this year and a series of Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military sites, Iran is known to have executed at least nine people accused of espionage.

The conflict  marked by Israeli airstrikes that killed about 1,100 people, including senior Iranian military commanders  triggered Iranian missile barrages targeting Israeli territory in retaliation. The exchange left both sides on high alert and further inflamed tensions across the region.

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Human rights organizations and Western governments have condemned Irans increasing use of capital punishment, particularly for political and espionage-related offenses. Activists argue that many of the convictions rely on coerced confessions, and that trials often take place behind closed doors, without access to independent legal representation.

Tehran, however, maintains that those executed were agents of hostile intelligence services involved in acts of terrorism or sabotage. Iranian officials have accused Israel of orchestrating a campaign of covert attacks inside Iran, including assassinations of nuclear scientists and cybersabotage of strategic facilities.
In a statement last month, Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr said his movement would boycott the November elections, hinting he wants to change the faces and save Iraq  reportedly his endgame since he withdrew his bloc from parliament in June 2022.

He also took aim at political rivals, the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF), a coalition of Iran-backed parties that became the largest Shia bloc in parliament after he withdrew, accusing them of rocket attacks against his allies.

Al-Sadrs statement spoke of demanding no less than total system reform, but did not mention that the Sadrists had in fact held private back-channel negotiations with the establishment to try to re-enter the electoral race, which ultimately failed.

Attempting a return

Al-Sadrs withdrawal cannot be seen as a total boycott of politics; it is rather a postponement of his ultimate goal of forming a government on his terms.

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He seems to be playing a long game, waiting for the state to collapse under his rivals governance while positioning the Sadrists as the most organised, unaffiliated power ready to step in.

According to a source close to al-Sadr, speaking on condition of anonymity, the leader had agreed to pressure from key Sadrists who wanted to participate in the election, arguing it would protect remaining Sadrist officials facing pressure in state institutions.





Despite initial reluctance, al-Sadr eventually agreed: The Sadrists would temporarily suspend their three-year boycott, with the understanding that al-Sadr could withdraw again if he chose.

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But they would need an extension to the official registration period, which had elapsed, and the source said al-Sadr approved opening channels with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who was appointed by the SCF, the biggest parliamentary bloc, to ask for an extension.

The SCF refused, reluctant to see the Sadrists return and compete with its members, especially smaller groups running on their own this year.

But Sadrist politicians kept negotiating for a deadline extension until Al-Sadr undercut his negotiators in July, posting a handwritten note with the hashtag #Boycotters, ending the talks.

2022  a national majority foiled

Al-Sadr boycotted the political process in 2022 after his plan to form a national majority government failed in the face of Iraqs power-sharing agreement, Muhasasa, in place since 2006.

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Muhasasa distributes cabinet positions and state resources along ethno-sectarian lines, with all parties in parliament forming the government and receiving executive posts equal to their representation.

Proponents say Muhasasa prevents the return of a dictatorship like Saddam Husseins, while critics say it diffuses accountability and is a primary cause of government failure.

PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the first session of negotiations between Iraq and the US to wind down the international coalition mission. In Baghdad, Iraq, January 27, 2024 [Hadi Mizban/Reuters]

In contrast, a national majority government is formed by blocs that secure a parliamentary majority of more than 50 percent, forcing other blocs into the opposition with no executive positions.

Sadrists were laying the groundwork for a parliamentary alliance months before the October 2021 election.

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The outreach began in April with a first-ever phone call between Al-Sadr and a major Sunni leader, Mohammed al-Halbousi. In June, a high-level Sadrist delegation made an unprecedented visit to Erbil to meet with Barzanis Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) for similar talks.

The agreement was simple: Each party would manage its own region without interference, we would form a government without the other parties, who would be free to form an opposition, explained a Sadrist source privy to the talks with al-Halbousi and KDP.

Winning 73 out of 329 seats in the election, the Sadrists formed a coalition with the KDP (31 seats), Al-Halbousis Taqadum Movement (37 seats), Sunni leader Khamis al-Khanjar and independent MPs to form a 175-seat coalition named Inqath Watan (Saving a Homeland).

But then-President Barham Salih asked the Federal Supreme Court for an interpretation that ended Inqath Watans plan.

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The court mandated a two-thirds quorum to elect a new president, who would then name the next prime minister, raising the government-formation threshold from 165 to 220 MPs, allowing the SCF to form an obstructing third.





Influence without office

The Sadrists have been in every Iraqi government since 2006, fluctuating between 30 and 70 seats, under names including Ahrar Bloc, Sairoon Alliance, and, in 2021, the Sadrist Bloc.

Their influence peaked with the 73 seats they got in the 2021 election, which were allocated to runners-up in their districts, who were mostly SCF, after the bloc withdrew from parliament in June 2022.

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With the parliamentary majority in hand, the SCF nominated al-Sudani as prime minister in July.

Al-Sadr, angered by a government formation controlled by his rivals, decided to leverage street power to demand the dissolution of parliament and new elections.

His followers breached the outer checkpoints of Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government headquarters, parliament, and foreign embassies and began an initially peaceful sit-in in the parliament.

However, the sit-in escalated as protesters moved towards the nearby headquarters of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a state-sponsored umbrella of mostly pro-Iranian armed factions, many of which form the core of the SCF.

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The resulting armed clashes ended only when al-Sadr gave a televised speech ordering his supporters to withdraw to prevent further bloodshed.

The SCF-led parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid, from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the main political rivals to Sadr ally KDP, as the new president of Iraq.

Al-Sudani was tasked with forming a cabinet and quickly won a vote of confidence from parliament.

Al-Sadr supporters protest the SCFs PM nomination in Baghdads Green Zone on August 2, 2022 [Ahmed al-Rubaye/AFP]

The SCFs growing list of troubles

The SCF consolidated its grip, removing key Sadrist officials, including the Central Bank governor and the governors of Amarah and Najaf, and pursuing vendettas against al-Sadrs allies, even allegedly through Iraqs judiciary, which experts have accused of being politicised.

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As Inqath Watan worked to form a government, the Federal Court annulled the Kurdistan regional governments 2007 oil and gas law and all energy contracts signed under it. The lawsuit had stalled since the oil ministry filed it in 2019.

In November 2023, the Federal Court expelled Mohammed al-Halbousi from parliament, ending his speakership after the tripartite alliance re-elected him in January 2022.

Yet other aspects of its governing have not been successful, with an internal economic crisis looming and external pressure building.

The Iraqi government faces an exorbitant domestic spending bill, with public sector salaries, social welfare and pensions adding up to 44.9 trillion Iraqi dinars in the first half of 2025, 99.2 percent of all oil revenues  Iraqs main source of income  during the same period.

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Externally, the government faces Israeli threats and claims that it hosts Iranian militias, as well as a cascade of US sanctions targeting private Iraqi banks and individuals, accusing them of supporting Iran.

President Abdul Latif Rashid at the 34th Arab League summit in Baghdad [File: Thaier Al-Sudani/AP]

A Sadrist endgame

In the meantime, al-Sadr has worked to shore up his support among Iraqi Shia, building on his membership of one of the most respected Shia families. He also rebranded his group as the Patriotic Shia Current in April 2024.

His pressure on the SCF within their shared Shia constituency has seen him mobilising on issues the SCF could not disagree on without damaging their own religious credentials.

He also made a foray into Baghdads Tahrir Square and Nasiriyahs Haboubi Square, important sites for the 2019 Tishreen protest movement, which al-Sadr was accused of trying to take over and subsequently abandoning to face government security forces alone.

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During 2025 Ashura, al-Sadr set up tents with food and refreshments for pilgrims in the two squares, something no political faction had dared do for fear of backlash from anti-government protesters.

Regionally, he has positioned himself to avoid entanglement and build a profile distinct from the threatening rhetoric of his SCF rivals.

He endorsed the regime change in Syria and limited his response to the war in Gaza to condemnations and statements, positioning himself as a viable, predictable future partner in the eyes of Western powers like the United States and regional actors like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

Whether Iraq will enter paralysis triggered by US sanctions, Israeli attacks, or economic crisis remains to be seen.

If it does, al-Sadr and his Patriotic Shia Current may be well positioned to step in and fill the vacuum.




Ireland plans to make a basic income for artists permanent in 2026.

In a three-year-long pilot program, officials paid local artists $1,500 monthly.

Recipients in the pilot said the basic income payments improved their daily lives.

As Ireland's $1,500-a-month basic income pilot program for creatives nears its end in February, officials have to answer a simple question: Is it worth it?

With four months to go, they say the answer is yes.

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Earlier this month, Ireland's government announced its 2026 budget, which includes "a successor to the pilot Basic Income Scheme for the Arts to begin next year" among its expenditures.

Ireland is just one of many places experimenting with guaranteed basic income programs, which provide recurring, unrestricted payments to people in a certain demographic. These programs differ from a universal basic income, which would provide payments for an entire population.

Basic income programs of all kinds have been around for a long time, but have seen renewed interest since the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the AI revolution. Some of the world's top AI leaders have called for such programs to alleviate the loss of income in the future if the technology ousts humans from their jobs.

Ireland first launched its basic income pilot program in 2022, when some 2,000 artists began receiving a weekly stipend of 325, or about $370. Although officials initially scheduled the pilot program to end this August, Patrick O'Donovan, the minister for culture, communications, and sport in Ireland, extended it to February 2026.

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Citizens who participated in the pilot program said the payments improved their daily lives. A report published by Ireland's government in May said the payments reduced financial stress, allowed for professional growth, and boosted mental health.

A government press release this month said the 2026 budget would include a provision to make the country's Basic Income for the Arts pilot permanent in 2026.

"The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, which I extended this year, will end in 2026, and I will bring a successor scheme to Government with the intention of embedding a permanent basic income in the Arts and Culture sector," O'Donovan said. "This scheme is the envy of the world, and a tremendous achievement for Ireland, and must be made futureproof and sustainable."

Maura McGrath, chair of the Arts Council in Ireland, praised the decision in a statement.

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"The Arts Council particularly welcomes the continued investment in the Basic Income for the Arts, which provides artists with the stability to develop their practice, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Ireland's cultural landscape," McGrath said. "We are ambitious for the arts sector and will continue to work with Minister O'Donovan and our Department colleagues advising on the optimisation of opportunities for artists, arts workers and audiences."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza appears to have survived its first major test as Israel and Hamas affirmed their commitment to the deal after two Israeli soldiers were killed in the enclave on Sunday, prompting waves of airstrikes.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it would begin a renewed enforcement of the ceasefire at the direction of the political echelon.

Hamas and its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades (AQB), said on Sunday morning that they remain committed to the ceasefire and rejected involvement in the attack on Israeli forces.

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The stated commitment to the ceasefire comes as the deals key architects, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, arrived in the region in an effort to push forward the next phase of the agreement.

The office of Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (PMO) said he met with them Monday, on the eve of a visit by US Vice President JD Vance.

The administration remains focused on implementing the peace agreement and we are working vigorously with our partners to do so. Were not going to detail ongoing private diplomatic conversations, a US official told CNN.

Earlier on Sunday, Israel carried out a series of strikes across Gaza after it accused Hamas of carrying out an attack that killed two IDF soldiers  Major Yaniv Kula, 26, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz  marking the first time Israeli troops have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire.

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The Israeli strikes killed at least 44 people in several parts of Gaza on Sunday, according to data from Gazas hospitals.

Both Hamas and the IDF blamed the other for violating the ceasefire.

Scenes of panic emerged in Gaza during the strikes, where crowds were seen gathered at al-Aqsa hospital as casualties were rushed into the facility.

We were sitting in a cafeteria, drinking tea and coffee, and suddenly we heard the news  they were hit and bombed, and everyone was killed. Thats all that happened, Sallih Salman, the brother of one of the deceased Palestinians, told Reuters.

Amid the renewed strikes, the AQB said it found the body of another Israeli hostage during ongoing search operations, and will hand it over today if field conditions permit.

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The AQB warned that any escalation by the Israeli military would hinder search, excavation, and the recovery of bodies.

Aid deliveries continue

Deliveries of aid into Gaza will continue on Monday after Israel announced they would be halted on Sunday, a senior Israeli official told CNN.

The quick announcement of the continuation of aid  only hours after the declared pause  means the deliveries of humanitarian aid may not have been affected.

Israels continuation of aid is an indication of the goal of maintaining key components of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hamas. But the Rafah Crossing will remain closed, the official said, as Israel awaits the return of the remaining hostage bodies.

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Earlier this year, a UN-backed initiative said parts of Gaza were facing famine and the truce raised hopes of a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory.

Friends and relatives mourn over the shrouded body of a man killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza Strip on Sunday. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images

Friends and relatives mourn the death of a loved one outside Deir al-Balah's Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital on Sunday. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images

But Netanyahu faces pressure to respond to any violations from far-right parties supporting his coalition.

Israels National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, described the resumption of aid as a shameful backdown.

All this on a day when Hamas murdered two IDF soldiers, and continues to violate the agreement and refuses to hand over all the bodies of our fallen, he wrote on X, Enough of the backdowns.

Clashes in Rafah

Israel had carried out strikes in Gaza on Sunday after an Israeli military official said Hamas attacked Israeli forces in Rafah in southern Gaza with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire.

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Hamas fired towards Israeli forces beyond the Yellow Line  the line behind which Israeli troops have withdrawn according to the ceasefire deal  in three separate incidents on Sunday, according to another military official.

The AQB denied knowledge of any events or clashes in Rafah and said they are committed to the truce throughout all areas of the Gaza Strip.

While much is unknown about the incident Rafah, it occurred on Sunday morning as Hamas said its internal Radaa security force was targeting a hideout of an Israel-backed militia led by Yasser Abu Shabab. In June, Israel confirmed it was arming several such militias in an attempt to counter Hamas.

Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said these militias now operate from within Israeli-occupied areas in Gaza from which they descend on the other half of Gaza, carry out attacks, then go run back to those protected areas.

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Since the ceasefire began last week, Hamas has carried out what it has called a security campaign aimed at collaborators, mercenaries, thieves, bandits, and those cooperating with the Zionist enemy throughout the Gaza Strip.

The internal clashes have created a volatile security situation in the battered enclave with violence erupting between Hamas and rival groups in several areas across Gaza, including an incident that culminated in an apparent public execution of eight people in a square in Gaza City while large crowds were watching.

Sundays incident brought further strain to the ceasefire, with the next steps still unresolved.

Israel has shot and killed Palestinians it accused of approaching the Yellow Line, in what Hamas has called a flagrant violation of the ceasefire commitments. Israel has also accused Hamas of delaying the return of all of the deceased hostages held in Gaza as required by the deal, and has closed a key border crossing until further notice.

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Hamas has returned 12 of the 28 bodies of deceased hostages in line with the ceasefire agreement with Israel. All 12 have now been formally identified.

This story has been updated with additional information and context.

CNNs Dana Karni, Alayna Treene, Sophie Tanno, and Abeer Salman contributed to this story.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Israel has accused Hamas of breaching the peace agreement concerning the Gaza Strip and carried out strikes on military positions. The United States later held talks with the Israeli side.

Source: Axios, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that on Sunday, Hamas fighters emerged from a tunnel in the Rafah area  largely controlled by the IDF  and fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli vehicle.

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In response, the Israeli military launched around 20 airstrikes on Hamas targets in Rafah and other parts of Gaza. Israel also decided to close all crossings into Gaza and suspend the delivery of humanitarian aid.

According to Axios, Israel informed the US in advance about its strikes. US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a phone call with their Israeli counterparts to discuss the next steps.

A US official told Axios that Washington had urged Israel "to respond proportionally but to exercise restraint".

"No one wants a return to full-scale war. The Israelis want to show Hamas there are consequences without destroying the peace deal," the official said.

Background:

On 13 October, US President Donald Trump and representatives of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye signed an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas.

The signing took place during an international summit hosted by Egypt, attended by European leaders.

President Trump had earlier stated that if Hamas failed to uphold the peace deal, he would consider allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume military action in Gaza.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Israel on Sunday halted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, with a security official citing Hamas's "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement.

"The transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip has been halted until further notice," an Israeli security official said.

The Israeli military said terrorists attacked Israeli soldiers in the south and north of the coastal strip earlier on Sunday, including with an anti-tank missile.

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It said the incidents had taken place east of the yellow line, behind which Israeli troops had withdrawn as part of the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Hamas has denied responsibility for the attacks.

Israel controls access to the sealed-off Gaza Strip and has to authorize aid deliveries to the territory.

The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on October 10, provided for an expansion of aid deliveries, with a target of 600 lorries per day.
Israel said Sunday that it will indefinitely halt the delivery of desperately needed aid into Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the fragile ceasefire deal  a claim made by the very government whose military has continued to kill Palestinians since the so-called truce went into effect this month.

The Israeli military, which has been widely accused of weaponizing aid against starving and sick Palestinians, suspended the delivery of humanitarian assistance just 11 days after Israel and Hamas both agreed to President Donald Trumps 20-point plan to end the more than two years of what human rights groups and experts call the genocide in Gaza.

Global: A War On Drugs Or A War On Terror? Trump's Military Pressure On Venezuela Blurs The Lines

Both Israel and its biggest ally, the United States, have accused Hamas of failing to uphold its obligations under the truce. The Israeli military claims that Hamas has been targeting its soldiers in the south, while the Trump administration accused the group of planning an attack against Palestinian civilians.

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Hamas will pay a heavy price for any shooting and violation of the ceasefire, and if the message is not understood the intensity of the responses will increase, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told Israeli media.

Health care workers treat Palestinian children who were injured in an Israeli airstrike, despite the ceasefire, in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Oct. 19. Abdallah F.S. Alattar/Anadolu via Getty Images

Hamas armed wing said it has been adhering to the U.S.-brokered deal with Israel and is unaware of any fighting in Rafah. The group also denied the Trump administrations allegations, saying they fully align with the misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations crimes and organized aggression.

The Israeli military said it launched a massive and extensive wave of airstrikes and tank fire in south and central Gaza on Sunday after two soldiers were killed. The strikes have killed at least 21 Palestinians, some of whom were inside a school being used to shelter displaced civilians, according to the Gaza Civil Defense.

Global: Israeli Military Says 1 Of The Bodies Handed Over By Hamas Is Not That Of A Hostage

Israel had reportedly notified Washington of their intent to attack on Sunday, with Axios reporting that Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff told officials they could respond to alleged attacks by Hamas as long as the response was proportional. The Israeli military later said it will again abide by the ceasefire agreement, though its unclear if that includes allowing aid in.

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While the developments sent mediators scrambling to de-escalate, Sunday is not the first time Israel has attacked Palestinians in Gaza during the so-called ceasefire. According to Gazas media office, Israel has violated the ceasefire at least 47 times since both parties agreed to the deal.

Smoke billows from an Israeli strike in the central Gaza's Bureij camp on Sunday. Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images

These violations have included crimes of direct gunfire against civilians, deliberate shelling and targeting, and the arrest of a number of civilians, reflecting the occupations continued policy of aggression despite the declared end of the war, the office said in a Saturday statement.

Israel was responsible in March for breaking a temporary ceasefire brokered at the beginning of the year, raining bombs on Palestinians while halting all aid from entering Gaza. The blockade has created a starvation crisis in the enclave while depriving health care workers from having the supplies necessary to treat sick and wounded Palestinians.

Global: Israel Faces Backlash After Halting All Aid Into Gaza As A Method Of Warfare

Israel has controlled the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza since its aggressive military campaign in May 2024, preventing aid trucks from entering the enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially said that the crossing would remain closed until Hamas hands over the bodies of the remaining deceased hostages, though Axios reported that Israel reversed the decision after U.S. pressure and will reopen the crossing Monday.

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Hamas has already released all 20 living hostages and about half the deceased hostages.

Global Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
Local residents and anti-nuclear activists in Japan oppose the restart of one of the worlds biggest nuclear power plants and its operators plan to invest money in revitalizing the regional economy.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which also operated the nuclear power plant in Fukushima prior to the 2011 disaster, has planned for years to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant in the Niigata prefecture.

But the company faces backlash over its restart plans and proposal from August this year to contribute monetarily to vitalizing the regional economy, and invest in projects to contribute to improving safety and security.

TEPCOs monetary proposal is for the creation of a $667 million (100 billion yen) fund for the benefit of Niigata prefecture, Nikkei Asia reported last week.

Anti-nuclear activists have slammed the proposal as a bribery of the local residents to accept the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.

This is a big step forward for Tepco because they really want to restart the plant and the scale of the offer shows that, Hajime Matsukubo, secretary general of the Tokyo-based Citizens Nuclear Information Centre, told This Week in Asia.

But this is simply bribery, Matsukubo added.

Opinion polls suggest that local residents are split on whether TEPCO should be allowed to restart the nuclear power plant.

In the wake of the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan closed all its nuclear power plants, and conducted rigorous safety checks and inspections.

Related: Multiple Units Go Offline at BPs Whiting Refinery in U.S.

Since 2015, Japan has restarted 14 reactors, while 11 others are currently in the process of restart approval.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa has been offline since 2012, while the Nuclear Regulation Authority in 2021 barred the plants operator, TEPCO, from operating the facility due to safety breaches.

The regulator lifted the operational ban on Kashiwazaki-Kariwa in December 2023, paving the way for the restart.

But the restart still needs the approvals of the Niigata prefecture, the city of Kashiwazaki, and the village of Kariwa to resume operations.

In an address to a committee at the Niigata prefectural assembly this week, TEPCO president Tomoaki Kobayakawa said the operator aims to restart reactor No 6 and would consider decommissioning reactors No 1 and No 2.

The backlash against the restart of one of the biggest nuclear power plants in the world highlights Japans dilemma of how to ensure a stable energy supply while reducing emissions, as it has pledged. Restarting additional nuclear reactors would do the trick, but the country still faces negative public opinion and high concerns about safety, especially in the areas close to nuclear power plants.

Still, the share of fossil fuels in Japans power supply slumped to the lowest on record in the first half of 2025, as nuclear and solar electricity generation is growing.

Resource-poor Japan, a major importer of LNG, crude oil, and coal, saw its utility-scale electricity supply slump below 60% for the first time between January and June, according to data from clean energy think tank Ember cited by Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire.

At the same time, low-carbon electricity supply  nuclear and renewables  saw the highest level in more than a decade, as Japan is slowly re-opening some nuclear capacities after they were closed for safety checks following the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

As part of its decarbonization plans, Japan has made a U-turn in nuclear energy policy and plans to rely more on nuclear reactors for its power supply in the coming decades. The country looks to have 20% of its electricity supply coming from nuclear power by 2040, up from below 10% now.

Before the Fukushima meltdown in 2011, nuclear energy accounted for about 30% of Japans electricity mix.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
JERUSALEM (AP)  Gaza's fragile ceasefire faced its first major test Sunday as Israeli forces launched a wave of deadly strikes, saying Hamas militants had killed two soldiers, and an Israeli security official said the transfer of aid into the territory was halted.

The military later said it resumed enforcing the ceasefire, and the official confirmed that aid deliveries would resume Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because hes not authorized to discuss the issue with the media.

A little over a week has passed since the start of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire aimed at ending two years of war. U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire remained in place and we want to make sure it's going to be very peaceful.

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He told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that Hamas has been quite rambunctious and theyve been doing some shooting. He suggested that the violence might be the fault of rebels within the organization rather than its leadership.

It's going to be handled toughly but properly, he said. Trump did not say whether he thought the Israeli strikes were justified, saying it's under review.

Vice President JD Vance said Sunday that he may visit Israel in the coming days.

We're trying to figure it out, he told reporters, saying the administration wants to go and check on how things are going. Regarding the ceasefire, he said that there's going to be fits and starts.

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Health officials said at least 36 Palestinians were killed across Gaza, including children. Israels military said it struck dozens of Hamas targets after its troops came under fire.

A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire negotiations said round-the-clock contacts were underway to de-escalate the situation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak to reporters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed the military to take strong action against any ceasefire violations but didn't threaten to return to war.

Israel's military said militants had fired at troops in areas of Rafah city that are Israeli-controlled according to agreed-upon ceasefire lines.

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Hamas, which continued to accuse Israel of multiple ceasefire violations, said communication with its remaining units in Rafah had been cut off for months and we are not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas.

Strikes in Gaza

Palestinians feared war would return to the famine-stricken territory where Israel cut off aid for over two months earlier this year after ending the previous ceasefire.

It will be a nightmare, said Mahmoud Hashim, a father of five from Gaza City, who appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump and other mediators to act.

Al-Awda hospital said it received 24 bodies from several Israeli strikes in the Nuseirat and Bureij camps in central Gaza.

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An airstrike on a makeshift coffeehouse in Zawaida town in central Gaza killed at least six Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government. A strike in Beit Lahiya in the north killed two men, according to Shifa hospital.

Another strike hit a tent in the Muwasi area of Khan Younis in the south, killing at least four people, including a woman and two children, according to Nasser Hospital.

"Where is peace? said Khadijeh abu-Nofal in Khan Younis, as hospital workers treated wounded children. She accompanied a young woman hurt by shrapnel.

More bodies of hostages identified

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Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight: Ronen Engel, a father from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker from Kibbutz Be'eri.

Both were believed to have been killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the war. Engel's wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a November 2023 ceasefire.

Hamas in the past week has handed over the remains of 12 hostages.

Its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said it found the body of another hostage and would return it Sunday if circumstances in the field allowed. It warned that any escalation by Israel would hamper search efforts.

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Israel on Saturday pressed Hamas to fulfill its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages, saying the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would stay closed until further notice." It was the only crossing not controlled by Israel before the war.

Hamas says the war's devastation and Israeli military control of certain areas have slowed the handover. Israel believes Hamas has access to more bodies than it has returned.

Israel has released 150 bodies of Palestinians back to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel has neither identified the bodies nor said how they died. The ministry posts photos of bodies on its website to help families attempting to locate loved ones. Some are decomposed and blackened. Some are missing limbs and teeth.

Only 25 bodies have been identified, the Health Ministry said.

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Israel and Hamas earlier exchanged 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Ceasefire's second phase

A Hamas delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo to follow up the implementation of the ceasefire deal with mediators and other Palestinian groups.

The next stages are expected to focus on disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from additional areas it controls in Gaza, and future governance of the devastated territory. The U.S. plan proposes the establishment of an internationally backed authority.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem said late Saturday that the group has begun discussions to solidify its positions. He reiterated that Hamas wont be part of the ruling authority in a postwar Gaza, and called for the prompt establishment of a body of Palestinian technocrats to run day-to-day affairs.

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For now, government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the (power) vacuum is very dangerous, he said.

The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the attack that sparked the war.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo. Chris Megerian contributed reporting from Air Force One.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Israel has so far identified one of the two bodies returned over the weekend by Hamas as a father of three who was killed by the Palestinian Islamist militia while defending his family and whose body was then taken to Gaza.

"Ronen Tommy Engel was killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, 2023, when he went out to defend his family from terrorists, and his body was taken into the Gaza Strip," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wrote on its Telegram channel on Sunday.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said Engel, 54, was a photographer.

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He was from the kibbutz Nir Oz near the Israeli border with Gaza. Hamas abducted his wife and two daughters during the attack, which devastated the kibbutz, and took them to Gaza. They were released as part of a hostage agreement in November 2023.

Engel was pronounced dead on December 1, 2023, but Hamas held his body until the recent agreement that resulted in a ceasefire, a return of the Israeli hostages and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

A second body released with Engel's has been identified, according to Israeli media reports, but not yet been named. That leaves 16 of the original 28 bodies that Hamas agreed to handover in the current ceasefire agreement still in Gaza

Hamas claims that it is difficult to find the bodies because they are buried under the rubble of bombed buildings and tunnels which were destroyed during the two-year war in Gaza.

The group released the last 20 living hostages on Monday.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday, adding its reopening will depend on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages as the two sides continued to trade blame over ceasefire violations.

Netanyahu's statement came shortly after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt announced that the Rafah crossing, the main gateway for Gazans to leave and enter the enclave, would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza.

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Netanyahu's government and Hamas have been trading blame over violations of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire for days. Late on Saturday in Washington, the State Department said it had received "credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza."

The State Department said the planned attack against Palestinian civilians would be a "direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement."

"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the department said in a statement, without providing further details.

Hamas denied on Sunday accusations of an "imminent attack" or a "violation" of the ceasefire.

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It accused Israeli authorities of forming, arming and funding "criminal gangs" that carried out murders, kidnappings and aided looting.

The Palestinian militant group said police forces in Gaza were performing their duty by pursuing those gangs to hold them accountable.

"The movement calls on the U.S. administration to stop repeating the occupation's misleading narrative," it added.

Trump had said he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the ceasefire deal that he brokered.

The militant group has launched a security crackdown in urban areas vacated by Israeli forces, demonstrating its power through public executions and clashes with local armed clans.

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DISPUTE OVER AID, RETURN OF BODIES

Hamas, in a statement late on Saturday, said Netanyahu's decision "constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and a repudiation of the commitments he made to the mediators and guarantor parties."

It also said the continued closure of the Rafah crossing would prevent the entry of equipment needed to search for and locate more hostage bodies under the rubble, and would thus delay the recovery and handover of the remains.

Israel said it received two more bodies late on Saturday, meaning 12 out of 28 bodies have been handed over under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal agreed between Israel and Hamas last week.

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The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with nearly all inhabitants driven from their homes, a global hunger monitor confirming famine and health authorities overwhelmed.

The dispute over the return of bodies, and shipments of life-saving humanitarian aid, underlines the fragility of the ceasefire and still has the potential to upset the deal along with other major issues that are included in U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the war.

As part of the deal, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages it had been holding for two years, in return for almost 2,000 Palestinian detainees and convicted prisoners jailed in Israel.

FORMIDABLE OBSTACLES TO PEACE

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But Israel says that Hamas has been too slow to hand over the bodies of deceased hostages it still holds. The militant group says that locating some of the bodies amid the vast destruction in Gaza will take time.

The deal requires Israel to return 360 bodies of Palestinian militants for the deceased Israeli hostages and so far it has handed over 15 bodies in return for each Israeli body it has received.

Rafah has largely been shut since May 2024. The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid into the enclave, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

After cutting off all supplies for 11 weeks in March, Israel increased aid into Gaza in July, scaling it up further since the ceasefire.

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Around 560 metric tons of food had entered Gaza per day on average since the U.S.-brokered truce, but this was still well below the scale of need, according to the U.N. World Food Programme.

Formidable obstacles to Trump's plan to end the war still remain. Key questions of the Hamas disarming, the governance of Gaza, the make-up of an international "stabilization force", and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to be resolved.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, additional reporting by Ahmed Tolba, Hatem Maher, Menna Alaa El-Din, Jaidaa Taha and Daphne Psaledakis; Writing by Maayan Lubell, Alex Dziadosz, Hatem Maher and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Diane Craft, Nick Zieminski and Tomasz Janowski)
Israel has insisted that it is committed to a ceasefire in Gaza despite launching a wave of missile attacks and temporarily shutting off aid to the enclave.

Fears had been raised that the fragile peace plan would collapse after Hamas fighters killed two IDF soldiers in Rafah, prompting Israel to retaliate with air strikes across the Strip.

The terrorist group was accused of blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement by firing RPGs and sniper rounds at Israeli troops.

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Israel responded by raining missiles down on Rafah, Nuseirat, Beit Lahia and Khan Younis, killing at least 33 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, issued an order to halt all aid into Gaza until further notice but cancelled it hours later after pressure from the United States. Deliveries were expected to resume on Monday morning.

On Sunday night, it appeared that Israel had been pulled back from the brink, as the IDF said it had stopped the bombing and begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire, in line with the terms of the agreement.

Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, said he instructed the IDF to act forcefully against Hamas targets in Gaza.

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He said: Hamas will learn the hard way that the IDF is determined to protect its soldiers and prevent any harm to them. If the message is not understood, the intensity of the reactions will increase.

Israel notified the US in advance of the strikes through the American command centre that oversees the ceasefire, Axios reported.

US officials said the response must focus on isolating Hamas fighters, instead of recommencing the war. Israel was advised to respond proportionately but show restraint.

This week, JD Vance, the US vice-president, is expected to lead a delegation including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Israel in the hope of implementing phase two of the peace deal, sources said.

Blatant violation of ceasefire agreement

On Sunday night, the IDF said: Over the past few hours, in response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today [Sunday], the IDF struck dozens of Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip.

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The targets struck included weapons storage facilities, infrastructure used for terrorist activity, firing posts, terrorist cells and additional terrorist infrastructure sites.

The IDF also struck and dismantled six kilometres of underground terrorist infrastructure, using over 120 munitions. The underground site was used by the terrorist organisation to advance attacks against the State of Israel.

The IDF will continue to respond firmly and will operate to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel.

Since the peace deal came into effect on Oct 10, hundreds of lorries carrying aid had been allowed to enter Gaza each day. A famine was confirmed in the territory by UN-backed experts in August because of a previous blockade on aid deliveries.

Prime minister told to resume full combat

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hardline security minister, issued a statement shortly after the attack, calling on Mr Netanyahu to order the IDF to fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force.

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He added: The false illusions that Hamas will change its ways, or even adhere to the agreement it signed, are proving, as expected, to be dangerous to our security. The Nazi terrorist organisation must be completely destroyed  and the sooner, the better.

The IDF claims there have been several violations of the ceasefire in the past week, with Palestinians crossing the yellow line that marks the area to which Israeli soldiers have withdrawn as part of the first phase of Donald Trumps 20-point plan.

Gazas Hamas-run health ministry agency said at least 33 people were killed across the territory in the attacks - Eyad Baba/AFP

On Friday, its officials said: Several terrorists were identified exiting a tunnel shaft in the Khan Yunis area and approaching IDF troops operating in the area, causing an imminent threat to them. The terrorists were struck, in accordance with the agreement.

The IDF also identified several terrorists who opened fire toward Israeli troops in the area after exiting a tunnel shaft in the Rafah region.

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The US state department said on Saturday that it had informed Qatar, Egypt and Turkey about credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms, a statement from the department said.

Hamas described the claims as false allegations that fully align with misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations organised crimes and aggression against our people.

The terror group said its police service in Gaza was fulfilling their national duty to crack down on gangs supported by Israel and hold them accountable according to clear legal mechanisms, in order to protect citizens and safeguard public and private property.

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Hamas has carried out executions against collaborators in Gaza in recent weeks, as well as subjecting Palestinians accused of stealing aid to public beatings.

Local Gazans have reported widespread attacks against civilians and clans, including members of the Dogmush family, since the ceasefire was agreed.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- The Israeli Defense Forces on Sunday accused Hamas of breaking a recent cease-fire and renewed attacks in Gaza against what it called "terror targets."

"Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement," the IDF alleged in a post to social media.

"In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity. These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the cease-fire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly."

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The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that it directed "strong action" be taken against Gaza for the alleged ceasefire violation.

Hamas responded with a statement Sunday that asserted it has "fully, precisely and faithfully committed to implementing the agreement," which was signed in Egypt on Oct. 9, and said Israel had "deliberately violated the agreement from the first day of the ceasefire."

"Neither the mediators nor the guarantors have provided any evidence or proof that the movement has violated or obstructed its implementation," the Hamas statement reads.

"Instead, it has worked diligently and sincerely to implement the agreement, both in letter and spirit, in order to achieve stability and alleviate the suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip."

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Hamas then outlined what it considered to be violations of the ceasefire by Israel, which it said it had documented and presented to mediators.

These incidents included allegations Israeli forces targeted and killed 46 civilians, injuring 132 more, before Hamas issued its statement Sunday.

Hamas also accused Israel of preventing Palestinians from returning to their homes under threat of gunfire and the continued prevention of the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, including food.

"Only three gas trucks and 29 fuel trucks were allowed to enter over nine days, while the agreement stipulates the entry of 50 fuel trucks per day. This means that what entered constitutes 7.1% of what was agreed upon," the Hamas statement reads.

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Hamas said that the cease-fire deal also stipulated the resumption of electrical power and the repair of sewage lines and hospitals, but that Israel has continued to deny the entry of medical devices and equipment or the building materials necessary for reconstruction.

"The occupation continues its intransigence and delay in releasing the women and children who remain in detention," the Hamas statement added.

"To date, the occupation has not committed to providing the movement with an accurate and comprehensive list of the names and data of the detainees in its prisons, nor the names of the hundreds of martyrs whose bodies it still holds."

And, Hamas accused Israel of sending them the "mutilated" bodies of Palestinians who allegedly showed signs of being hanged or crushed to death. Ofer Cassif, a left-wing Israeli politician, has called for "relevant authorities" to investigate the signs of torture.

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"Hamas holds the occupation authorities fully responsible for any deterioration or collapse of the agreement and calls on mediators and the international community to urgently intervene to halt these aggressive practices and ensure the agreement's implementation in a manner that achieves security and stability for the Palestinian people," the group said.

The guarantors of the cease-fire, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, have not yet issued statement about the renewed hostilities amid fears the cease-fire could collapse.

Meanwhile, the United States on Saturday issued a warning with little details provided that Hamas was allegedly planning an attack against its own people in violation of the cease-fire agreement.

"This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the cease-fire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the cease-fire terms," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

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"Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the cease-fire."

Hamas responded to the U.S. State Department and said it "categorically denies" the accusations of an "imminent attack."

"These false allegations are fully consistent with misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the occupation's continued crimes and systematic aggression against our people," Hamas said.

Hamas said that police forces in Gaza have been "fulfilling their national duty" by pursuing members of criminal gangs that it alleges are armed and financed by Israel.

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"The occupation authorities formed, armed and financed criminal gangs that carried out murders, kidnappings, thefts of aid trucks, and robberies against Palestinian civilians," Hamas said.

"They publicly acknowledged their crimes through the media and video clips, confirming the occupation's involvement in spreading chaos and disrupting security."
Israel held a farewell ceremony for Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi, hailed as a hero of Kibbutz Alumim, before returning his body to Nepal for burial.

The body of slain Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi was sent back to his home country for burial after a moving memorial ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday morning.

Joshi, believed to be 23 at the time of his death, and kidnapped from Kibbutz Alumim on October 7, was lauded as a hero by survivors whom he protected while under attack. Joshi had come to Israel for a Learn and Earn program, providing him with agricultural work and education opportunities to be able to save money and return home with his acquired expertise.

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Joshi was believed to be alive throughout the war, with footage noting he was alive in November 2023. Just days before the agreement was announced to bring hostages home, his family authorized the publication of the video in a push for his release.

Among those attending the ceremony were Gal Hirsch, the government coordinator for prisoners and missing persons, representatives from the Foreign Ministry and the Nepalese Embassy, and members of Kibbutz Alumim, where Joshi lived and worked.

It wasnt supposed to end like this. You are one of us; every Israeli knows your name and your story, and today you are part of Israeli memory, Hirsch said.

Each of us has a soul, a light meant to illuminate the world around us, said Tamir Idan, head of the Sdot Negev Regional Council, at the ceremony. Bipin was exactly that light  a young man who came from far away to study, work, and build a better future. He did not get to return home, but the light he brought with him will continue to shine here, in our land and in our hearts.

A video has obtained by Israeli intelligence units of Nepali captive Bipin Joshi and will be released Wednesday evening, according to an announcement from the Hostage Family Forum earlier Wednesday. (credit: SCREENSHOT/VIA SECTION 24A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

When Hamas terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz on October 7, Joshi hid with friends inside a shelter. Survivors tell how he threw back a grenade that had been tossed inside, saving lives. A second grenade left him and his friends unconscious, and he was then kidnapped to Gaza along with several Thai agricultural workers.

'Take care of the family'

Before being taken, Joshi managed to send a final message to his cousin: If something happens to me, take care of the family. Be strong and always look to the future.

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For months, his family in Nepal held onto hope. We saw our son alive, healthy, and speaking to the camera, the family said after seeing the video showing he was alive. We believed we would see him smile again and come home.

Last week, Israeli authorities informed the family that Bipin had been murdered while in captivity.

With great pain, we received the worst news of all, the family said in a statement.

Our beloved Bipin  our son, our brother, our joy  was murdered in Hamas captivity. It is impossible to describe the void left behind. He came to Israel full of dreams for the future. We never imagined that hug at the airport would be our last.
By Alexander Cornwell and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -The Israeli military said on Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza had resumed after an attack that killed two of its soldiers and prompted a wave of airstrikes that killed 26 people, in the most serious test yet of this month's U.S.-brokered truce.

Aid into the enclave was set to resume on Monday following U.S. pressure, an Israeli security source said, shortly after Israel announced a halt in supplies in response to what it said was a "blatant" violation by Hamas of the truce.

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The Israeli strikes killed at least 26 people in Gaza, including at least one woman and one child, according to local residents and health authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Israel on Monday, an Israeli official and a U.S. official said.

The Israeli military said it struck Hamas targets across the enclave, including field commanders, gunmen, a tunnel and weapons depots, after militants launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its troops, killing the soldiers.

At least one strike hit a former school sheltering displaced people in the area of Nuseirat, residents said.

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The armed wing of Hamas said it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement, was unaware of clashes in Rafah, and had not been in contact with groups there since March.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to respond forcefully to what he described as Hamas' violations of the ceasefire.

PATH TO PEACE IS UNCERTAIN

An Israeli security official had said that the transfer of aid into Gaza had been halted following what he described as Hamas' blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. But, after U.S. pressure, another Israeli security official said that aid would resume on Monday.

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Fearing the truce may collapse, some Palestinians rushed to buy goods from a main market in Nuseirat and families fled their homes in Khan Younis further south, after airstrikes hit nearby.

The strikes were reminiscent of Israel's response to what it viewed as serious violations of its ceasefire with Hamas' Lebanese ally Hezbollah in late 2024, less than a week after it came into effect and after days of mutual accusations of truce breaches, though that ceasefire has since largely held.

But formidable obstacles remain in the way of a durable peace in Gaza, where a ceasefire collapsed in March after nearly two months of relative calm when Israel unleashed a barrage of airstrikes.

DISPUTE OVER BODIES OF DECEASED HOSTAGES

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The new ceasefire took effect on October 10, halting two years of war, but the Israeli government and Hamas have been accusing each other of violations of the ceasefire for days.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the "yellow line" to where Israeli forces had pulled back under the ceasefire agreement would be physically marked and that any violation of the ceasefire or attempt to cross the line would be met with fire.

Hamas detailed what it said was a series of violations by Israel that it says have left 46 people dead and stopped essential supplies from reaching the enclave.

On Saturday, Israel said the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which had been expected to be reopened this week, would remain closed and that its reopening would depend on Hamas fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire.

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Israel says Hamas is being too slow in handing over bodies of deceased hostages. Hamas last week released all 20 living hostages it had been holding and in the following days has handed over 12 of the 28 deceased captives.

MORE AID IS NEEDED

The group says it has no interest in keeping the bodies of remaining hostages and that special equipment is needed to recover corpses buried under rubble.

The Rafah crossing has largely been shut since May 2024. The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

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The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.

Although the flow of aid through another crossing had, until Sunday's decision to halt aid, increased significantly since the ceasefire began, the United Nations says far more is needed.

Key questions of Hamas disarming, the future governance of Gaza, the make-up of an international "stabilization force", and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to be resolved.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell, Jaidaa Taha, Muhammad Al Gebaly, Alexander Cornwell, Steven Scheer and Ahmed Tolba; Writing by Andrew Mills, Maayan Lubell and John Kruzel; Editing by Philippa Fletcher, David Holmes and Deepa Babington)
The Israeli military on Sunday said it is to begin the "renewed enforcement of the ceasefire" in Gaza after striking targets in the territory in response to attacks on its troops by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the decision was taken "in accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas' violation."

"The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it," the military said.

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The renewed violence has threatened to derail the US-backed peace plan between Israel and Hamas, which secured the release of the remaining Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners earlier this week.

The strikes came after the IDF reported that "terrorists" shot at Israeli soldiers who were working to "dismantle terrorist infrastructure" in the southern city of Rafah, resulting in two fatalities.

In the north of the Gaza Strip, armed men approached Israeli troops and were shot dead, it said.

The attacks prompted the Israeli Air Force to bomb dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.

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A total of 14 Palestinians were killed in the various attacks, medical sources said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it was striking "to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity," calling the attacks a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement.

A senior Israeli military official blamed Hamas for the attacks on the Israeli soldiers.

"Both incidents occurred in an area controlled by Israel east of the yellow line," he said, referring to the line to which Israeli troops withdrew on October 10, when the current ceasefire agreement took effect.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he instructed the military to "take firm action against terror targets in the Gaza Strip," according to a statement from his office.

An Israeli security official also announced that the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip has been halted until further notice, citing a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement.

The deal provided for an expansion of aid deliveries, with a target of 600 lorries per day.

Hamas military wing denies responsibility for attacks

Hamas's military wing denied any responsibility for the attacks, saying it has not had any contact with the remaining Hamas units in that area of the territory since the end of a ceasefire in March.

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"Accordingly, we are not responsible for any incidents occurring in those areas, as we are unable to communicate with any of our mujahideen (fighters) there  if any of them remain alive," the al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement.

"We reaffirm our full commitment to implementing all agreed-upon terms, especially the ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip," it added.

A member of the Hamas politburo, Izzat al-Risheq, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and fabricating "flimsy pretexts" to "justify its crimes."

He accused Netanyahu of trying to shirk his responsibilities to the ceasefire mediators because of pressure from his right-wing coalition partners.

A fragile ceasefire

The ceasefire is part of a peace plan initiated by US President Donald Trump and brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States.

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Its first phase envisions the return of all living and dead hostages from the Gaza Strip to Israel, the release of Palestinian prisoners and a partial Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

US Vice President JD Vance and negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected in Israel this week for further talks.

Hamas said late on Sunday that its chief negotiatior Khalil al-Hayya would travel to Egypt to discuss the further implementation of the peace plan.

16 dead hostages left in Gaza Strip

Hamas has faced criticism for failing to uphold the terms of the ceasefire agreement as it struggles to locate the remaining bodies of dead hostages in the rubble of the Gaza Strip.

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Israel accuses the group of deliberately delaying the process.

The group released the last 20 living hostages on Monday and has been gradually returning bodies of dead hostages since then.

On Saturday evening, Hamas handed over two more bodies. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said they had been identified as Israeli photographer Ronen Engel from Kibbutz Nir Oz and an agricultural worker from Thailand.

The Israeli military said Engel was killed on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting more than 250 into the Gaza Strip.

The attacks triggered a massive Israeli military response, which has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip.

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According to the information provided, the Thai man had been working in Israel for eight years. He was killed on October 7, 2023, and taken from Kibbutz Beeri.

This leaves the bodies of 16 hostages in the Gaza Strip.

The al-Qassam Brigades said on Sunday that the body of another hostage has been found, warning that new Israeli attacks could jeopardize efforts to recover further remains.

Hamas rejects US accusations of Gaza attack plans

The US State Department on Saturday warned that Hamas was planning an "imminent" attack on Palestinian civilians.

It informed the guarantor powers of the Gaza peace plan about "credible reports" indicating a violation of the existing ceasefire, the department announced.

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Hamas rejected the accusations in a statement, referring to them as "baseless claims" aligned with Israeli propaganda.

Following the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from nearly half of the coastal strip, there were reports of executions of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
TEL AVIV, Israel  Israels military said it struck multiple targets on Sunday in Gaza, using aircraft and artillery, after it said Hamas militants shot at Israeli soldiers who were inside the area still under Israeli control, the first major test of the ceasefire reached over a week ago.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with Israels security heads and directed the military to take strong action against any ceasefire violations, but did not threaten to return to war.

Hamas said that it was not connected to any clashes in Rafah in Southern Gaza.

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The strikes came as Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight, and the Palestinian group said talks to launch the second phase of ceasefire negotiations have begun.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said the bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed at Kibbutz Beeri.

Both were believed to have been killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and their bodies were taken to Gaza. Engels wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.



Meanwhile, Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice. The statement by Netanyahus office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfills its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

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In the past week, Hamas has handed over the remains of 13 bodies, 12 of which have been identified as hostages. Israel said one of the bodies released did not belong to a hostage.

Israel has released 150 bodies of Palestinians back to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government. Israel has neither identified the bodies nor said how they died. The ministry has posted photos of dozens of bodies on its website to help families and relatives attempting to locate their loved ones, but the bodies were decomposed, blackened and some were missing limbs and teeth. Only 25 bodies have been identified, the Health Ministry said.

After Israel and Hamas exchanged 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, the handover of the remains of deceased hostages and prisoners remains a major issue in the first stage of the ceasefire proposed by President Donald Trump. A major scale-up of aid, including the opening of the Rafah border crossing, for humanitarian aid and people entering or leaving Gaza, is the other central issue.

The next stages of the ceasefire will focus on disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from additional areas it controls in Gaza, and future governance of the devastated territory.

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The Israeli military said on Sunday that militants shot at troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in the Israeli-controlled areas, according to the agreed-upon ceasefire lines. No injuries were reported. A senior Hamas official denied that Hamas was involved. Hamas and Israel have each accused each other of violating the fragile ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Hamas says that talks with mediators to start the second phase of the ceasefire have begun.

Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesman, said in a statement late Saturday that the second phase of negotiations requires national consensus. He also said Hamas has begun discussions to solidify its positions, without providing further details.

According to Trumps plan, the negotiations will include disarming Hamas and the establishment of an internationally backed authority to run the embattled Gaza Strip.

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Kassem reiterated that the group wont be part of the ruling authority in a postwar Gaza. Hamas-run government bodies in the Gaza Strip are running day-to-day affairs to avoid a power void, he said.

Government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the vacuum is very dangerous, and this will continue until an administrative committee is formed and agreed upon by all Palestinian factions, he said.

Kassem called for a Community Support Committee, a body of Palestinian technocrats, to run the day-to-day affairs, to be established promptly.

Israel didnt open the Rafah border crossing on Sunday, in an attempt to pressure Hamas to return more hostages bodies. Hamas says it needs special equipment to locate the bodies of additional hostages, but Israel believes Hamas has access to more bodies than it has returned.

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The Rafah crossing was the only one not controlled by Israel before the war. It has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side. A fully reopened crossing would make it easier for Palestinians to seek medical treatment, travel or visit family in Egypt, home to tens of thousands of Palestinians.

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authoritys Interior Ministry in Ramallah announced procedures for Palestinians wishing to leave or enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing. For those who want to leave Gaza, Palestinian Embassy staff from Cairo will be at the crossing to issue temporary travel documents that allow entry into Egypt. Palestinians who wish to enter the Gaza Strip will need to apply at the embassy in Cairo for relevant entry documents.

The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government in the territory. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by U.N. agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross.

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Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the attack that sparked the war.

The group rejected on Sunday a claim by the U.S. State Department that said it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by Hamas against residents of Gaza.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts, the U.S. State Department said in a statement Saturday.

Hamas called the claim false allegations, and accused Israel of supporting armed groups operating in Israeli-controlled areas. Hamas urged the U.S. administration to pressure Israel to stop supporting the gangs and providing them a safe haven.

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Hamas-led fighters clashed with at least two armed groups in eastern Gaza City that the group alleges are involved in looting aid and collaborating with Israel. They executed a handful of suspects in public, in widely condemned street killings.

The Interior Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, says its forces were working to restore law and order across areas Israels military withdrew from following the ceasefire.
By Alexander Cornwell and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel launched a series of strikes in Gaza on Sunday in response to attacks on its forces, the military said, shaking an already fragile ceasefire in the shattered enclave as it traded blame with militant group Hamas for violating the truce.

Residents in Gaza and local health authorities said that Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the enclave killed at least 11 people.

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An Israeli military official said that further strikes against Hamas targets may still be launched, in retaliation for at least three attacks on Israeli troops on Sunday.

ISRAEL SAYS IT TARGETED MILITANTS

The Israeli military said that airstrikes and artillery fire targeted militants in the southern area of Rafah who had launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had ordered the military to respond forcefully to what he described as Hamas' violations of the ceasefire.

Hamas' armed wing said in a statement that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement in all of Gaza, adding that it was unaware of clashes in Rafah and that it has not been in contact with groups there since March.

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The flare-up was the most serious test yet to the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect on October 11 halting two years of war and further dimmed hopes that the U.S.-mediated truce would lead to a lasting peace.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the "yellow line" to where Israeli forces had pulled back under the ceasefire agreement would be physically marked and that any violation of the ceasefire or attempt to cross the line would be met with fire.

RAFAH CROSSING TO REMAIN CLOSED

The Israeli government and Hamas have been accusing each other of violations of the ceasefire for days.

Hamas issued a statement detailing what it said were a series of violations by Israel, that it says have left 46 people dead and stopped essential supplies from reaching the enclave.

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On Saturday, Israel said that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would remain closed and that its reopening would depend on Hamas fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire.

Israel says Hamas is being too slow in handing over bodies of deceased hostages. Hamas last week released all 20 living hostages it had been holding and in the following days has handed over 12 of the 28 deceased captives.

The group says it has no interest in keeping the bodies of remaining hostages and that special equipment is needed to recover corpses buried under rubble.

The Rafah crossing has largely been shut since May 2024. The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

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The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.

Although the flow of aid through another crossing has increased significantly since the ceasefire began, the United Nations says far more is needed.

The ceasefire has been touted as the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war. But formidable obstacles remain.

Key questions of Hamas disarming, the future governance of Gaza, the make-up of an international "stabilization force", and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to be resolved.

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The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hamas has launched a security crackdown in urban areas vacated by Israeli forces, demonstrating its power through public executions and clashes with local armed clans.

Renewed fighting in Gaza and concerns over the ceasefire pushed key Tel Aviv share indices down nearly 2% on Sunday.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell, Jaidaa Taha, Muhammad Al Gebaly, Alexander Cornwell and Steven Scheer; Writing by Andrew Mills and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
For over a decade, the shale patch has been the engine behind U.S. oil production growth. Now, the pattern is shifting to offshore oil amid tech advances and maturing shale reservoirswith the help of a pro-oil federal government.

Earlier this year, the Energy Information Administration said it expected oil output from Gulf of Mexico fields to rise from 1.8 million barrels daily at the moment to 2.4 million barrels daily as early as 2027. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management had the same estimate. The two cited federal support in the form of easier permitting, technological advancements that make offshore drilling more economic and efficient, and investment appetite in the industry.

This month, BP said it would go ahead with a $5-billion investment into a new offshore project in the Gulf that would tap reserves of some 350 million barrels of crude. The company said the Tiber-Guadalupe project would add 80,000 barrels daily to its total U.S. output as it eyes boosting this to over 1 million barrels daily.

Yet that was not the only recent offshore oil news from the United States. BP again, in partnership with Chevron, earlier this year also announced a discovery in the Far South prospect, with an executive saying, This Far South discovery demonstrates that the Gulf of America remains an area of incredible growth and opportunity for bp. Indeed, the supermajor plans to ramp up its Gulf output to 400,000 barrels daily by 2030.

Related: US Oil Drillers Continue to Back Off As Prices Sink

Also this year, Talos Energy announced a discovery in the Gulf that Wood Makenzie said was the most significant one since Shells Whale find in 2017. The Daenerys discovery could produce an estimated 65,000 barrels daily at peak production rates, and it could lead to more discoveries in the area, Wood Mac analysts said in a September report.

We believe that offshore production will play an increasingly larger role in filling the global energy demand, Talos Energys chief executive, Paul Goodfellow, said in June, as quoted by Reuters. Questions are starting to arise about the continued long-term economic viability of onshore basins... At the same time, technological advancements have unlocked significant deepwater reserves.

This is a pretty succinct description of the situation in U.S. oil. For years, shale was a favourite because production could start so much faster than it would at a conventional offshore field. The latter required years of work and a lot of upfront investment, while a shale well could be drilled and start producing in a matter of months.

It was only over time that the drawback of this fast start of production surfaced: shale wells started producing faster, but they also depleted faster. As a result, shale drillers have to keep drilling, which is where they sooner or later face the fact that not all drilling locations are equally sweet. As top-tier acreage begins to run out, shale producers have ventured into higher-cost parts of the patch and have become more cautious with their cash.

Some have also pointed to evidence of declining well productivity in parts of the shale patch, which, like costs, has affected production growth plans. Add to the mix the oil price uncertainty on global markets, and the situation for U.S. shale becomes quite complicated. As one industry executive put it to the Dallas Fed Energy Survey, We can make money at todays oil prices. But with costs climbing and politics in play, wed rather pay dividends than take big risks.

Offshore drilling, on the other hand, starts with high upfront costs. These are a given. Yet new and better drilling equipment has made it possible to drill in ever-deeper waters and tap previously inaccessible deposits. Over time, the breakeven for an offshore field could fall far below what is now average for even the lowest-cost shale. As Talos Goodfellow said earlier this year, its offshore projects for the current half of the year would remain economical even if international oil prices plummeted to $35 per barrel. Whats more, he said that offshore breakeven could fall to as low as $20 per barrel, while for onshore oil, the breakeven average is $48 per barrel.

The Energy Information Administration projects Gulf oil production to hit 1.89 million barrels daily this year, rising to 1.96 million barrels daily in 2026. Onshore production, meanwhile, will only grow by an estimated 190,000 bpd, excluding Alaska. That would be the slowest growth since 2010, excluding the Covid years, Reuters noted, citing the EIA outlook.

Offshore production, meanwhile, will keep growing, with some analysts, such as Energy Aspects, expecting the offshore growth to offset onshore decline fully over timeif favorable federal policies stay in place, that is. The Trump administrations prioritization of local energy production has helped offshore growth, facilitating drilling by relaxing some regulations and thus helping improve productivity. A return of the Democrats to power would likely change the outlook for offshore oil dramatically.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Gaza's fragile ceasefire faced its first major test Sunday as Israeli forces launched a wave of deadly strikes, saying Hamas militants had killed two soldiers, and an Israeli security official said the transfer of aid into the territory was halted.



The military later said it resumed enforcing the ceasefire, and the official confirmed to The Associated Press that aid deliveries would resume Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to discuss the issue with the media.

Earlier Sunday, Israel's military said it hit multiple targets in the Gaza Strip using aircraft and artillery, after it accused Hamas of shooting at Israeli soldiers. Military officials later said two soldiers were killed.

An Israeli military official told CBS News that Hamas had targeted its soldiers with a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire.

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"Both of the incidents happened in an Israeli-controlled area, east of the yellow line," the official said. "This is a bold violation of the ceasefire."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with Israel's security heads and his office said in a statement that he had directed the military to take "strong action" against what he called "terrorist targets." He did not threaten to return to war.

Hamas said that it was not involved in any of the clashes that had been reported earlier in Rafah in southern Gaza.

"We reaffirm our full commitment to implement everything that was agreed upon, foremost of which is a ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip," the group's Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. "We have no knowledge of any incidents or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as these are red zones under the occupation's control, and contact with the remaining groups of ours there has been cut off since the war resumed in March of this year."

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Hospital sources in Gaza told CBS News that at least 38 people have been killed in the territory since Sunday morning.

Israel's military said it had struck dozens of what it called Hamas targets.

Later on Sunday, Israel's military said that "in accordance with the directives of the political echelon," it had begun "re-enforcing the ceasefire following its violation by the terrorist organization Hamas."

"The IDF will continue to enforce the ceasefire agreement and will respond forcefully to any violation of the agreement," the Israeli military said in a statement.

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Later Sunday night, President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the ceasefire was still in effect, and blamed "some rebels within" Gaza, rather than Hamas itself, for the alleged breaches.

"But either way, it's going to be handled properly. It's going to be handled toughly, but properly," Mr. Trump said.

The strikes came as Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight, and the Palestinian group said talks to launch the second phase of ceasefire negotiations have begun.

Meanwhile, Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed "until further notice." The statement from Netanyahu's office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfills its obligation under the ceasefire deal to return the remains of all the deceased hostages. The bodies of 16 hostages, two of them foreign nationals, are still in Gaza, according to the Israeli media.

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At the same time, the U.S. State Department warned that it had received "credible reports" indicating that Hamas may be planning an attack on "Palestinian civilians" in the Gaza Strip.

The State Department did not provide any details on the timing or location of the possible attack, saying only that it "would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts."

On Sunday, Hamas rejected the claims, calling them "false allegations." The group accused Israel of supporting armed groups operating in Israeli-controlled areas. Hamas urged the U.S. administration to pressure Israel to stop supporting the gangs and "providing them a safe haven."

Israel and Gaza implemented the first phase of Mr. Trump's 20-point peace plan last week, with a ceasefire taking effect in Gaza after Israeli troops pulled back to a predetermined line. Since then, Hamas has released 20 living hostages and the remains of 12 others. Meanwhile, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The released Palestinians include 250 people who are serving life sentences, and about 1,700 others who have been detained and held without charges since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.

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Israel has released 150 bodies of Palestinians back to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Israel has neither identified the bodies nor said how they died.

The next stages of the ceasefire are expected to focus on disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from additional areas it controls in Gaza and future governance of the devastated territory.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) -The Israeli military launched an attack on Gaza on Sunday, Israeli media and residents reported, dimming hopes that a U.S.-mediated ceasefire would lead to lasting peace in the enclave as Israel traded blame with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israels attacks on Sunday were the most serious test of an already fragile ceasefire, which took effect on October 11.

Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters they heard explosions and gunfire in Rafah in the south of the strip and witnesses separately reported heavy gunfire from Israeli tanks in the eastern town of Abassan near Khan Younis, also in southern Gaza.

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Witnesses in Khan Younis heard a wave of airstrikes launched into Rafah early on Sunday afternoon.

An Israeli government spokesperson, when asked for confirmation of the attacks, deferred to the military. The military had no immediate comment.

TWO KILLED IN NORTHERN GAZA AIRSTRIKE

Local health authorities in Gaza said on Sunday two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the eastern Jabalia area of northern Gaza.

The Times of Israel reported that the military was conducting airstrikes in the Rafah area after militants attacked forces there, though it did not cite a source for the information.

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An Israeli military official said on Sunday that Hamas had carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces inside Gaza, including a rocket-propelled grenade attack and a sniper attack against Israeli soldiers.

"Both of the incidents happened in an Israeli-controlled area...This is a bold violation of the ceasefire," the official said.

Senior Hamas official Izzat Al Risheq said on Sunday that the Palestinian militant group remained committed to the ceasefire, which he accused Israel of repeatedly violating.

Neither Al Risheq nor the Israeli military official made any mention of Sunday's reported Israeli strikes in Gaza.

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The government media office in Gaza said on Saturday that Israel had committed 47 violations after the ceasefire deal, leaving 38 dead and 143 wounded.

"These violations have ranged from direct shooting at civilians, to deliberate shelling and targeting operations, as well as the arrest of several civilians," the media office statement said.

RAFAH CROSSING TO REMAIN CLOSED

The Israeli government and Hamas have been accusing each other of violations of the ceasefire for days, with Israel saying the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice.

Rafah has largely been shut since May 2024. The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

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Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a dispute over the return of the bodies of deceased hostages. Israel demanded that Hamas fulfill its obligations in turning over the remaining bodies of all 28 hostages.

Hamas has returned all 20 live hostages and 12 of the deceased and has said it has no interest in keeping the bodies of remaining hostages. The group said the process needs effort and special equipment to recover corpses buried under rubble.

Formidable obstacles to Trump's plan to end the war still remain. Key questions of Hamas disarming, the governance of Gaza, the make-up of an international "stabilization force", and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to be resolved.

When asked for comment, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem referred inquiries to the State Department.

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Renewed fighting in Gaza and concerns over the ceasefire pushed key Tel Aviv share indices down nearly 2% on Sunday.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell, Jaidaa Taha, Muhammad Al Gebaly, Alexander Cornwell and Steven Scheer; Writing by Andrew Mills; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -The Israeli military said it launched air strikes and artillery fire at targets in southern Gaza on Sunday, dimming hopes that a U.S.-mediated ceasefire would lead to lasting peace as Israel traded blame with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israel's attacks on Sunday were the most serious test of an already fragile ceasefire, which took effect on October 11.

Israel's military said in a statement that the strikes targeted militants in the Rafah area who had opened fire on its soldiers. It said the attacks destroyed tunnels and military buildings.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would retaliate forcefully to Hamas attacks on its soldiers.

Hamas' armed wing said in a statement that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement in all of Gaza, adding that it was unaware of clashes in Rafah and that it has not been in contact with groups there since March.

"We affirm our full commitment to implementing all agreements, foremost among them the ceasefire across all areas of the Gaza Strip," the Al-Qassam Brigades said.

Palestinian witnesses on Sunday separately told Reuters of explosions and gunfire in Rafah, tank fire in the southern town of Abassan near Khan Younis, an airstrike in the central town of Zawayda and explosions in the central town of Deir Al-Balah, which killed at least five people, according to medics at Al-Aqsa Hospital.

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Witnesses in Khan Younis heard a wave of airstrikes launched into Rafah early on Sunday afternoon.

ISRAELI FIRE KILLS AT LEAST EIGHT IN GAZA, HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS

Gaza's health ministry said on Sunday that Israeli attacks had killed at least eight people in the last 24 hours.

An Israeli military official said earlier on Sunday that Hamas had carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces inside Gaza, including a rocket-propelled grenade attack and a sniper attack against Israeli soldiers.

"Both of the incidents happened in an Israeli-controlled area...This is a bold violation of the ceasefire," the official said.

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Defense Minister Israel Katz said the "yellow line" to where Israeli forces had pulled back under the ceasefire agreement would be physically marked and that any violation of the ceasefire or attempt to cross the line would be met with fire.

Senior Hamas official Izzat Al Risheq said on Sunday that the Palestinian militant group remained committed to the ceasefire, which he accused Israel of repeatedly violating.

The government media office in Gaza said on Saturday that Israel had committed 47 violations after the ceasefire deal, leaving 38 dead and 143 wounded.

"These violations have ranged from direct shooting at civilians, to deliberate shelling and targeting operations, as well as the arrest of several civilians," the media office statement said.

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RAFAH CROSSING TO REMAIN CLOSED

The Israeli government and Hamas have been accusing each other of violations of the ceasefire for days, with Israel saying the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice.

Rafah has largely been shut since May 2024. The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

The crossing has in previous ceasefires functioned as a key conduit for humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a dispute over the return of the bodies of deceased hostages. Israel demanded that Hamas fulfill its obligations in turning over the remaining bodies of all 28 hostages.

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Hamas has returned all 20 live hostages and 12 of the deceased and has said it has no interest in keeping the bodies of remaining hostages. The group said the process needs effort and special equipment to recover corpses buried under rubble.

Formidable obstacles to Trump's plan to end the war still remain. Key questions of Hamas disarming, the future governance of Gaza, the make-up of an international "stabilization force", and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to be resolved.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Renewed fighting in Gaza and concerns over the ceasefire pushed key Tel Aviv share indices down nearly 2% on Sunday.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Maayan Lubell, Jaidaa Taha, Muhammad Al Gebaly, Alexander Cornwell and Steven Scheer; Writing by Andrew Mills; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
The Israeli military on Sunday said it is to begin the "renewed enforcement of the ceasefire" in Gaza after striking targets in the territory in response to attacks on its troops by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the decision was taken "in accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas' violation."

"The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it," the military said.

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The strikes came after the IDF reported that "terrorists" shot at Israeli soldiers in the southern city of Rafah, resulting in two fatalities.

The renewed violence has threatened to derail the US-backed peace plan between Israel and Hamas, which secured the release of the remaining Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners earlier this week.
Marwan Barghouti was already viewed as the worlds most important prisoner before he was allegedly beaten by Israeli guards last month.

For many Palestinians, he has long represented their best chance of achieving a state of their own. A significant number of Israelis  particularly those officials who have met him  think he could hold the key to lasting peace in the Holy Land.

Then, in the middle of last month, Israel inadvertently struck a blow that further burnished the legend of Barghouti, the 66-year-old peace-activist-turned-militant leader who has languished in its prisons for more than 23 years.

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What exactly happened is in dispute. According to five Palestinian prisoners released this week as part of a ceasefire deal, guards beat and kicked him unconscious on Sept 14, breaking four ribs.

To family members, the alleged assault is proof that Israel is determined not only to hold onto its most valuable Palestinian prisoner  even as it frees hundreds of others  but perhaps even to kill him and deprive Palestinians of their most credible leader-in-waiting.

Barghouti raises his handcuffed hands in the air on the opening day of his trial in 2002 - BRENNAN LINSLEY/AP

I fear we are watching his slow-motion assassination, said Barghoutis younger brother, Muqbel. Before Oct 7 2023, when family visits were still permitted, he always found his brother in good spirits. Marwan kept fit, studied and taught other prisoners. But since the Hamas massacre that day, he said, Barghouti had been beaten four times.

Israeli officials denied the allegations, insisting that Barghouti had never been physically harmed, though Itamar Ben-Gvir, the hardline security minister who visited him in prison, could not resist boasting about how much tougher he had made prison life.

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The allegations made by the arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti are false, but, at the same time, we are proud that Barghoutis conditions completely changed during my tenure, he said.

Whatever the truth, the allegations are only likely to strengthen the credentials of a man who could yet become the next president of the Palestinian Authority, whether or not he remains behind bars.

Credit: @itamarbengvir / X

No other political figure from either Hamas or its secular rival Fatah comes close to matching his popularity. Were there a Palestinian presidential election  something that has not happened in more than 20 years  polls suggest that Barghouti would win more votes than his two closest challengers combined.

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Many former senior Israeli officials argue that, whatever his record of violence, there has never been a more articulate Palestinian proponent of Israels right to exist.

Israel has reportedly come close to releasing him  convicted in 2004 of ordering attacks that killed five civilians  on several occasions, most notably last year, only to back away at the last moment.

Speculation rose again last week when Hamas placed him at the top of the list of prisoners it wanted freed, even though Barghouti never belonged to the group and has deplored everything it stands for. Israel refused.

So who is Marwan Barghouti  saviour or fiend, partner in peace or cunning trickster? A Palestinian Mandela, or a new Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the Oct 7 massacre?

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And in refusing to release him, has Israel missed an opportunity  or dodged a bullet?

Revolutionary roots

Time has worn the house where Barghouti was born to rubble, but the ruins beside a dusty street in the West Bank village of Kobar still command a charming view over the terraced valley below.

Through the leaves on an olive tree, beneath which two donkeys bray in the afternoon heat, one can clearly make out the terracotta-tiled villas of the Jewish settlement of Ateret.

For the Barghouti family, its construction in 1981 was another sign of Israels growing territorial ambitions since seizing the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan during the Six-Day War of 1967.

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Barghouti was nearly eight when the tanks first rolled in. His political awakening came two years later, when Israeli soldiers, irritated by the family dogs barking, shot it dead.

Muqbel Barghouti, then four, solemnly watched as his brother buried the animal with his own hands.

He was heartbroken, he said. It was really more his dog than anyone elses, and its death left a huge scar on him. It was his first experience of the cruelty and injustice of occupation.

Muqbel Barghouti said his brother was left deeply upset when Israeli troops shot dead their family dog - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

As he grew, Marwan Barghouti embraced resistance, first of the non-violent sort with the Communists, later as a member of a Fatah militia carrying out violent attacks against Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank.

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Arrested in a raid in Kobar when he was 18, he spent his twenties in and out of Israeli jails, studying politics, learning Hebrew and reading accounts of how Jewish militias drove out the British through bombings and sabotage to create the state of Israel.

During seven years of exile in Jordan, he helped co-ordinate the largely non-violent First Intifada, or uprising, that paved the way for the Oslo Accords of 1993, and joined the triumphant return of Yasser Arafats Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) to the West Bank.

From peacemaker to militant

Few within Fatah, the PLOs dominant faction, championed Oslos promise more passionately than Barghouti, recalls Yossi Beilin, the Left-wing Israeli minister who initiated the secret talks leading to the accords. The two men met often.

Barghouti also reached across the aisle.

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Meir Sheetrit, a Likud legislator, took a delegation of party colleagues to Italy in the early 1990s to meet him. Like many Israeli officials, Mr Sheetrit, who later served in several Likud cabinets, was struck by the Palestinians flawless Hebrew and dry humour.

We made a deep connection, he recalled. He made jokes about Arafat. I made jokes about Israeli leaders. We became friends, and I had the impression that he was a strong supporter of peace with Israel  in my opinion, the strongest. Ive not changed my mind.

A man arranges posters of Palestinians detained by Israel at the headquarters of the Palestinian Prisoners Society in Ramallah - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

Yet the promise of Oslo soon curdled. Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli prime minister who signed the Oslo Accords, was assassinated by a Jewish extremist in 1995.

A year earlier an Israeli settler shot dead 29 Palestinians at prayer in a mosque in Hebron. The election of Benjamin Netanyahu in 1996 all but stalled the peace process. Jewish settlements kept expanding.

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Meanwhile, Hamas, then in its infancy, attracted popularity with a campaign of suicide bombings. Impatient Palestinians turned on Arafat, Barghouti  seen as the ailing Arafats successor  and Fatah, accusing them of doing nothing to counter Israel.

By 2000, with the more dovish Ehud Barak now in office but still little sign of progress, Barghoutis patience had run out.

A group of youths stand in front of graffiti depicting Barghouti in the West Bank village of Kobar - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

Yossi Beilin, then justice minister, recalls him arriving for a meeting in May that year with a warning: If there is no progress in the peace process, there will be violence.

Mr Beilin begged him to be patient, but the Palestinian was immovable. The horses are already out of the stable, he said.

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Four months later, the Second Intifada erupted. This time, non-violence was no longer an option.

Barghouti played a central role in establishing Fatahs armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which killed hundreds of Israelis before the uprising burnt itself out in 2005.

He continued to insist his ultimate aim was peace: Im not a terrorist, but neither am I a pacifist, he declared. I do not seek to destroy Israel but to end its occupation of my country.

Israel attempted to kill him several times before seizing him in Ramallah in 2002. At his trial two years later he refused to mount a defence, rejecting the courts legitimacy. Acquitted of orchestrating 33 attacks that killed 21 people, he was convicted of ordering three that killed five  including three diners shot dead at a seafood restaurant in Tel Aviv.

The prisoner

Ever since, Israelis have debated whether he should be freed. Some question the evidence; others believe he resorted only to violence after being outflanked by Hamas  and that his heart was never truly in it.

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But sceptics abound. One former intelligence officer calls support for his release dangerous, deluded romanticism.

Another cites the example of Sinwar, who was freed in 2011 only to mastermind the Oct 7 attacks 12 years later. Barghouti may have become further radicalised in prison, they argue.

A woman sits near a section of Israels wall in the West Bank - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

Yet both Mr Sheetrit and Mr Beilin argue that Barghoutis continued imprisonment is not about risk, but politics. As long as Mr Netanyahus coalition depends on pro-settler hardliners, releasing Barghouti  a symbol of Palestinian nationalism and two-state ideals  is unthinkable.

It is a view shared by Palestinian officials.

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They dont want to release him because it would appear like a big victory for the Palestinians, said Sabri Saidam, a member of the Fatah central committee. Barghouti is an icon. Releasing an icon would be seen as a major setback by Israeli settlers.

A Palestinian Mandela?

Muqbel Barghouti, longing for the day his older brother is freed, insists Israel has nothing to fear.

Marwan remains convinced that there is no other choice for the Palestinian cause but to continue talking to the Israelis and working for two states  one for us and one of them, he said.

He doesnt want revenge. He knows what needs to be done. He wants to talk to Israelis, not fight them.

Muqbel Barghouti says his long-imprisoned brother does not want revenge - Eduardo Soteras for The Telegraph

The tragedy, he says, is that no one in the Israeli government wants to talk to him. In South Africa, he adds, Nelson Mandela was able to assuage white fears because FW De Klerk, the countrys white president, had the courage to face down the Right and take the gamble to free him.

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We have a Palestinian Mandela, Mr Barghouti said. What we need now is an Israeli De Klerk willing to free him and pave the way for an era of reconciliation so we can finally have two states for two people.

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The US State Department said on Saturday it had informed the nations guaranteeing the Gaza ceasefire agreement of "credible reports" indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas.

Hamas rejected US allegations that its attacks against the people of Gaza constituted "an imminent ceasefire violation" in a statement on Sunday.

"These baseless claims fully align with Israels misleading propaganda and provide cover for the occupations continued crimes and organized aggression against our people," Hamas stated.

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The US State Department said on Saturday it had informed the nations guaranteeing the Gaza ceasefire agreement of "credible reports" indicating "an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

"This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement," the department said in a statement.

According to Hamas, "it is the occupation authorities who have formed, armed, and funded criminal gangs that carried out acts of murder, kidnapping, theft of aid trucks, and assaults against Palestinian civilians."

Hamas terrorists seen before a hostage release in Gaza City, February 1, 2025 (credit: Ali Hassan/Flash90)

"The movement calls on the US administration to stop repeating the occupations misleading narrative and to focus instead on restraining its repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement, foremost among them supporting these gangs and providing them safe havens in areas under its control," Hamas wrote.

Hamas reasserts itself in Gaza

The terror group has sought to reassert itself in Gaza. Since the ceasefire took hold, Hamas has killed at least 32 people in a wave of killings meant to target anti-Hamas clans that had surged in the Strip.

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US President Donald Trump responded to the killings in a Truth Social post, saying that "if Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them."

Trump also told CNN that he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the ceasefire deal.

This is a developing story.
Israels military has launched at least 20 air strikes on southern Gaza as the fragile United States-brokered ceasefire intended to end the two-year war comes under threat.

The Israeli army said on Sunday that it conducted a massive and extensive wave of strikes on dozens of targets after its troops came under fire from Hamas fighters in Rafah, a charge the Palestinian group denied.

Hours later, the Israeli army issued a statement saying its forces had begun reinforcing the truce in Gaza after a series of significant attacks. Separately, an Israeli security official told news agencies that the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza was temporarily halted after the alleged Hamas violation.

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The Palestinian Civil Defence agency said that several Israeli air raids killed at least 42 Palestinians across the war-devastated enclave on Sunday. Additionally, the Gaza Media Office said that 97 Palestinians have been killed and another 230 wounded since the ceasefire took effect on October 10.

The Israeli army said two of its soldiers had died in combat in Gaza on Sunday, and it responded with strikes and artillery fire after its troops were targeted by Hamas. However, Hamass armed wing said it is adhering to the ceasefire agreement.

We have no knowledge of any incidents or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as these are red zones under the [Israeli] occupations control, and contact with the remaining groups of ours there has been cut off since the war resumed in March of this year, the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a statement.

Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud said that Palestinians are very concerned about the sudden escalation.

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Fear and panic are dominating the scene among people in Gaza as Israels military launched more than 20 air strikes. Weve been approached by people, including women and children, who are asking us if the war is back on, Mahmoud said.

Some said, Now that Israel has got the captives back, theyre back at killing us. Thats the kind of sentiment were hearing.

Israeli strikes in the south came as medical sources at Gazas Al-Aqsa Hospital told Al Jazeera that five Palestinians had been killed and an unspecified number wounded in an Israeli attack on az-Zawayda in central Gaza.

Three Palestinians were also killed and others wounded in an Israeli attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp, a medical source at al-Awda Hospital told Al Jazeera, while earlier, at least two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air attack in northern Gaza, the Wafa news agency reported.





Mood changed in Israel

Israels strikes came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with security heads and directed the military to take strong action against any ceasefire violations.

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Reporting from Amman, Jordan, Al Jazeeras Nour Odeh said that Israeli media reports suggested that Israel was acting in Rafah to protect armed proxies in Gaza that it had supported throughout the war, amid fears they were facing reprisals from Hamas since the ceasefire.

There were reports that perhaps Hamas fighters were trying to attack that militia in Rafah, she said.

Odeh said that once reports of the clashes in Rafah surfaced in Israel, the mood there changed almost immediately.

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on X that he wanted the Israeli army to fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted: War!. And Amichai Chikli, the outspoken minister of diaspora affairs, said: As long as Hamas exists, there will be war.

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Meanwhile, opposition leader and former member of Israels security council, Benny Gantz, said that all options should remain on the table for Israel, including a return to military manoeuvring.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, analyst Yossi Mekelberg said the strikes underlined the fragility of the ceasefire agreement.

We said all along that this ceasefire, its not the complete end of what we have witnessed over the last two years, said Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow with Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa Programme. Its a very fragile ceasefire, and can tilt in one way or another.





Hamas rejects US claim

Earlier, the US State Department alleged it had credible reports indicating that Hamas would imminently violate the ceasefire deal with Israel, claims Hamas rejected.

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This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts, the department said in a statement on Saturday.

In response, Hamas issued a statement saying the US allegations were false, and fully align with the misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations crimes and organised aggression against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Hamas accused Israel of supporting armed groups operating in Israeli-controlled areas, and called on Washington to pressure Israel to stop supporting the gangs and providing them a safe haven.

Separately, a Hamas delegation headed by senior official Khalil al-Hayya arrived in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, late on Sunday, to follow up on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with mediators, Palestinian factions, and forces, the group said in a statement.

Remains of returned captives identified

The strikes in southern Gaza came as Israel identified the remains of two captives released by Hamas overnight.

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Netanyahus office said the bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed at Kibbutz Beeri.

Hamass armed wing said on Sunday that it had located the body of another captive, which would be delivered to Israel if field conditions were appropriate.

The remains of 12 of the 28 captives bodies still in Gaza have so far been returned to Israel, which is pressuring Hamas to return more.

Hamas says it is committed to the terms of the ceasefire deal, including the handover of the remaining captive remains, but it needs help and heavy machinery to locate and retrieve bodies trapped under the rubble following Israeli strikes that have decimated Gaza.

The group said any Israeli escalation would hinder search operations. It also said the Israeli militarys continuing control of certain parts of Gaza has slowed the recovery of the bodies.
Following reports of an attack on Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the resumption of the war against Hamas.

In a post on X, he urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to instruct the military to "fully and with full force resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip."

"The deceptive notion that Hamas will change its stance or even adhere to an agreement it has signed is, as expected, proving dangerous to our security," Ben-Gvir wrote.

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"The Nazi terrorist organization must be completely destroyed," he wrote, adding that the sooner this happens, the better.

Israeli media had earlier reported that the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas had attacked Israeli troops in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military described the incident as a "gross violation of the ceasefire," though specific details initially remained unclear.

Israeli troops were attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade, an Israeli military official said. Additionally, a Palestinian sniper reportedly fired at an Israeli unit. Israeli media reported that the Israeli Air Force subsequently struck targets in Rafah.

An official ceasefire has been in place since October 10 between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, there have already been several violent incidents.

Ben-Gvir criticized the ceasefire agreement from the outset and voted against it.
ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Ithaca man has been arrested following an investigation by the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) into a reported domestic incident.

Timothy K. Daniels, 37, was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 18, on the charges of criminal contempt in the second degree (class A misdemeanor) and resisting arrest (class A misdemeanor), according to a release from IPD.

On Saturday, around 1:30 a.m., police said they were called to the 300 block of West Buffalo Street for the report of a domestic incident in progress. Further, police learned that during the incident, Daniels violated a court order.

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Ithaca man arrested on arson charge early Saturday morning

When officers were arresting Daniels, he displayed aggressiveness by kicking and shoving them, the release stated. The officers who were hit were not injured. Medical treatment was given to Daniels on scene before he was taken to the Ithaca Police Department for processing, the release said.

As a result, Daniels was charged with the above-listed crimes, arraigned in court, and sent to the Tompkins County Jail.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any additional information is asked to contact the Ithaca Police Department by any of the following means:

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Police dispatch: 607-272-3245

Police administration: 607-272-9973

Police tip line: 607-330-0000

Anonymous email tip address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
As the first country in the world to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, Ethiopia is creating the blueprint for electric vehicle (EV) uptake, supported by favourable government policies. It is one of several African countries to be introducing incentives to encourage EV uptake as a means of reducing fuel dependency and supporting green transport growth.

In January 2024, Ethiopia became the first country in the world to ban the import of petrol and diesel vehicles, in a bid to reduce its fuel dependence and pollution. The government aims to import 500,000 EVs by 2030 as it encourages greater uptake across the country. While many Ethiopians were initially reluctant to switch to EV, they are becoming a much more common sight in the capital of Addis Ababa, and public perception is slowly shifting.

In Africa, the EV market size is approximately $450 million in 2025, and it is forecast to reach $4.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 56.3 percent between 2025 and 2030. China is expected to become a major exporter of EVs to Africa as it continues to grow its presence in the global EV market. Although the African EV market remains small, government incentives and the growing need for more sustainable transport options are gradually leading to increased uptake across the region.

Chinese, European, and African companies are investing in regional battery and vehicle assembly capacity to drive down costs and encourage uptake across the region. Meanwhile, several national policies, such as Ethiopias internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle ban, Ghanas eight-year zero-tariff window, and South Africas production rebates, are encouraging more consumers to invest in EVs in certain parts of the continent.

To date, passenger cars have led Africas EV market, with a 61.81 percent share in 2024. However, there is a growing interest in two- and three-wheelers, with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 59.72 percent between 2025 and 2030. While Ghana was the leader for EV uptake in 2024, with a 29.31 percent share of the continents EV revenue, Ethiopia is now the fastest-growing country for EV uptake, with an anticipated CAGR of 58.92 percent through 2030.

Before the introduction of the ICE vehicle import ban, EVs were extremely uncommon in Ethiopia. As uptake increases, it is becoming more common to see Chinas BYD brand, the current market leader, dotted around Addis Ababa. There are also a range of well-known European EV brands making their way to the Ethiopian market. There are now around 115,000 EVs in Ethiopia, out of a total of 1.5 million cars across the country.

When the ICE import ban was initially proposed, many were sceptical as around half of all Ethiopians still do not have access to electricity, and just 20 percent of households have access for at least 23 hours a day. Only a third of households have access through the national electric grid and the country is plagued with regular power cuts.

The situation is expected to improve following the opening of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam in September, 14 years after it began being developed and following several delays. The dam has a maximum capacity of 5,150 MW, doubling the countrys current electricity output, of which around 97 percent comes from hydropower. However, enhancing access is a complex issue as Ethiopia requires billions of dollars in investment to improve its electric grid to the standard needed to provide both urban and rural areas with a stable supply of electricity.

Nevertheless, the government decided that banning ICE vehicles in favour of EVs would help reduce pollution as well as significantly reduce the countrys fuel dependency, with Ethiopia spending around $4.5 billion a year on fuel imports. For a country that relies heavily on cheap, green hydropower for fuel, its dependency on fuel imports to power transport is economically unsustainable.

The government has introduced a range of financial incentives to encourage EV uptake. Including sweeping tax exemptions. While the upfront cost remains extremely high for most Ethiopians, the cost of second-hand ICE vehicles has also soared since the import ban. The government also hopes to encourage the development of domestic EV production and assembly, although this is in the nascent stage.

To support the switch, the government must now invest in the rollout of charging stations and other critical infrastructure. Ethiopia currently has around 100 charging stations, most of them in Addis Ababa, with the government hoping to increase this figure to 2,300. This limits uptake outside of the capital, where electricity access is more limited.

The introduction of an ICE vehicle import ban has drawn attention to Ethiopia, as the first country in the world to introduce a measure that many governments are targeting for the 2030s. While infrastructure remains a major constraint to EV uptake, it demonstrates how favourable policies, financial incentives and investment in infrastructure could spur rapid change in auto-markets worldwide.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:




GREENPORT - The current undersheriff and a former sheriff's lieutenant are vying to become the top law enforcement official in Columbia County.

The position of sheriff is open after Donald Krapf declined to seek reelection. His undersheriff, Democrat Jackie Salvatore, is running against former Lt. John Rivero, a Republican.

Krapf ran for the position in 2021 as an independent with Salvatore at his side, but the two were backed by the Columbia County Democratic Committee. If elected, Salvatore would become the first woman of color to be elected a sheriff in New York.

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Rivero, 49, and Salvatore, 60, laid out their work histories, views on law enforcement, and what they would do if elected during lengthy interviews. They also discussed a 2021 incident where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained a man as he was leaving the sheriff's office.

Both candidates have extensive law enforcement experience. Salvatore is a 28-year veteran of the State Police, where she ascended to the position of detail commander, charged with running the State Police Employee Assistance Program, which offers psychological counseling to officers and their families who face problems at work or at home. She joined the Columbia County Sheriff's Office in 2022.

Rivero worked at the Catskill Police Department and Greene County Sheriff's Office before moving to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office in 1999, where he first served as a deputy before becoming a criminal investigator. He rose to the rank of lieutenant in 2020.

Salvatore said running the state's Employee Assistance Program was her proudest accomplishment during her law enforcement career. The program had 66 full-time and part-time employees, she said, and provided services to smaller police agencies as well as its own officers.

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Police are exposed to a great deal at work, Salvatore said. "It could be a horrific accident that you handled, or had to witness, shootings, (or) just the day-to-day stressers that go along with the job, that, if left unaddressed, impact how we're going to show up for people."

Salvatore introduced an employee assistance program at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, though it did not have its own counselors, she said. It acted as a referral service, with counselors from the Dutchess, Greene, and Ulster county employee assistance programs working with Columbia County officers.

Rivero's proudest achievement was two units he started while he was at the sheriff's office: the Special Victims Unit, which deals with "the most heinous crimes targeting children," and the Welfare Fraud Unit. He founded the former through the Columbia County Child Advocacy Center. Both are still in operation today.

Issues facing the county, law enforcement

Rivero said the biggest external issue county law enforcement must grapple with is "the opioid problem."

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There have been 25 known overdoses, including three that were fatal, in Columbia County as of Sept. 25 this year, according to the county's Overdose Dashboard. The number has been falling since its peak in 2021, when there were 67 known overdoses, including five that were fatal.

Rivero said he would partner with addiction recovery groups and aggressively go after opioid dealers to address the problem, and knocked the current sheriff's office administration for not doing more of the latter.

"We have had emphasis placed on proactive policing in the office. I just don't know if that has been the focus of this administration, and that needs to be reimplemented, supported and encouraged, and it needs to be made a priority," he said. "That's the way it gets done, and that starts at the top."

Rivero wants to partner with Greener Pathways, a local substance abuse outreach group, and refer those addicted to opioids there.

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Salvatore said the biggest complaint she's heard from community members is speeding, followed by services not being well-publicized.

"We are blessed to live in a county that does not have a horrific crime rate, especially violent crime," she said.

The candidates' backgrounds

Salvatore has a wide breadth of experience outside law enforcement. She attended Vision Christian Bible College & Seminary in Florida, where she received her associate's degree. She considered joining the clergy, "albeit not seriously," but developed criticisms of organized religion along the way.

"I feel like anybody - regardless of what they look like, how they are dressed, what they can bring to the table - should be able to walk into any church and be accepted, and I feel most organized religions have their own exclusionary rule that, in order to be a part of this particular group of people or this organization, you have to practice exactly this or believe exactly that," she said.

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Still, her faith informed her career in law enforcement: empathy and understanding can decrease tension and the possibility of violence during police interactions, she said.

Rivero left the sheriff's office in 2021 and attended Siena University, where he earned his B.A. in criminal justice. He said he took a human-rights-based track where he learned about restorative justice, which focuses on the perpetrator of a crime repairing the harm they caused the victim, as opposed to a system of punishment. Rivero developed a nuanced view of restorative justice at Siena, which he said was born out of research and conversations with restorative justice activists.

"(The activists) have a way that they would like to institute and implement restorative justice, but it's not ideal for the working model, being police on the ground," he said.

If police treat "people with the dignity and respect they deserve," whether they are a victim or a perpetrator of a crime, "you can create the environment where restorative justice has the chance to take off and blossom," Rivero said. "I don't think that exists with the models currently out there."

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Rivero said he had used restorative justice in the past without knowing he was following the model, giving the example of teenagers who had egged a house. The teens were old enough to be charged, but instead, Rivero talked to their parents, who "took ownership of the kids' actions," and the officer put the kids and victims in touch.

"The kids were able to clean the house, scrape all the eggs off the house, and the parents volunteered their kids to do yard work and apologize," he said. "The five (kids) turned out to be upstanding citizens."

When asked if the model could be applied to more serious crimes, Rivero said all crimes needed to be put in context.

"That's where I think restorative justice practitioners and advocates are falling short.  They're trying to paint something with a broad brush, where I think research needs to be done on an individual case to see if the restorative justice model is going to work and satisfy the parties involved," he said.

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In the case of rape, Rivero said he was fine with the restorative justice model being offered to the victim, but strongly pushed back on it being mandated.

"Having worked in the Special Victims Unit, having seen the devastation and the long-lasting effects that a rape has on an individual  I think ownership belongs in the hands of a victim," he said.

A controversial incident

Both candidates were asked about a 2021 incident where ICE agents detained a man as he exited the county jail, which is run by the sheriff's office. The Columbia County Sanctuary Movement learned the man would be detained and gathered in front of the jail with members of his family and some public officials, including Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson, only to find out, hours later, the man had been let out the back of the building, where he was detained by ICE.

Salvatore said the sheriff's office hadn't initially informed ICE of the man's presence at the jail - he was arrested for allegedly driving drunk - but that ICE had accessed the man's biometrics after deputies uploaded his fingerprints into a law enforcement database.

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When ICE asked for his release time, the sheriff's office provided it, Salvatore said. Release times are public data, she added. Sheriff Krapf opted to release the man through the back "rather than allowing him to walk out the front door and possibly get into a scuffle on county property," she said.

When asked if she would handle the situation differently, Salvatore referenced the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which bars illegal searches and seizures and requires warrants backed by probable cause. She said she would not abide by administrative warrants - which ICE often uses and are not signed by a judge - if they are issued. ICE only had an administrative warrant when they arrested the man in 2021.

At the same time, "if there is a criminal warrant signed by a judge, regardless of your immigration status, political status, familial status, you get arrested, and that's what I intend to do," she said.

Rivero said he would not cooperate with ICE unless the agency had a judicial warrant.

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"There are so many things the sheriff's office needs to get right," he said. "It needs to do well for the people who live, reside and visit Columbia County, and I'm not going to have my deputies or correctional staff out there enforcing federal laws that a federal agency is charged with (enforcing)."

Rivero added he has been an advocate for migrant communities in the county for 20 years, and was the only Spanish speaker in the sheriff's office. His mother came to the U.S. in the 1970s from El Salvador and became a citizen when Rivero was in middle school, he said.

Why should voters pick them?

Asked why she would make a better sheriff than Rivero, Salvatore referenced her leadership experience as a law enforcement officer and in the private sector. Between the State Police and the sheriff's office, she ran operations for United Airlines at the Albany International Airport and managed a literary agency, she said.

She also mentioned an endorsement from the Columbia County Deputy Sheriffs Benevolent Association.

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"My opponent spent 23 years (at the sheriff's office) and there are people who worked for him for two decades that have more confidence in my ability to lead, as evidenced by the vote," she said.

The local corrections officers' union, whose members are also employees of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, also endorsed Salvatore, according to her campaign page.

Rivero also argued that his job experience made him the better choice.

"What sets me apart from (Salvatore) is that I've worked at the sheriff's office for my entire career," he said. "When I got promoted, it was test-based, it was merit-based, it was based on my performance at the sheriff's office - so I stepped on all the ladder's rungs from within."

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Rivero said the sheriff's office was markedly different from the State Police. The office handles the enforcement of county court orders, evictions, pistol permitting, and running an entire jail, none of which are in the purview of the State Police.

"I have a better understanding of the office and how it works," he said.

Rivero did not respond to an emailed question about nonpartisan endorsements following his interview.

The candidates, both born in Columbia County, are facing off on Election Day, Nov 4. Early voting begins Oct. 25 in Hudson and Valatie. Details about early voting can be found here.

This article originally published at Jackie Salvatore and John Rivero vie for Columbia County sheriff.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the smaller Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, have broadly agreed to form a coalition government, setting the stage for the country's first female prime minister, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday.

LDP leader Sanae Takaichi and Hirofumi Yoshimura, head of the right-leaning Ishin, are set to sign an agreement on their alliance on Monday, Kyodo said.

Ishin lawmakers will vote for Takaichi in an election to choose the next prime minister on Tuesday, but the party does not plan to send ministers to a new cabinet initially, the news agency also said.

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Takaichi's path to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had seemed all but certain until the LDP's junior partner, Komeito, quit their 26-year coalition this month, setting off a flurry of negotiations with rival parties to select the next premier.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by William Mallard)
France's world-famous Louvre museum in Paris was forced to close on Sunday after thieves broke into the Apollo Gallery and stole valuable crown jewels.

The robbery which took place at around 9.30am lasted between six and seven minutes, and involved four people who were unarmed, but threatened guards with angle grinders, according to Paris Prosecutor Laura Beccuau.

French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to the robbery on X, he wrote "The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our History. We will recover the works, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice."

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Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the thieves used a basket lift to access the room directly, forced a window and broke display cases to steal the jewels, before escaping on two-wheelers.

He said forensic work is underway and a precise inventory of the stolen objects is being compiled, adding that the items have inestimable historical value.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati wrote on social media there were "no injuries to report," adding "I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations under way."

In a post on X the Louvre confirmed it will be closed "for exceptional reasons".

The daylight heist about 30 minutes after opening, with visitors already inside, was among the highest-profile museum thefts in living memory, in what Dati described as a professional four-minute operation.

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Officials said nine pieces were targeted but eight were stolen, from the Napoleon and the Empress's jewellery collection in the Apollo Gallery, including a necklace, a brooch, a tiara and more.

One object was later found outside the museum, Dati said. French media identified it as the emerald-set imperial crown of Napoleon IIIs wife, Empress Eugenie, containing more than 1,300 diamonds. It was reportedly recovered broken.

Some of the French Crown Jewels, including the diamond crown of King Louis XV and Empress Marie-Louise's necklace,in the Apollo Gallery of the Louvre, Nov. 23, 2004. - AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere

The Apollo Gallery is a vaulted hall in the Denon wing that displays part of the French Crown Jewels beneath a ceiling painted by King Louis XIVs court artist.

Visitors walks through the Apollo gallery of the Louvre museum after its renovation, in this Nov. 23, 2004 file photo taken in Paris. - AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere

One witness, Kaci Benedetti, described in a post on X scenes of panic inside the museum as people tried to exit when police arrived.

The Louvre has a long history of thefts and attempted robberies. The most famous was in 1911, when the Mona Lisa vanished from its frame, stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a former worker who hid inside the museum and walked out with the painting under his coat. It was recovered two years later in Florence  an episode that helped make Leonardo da Vincis portrait the worlds best-known artwork.

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In 1983, two Renaissance-era pieces of armor were stolen from the Louvre and only recovered nearly four decades later. The museums collection also bears the legacy of Napoleonic-era looting that continues to spark restitution debates today.

The Louvre is home to more than 33,000 works spanning antiquities, sculpture and painting  from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the classical world to European masters. Its star attractions include the Mona Lisa, as well as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Actor John Cusack is once again at the center of political conversation after his fiery remarks at the No Kings protest in Chicago went viral over the weekend. The "High Fidelity" and "Say Anything" star, long known for his outspoken political views, joined thousands across the country on October 18, 2025, to protest what organizers describe as the increasing authoritarianism of President Donald Trumps administration. Cusack, a Chicago native and frequent critic of government overreach, spoke passionately about the citys deep history of activism and defiance, delivering one of the protests most talked-about moments.

John Cusack Blasts Trump At No Kings Rally

MEGA

During a live CNN interview from the Chicago rally, Cusack didnt mince words when asked about Trumps recent deployment of Border Patrol and ICE agents to major cities, including his own. Go to hell, the actor said flatly, condemning what he called the presidents use of masked goons for immigration enforcement operations.

Speaking later to News 4 San Antonio, Cusack expanded on his frustrations, Its all upsetting. Seeing a sort of fascist authoritarian cosplay that the right wing has been fooling around with for so long, seeing it devolve into the real thing is predictable, but deeply saddening.

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His unfiltered message to Trump quickly spread like wildfire across social media, with clips from the rally shared thousands of times on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

Chicago Erupts As Thousands Join 'No Kings' Protest

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The protests, part of a massive nationwide movement organized by groups like the ACLU, Indivisible, and 50501, saw more than 2,600 events take place across the U.S. and internationally, from New York to Los Angeles, uniting demonstrators under one powerful slogan No Kings.

Chicagos No Kings rally was one of the largest in the country, with demonstrators flooding downtown streets carrying banners that read Democracy  Not Dynasty and No King In Our House. Protesters rallied against what they view as government corruption, power abuse, and a fundamental erosion of democratic values.

Cusack invoked Chicagos labor-rights history, praising the citys legacy of activism and resilience. Chicago has always stood for progress, for resistance, he said. Its not just about politics. Its about protecting what this city has always represented: fairness and the fight for freedom.

John Cusack Doubles Down On Activism

2012 RAMEY PHOTO/MEGA

Cusacks political activism is nothing new. Earlier this year, he made headlines for urging fans to boycott Trumps presidential inauguration, calling it a totally meaningless broadcast. Over the years, he has used his platform to amplify causes related to labor rights, climate change, and government accountability, often clashing with conservative figures online.

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The actors latest comments at the No Kings protest further solidify his place among Hollywoods most vocal progressives, joining figures like Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, and John Legend in advocating for democratic reform and civil liberties.

Hollywood Rallies Behind 'No Kings' Movement

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close took to Instagram, sharing a striking photo of herself holding a handwritten sign that read, No oligarchs. No dictators. No despots. No autocrats. No kings!! In the caption, the Fatal Attraction star echoed the words of Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address, writing, ...that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.

Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo, one of Hollywoods most vocal critics of the Trump administration, used Threads to amplify the rallies, shouting out No Kings protests in Gainesville, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and New York City. The "Avengers" actor urged followers to stay active, reminding them that democracy only works when we do.

Millions Join 'No Kings' Protests Across the U.S.

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

By the end of the weekend, organizers estimated that nearly seven million people had participated in No Kings demonstrations across the United States. From New York Citys Times Square to the streets of Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Miami, and Chicago, protesters flooded major landmarks holding signs that read Democracy, Not Monarchy and The Constitution Is Not Optional.

Despite warnings from Trump allies, who attempted to brand the demonstrations as hate America rallies," the events remained largely peaceful, according to organizers.




John Whitmire has some advice for his fellow democrats: be less vocal against the Trump administration.

"Sometimes the louder you get, the less people listen to you," Whitmire said of his Democrat counterparts in a recent interview with the New York Times' J. David Goodman.

"I don't respond to Trump-that could be counterproductive," the Houston mayor added. "Do I have personal views? Sure, and they're strong, but why do you want to challenge him?"

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Whitmire appeared to laud his keep-your-head-down approach as the reason why most other major cities are in "turmoil," while Houston isn't.

The mayor, whose focus on public safety and more bread-and-butter issues has won him disapproval from Houston's more progressive voters, took his criticism of other Democratic mayors one step further.

In his interview with the New York Times, Whitmire called out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their vocal challenges to Trump's immigration crackdown, among other measures, arguing they were only further sowing division between parties.

His rebuke of self-described Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who recently won New York's Democratic mayoral primary, was particularly pointed.

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Whitmire said Mamdani had "a horrible record of bringing people together."

"He's saying he's going to arrest the prime minister of Israel? You think that's how you bring people together? He and me are in different universes," Whitmire told the Times.

Whitmire may sing the praises of his middle-of-the-road approach. Still, those against the mayor's moves argue that it has only awarded the city spare funds from Republican state leaders for storm cleanup and municipal parks.

Whitmire's critics do not hold back their opposition to the mayor's willingness to expend city funds on ripping up bike lanes, his lack of emphasis on multimodal transit infrastructure and what they argue is tainted transparency when it comes to the Houston Police Department's cooperation with ICE.

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Chron contacted Whitmire for comment, but did not receive a response by publication. Notably, Whitmire's office has not responded to Chron's requests for comment since Aug. 22.

The mayor told the Times he thinks the description "progressive Democrat" applies to him, referencing his support of the LGBTQ community (despite his recent absence at a press conference to fight the removal of a rainbow crosswalk), labor unions and civil rights.

During his campaign for his first term at the city's helm, he cozied up to Republican donors such as billionaire restaurant mogul Tilman Fertitta, who serves as the ambassador of Italy under the Trump administration.

Whitmire notably won office in Houston's majority-Democrat city without winning a majority of Democratic voters, instead raking in support from Republicans, Independents and more centrist Democrats.

More News

Politics | Latina Democrat enters 2026 Texas governor battle

Gulf Coast | Strange boxes found on Texas beaches carry a toxic secret

History | How a 1973 homicide led Houston to a notorious serial killer

Money | Here's how much you need to live comfortably in Houston



For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here.

This article originally published at John Whitmire advises Democrats to be less vocally opposed to Trump admin.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson defended labeling this weekend's "No Kings" rallies opposing President Donald Trump as "hate America" rallies, arguing that he was not referring to Democrats themselves but the message of the protesters.

"Just on this notion that these are, 'hate America' rallies -- and you not only talked about anarchists, antifa advocates, pro-Hamas wing -- you said this is the modern Democratic Party," ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl asked, referring to comments Johnson made last week. "But I remember not that long ago what you said after the murder of Charlie Kirk when you said that we should view fellow Americans, not as our enemies, but as our fellow countrymen."

"I've never called anybody an enemy, Johnson said, but claimed that "there were a lot of hateful messages" during Saturday's protests.

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Streets filled across the country for 'No Kings' peaceful rallies protesting Trump

"I mean, we have video and photos of pretty violent rhetoric calling out the president, saying fascists must die and all the rest," he added. "So it's not about the people, it's about the message."

ABC News - PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Oct. 19, 2025

Pressed by Karl about Johnson likening anarchists, antifa and Hamas to the modern Democratic Party, Johnson defended his remarks.

"I never said it was the whole Democratic Party, but you and I have to acknowledge the reality," Johnson said before turning his criticism to New York City's Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

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"Look at what's happening in New York. They're about to elect an open socialist Marxist as the mayor of America's largest city. There's a rise of Marxism in the Democratic Party. It's an objective fact, and no one can deny it," he said.

Mamdani has previously stated he is not a "communist," as Trump has called him. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has repeatedly claimed that label.

Johnson also argued the "No Kings" branding of the nationwide protests was ironic.

"If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now. If President Trump was a king, they would not have been able to engage in that free speech exercise out on the (National) Mall," he said.

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Here are more highlights from Johnson's interview:

On not yet swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva

Karl: When are you going to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva?

Johnson: As soon as we get back to legislative session, when Chuck Schumer allows us to turn the lights back on.

Karl: Why haven't you done already?

Johnson: Because this is the way the institution works. I'm following the Pelosi precedent, by the way.

...

Karl: And what about the Johnson precedent? I mean, you swore in two Republicans the day after their election.

Johnson: I'm happy to answer. I'm happy to answer. Pelosi precedent -- Pat Ryan. Joe Sempolinski. They were elected during an August recess. So 21 days later, when the House returned to regular legislative session, they were administered the oath. That's what we're doing. We're not in session right now. Rep. Grijalva was elected after the House was out of session. As soon as we returned the legislative session, as soon as the Democrats decide to turn the lights back on so we can all get back here, I will administer the oath --

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Karl: You could swear in tomorrow, right?

Johnson: No. Not tomorrow. No, we couldn't, we wouldn't. There was an exception for two Floridians earlier in this Congress. But the reason was they were duly elected. They had a date set. They flew in all their friends and family and the House went out of session unexpectedly.

Karl: So if she flies in friends and family --

Johnson: We don't have a date set. She was elected after we were out of session.

George Santos released from prison after sentence commuted by Trump

On former Rep. George Santos' sentence being commuted

Karl: What do you make of that?

Johnson: The president has the right around the Constitution for pardon and --

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Karl: For sure.

Johnson: And commutation, of course. We believe in redemption. This is a personal belief of mine. And I, you know, I hope Mr. Santos makes the most of his second chance.

...

Karl: Is it OK for him to say, essentially, "I'm pardoning someone because they always had the courage -- "

Johnson: That's not the reason.

Karl: "Conviction and intelligence to always vote Republican?"

Johnson: That's one snippet of what he said, among many things about George Santos.

Karl: Should that be a factor in pardoning somebody that they vote Republican -- or clemency?

Johnson: No, and I don't think -- I don't think it was. No, I don't think it was. I just think he's talking about, this individual and his past, and at least he's open and transparent about it. Joe Biden never told us anything. And frankly, we're not even sure he knew who he's pardoning on any one of those things.

How ICE is conducting enforcement operations

Karl: I want to play something for you that (podcast host) Joe Rogan recently said about how this is being undertaken. Take a listen.

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Joe Rogan (host, "The Joe Rogan Experience"): The way it looks is horrific. It looks -- when you're just arresting people in front of their kids and just normal, regular people that have been here for 20 years. That -- everybody who has a heart can't get along with that.

Karl: Do you worry that these ICE raids are going too far, or at least -- or could go too far?

Johnson: I think everybody is aware of the optics, but I do believe in the rule of law. And I believe the American people were alarmed that the, the, the border was wide open for four years, and by many estimates, as many as 20 million illegal aliens get into the country, many of them hardened, dangerous criminals --

Karl: What you're seeing people that have been in the country 20 years or more with that have families. You know, have American citizens as children, as spouses, that are facing, you know, these pretty rough deportations.

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Johnson: Yeah. And no one takes any pleasure in that at all. What ICE has prioritized is the dangerous, hardened criminals first. And there's probably a few million of those, OK? So they've been trying to round them up and send them back home with great success.

Whether he has concerns about military operations in the Caribbean Sea

Karl: Don't you have questions for him (Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth) about what's happening in Venezuela? We have this buildup around Venezuela. We have the, the targeting of these boats. I mean, you must at least have questions. I know we have questions.

Johnson: The targeting of the boats? You have drug cartels bringing in fentanyl and boatloads of it that would kill potentially hundreds of thousands of Americans. What we're doing is restoring --

Karl: You have no questions about how they're doing.

Johnson: No, I believe in peace through strength. I think that the president and the commander-in-chief are in charge of ensuring national security and the safety of the American people. And I think most common-sense Americans look at that and say "Thank goodness."
Photo Credit: (TikTok,X)

The Joy Reid Show host explained the dangers of one of DHSs most recent posts on X.

Journalist and host of The Joy Reid Show, Joy-Ann Reid, is sounding alarm bells over a recent post from the Department of Homeland Securitys social media.

DHS posted a TikTok on its X account of a group of young Black men threatening to hunt down ICE agents in exchange for a bounty. In the caption, the government agency wrote, FAFO. If you threaten or lay hands on our enforcement officers, we will hunt you down and you will find out, really quick. Well see you cowards soon.

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However, the video is AI-generated. And it is stolen from an actual TikTok user who never threatened ICE.

The Trump administration is no stranger to using AI content. Just yesterday, President Donald Trump himself posted an AI-generated video of him flying a fighter jet and dropping feces on No Kings protestors. But this post was taken from an actual TikTok user who was making a video on an entirely different topic.

Reid posted an explanation on her TikTok of what makes this DHS video especially harmful.

They essentially used this mans video to create a fake threat against ICE from young Black men, Reid said. Theyve weaponized antiblackness; theyve weaponized a lie that these federal agents are being threatened and that theres a bounty on their heads. And theyre using antiblackness in order to create this fake sense of threat.

The original post from the TikTok user, @mr.floridajhit, is from June. And the caption is directed at the country of Iran. The video posted by DHS is also re-edited with different music.

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You seen what WE can do, dont say something that you cant finish Iran, the caption of the original TikTok reads. WE all ready, United WE all stand. WE want all the smoke.

In a new post on his own page addressing the DHS AI video, the TikToker said his original video was not meant to be taken seriously.

Iran, that was not to be a threat, he said. That was literally a joke.

The exposure has already put the original poster in danger. You can see people writing comments about DHS on his other recent videos.

I get threats daily on IG and everywhere all over my social media all of a sudden, he said.

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He also confirmed in his comments that he is looking for a lawyer to potentially bring a case against the department.

Reid points out that the irony of the DHS post is that ICE agents have been seen and documented terrorizing people in highly publicized raids over the last months due to President Trumps federal police takeovers. Scenes of children being zip-tied and separated from their families, people being disappeared off the streets, and American citizens being detained by ICE have been captured and reposted all over the internet. DHS often posts the videos on its social media pages.

These people are out of control, and yet, they want you to believe that the real threat is young Black men who are threatening ICE agents  something theyve invented  by stealing this young mans content, Reid said. If your government can steal your content in order to weaponize a falsity against Americans, threatening their lives, what else could they do using your social media?

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Oct. 18Joyce Godwin Joyce Godwin didn't hesitate to take on whatever challenge God set before her, and her strategy was hard work, planning and people. The only child of Bradley H. Killian and Viola E. Killian, she was born in Washington DC in 1943. She began working at age seven to help support the family by selling greeting cards door to door. In 1952, the Killians moved to Miami, Florida and at age thirteen Joyce obtained a waiver allowing her to be employed at the local veterans' hospital doing clerical work. Throughout her teen years, she spent summers working days at the hospital and various other jobs at night, so that during the school year she would only need to have one job. By carefully saving her earnings, she was able to pay for tuition and expenses at Florida State University (FSU) and become the first in her family to graduate from either high school or college. She enrolled at FSU in 1961, where she earned a bachelor's degree in government and was elected the first female vice president of the student body. During this time, FSU admitted its first black student and Joyce befriended him and helped him make connections setting a pattern for a lifetime of helping those around her and connecting them with others who would encourage them. After college, she went on to earn a master's degree in political science and public administration at The George Washington University in Washington DC. It was there she met a medical student, Earl Godwin, and they became engaged in 1966 at the top of the Washington Memorial. Married in 1967, they moved first to California and then to Corpus Christi, TX, where Earl served as a Navy doctor. In 1973, both Earl and Joyce began working at Presbyterian Healthcare Services in Albuquerque, NM, Earl as an anesthesiologist and Joyce starting as the Director of Education. In the course of interviewing staff members about the educational needs of employees, Joyce met Marion Kellogg Van Devanter, or "Mrs. Van" as she was known to employees. Joyce had heard of her reputation as 'the heart and soul of the health system.' "You're the one I've been waiting for," were Mrs. Van's first words when Joyce visited her at her little house near the Presbyterian campus. At that time, Joyce was still early in her own spiritual development, but was drawn to the older woman who would become a dear friend and mentor. About this time, Joyce and Earl also joined Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and grew in their understanding of the Christian faith and the Bible, while making lifelong friends. Larry Moss, the pastor at that time, taught in a way that challenged them to think logically about the knottier issues of faith. Over the next twenty years, Joyce rose in the ranks at Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and also grew in reputation and service to the community. At Presbyterian, she worked her way up to the role of Chief Administrative Officer, all while quietly mentoring employees, board members and peers throughout the organization. In Albuquerque, she was the first woman ever to chair the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the first to lead the community-wide United Way Campaign. She was thrust into a difficult position when asked to serve on the board of the Public Service Company of NM. A special litigation committee had been charged with investigating the other members of the board. As someone who had not been involved in the actions under scrutiny, Joyce was the only board member and only woman to serve on that committee. She leaned on scripture to help her navigate the difficult decisions to be made and called on friends to pray for her strength and courage. National organizations took note of her expertise and grace under fire, and during her career she chaired the boards of Air Serv International, Mission Aviation Fellowship, International Students, Inc, and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), as well as serving on the boards for World Vision US, World Vision International, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. At one time she served on nine boards simultaneously. Though it wasn't what she had set out to do, she broke gender barriers and inspired other women to step out in leadership roles. "These organizations weren't looking for a woman," she said, "but rather someone with wisdom and expertise. That's what I aspired to be." To the consternation of her colleagues, but with Earl's full support, Joyce decided to retire from Presbyterian Healthcare Services in 1993 at the height of her career. This decision allowed her to travel more and become even more active with the mission organizations she helped to lead. Over the course of their lives, she and Earl traveled to over eighty-three countries on every continent, including Antarctica, often combining mission service and vacation. Those who knew her, knew she and Earl loved animals and many of their vacations centered around wildlife adventure travel. Joyce climbed Kilimanjaro and the Mexican volcanos. At home, they cared for turtles, salamanders, stray cats and their beloved rosy boas and boa constrictors. All her life, Joyce poured herself into other people's lives, giving her time, her wisdom and guidance, and her money. When asked what her primary calling from God was, she responded, "mentoring and encouraging people." She believed in providing opportunities for those who didn't have the resources and helped many individuals with tuition, travel expenses, living expenses, whatever was needed. When she learned of the diagnosis that would end her life, Joyce couldn't help but react in the way God had designed her: clear-eyed and trusting Him, she planned and she gave to others. Like previous challenges in her life, she faced this one with matter-of-fact determination and humor. Asked to provide a summary of herself, she once wrote, "a lover of dogs, flowers, friends, elephants, reptiles, giraffes, Earl and the Lord." A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111-1107. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision (worldvision.org) or CURE, International (cure.org). To view Joyce's online guestbook and streaming link for her service please visit www.frenchfunerals.com.
A huge silverback mountain gorilla weighing over 200kg (441lbs). Looking at it eye-to-eye, you simply can't deny we're related. Mgahinga National Park, Uganda. Canon EOS 5D IV + Canon 1635mm F2.8 | F2.8 | 1/200 sec. | ISO 6400Photo: Erez Marom

I've been passionate about primates ever since I started shooting wildlife. I think it's mainly because of how similar they are to us humans  and so different at the same time. If you've ever looked a gorilla in the eye, I'm sure you'd agree.

Primates are very diverse: from the pygmy mouse lemur weighing 30g (1oz) to gorillas weighing over 200kg (441lbs). From solitary male orangutans patrolling their jungle territories to 800-strong Gelada baboon troops. And from the millions of extremely adaptable Rhesus macaques to some extremely rare, critically endangered primates, which are the subject of this article.

A tiny mouse lemur, one of the smallest primates on Earth. Kirindy, Madagascar. Canon EOS R7 + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 | F7.1 | 1/500 sec. | ISO 1600

The Gelada baboons have the largest groups among all primates (excluding humans)  up to 800 strong. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Canon EOS 5D IV + Canon 70300mm F45.6 | F5.6 | 1/2000 sec. | ISO 400 Photos: Erez Marom

Vietnam is home to some of the rarest primate species in the world. Primates whose habitats have been quietly destroyed by human expansion and whose numbers have been ravaged by hunting have, in recent decades, finally gotten formal government protection programs, and are slowly making a comeback from the brink of extinction.

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Some species, such as the Cat Ba langur, had fewer than 50 individuals in the year 2000, which makes scientists doubtful whether they could ever form a viable population again. Cat Ba langurs currently number around 91 (mid-2025 estimate), which is an improvement but still not even close to anything resembling a healthy population.

Cat Ba langurs have astounding parkour abilities, which they use to traverse their near-vertical rocky home in Cat Ba Island. Seeing them jump is a fantastic experience. Note how I put an emphasis on showing the animal in its natural environment, partly because this environment is so unique and challenging. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F6.3 | 1/640 sec. | ISO 3200

Great care is needed to avoid falling. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F6.3 | 1/250 sec. | ISO 800

Like all langur species, Cat Ba langurs are highly social. They hug each other when meeting and keep in tight-knit family groups. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F6.3 | 1/1600 sec. | ISO 1600 Photos: Erez Marom

My love for primates, together with Vietnam's amazing biodiversity, has made me visit the country several times in the last decade for primate photography. My first love was perhaps the most easily-loved primate in Vietnam: the red-shanked douc, a species many would crown the most beautiful primate in the world. With its seven-colored body and sometimes comical behavior, one can easily understand why it's considered a national treasure.

Yes, this is a real animal, not a muppet. Son Tra Peninsula, Central Vietnam. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F8 | 1/400 sec. | ISO 640

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The doucs often hang out close to their favorite foods, such as this fig tree. Son Tra Peninsula, Central Vietnam. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F5.6 | 1/400 sec. | ISO 1600

Doucs are a type of langur and are thus arboreal. They possess the ability to jump very long distances between tree branches. Son Tra Peninsula, Central Vietnam. Canon EOS R5 II + Canon RF 100500mm F4.57.1 | F8 | 1/1600 sec. | ISO 3200

Chomp chomp! Son Tra Peninsula, Central Vietnam. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F8 | 1/400 sec. | ISO 640 Photos: Erez Marom

Then came other species. I especially enjoyed shooting the yellow-cheeked gibbons in the south of Vietnam, and the Delacour's langur and aforementioned Cat Ba langurs, close to Hanoi in the north. After shooting the species on my own, I guided a primate photography workshop earlier this year, which is where the real story begins.

The workshop was fun and productive. With wildlife, it's very common that you get better results with some species and worse with others, and luckily, I got better results with the species I didn't have great shots of, and lesser results with the species I already have good shots of in my portfolio.

The yellow-cheeked gibbons really played along this time. Gibbons are notoriously hard to shoot since they dwell high up in the trees, but this time we were fortunate to have them enveloped in beautiful foliage and huddled together in larger groups, which naturally made for nicer images. I intentionally overexposed some of the images to create a high-key look. Something about the very bright foliage encompasses the beauty of Asia in my eyes.

Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F10 | 1/250 sec. | ISO 3200

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Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 | F7.1 | 1/320 sec. | ISO 800

Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 | F7.1 | 1/320 sec. | ISO 800

Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 | F7.1 | 1/320 sec. | ISO 800 Photos: Erez Marom

We then flew all the way up to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, and drove to Van Long National Park to shoot the elusive Delacour's langur. With only several hundred individuals left in the entire species, this langur is extremely endangered and thus highly monitored and protected. It's also notoriously shy and skittish, making it tough to photograph. But miraculously, we got some (relatively) close-up action, and got to photograph the langur parkouring in its sharp, rocky habitat.

By the way, this langur has the longest tail of any langur species, pretty amazing. Oh, and how about those fancy pants?

A beautiful Delacour's langur perched high up on he cliffs of Van Long. Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F9 | 1/400 sec. | ISO 3200

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Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F9 | 1/320 sec. | ISO 3200

Delacour's langur babies are surprisingly colored bright orange. As they grow, they gradually lose this coloration in favor of the monochrome-fancypants characterizing adults. Canon EOS 5D IV + Sigma 150600mm F56.3 | F6.3 | 1/500 sec. | ISO 800 Photos: Erez Marom

Upon finishing the workshop, I said goodbye to the group and welcomed a friend who came for the experience that was about to follow. Ever since I shot my first Vietnamese primates, I was drawn to one very special species that eluded me again and again due to random constraints and problems. This time, I finally got the opportunity and did a week's trek to Khau Ca, a national park hidden deep in the forests of northern Vietnam, to shoot the ultra-rare Tonkin snub-nosed monkey.

One of only five snub-nosed monkey species in the world, the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is the rarest and most definitely the hardest to see and photograph. It has black and white fur, a pink nose and lips, and blue patches around the eyes. It is found at elevations from 200 to 1,200 meters (700 to 3,900 feet) on fragmentary patches of forest on craggy limestone areas, which is one of the reasons it's so hard to find.

"The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is the rarest and most definitely the hardest to see and photograph."

First described in 1912, the monkey was rediscovered in 1989. In 2008, fewer than 250 individuals were thought to exist. The species is the subject of very intense conservation efforts by Vietnamese authorities and international groups such as Fauna & Flora International, which has been focused on making an impact on the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey population, and has been working with local communities to spread awareness about the species and monitor its habitat.

Tucked away deep in the jungle and as shy as they come, this species requires a special photography permit and a very uncomfortable trek to be able to shoot it. Getting to base camp was a 2.5-hour climb, and from there it was the beginning of a week-long routine. Every day we hiked in a very challenging forest environment to a starting point from which we'd wait for word from the trackers, and if they got sight of the monkey, the real hiking would begin.

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Balancing on sharp rocks and on fallen tree trunks, this hike was no picnic, especially if you're not too quick or agile, like me. Add to that the fact that the camp offered absolutely zero comfort (I'm talking no chairs, no tables, sleep on the floor type of camp), and we end up with the hardest trekking I've done in decades.

But then, while hiking for the fourth time, I noticed an increasing sense of excitement from our team. My guide triumphantly declared that they had sight of the monkeys. We started hiking again, climbing on steep rocks while trying to ignore the dangers, as our team jumped on the rocks like they were trampolines in an amusement park. With their kind help, I finally got to a viewpoint from where the group of monkeys could be seen.

A small group of 20-30 individuals, including adults, juveniles and tiny babies, emerged and began interacting and jumping between the trees. They were far away, and getting any closer to them would be far beyond my climbing and balancing abilities. I had to use the farthest telephoto setting I had: the Canon 100-500mm plus a 1.4x teleconverter.

Over about half an hour or so, I managed to get several family shots, a few nice action shots, some with multiple monkeys, mothers carrying babies and even an alpha male threatening us by exposing his teeth.

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The shooting was extremely hard as I had to balance myself on sharp rocks throughout its duration. If I fell, the best result would be a broken leg, but the team took incredible care of me and kept me safe when jumping between the steep ledges. This was an adventure I will not be repeating anytime soon!

Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F10 | 1/640 sec. | ISO 800

Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys have incredible eyesight. While I found it hard even to spot them without my telephoto, they were fully aware of our presence and made sure we knew that they knew. Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F10 | 1/1250 sec. | ISO 1600

Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys have very furry tails in the colder season, which can be seen in this shot. Unfortunately, the background was not as good as I'd hoped, and going higher to get a better background was impossible due to the rough terrain. Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F10 | 1/1250 sec. | ISO 1600

One of the very last shots I took, when the group was racing to its next destination. Much better background here. Canon EOS R5 II + Canon 100500mm F4.57.1 + 1.4 TC | F10 | 1/640 sec. | ISO 1600 Photos: Erez Marom

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If you're very adventurous and have a good sense of balance, I recommend this experience. Shooting the Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys makes you part of a very exclusive club, as very few people venture there. That said, I must admit that there are trips that offer far better result/effort ratios: all of the other species mentioned above are far easier to get to and to shoot, and I highly recommend visiting Vietnam and witnessing their beauty for yourself.

Erez Marom is a professional nature photographer, guide and traveller. You can follow Erez's work on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to his mailing list for updates.

Erez has recently published his first e-book, "Solving the Puzzle", thoroughly explaining his views about composition in landscape photography and beyond.

If you'd like to experience and shoot some of the world's most fascinating landscapes and wildlife with Erez as your guide, take a look at his unique photography workshops in Zambia, Greenland, Ethiopia, Colombia, Vietnam, Madagascar and more.

Selected Articles by Erez Marom:
Both static and dynamic charging methods are under development, with government initiatives like the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and federal tax credits further accelerating the deployment and adoption of wireless EV charging infrastructure.

The global market for wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging is progressing towards widespread commercial adoption, supported by international standards, significant performance enhancements, and substantial government funding.

Wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs) is quickly becoming a serious commercial option, backed by global safety standards, proven technology, and major funding from governments.

This "park and charge" technology is now an official part of the growing EV market, aiming to make owning an electric car much simpler for consumers.

The core idea is simple: charge a car just by parking it over a special pad. Industry experts view this hands-free approach as a key way to boost EV adoption because it solves the hassle of plugging in cables. A study showed that giving consumers a wireless charging option could increase the chance of them buying an EV by 40 percent.

Standardization and Technology Drive Adoption

A crucial step toward market acceptance was the creation of a universal standard. SAE International J2954 is the global guideline that ensures different brands of vehicles and charging pads can work together smoothly. This standard sets power levels for passenger cars at 3.7 kW, 7.7 kW, and 11 kW, with charging efficiency reaching up to 93 percent, which is comparable to plug-in chargers.

The standard also includes a special tool called the Differential Inductive Positioning System. This system helps vehicles automatically line up perfectly over the charging pad, even in bad weather. This is especially important for the future of self-driving (autonomous) EVs that will need to charge themselves without any human help. SAE is already working on a future standard, J2954/2, to handle much higher power levels, up to 500 kW, for larger, heavy-duty vehicles.

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Performance tests confirm the technology is ready for real-world use. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) recently developed a static system that delivered 100 kW of power to an EV with 96 percent efficiency. This level of power can add a 50 percent charge in just 20 minutes, demonstrating that wireless charging can match or exceed the speed of many traditional chargers.

Static and Dynamic Charging

The electric car technology is splitting into two main applications:

Static Charging: This is the most developed form, where an EV charges while parked. It is the focus of the SAE J2954 standard and is best suited for homes, public parking spots, and commercial depots.

Dynamic Charging: This revolutionary method involves putting charging coils directly into roadways to charge vehicles while they are driving. Projects around the world are testing this, including a quarter-mile electric road in Detroit, Michigan, using technology from Electreon. The project successfully charged a Ford E-Transit van while it was moving. Similarly, Italy's "Arena of the Future" project is testing this process for vehicles made by companies like Stellantis and IVECO. Dynamic charging aims to eliminate the stress of "range anxiety" and could lead to smaller, lighter, and cheaper EV batteries.

Key Players and Government Support

The industry involves a mix of specialized tech companies and major automakers. Key companies that provide the underlying technology include WiTricity, which was spun out of MIT and provides foundational technology for the SAE standard, along with InductEV, Electreon, and HEVO Inc. Large global corporations like Samsung, Qualcomm, Toyota, and BYD are also heavily involved, working to secure their place in the market through intellectual property and patents.

Related: Why Gold Continues to Shine Brighter Than Stocks

Government funding is a major driver of market growth.

In the United States, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law set aside a total of $7.5 billion for EV charging infrastructure. This includes $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

While the cost of setting up wireless charging systems is still higher than for typical plug-in chargers, the promise of convenience and automation is a strong selling point. As more companies adopt the universal standard and the manufacturing process becomes more efficient, experts predict that costs will drop after two thousand twenty-five.

The usefulness of the technology extends beyond passenger cars. For commercial fleetssuch as electric delivery vans and public transit buseswireless charging allows vehicles to charge automatically and continuously, reducing labor costs and minimizing downtime. This broad range of applications suggests that wireless charging is on track to become a standard feature in the electric transportation sector.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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A juvenile male was shot in the upper leg inside an apartment at the Regency Oaks apartments on Monarch Circle in Casselberry on Sunday, according to the Casselberry Police Department.

The eight-year-old boy was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children following the incident, according to the victims family.

CPD confirmed that the shooting was neither accidental nor related to domestic violence, the shooting remains under investigation.

Channel 9 has sent a crew to the apartment for the latest.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA. (KLFY)  A shooting investigation is underway near the 100 block of Spanish Place and 200 block of German Lane in Lafayette Parish earlier today, officials said.

According to officials, the incident began in the 100 block of Spanish Place involving a group of juveniles in an altercation. During the interaction, one of the juveniles allegedly pulled out a firearm and started firing towards the people in the group. As people were allegedly fleeing the scene throughout the neighborhood, the juveniles with the firearm misfired and shot a residence located on the 200 block of German Lane.

Deputies said no injuries were reported and no one has been detained.

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This investigation remains ongoing. We will update as more details are released.

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LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP)  Longmeadow Police K-9 Reuben helped to locate and capture a break-in suspect early Sunday morning.

The Longmeadow Police Department stated that at approximately 2:40 a.m. on Sunday, officers were called to the area of Pinewood Drive regarding a man breaking into a residence. Investigation revealed that the suspect reportedly broke into a vehicle, used the garage door opener inside the car to open the garage, and entered the residence, triggering an alarm.

Car crashes into house on Worthington Street in Springfield

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When the alarm was sounded inside the home, the suspect began to run away on foot. K-9 Reuben was deployed approximately 25 minutes after the man was seen by police running toward Pinewood Hills.

Courtesy of the Longmeadow Police Department.

K-9 Reuben was able to track the suspect and locate him in a backyard, where he was arrested by officers. Longmeadow Police said that the suspect later told the officers that he surrendered due to the police dogs presence.

The East Longmeadow Police Department provided assistance during this arrest.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and healthcare professionals in Oregon and Southwest Washington are now back at work after their five-day strike ended Sunday morning.

The nurses, laboratory professionals, and other employees  such as cancer counselors, physical therapists, and mental health therapists  originally began the nationally-coordinated strike Tuesday, after asking Kaiser for safer staffing levels, fair wages, as well as a contract that outlines their workload.

According to the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP), nearly 4,000 of their members had contracts end on Sept. 30. Meanwhile, several months of bargaining have led to a stalemate.

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Oregonians could see further SNAP cuts as government shutdown continues

The strike in the Pacific Northwest came as thousands of other Kaiser healthcare workers also went on strike in California and Hawaii. These unions are all connected through the Alliance of Health Care Unions, which represents 23 local unions throughout the country.

During the strike, Kaiser onboarded contract nurses, clinicians, and other staff to keep those locations. They also reassigned a thousand employees from other locations.

According to the healthcare provider, they have agreed to resume bargaining with OFNHP on Oct. 22, with a primary focus on wages.

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At a time when the cost of health care continues to go up steeply, and millions of Americans are having to make the difficult choice to go without coverage, its critical that we keep quality, accessible health care coverage affordable  while attracting and retaining top talent and keeping Kaiser Permanente a great place to work and receive care. Our offer does all this, Kaiser said in a statement.

Portland No Kings marchers display unified front

Sarina Roher, president of OFNHP, also released a statement, noting this will be a continuation of the fight for fairness.

The strike may be over, but our fight for our patients and for fairness in healthcare is far from finished. What this strike proved was the incredible unity and courage of Kaiser healthcare workers, standing together with our community, other labor unions and our elected officials.

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Kaiser needs to come back to the table this week, ready to truly listen to the people who deliver the care. Our members clinical expertise is essential to safe, high-quality care, and they deserve to have a real voice in how that care is provided.

Kaiser cannot fix its staffing and access crisis without competitive wages that retain and recruit the skilled professionals our patients depend on. Without that, wait times grow longer, outcomes worsen and the quality of care will suffer.

Its time for Kaiser to work with us, not against us, to meet this moment with the respect, fairness and real partnership that Oregon and Southwestern Washington patients and healthcare workers deserve.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Kan.  A Kansas man is facing an attempted murder charge, along with several other criminal offenses, according to court documents.

According to court documents, on August 18, 2025, Garrette Baker approached a home with a handgun and attempted to kill another individual.

Garrette Baker

Baker is charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder, a felony punishable by 147 to 653 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $300,000.

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According to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office inmate roster, Baker also faces charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, driving while his license was canceled, suspended or revoked, and multiple counts of contempt of court.

Court records show that between May 30 and June 2, Baker allegedly possessed a 16-foot trailer unlawfully and intentionally, leading to an arrest warrant issued Aug. 22. On Aug. 14, he reportedly tried to elude law enforcement and was charged with driving while suspended, a misdemeanor.

Prior to his most recent arrest, Baker had been out on bail for drug charges filed in 2024.

His next court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2025.

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Theres an unanswerable question behind all the discourse about the rapidly decaying condition of American democracy: Did we ever have it in the first place?

I dont want to come off like a world-weary leftist lecturing the sheeple about how AmeriKKKa has always been a fascist nation and theres nothing special or unusual about 2025. Thats unfair to the evident trauma of lived experience here and now, and it also isnt true: Our society has been radically destabilized by the all-out assault on civil rights, the rule of law and basic human decency during the first year of the second Trump presidency.

The danger to civil society, to the constitutional order and to millions of people in America (citizens and otherwise) is all too real. If that danger hasnt yet personally hit home for many of the people reading this, I think most of us now understand that it will. Members of Salons editorial team have recently been speaking to mental health professionals across the country, for a project unrelated to this column. Every single one of them has reported dramatically elevated levels of stress and anxiety among their clients. One psychiatrist with decades of clinical experience told me that the immediate aftermath of 9/11 was the only parallel he could recall.

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But if our current national emergency feels unprecedented to most Americans  and deeply shocking to the educated coastal classes  that doesnt mean it came out of nowhere and has no history. If we can push past the collective ideological delusion of American exceptionalism, we can start to see the Trump 2.0 crisis as a kind of bridal costume for American fascism: at once something old, something new and something borrowed. (Im not sure about something blue, other than our 79-year-old presidents fingers in cold weather.) It isnt an alien invasion or a rerun of the Weimar Republic, and it wasnt caused by one individual, no matter how much he brags about it. More than anything else, its the resurgence of deeply American tendencies that were never far under the surface.

Lets consider the FBI, under the manifestly incompetent leadership of current director Kash Patel, whose perennially startled demeanor gives actual deer caught in actual headlights a bad name. Its a telling symptom of our preposterous national predicament that the co-author of not one but three childrens books that literally depict Donald Trump as a king was deemed, by a majority vote of the U.S. Senate, to be qualified for that job. But that doesnt mean we should lie to ourselves about the FBIs mission and history, or pretend that Patel has desecrated a noble, principled and independent institution. If anything, hes returning the FBI to its roots as Americas secret police, bound by no laws, no rules and no ethics. Arguably we should be grateful for the reminder.

Dont get me wrong: J. Edgar Hoover, the FBIs legendary founding director, would view Patel as a contemptible weakling. But not because the current director is purging suspected disloyal woke leftists from the agency  a cause Hoover personally embraced, although using different terminology  or because he is leading a widespread crackdown on dissent, freedom of expression and perceived foreign influence that has frequently been described as a second (or, more accurately, third) Red Scare.

Nope, Hoover would love all that. In nearly 50 years of unequaled power in Washington, Hoover nurtured the FBI  originally the Bureau of Investigation  from its infancy as a glorified World War I-era filing system into an enormous surveillance and intelligence bureaucracy whose explicit purpose was to crush any and all forms of radical dissent and enforce ideological conformity. Mainstream journalists and political figures typically describe the FBI as the federal governments law enforcement agency, but most of them, perhaps all of them, know better. Even a cursory glance at the FBIs actual history exposes that as another ideological fiction  a subset of the one about how unique or indispensable the United States is.

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Over the decades between Hoovers death in 1972 and Patels appointment this year, a propaganda narrative has taken hold about the FBI. It first required forgetting or ignoring the widespread lawlessness and state terror of Hoovers regime, which was directed almost exclusively at left-wing dissidents with perceived foreign connections  socialists, anarchists and labor organizers in the early years, and then Black (and white) civil rights activists, student radicals, Latino and Indigenous movements and so on  and then required accepting on faith that the agency had been reformed and depoliticized, and was now a professional and essentially neutral federal police force, even though nearly everything about its budget and operations remained a state secret.

To be fair, there are strands of plausibility in that narrative, as is generally true of effective propaganda. After Hoovers death and the exposure of the illegal domestic spy program known as COINTELPRO, there were undeniably some internal reforms at the FBI. Agency leaders began to focus considerable energy on organized crime  which Hoover had mostly ignored or tolerated  from the mid-70s onward, and were reluctantly compelled to acknowledge the rising threat of white nationalist and anti-government terrorism after Waco, Ruby Ridge and the Oklahoma City bombing in 1994.

Most living Americans either remember that period, which can best be described as a brief interruption in the FBIs overall trajectory, or the agencys reinvigorated sense of mission after 9/11, when it refocused on defending the homeland against the numinous but not entirely imaginary threat of Islamic terrorism. Hoover-style service resumed, in other words, with a new target even more universally reviled than Red infiltrators. We may never know how many innocent people were swept up in the systematic persecution of Muslims during the Bush-Obama years, or how many of the alleged terrorist plots thwarted by domestic spycraft were genuinely dangerous.

We do know, however, that new technologies and networks for electronic surveillance were developed and imposed on a previously unimaginable scale, and that despite the protests of whistleblowers and a handful of civil-liberties nerds, most Americans didnt notice or didnt care, as long as Muslims didnt blow up the mall. We also know that the FBI director from 2001 to 2013, exactly the years when the invisible powers and unknowable extent of the surveillance state were most dramatically expanded, was a man named Robert Mueller.

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Nothing testifies to the success of the FBIs propaganda narrative more eloquently than the way that Mueller, cloaked in Ivy League drag and the deepest secrets of the war on terror, was celebrated by right-thinking liberals as the hashtag-resistance dreamboat who would save America from Donald Trump. And given that context, nothing should be less surprising than the artful obscurantism of Muellers report on Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, which appeared to conclude that regrettable things had happened but somebody else would have to do something about them.

That brings us almost all the way to Kash Patel, who, as I suggested earlier, is dragging the FBI into an elaborate Hoover cosplay exercise, with worse wardrobe choices, no finesse and aggressively stupid social media posts. If Hoover could get past his racist horror and outrage at seeing a brown-skinned son of Hindu immigrants in his former job  and he definitely couldnt  he might just about be able to recognize Patel as a kindred spirit, or at least as a failed tribute act.

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As Yale historian Beverly Gage explores in G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century, her Pulitzer-winning 2023 biography, Hoover embodied two apparently contradictory strains of right-wing ideology: a mistrust of big government  or at least of government social programs  as de facto socialism, and an embrace of coercive state power on a grand scale. If anything, he was ahead of his time. That particular combo, I think we can agree, is the secret sauce in the multilayered burger of the Trump 2.0 regime. For the so-called national conservatives who see Trump as the Red Caesar who will launch a new epoch of American history, that supposed contradiction was always weak-willed RINO thinking and has now been transcended, as in an upside-down version of the Marxist dialectic.

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Hoover felt no need to subvert the constitutional order; he simply ignored it. He was the deepest of deep-state creatures, building and hoarding that coercive state power for himself and deploying it for his own purposes. He didnt trust any of the eight presidents he served, from Calvin Coolidge through Richard Nixon, and certainly didnt view them as kings. Presidents came and went while Hoover sat in FBI headquarters like an all-seeing toad. To his taste, they were all fatally compromised by politics, overly willing to forge compromises with labor unions, Negro agitators, student radicals and other Communistic forces. (At least four of those presidents considered firing him, but none of them tried it, perhaps because of the exhaustive dossiers he had compiled on their private lives and financial dealings.)

Hoover would see Patel, correctly enough, as a buffoon and a patsy who was bending the FBIs awesome machinery to the service of a mercurial presidents incoherent personal agenda. He would lament Patels lack of vision and ambition; Trump will die or leave office in the not-too-distant future, and Kashs career ends there. But Hoover would be delighted to see Patel pushing the FBI back to its original mission: relentlessly persecuting people with funny names, foreign connections and undesirable opinions, and intimidating their domestic sympathizers into silence. Thats the FBIs basic DNA, and the rest of us shouldnt forget that again.

The post Kash Patel hasnt ruined the FBI  hes only revealed its true nature appeared first on Salon.com.
Kennywood fans tested their gross-out tolerance on Saturday during a unique eating competition.

Officials say Darren Partatuzi of Pittsburgh was the winner of Kennywoods first-ever Pantom Scorpion Showdown.

Five contestants tried to be the first to eat a serving of Kennywoods Potato Patch fries topped with cheese and a whole dried scorpion.

Partatuzi downed the scorpion to take home the prize: two 2025 gold season passes and a prize pack.

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For their effort, every participant got two passes that let them skip the line at Phantom Fall Fests haunts.

Darren Partatuzi, center, competes in the Phantom's Scorpion Showdown on Saturday.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A missing juvenile out of Hancock County has been found safe.

Officials say Kiley E. Tindle, 14, was reported missing on Friday in Hawesville, Kentucky. Officials now say she has been safely located.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Kenyans have bid a final farewell to esteemed opposition leader Raila Odinga, days after several people were killed as mourners gathered to pay their respects in the capital Nairobi.

Odinga, a pro-democracy champion who also served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013, was buried on Sunday at his familys homestead in western Kenyas Bondo.

The Anglican service and burial took place without major incident after an outpouring of national grief this week, in which at least five people were killed and hundreds injured when surging crowds eager for a glimpse of his body overwhelmed authorities.

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Now finally Baba is home, said his son and namesake, Raila junior, using the Swahili word for father. The casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, stood under a marquee. Military officers saluted as the coffin was lowered into the ground and trumpets played the Last Post.

The private burial followed a funeral mass earlier in the day at a nearby university.

Thousands of Kenyans and dignitaries from across Africa attended the final interment of a man described as a selfless pan-Africanist.

Among those in attendance were Kenyas President William Ruto, who gave remarks describing Odinga as a unifier, Kenyas former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigerias former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Kenyan President William Ruto walks with Raila Odingas brother, Oburu Odinga, on the day of Raila Odingas funeral mass, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo [Monicah Mwangi/Reuters]

Raila was not just a Kenyan dignitary and loved by Kenyans; he was also very respected across the continent and even beyond, said Al Jazeeras correspondent Catherine Soi from the ceremony in Bondo.

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People here want to honour him for all the sacrifices he made in this country.

Tumultuous memorial events

Odinga, 80, died from a suspected heart attack at a health clinic in southern India on Wednesday. His body was received by thousands of mourners in Nairobi on Thursday.

Four public viewing events have been held in the past three days, attracting thousands of mourners and leaving five people dead and hundreds injured during stampedes.

Al Jazeeras Soi reported that there was also a bit of a fracas leading up to Sundays burial as people tried to surge towards the site, though security personnel quickly contained the crowd.

Security personnel control the crowd as mourners gather to attend a funeral mass for Raila Odinga, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology [Thomas Mukoya/Reuters]

Affectionately known as Baba, Odinga was arguably the most important political figure of his generation in Kenya.

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Though mainly known as an opposition figure, he became prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with former president Kenyatta in 2018, and with President Ruto last year in a career of shifting alliances.

Although he never succeeded in winning the presidency despite five attempts, he played a central role in returning the country to multi-party democracy in the 1990s and is credited as the main force behind a widely praised constitution passed in 2010.

Ruto said on Friday that Odinga helped him steady the country after a political pact signed in March this year, following months of anti-government protests that saw young Kenyans storm and burn some Parliament of Kenya buildings.

Former African Union Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha said Odingas influence was continental.

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I see him as one of those who fought for the second liberation, he said, adding that some African countries are still struggling for democracy.

Odingas death leaves a leadership vacuum in the opposition, with no obvious successor as Kenya heads into a potentially volatile election in 2027.




President Donald Trump acknowledged the No Kings protests organized against him on Saturday by sharing a thoroughly bizarre AI-generated video of himself.

In the video, posted to Truth Social on Saturday evening, Trumpwearing a crowncan be seen flying a plane that has KING TRUMP emblazoned on the side.

Truth Social

As Kenny Loggins 1986 hit Danger Zone from Top Gun plays, King Trump flies over New York City and unloads several tons of mysterious brown sludge on protesters.

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The first person struck by the sludge is 23-year-old liberal influencer Harry Sisson, who has become the target of MAGA ire for his criticisms of the president.

Many of Trumps supporters have spent several days calling for Sissonwho was born in Singapore but is an American citizento be deported.

In addition to the AI video of himself, Trump posted nine other videos in quick succession, including a fan edit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, footage of National Guard troops in Memphis, and a video originally posted by Vice President JD Vance that shows Trump with a crown and sword.

Trump is no stranger to sharing AI-generated videos of himself, having taken to posting such content as AI videos recapping his entire life, and AI videos of himself performing Dont Stop Believing in front of a massive crowd.

Vice President JD Vance joins BlueSky pic.twitter.com/g0Hxp98mf5  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 18, 2025

The president has also grown fond of using AI-generated videos to send political messages, drawing criticism after posting an AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, in which Jeffries is wearing a sombrero and sporting a mustache.

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Earlier this month, the president posted an AI-generated music video set to Blue Oyster Cults (Dont Fear) The Reaper that featured Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought as the titular reaper.

The president has largely avoided responding to Saturdays protests, which drew an estimated 7 million attendees in more than 2,500 locations around the world, opting to spend the weekend at Mar-a-Lago instead of in Washington, D.C.

In a Friday interview with Fox News, however, Trump did say of the protesters, They say theyre referring to me as a king. Im not a king. The president has previously referred to himself as a king and shared images of himself made to look like a monarch, of which Saturdays Top Gun video is just the most recent example.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after a week of deadly clashes along their border, as the ties between the two South Asian neighbours plunged to their lowest point since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Both countries agreed to stop fighting and work towards lasting peace and stability after peace talks in Doha, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday, about the deal it mediated alongside Turkiye.

Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the worst bout of violence in recent years. The violence erupted on October 11 at multiple fronts along their 2,600km (1,600-mile) border, after Islamabad allegedly carried out strikes in Kabul and the southeastern province of Paktika against what it said were armed groups linked to attacks inside Pakistan.

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So, what do we know about the truce agreement and what might come next?





What do we know about the ceasefire?

After a round of negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Qatari capital, Doha, the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries, Qatars Foreign Ministry announced in a statement.

The two parties also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, thus contributing to achieving security and stability in both countries, the statement added.

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Following the Qatari ministrys statement, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif posted confirmation of the deal on X.

Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately, Asif wrote. Both countries will respect each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Asif further confirmed a follow-up meeting between the delegations is scheduled to take place in the Turkish city of Istanbul on October 25 to discuss the matters in detail.

Residents remove debris from a house damaged by drone attacks, in Kabul, Afghanistan, October 16, 2025 [Siddiqullah Alizai/AP Photo]

Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the truce was the first step in the right direction.

We look forward to the establishment of a concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism, in the next meeting to be hosted by Turkiye, to address the menace of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil towards Pakistan. It is important to put all efforts in place to prevent any further loss of lives, he posted on X.

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Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, said under the terms of the agreement, both sides reaffirm their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the maintenance of strong and constructive neighbourly relations.

Both sides are committed to resolving issues and disputes through dialogue, Mujahid said in a post on X. It has been decided that neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.

Mujahid said the countries have agreed on refraining from targeting each others security forces, civilians, or critical infrastructure.

Mujahid, as well as Dar and Asif, thanked Qatar and Turkiye for their role in facilitating the talks that led to the ceasefire.

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Elizabeth Threlkeld, director of the South Asia programme at the Stimson Center, said she was sceptical about the durability of the ceasefire.

There are multiple actors in the scenario. The TTP and other groups aligned with it are not party to these talks [in Doha]. So they are not necessarily subject to the agreement, she told Al Jazeera, using the commonly used acronym for the Pakistan Taliban group.

So, the onus falls on the Afghan Taliban to take action and curtail their activities. Thats going to be extremely challenging due to the incredibly porous border. Even with Pakistans efforts to put up fencing, its really difficult to have the capacity and manpower to be able to shut down these sorts of infiltrations.

It will be challenging for the Taliban to rein in the TTP, assuming that they have the best of intentions, Threlkeld added.

Why has Pakistan blamed the Taliban for attacks?

Pakistan wants the Taliban to rein in armed groups such as the Pakistan Taliban and others blamed for carrying out attacks on its territory. Armed attacks by the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which operates in the resource-rich Balochistan province, have surged in recent years, with 2025 on track to become the deadliest year.

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which border Afghanistan, have borne the brunt of the violence.

At least 2,414 deaths have been recorded in the first three quarters of this year, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), an Islamabad-based think tank.

Pakistan and the Taliban, once allies over shared regional security interests, have fallen out as Islamabad claims that Afghanistan is giving haven to the TTP  an allegation Kabul has rejected.

Kabul and Islamabad have also clashed over their international border, called the Durand Line, which is recognised by Pakistan but not by Afghanistan.

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Javaid Ur-Rahman, an investigative journalist with Pakistans The Nation newspaper, said the TTP is using Afghan soil, adding the Taliban government has failed to control it.

During the Doha talks, Pakistan made it clear that it will not tolerate cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan, Rahman told Al Jazeera.

TTPs ideology is aligned with the Taliban in Afghanistan. However, the groups have different goals and operate independently.

Pakistan has sought assurances from the Taliban that these groups, which operate in the porous border regions with Afghanistan, will not be allowed to operate freely and that the attacks across the border will cease.

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In a post later on Sunday, Mujahid stressed that Afghan soil will not be allowed to be used against any other country. It is the consistent stance of the Islamic Emirate, he said, referring to the official name of the interim Afghan government under the Taliban.

It does not support any attack against anyone and has always emphasised this stance, he posted on X.

A man injured in the border clashes arrives for treatment in a hospital in Chaman, Pakistan, October 15, 2025 [H Achakzai/AP Photo]

Islamabad also wants the Taliban to prevent the regrouping or expansion of anti-Pakistan networks within Afghanistan, which the government considers a threat to Pakistans stability and broader regional strategy.

Abdullah Baheer, a political analyst based in Kabul, said the bombing of Afghanistan and killing of civilians is a problematic model.

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Show me one piece of evidence that shows they hit any TTP operative in Afghanistan in the past week of bombing, despite the 50-odd dead and 550 injured, he told Al Jazeera.

He added that the TTP is a local rebel group within Pakistan that far precedes the Talibans coming to power in Afghanistan. Are you expecting the Taliban to come forth and stop the TTP from pursuing any of its political or military goals? he asked.

Lets take the argument that TTP are operating from safe havens within Afghanistan. The question is, you mistake influence over a group that is an independent group to an extent of controlling them, he added.

As previously mentioned, the Taliban denies providing a haven to TTP within Afghanistans borders.

Why the spike in attacks inside Pakistan?

Islamabad was the prime backer of the Taliban after it was removed by the United States-led NATO troops in 2001. It was also accused of providing a haven to Taliban fighters as they waged an armed rebellion against the US occupation of Afghanistan for 20 years.

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But relations have soured over the surge in attacks inside Pakistan.

The TTP has re-emerged as one of Pakistans biggest national security threats, as it has conducted more than 600 attacks against Pakistani forces in the past year, according to a report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), an independent nonprofit.

According to the CRSS, the first three quarters of this year have seen a 46 percent surge in violence compared with last year.

The violence attributed to the TTP had decreased from its peak in the late 2000s and early 2010s after Islamabad involved the armed groups in talks and addressed some of their demands in 2021, which include the release of their members from prison and an end to military operations in the tribal areas.

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The TTP also demanded the reversal of the 2018 merger of the tribal region with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A stricter imposition of their interpretation of Islamic law is also one of their demands.

A month after the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, it mediated talks between the Pakistani military and the TTP, a decision endorsed and pushed by Imran Khan, Pakistans then-prime minister. But Khan, who championed talks with the armed groups, was removed as prime minister in April 2022.

Violence surged after the TTP unilaterally walked out of the ceasefire deal in 2022, accusing Islamabad of renewed military operations in the region.

Since its founding in 2007, the TTP has targeted civilians and law enforcement personnel, resulting in thousands of deaths. Their deadliest attack came in December 2014, when they targeted the Army Public School in Peshawar, killing more than 130 students.

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The group remains banned in Pakistan and has been designated a terrorist group by the US.

The Pakistani army has conducted multiple operations to eliminate the group, but has struggled to achieve its goal as fighters have used the porous border to move back and forth between the neighbouring countries.

Baheer, the political analyst, said there are no winners in war. There are only losers.

This logic of bombing Afghanistan into submission didnt work for the United States for 20 years of their occupation. Why do we think it will work now? the Kabul-based analyst asked.
JL Patisserie has taken the internet by storm over the past week.

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, @glamorama or Aurora Griffo, posted a video on TikTok reviewing the third location of JL Patisserie at 2601 S. 24th St. in Phoenix. French-trained chef-owner Jenna Leurquin was a 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery.

In her review, Griffo had a few negative things to say about the bakery. She criticized the coffee, quiche and pistachio croissant.

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That pistachio color is about as natural as my boobs, ass and waistline, Griffo said in her video.

She did say that she absolutely loved the pumpkin pie croissant. Griffo prides herself on being an honest restaurant reviewer.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, Leurquin posted a response on JL Patisserie social media accounts that even got TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee, who has 17.2 million followers on the app, to chime in.

What happened between JL Patisserie and the influencer?

In a video that had 7.9 million likes as of Friday, Oct. 17, and 64.7 million views on TikTok, Leurquin shared screenshots showing that an influencer had reached out to her the week prior, asking to do a paid collab. Leurquin said she respectfully declined because it was not in their budget.

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Screenshots of their conversation that Leurquin provided to The Arizona Republic show the bakery declining the paid partnership as well as Griffos response.

 I do honest reviews, the Instagram DM read. I do not charge for my content. When its a collab I will still do the honest review and highlight/focus on what I enjoyed and be softer/quicker on my words with what I may not like as much. If the experience is terrible I wont post anything for the kindness of the hospitality. The meal will need to be comped including the gratuity.

Leurquin responded to the message, saying she would let the team know and get back to her.

Griffo visited the bakery on Saturday, Oct. 4, and then sent a message saying that the staff was kind, the pastries were beautiful, but there was definitely more miss than hit. Leurquin thanked her for coming by and for the feedback.

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In her video, Leurquin said that although they didnt agree to the collab, when Griffo came into the business, they recognized her and were very accommodating and offered her extra drinks.

So we totally respect a bad review, but what we dont like is lying and bullying, Leurquin said in her video. The first thing she said was that our pistachio was so fake. Fun fact, we have right here our pistachio paste that is 100% pistachios from Italy. All of our flours that we use in our product the Farine de Ble, Epeautre, Gruau Rouge all comes on a palette from Europe. Also, this is our Panettone flour, straight from Italy; its written entirely in Italian, not bad for a close to the airport bakery.

She went on to say that, beyond the fact that they spend huge amounts of money on their ingredients, the most valuable part of their product is the time spent making it. From sourdough starter to dough, everything is handmade from scratch.

Although Leurquin never explicitly mentioned that it was Griffo she was talking about, many fans connected the dots, especially after she posted a response on @glamorama shortly after.

How did Griffo respond?

Pastries are displayed on a table at JL Patisserie's new location at 24th Street and University Drive in Phoenix, as photographed on Feb. 25, 2025.

In a since-deleted video posted on Friday, Oct. 10, Griffo said that someone finally stood up to me. She said that she respects that, but not the lies. She said she never stated she would leave a good review for a free meal. Griffo said, "I have never done that and I will never do that. She said it was a bit of a stretch to say that she was bullying the bakery, since they have way more followers.

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On Sunday, Oct. 12, Griffo deleted all of her food reviews on her TikTok, made her Instagram account private and left one final apology statement up. She stated that she is taking accountability, learning and growing from the experience.

Fan reactions were extreme

Griffo said she received a lot of hate mail and rude comments following the JL video response.

She shared screenshots of some of the messages on her Instagram account on Oct. 10. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Griffo told The Arizona Republic over Instagram DMs that she has been getting "rape and death threats." She also said that people had found her address and slashed her tires. She said she is planning on moving out of state.

"We want to state that such behavior is absolutely not what we intended," Leurquin said. "At no point did we seek to incite hostility or cause harm. We have reminded our community to remain kind. Our sole intention has been to stand up for the integrity of our product, our processes and our amazing team."

Keith Lee respects JL Patisserie's response

Lee commented on Leurquins video and said, I cant express how much I respect this response.

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He also made his own video on Monday, Oct. 13, stitching her viral TikTok. He commended Leurquin for her response and also said it was insightful and that he learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes of her food-making process, or art.

He said there is accountability that needs to be taken on behalf of the food reviewer.

I think when you start allowing money to dictate what your opinion is or to dictate or sway anything that has to do with your opinion, I think thats when youre wrong, Lee said.

He also said he loves pastries, is a bread connoisseur and, if he is invited, he would love to give his honest opinion.

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All this time and all you needed was an invite ?? @JLPatisserie commented. We could have saved a lot of time here Keith!

Overall, Leurquin said the community response has been amazing. The feedback has been very positive from other business owners in Phoenix who have experienced similar situations with influencers and say they are glad she spoke out.

Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Bluesky @dinakaur.bsky.social.

Debut: Fine dining restaurant known for 'World's Coldest Martini' is coming to Arizona

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about Phoenix bakery and influencer drama
Question : Regarding SNAP, some noncitizens who are now eligible wont be soon. My question is whether the income of a newly excluded person will still count when deciding whether the rest of their family (all citizens ) is eligible ?

Answer : Yes, the ineligible non-citizen must still be reported as part of the household when applying or during recertification. The income of the ineligible noncitizen will be counted in full toward the households total income without any exclusions. The income will be treated as if it belongs to the eligible members when calculating the households eligibility and benefit amount,  according to the state Department of Human Services, which has updated its website to include details about how the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act () eliminates SNAP eligibility for some noncitizens.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, issues debit cards to eligible low-income households to help them buy food. About 84, 869 Hawaii households, comprising about 165, 659 people, currently receive SNAP aid, according to the DHS.

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Like the new work requirements for some able-bodied adults, which Kokua Line wrote about last week (), the changes in the OBBBA that affect noncitizens take effect Nov. 1. However, current clients made ineligible by the new rules would not lose SNAP aid until their next recertification date, or when their claim is reassessed for some other reason, such as to add a household member.

To answer another readers question, yes, COFA migrants will remain eligible for SNAP under the new rules, as will Cuban or Haitian entrants and lawful permanent residents who meet additional criteria for noncitizens, according to DHS. Immigration status for all non-citizens will be verified at the time of application or recertification, or when a member is added to a household for SNAP,  the website says.

COFA stands for Compacts of Free Association () and applies to citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Republic of Palau.

However, the OBBBA deletes SNAP eligibility for several other categories of noncitizens, including people who gained special immigrant status because of how they helped the U.S. government in Afghanistan or Iraq ; Ukrainians granted temporary U.S. admission for urgent humanitarian reasons ; refugees ; asylees (people granted asylum in the U.S. or at a port of entry ); and other categories.

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See for full details, and for a list of other sources of food aid in Hawaii.

Q : I never filed for unemployment when I was furloughed the last shutdown, because I was confident we would be paid afterward, and we were. This was in 2019. But now with President Trump threatening not to pay us retroactively, I am considering filing for unemployment and wondering about the timeline for filing. I was last paid Oct. 10 and it was only a partial paycheck.

A : The eligibility rules for UCFE claims are the same as those for regular UI claims. In Hawaii, a claim begins on the Sunday of the week it is filed. If someone requests to start their claim earlier, an eligibility issue will be created, reviewed, and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis,  said Chavonnie Ramos, a spokesperson for Hawaiis Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

For more information and to file a claim, go to.

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UCFE stands for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees. UI is Unemployment Insurance.

Furloughed federal employees are eligible to apply for UCFE but must pay it back if their employer pays them retroactively for the same period. Federal law requires that furloughed employees and those working without pay during the shutdown be paid after the budget impasse ends, but Trump has threatened to withhold payments from some employees. The shutdown began Oct. 1, after Congress failed to pass a budget for fiscal year 2026 or approve short-term funding.

Mahalo Mahalo to the man at McCully Shopping Center who helped guide me out of my parking space after another motorist parked so close to my drivers side that I had to enter my car from the passengers side. I did not think I would be able to back out safely, without scraping the offending car, but I was able to do it thanks to this strangers patience. Mahalo !Careful driver------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Labour has been urged to block a Chinese takeover of south east Englands water supplies amid fears it risks giving Beijing the keys to the kingdom.

On Sunday, senior Conservative MPs said attempts by Hong Kong-based CK Infrastructure (CKI) to buy Thames Water, which serves 16 million customers across London and the South East, should be rebuffed for national security reasons.

CKIs chairman has written to Ofwat, the industry regulator, to make clear its continued interest in the heavily-indebted supplier and said it was prepared to invest whatever it takes.

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In the letter, CKI called for the temporary nationalisation of Thames Water so that it could willingly put our plan to the test against others, in a reference to a rival bailout plan being proposed by the water suppliers creditors.

But Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, warned that allowing CKI to control such critical infrastructure would be an act of madness given the threat posed to the UK by China.

He said: The honest truth is it puts people that we cannot believe are safe or secure in charge of the most secure, important, vital asset we have, which is water.

If the Chinese are in charge of these things, they can shut them down any time they like and create a crisis  it is madness.

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Look how much they control already. It would be like handing over the keys to the kingdom.

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure over the collapse of an alleged Chinese espionage trial and the theft of troves of classified government information by China, as well as Beijings attempts to build a new London embassy on a site that has prompted major security concerns.

On Sunday, Dominic Cummings, the former adviser to Boris Johnson who revealed the Chinese theft of secret UK data, was among those who sounded the alarm about CKIs bid.

Brilliant, after letting China buy the data infrastructure used by MI6, Cabinet Office, MoD etc for secret data  and covering up and lying about it this week  the Government now wants to let China buy ALL THE WATER SUPPLY FOR LONDON, he wrote on social media platform X.

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Andrew Griffiths, the shadow business secretary, urged ministers to approach the matter with caution.

He said: When allowing any overseas investment, you have to be able to trust the government is looking out for our national security.

It is clear those at the top of Labour are in full kowtow mode and that calls into question whether any further Chinese investment  including into Thames Water  is wise at this time.

Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister, also warned that Britain risked making ourselves dependent on foreign investors because of a failure to attract cash from domestic pension funds.

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He said: China is a particular problem but the fundamental truth is that we have shaped our economy to be dependent on strangers, not self-reliant.

He has previously warned of a situation where the flow of money dictates the bounds of our diplomacy.

They are very dangerous

CKI is controlled by Hong Kongs richest man, Li Ka-shing, and already owns Northumbrian Water, the electricity distribution network for London and gas networks across the UK.

It emerged as a potential suitor for Thames Water earlier this year but was initially ruled out after submitting investment proposals that fell short of those put forward by rivals.

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Now, however, it is being touted again as a likely buyer of Thames Water if the British company collapses into administration and has to be temporarily nationalised.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by CKI. However, the companys owner has previously faced precautionary restrictions on its involvement in critical UK infrastructure because of security concerns.

When CK Hutchison, the parent company of CKI, agreed a merger of its mobile network, Three, with rival provider Vodafone, ministers imposed governance conditions and certain restrictions on the newly-formed companys handling of national security related work.

Vodafone retains a controlling 51pc stake in the business and has the option to buy out CK Hutchison in three years time.

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However, Mr Duncan Smith  who has been personally sanctioned by Beijing in the past, along with some other MPs  called on ministers to crack down on Chinese ownership of key services more broadly.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith said selling Thames Water to CKI would be an act of madness - Andrew Crowley

He said: No Chinese company should be allowed to buy British infrastructure.

They should be made to divest themselves of it. They are very dangerous  we have got them in every bit of society now and it is completely wrong.

The row comes ahead of a Thames Water board meeting on Monday, at which directors are expected to discuss an upcoming deadline for challenging regulator Ofwat over the companys spending plans.



Thames Water and its creditors have argued that the five-year funding settlement the watchdog has proposed is unworkable because the targets on leaks and pollution are too strict and will lead to hundreds of millions of pounds in fines.

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The company has until Wednesday to decide whether it will appeal against the decision.

At the same time, Thames Water is scrambling to put together a rescue package with creditors that could see them write off billions of pounds of its debt.

Mike McTighe, whose current roles include chairman of Telegraph Media Group, would become chairman of Thames Water under the plan.

CKI was approached for comment.

A Government spokesman said: The Government will always act in the national interest on these issues.

The company remains financially stable but we have stepped up our preparations and stand ready for all eventualities, including applying for a Special Administration Regime if that were to become necessary.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Oct. 19About 53,000 acres of forestland in Lincoln and Flathead counties could soon receive permanent protection as a state conservation easement.

Comprised of the state's highest elected officials, the five-person Montana Land Board is expected to vote on the proposed easement Oct. 20. The panel holds the final say over all large-scale land purchases for the state.

Monday's vote marks the final hurdle in a years-long effort to seal a large swath of timberland in the Cabinet Mountains under the terms of a perpetual conservation easement.

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While Green Diamond Resource Company would retain primary ownership of the property, the terms of the agreement would convey certain management rights to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Green Diamond could continue logging on the land, so long as it follows sustainable timber practices, but intensive development, including construction of subdivision housing, would be prohibited.

The terms also include provisions to maintain public access to the land for outdoor recreation, creating what state wildlife officials describe as "de facto public lands."

The proposed easement is perpetual, meaning all provisions of the agreement would carry on to future landowners.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks sealed a similar deal with Green Diamond in February on the 32,821-acre Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement near the Thompson chain of lakes. The proposed purchase would tack on 52,390 acres of adjacent timberland to the easement, resulting in a total protected area of more than 85,000 acres.

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The conservation easement was appraised for a purchase price of $57.5 million, but Green Diamond is contributing an in-kind donation of $20 million. About $35.8 million is expected to come from the United States Forest Legacy Program and $1.7 million will be contributed from state funds.

If the project is approved by the Land Board, the state plans to close the deal this winter, said Dillon Tabish, the regional communications manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

So far, the project has enjoyed widespread backing. Both the Lincoln and Flathead county commissions have written letters of support for the purchase, as have several outdoor recreation and conservation nonprofits. In August, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the project.

The Land Board approved Phase I of the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement last year in a 3-1 vote. Former State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen provided the sole "nay" vote. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was not present at the meeting and did not issue a vote.

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The Land Board will meet at 9 a.m. in the Montana State Capitol building. A link to livestream the meeting is available at dnrc.mt.gov/TrustLand/about/land-board. Public comment will be taken at the meeting.

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].
The last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been released from a treatment centre in Kasai province, according to the United Nations health agency.

The patient is the 19th to recover out of 64 total cases recorded since the outbreak was declared in September, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement on Sunday.

If no new cases are discovered in the next 42 days, the outbreak will be declared over.

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Mohamed Janabi, the WHOs director for Africa, said the recovery was a remarkable achievement, given the outbreak began just six weeks ago.

The countrys robust response, with support from WHO and partners, was pivotal to this achievement, he added in a social media post.

In a video alongside the post on X, health workers were seen celebrating as the final patient exited the treatment centre in Bulape.

Today, the last #Ebola patient in Bulape, #DRC was discharged from the treatment centre. The countrys robust response, with support from WHO and partners, was pivotal to this achievement. A 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over has now begun. Until then, @WHO and pic.twitter.com/YTEpGzYwPW  Prof. Mohamed Janabi (@ProfJanabi) October 19, 2025

The outbreak, which is the DRCs 16th to date, was declared on September 4 as Ebola cases appeared in the Bulape and Mweka areas of the Kasai province in the countrys southwest.

Since then, the WHO has tallied 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases, with patients showing typical Ebola symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and haemorrhaging. Forty-five people have died.

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The remote Kasai province has proven challenging to reach, even as it may have helped to prevent the spread of the virus, health officials have said.

Still, the WHO deployed response teams and set up a 32-bed treatment centre for the first time outside a simulation exercise in the region, the organisation said. More than 35,000 people have received vaccinations in the Bulape area.

No new cases have been identified since September 25.

Ebola was first identified in 1976 after an outbreak in what is now the DRC. Without treatment, up to 90 percent of cases are fatal, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The largest outbreak occurred from 2014 to 2016 in West Africa, ultimately infecting 28,600 and killing 11,325 people, with the disease also spreading to Europe and the United States.

The DRCs most recent outbreak occurred in 2022 and involved just one recorded case of the virus.
1 /2 U.S. Geological Survey Episode 35 of lava fountaining in Kilauea 's Halemaumau Crater began Friday night.

COURTESY USGS Episode 35 of lava fountaining of the ongoing Kilauea volcano eruption began Friday night within Halemaumau crater.

2 /2 COURTESY USGS Episode 35 of lava fountaining of the ongoing Kilauea volcano eruption began Friday night within Halemaumau crater.

COURTESY USGS Episode 35 of lava fountaining of the ongoing Kilauea volcano eruption began Friday night within Halemaumau crater.

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UPDATE : Saturday Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists said episode 35 of the ongoing Halemaumau eruption ended abruptly today at 3 :32 a.m. after 7.5 hours of continuous lava fountaining.

The south vent stopped erupting at about 3 :29 a.m. followed by the north vent at 3 :32 a.m., they said.

Lava fountains reached up to nearly 1, 500 feet from the south vent, and 1, 100 feet from the north vent.

The latest episode of the Kilauea volcano eruption produced an estimated 13 million cubic yards of lava, which covered about two thirds of the crater floor, according to HVO geologists. They said volcanic gas emissions have greatly decreased and are probably near normal noneruptive levels 

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE Kilauea volcano reawakened in spectacular fashion Friday night with massive lava fountains returning to Halemaumau crater.

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Surveys Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that episode 35 of the ongoing eruption began at about 8 :05 p.m. with 500-foot-plus lava fountains from the north vent.

The fountains rapidly grew to about 500 feet when the south vent began erupting at 8 :50 p.m.,  geologists said. The south vent fountains grew rapidly and within 20 minutes equaled the north vent fountains in size. 

At 10 p.m., the south vent fountain was just under 1, 500 feet high and the north vent fountains were about 1, 100 feet, which would be the highest single fountain and highest pair of fountains seen during this eruption.

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The plume of gas above the fountains extends to over 16, 000 feet above ground level, USGS said.

Tephra was reported by Hawaii County Civil Defense to be falling on Highway 11 southwest of the vents, officials said. Elevated gas levels and tephra is occurring in the area and downwind of the eruption. Avoid the area if you are sensitive to respiratory condition,  officials said. Know that tephra is fine glass particles that will irritate the skin and eyes. Take precautions to limit your exposure. There are no other threats to the community at this time.

Fine ash and Peles hair can be carried long distances and may impact a broad area of Kau along the southern and southwestern parts of Mauna Loa,  according to a USGS update.

Scientists said overnight winds are blowing from the north, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed south of Kilauea summit.

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The on-again, off-again Kilauea eruption began Dec. 23 with all lava activity confined to Halemaumau crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Most episodes of the lava fountaining since the start of the eruption have continued for around a day or less and have been separated by pauses in eruptive activity of at least several days, geologists said.

The Kilauea alert level remains watch,  while the aviation color code remains orange, officials said. No changes have been detected in the volcanos east or southwest rift zones.

See more :

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Oct. 19The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Dona Ana County Detention Center alleging "violent operations" occurred at the facility  including excessive force and pointing a Taser at inmates' genitals.

According to the lawsuit filed in 3rd Judicial District Court, the detention facility, which can house nearly 900 inmates, allowed a group of security officers to conduct training operations against inmates.

The security officers, called the Special Operations and Response Team (SORT), are described as a group of corrections officers trained to handle "high-risk situations" including riots, evacuations and other situations that "fall outside the abilities of regular officers," according to the lawsuit. SORT has been operating at the jail since 2019.

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SORT officers are comprised of Dona Ana County corrections officers and are not "certified law enforcement officers," according to the lawsuit. Private company Tactical and Operations Group of the United States provides training for the officers.

Dona Ana County declined to comment on the suit and said they are representing themselves in court, according to county spokesperson Ariana Parra.

The lawsuit states that SORT officers would point a Taser at inmates' genitals during strip searches. Officers would tell inmates that if they made any sudden movements or were in possession of contraband, the Taser would be used on them.

Many of the inmates at the facility are state and federal pretrial detainees, meaning that they have not been convicted of a crime and are awaiting a trial. Inmates are often transferred to another facility if they are convicted and handed a prison sentence.

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"These unwarranted and abusive operations at the Dona Ana County Detention Center do nothing to further security or safety and egregiously violate the rights of the people housed within the detention center," the lawsuit states.

The allegations stem from 2023-2025, when six inmates who are now plaintiffs in the lawsuit said they experienced SORT training operations that were "unjustified violence," according to the lawsuit. SORT has conducted 112 training operations since January 2023, the lawsuit states.

Some of the exercises have been conducted by trainee officers as part of a training before the officers are officially graduated, said ACLU lawyer Lalita Moskowitz.

One of the plaintiffs, Jonathan Silva, said on Nov. 6, 2024, SORT officers entered his cell and deployed a flash bang near his head. Silva, who has 75% hearing loss and wears hearing aids, said his right hearing aid broke because of the noise from the blast, according to the lawsuit.

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The facility did not repair Silva's hearing aid for several months. When SORT officers conducted another training, Silva could not hear instructions from the officers and the officers used a Taser on him, the lawsuit alleges.

Another plaintiff, Mario Carrasco, who is still detained at the detention facility, said he has seen and experienced SORT officers point a Taser at his and his cellmate's faces during operations, the lawsuit states.

Carrasco said jail officers have retaliated against him for speaking with his lawyers and helping Spanish-speaking inmates in the jail. Carrasco alleged that officers "purposefully put (him) in a position to be attacked by a group of nine or ten other detainees," according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that many of the former inmates said they struggle with PTSD, nightmares and have been prescribed medication as a result of the training exercises.

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Plaintiffs are seeking an end to all training exercises within the detention center and financial compensation, according to Moskowitz. The inmates have also submitted a petition to the U.S. Marshals Service to investigate operations within the jail.

"We are also suing for injunctive relief and for declaratory relief, which would mean that a court would declare that this behavior is unconstitutional and make that ruling specifically, not just as to our plaintiffs, but sort of in general," Moskowitz said.
At least one person was arrested Saturday after a mostly peaceful "No Kings Day" demonstration intensified in downtown Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department has not released updated information on arrests, but new video obtained by Eyewitness News shows several people being detained and loaded onto buses.

On a day of nationwide protest, small crowds stuck around downtown as the night went on, prompting multiple dispersal orders from police.

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Officers moved in on horseback near the Federal Building, pushing back the crowds.

Police said nearly 100 agitators walked toward Aliso and Alameda as some pointed lasers and flashing lights at officers and an LAPD pilot.

After thousands of people gathered to express their constitutional 1st Amendment rights peacefully earlier in the day, nearly a hundred agitators marched over to Aliso and Alameda. During the demonstration at that specific location, lasers and industrial size flashing lights  LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) October 19, 2025

Besides the small group that ignored Saturday night's dispersal orders, it appeared the "No Kings Day" event went on without issue.

The march and demonstration drew thousands outside of City Hall in protest of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Thousands of protesters hit the streets of Los Angeles and several other Southern California cities on Saturday as part of a nationwide "No Kings" rally.

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The event featured a 20-foot-tall balloon of Trump wearing a diaper, a large banner that read "No Kings for U.S.," and thousands of handmade signs as people marched down Spring Street.

The L.A. protest was organized by 50501 SoCal and Service Employees International Union Local 721, in partnership with Black Lives Matter Grassroots - Los Angeles, the Removal Coalition, Working Families Party, Black Women for Wellness, Clergy Laity United for Economic Justice, the TransLatin@ Coalition, Democracy Action Network, and the Human Liberation Coalition, among others.

SoCal 50501 is the L.A. chapter of the 50501 Group, which bills itself as "a peaceful, decentralized grassroots political movement with a mission to uphold democracy and constitutional governance." Its name stems from "50 protests. 50 states. 1 Movement."

"We're here to protest the abuse of power by this administration, the tyranny, the tyranny of the Trump administration," said Jane of Echo Park.

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"I hope Republican and Democratic and Independent voters all come together and realize that they are terrorists," said Daniel, a fellow demonstrator.

"No Kings Day" protests happened all across the nation and throughout Southern California on Saturday.

Some demonstrators said their top concern is the recent wave of immigration enforcement operations.

"I can't go to Home Depot without fearing for my life now," said Javier Zumaeta of South Pasadena. "At any moment, we could get black-bagged. We're forced to carry around our passports now. We're not living in a free country anymore."

"It's really, really scary, seeing my innocent friends, family, and people that I know getting deported," said Vine Idehen of Riverside.

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So far, there have been no reports of destruction due to the protests.

According to "No Kings" organizers, around 7 million people participated in Saturday's rallies.

This was the second "No Kings" protest and third mass movement against the administration this year, and it comes amid an intensifying conflict between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide.
NEED TO KNOW

A vehicle crashed into a group of people at a children's party in Bladensburg, Md., on Saturday, Oct. 18

A teen and an infant are in a critical condition, while at least nine others were also injured in the incident

According to the Bladensburg Police Department, the driver of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene on foot

At least 11 people were injured after a vehicle struck a group of attendees at a childrens birthday party in Maryland.

At around 10:14 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 18, the police responded to reports of a motor vehicle collision that resulted in numerous injuries in a residential neighborhood in Bladensburg, the Bladensburg Police Department (BPD) said in a news release.

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A vehicle that traveled from the area of Annapolis Road struck several individuals who were gathered in front of a residence for a child's birthday party, said the BPD.

The driver of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene on foot, and their identity is being investigated.

Getty Police lights (stock image) Police lights (stock image)

Children, who ranged in age from two to nine, were among the at least 11 people injured in the incident, according to the police news release. They were all transported to local hospitals.

In a post on X, the Prince Georges County Fire/EMS Department said that their units were dispatched to the scene of [a] car into a tent.

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They confirmed that they treated 11 patients, including one teenage girl and one infant, who are in critical condition.

The other victims wounded were two women, four juvenile boys and three juvenile girls, who all had non-life-threatening injuries, the department said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Getty Ambulance (stock image) Ambulance (stock image)

The BPD was assisted at the scene of the incident by Prince George's County Police, according to their news release. Annapolis Road from 57th Avenue to Landover Road was promptly closed amid their investigation.

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The cause of the collision remains unclear at this time.

As the BPD continues to lead the investigation into the incident, they are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the departments Criminal Investigations Division at 301-864-6080.

PEOPLE has reached out to the BPD for comment.



Read the original article on People
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One Kansas City metro man is dead following an overnight crash in Warrensburg, Missouri, according to reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

At about 12:50 a.m., a 41-year-old man from Lees Summit was driving a 2018 Ram 1500 truck westbound on West Pine Street, just east of Water Street, when he drove off the road and hit a ditch.

One dead after shooting in Westport parking lot early Sunday morning

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The man was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders just before 1:10 a.m.

According to crash logs, he was wearing a seatbelt.

At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown, and law enforcement has not released the mans name. His next of kin has been notified of the crash.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
CNN anchor Abby Phillip accused conservative colleague Scott Jennings of lying in a social media post following a contentious on-air debate about Venezuelas culpability in the U.S. drug war.

Last week, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. airstrikes had destroyed a sixth vessel he claimed was carrying fentanyl to the U.S. from Venezuela.

Phillip argued that Venezuela was not a major supplier of fentanyl, as Mexico was, and that the Trump administrations real end-goal seemed to be getting rid of strong man Nicolas Maduro.

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During Friday nights show, Phillip said she thought it was politically convenient to lay the U.S. drug problem at the feet of Venezuela.

But it also is not aligned with the facts, She said, adding that Mexico was primarily responsible for the supply of illicit drugs, including fentanyl.

But what is a problem is that Venezuela is a failed state that is run by a dictator, Phillip said. And if the agenda is to regime change and to get rid of a dictator, Im surethere are many Americans, Democrat and Republican, who support Maduro going bye-bye. But that should be what Trump says, not blaming it on drug trafficking.

Jennings accused Phillip of downplaying the problem, causing her to repeat that fentanyl was coming from Mexico.

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My bigger point, Scott, is that this doesnt seem to really be about the drugs. I think its about Maduro. And if its about Maduro, dont you think Americans ought to know?

Well, theyre one in the same. He is a drug lord, Jennings shot back.

Jennings posted to X over the weekend:

Trump: Maybe we shouldnt let Venezuela send drugs & terrorists to the United States. Nobody: Absolutely nobody: CNN: Come on Scott, is Venezuela really that bad? Even I still get surprised sometimes.

Trump: Maybe we shouldnt let Venezuela send drugs & terrorists to the United States. Nobody: Absolutely nobody: CNN: Come on Scott, is Venezuela really that bad? Even I still get surprised sometimes.  pic.twitter.com/D87iYClbkN  Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 18, 2025

His post prompted the Phillip rebuke:

Absolutely no one defended Venezuelas regime at this table. Thats a lie. Fentanyl is responsible for 70% of the drug overdose deaths in America. And 90% of it comes from Mexico, not Venezuela. Those are the facts.

Absolutely no one defended Venezuelas regime at this table. Thats a lie. Fentanyl is responsible for 70% of the drug overdose deaths in America. And 90% of it comes from Mexico, not Venezuela. Those are the facts. https://t.co/wvMHykar31  Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) October 18, 2025

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Watch the clip above via CNN.

The post Thats a Lie: CNNs Abby Phillip Calls Out Colleague Scott Jennings After Heated On Air Debate Over Venezuela first appeared on Mediaite.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Wikipedia

Circadian clocks of wheat can provide a window into the plant's nutrient content and life cycle, finds new research that could improve agricultural production and crop resilience in a changing climate.

Published in New Phytologist, a study led by the University of Melbourne found that just like humans, circadian rhythms of Australian wheat differ between varieties and speed up with age, with potentially wide-ranging impacts on the regulation of biological processes.

By testing whether the internal rhythm of wheat may affect aspects of crop health and production, the researchers anticipate the findings can contribute to an emerging scientific concept called chronoculture, which exploits the understanding of biological rhythms in plants to improve agricultural production.

A key part of the study was to measure the timing of leaf senescence in wheat plants, which is a natural aging process that takes nutrients out of leaves and redistributes them into the developing grains.

University of Melbourne Associate Professor Mike Haydon from the School of BioSciences said that a strong relationship between wheat circadian rhythms, senescence timing and grain nutrient content was discovered.

"From this, we propose that by measuring the circadian rhythms in wheat varieties we can estimate the rate of the plant life cycle," Associate Professor Haydon said.

"Our findings tell us that small changes to the internal rhythms of wheat plants can have consequences for grain quality."

Interestingly, the researchers found evidence that the 'biological timekeepers' within some wheat plants might not be optimally suited to their growing environment.

"Some wheat varieties might experience what we can effectively think of as chronic jetlag for plants, which as you can imagine would have negative consequences on crop health and production," Associate Professor Haydon said.

The circadian clock of plants does not just control senescence and flowering. It is also involved in stress responses, photosynthesis and metabolism.

Co-author University of Melbourne Dr. Christopher Buckley said there are many potential applications of chronoculture, particularly as the climate changes.

"Rising global temperatures will make some of the world's arable regions unsuitable for agriculture, while other regions may, in turn, become more suitable for growth. In both cases, environmental characteristics are changing, which is when chronoculture can be helpful," Dr. Buckley said.

"Increasing scientific knowledge of how the circadian clock functions in plants could help breeders to more quickly produce cultivars that are better adapted to be grown at different latitudes."

By undertaking this research, the team hope to not only build better scientific knowledge of wheat plants but also sow the seeds for more resilient and productive crops in an uncertain climatic future.

The researchers are now surveying a larger set of wheat cultivars for circadian rhythms and agricultural traits to identify the most important genes underlying this variation.

"From these diverse plants, we hope to find new sources of variation in the circadian clock that could be used by breeders to develop crops that are able to maintain their yield in the face of climate change," Associate Professor Haydon said.

More information: Christopher R. Buckley et al, A circadian transcriptional subnetwork and EARLY FLOWERING 3 control timing of senescence and grain nutrition in bread wheat, New Phytologist (2025). DOI: 10.1111/nph.70565 Journal information: New Phytologist
Marco Rubio was going to secure a deal for President Donald Trumpeven if it meant betraying U.S. informants.

The secretary of state made a secret agreement with the president of El Salvador to hand over legally protected U.S. informants, so the Trump administration could deport hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to a notorious prison in the country, a new Washington Post report revealed on Sunday.

The backroom deal, officials told the Post, undermined years of work from an ongoing U.S. investigation aimed at apprehending high-ranking members of MS-13, one of the worlds most violent gangs, whose acts of brutality have been on display in the U.S. and beyond.

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The deal is a deep betrayal of U.S. law enforcement, whose agents risked their lives to apprehend the gang members, Douglas Farah, a U.S. contractor who worked with federal officials to investigate and help dismantle the MS-13 gang, told the outlet.

Rubios unprecedented promise underscored just how far Trump officials are willing to go to execute the presidents sweeping mass deportation agenda. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

On March 13, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele told Rubio he would grant the U.S. access to El Salvadors CECOT megaprisononly if the U.S. returned nine MS-13 gang leaders currently in custody.

Rubio agreed, despite some of those men being protected under U.S. law, sources familiar with the conversation told the Post. To fulfill the deal, Rubio said Attorney General Pam Bondi would terminate the Justice Departments cooperation agreements with the informants.

Meeting Bukeles demands would give him access to individuals who threatened to expose his own secret deals with MS-13, deals that helped lower El Salvadors violent crime rate. It would also preserve Bukeles image as a tough-one-crime strongman, even if it meant derailing years of U.S. investigations into his administrations ties with the gang.

Meeting Bukeles demands would give him access to individuals who threatened to expose his own secret deals with MS-13. / Win McNamee / Getty Images

Officials told the Post that at least three of the MS-13 leaders Bukele wanted returned had disclosed details of those arrangements. One of them, Cesar Lopez Larios, was deported to El Salvador just two days after the Rubio-Bukele phone call. U.S. prosecutors had previously charged him with directing MS-13s operations in the United States. As of now, the others reportedly remain in U.S. custody.

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Officials fear that the U.S. reneging on protections for its own informants could cripple ongoing investigationsand make future cooperation with informants far less likely.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote in a statement to the Daily Beast that Trumps success speaks for itself.

Americans elected President Trump because they were tired of politicians making excuses, he wrote.

Hardened TdA gang members are back in Venezuela. American hostages are home. MS-13 gang members are being prosecuted in the U.S. and El Salvador. And Americans are safer as a result of these incredible efforts.

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Rubios unprecedented promise underscored just how far Trump officials are willing to go to execute the presidents sweeping mass deportation agenda.

Two days after the call, Trump declared he was invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime statute that targets anyone seen as an enemy of the American people.

Then, the president abruptly moved to send about 250 Venezuelan migrants to the El Salvadoran megaprison, leading to a flurry of legal challenges.
President Trump on Sunday lashed out against Colombian President Gustavo Petro the morning after the South American leader accused the U.S. of murder tied to a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Petro is an illegal drug leader and said the U.S. will no longer provide large scale payments and subsidies for his country. The Colombian president on Saturday night had alleged in a post on the social platform X that U.S. officials committed a murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters, weeks after calling for an investigation into several other boat strikes.

Trump has been active on social media while at his Mar-a-Lago resort this weekend. After millions of Americans gathered across the country on Saturday for the second No Kings protests against his administrations actions, the president shared an AI-generated video of himself wearing a crown while piloting a fighter jet and dumping brown liquid on demonstrators in New York Citys Times Square.

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During an interview on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures  which was recorded before Saturdays protests  the president criticized the planned gatherings, saying, Im not a king.

Officials who made appearances on Sunday morning news shows included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Sen. Mark Kelly (R-Ariz.).

Follow along below for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(FOX40.COM)  Saturday marks 18 days into the shutdown, and local and state leaders are speaking out against President Donald Trump and his administration for the continuation of the federal shutdown, influencing many government workers.

Leaders from all over the state gathered at the Sacramento International Airport on Friday amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, calling on the Trump administration to end whats now pushing federal workers to go unpaid and risk financial uncertainty or furlough.

Since the start of the federal government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration employees have currently working without pay to keep the traveling public safe.

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Speakers, including Congressman Ami Bera, state politicians Maggie Krell and Angelique Ashby, along with Sacramento City Council members, came together to advocate changes be made directly to the Trump administration.

James Murdock, the President of AFGE Local 1230, representing TSA workers, joined state officials at the press conference to defend what he thinks is absolutely wrong.

If were being considered essential employes, I think its essential that our people can also get paid, Murdock said.

An impacted TSA worker is Wallace Wade, an active 17-year officer. He explained how We have folks here right now are struggling with paycheck to paycheck.

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I have to be here and its my money, my gasoline, my time, my food, everything else. And theyre not paying us, Wade said. This is actually a self-made disaster.

According to the union, TSA workers received a partial paycheck last weekend; however, it is unknown when workers will be paid again. Despite not knowing when they will be paid, TSA officers are still expected to report to work.

While the team of leaders used the conference as a means to advocate for the Trump administration to end the shutdown, Bera said he is hopeful that a breakthrough could come as soon as next week.

Im having conversations with some of my republican colleagues. Theyre starting to feel the pressure in their home districts, Bera said. Ill fly back to Washington D.C., continue to try to talk to those republicans that are making my calls, and see if we cant get some kind of deal going.

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Officials said SMF hasnt seen any direct implications of the federal shutdown on the airport and travel so far. However, the longer the shutdown lasts, the more likely unpaid TSA workers could start calling out, potentially leading to longer lines and delays for travelers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
New data indicates that life expectancy in Israel has jumped to almost a full additional year, leaving Israel at #4 in OECD rankings.

Israel, with an average life expectancy of 83.8 years, climbed to fourth in the world among OECD countries regarding longest lifespans, new data published by the Ministry of Health on Sunday revealed.

Israel trails after Japan (84.1), Switzerland (84.3), and Spain (84). Further, this comes despite low public investment in health, compared to many European countries.

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The data indicated an increase in life expectancy from 84.8 to 85.7 years in women, and 80.7 to 81.7 years in men, almost a year more than recorded in 2023. This increase was observed only in a small number of countries, according to the report.

In Israel, this is considered a bounce back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, the local life expectancy was relatively moderate.

According to the report, Israel invests 7.6% of its GDP in health, while in Germany the investment stands at 12.3%, in Austria and Switzerland at 11.8% each, in France at 11.5%, and in Sweden at 11.3%. Despite the low figure, the Israeli health system managed to achieve particularly good results, highlighting the public system's high efficiency.

A patient at a Maccabi Health Center in Jerusalem receives a vaccination against the 'H1N1' swine flu. Israeli health authorities has started vaccinating the population against swine flu. December 20, 2009. (credit: MIRIAM ALSTER/FLASH90)

One of the most impressive figures in the report concerns the infant mortality rate in Israel, which stands at only 2.7 per 100,000 births, lower than the average in OECD countries. This is an achievement that, according to the Ministry of Health, reflects long-term investment in genetic test accessibility, pregnancy monitoring, and parental guidance.

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Despite existing gaps between groups in the population, there has been a consistent decrease in infant mortality for more than a decade.

In the field of disease prevention, Israel also presents encouraging data. The country ranks second after Switzerland in the lowest preventable mortality rate, with only 134 deaths per 100,000 people, a sharp decrease compared to 170 deaths in 2010.

According to the Ministry of Health, the data reflects the success of the health system in combining primary prevention, promoting public health, and providing quality emergency care.

The Ministry of Health notes that the continued decline in mortality also stems from impressive technological development in the emergency medical system, a result of emergency service accessibility and a focus on saving lives in the early stages of a medical event.

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Israel is also among the countries with the lowest mortality rate from heart disease: only 49.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This is a consistent decline since 2015, indicating a significant improvement in the accessibility of advanced treatments, adherence to preventive medications, and nutrition and heart health policies.

According to officials at the Ministry of Health, the data showcased effective cooperation between health funds, hospitals, and community medicine, which has led to a decrease in the rate of fatal cardiovascular events in Israel.

The data also shows that the vaccination rate in Israel, especially against measles, has remained stable over the past decade and stands at over 90%, similar to the average for OECD countries. Many countries have seen a significant decline in vaccination following the spread of conspiracy theories on social media, but in Israel, a high level of vaccination has been maintained thanks to an extensive vaccination program in community clinics.

Along with the impressive achievements, the data also reveals a significant challenge: the smoking rate in Israel stands at 16.1% among those aged 15 and over, a high rate relative to other OECD countries. In Israel, smoking causes approximately 8,000 deaths per year. Despite a moderate decline over the past decade, this is an unstable trend.

"Israel manages to have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, an infant mortality rate, and a mortality rate from heart disease that is among the lowest in developed countries," said Dr. Asher Shalmon, Director of the International Relations Division at the Ministry of Health. "However, alongside the achievements, the challenges are clear, from dealing with high smoking rates to the need to increase investment in infrastructure and manpower."
Participants hold up their protest signs during a No Kings rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Zemurray Park in Hammond. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Thousands of people gathered at 10 events across Louisiana as part of Saturdays national No Kings movement to protest President Donald Trump. Beyond their criticisms of the administration, organizers and participants shared messages of unity and countered Republicans who labeled their events as hate rallies.

Helping set that lighter tone were several rally participants in costumes. Some were getting a jump start on Halloween while others said they took their inspiration from protestors in Portland, Oregon, whove demonstrated while in disguise against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in their city.

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In New Orleans, where little excuse is needed for costuming, thousands showed up for a concert and rally along the Lafitte Parkway. The city hosted a parade through the Marigny neighborhood during the first No Kings day in June.

Among the participants was Elaine Ravich, 96, who held a sign identifying her as part of the Greatest Generation and an opponent of tyranny.

We fought in the 1940s, and there are not too many of my generation alive, Ravich said. I am representing every single one of them that was here, and we were fighting again for our children, grandchildren and generations to come, and we will not allow this to happen.

Elaine Ravich, 96, was among thousands of people who took part in a No Kings rally and concert in New Orleans. (Jason Kerzinski/Louisiana Illuminator)

Hundreds took part in the No Kings event at Zemurray Park in Hammond, which featured equal parts protest, parody and picnic.

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Participant Katie Greer of Slidell was part of the crowd, wearing a cap to honor her Navy veteran husband, Paul, who died in August. He would have been alongside her at the protest had he not succumbed to Alzheimers disease, she said.

Greer noticed that a sizable portion of the crowd were, like her, senior citizens. She recounted her involvement in comparable protests against the Vietnam War in the 1970s.

We did this once. Were back to do it again, Greer said.

On the other end of the age spectrum were the two school-aged children of Daisy and Michael Daigle, also from Slidell. The couple said it was important for them to take part in Saturdays event as a family to show their son and daughter they dont agree with the direction of the nation under Trumps leadership.

Hundreds of people took part in a No Kings rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Zemurray Park in Hammond. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Speakers at the Hammond event urged those in attendance to stay active and connected, even though they are greatly outnumbered by Republicans in the Northshore region. The parishes in the area are split between the congressional districts of U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Julia Letlow, R-Start.

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Daisy Daigle said the rally provided some encouragement to those who might feel their voices arent heard.

To be able to come here to see this and have a community and see it is really good, right? Because not everybody can make it to meetings, she said. Were all struggling day to day just to get by. So to have this one day to be able to come out is really important.

More than 150 people assembled at the edge of Lock Park in downtown Lake Charles for its No Kings event, while a small group of counter-protestors stood across a quiet side street.

Matthew Desormeaux was among the rally participants, holding a sign that read: Abolish ICE is now the moderate position. He said he considers immigration an important issue on both a national and state level.

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This is home. I was born and raised here, Desormeaux said. Lake Charles is a conservative area, but weve got to let [undocumented] people know that theyre not alone.

An attendee at the No Kings rally in New Orleans dressed as Batman. (Photo by Jason Kerzinski/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana has nine ICE detention and staging facilities and is second only to Texas, with 23 ICE detention centers, with nearly 7,500 people in custody according to immigrant rights advocacy groups. Gov. Jeff Landry declared an emergency to expedite the refurbishment of a maximum security section of Louisiana State Penitentiary so it could also house ICE detainees.

Immigrants are members of our community and should have the right to live and work where they want because they contribute, Desormeaux added.

Sam McNabb stood with seven other men across the street from the No Kings assembly, flanked by two flags  one U.S. flag in black and another that read MAGA Trump 45 47.

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Trumps not a king. If he were, theyd be in jail, all these cuckoos, McNabb said, gesturing toward the No Kings rally across the street.

McNabb said the other men with him were on their lunch break, and that the No Kings rally participants must not have jobs.

One of the counter-protesters crossed the street to wave a flag in front of the crowd that read Dont tread on Trump. A small rope barricade separated him from No Kings protestors. On his second pass down the block, local No Kings organizer Carolyn Woosley escorted the man..

He just took my arm and said, Lets go,' Woosley told the Illuminator.

Carolyn Woosley, administrator of Indivisible SWLA and organizer of the Lake Charles No Kings protest, escorts a counter protester past the crowd at Lock Park in downtown Lake Charles on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Vinn/Louisiana Illumninator)

Other No Kings events in Louisiana took place in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Monroe, Ruston, Alexandria and Lafayette.

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In addition, Bradley Hesson, a 15-year-old Leesville High School student, organized what he described as a peaceful protest outside City Hall against Trump, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and more of our leaders who dont want to take accountability, he said.

Greg LaRose in Hammond, Natalie McLendon in Lake Charles and Jason Kerzinski in New Orleans contributed to this report.

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The Louvre museum in Paris was the site of a major heist on Sunday morning, during which jewellery of "invaluable cultural and historical significance" was stolen, according to the French culture and interior ministries.

The thieves entered the museum at around 9:30 am (0730 GMT) by breaking a window, the ministries stated. Inside, they stole jewellery from display cases before fleeing on motorbikes.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the thieves needed just four minutes to secure their haul. "These are professionals," she told broadcaster TF1 after viewing video surveillance material.

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"They do not attack anyone. They enter quite calmly. In four minutes, they wreck display cases, seize their haul and disappear without using any force," Dati said.

Dati contradicted earlier reports describing the thieves as robbers, which implies the use of force, saying the crime was a case of theft.

"The haul is of course of inestimable value. It's jewels that were stolen," she said.

The Le Parisien newspaper reported on the basis of police information that nine items from the collection of Napoleon and his empress had been stolen, including a necklace, a brooch and a diadem.

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According to Dati, the thieves lost one of the pieces of jewellery, the crown of Empress Eugenie, during their escape. The priceless crown, made in 1855 and decorated with emeralds and hundreds of diamonds, was damaged during the heist.

Le Parisien said panic broke out among museum visitors, who were trapped for a period of time after the doors closed when the alarm went off. The ministries said the evacuation had proceeded smoothly and that no one had been injured.

The newspaper said masked thieves entered through a side door where construction work was ongoing. They used a goods lift to gain access to the museum room in the Galerie d'Apollon.

After breaking the window with a tool, two men entered as the third stood guard outside, media reports said.

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The museum had been open for around 30 minutes when the theft occurred. Investigations are under way and a detailed list of the stolen items is currently being compiled, the ministries said.

"Everything is being done to apprehend the perpetrators of this unacceptable act as quickly as possible," said France's new Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who until recently served as the Paris police chief.

"An attack on the Louvre is an attack on our history and our cultural heritage," he added.

All available resources are being deployed to recover the stolen items. Dati and Nunez were present at the museum with investigators.

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For security reasons and to preserve evidence for the investigation, the museum has been closed.

"The Musee du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons," the museum posted on its X page, without mentioning the heist.

The ease with which the thieves entered the Louvre has given rise to questions about the museum's security. No one has been interested in the security of large museums for 40 years, Dati said.

"Two years ago, the president of the Louvre asked the police for a security review. Why? Because these museums need to be adapted to new forms of crime," she said.

The Louvre is the world's most visited museum with almost 9 million visitors last year. Some 20,000 go to see Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa every day.
The Louvre museum in Paris was the site of a major heist on Sunday morning, during which jewellery of "invaluable cultural and historical significance" was stolen, according to the French culture and interior ministries.

The thieves entered the museum at around 9:30 am (0730 GMT) by breaking a window, the ministries stated. Inside, they stole jewellery from display cases before fleeing on motorbikes.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the thieves needed just four minutes to secure their haul. "These are professionals," she told broadcaster TF1 after viewing video surveillance material.

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"They do not attack anyone. They enter quite calmly. In four minutes, they wreck display cases, seize their haul and disappear without using any force," Dati said.

Dati contradicted earlier reports describing the thieves as robbers, which implies the use of force, saying the crime was a case of theft.

"The haul is of course of inestimable value. It's jewels that were stolen," she said.

Public prosecutor Laure Beccau told broadcaster BFMTV that eight precious pieces of jewellery were taken. They included a necklace and an ear ring belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon's second wife.

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Another necklace, a pair of earrings and a diadem from the collections of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense were also stolen, along with two brooches and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III.

Eugenie's crown, a priceless item decorated with emeralds and hundreds of diamons, was lost by the thieves by the heist and later recovered. The crown was reportedly damaged.

Le Parisien newspaper said panic broke out among museum visitors, who were trapped for a period of time after the doors closed when the alarm went off. The ministries said the evacuation had proceeded smoothly and that no one had been injured.

The newspaper said masked thieves entered through a side door where construction work was ongoing. They used a goods lift to gain access to the museum room in the Galerie d'Apollon.

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After breaking the window with a tool, two men entered as the third stood guard outside, media reports said.

The museum had been open for around 30 minutes when the theft occurred. Investigations are under way and a detailed list of the stolen items is currently being compiled, the ministries said.

"Everything is being done to apprehend the perpetrators of this unacceptable act as quickly as possible," said France's new Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who until recently served as the Paris police chief.

"An attack on the Louvre is an attack on our history and our cultural heritage," he added.

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All available resources are being deployed to recover the stolen items. Dati and Nunez were present at the museum with investigators.

For security reasons and to preserve evidence for the investigation, the museum has been closed.

"The Musee du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons," the museum posted on its X page, without mentioning the heist.

The ease with which the thieves entered the Louvre has given rise to questions about the museum's security. No one has been interested in the security of large museums for 40 years, Dati said.

"Two years ago, the president of the Louvre asked the police for a security review. Why? Because these museums need to be adapted to new forms of crime," she said.

The Louvre is the world's most visited museum with almost 9 million visitors last year. Some 20,000 go to see Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa every day.
PARIS and LONDON -- Several people disguised as construction workers broke into the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, cracking open display cases and stealing jewelry that once belonged to Emperor Napoleon and his wife, officials said.

At least nine pieces of jewelry of "inestimable heritage and historical value" -- including crowns, necklaces, earrings and brooches -- were taken in the brazen heist before the thieves made their getaway on motorcycles, two ministers said.

"Investigations have begun, and a precise list of the stolen items is underway," the museum said in a statement.

Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: French police officers investigate an alleged robbery at the Louvre Museum, on Quai Francois Mitterrand, in Paris on Oct. 19, 2025.

The French Ministry of Culture later on Sunday released a list of eight items that they said had been stolen, which included two brooches, two diadems, two necklaces and two pairs of earrings.

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French President Emmanuel Macron vowed in a social media post that the stolen jewelry will be recovered.

Musee du Louvre / Jean-Gilles Berizzi - PHOTO: The pair of emerald earrings from Marie-Louise's collection

"The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history," Macron said. "We will recover the works, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Everything is being done, everywhere, to achieve this, under the leadership of the Paris prosecutor's office."

Four thieves pulled off the apparently well-planned heist, according to authorities.

The theft took place around 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, just before the museum was set to open to the public, the Paris Police Prefecture said in a statement.

Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters - PHOTO: Police officers stand near the pyramid of the Louvre museum after reports of a robbery, in Paris, France, Oct. 19, 2025.

The team of thieves drove up to the side of the museum in what police described as a "mobile freight elevator" equipped with a metal ladder on the back that was extended up to a window, according to the Paris police.

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"They deployed the freight elevator, securing the surroundings with construction cones, before accessing the second floor, in the Apollo gallery, by breaking the window with an angle grinder," according to the police statement. "Inside, they then smashed two display cases, 'Napoleon jewels' and 'French crown jewels,' using the angle grinder and stole numerous pieces of high-value jewelry."

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: Among the jewelry stolen from the Louvre museum, Oct. 19, 2025, is this diadem, or crown, from the collection of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

Two of the thieves arrived at the museum in the mobile freight elevator, one wearing a yellow vest and the other an orange vest, according to police. Two accomplices arrived at the museum at the same time on what police described as "T-max vehicles" or sports motorbikes.

"The staff on site, upon seeing what was happening, took to safety," according to the police statement. "An alarm was triggered at 9:37 a.m. The perpetrators exited through the window by going back down the freight elevator before fleeing on the two motorbikes at 9:38 a.m."

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: The brooch known as the reliquary brooch.

The Paris Prosecutor's Office said the perpetrators tried and failed to set fire to the mobile freight elevator they used in the heist before they fled the scene.

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Police say they're investigating a video obtained by BFMTV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, which they believe shows one of the suspects appearing to try to access one of the jewelry cases.

BFMTV - PHOTO: Police say they're investigating a video obtained by BFMTV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, which they believe shows one of the suspects appearing to try to access one of the jewelry cases.

Following the heist, police found two angle grinders, a blowtorch, gasoline, gloves, a walkie-talkie, a blanket, and a crown at the scene. Police also found a yellow vest that was apparently dropped by one of the fleeing perpetrators at the corner of Pont de Sully and Avenue Henri IV, several blocks from the Louvre, police said.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, in an interview on local radio, said the value of the items would be "inestimable."

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: Among the jewelry stolen from the Louvre museum, Oct. 19, 2025, is this necklace from the sapphire collection of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense.

According to the French Ministry of Culture, among the items stolen was a diadem, or crown, from the collection of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense; an emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings from the collection of Marie-Louise, Napoleon's second wife; and a large bow brooch from Empress Eugenie's bodice.

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: Among the jewelry stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris, October 19, 2025, is this pair from the sapphire collection of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense.

The thieves either dropped or abandoned two pieces of jewelry as they exited the museum, including one of Empress Eugenies crowns, according to the Paris Prosecutors Office, which said it is investigating the case as an aggravated theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime.

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The alleged robbery took less than seven minutes, he said.

A notification posted on the Louvre's website shortly afterward said, "The Louvre Museum will remain closed today for exceptional reasons. We thank you for your understanding."

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: Among the items stolen from the Louvre museum, October 19, 2025, is this emerald necklace from Marie-Louise's collection.

The decision to close the museum was made jointly by its management, the police and the Ministry of the Interior, museum officials said in a statement. The doors were closed as "a security measure and to preserve traces and evidence for the investigation," the statement said.



Kaci Benedetti, who was visiting Paris from the United States, told ABC News she was standing in line to enter the museum on Sunday when a commotion began. Police were running along the courtyard where Benedetti and her family were waiting, she said.

She watched as the officers attempted to enter the building through a side door, but "could not because they were locked," she said.

Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters - PHOTO: Forensic police officers arrive at the Louvre museum after reports of a robbery, in Paris, France, Oct. 19, 2025.

"We could see people inside running and some were banging on the glass doors to get out, but could not because they were locked," Benedetti said. "Then police and military police arrived. After about an hour they announced the Louvre was closed for today."

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The news of the robbery came first from French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who said on social media, "A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum."

Dati added, "No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway."

Christopher Marinello, the CEO and founder of Art Recovery International, told ABC News that security at the Louvre is known as "the best in the world."

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: The diadem of Empress Eugenie.

"So this is a very audacious crime and a slap in the face to museums everywhere," Marinello said, adding that investigators are now "in a race against time" to recover the stolen jewelry before the thieves attempt to sell the items to buyers who likely will not purchase the pieces intact.

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"The criminals are going to try to hide what they have just done and the way they hide it is by breaking up those jewels, by recutting those stones, by melting down the precious metals," Marinello said. "They are now doing that. And the police have a very short window to locate these thieves and try to recover these items."

Nathalie Abbou Vidal has spent her life surrounded by jewels that have lived through revolutions, crowned emperors and survived wars. As one of Frances leading jewelry historians, she teaches at the prestigious Haute Ecole de Joaillerie and advises major auction houses and the French courts.

Musee du Louvre / Stephane Marechalle - PHOTO: The large bow from Empress Eugenie's bodice.

She told ABC News the idea that these treasures -- "too important, too full of history, too much a part of who we are" -- could be dismantled for profit is almost unthinkable.

"The weight of the gold is nothing. The diamonds -- theyre old European stones, centuries old. You cant just break them apart," she said.

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Even the black market, she believes, will struggle to erase the identity of the pieces. "Theyre not just objects. Theyre part of our heritage."

ABC News' Victoria Beaule contributed to this report.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

On the banks of the Tulsequah River, the abandoned Tulsequah Chief Mine leaks acid mine drainage into salmon habitat. Photo: Credit: Chris Miller/SFU News

A small Canadian mining company, Canagold, is seeking permits and approvals to renew gold mining operations at a remote site in northwestern British Columbia (B.C.). Called the New Polaris Mine, it faces opposition from First Nations, environmental nonprofits and downstream Alaskan communities.

In 1957, the Tulsequah Chief Mine stopped production of gold, copper, lead and zinc after a short-lived six years of operations. Its legacy has since made it infamous: for the past seven decades, the Tulsequah Chief Mine has leaked a rust-red, mineral-laden runoff called acid mine drainage into the glacial waters of the Tulsequah River. Despite repeated calls from locals and environmentalists and government promises, the acid mine drainage has yet to be cleaned up. Amid this ongoing environmental contamination, the New Polaris Mine is entering the picture.

Like the now-abandoned Tulsequah Chief Mine, the New Polaris Mine sits on the Tulsequah River, which then flows into the Taku River, crosses the Alaska border near Juneau, and eventually drains into the Pacific Ocean. The Taku watershed stretches over 18,000 square kilometers of undeveloped wilderness, an area roughly the size of New Jersey. It is home to all five species of Pacific salmon, which sustain the watershed's rich ecosystem and have long formed a key part of the livelihood of the Taku River Tlingit peoples.

Canagold first announced its plans to renew operations at New Polaris in March 2023. It has since created project descriptions and received approval to proceed with the environmental assessment process from the B.C. provincial government. Since January 2025, it has been preparing its application for a B.C. environmental assessmenta process that can take months or even years.

Consultation with participating Indigenous nations is built into this assessment process. For the New Polaris Mine, this entails bi-weekly conferences and meetings with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation peoples. Because it is sited on their territory, the mine cannot operate without their free and prior consent. The Taku River Tlingit are "leading the way with mining company relationships. Consent agreements are beginning with our nation and our people," remarked Jinik, a spokesperson for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, in a March 2023 press release.

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But while Canagold and the Taku River Tlingit have been engaged in discussions, other communities, located further downstream and across an international border, have not had the same voice. Guy Archibald, the executive director of the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission, which comprises 15 First Nations member tribes across the Taku River watershed, told GlacierHub: "We are glad they are working with [the Taku River Tlingit], but we are the only downstream communities and we are not being adequately consulted."

This commission is the latest in a long line of downstream Alaskans fighting for more recognition of transboundary mining pollution in Canada. While the U.S./Canada border has complicated Alaskan groups' efforts to be heard, mining pollution does not respect these lines.

The Taku River. The New Polaris Mine would sit upstream. Credit: MirandaLea/Wikimedia Commons

In an era of species loss, the environmental threat posed by New Polaris is intensified by the potential growth of the Taku River salmon run in the coming decades. In one of climate change's rare silver linings, as glaciers in Alaska and Canada melt, they provide new, valuable habitat for Pacific salmon.

A 2021 study projected that in a moderate emissions scenario, more than 3,700 miles of salmon habitat would be created by deglaciation by 2100. Jonathan Moore, an author on the study and aquatic ecologist at Simon Fraser University, told GlacierHub that the Tulsequah Glacier melt could see some of the biggest increases in salmon habitat. Now, New Polaris puts a major site for this expansion at risk.

As Archibald said, "All mines of any size near salmon habitat are detrimental to the salmon." But here especially, the history of the Tulsequah Chief Mine and other environmentally disastrous B.C. mines looms large. New Polaris is "in an area prone to acid rock drainage," said Adrienne Berchtold, an ecologist and mining impacts researcher with salmon conservation nonprofit SkeenaWild, and its fickle, braided waterways make it difficult to monitor mine impacts like pollution and habitat destruction.

To construct the mine, Canagold proposes 40 to 70 barge trips up the Taku each season. But these barging "plans are high risk, and an accident would damage some of the best wild salmon spawning habitat in the world," said Breanna Walker, director of Salmon Beyond Borders in a December press release. Canagold also plans to build a mile-long landing strip in the nearby, pristine Flannigan Slough, the Taku watershed's largest wetland.

Beyond Canagold's plans, environmental groups are also distrustful of B.C.'s environmental assessment protocol. Berchtold told GlacierHub, "B.C. likes to advertise its 'world-class standards' for environmental assessment and review." But SkeenaWild has found "numerous gaps" in the province's protocol for mining reviews. "It is very uncommon for projects to be rejected in the environmental assessment process; nearly all are eventually approved," Berchtold added.

New Polaris still faces hurdles. But opponents fear it will steamroll them. B.C. has streamlined mining permits and prioritized infrastructure development for critical minerals like copper and zinc, which are key for clean energy. In January, Canagold announced its decision to also mine antimony, a critical mineral used in batteries and semiconductors, at New Polaris. Though the economics are as yet undefined, Canagold is now positioning the project as a gold-antimony mine. New Polaris can ride the critical mineral wave, using this streamlining to its advantage.

Many environmentalists see this as a guise to push the project through. "There are real risks to 'fast-tracking' and 'cutting red tape' in this era of Trump tariffs and pushing priority projects forward," warned Nikki Skuce, director of the Northern Confluence Initiative and co-chair of the B.C. Mining Law Reform network, in an interview with GlacierHub.

In its latest move, Canagold released a feasibility study, signaling its commitment toward beginning production. It indicated just how lucrative the New Polaris project could be, with an after-tax value of 312 million USD, at a projected base price of $2,500 USD per gold ounce. For those close by, the eight-year project is also set to offer some 200 well-paying jobs. But this has not warmed people, especially those downstream, to the project. "This is a gold mine whose primary uses are vanity and greed," asserted Archibald.

"Too often, environmental assessments are based on a wait-and-see approach," explained Berchtold. But environmentalists and downstream Alaskans have become impatient. Advocacy groups continue to call for mining reform, while the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Tribal Commission has filed a human rights claim against the B.C. government at the Inter-American Council of Human Rights for a separate transboundary mine.

As Jennifer Angel-Amaya, a gold mining researcher and graduate student at the department of Earth and environmental sciences at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, which is part of Columbia Climate School, told GlacierHub: "Communities must be equipped with the tools, resources, and support necessary to protect their territory against bad practices, take a proactive role in safeguarding their land, and foster long-term resiliency."

Though New Polaris is only one mine, as glaciers recede and more mineral-rich land becomes available for mining corporations, the friction in B.C. between gold and salmon may only intensifya local manifestation of the tension raised by extractive economies in the era of climate change.

This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu.
Thieves have stolen priceless jewelry from the Louvre in Paris, the worlds most-visited museum, in an audacious seven-minute raid on Sunday, the French interior minister has said.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told radio station France Inter: A major robbery took place this morning in the Apollo Room. Individuals entered the Louvre Museum from outside, using a external freight elevator that was positioned on a truck.

The Apollo Room houses the French Crown Jewels, as well as treasures including Louis XIVs hardstone vessel collection.

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The thieves forced open a window using an angle grinder and stole jewelry that has sentimental value and is priceless, the interior minister added.

There were three or four perpetrators, Nunez said.

Minister of Culture Rachida Dati told French TV station TF1 that one piece of jewelry had been found near the Louvre and was being evaluated.

A detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled, the interior ministry said in a statement. Beyond their market value, the items have inestimable heritage and historical value, it added.

The robbery took only seven minutes, with the suspects fleeing on motorcycles, Nunez told France Inter.

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Clearly, a team had been scouting the location. It was obviously a very experienced team that acted very, very quickly, the interior minister said.

I am confident that we will very quickly find the perpetrators and, above all, recover the stolen goods, he added.

The French interior ministry said the incident took place at 9:30 a.m. local time and that members of the public had been evacuated without incident.

Dati said the robbery had taken place as the museum opened. No injuries were reported. I am on site alongside museum staff and the police. Investigations are ongoing, Dati said in a post on X.

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The museum, which houses world-famous artworks including Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa, said it would remain closed on Sunday due to exceptional reasons.

The interior ministry later said the closure was a security measure to preserve evidence for the investigation.

Last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with tourists from the United States making up 13% of all guests, second only to the French.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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A manhunt is under way after thieves broke into the Louvre and stole priceless jewellery that once belonged to Napoleon Bonapartes family.

The gang entered the Apollo Gallery in broad daylight shortly after 9.30am, once the gallery had opened to the public, and stole nine items including a necklace, a brooch and a tiara.

The masked criminals arrived on high-powered scooters and reportedly gained access to a part of the building where construction was taking place after using a van-mounted extendable ladder to enter on the Seine River side of the museum.

French police repair the window through which thieves entered the Louvres Apollo gallery - REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

They then forced open a window, smashed display cases, grabbed the jewellery and left.

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Laurent Nunez, Frances interior minister, called it a major robbery by a team that had done scouting and said that jewellery stolen from the museum on Sunday was priceless.

He added that the thieves had taken just seven minutes to carry out the heist.

The theft occurred in the Apollo Gallery, a vaulted hall in the Denon wing that displays part of the French crown jewels beneath a ceiling painted by King Louis XIVs court artist, according to the ministry.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that four men, at least one of who was wearing a high-vis jacket had carried out the burglary.

The thieves entered the Apollo Gallery, which displays part of the French crown jewels - Alamy

Ms Beccuau said that two of the men had driven the grey Mitsubishi truck-mounted lift to the scene with the other two following on high-powered scooters.

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The magistrate said that the alarms at the Louvre were working and the men threatened the guards with angle grinders they used to break into the display cases.

She said the gang then all fled on the scooters leaving the freight vehicle behind.

Reports claimed that at the crime scene police found two angle grinders, a blow torch, gloves and a blanket. A yellow vest was found nearby.

Footage apparently filmed from inside the Apollo gallery, obtained by French broadcaster BFMTV, shows one man in a hi-vis vest using an angle grinder to break open a display cabinet

Credit: BFMTV

The lift, used by the thieves to access the building, was taken away by police at around 3:30pm.

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Mr Nunez told Le Monde newspaper that three or four thieves had broken into the Apollo Gallery minutes after the museum opened to the public.

The Louvre was evacuated after the raid and will be closed for the rest of the day.

The Apollo Gallery, which the museum calls Sun, Gold and Diamonds, reopened in 2020 after closing for renovations the year before.

The opulent, gold-gilded hall houses 23 of the museums most valuable French crown jewels and precious stones.

The items that were stolen include a number of pieces that make up the French crown jewels.

Among them were a sapphire necklace, earrings and a tiara belonging to Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense.

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Also believed to have been stolen were an emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, which were given to her as a wedding present.

A brooch belonging to Napoleon IIIs wife, Empress Eugenie was also taken, as well as a large diamond corsage bow which was bought from a private owner in the US for 5.8 million in 2008.

Le Parisien newspaper reported that one of the items taken was the Eugenie Crown. However, the gang appear to have dropped and broken it while making their escape.

According to the Louvres website, the crown features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.

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Empress Eugenie was the wife of Napoleon III, who was emperor from 1852 to 1870.

The Eugenie Crown was reportedly taken, but then dropped and broken on the thieves escape - Stephane De Sakutin/AFP

Mr Nunez did not rule out the possibility that the raiders were from outside France. We are working to find the culprits very very quickly, he said.

He confirmed that an investigation had been launched into theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime by an organised gang.

Rachida Dati, Frances culture minister, said the value of the stolen jewellery is currently being assessed.

She said: Organised crime is now targeting art objects, and museums have become targets. We must adapt these museums to these new forms of crime. They are professionals.

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b'

'

Ariel Weil, the mayor of Paris Centre, told Le Parisien that the unexpected closure of the museum and surrounding area, which has been cordoned off, is causing a major disruption to public order.

He said: Its a shock Its been a movie script up until now. Its hard to imagine that its seemingly so easy to rob the Louvre.

According to police sources who spoke with Le Parisien, the attack had been meticulously planned.

The thieves reportedly broke through the windows of the museum using small angle grinders before fleeing on motor-scooters.

A police officer looks for clues on the lift that was used to access the Apollo Gallery - REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

In a statement, the interior ministry said that no injuries were reported during the heist.

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The investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled. Beyond their market value, these items have priceless heritage and historical value, the statement said.

b'

'

The Louvre, the worlds most-visited museum and home to Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa, said on X it would remain closed for the day for exceptional reasons.

The jewels in the Apollo Gallery, a collection assembled by the kings of France, are featured in display cases in the centre of the hall and are organised thematically: jewels prior to the revolution; jewels of the first empire; and the jewels of the second empire.

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Louis XIVs collection alone comprised 800 pieces. Other precious stones and minerals in the collection include agate, amethyst, lapis lazuli, jade, sardonyx and rock crystal.

The Louvre museum is to remain closed while the police investigate the robbery - Remon Haazen/Getty Images

According to Le Parisien, the largest diamond and centrepiece of the Apollo Gallery, the Regent, which weighs over 140 carats, was not stolen.

Other diamonds include the Sancy, which weighs 55 carats, and the pink-hued Hydrangea, which clocks in at 21 carats.

Staffing and protection have been flashpoints at the Louvre. The museum delayed opening during a June staff walkout over overcrowding and chronic understaffing. Unions have warned that mass tourism strains security and visitor management.

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It was not immediately clear whether staffing levels played any role in Sundays theft.

The Mona Lisa is protected by bulletproof glass and a custom high-tech display system as part of broader anti-theft measures across the museum.

In January, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, announced a decade-long Louvre New Renaissance plan, with roughly 700 million pledged to modernise infrastructure and ease crowding.

Credit: @gregrapoutine via Reuters

The Louvre is the latest victim of brazen heists across France.

Last month, thieves stole 600,000 (521,000) worth of gold from the mineralogical gallery at the Natural History Museum in Paris, after reportedly sawing through an emergency door and using a blowtorch to break through the display case windows and seize the gold nuggets.

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A few days earlier, the Adrien Dubouche National Museum in Limoges was robbed of two Chinese trays worth more than 6m (5.21m). The museum boasts the largest public collection of Limoges porcelain in the world.

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Rachal Hancock of Cave City chants during a "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Bowling Green. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Thousands of Kentuckians turned out under the autumn sun to protest President Donald Trumps administration, some pointedly refuting Republican claims disparaging their motives.

In Lexington, Gracia OBrien, 71, said when folks in Congress said this was going to be a hate America rally, I said no, I love America. I want my grandchildren to know I stood up. Im old, and Ive never been scared for our democracy. I am now.

Gracia OBrien (Kentucky Lantern photo by Jamie Lucke)

Marsha Bezold, of Midway, hoisted a sign showing a U.S. flag and the words Pro-America. Anti-Trump. She cited multiple reasons for protesting, from the dismantling of our Constitution to coming cuts in health care that she said will hurt her family.

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She said she thinks Trumps goal is to intimidate Americans into silence while he grabs unprecedented power. This is not the country I grew up in, she said. I think Ronald Reagan would be rolling over in his grave to see this.

In Louisville, former Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth greeted a large crowd gathered on the Belvedere: Hello all my fellow terrorists. Apparently thats who the Republicans and the administration think we are: terrorists, antifa, violent criminals.

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer recently said Democrats would rather cater to the pro-terrorist wing of their party than to reopen the government. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson described No Kings as a hate America rally

Yarmuth added that he thought the gathered crowd should show their antifa membership cards to Trump.

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Protesters also rallied in smaller Kentucky towns. In Pikeville, a small crowd gathered, holding signs that said, among other things, Hillbillies against Facism, Mountain Top News reported. The Owensboro Times reported more than 500 people attended a downtown rally in the Daviess County seat. The scene remained peaceful throughout the event.

Bowling Green scenes (Photos by Austin Anthony)

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In Morehead, organizers reported over 300 people and two dinosaurs gathered for the No Kings rally. Speakers in the Rowan County seat included two Democrats running for U.S. Congress: attorney Ned Pillersdorf, who is hoping to unseat longtime Republican incumbent Rep. Hal Rogers, and Logan Forsythe, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.

Inflatables and other costumes were in evidence at protests across Kentucky, a nod to the protesters wearing inflatable frog costumes to confront federal immigration agents in Portland, Oregon.

Lexington protesters gather, march downtown (Photos by Tom Eblen)

In Lexington, police blocked streets as thousands of protesters marched through downtown; observers said it was one of the largest demonstrations they had ever seen in Kentuckys second-largest city.

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Capitol rally in Frankfort

While the state Capitol is closed for renovation, protesters were able to peacefully gather on its steps. Similar demonstrations have been held at the site since Trump began his second term in January.

Dennis Van Horn, a Frankfort resident and veteran, listened to speakers on the Capitol lawn while holding a sign that said No thrones, no crowns, no kings  a chant that was heard throughout the day. He said Saturdays crowd was twice the size of the first No Kings rally at the Capitol in June.

Van Horn said he wanted to attend Saturdays protest because (of) the anxiety from watching our president trash the Constitution, rule of law and take retribution on his enemies.

And thats not the way its supposed to be, he added.

Capitol scenes (Photos by McKenna Horsley)

A Kentucky resident who did not wish to give their name dances in a dinosaur costume outside the State Capitol. They said the costume shows solidarity with Portland but also get more attention for the No Kings movement. A Portland protestor recently sparked a trend of dressing in a costume for a protest. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

No Kings protestors gather on the steps of the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort listening to speeches on the lawn, Oct. 18, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

Woodford County resident Alyssa Cumming and her dog, Cody, came to the No Kings rally at the Kentucky State Capitol to stand up for her friends and family who are immigrants. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

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Dennis Van Horn, a Frankfort resident and veteran, said he came to the "No Kings" rally at the Kentucky Capitol because of the anxiety he feels from the Trump administration's actions. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

John Drew Williams, left, a Democratic candidate challenging Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer in Kentuckys 1st Congressional District, said the Frankfort rally was his second of the day after another event in Danville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

Woodford County resident Alyssa Cumming and her dog, Cody, came to the Capitol to stand for her friends and family who are immigrants but are afraid to make their voices heard at this time. Cumming and Cody attended protests earlier this year.

She raised concerns about the direction of the country, adding that were not moving any closer to greatness right now.

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I just feel like everybody can do something, Cumming said. I dont have any political power other than my feet.

Some politicians also joined the crowd. Speaking through a microphone, Democratic state Rep. Erika Hancock, of Frankfort, addressed the rally and was supportive of the groups message.

This No Kings rally is about reminding everyone in power that they serve the people, not the other way around, she said to cheers.

John Drew Williams, a Democratic candidate challenging Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer in Kentuckys 1st Congressional District, said the Frankfort rally was his second of the day after another event in Danville. Williams, who is from far West Kentucky, said it was important for him to be in Frankfort because of the towns importance to the state and because Franklin County was added to the 1st Congressional District during redistricting. In Comers district, a thin line of counties along Kentuckys southern border connects the states far western tip and the Mississippi River with Franklin and Boyle counties in Central Kentucky.

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This is what democracy looks like, Williams said. This is what the conversation needs to be, not just right now when we feel like there is a set of government overreach, but every year and every day.

Rallying on the river

With an Ohio River bridge in the background, thousands gathered in downtown Louisville to hear a range of advocates and elected officials speak at a No Kings protest, Oct. 18, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

In Louisville, thousands gathered at the Belvedere, a grassy event space next to the Muhammed Ali Center in downtown Louisville, hearing from a range of elected officials and advocates after marching and chanting through the city streets.

Rebecca Elliott, of Louisville, watched marchers holding signs, including one that read: Immigrant Rights Are Citizens Rights  one of many signs that referenced the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.

The right of due process applies to all of us. So, if we allow people to start taking that right away from our immigrant neighbors, then were also going to end up not having it in the long run, too, Elliott said. I think we have to defend the more vulnerable people so that we can maintain our own rights.

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Other signs by protesters in Louisville referenced Trumps executive orders, including one that designated antifa, a left-wing anti-facist political movement, as a domestic terrorist organization. Jamie and Brian Reichenbach came to the Louisville protest from Spencer County, holding a sign with the word antifa and an arrow pointing at themselves.

Jamie Reichenbach said given that the country fought fascism in the past, she wanted to show that were antifa.

We stand for anti-fascism, which is what America was supposed to be, Reichenbach said.

Brad Ector, of Louisville, who sported an inflatable dragon costume that was buffeted by the wind as he marched, said he didnt want Portland to have all the fun.

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Just all the people in Portland that are there, pointing out the fact that they are not the terrorists that Trump wants us to believe, Ector said.

As far as the dragon goes, someone needs to melt ice, Ector said, apparently referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Louisville protest photographed by Chris Hughes and Liam Niemeyer

"No Kings' protesters gather in Louisville, Oct. 18, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Chris Hughes)

Morgan McGarvey speaks with a microphone.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey told the gathered crowd of No Kings protesters to "show up" to vote, canvass and support political campaigns in the future. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

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Brad Ector stands in an inflatable dragon costume during the protest.

Wind buffets Brad Ector's dragon costume during the No Kings protest in downtown Louisville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)

Protesters hoist signs in Louisvill, "on No Kings day, Oct. 18, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Chris Hughes)

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A decline in planning applications has cast doubt on Labours housebuilding target, threatening Britains growth prospects.

A monthly average of 17,691 planning applications for new homes in England have been submitted so far this year, down from 19,369 a year ago, figures from construction data experts Barbour ABI show.

Planning applications act as a guide for future housebuilding activity, with the figures raising concerns that the Government will fall short of its plan to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament.

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In order to meet Labours target, 300,000 homes need to be built each year. To ensure this level of development goes ahead, an estimated 40,000 planning applications for new homes are needed each month.

This years slowdown in planning applications adds to worries that many areas across the country will miss their housebuilding targets.

Steve Turner, chief executive of the Home Builders Federation, said: Much more needs to be done to remove the barriers currently suppressing housebuilding.

While the speedy changes made by the Government to the planning system were welcome, builders can only build if buyers can buy and we need to see more support, in particular for young people who are currently unable to purchase a new home due to a lack of affordable mortgage lending.

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We also need to see ministers addressing the delays to processing planning applications and the growing levels of taxation and regulatory costs faced by builders that are making many sites not viable to develop.

Labour has promised to make it easier for housebuilders to build new homes in a major shake-up of Britains planning laws.

The Governments planning and infrastructure bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords. Labour hopes the planning reforms will speed up the delivery of housing schemes and drive growth with Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, pledging to take on the blockers within her own party who stand in the way of the proposals.

Overall, there have been 159,221 applications for new homes in England so far this year, down from 174,323 in the same period last year.

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Sam Richards, chief executive of Britain Remade, said: These figures should be a flashing red warning light for the Government. Planning applications are the pipeline for future building and the fact theyre falling means they are way off track for their target of 1.5 million new homes.

If ministers are serious, we need to unlock land where homes are needed, streamline approvals and tackle the outdated rules that block building. That means reforming the habitat regulations so we protect nature while allowing badly needed homes.

Housebuilders have warned that skills shortages, delays to planning applications and rising costs are leading to a slowdown in the construction industry.

The most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the construction sector contracted 0.3pc in August, after flatlining in July.

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The Government was contacted for comment.

Legal and General said on Monday it will spend 2bn to build 10,000 new affordable homes by the end of the decade, along with infrastructure development.

The pensions giants promise marks the launch of the Sterling 20 group of institutions backing Ms Reevess call to invest more in the UK to bolster the economy.

However, the pledge is just a fraction of the Governments goal of building 1.5m new homes over this parliament.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.




Someone just got a whole lot richer after a $1 million Texas Two Step Lottery ticket was sold at a West Texas convenience store on Thursday, October 16, according to the Texas Lottery website. In addition to the million-dollar ticket, a $25,000 winning ticket was sold in Plano on Saturday, October 18.

The Texas Two Step Lottery ticket was sold at Mr T's Market in Midland, a city that is a major hub for the region's oil and gas industry. The $1,075,000 jackpot hit all four of the winning numbers, as well as the bonus. The winning numbers were: 1, 6, 14, 31, and the bonus number was 25.

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The player left it all up to fate, opting for a quick pick ticket. By the looks of that jackpot number, luck was clearly on their side. The winner has not claimed the ticket as of Sunday, October 19, according to the website.

Texas Two Step costs $1 per play. Drawings are held every Monday and Thursday at 10:12 p.m.

It wasn't the only winning ticket sold this week. A $25,000 Cash Five winning ticket was sold at a liquor shop, Creek Beverage, in Plano on Saturday, October 18, according to the Texas Lottery website. The winning numbers were: 1, 17, 19, 22, and 25. The player hit all five numbers after opting for a quick pick ticket. The ticket has not been claimed as of Sunday, October 19.

Cash Five costs $1 per play. Drawings are held Monday through Saturday at 10:12 p.m.

This article originally published at Lucky winner hits jackpot, secures $1M in Texas Two Step Lottery.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday denounced the spectacular theft of jewellery from the Louvre Museum in Paris as an attack on France's cultural history.

"The theft from the Louvre is an attack on a cultural asset that we value because it is part of our history," said Macron. "We will recover the works and bring the perpetrators to justice. Under the leadership of the Paris public prosecutor's office, everything is being done everywhere to achieve this."

Macron said that a project to modernize the Louvre that was presented in January provides for a strengthening of security measures.

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"It will ensure the preservation and protection of what makes up our memory and our culture," said the president.

Broadcaster BFMTV has released extracts from an amateur video showing the burglars carrying out their spectacular coup in the exhibition room containing the French crown jewels.

One of the perpetrators can be seen wearing a high-visibility waistcoat and forcibly opening one of the display cases.

Public prosecutor Laure Beccau told broadcaster BFMTV that eight precious pieces of jewellery were taken. They included a necklace and an earring belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon's second wife.

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Another necklace, a pair of earrings and a diadem from the collections of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense were also stolen, along with two brooches and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III.

Eugenie's crown, a priceless item decorated with emeralds and hundreds of diamonds, was lost by the thieves during the heist and later recovered. The crown was reportedly damaged.
A trio of Maine Monitor journalists were heralded with notable awards Saturday night at the Maine Press Associations annual fall conference and awards banquet.

Rose Lundy, a senior public health reporter at The Monitor, was announced as Maines Journalist of the Year for her in-depth reporting over the years on Maines aging population. This marks the second time in the past four years that a Maine Monitor reporter was named the states journalist of the year.

As part of her COVID-19 coverage, Lundy began identifying gaps in Maines health care infrastructure, particularly for Maines aging population. In the years since, Lundy has carved out a niche reporting on the lack of quality aging care available in a state that is home to the oldest population in the country.

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She devoted 18 months as a ProPublica Local Reporting Fellow to investigate Maines residential care facilities, carefully combing through hundreds of pages of monitoring and investigation reports, being dogged in her pursuit of the story and exceedingly careful in her analysis. She knocked on doors, visited facilities and spoke to neighbors.

The investigation uncovered that Maine rarely sanctions residential care facilities even after severe abuse or neglect incidents, and Maines health department rarely investigates when residents wander away from their care facilities.

Following the investigations publication, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to provide its first major update to assisted living and residential care regulations in more than 15 years. (Lawmakers later replaced the proposed measure instead with reporting requirements and a stakeholder study group.)

Maine Monitor editor Kate Cough was named the inaugural recipient of the MPAs Mentor of the Year award for how she, as The Monitors editor, has amplified opportunities for emerging journalists, including six who have completed internships or fellowships directly under her guidance.

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As part of The Monitors mission, the newsroom takes seriously its role in training and mentoring early career investigative journalists. As Cough put it in a letter to members earlier this year: One of the pleasures of being editor of The Monitor is being able to offer intrepid young reporters a way into the field. The Monitor has always created these kinds of opportunities, but were doing even more now, once again bucking a trend.

In addition to her duties as The Monitors editor, Cough has generously carved out time to mentor high school students in Mount Desert Island and has spent two semesters advising a Wabanaki history and culture class at the University of New England on its journalism projects.

Kristian Moravec, an education and workforce development reporter for The Monitor, was recognized with the Bob Drake Young Writers Award, an accolade presented to a journalist with fewer than three years of full-time experience.

Moravec, while at the Times Record, broke the news about the malfunction of a fire suppression system that discharged 1,600 gallons of firefighting foam concentrate containing forever chemicals at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station. The incident spurred dozens of follow-up stories.

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For The Monitor, at the time of her nomination in early July, Moravec had covered stories such as the implications of Maines fight with the Trump administration over Title IX, rural communities exploring withdrawals from their school district and what the future holds for Maines heat pump workforce.

Members of The Maine Monitor at the 2025 Maine Press Association awards banquet. From left: Emily Bader, Emmett Gartner, Rose Lundy, Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, Sean Scott, George Harvey, Daniel O'Connor and Kristian Moravec. Photo by Erin Rhoda.

The Monitor also received first place recognitions for Digital General Excellence and for usage of Maines Freedom of Access Act for Rose Lundys investigation into residential care facility residents wandering away from their facilities and Alexa Fousts reporting on safety violations at child care facilities and reimbursement delays by DHHS to child care providers who accept children in foster care.

In addition to these accolades, 11 newsroom contributors collectively received 15 accolades for work produced between April 2024 and March 2025. The Monitor competed alongside daily news outlets including the Bangor Daily News, Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal, Kennebec Journal, Morning Sentinel and Times Record.

The newsroom has now earned 221 accolades from the Maine Press Association since it began participating in the MPA competition in 2015.

First Place

Education Story: Child care providers cited for safety violations by Alexa Foust and Kate Hapgood

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Environmental Story: How one Maine town is prepping for its next disaster by Emmett Gartner

News Story: Child care providers cited for safety violations by Alexa Foust and Kate Hapgood

Coverage of Minority Community Issues: Historically left out, a Wabanaki organization forges its own approach to addiction treatment by Emily Bader

News Video: The eclipse chasers by Roger McCord

Features/Lifestyle Video: A backstage look at a thriving Biddeford community theater by Roger McCord

News Story Headline: Gulf of Maine lobsters are experiencing a housing crisis by Kate Cough

Second Place

Environmental Story: Community solar is booming, but who owns the projects? by Murray Carpenter

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News Story: Maritime officials fear catastrophic outcome if mariner shortage worsens by Jacqueline Weaver

Continuing Story: Court system troubles (five stories on indigent defense, public defenders offices, child removal cases delayed by a lack of attorneys and Sixth Amendment violation decisions) by Josh Keefe

Outdoors Story: Seal Island sees record number of breeding puffins by Derrick Z. Jackson

Self-Promotion: Celebrating 15 years of in-depth and investigative nonpartisan reporting from the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting by George Harvey, Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, Pat Richardson, Kate Cough, Stephanie McFeeters and Ashley Carter

Third Place

Health Story: Independent pharmacies are closing. Pharmacy benefit managers may be to blame. by Emily Bader

Education Story: Schools confront unique challenges in ridding their water of forever chemicals by Emmett Gartner

Food Story/Feature: UMaine potato breed edges out longtime favorites by John O'Meara
Maine Morning Star reporter Emma Davis holds up some of the honors she received at the 2025 Maine Press Association annual award banquet. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/Maine Morning Star)

Staff and contributors to the Maine Morning Star took home several awards, including three first place honors, in the 2025 Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. The ceremony was held Saturday at the DoubleTree Hilton in South Portland at the organizations annual conference.

Maine Morning Stars haul included three first place and four second place honors for stories and photographs published from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Having launched in September 2023, this marks the outlets second press awards.

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This is what Morning Stars journalists won:

Emma Davis

Eesha Pendharkar

Marina Schauffler, independent journalist

1st place, best illustration/graphic, for her scrolly graphic introducing the investigative series A firehose of forever chemicals

2nd place, best investigative report, for the series A firehose of forever chemicals

Michael G. Seamans, freelance photographer

2nd place, best feature photo, for voting booth

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The conference also included the Maine Press Associations 2025 Hall of Fame induction, which honored longtime Bangor Daily News editorial cartoonist George Danby, Portland Press Herald photojournalist John Ewing, and the late Dennis Hoey, a respected night reporter for the Portland Press Herald.

Maine Monitor journalist Rose Lundy was named Journalist of the Year.

The MPA Hall of Fame, established in 1998, honors newspaper people with Maine connections who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Founded in 1864, the Maine Press Association is one of the oldest professional news organizations in the nation.

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The terror-linked Brooklyn imam who palled around in a photo opp this week with socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani once urged jihad on the Big Apple.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj, one of the nations foremost Muslim leaders, delivered his radical message during a sermon in the early 2000s, telling followers to participate in gun-free jihad and march through the city of New York, according to a foreign intelligence assessment obtained Saturday by The Post.

I pray one day Allah will bless us to raise an army, and Im serious about this, he said during the sermon, which was first reported by Islamist Watch and cited in the intelligence report.

Siraj Wahhaj, the terror-linked Brooklyn imam who palled around in a photo opp Friday with socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, once urged jihad on the Big Apple. Anadolu

We were very close, recently. We had made intention to raise an army of 10,000 men in New York City.

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Muslim men to go fight in the way of subhanahu wa taala, added the Imam, using a using a phrase that roughly translates to glory be to Allah.

800,000 Muslims in New York City, he said. Can you imagine, if 800,000 Muslims decide to march every day?

Mamdani is the heavy favorite to win this years mayoral race. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

Im not telling you, no, dont pick up a gun, no. Just march. March through the city of New York. Let them hear your voice. Let them hear it at night. Let them hear it 24 hours, until the whole city cant sleep.

He said a main goal of the demand was drumming up support to help fellow Muslims defend themselves against enemies in Bosnia.

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Im asking for us to greet the duty for jihad here in America, the 75-year-imam of a Bedford-Stuyvesant mosque said. How? By helping our Muslim brothers and sisters by sending money over there and bringing weapons to Bosnia to the Muslims by any means necessary.

Mamdani (center) poses for photo Friday with NYC Councilman Yusef Salaam (left) and Wahhaj (right). X/ZohranKMamdani

He added, But dont stop there. Collect money for the Muslims who are dying by the millions in Somalia. Dont stop there. Let us march to Palestine and liberate our brothers and sisters there. But dont stop there. Lets go to Algeria, and liberate the Muslims there. Dont stop there. Go all over the world.

Mamdani gleefully campaigned Friday with Wahhaj, a notorious, gay-hating imam who is an unindicted co-conspirator in 1993 World Trade Center bombing and who has been linked to other terrorist activity in the United States.

The Democratic frontrunner to become the citys next mayor was seen laughing and grinning while standing arm-in-arm with Wahhaj at the imams Bedford-Stuyvesant mosque in a photo the socialist posted on X a day after the first mayoral debate.
A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death in a Queens strip club early Sunday, cops said.

The victim got into an argument in front of Sweets of NY, a stripper joint on Sutphin Blvd. at 94th Ave. in Jamaica, right before he was stabbed in the stomach inside at about 1:50 a.m., cops said.

Medics rushed the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he died. His name was not immediately released.

No arrests have been made.
AUBURN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  An employee of a charity providing peer support for inmates was arraigned at that very jail after police accused him of falsifying his time sheets.

Auburn police allege that 38-year-old Justin Pendleton, from Port Byron, defrauded the Auburn-based non-profit Nicks Ride 4 Friends out of over $2,800 by faking time sheets over the course of five months.

Pendleton worked for the group, starting in May 2024 according to his social media, as a peer support advocate at the Cayuga County Jail. That was the very same jail police would later send him for arraignment.

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Auburn police said, in a news release sent today by Sgt. Andrew Young, that they initially arrived at the charitys headquarters, a red brick building on 13 Chapel St, back on July 11 and concluded that Pendleton was faking his time sheets.

Nicks Ride 4 Friends focuses on fighting drug addiction, but also provides supports groups and other programs at the jail. Brian Schenck, the Cayuga County Sheriff, is the non-profits board president.

The Auburn Police Department charged Pendleton with two felonies: fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree of falsifying business records.

NewsChannel 9 has reached out to Nicks Ride 4 Friends for comment.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
A man is facing charges after a deadly shooting in Cambria County on Saturday.

Pennsylvania State Police say Dylan Lang, 24, of Jackson Township, was charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Officers were called to the 100 block of Heritage Lane in Jackson Township at 3:45 a.m. for reports of a shooting at a home.

Police say Robert Edward Hagen Jr., 55, of Jackson Township, was found shot in his upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Troopers say Hagen and a woman were in his pickup truck, which was parked in Langs driveway, at the time of the incident.

Lang, who knew Hagen, reportedly left his home and went to the truck with a handgun. Troopers say he smashed the drivers side back window and shot Hagen while he and the woman were still inside the truck.

Lang reportedly called 911 and stayed at the scene, where he was arrested without incident.

Police say they seized a handgun from the house and recovered two shell casings from the driveway.

Lang was arraigned on Saturday and taken to the Cambria County Prison, police say. He was denied bail.

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Lang is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on Oct. 27.

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A 48-year-old man has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following a crash that killed a USPS worker Saturday afternoon, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

The crash happened in the 11700 block of Antoine Drive, Gonzalez shared. He said the crash involved two vehicles, one being a postal truck and the other being a pickup.

"We have witnesses that did observe the vehicle going at a significant high rate of speed. It was a pretty violent crash that occurred," Sgt. Villacorta said.

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According to officials, the driver of the pickup truck was driving southbound on Antoine Drive as he was fleeing the scene of a separate minor crash up the road.

"As he was fleeing, he was going at a high rate of speed, lost control, and struck the rear of the postal truck that was delivering mail at the residences here on the southbound side of the Antoine Drive," Sgt. Villacorta said.

The sheriff's office said the driver of the postal vehicle, 58-year-old Steven Marks, was taken to a hospital where he died.

Marks was both well-known and widely loved by neighbors with whom ABC13 spoke.

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"I'm going to miss giving him the Long Island tea that he liked to get for Christmas. I'm going to really miss handing that to him," one neighbor said.

Another neighbor told ABC13 that they used to play pool together as well.

"He's going to always be in our hearts. He's somebody that we cared for," the neighbor said.

The United States Postal Service sent out this statement, giving its condolences to the worker of 28 years:

The Postal Service is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life yesterday in a two-vehicle accident in Houston, TX, involving our Postal family member with 28 years of service. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We will be offering counseling services to our employees at the Cornerstone Post Office as the investigation into the incident continues.

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Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup, identified as 48-year-old Jose Humberto Romero, was found to have been intoxicated, Gonzalez said, and added that Romero was booked into the Harris County jail.

Romero's bond was set at $250,000 and is set to appear in court on Monday, Oct. 20.

"This charge would previously (be) a second-degree felony, but the 89th Texas Legislature provided an enhancement, now making it a first-degree felony if the defendant has been previously convicted of DWI, which it appears Romero was in 2023," Gonzalez said.

Arrest update: Jose Humberto Romero (12-4-76) caused a crash that resulted in the death of a @USPS delivery driver (58 yr old male).



Romero was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter. Hes been booked in the Harris County Jail.



This charge https://t.co/0knaD5L2Xe pic.twitter.com/ner9rvw9Sd  Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 18, 2025

Court records found that Romero was previously arrested for DWI back in 2023. Records show that he spent 3 days in Harris County Jail, and had his license suspended for 90 days.
Police have arrested a man accused of traveling to New York City with plans to harm federal agents during Saturday's "No Kings" protest.

David Cox, 54, of Newark Valley, New York, is charged with making terroristic threats, false report of terrorism and making a threat of mass harm.

Authorities say Cox told a gas station employee in Oswego on Friday night that he was planning to travel to the city to firebomb ICE agents at the protest.

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Members of the NYPD were then alerted of the potential threat, and officers managed to track down Cox's vehicle in Borough Park, Brooklyn and take him into custody on Saturday afternoon.

More than 100,000 protesters took to the streets of New York City to have their voices be heard, at one point flooding Times Square.

There were similar scenes across the country as large crowds gathered for the "No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump, his administration and their policies. Sources say there were more than 2,600 "No Kings" events held across the U.S., with demonstrators saying President Trump is acting like a monarch and not an elected official.

Saturday's protest marks the the third mass mobilization since the president's reelection.

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Demonstrators raised their voices with chants and held bright signs, some even in costumes. The demonstrations come amid a government shutdown that continues to stretch on, leaving federal workers without pay.

The demonstrations are also on the heels of ICE ramping up arrests in its crackdown of illegal immigration and crackdown on crime with the deployment of the National Guard.

Eyewitness News spoke with several folks who showed up, saying the federal government is being dismantled and that it's tough to watch in real time the effects of orders coming from the White House.

"It's heartbreaking, heart-wrenching and just despicable when they take their mother away from their children. The children are screaming, that's too much," said Gia Galeano, one of the protesters.

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Sharon Boone, another protester, echoed similar sentiments.

"If you're the president, you are supposed to be the president for the country. This is not what's happening. This division, the petty grievances," Boone said.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Prince Georges County on Saturday night.

The Prince Georges County Police Department said the shooting happened in the 6500 block of Bock Terrace at around 7:40 p.m. There, responding officers found a man who had been shot.

6 people hurt in multi-vehicle crash in Rosaryville

He was lying on the ground. He was pronounced dead there.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Delaware State Police are investigating a three-car crash near Lincoln that killed a man from Virginia.

Around 2 p.m. on Oct. 17, a 68-year-old man from Portsmouth, Virginia, was driving a Hyundai northbound on Dupont Boulevard (U.S. Route 113) approaching Johnson Road, police said. A Honda Accord, driven by a 27-year-old Milford man, was behind the Hyundai. A Freightliner tanker-truck was approaching Dupont Boulevard at the same time.

Police said their preliminary investigation revealed that the Honda rear-ended the Hyundai as it slowed for a yellow or red light. The Hyundai was pushed into the intersection, where it hit the Freightliner in the intersection.

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TRAFFIC FATALITY: 25-year-old killed in head-on crash on Route 9 east of Georgetown

The driver of the Hyundai was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead, police said. The other drivers were not injured.

Delaware State Police encourage anyone with information to reach out to them or Delaware Crime Stoppers.

Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 3-vehicle crash at Dupont Blvd. intersection near Lincoln kills man
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man died after being shot in Southeast D.C. on Saturday night.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said officers responded to the 3200 block of 15th Place at around 9:45 p.m. for reports of a shooting. There, they found a man who had been shot.

Crews rescuing fallen bicyclist on Capitol Crescent Trail

He was taken to the hospital, but despite all life-saving measures, he died there.

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MPD does not have a lookout for the involved suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man was shot to death late Saturday night on a sidewalk in a Southeast Portland neighborhood, waking neighbors and causing a great deal of concern.

The shots rang out just after 10 p.m. near SE 17th and Harold. The man, who has not been publicly identified, died at the scene.

Homicide detectives scoured the scene for hours but at this time no arrests have been made in the shooting.

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Gabriel Tierney lives nearby and was inside when I heard probably 12 to 15 gunshots outside.

He walked outside, saw some neighbors and asked if they were OK

And then they all looked stunned, and they kind of pointed to the left, and I looked over to their left and my right, and then, he was lying there, Tierney said.

After No Kings, protesters tear gassed at Portland ICE facility

He said he checked on a few people in the neighborhood and then went to process things alone at home with my wife. So, you know, its really emotional.

Tierney added there have been some altercations and stuff in the neighborhood, but for the most part it just seems kind of quiet, peaceful.

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Another neighbor, Fearghus Tyler, said he was in bed when he heard at least five small bangs.  Definitely seemed like gunfire.

He said he sat tight and called some neighbors, but popped his head outside when the police arrived.

Whole crime scene over here. They had caution tape around and thats about all I saw, Tyler said.

This shooting in his neighborhood is definitely stressful. Its not ideal, you know? That shouldnt have happened, he said. Definitely makes you concerned and a little disconcerted.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Portland police.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A man was found fatally shot in a vehicle overnight in Birmingham.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, officers responded around 12:05 a.m. Sunday on a person shot call at 12th Place Southwest and Mayfield Avenue. At the scene, police discovered a man lying unresponsive in a drivers seat of a vehicle.

73-year-old man dies after being shot in Birmingham, no suspect in custody

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Birmingham Fire and Resuce Service personnel pronounced the man dead. The BPD stated a preliminary investigation shows an unknown suspect fired shots as the victim tried to drive away.

There is no one in custody in connection to the case. Those with information on the shooting are asked to call the BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly agreed to abandon confidential informants who were protected by the U.S. government to seal a deal with El Salvadors president, who agreed to indefinitely detain dozens of Venezuelan deportees in a brutal prison.

The arrangement, inked in the days leading up to Donald Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport alleged Venezuelan gang members, gave the administration access to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, decried by human rights groups as a tropical gulag and concentration camp that has been central to a first wave of the presidents mass deportation agenda.

On a March 13 phone call, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele agreed to the deal, on the condition that MS-13 gang members Bukele wanted imprisoned in his jail were actually informants protected by the Department of Justice, according to The Washington Post.

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Rather than dismissing the idea, Rubio agreed to speak with Attorney General Pam Bondi to abandon those protections, adding another layer to a secret agreement exposed in court documents and reporting in the wake of a months-long ordeal that ultimately led to a prisoner exchange and the release of 250 Venezuelans from CECOT to their home country this summer.

Americans elected President Trump because they were tired of politicians making excuses, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement shared with The Independent.

Marco Rubio reportedly abandoned agreements with confidential informants to seal a deal with El Salvadors government to detain deportees at a brutal prison in that country (Getty Images)

The Trump Administrations results speak for themselves, he said. Hardened [Tren de Aragua] gang members are back in Venezuela. American hostages are home. MS-13 gang members are being prosecuted in the U.S. and El Salvador. And Americans are safer as a result of these incredible efforts.

In his proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act in March, Trump stated that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.

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But government officials later admitted that many of those men did not have criminal records, and many were in the country with legal permission and scheduled to appear in court on their asylum claims.

A top judge in Washington, D.C. had ordered the Trump administration to turn planes around after learning in an emergency lawsuit that officials were flying the men to El Salvador. The administration resisted, provoking an extraordinary legal battle in which Trump himself demanded the judges impeachment.

According to The Washington Post, the White House feared that exact scenario if Venezuelans werent deported quickly enough.

Trump repeatedly called Rubio about the deal while the secretary was on a multiday trip to Saudi Arabia and Canada earlier this year, the newspaper reported.

Trump was reportedly eager to ink a deal with Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele to quickly deported Venezuelans to his CECOT prison before a judge could intervene (AFP via Getty Images)

While Trump sought a foreign country to facilitate his mass deportation scheme, Bukele needed support from the Justice Department to legitimize his leadership against global criticism for his threats to civil liberties, The Post noted.

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Bukele appears to have held up his end of the bargain, effectively acting as a brutal pass-through for Venezuelan deportees. But only one of the nine men Bukele demanded were sent to El Salvador.

It is unclear whether they can keep up with legal battles to prevent their deportation.

But former Justice Department officials appear frustrated that the Trump administration would effectively be blowing up cases involving alleged gang members that law enforcement spent years investigating to try to win over as cooperators.

It would be very disheartening if I worked my butt off for a year to collect that evidence  to get him into custody, to bring him to justice, just for the Department of Justice or the State Department to turn around and say, OK were going to drop all charges, Daniel Brunner, a former FBI agent who worked on a joint task force investigating MS-13.

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It would gut me as a case agent, he told The Washington Post.

More than 250 Venezuelans deported to CECOT in March were returned to their home country as part of a prison swap that saw Americans returned to the United States (Getty Images)

After they were flown from immigration detention centers in the middle of the night to CECOT, roughly 250 Venezuelan men were shackled and gang-walked into the brutal maximum-security prison, where their heads were shaved, and then stuffed into jail cells where they lived for more than five months.

They were not allowed to speak with families or lawyers. They never stepped foot outside.

For months, government attorneys and administration officials claimed that the United States did not have jurisdiction over deportees that were locked up in El Salvador. But court filings revealed that authorities in that country told the United Nations that the legal responsibility for these people lie exclusively with the U.S. government.

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Despite the administrations claims that those deportees were no longer the responsibility of the United States, officials appeared to be using them as a bargaining chip in a prisoner exchange.

On July 18, following trilateral negotiations with the U.S., Salvadoran and Venezuelan governments, more than 250 Venezuelans jailed inside the facility were returned to their home country, and several Americans were returned from Venezuelas custody to the United States.

In lawsuits and interviews following their release, the men revealed the physical, verbal and psychological abuse they endured, including routine beatings from guards using their fists and batons.
Demonstrations against US President Donald Trump on Saturday attracted huge crowds across the country, as the No Kings movement protested against what it sees as Trump's authoritarian policies.

Organizers said nearly 7 million people had taken part in peaceful demonstrations in some 2,700 cities and municipalities - hundreds more locations than in a previous protest in June.

Many told reporters that they feared US democracy was at risk, less than nine months into Trump's second term. Others held banners with slogans such as "No King. No one above the law" or "Democracy not dictatorship."

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The New York Police Department recorded 100,000 participants in the various demonstrations across the city. It said there had been no riots and that no arrests had been made.

A volunteer told a dpa reporter in the city's Times Square that the crowd had filled the street to the south all the way to Union Square - a distance of several kilometres.

There were also protests in the capital Washington, as well as in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and many other cities. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, thousands of people took to the streets, according to a dpa reporter.

People also took part in rallies in smaller towns such as Bethesda in the Washington area and Sarasota County in Florida.

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Broadcaster CNN reported that one woman had been detained in South Carolina after pointing a weapon at protesters as she drove by in her vehicle.

The No Kings website says the Trump administration is "sending masked agents" into US streets, terrorizing communities and arresting people without warrants.

It also accuses the president of endangering elections, dismantling health and environmental protections, and allowing billionaires to profit while many families struggle from rising living costs.

"The president thinks his rule is absolute," it says. "But in America, we don't have kings."

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Trump and his Republican party reject the label.

"They say theyre referring to me as a king. Im not a king," Trump told Fox News on Friday.

Harvard University's Crowd Counting Consortium notes that protests have been far more frequent in Trump's second term, which started in late January, than in his first.

In mid-June, several million people participated in No Kings demonstrations, one of the largest mass protests in US history.




Throngs of protesters took to the streets, parks and beaches of the Bay Area on Saturday as part of the nationwide "No Kings" movement taking place against the Trump administration and its policies.

The demonstrations largely echoed those that took place in June, down to a huge human banner formed by protesters on Ocean Beach. This time, the human banner included support for Proposition 50, which would draw new California congressional maps in favor of Democrats.

Photos and videos posted across social media platforms show large masses of people gathering and marching on Market Street and in front of Civic Center in San Francisco. Protesters also gathered at Lake Merritt and marched through the streets of downtown Oakland. The protest in San Francisco was about 50,000 strong, an organizer of the event told the San Francisco Chronicle. (The Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst but have separate newsrooms.)

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Chants heard in videos include, "El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido" ("The people united will never be defeated"), and calls to "Stand up, fight back."

WATCH NO KINGS: Thousands of Protesters are now marching down 13th st in Oakland. pic.twitter.com/RP9VYekDCm - Aarya Mukherjee (@Aarya_Muk) October 18, 2025

Saturday's demonstrations come just days after President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco, a move that sparked outrage among locals and state officials. Protesters at the demonstrations also condemned the slew of violent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that have taken place throughout the state and country since the administration took hold.

San Francisco says NO KINGS! pic.twitter.com/abBPQX3YVI - Denison Barb (@DenisonBarbs) October 18, 2025

Protests are occurring in cities throughout the Bay Area on Saturday, from Albany and Alameda to Benicia, San Rafael and Palo Alto.

A full map of protest locations can be found here.

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This article originally published at Massive crowds turn out in Bay Area for 'No Kings' protests against President Donald Trump.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As Portland continues to be a prominent target of the Trump administration, Mayor Keith Wilson shared his perspective in an opinion piece for Newsweek, urging federal government officials to change their tactics before its too late.

Published Sunday morning and titled Portland Mayor: ICE Facility Is a Disaster Waiting To Happen, Wilson detailed his time visiting the building in South Portland when summoned to meet with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski.

It was there he claimed to observe a mess of overflowing dumpsters, loose body armor and crowd control munitions, as well as a broken HVAC air conditioning system that raised both temperatures and tempers in the aging building.

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After No Kings, protesters tear gassed at Portland ICE facility

Additionally, Wilson mentioned Sec. Noems denied regional journalists access to the facility, opting instead to fly in the least credible, most ideologically compromised hangers-on that MAGA social media has to offer.

He cited similar concern for the federal agents and personnel who were far from home, overworked and unpaid in the midst of the government shutdown.

I can only imagine the family and financial stress they are under as they are forced to make daily, split-second decisions with immense human consequences, Wilson wrote.

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The mayor also cited several incidents of unprovoked attacks by federal agents against protesters. For one, a teenager was caught on camera being sprayed in the face by chemical irritants, senior citizens were knocked down and an agent threatened to shoot an ambulance driver. Further, The Cottonwood School, a K-8 charter school located near the ICE building, was forced to relocate due to the ongoing protests.

Kaiser healthcare worker strike ends, bargaining for fair wages continues

While Ive been assured there has been disciplinary action for some of these incidents, I have no way of verifying that any accountability has taken place, or if the federal agents responsible have simply been placed on a plane to brutalize and traumatize another community, Wilson added.

Wilson then referred to Noems visit as a missed opportunity and a great shame, noting how they could have discussed how the federal government could improve local law enforcement nationally through the standards set by the Portland Police Bureau.

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However, what happened, Wilson claimed, was a blindly expensive, taxpayer-funded and ultimately unconvincing whistle-stop tour intended to prop up a ludicrous fable of domestic terrorism and conspiracy.

Noem later claimed Gov. Tina Kotek and Wilson were covering up terrorism on Portlands streets while actively helping Antifa. Both Mayor Wilson and Portland Police Chief Bob Day have publicly rejected that claim.

In his op-ed, Wilson further detailed what he sees as other potential links in the accident chain, with ICE upping recruitment tactics while dropping applicant standards, as well as increasing sign-on bonuses. Others include the rising deaths in ICE facilities across the country, as well as clashes with protesters due primarily to poor decision-making and tactics, he claims.

Given these observations, Wilson encouraged the Trump administration to choose another path.

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Every accident is preventable, and you are running out of time to prevent one in Portland, he wrote.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A trove of bigoted messages between members of the Young Republicans is deepening a sharp rift among state groups across the country, further fracturing an organization that has been beset with internal discord and infighting for years.

Young Republicans chapters across the country were divided on how to respond to the texts  with some groups staying silent and others immediately denouncing the Telegram group chat revealed by POLITICO that contained racist, homophobic and antisemitic epithets.

Much of the conflict on how to respond to the texts stems from an August election over who would lead the Young Republican National Federation, the umbrella group for all the state chapters known commonly as Young Republicans.

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The election essentially split Young Republicans into two groups: On one side was Hayden Padgett, a Texas Republican and current chair of the Young Republican National Federation who was running for reelection. On the other side was Peter Giunta, who led an insurgent group within the Young Republicans and who previously clashed with Padgett, in part because he challenged Padgett to be chair of the national federation in the August election. Giunta ultimately lost the election.

Giunta, however, was one of the members on the leaked text chain and had posted offensive messages, including I love Hitler and If your pilot is a she and she looks ten shades darker than someone from Sicily, just end it there. Scream the no no word. Giunta and other members of the group chat also repeatedly used homophobic slurs to refer to Padgett, with Arizona Young Republicans Chair Luke Mosiman at one point writing RAPE HAYDEN.

Giunta, who apologized for the texts, did not respond to a request for comment, and Mosiman declined to comment.

After POLITICO revealed the chats, Young Republican leaders in 23 state groups who supported Padgetts reelection bid quickly released statements condemning the leaked text messages. Several used the statements as an opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to Padgett: Leaders in Missouri, Alaska and Wisconsin, for example, noted in their statements that they opposed Giuntas attempt to unseat Padgett in August.

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By contrast, many of the state groups that previously supported Giunta were silent in the aftermath of the leak, with the exception of a handful of states including Illinois and Georgia that denounced the texts. Several also appeared to have deleted social media posts expressing support for Giuntas campaign.

One group that endorsed Giunta and his platform over the summer, the Arizona Young Republican Federation, lambasted what it called mob-style condemnation driven by political opportunism or personal agendas.

While certain voices within our movement have been quick to condemn, many of these same individuals have overlooked or ignored deeply concerning rhetoric and actions on the political leftincluding public celebrations of the tragic death of Charlie Kirk and Jay Jones, calling for the death of family, the group said in a statement.

The Arizona group, led by Mosiman, also condemned the rhetoric from the Telegram chat but raised concerns about their authenticity and context.

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The group also used the controversy as an opportunity to take a swipe at Padgett and YRNF leadership, calling out a troubling disregard for unity and due process from national leaders who they said failed to communicate with state leaders before releasing its statement.

When asked about criticism against his leadership, Padgett told POLITICO that any claims of division within the organization are baseless while calling on Democrats to condemn violent rhetoric from members of their party.

The YRNF unequivocally condemned the leaked messages in the Politico articlefull stop, he said. Outside of those in the sticks, every state and local Young Republican chapter stands united.

The fight over how to respond to the text scandal ultimately exposes the deep fissures within the Young Republican National Federation, which has around 14,000 members who have historically helped the Republican Party run its ground game during elections. Past chairs include longtime Trump ally Roger Stone as well as members of Congress.

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One state chair, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal dynamics, said they were surprised some YRNF leaders were not as strong in condemning the remarks but hoped the organization could move forward as a united group.

California Young Republicans Immediate Past President Ariana Assenmacher, who was Giuntas running mate in the August election, said in an interview she was surprised by the rhetoric used in the messages and had no knowledge of nor involvement in the group chat.

I think its a very isolated event, and its frustrating to see something that is a very small chat being pushed as representation for Young Republicans across the country, which is obviously not the case, Assenmacher said.

Young Republicans leaders from more than three dozen states did not respond to POLITICOs requests for comment or declined to comment.

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YRNF has seen bitter clashes between warring factions since Padgett was elected in 2023, when the opposing slate garnered less than one-fifth of the vote. But Giuntas campaign this year picked up significant traction among state leaders disillusioned with the incumbent leadership, winning 47 percent of the vote in Augusts national leadership election.

Another state chair, who was granted anonymity due to fears of retribution, said they were not surprised by the maliciousness of the messages but added that they had never heard anything like that from the people I am friends with.

I dont like attacking our own, they said. We spend a lot of time fighting amongst ourselves. The August election was extremely controversial, and there were personal attacks from both sides, very very unkind stuff.

The state chair added that YRNF has been plagued by division in recent years and that they were absolutely sure theres extremely unkind things in the messages of Giuntas opponents.

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Valerie McDonnell, the youngest state legislator in New Hampshire who stepped down as a Young Republican national committeewoman in August, said she was appalled by the repeated terrible language about other members.

It wasn't just a one-off comment. It was, I believe, over a span of six months, just repeated terrible language about other members, she said. This just was beyond belief to see the extent of this.

Still, the second state chair worried that ongoing divisions in the organization following the August leadership election could hamper the organizations value to the GOP in the 2026 midterm elections.

These are the meanest people I have ever met in my life, the person said of their Young Republicans colleagues. I love this organization so much, and it meant so much to me in my early- and mid-20s, and it is just different. These kids are not the same. I think theyve grown up in politics only seeing how Trump treats people and they think thats how you treat people.

Samuel Benson, Faith Wardwell and Jason Beeferman contributed to this report.
Key Points

There's no resolution in sight for the shutdown as the two parties dig in.

Medicare funding is built into law, so coverage will still continue.

However, some Medicare services will lapse or lose funding.

The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook 

The government shutdown, now more than two weeks old, continues on without much optimism on Capitol Hill, in the White House, or elsewhere that it will end soon.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there doesn't appear to be a deal in sight. House Speaker Mike Johnson earlier this week said that "we're barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American History." And the Senate on Wednesday (Oct. 15) failed for the ninth time to reopen the federal government.

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As of this writing, the current shutdown is the sixth-longest in U.S. history. And it's about to move into fifth place on that notorious list (the current record holder is the 2018-2019 shutdown that lasted 35 days).

The central issue in this particular stalemate has to do with healthcare. Subsidies to make Affordable Care Act insurance plans affordable expire at the end of this year. Democrats are demanding that any new spending bill extend those payments, while Republicans want to deal with the issue later in the year, if at all. The two sides will have to come to some kind of agreement on the issue for the shutdown to end.

That will eventually be resolved one way or another (many insiders on Capitol Hill expect some sort of compromise). The only question is how long it will take.

What about Medicare?

But there's another, more relevant question for the 68 million Americans enrolled in Medicare: How will the ongoing shutdown affect my Medicare coverage?

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There's some good news on that front: Certain government agencies operate on a permanent funding basis and should continue to operate pretty much as they always do, even during a protracted shutdown. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) fall under that category. Funding for programs they run is built into law.

Here it is directly from the CMS website: "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Program will continue during a lapse in appropriations." The bottom line: Your Medicare coverage largely won't be impacted by the shutdown.

Image source: Getty Images.

Some lapses

However, several services and benefits provided by Medicare will be impacted. They include:

Telehealth : A rule enacted during the pandemic allowed Medicare patients to see doctors from their homes. That rule expired with the shutdown and will remain that way unless Congress appropriates funds for the program in the next spending bill. Telehealth will remain available to some people in rural areas.

Community Health Centers : Some 52 million people use community health centers, and funding for those facilities expired with the shutdown. For the moment, those centers have enough money to continue to operate. However, if the shutdown extends significantly longer, that funding will eventually dry up.

Other services: A few other minor services the CMS provides will be affected, including beneficiary casework and outreach and education.

When will it end?

Despite continued Medicare coverage, the federal government shutdown will continue to erode services many Americans depend on as funds run out for many programs and agencies, and federal workers are furloughed or fired.

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At the moment, however, there is no resolution in sight. Part of that is because the American public spreads blame for the standoff pretty equally. A recent poll by CBS found that 39% of voters blame President Trump and Republicans for it; 30% blame Democrats; and 31% blame both parties equally. In politics, that kind of equal blame only causes political parties to dig in.

One issue that could bring pressure on both sides to end the shutdown would be if it significantly disrupts travel for many Americans. A month-long shutdown in 2018 ended just after a shortage of air traffic controllers tied up travel in New York and other air travel hubs. This time around, air traffic controllers have already received partial paychecks and might begin to miss entire paychecks if the shutdown lasts another two weeks.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that, because much economic damage can result from a protracted shutdown. The White House Council of Economic Advisers estimates that every week of the shutdown will reduce the nation's gross domestic product by $15 billion.

Right now, it's difficult to predict how it will play out. Thankfully for Medicare beneficiaries, at least that program is safe.

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Your Medicare Coverage Will Continue During the Shutdown--But Some Services May Not was originally published by The Motley Fool
A woman on Reddit sparked a wave of outrage and sympathy after revealing that her mom regularly claims theyre broke, while secretly sending thousands of dollars to a megachurch. My mom says we dont have enough money, but I catch her giving thousands of dollars monthly to a megachurch, the person wrote on r/mildlyinfuriating earlier this year. The post, which included a photo of a $600 online donation receipt to Bill Winston Ministries, drew over 142,000 upvotes and more than 7,600 comments.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Attention parents, Albuquerque Public Schools has made it easier to find out exactly what mental health services are available at your childs school. Services can vary from one campus to another, but starting today, you can visit your schools website and look for a new tab called Mental Health Resources.

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What I really want people to know is there are people at every school site that will listen and support and make themselves available to help any student thats in need. We want all of our services utilized, said Vicki Price, APSs Senior Director of Counseling Services. We want students to feel like theres one person at the school, at least that, Is there and able to hear me, and listen to me, and support me with whatever Im going through.

Services can vary from one campus to another, but starting Wednesday, you can visit your schools website and look for a new tab called Mental Health Resources.

All campuses have school counselors and nurses, but some schools have additional services.

They include:

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Crossroads Counseling  a program focusing on substance use prevention and intervention for middle and high school students

Health & Wellness Teams  staff that address physical, mental, and emotional well-being

Community Mental Health Providers  licensed therapists offering in-school counseling.

Behavioral Health Redirectors  specialists providing help to build relationship skills and positive behaviors

Social workers

Youth-led suicide prevention teams

APSs suicide prevention coordinator, Juliette Beck, said the students on the suicide prevention teams are trained to support one another  especially in urgent situations. She said students in crisis often turn to friends first. We know that students reach out to other students, right? Thats their world, their group, thats their comfort zone, said Beck. And we know that our youth are leaders, that they can be supports, that they sometimes are activists, and they can connect our students to the help that they need.

Currently, 21 out of APSs 142 schools have the youth-led program. Beck said theyre working every year to expand it.

The new website tab is a part of a campaign called Reach Out Resourcesan effort to spread awareness and de-stigmatize getting help.

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Price said the campaign is meant to make the process of seeking help much easier for parents, guardians, and for students. We need to address student mental health as part of a bigger safety issue, and make sure that were meeting kids where they are, and that were finding out their areas of needs, so that we can streamline the type of support that theyre getting, said Price.

Price acknowledged that access to mental health resources in New Mexico can be limited, with a critical shortage of counselors and therapists across the state. She emphasized that APS is intentional about how it allocates support, prioritizing equity and aiming to distribute resources in a way that reaches the greatest number of students.

We base a lot of it on need and on the student population. So bigger schools this year are going to have a few more resources, but we also look at all the mental health needs of students, and we use those to determine where resources are going to go, said Price. But just like the state of New Mexico, our resources dont stretch as far as we always hope they would.

Resource lists will also be included in an upcoming mailer, available in both English and Spanish. As part of the campaign, schools will display posters and distribute lanyards, stickers, and backpack tags to help raise awareness.

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The leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) kicks off a two-day meeting on Sunday centred on the party's approach to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of five regional elections next year.

The closed-door meeting comes after a number of CDU politicians called for the party to soften its hard line against the anti-immigrant AfD, which has been rising in the polls.

Merz flatly rejected the proposal, declaring the AfD to be the "main opponent" of his conservative bloc in the upcoming election campaigns and dismissing any cooperation under his party leadership.

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Merz and CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann are to present the results of the committee meeting at a press conference on Monday.

In nationwide polls, the AfD has now drawn level with or even surpassed Merz's conservative alliance.

In the states of Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where voters are set to elect new regional parliaments next year, the AfD is by far the strongest party in the polls, with ratings of around 40%.
Amid a government shutdown and nationwide No Kings protests that drew millions, thousands and thousands of people  some dressed as inflatable frogs, dinosaurs and unicorns  gathered around the Idaho Capitol and in Cecil D. Andrus Park in Boise on Saturday to rally against the Trump administration.

The crowd, which many in attendance said was the largest they had seen, raised American flags and signs denouncing President Donald Trump, and listened to about an hour of speeches  from the protests organizing group, Idaho 50501, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, and from gubernatorial candidate Terry Pickens, a Democrat.

Protest-goers told the Idaho Statesman about a variety of motivations for showing up, mostly covering civil liberties  rights for immigrants, women and transgender people  and Trumps authoritarian actions.

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Several people around the country have taken to wearing inflatable costumes at rallies, and one person in attendance Saturday in Boise said it was a symbol of resistance to violence.

Sandy McBride, a Boise resident, came to the protest in an inflatable frog suit after being inspired by the people in Portland who protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions there as frogs.

I think using humor really de-escalates anger, and I think theyre really trying to rile us up and make us give them an excuse to do martial law or the Insurrection Act, so If were silly and fun and loving, then we just show everyone in Boise how silly and fun we are, McBride told the Statesman.

The national No Kings organization said Saturday marked one of the largest single-day demonstrations, with an estimated 7 million people attending 2,700 protests nationwide. That was about 2 million more than participated in June protests, according to the group.

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Boises June No Kings protest brought thousands to the Capitol steps, but Saturdays turnout surpassed that.

According to the national No Kings organization, the nationwide protests Saturday drew a larger crowd than the protests in June.

The action Saturday came with the government shut down, and with outrage growing about Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Portland  and he hopes Chicago  to aid ICE deportation efforts. There also has been more talk that the Republican president will invoke the Insurrection Act.

With a lot of attention on Portland, McBride said she wanted people to know that Boise is just as weird as Oregons largest city, and many others joined her.

Its such a sense of camaraderie, and its inspiring and exciting, McBride said about seeing others in costumes. Everybody is so joyous, and I wish the rest of America could see how were all part of one community.

Boise resident Sandy McBride said she came to the protest in an inflatable frog suit to let people know Boise can be just as weird as Portland.

Sam Linnet with the ACLU told the crowd that this is a dangerous time with Trumps embrace of nationalism, politicians being silenced and the military being deployed in U.S. cities.

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Linnet noted that two weeks ago, a federal judge blocked the presidents order to deploy troops in Portland. Linnet called Trumps act an illegal government overreach.

We must dream of an America with people before profit, community before corporations and hope before fear, Linnet said. Everyone here proves that democracy still has a pulse, that power belongs to the people willing to stand and fight.

Hadden Nyx, a local organizer for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, spoke about the groups Defending Immigrant Families Campaign. Nyx called on the crowd to defend immigrant rights in the wake of Idahos signed 287(g) agreement, which allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement to the state police.

We cannot simply wait until the next election. The right wing will continue to try to strip more of our civil rights unless we get organized, Nyx told the crowd.

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The campaign organizers said they will hold a demonstration on Nov. 2 at Boise City Hall to call for an end to the state polices 287(g) agreement.

Among the motivations to join the rally, attendees cited the erosion of rights for immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community and women.

Mike Robinson showed up to the rally in his U.S. Army veterans hat. He said he served for 30 years and wanted to show that many military members and vets dont support the Trump administration.

Its gratifying to know that so many Americans are sharing my distaste for this authoritarian regime, Robinson said. Well find our way through this. Im hopeful that young people will help us get out of it. We made this mess, and youll help us get out.
Central North Carolina is closer to having its first medical school in nearly 50 years.

Methodist University has earned accreditation for its new medical school, enabling the recruitment of students for the inaugural class, which will begin in summer 2026.

Methodist University broke ground Tuesday on its new medical school in Fayetteville.

University President Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D., announced, "This accomplishment is the result of years of dedication, planning, and collaboration... With preliminary accreditation in hand, we now begin the exciting work of recruiting our charter class-students who will one day transform healthcare throughout Southeastern North Carolina."

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The school will be the first in the Fayetteville region and the first new medical school in North Carolina in decades. Over 50 faculty and staff have already been hired, with plans to involve over 200 clinical faculty from Cape Fear Valley Health.

A study by Michael Walden of N.C. State University estimates the school will boost annual spending in the area by $72 million and create nearly 850 new jobs.

The next major step is securing substantive change new program approval in December, pending review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
All 31 posts of the Michigan State Police will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, to take some unwanted medications off your hands as part of a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

It's an opportunity to unload potentially dangerous drugs, clean out your cabinets and move on. The collected pills will be destroyed. "No questions asked," according to the Michigan State Police.

Unfortunately, you cannot donate all types of medicine at Michigan State Police posts. "Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes will not be accepted," according to the state police.

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You can go to Michigan.gov/MSPPosts to find a location near you. Some locations include the Michigan State Police posts in:

Oak Park at 14350 W. Ten Mile Road.

Detroit at 3050 W. Grand Blvd, Suite 1-700.

Taylor at 12111 Telegraph Road.

Brighton at 4337 Buno Road.

Monroe at 300 Jones Avenue.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency also offers online help to find locations near you for safely disposing prescription drugs. You can find drop-off sites at takebackday.dea.gov.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on the last Saturday of both April and October each year. File art: A poster in Toms River, New Jersey, promoted the event in 2024.

On Oct. 25, various local police departments also will provide services as part of Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some collection sites are away from police stations at local high schools and community centers.

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Some Kroger stores will be participating to help consumers turn in unused or expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25, including the Sterling Heights store at 43893 Schoenherr Road and the Rochester Hills store at 65 S. Livernois Road.

Advocates of National Take Back Day note that opioid drugs, in particular, can trigger overdoses or accidental poisonings, as well as death.

More: How to tell if someone is overdosing on fentanyl and other opioids

More: Drug overdose deaths down hugely in Michigan and across nation

More: Doctor sentenced to 6 years in federal prison in opioid prescription scheme

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on the last Saturday of both April and October each year.

Taking a few minutes to clear out your medicine cabinet and properly dispose of expired and unused pills can make a real difference in preventing prescription drug abuse," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police in a statement.

The Michigan State Police points out that anyone unable to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can anonymously surrender prescription drugs during the year at any MSP post, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on X @tompor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Where to take back unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, Oct. 25
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  A Midland man has been arrested and charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, a first-degree felony.

According to jail records, 29-year-old Nicolas Gabriel Lopez Bustillos was booked into the Midland County Detention Center on Tuesday, October 14. His bond has been set at $250,000.

An affidavit states that officers with the Midland Police Department began investigating on October 10 after a girl under the age of 14 made an outcry of sexual abuse. After investigation and interviews, officers learned he had forced the victim into sexual activity multiple times.

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Bustillos was arrested on a warrant by Midland Police. Jail records also show a separate misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia from an earlier citation.

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President Donald Trump and the White House responded to the millions of protesters who took to the streets at "No Kings" rallies by jabbing them with a series of apparently AI generated videos and a photo of Trump wearing a crown.

Saturday, Oct. 18, marked another round of the "No Kings" protests, the latest in a series of mass demonstrations since Trump took office, in hundreds of big cities and small towns across the country. More than 80 were scheduled in his home state of Florida, and at least four took place in Palm Beach County  including one 4 miles down the road from his private club.

No Kings protests sign photos: See Florida crowds and colorful posters from Mar-a-Lago to Tallahassee to Daytona Beach

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After months away from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump returned there the night before the "No Kings" protests for an elite fundraiser: He was the keynote speaker at a $1 million-per-plate fundraiser for super PAC MAGA Inc. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Mar-a-Lago.

According to a notice from the Federal Aviation Administration and reporting by the Palm Beach Daily News, a USA TODAY Network newspaper, Trump will be in Palm Beach through Sunday, Oct. 19.

USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network provided live coverage of the 2,700 "No Kings" anti-Trump administration protests.

Trump wears crown in apparent AI videos, posts on social media in response to No Kings protests

In one video the president shared on social media, Trump wears a crown and flies a fighter jet with "King Trump" written on it and drops what appears to be excrement on protesters. In another, he wears a crown and robe and wields a sword as a song with the words "hail to the king" plays and former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others bow to him.

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The White House also posted an image on social media of Trump and Vice President JD Vance in crowns, juxtaposed with an image of House Minority Leader Hakeen Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wearing sombreros.

PHOTOS: No Kings protest photos of Florida crowds, signs, from Mar-a-Lago to Tallahassee to Daytona Beach

"We're built different," the White House wrote in sharing the image.

Protesters gathered on Oct. 18 at an estimated 2,700 rallies across the country to demonstrate against Trump's policies and celebrate their Constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly. Many said they were upset by the Trump administration's treatment of immigrants and other vulnerable populations.

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Republican leaders spoke out ahead of the Saturday protests, blaming them for the current government shutdown and labeling them "hate America" rallies.

No Kings organizers estimated that 7 million people attended the rallies. The New York City Police Department said more than 100,000 people "peacefully" attended the No Kings protests in America's most populous city and said no protest-related arrests were made.

If crowd estimates hold, the one-day "No Kings" event was the largest civil action in the United States since the first Earth Day, 55 years ago. No major incidents or arrests were reported at other gatherings during the day.

Where were the 'No Kings' protests in Florida?

According to the No Kings website, protests were held in nearly 90 Florida cities, including car caravans and other events.

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More than 5 million people participated in the first round of No Kings rallies in June, according to the ACLU. But there have been numerous developments with free speech and executive action since then. Organizers referenced Trumps efforts to deploy National Guard troops in a handful of Democratic-led cities.

Below is a map of all of the locations.

ICYMI: No Kings protests across Florida see thousands march against Trump

What was the 'No Kings' protest?

According to event organizers, "No Kings" demonstrations are meant as a celebration of free speech, the right to assemble and the First Amendment. The widespread mobilization effort also presents an opportunity to push back against decisions made by the Trump administration, including increased immigration enforcement.

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Contributing: Sarah D. Wire and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY; C.A. Bridges, Cheryl McCloud and Hana Khalyleh, USA TODAY Network-Florida; Antonio Fins, Palm Beach Post

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: King Trump? AI videos jab, respond to No Kings protests in Florida, US
To celebrate her 70th birthday, retired government worker Peggy Cole says she and a friend drove nearly 10 hours from her hometown of Flint, Michigan, to join a protest in Washington, DC, on Saturday.

Cole said she felt compelled to mark the milestone at the large demonstration because its a scary time for Americans and democracy is at stake.

It seems to me, (Trump is) taking our government, our democracy, and dismantling it piece by piece, slowly, but surely, if we sit by and dont do anything about it, Cole said.

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The event was one of more than 2,700 No Kings rallies held across the country on Saturday, protesting what organizers describe as President Donald Trumps authoritarian agenda. Thats hundreds more events than were planned for the first go-round in June, when about 5 million people across the country took to the streets to protest Trumps administration as he held a military parade in Washington.

Nearly 7 million people showed up for Saturdays rallies  including more than 100,000 people in New York, organizers and officials said. Along with larger events in major cities, small pockets of No Kings protesters cropped up along busy thoroughfares, in small town squares and at municipal parks in red and blue states alike.

Thousands of protesters fill New York's Times Square during a "No Kings" protest Saturday. - Olga Fedorova/AP

The largely peaceful protests followed a tumultuous summer of mass immigration raids, demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement and the deployment of federal troops into Democratic-led cities.

Police in Portland and New York City reported that the protests concluded with no arrests.

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Trouble came later in the day when some individuals targeted protesters: A woman in South Carolina was arrested for brandishing a firearm while driving near a demonstration and a man in Georgia was seen on video taking a protesters flag and pushing another demonstrator to the ground.

While the Trump administration and some GOP officials have painted anti-Trump protests as the work of violent left-wing radicals, the organization behind the No Kings events, the Indivisible Project, says it is committed to nonviolent action and had trained tens of thousands of people in safety and de-escalation. That became especially important amid growing political violence across the country, some organizers said.

Some demonstrators wore yellow  a symbol of unity and a reference to other nonviolent resistance movements, according to organizers. Yellow is a bright, unmistakable reminder that millions of us stand together in the belief that America belongs to its people, not to kings, reads a flyer on the No Kings website.

A protester dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume takes part in a protest in New York on Saturday. - Olga Fedorova/AP

People in lobster costumes participate in Boston protest on Saturday. - Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images

Other protesters wore costumes, including inflatable chickens, frogs and dinosaurs, which some said emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstrations. Its really hard to call something a war zone, when you look at something and its just a block party and people in Halloween costumes, said a Los Angeles protester who wore a unicorn costume as he danced to music.

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Protesters could be heard loudly cheering and chanting slogans into megaphones, including, This is what democracy looks like, and No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here. They waved American flags along with signs opposing ICE, authoritarianism and billionaires.

CNN field teams spoke with attendees at rallies across the country. Heres what protesters had to say:

We can all save democracy

Many protesters emphasized the importance of democracy  an institution they fear is eroding with Trumps attempts to expand executive power.

Were a democracy. And that, in a democracy, people can stand up and voice their opinions. And that we are not going to be silenced, Joan Press told CNN at a protest in Atlanta.

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A rally that kicked off the Atlanta protest featured high-profile speakers, including Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia.

Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks during a "No Kings" protest in Atlanta on Saturday. - Alyssa Pointer/Reuters

In this moment, in which we are seeing a president and an administration arrogating to himself power that doesnt belong to him, our message is very clear, Warnock later told CNN. This is not about the people in power, its about the power in the people.

Kimberly Diemert, an organizer and communications director for the Georgia chapter of 50501, a decentralized movement that has helped lead the wave of nationwide protests, reminded the crowd about the citys civil rights legacy.

Atlanta is the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement as well as democracy  we dont want to lose that, Diemert said.

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In New York City, one demonstrator held a sign reading: We protest because we love America, and we want it back.

The protester, who asked not to be named for privacy reasons, said shes been protesting since the 1960s, but this time feels different.

People attend a "No Kings" protest in New York on Saturday. - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

In the 60s we wanted to expand rights  womens rights, gay rights, minority rights, voting rights, she said. But all thats being taken away now. Now our entire democracy is being threatened, the basic tenets, the press, the judiciary.

She described feeling very sad, a sense of loss, fear under the Trump administration.

Im hoping together, we can all save democracy, she said.

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Dressed in Revolutionary War-era clothing and wigs, members of the group All in for Democracy attended the No Kings protest in Washington, DC.

I just see all of our institutions changing, and I dont want us to change as a country and as a people, said DC resident Lee Ayres, sporting a coat, wig and hat. I want all of America to realize the Declaration of Independence is about no kings.

Our free speech is frightening

Many demonstrators called out what they feel is a threat to freedom of expression in the US.

It doesnt seem like were able to peacefully or safely (express ourselves) right now, without fear of repercussions from the government, work or families, said Bobbie Castillo, who traveled hours from her hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, to DC for her first protest ever.

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Bill Nye, The Science Guy, rallied the crowd at the DC protest, arguing that Trump and his associates cannot tolerate dissent.

To them, our free speech is frightening. They are arresting people and denying due process in courts. They tried to silence television hosts, Nye, a former TV host, said.

Attendees sign a banner representing the US Constitution during a "No Kings" protest in Washington, DC, on Saturday. - Allison Robbert/AP

"No Kings" demonstrators march on Market Street in San Francisco on Saturday. - Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/AP

Participants in smaller cities and towns said they were struck by the size of the turnout Saturday.

In Ashland, Oregon, Joel Lesko said the day was about joyfully celebrating our love for America, for free speech, for the importance of community and using our voices for diversity and inclusion and democracy.

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After attending a protest in ruby-red Hendersonville, North Carolina, author Lynn Ames told CNN, If you love this country, saving democracy is a priority no matter where you live, including in small-town America. Maybe especially in small-town America.

Immigration raids and National Guard deployment

Many protesters connected their attendance to the ongoing immigration crackdown and the federal governments forceful response to anti-ICE protests that first erupted in Los Angeles following local raids. The demonstrations have since spread to numerous other cities, including Chicago, New York City, Dallas and Portland.

Trumps attempts to deploy the National Guard to Democratic-controlled cities  which he argues is necessary to quell violence and support his deportation initiatives  have drawn legal challenges by state and local officials.

Demonstrators in Los Angeles  where federal immigration raids triggered massive protests in June and led to Trump sending in the National Guard against Gov. Gavin Newsoms wishes  emphasized rights for immigrants and called for a stop to the Trump administrations deportation campaign.

A protester holds a sign reading "NO KINGS" outside Los Angeles City Hall on Saturday. - Daniel Cole/Reuters

Sitting in front of LAs City Hall, Gilberto Beas told CNN the protest is a message for ICE to stop doing what theyre doing.

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Maria Rivera Cummings, who was born in Los Angeles and is of Mexican descent, said: Were all immigrants and everyone has rights here.

At a demonstration in DC, Michael Langfeldt said he was protesting what he sees as hatred toward immigrants and the deployment of the military to US cities.

I feel like theres a lot of overreach in the federal government, specifically in like the executive branch, he told CNN. Congress doesnt do anything about it.

Hailey, a 24-year-old demonstrator in an inflatable frog suit, told CNN that she was inspired by demonstrators in Portland, who have faced off against federal law enforcement for weeks. Protesters there have donned inflatable costumes at rallies outside an ICE facility  in part to dispute Trumps characterization of the city as war-ravaged.

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I think its hard to see a country that you love descend into fascism, Hailey told CNN.

In Chicago, which has been an epicenter for the resistance to Trumps sweeping immigration crackdown, many carried Mexican flags and signs like Hands off our Democracy and ICE OUT!

Protestors march in a "No Kings" protest in Chicago on Saturday. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

Actor John Cusack, a Chicago resident known for being outspoken about Hollywood and the US government, said the citys message to the Trump administration is: Go to hell!

No, you cant put troops on our streets. You cant create enough chaos to invoke the Insurrection Act so you can stay in power, the actor said, addressing the president.

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Dakota Englert, from Coal City, Illinois, said she came to stand up for basic humanity.

We all bleed the same color  I feel for the people that are being separated from their families, the people that are being hurt, killed, Englert said.

Cuts to federal programs

Other protesters expressed concerns about cuts to federal programs  particularly health care. The protests come as the federal government is shut down, with GOP lawmakers and the White House locked in a standoff with Democrats over a funding bill.

Danielle Guinto, a mother of two, said she worries about the major federal changes to Medicaid and other health-related policies that could impact her childrens health, as well as the rising cost of living.

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I just dont understand how you can rip food out of peoples mouths, how you can separate, rip people out of their homes, she told CNN at the Chicago demonstration. How can you look at a family with fear in their eyes and youre just going to go take them away?

Anthony Lee, who works at the Food and Drug Administration and was one of many federal workers who were furloughed following the shutdown, said he came to the demonstration to protect public services. Lee, president of the National Treasury Employees Union chapter in DC, attended the event with a group of unionized federal workers.

Ive been a public servant for over 20 years, and to see the destruction, really, of our government, our public services, over the last several months has been really scary, Lee said.

"No Kings" protesters walk through downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Saturday. - Andrew Craft/USA Today Network/Imagn Images

Another federal government employee who was furloughed said she joined the DC protest because the Trump administration has affected her livelihood and demonized federal workers.

The elimination of all these jobs are creating mass threats (for people to be able) to keep their home, to keep a roof over their head, send their kids to college and the hope of the American dream, said Monica, who declined to share her last name out of fear of retaliation.

Elizabeth Nee, a 25-year-old social worker from Maryland, told CNN shes seeing an impact at the psychiatric hospital she works at in Baltimore.

We have a lot of people who are coming in and theyre unhoused, a lot of people on Medicaid. Everythings at risk right now, she said.

Speaking at the DC protest, Sen. Bernie Sanders called out Trump and his billionaire allies, like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.

This moment is not just about one mans greed, one mans corruption or one mans contempt for the Constitution, Sanders said. This is about a handful of the wealthiest people on Earth who, in their insatiable greed, have hijacked our economy and our political system in order to enrich themselves at the expense of working families throughout this country.

CNNs Veronica Stracqualursi, Zoe Sottile, Rebekah Riess, Alaa Elassar, Tori B. Powell, Emma Tucker, Danya Gainor, Julia Vargas Jones, Shimon Prokupecz, Sarah Moon, Rafael Romo, Whitney Wild, Bill Kirkos, Don Riddell, Brian Todd, Julian Silva-Forbes and Sarah Dewberry contributed to this report.

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Breast cancer didnt stand a chance against the fighting spirit of these two military-connected women. Though their diagnosis and treatment differed, their journeys of courage began with early detection and ended with defeat.

Lea is an Army veteran turned milspouse who survived a deployment to Iraq only to face a disease she hit head-on with a TKO strategy. Tawanda spent 21 years as an Air Force spouse, survived multiple overseas tours, and retired from human resourcesbefore facing a Stage 1A breast cancer diagnosis.

The Breast Cancer Battle Begins

In her early 20s, Lea was given a self-exam shower card which included a silicone insert that mimicked what a breast lump or abnormal tissue might feel likethis began her self-examination journey. One night, lying in bed at the age of 37, she felt something and remembered that rocky feeling. The abnormal tissue on that shower card had the same feeling, she explains, which turned out to be stage 2 breast cancer. Her thoughts went immediately to her young children and what life would be like without her.

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Tawanda was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. Fear raced through her mind after the initial screening showed an abnormality. The wait for a second review was a bit daunting. All she could think about was her sons. Ultimately, the prognosis was a bit of a relief for the stage 1 high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis. Yup, thats a mouthful, but ultimately, the doctors were on the fence about the stage, insinuating that it could have actually been at stage zero, but either way, it was time for the treatment battle to begin.

For one, it started with a self-exam and a feeling that something wasnt right. For the other, it was a routine screening that changed everything.

Fighting Like a Milspouse

Lea opted for a bilateral mastectomy, explaining that with a lumpectomy, theres still a risk of cancer returning. I elected to have both breasts removed so I would never have to worry about breast cancer again, so that I can have peace of mind. I have so much more life left now.

Not many women would have had the courage to do what she did, but the peace and freedom she now has allows her to live life to the fullest.

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Tawandas fight didnt make it 12 rounds, let alone 12 months. She was diagnosed in May of 2023, and by the end of August, she was in remission. While she, too, was presented with many options for treatment, she opted for the lumpectomy followed by radiation. She didnt want to live her life in fear of what-ifs and was confident in the treatment plan her doctors developed.

Their military connection braced these women and their husbands to step up to the challenge and fight for their lives.

Faith, Family, and the Will to Win

Im just so thankful for my faith because I dont understand how people do without it. Lea reflects that her faith had a lot to do with giving her peace of mind. Prayer and support from friends who rallied around also aided her recovery. Lea is grateful that her husband stepped up to the challenge of caring for her and their children during the process.

Keeping the news of the diagnosis to a small circle, she was sure to share the news with her adult sons, mother, and sister, who served a vital role in the battle, fervently covering her in prayer for healing. While initially scared, Tawandas husband was there to be calm in the store and help maintain peace of mind, especially during moments of waiting for results, as these are times when the mind often races  breeding life to some of the scariest thoughts. Every appointment, no matter how insignificant, her husband is always right by her side.

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Both Lea and Tawanda had amazingly supportive husbands who never missed a beat in the battle. Breast cancer is not just a battle for onespouses have a lot of weight on their shoulders with caring for the needs of their family as well as maintaining their own mental stability.

Thank God for TRICARE

TRICARE was crucial in providing little to no out-of-pocket fees for treatment. The diagnosis alone can be life-changing, but when you add on additional medical fees, it can be almost unbearable. Thanks to the excellent coverage these ladies had, there was no added stress.

In total, Lea only recalls spending about $30 out-of-pocket. Her only challenge was dissatisfaction with her reconstructive surgeons work. She notes that time moves quickly after diagnoses, and there is not a lot of time to waste finding second opinions and researching providers was the last thing on her mind. Thankfully, her surgical oncologist recommended someone with whom she was able to feel more comfortable.

Having had no out-of-pocket expenses was a blessing on top of a phenomenal care team for Tawanda. While it seemed unusual for physical therapy to be a part of a breast cancer team, she would soon find out why. The six-month mark hit, and she still had some pain and soreness. She was sent to physical therapy, and wow, what a difference. Its been two years since surgery, and she is definitely noticing improvements in range of motion and relief from scar tissue buildup.

Whats changed since becoming cancer-free?

The year before her cancer diagnosis, Tawanda was also diagnosed with something that could have paralyzed her. The cancer diagnosis sparked a fear that every ailment would lead to something bad, sparking more thoughts about death. To combat this, shes become more in tune with her body, and she is constantly working on maintaining a positive mindset.

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After being face-to-face with death, Lea lives life on the bolder side. Her life is filled with gratitude, and she doesnt take surviving for granted. I just feel grateful to be alive, she states. She encourages women with military backgrounds to check with the VA to determine if their breast cancer diagnosis might be service-connected, which may qualify them for additional benefits and resources.

Two Survivors, One Message

Their diagnoses may have differed  from how they found out to the stage and type of treatmentbut their message is the same. Be proactive in doing self-exams and attending annual appointments.

Lea encourages women to conduct self-examinations consistently. Most people write them off as pointless, but although she was not as consistent as she would have liked, one exam saved her life. You will never regret early detection. If you havent been doing them, now is the time to start. Tawandas final encouragement is not to be afraid of going to the doctor for fear of bad news, but rather to embrace it as an opportunity to advocate for your own health and well-being. Tawanda is more than grateful for a team that took excellent care of her and wants to encourage other women to stay on top of their regular check-ups.

Tawanda and Leas journey of faith, family, and resilience reinforces how community and TRICARE helped them face one of lifes toughest battles and emerge cancer-free, stronger than ever. When it comes to life-saving treatment, TRICARE rocks.

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Two joyriding jet skiers critical after colliding with ship in the Cancun Hotel Zone

Cancun, Q.R.  Two jet skiers are reported to be in critical condition after colliding with an anchored tourist ship Saturday night. The pair were joyriding off the coast of the Cancun Hotel Zone when the driver drove into the side of the ship.

The ship, which was anchored, was one of the citys tourist pirate boats. The boats are 93 feet long and solid replicas of 18th-century Spanish galleons. The pair that hit the boat are reported to have been two young men.

The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. at kilometer 4.5 of Kukulcan Boulevard near the Calinda Bridge where the tourist boats are moored. Witnesses who watched as the jet ski slammed into the side of the ship called 911.

Tourist Police officers from the hotel zone arrived first and confirmed that the injured were still in the water near the ship. The two jet skiers were located floating unconscious in the sea.

Civil Protection lifeguards and rescuers from the Fire Department also responded, performing rescue maneuvers to pull both young men from the water. Paramedics stabilized them at the scene before transporting them to hospital in critical condition.

According to witness accounts, the young men were joyriding the jet ski in the vicinity of the ship when the driver lost control and crashed into the anchored vessel.

National Maritime Authorities were notified of the Saturday night accident.

Police officers who attended the scene of the accident notified the Navy and the Harbor Masters Office who will continue with the investigation.
The Milwaukee Police Department says a critically missing 32-year-old man has been found safe.

He was last seen in the 4700 block of West Scranton Place about 6 p.m. Oct. 18.

Milwaukee police sent an update around 3:20 p.m. Oct. 19 saying he had been located and thanked the public for their assistance.

"Critically missing" is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Critically missing 32-year-old man found safe, Milwaukee police say
Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli rejected Netanyahus proposed name War of Revival for the Israel-Hamas war, calling it unsuitable and suggesting War of Genesis instead.

Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud) stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's desire to propose "War of Revival" as the official name for the Israel-Hamas war is "unsuitable for various reasons," in a post on X/Twitter on Saturday.

Chikli, admitting that his views may constitute "an unpopular opinion," proposed "War of Genesis" as an alternative name, and gave several reasons why he believes it to be a better choice.

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Technically, the name is taken. The War of Independence is also called the War of Revival at the initiative of David Ben-Gurion," he argued.

Chikli also argued that the name is inappropriate, as revival is a weighty word with deep meaning in Jewish history, representing the transition from a two-thousand-year exile that culminated in the terrible Holocaust to the renewal of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel, he said in his tweet.

We should leave to the fighters of 1948 and the leaders of the Yishuv, led by Ben-Gurion, what belongs to them.

Israeli army on the southern border with Gaza. October 16, 2025. (credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90)

Many options for names

Netanyahu has been wanting to change the name since December 2023, and proposed names such as "Genesis War," "Gaza War," and "Simchat Torah War."

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Hostage families have protested the name change, arguing that "there is no revival without the return of all the hostages."

Chikli also said in his post that the name Swords of Iron, the wars current title, truly misses the magnitude of the event.

Other ministers in the government have also criticized "Swords of Iron, expressing dissatisfaction with the name.

Personally, I would choose the War of Genesis because this name expresses, in my view, the intensity of the difficult and prolonged war we went through and the profound change it brought to the reality around us, he said.

The government will vote on the name change in its upcoming meeting on Sunday.
Update: Lebanon Police announced Marlei Wilson was located safely Friday afternoon.

An endangered child alert has been issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 17-year-old Marlei Wilson, last seen in Lebanon early Friday morning.

Wilson has a medical condition which may impact her ability to return safely without assistance.

Lebanon Police said she was last wearing a black top, blue pajama bottoms with the character Chucky on them and yellow crocs. She may be driving her vehicle, a gold 2014 Nissan Versa with TN tag 839BCDF.

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License plate readers last detected the vehicle around 1:30 a.m. Friday morning traveling on South Cumberland Street. According to LPD, Wilson may possibly be in the Smyrna area.

Wilson is an Asian female, 52 tall, weighs 175 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Marlei Wilson is urged to contact LPD immediately or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
After Saturdays massive, peaceful No Kings demonstrations wound down in Kansas City, Wichita, Jefferson City and around the entire country, Donald Trump shared a video on his Truth Social platform of himself dumping what looks like feces on the crowds.

No, thats not a metaphor. Set to the tune of Kenny Loggins Top Gun anthem Danger Zone, the animated video  surely generated with artificial intelligence  shows Trump wearing a golden crown, flying a fighter jet labeled King Trump over a large city whose streets are filled with people holding signs. His plane banks as it releases massive clumps of thick brown liquid, which splashes down over demonstrators heads in what looks like New York Citys Times Square.

Yes, thats exactly what the video depicts. Theres no possible way to spin it, except for those insisting the waste is slime or mud. Yeah, sure. Those among us who dont follow this White Houses various social media accounts might not be familiar with how vulgar and puerile they are. But this one, coming just a few days after other AI-generated posts depicting Democratic leaders in sombreros and handlebar mustaches, really pushes owning the libs into a whole new realm.

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Spokesperson Abigail Jackson claimed the White House wasnt bothered by No Kings day: Who cares?, she asked. Well, judging by Trumps own social media feed, the president obviously does.

Like many of the rest of you, Im beyond tired of Trumps childishness, his taunts, his belittling. And while I thought California Gov. Gavin Newsoms social media accounts parodying Trumps style to point out its absurdity was funny to begin with, Ive since realized that many of its targets dont get the joke  and some people take it seriously and find it bewildering. I sincerely hope (with some optimism) that when Trump is finally gone from power, the temperature and churlishness drop, and this doesnt become the new normal.

In the meantime, though, this is our reality. And so I have one simple, binary question for the senators who represent our states in Washington, D.C.

Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, and Kansas Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran: Is it acceptable for the president of the United States to release a video that shows him dropping thousands of gallons of feces on Americans assembling in public  yes or no?

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If the answer is yes, then the people you represent now know you consider this decent and respectable behavior from the person occupying the highest office in the land.

If the answer is no, then what are you going to do about it? It is Congress role to rein in a chief executive whos gone off the rails. If you believe the nation and Constitution you took an oath of office to support and defend cannot tolerate this comportment from its chief executive, then you have a duty  and the power  to stop it.

History will be kind to the first Republicans who meaningfully say enough to the man sending masked federal immigration agents into American cities to snatch people off streets without warrants. The candidate we all heard bragging about grabbing women by their genitals. The only president ever convicted of felonies. Thirty-four of them (so far).

Surely GOP leaders in Washington fear (and probably expect) theyll finally be forced to take action against this president at some point. After all, they all saw the menacing horrors of Jan. 6, 2021  who can forget Hawley caught on camera sprinting away as the mob breached the Capitol?

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So how about showing some backbone, Senators? Is dumping feces (or mud, if you really believe that) on Americans just a little harmless fun? Or is this finally your line in the sand? Surely this is a fairly safe way for you to begin to assert your independence.

One  or, heck, all four of you  have the chance to take a stand on behalf of basic human decency. Or are you going to let Trump continue to do to your party and our entire country what hes doing to our fellow Americans in this vile display?
JOPLIN, Mo.  Missouri Southern gives the next generation of computer experts a chance to practice what theyve learned.

This is a hackathon, a 24-hour coding competition, where students are given a theme, usually a real-world problem, and the task of creating an application or website to solve that problem.

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This is Missouri Southerns first hackathon, and they collaborated with the University of Arkansas to host it.

The goal is to give students a chance to take classroom lessons and turn them into practical solutions.

Basically were kind of like building this platform for local students to brainstorm their ideas and to integrate what they learned in the classroom and to build some technology-driven solutions for real world problems, said Dr. Dongyi Wang, University of Arkansas assistant professor.

In class, you teach them the theory and the practice, but youre not giving them the real-world experience, said Dr. Swarna Sethu, assistant professor of computer science.

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The theme we chose for this year was automate, so essentially we want students to take a manual process thats kind of a pain to do or takes a lot of time and then theyre going to figure out a way to automate it, to make it better, more efficient, said Edward Emanuel, MSSU computer science club president.

More on MSSU

The plan is for the hackathon to alternate sites yearly, with the University of Arkansas hosting next years event.

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Moline Police have arrested a suspect in a Thursday robbery, according to a news release.

Vanice Heath Jr. (Moline Police Department)

Vanice Heath Jr. faces a felony charge of armed robbery, a Class X felony, the release says. Heath was released and placed on GPS monitoring.

Shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, Moline Police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Greenleaf and Tobacco in the 100 block of 19th Avenue, the release says. About 8:35 p.m., a tall, slender man in his mid-20s wearing a black ski mask and a dark blue jacket entered the business. The man, who had a knife, and took off on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.

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On Friday, detectives with the Moline Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division developed information that led to the identification and arrest of Heath. Detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Moline and recovered evidence related to the robbery.

This successful arrest was a coordinated effort by the Moline Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, working closely with community stakeholders and business partners, according to the release, which says The department extends its appreciation to the public for their cooperation and continued support in helping bring offenders to justice and keeping Moline safe.

The Rock Island County States Attorneys Office has charged Heath with armed robbery.

The investigation is ongoing. Moline Police ask anyone with information to contact them at 309-524-2140 or Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500.

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There is often half the month where I'm making ends meet with my credit card, confessed Kirsty, a single mother of three on universal credit. Money runs out quickly.

The youngest of her children attends pre-school three days a week and requires a packed lunch. I often will spend 10-plus on lunchbox items every few days, topping up bread, cheese, butter, crisps, yoghurts, fruit... It adds up very quickly to a very scary amount.

And this situation is likely to continue for hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged young children despite government plans to expand free school meals next year, according to a new report.

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Around 290,000 children under five will not receive free meals as the expansion does not extend to most nurseries and childcare settings, experts from food policy research group Bremner & Co found.

Sponsored by The Food Foundation, Impact on Urban Health and the Early Years Food Coalition, the report finds that this will create a stark disparity between childcare settings, urging the government to ensure the policy reaches all children.

Around 290,000 children under five will not receive free meals, as the expansion does not extend to nurseries and childcare settings (Getty Images)

While nearly 30 per cent of pupils in schools will receive free school meals after the expansion to include all universal credit households from September 2026, researchers found that only 4 per cent of children in formal childcare will receive the same provision.

These will only be children who attend a state-funded early years setting full-time and are successfully registered for the meals. After the expansion, the number of children in these settings provided for is expected to rise from 24,000 to 39,000  far fewer than the number who will miss out.

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Charlotte March, 37, from Essex, is a single mother of a three-year-old at a private nursery. Working part-time, she claims universal credit, but finds herself with a large nursery bill at the end of the month due to having to pay for the meals they provide.

I have no choice but to pay for the meals. Even though it would be cheaper for me to provide them myself but the nursery doesnt allow this due to allergies, which I totally understand, she explained.

Several nursery workers interviewed for the research said they feed eligible children out of their own budgets, in one case leading to a deficit of 70,000 a year. However, it is unlikely many settings are able to continue doing this, as the sector increasingly warns of dire funding shortfalls.

Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP and chair of the school food all-party parliamentary group, said: "It is astonishing that in 2025, so many of our youngest children are missing out on free meals simply because of where they are cared for.

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Ministers must consider this disparity and take action to ensure every child has access to a healthy meal, no matter the setting or the paperwork involved.

The government has been urged to review its free school meals policy (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Alongside extending free school meals to all children in universal credit households regardless of childcare setting, researchers recommend introducing automatic registration to ensure no child can miss out if eligible.

Labour MP Simon Opher said: "Extending free meals to all children in universal credit households and making enrolment automatic is a simple, fair and cost-effective step that will transform lives by lifting thousands out of poverty.

Liberal Democrat MP Jess Brown-Fuller, meanwhile, called the findings shocking, urging the government to review its policy.

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The research comes as child poverty in the UK continues to reach record levels. Latest statistics show that three in 10 children in the country are now living in poverty, rising from 4.3 million to 4.5 million between 2023 and 2024.

This rises slightly to 36 per cent of families with their youngest child under five living in poverty, the Bremner and Co report finds.

The latest statistics show that three in 10 children in the country are now living in poverty (Getty)

It is likely these figures  last record in the year to April 2024  have risen in the time since, with experts from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) estimating that 109 children are pulled into poverty every day due to the impact of the two-child benefit cap.

This is the controversial Conservative-era policy that prevents parents from claiming universal credit for any child beyond their second, which the government has so far refused to bow to pressure to scrap. In recent weeks Labour ministers, including education secretary Bridget Phillipson, have indicated it may be abolished by 2026.

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Dr Hannah Brinsden, head of policy and advocacy at The Food Foundation, said: It is a huge oversight from the government that while they have taken the positive step to extend free school meals to all school children whose families are on universal credit, there are still nearly 300,000 vulnerable toddlers living in universal credit households who are missing out.

This needs to be urgently rectified if the government is to prove it is serious about giving children the best start in life and raising the healthiest generation of children ever.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: Through our Plan for Change, this government has taken a historic step to tackle the stain of child poverty  offering free school meals to every single child from a household that claims universal credit.

The new entitlement will see over half a million more children able to benefit from a free meal from next school year and lift 100,000 children out of poverty.

As part of the expansion, we have announced that children in school-based nurseries whose household is in receipt of universal credit, will be eligible for free meals from September 2026.
Protesters gather at the Utah Capitol during the No Kings rally in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Marco Lozzi for Utah News Dispatch)

Thousands gathered on the steps and lawn of the Utah Capitol Saturday for a lively No Kings rally, with several saying they pushed past fears about their safety to show up and voice their opposition to President Donald Trumps policies.

The event came four months after an innocent bystander, Afa Ah Loo, was shot and killed in Salt Lake City at a No Kings protest planned by a different group.

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This time, organizers worried that memories of the tragedy and violence in June were still too fresh and many would still feel too afraid to attend, said Jamie Carter, a volunteer with Salt Lake Indivisible who planned Saturdays rally.

But afterward, Carter said she hoped the event  fairly relaxed and punctuated by boisterous moments  restored a sense of safety and solidarity for anyone who felt uneasy.

It felt like our goals were met, both helping to heal the community, and providing a place for people to express their anger, but to leave with joy, Carter said.

Haylee Bowcut, 25, said she had some anxiety about the protest because of the June shooting, but decided Saturday morning to attend and bring a sign saying, Hate never made a country great.

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It just felt like the right thing, to go today, said Bowcut, of Pleasant View.

Many outside the Capitol chanted, We are the patriots!, wore costumes and came with friends or family, listening intently to speakers, a comedian and musical performances during the roughly two-hour event.

Were going to hold every government official accountable, from the highest levels of power, including every ICE agent, Carter said from a podium on the Capitol steps, to thunderous applause.

She and other speakers said they want to see compassion inform new immigration laws, along with an end to the nations health care crisis and stricter gun laws to help protect children.

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Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACPs Salt Lake branch, condemned Trumps appointment of anti-civil rights extremists in roles enforcing the nations civil rights laws.

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Many seemed to take inspiration from protesters in Portland, dressing in towering inflatable costumes depicting dinosaurs, axolotls, chickens, and a bumble bee, in a nod to Utahs moniker, the Beehive State.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson last week described No Kings as pro-Hamas, and a Hate American rally.

Speaking through a small window in her inflatable unicorn costume, Barbara Scott of Bluffdale rejected that.

Im not paid to be here, Im not AI, and Im not a terrorist, Scott said, showing off signs she made featuring the same messages.

Scott also reflected on the violence thats happened at demonstrations and political events like Junes protest and Charlie Kirks killing at the campus of Utah Valley University.

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As for her concern about her own safety while protesting, she said, I have more concern about whats going to happen to our country if we dont get it back. At least if we die here, we die trying.

Organizers originally planned to follow the Capitol rally with a march to the Salt Lake City and County building, but canceled the march Tuesday when online RSVPs flooded in faster than theyd expected. They worried the crowd size for a march was too big for the few dozen unarmed safety volunteers they trained, Carter said.

On Saturday, Utahs Department of Public Safety estimated attendance at 3,500, while Carter said she believed it was much higher, near 10,000.

Former state Sen. Steve Urquhart, who served in the Utah Legislature as a Republican from 2001-2016, was also in the crowd. He recalled believing years ago that any forces seeking to undercut democracy would come from the political left, but said he now feels differently.

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Guess I was wrong about that one, Urquhart said. He added that concerns about safety were on his mind before the rally.

Should we go, should we mask up? What should we do? Urquhart recalled thinking. When the administration is actively saying its targeting its opponents, thats frightening.

Few counterprotesters came to the event. When a group of about three men, one wearing a Trump 2024 hat arrived at the Capitol lawn and started speaking through a megaphone, dozens in the No Kings group surrounded them, chanting, No Nazis, no KKK, no fascist USA.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
As astronauts prepare for south-polar landings, a new look at the Moons biggest crater points to a pivotal moment in lunar historyand to the rocks youll want sampled next.

A study led by Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna of the University of Arizona tracks the path of the colossal impactor that carved the South PoleAitken (SPA) Basin and ties that strike to the final breaths of a global magma ocean. The result helps explain why the near side and far side look so different, and it maps the best places to dig for answers.

What the basins shape says about the impact

SPA is enormousmore than a thousand miles acrossand ancient, dating to the earliest chapter of lunar time. Its outline is not round but tapered, like a teardrop. That geometry turns out to be a clue. By comparing SPA with other giant craters and by measuring how crustal thickness and elevation change around its rim, the team found the basin narrows to the south. In oblique impacts, the narrow, down-range end marks the direction the projectile traveled.

The South Pole-Aitken impact basin on the far side of the Moon formed in a southward impact (toward the bottom in the image). (CREDIT: Jeff Andrews-Hanna/University of Arizona/NASA/NAOJ)

Translated: the impactor came from the north and plowed southward. The crust and topography confirm it. North of the basin, the crust thins quicklyabout 0.16 kilometer per kilometerwhile to the south the gradient is a gentle 0.016 kilometer per kilometer. Surface relief shows a similar split: roughly 0.018 kilometer per kilometer in the north and 0.003 in the south. The study quantifies the tapering with a factor, f, that runs about 0.16  0.01 in gravity data and 0.18  0.02 in topography for a south-directed blast, a better fit than a north-moving interpretation.

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Those numbers matter because direction controls where deep material landed. The down-range sidethe southshould be blanketed with debris dredged from far below the crust. That is exactly where Artemis landing zones cluster.

Reading the ashes of a magma ocean

Soon after the Moon formed, it likely wore a global shell of molten rock. As that ocean cooled, crystals settled to build the mantle and lighter minerals floated to form the crust. A late, syrup-like residue remained in pockets between them. Planetary scientists call that residue KREEP, short for potassium, rare-earth elements, phosphorusand it often carries thorium. Think of a soda left in the freezer: ice forms first, while sugary liquid gets pushed aside and concentrated.

The study tackles a central question: How far along was that cooling when SPA formed? Modeling points to a very late stageabout 98.8% crystallized, with a likely range of 98.4% to 99.3%. By 99.90%, what remained averaged only 3.1 kilometers thick regionally, with local highs up to 14.4 kilometers beneath thin crust. At the moment SPA was blasted open, the last dregs of that liquid likely pooled under parts of the far side and especially beneath the thinner crust of the near side.

Gravity and topography maps of giant tapered impact basins. (CREDIT: Nature)

Thorium clues in the ejecta

If the impact tapped that residue, you should see its chemical fingerprints in the debris. You do. Typical far-side highlands sit around 0.95  0.02 parts per million thorium. In SPAs eastern ejecta, values hover near 1.17  0.03 ppm. In the southwestthe down-range blanketthey climb to 1.79  0.03 ppm. The basin floor is hotter still at about 2.78  0.05 ppm.

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Those patterns cant be explained by mixing only crust and mantle. They require a third component: a thorium-rich, titanium-poor liquidjust what late magma-ocean residues supply. The result also supports a long-standing puzzle piece: the near sides higher heat-producing elements, thinner crust, and abundant volcanic plains. As the far sides crust thickened, the last liquids were squeezed toward regions with thinner roofs, like toothpaste in a tube. SPA then cut through a boundary where that residue lay patchy beneath the far side, exposing it along the basins southwestern rim.

Pinning the timing to early lunar history

Ages line up with that narrative. Samples and crater counts place SPA between about 4.31 and 4.39 billion years ago. Independent clocks tie the KREEP reservoir on the near side to roughly 4.344.37 billion years ago.

Put together, SPA likely formed tens of millions of years before the magma ocean fully froze. That timing means the giant impact struck a Moon still carrying thin layers of melt under its crust and then flung some of that material onto the surface, where future missions can reach it.

Comparison of the crustal thickness around the Hellas and SPA basins. (CREDIT: Nature)

Why this changes how you plan a mission

Direction is destiny for sampling. Because the impactor traveled south, the down-range rim near the south pole should host thicker piles of deep-sourced ejecta. Many of NASAs proposed Artemis III sites sit on that down-range fringe. This means that the Artemis missions will be landing on the down-range rim of the basin  the best place to study the largest and oldest impact basin on the moon, where most of the ejecta, material from deep within the moons interior, should be piled up, Andrews-Hanna said.

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Orbital instruments can flag thorium from orbit, but only chips in a lab can sort out how much residue mixed with crust and mantle, and when. As Andrews-Hanna put it, With Artemis, well have samples to study here on Earth, and we will know exactly what they are. Our study shows that these samples may reveal even more about the early evolution of the moon than had been thought.

What remains uncertainand testable

Open questions persist. The exact age of SPA still spans tens of millions of years. The physics behind the near-sidefar-side crustal split remains debated. Models of the magma ocean depend on how much melt stayed trapped and how elements like thorium partitioned as crystals grew. Those uncertainties are not roadblocks; they are targets. Each rock carried home from the down-range rim tightens the timeline, pins the chemistry to real minerals, and checks the models against nature.

The Moons record does not stand alone. Worlds like Mars, Mercury, and several large moons likely weathered both magma oceans and monster impacts. Understanding how an oblique strike punches through a still-warm interior on the Moon refines the playbook for reading those bodies, too. SPA becomes a template, not just a mystery.

Surface composition within and around the SPA basin. (CREDIT: Nature)

Practical Implications of the Research

Targeted sampling: By pointing to a south-moving impact and a thorium-rich down-range rim, the study provides a clear roadmap for Artemis site selection and sample priorities, raising the odds that returned rocks capture the late magma-ocean stage.

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Sharper lunar timeline: Laboratory dating of SPA ejecta can lock down when the magma ocean waned, tightening models of early Earth-Moon evolution that shape how you understand tides, days, and climate stability over geologic time.

Better models for other worlds: The framework for coupling impact geometry, crustal structure, and geochemistry extends to Mars and beyond, improving how you plan missions and interpret orbital data across the solar system.

Resource mapping: The same methods that map thorium can refine searches for other elements and for water-ice traps near the south pole, informing future habitat, power, and fuel strategies.

STEM momentum: Clear, testable predictions tied to upcoming missions offer a near-term payoff for students and early-career researchers, strengthening the pipeline that supports space exploration and technology spinoffs on Earth.

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Research findings are available online in the journal Nature.

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An estimated 7 million people turned out to more than 2,700 No Kings anti-authoritarian protests across the country on Saturday, according to organizers. If estimates are correct, it would be one of the largest one-day protests in American history. Although the rallies were peaceful and even joyful, that didnt stop figures on the right, including the president, from having outsized reactions to the days events.

The award for most ridiculous reaction goes to the president. On Truth Social, Donald Trump shared an apparently AI-generated video in which an AI version of himself pilots a military fighter jet, while wearing a crown, over a crowd of protesters. In the video, AI Trump then dumps shit on people participating in the protest. He also reposted multiple images depicting himself as a king.

Vice President J.D. Vance and The White House social media accounts joined in. Vance posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) of Trump donning a crown and wielding a sword over Democrats, using footage from when Democratic lawmakers kneeled in the Capitol to honor George Floyd. The White House account meanwhile shared an image of Trump and Vance in crowns sitting on a throne above an offensive, doctored image of Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing sombreros.

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Those memes seem to contradict the presidents remarks on Friday, when he told Fox News: They say theyre referring to me as a king. Im not a king.

Deirdre Schifeling of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) expected this kind of conservative backlash, telling Politico, They might try to paint this weekends events as something dangerous to our society, but the reality is there is nothing unlawful or unsafe about organizing and attending peaceful protests. Its the most patriotic and American thing you can do, and we have a 250-year-old history of disagreeing in public.

Some Republican members of Congress got in on the action, too. GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson begrudgingly lauded the protests on Sunday for being a violent-free, free speech exercise after last week when he referred to the events as hate America rallies. But Johnson went on to claim that there were a lot of hateful messages at the gatherings.

We have video and photos of pretty violent rhetoric, calling out the president, saying fascists must die and all the rest, Johnson said on ABCs This Week. I mean, I dont think thats loving speech. I dont think thats friendly speech. And I dont think its pro-American to say those kinds of things.

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Its telling that for Johnson, being anti-fascist is anti-American.

After host Jonathan Karl pushed back on Johnsons characterization of the resistance, Johnson said, I never said it was the whole Democratic Party, but you and I have to acknowledge the reality.

GOP Rep. Virginia Foxx kept her comment on the marches simple: Donald J. Trump is your president. Cry more, losers.

Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis also tried to characterize the protests as being organized by radical left groups, claiming that anyone who showed up aligned themselves with the communist party.

In reality, No Kings is a constellation of liberal and left-leaning organizations and advocacy groups, including the ACLU, Indivisible, the American Federation of Teachers, the Human Rights Campaign, Public Citizen, the League of Conservation Voters, and more. It appears that local chapters affiliated with the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) may have participated in local events, as they did at similar No Kings protests last summer when, just like this past Saturday, a diverse range of groups came together in a common message opposing authoritarianism.

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Perhaps the most telling of part of the rights reaction to the protests is the deafening silence coming from the vast majority of prominent conservatives, especially those who fear-mongered about the rallies, calling participants terrorists and anti-American in the week before the events.

This messaging is all part of Trump and the rights attempts to erase the well-documented history of right-wing violence by claiming left-wing violence is one of the greatest threats America faces, even if the data fails to bear that out. As the Brennan Centers Faiza Patel pointed out, by targeting left-wing organizing, Trump is attempting to criminalize those who oppose him.

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LATEST Oct. 20, 12:35 p.m. Investigators released more information about what may have led up to the disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, a homeschooled girl from Santa Barbara County. In a Monday update, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said new evidence shows that Melodee was driven by her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, on Oct. 7. Investigators believe the mother may have driven a rental car, a white Chevrolet Malibu with a license place number of 9MNG101, as far as the state of Nebraska.

The FBI has also joined the investigation, the agency said in a Sunday night post on X.

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The sheriff's office asked that members of the public should avoid conducting their own searches or investigations because it might clash with the office's efforts. Anyone who has contacted Melodee or her mother since Oct. 7 is urged to call the sheriff's office at 805-681-4150 or the tipline at 805-681-4150.

Oct. 19, 8:24 a.m. As an investigation into a missing California girl continues, more details are emerging about Melodee Buzzard. The 9-year-old girl vanished sometime this year, and her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, is being "uncooperative" with the search, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said.

Last week, the sheriff's office issued a missing person advisory for Melodee. At the time, they said they had no confirmed sightings of the girl for a year; the only reason she was reported missing was because an astute school official noticed the family had never checked in again after registering for an independent study program. Melodee is homeschooled and lives on the 500 block of Mars Avenue in Vandenberg Village, an unincorporated area near the city of Lompoc, officials said.

On Friday, sheriff's deputies said they have narrowed the timeline of when Melodee disappeared. Lompoc Unified School District employees recalled seeing Melodee and her mother in August when they came to register for the independent study program. That is now believed to be the last known sighting of Melodee.

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"Lompoc Unified School District deserves credit for recognizing that something wasn't right, reaching out, and continuing to assist with this investigation," said sheriff's office Lt. Chris Gotschall in a statement.

Several family members spoke with the LA Times, describing a fraught relationship with Ashlee Buzzard. Melodee's father died in a motorcycle crash while she was an infant, and the family members said Ashlee Buzzard has refused to let them see the girl.

"I am horrified for my little niece, I can't imagine what she's gone through," Vicky Shade, Melodee's aunt, told the Times. "This does not sound good. I just want to know if she's OK. We need to find her."

Court records reviewed by SFGATE show Ashlee Buzzard is in the midst of several civil cases with creditors who allege Buzzard had unpaid debts. When sheriff's office investigators interviewed Buzzard about Melodee, they said she could not provide a "clear explanation" of where the girl is.

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Anyone with details about Melodee's whereabouts is urged to call the sheriff's office at 805-681-4150 or the tipline at 805-681-4171.

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- Disgraced Bay Area sheriff uses loophole to get 90% of salary for life

- Plan submitted to increase Bay Area city from 30,000 to 400K residents

- Mom uncooperative with search on for missing Calif. girl, officials say

- Retired NFL star, 36, reportedly dies in Bay Area police custody

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This article originally published at Mother uncooperative as search continues for missing California girl, officials say.




WATERBURY - A two-and-a-half story residential building on Piedmont Street was struck by a motorist on Sunday, according to an official.

The motorist was taken to the hospital following the crash at around 8:18 a.m., Waterbury fire Capt. Edward Partridge said.

Partridge said responding crews used lumber as temporary support for the building after the crash. He said the city's building department responded to the scene to assess the building's damage.

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There were no other injuries in the crash and "the fire department returned control of the property to the occupants," Partridge said.

It was unclear what kind of injuries the motorist sustained.

This article originally published at Motorist hospitalized after striking Waterbury residential building on Sunday, official says.
Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moultons (D) primary challenge against Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on generational grounds raises questions about the potency of the argument as Democrats grapple with the future of their partys aging stalwarts.

In a video launching his campaign, Moulton, 46, said he does not believe Markey, 79, should be running for another six-year term in the Senate at 80 years old. The challenge comes as Democrats have struggled with the issue of age following the deaths of three House Democrats earlier this year and the fallout over former President Bidens decision to end his run for reelection last year on concerns over his fitness for office.

However, this is not the first time Markey, a formidable incumbent, has had a generational primary challenge. Five years ago, he faced one from former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who is 34 years younger. The incumbent Massachusetts senator handily defeated Kennedy, marking the first time a member of the Kennedy family lost a statewide race in Massachusetts.

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This race in many ways parallels the last race Markey had, said Mary Anne Marsh, a veteran Massachusetts Democratic strategist. Markey was successful because he defined the race, defined himself, and defined Joe Kennedy before Joe Kennedy did any of those things.

Thats the same challenge right now: Can Ed Markey define Seth Moulton before Seth Moulton defines himself and simply runs on age? she said.

In his announcement video, Moulton directly called out Markeys tenure on Capitol Hill, which includes 12 years in the Senate and 37 years in the House of Representatives.

Were in a crisis, and with everything we learned last election, I just dont believe Sen. Markey should be running for another six-year term at 80 years old. Even more, I dont think someone whos been in Congress for half a century is the right person to meet this moment and win the future, Moulton said. Sen. Markey is a good man, but its time for a new generation of leadership, and thats why Im running for U.S. Senate.

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Markeys team hit back in its own statement, noting that Moulton is launching a political campaign during a government shutdown.

Senator Markey is doing his jobvoting against Trumps extremist agenda and working to stop the MAGA attacks on health care so that we can reopen the government. Thats what leadership looks like and what the residents of Massachusetts expect from their senator, said Cam Charbonnier, Markeys campaign manager.

And Moulton may not be the only member of the states delegation to challenge Markey. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) has repeatedly been floated as a potential contender. According to The Associated Press, a spokesperson for Pressley said Wednesday the congresswoman remains focused on ending Republicans government shutdown when asked about any potential plans to run.

Moultons announcement somewhat mirrors that of Kennedys in 2019, in which the then-38-year-old congressman called out the the outdated structures and old rules, the everyday oppressions and injustices that hold our people back.

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At the time, Kennedy denied that his primary challenge was about age, arguing that it was instead about vision and leadership.

But in the six years since, the age of elected officials has become a national discussion.

Moreover, Markey is entering his latest reelection bid during a very different environment. Democrats are still recovering from their widespread losses in the 2024 election, with no clear national leader.

The world is different, said one Democratic strategist with experience working in Massachusetts politics. Now Donald Trump has become president again. Sen. Markey is six years older, and Democratic voters, independent voters, you name it, they all felt like they were gaslit by Joe Biden and they do not trust politicians over a certain age anymore.

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The strategist added that political observers should note style over ideology in the primary, saying, Massachusetts voters love a show horse.

Massachusetts voters love to have that sort of marquee politician representing them, and I think part of the argument here is that Sen. Markey has not been able to do that recently and he only became interested in doing it six years ago when he was facing a challenge for the first time in his life, the strategist said.

Moulton is no stranger to challenging the status quo. He ousted former Rep. John Tierney (Mass.) in the 2014 Democratic primary for the states 6th Congressional District. The congressman went on to make waves in 2018, when he unsuccessfully challenged former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), losing in a 203-32 vote. In April 2019, he jumped into the open Democratic presidential primary but ended up suspending his campaign in August of that year.

This is not unusual for him to take this kind of leap, said Jennifer Holdsworth, a Democratic strategist and former Moulton campaign staffer. He has been a very big policy wonk on a lot of issues that are very deep at the core of Massachusetts.

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He is less likely to lean into national debates and national battles on the issue of the day and focus very laser-like on local issues to Massachusetts and he has a lot of support when he does that, she continued.

Others note that Moulton is still taking a risk in challenging Markey.

The issue is, is Seth Moulton the guy who took out John Tierney, a longtime incumbent, overwhelmingly? That Seth Moulton could take out Ed Markey, said Marsh, the Massachusetts Democratic strategist. Or is he the Seth Moulton who gets to Congress, tries to take out Nancy Pelosi as Speaker and fails because he didnt have a plan, then decides hes going to run for president and fails at that too and drops out. That one wont beat Markey.

Markey was asked about his age and running for reelection in 2026 during an interview with Bostons ABC affiliate WCVB last year.

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Im ready for the fight. Ive never been more energized, and Im ready to stand for reelection, and that is my full intention, Markey told the outlet, adding that its not about his age but the age of his ideas.

Ive always been the youngest guy in the room, the senator said.

Publicly available polling paints a mixed picture of what a Markey versus Moulton showdown could look like.

A University of New Hampshire poll released late last month found that 42 percent of Massachusetts voters said they believed Markey should be reelected, while 39 percent said they did not believe he deserves to be reelected to another term.

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A separate poll released by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation earlier this month showed Markey trailing Moulton among general election voters, 43 percent to 21 percent. But among the states Democratic voters, Moultons lead narrows to 38 percent to 30 percent.

But polling also shows Markey remains relatively popular in the Bay State. According to a University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB survey released in February, Markey holds a 51 percent approval rating and a 29 percent disapproval rating.

The Markey camp looks at these numbers and says theyre above water, said Tatishe Nteta, a political science professor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and director of the University of Massachusetts Amherst/WCVB poll.

Over half of the residents of the Bay State express approval of the job that he is doing and thats about where hes been for much of his tenure, and thats really where folks like Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts state legislature, and Gov. [Maura] Healey have hovered, he said.

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I think this race is a lot more about his age than his performance, he added.

But not everyone believes this issue of age is going to be enough to get a candidate across the finish line.

Its a factor, its not the factor, Marsh said. Given everything that is going on with Trump and everything else, you have to do more than just campaign on your birth date. You have to show people that you can stand up to Trump, that you have stood up to Trump and that you would do a better job.

For both Markey and Seth, [its] not only are you standing up to Trump but are you stopping him? What is your plan to stop him? Not just complain about him, she said.

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Takeaways:

 Mt. Cheahas Bald Rock Boardwalk ranked No. 3 in the state of Alabama for its fall beauty.

 The one-third-mile Bald Rock Boardwalk leads visitors through hardwood forests to panoramic views from Alabamas highest point, 2,407 feet above sea level.

 October brings vivid gold, crimson and amber hues across Cheahas landscape, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the states autumn splendor.

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 The top two Alabama spots are Noccalula Falls Parks Suspension Bridge ranked and Little River Canyons Eberhart Point Overlook.

MT. CHEAHA  Alabamas highest mountain has once again earned recognition for its spectacular autumn scenery.

Bald Rock Boardwalk at Cheaha State Park ranked No. 3 among the states most breathtaking fall-viewing destinations, according to a recent survey by the travel company Exoticca. The ranking was based on responses from 3,012 people nationwide who shared their favorite places to view the changing colors of fall.

The top two Alabama spots went to the Suspension Bridge at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, ranked No. 1, and the Eberhart Point Overlook at Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne, ranked No. 2.

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At Cheaha State Park, thousands of visitors each year stroll the one-third mile Bald Rock Boardwalk through hardwood forests before reaching the granite outcrop known as Bald Rock. From there, visitors can gaze across the Talladega National Forest and the distant cities to the north. In October, the mountains oaks, hickories and maples glow gold and crimson beneath the passing clouds. The family-friendly walk ends at a platform on Alabamas highest natural point  2,407 feet above sea level  offering sweeping views of the autumn landscape.

The top-ranked Noccalula Falls Park offers another striking autumn scene. From its main bridge, visitors can view a 90-foot waterfall and the gorge below. A narrow suspension bridge in the gorge provides a close-up look at hardwood trees splashed with color against the evergreens. On cooler days, the mist from the falls adds to the beauty, sometimes producing rainbows when sunlight filters through.

Eberhart Point Overlook, located along Canyon Rim Drive at Little River Canyon National Preserve, provides a dramatic view from the cliffs that drop down to the river. The colors along the rim and throughout the canyon are bright and bold, and hikers often descend the paths toward the overlook to enjoy the full view.

Fall is one of the most visually stunning times to travel across the U.S., said Juanjo Duran, chief marketing officer for Exoticca. This survey celebrates those uniquely American moments when the landscape feels like its been painted just for you.
The No Kings event in downtown Las Vegas Saturday. (Photo: April Corbin Girnus/Nevada Current)

Thousands of Nevadans took to streets and sidewalks Saturday to peacefully protest President Donald Trump and air myriad grievances against his administration, including but not limited to the ramping up of disappearances by immigration officers, the deployment of troops into U.S. cities, directing the Justice Department to target his political enemies, attempts to strip health care and social service programs, defunding of medical research, and what even federal judges are characterizing as an unprecedented disregard for the rule of law.

An estimated 2,700 No Kings protests were scheduled across the country and millions participated. Nearly a dozen were scheduled around Nevada, including in Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City, Elko, Pahrump, and Mesquite, according to the official No Kings website.

Reno Saturday. (Photo courtesy Linda Miner)

Organizers estimated 18,000 people attended a rally in downtown Reno, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. Estimates from Carson City ranged from several hundred to more than a thousand, according to Carson Now.

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Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced an estimated crowd of 2,000 in downtown Las Vegas. That rally was organized by Indivisible Las Vegas, which also held the inaugural No Kings rally in June attended by an estimated 8,000 people. The midday downtown event was one of four planned in the metro area Saturday.

Anti-royalist shark in Henderson. (Photo: Dana Gentry/Nevada Current)

A gathering outside the New York, New York casino on the Las Vegas Strip was held later in the afternoon. Metro put the estimated attendance at 700 people and said no arrests took place.

Saturday morning, an estimated 3,000 people lined a stretch of a busy thoroughfare in Henderson, according to organizers there. Motorists blared their horns as demonstrators waved signs and cheered.

Were a peaceful crowd, No Kings volunteer Sheila Humphries told the Nevada Current. No one here believes in violence.

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The crowd in downtown Las Vegas was similarly peaceful and included people of all ages, ethnicities and abilities. Metro police announced there had been just one arrest for disorderly conduct.

As they have during previous protests in downtown Las Vegas, Metro officers wearing riot helmets lined the middle of numerous streets, which they closed to both vehicular traffic and rallygoers. Indivisible Las Vegas organizer Kathy Blair called it an overreaction from Metro, saying they just want to flex their muscle.

Police closed off the streets on Las Vegas Boulevard but people were not allowed to be on them. (Photo courtesy Kelly Mays)

Speakers, including all three of Nevadas Democratic U.S. House members, made remarks in front of the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse. But because of the geographic dispersal of the crowd as a result of Metro confining them to sidewalks on either side of Las Vegas Boulevard, only those in the immediate vicinity could hear them.

A Metro officer stands on Las Vegas Boulevard while people in inflatable costumes, confined to the sidewalks, exercise their First Amendment rights. (Photo courtesy Kelly Mays)

There are actually fewer snipers compared to the June event, Blair quipped, pointing up to the roof of a nearby federal building where several law enforcement officers sat. Theyre wasting taxpayer dollars up there.

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I guarantee a lot of people did not come out because they were scared of law enforcements presence, said Blair. A lot of people didnt RSVP because they didnt want to put their name down.

Myriad reasons motivated participants to attend the rally.

Theres so much, responded Mason Loosle of Summerlin when asked why he felt compelled to attend. I dont know where to start.

Loosle, who attended the rally with his new wife of one week, held a sign stating they should be on their honeymoon.

We feel like we had to come out, he said. I think the biggest thing is free speech, the (Jimmy) Kimmel thing, the Pentagon press thing. I cant believe it.

Downtown Las Vegas. (Photo: April Corbin Girnus/Nevada Current)

Shelly Houston of Henderson, a Democrat who has voted for Republicans, said she isnt sure the United States will have another election.

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I think (Trump) just wants to stay in power and declare himself a ruler for lifetime, she said.

Many participants expressed support for the Congressional Democrats, who are currently locked in a federal funding battle that has shuttered the government for nearly three weeks. Democrats are holding fast on demanding renewed credits for Obamacare subsidies.

I support what theyre doing, said Alan Scott of Henderson.

Dana Gentry and Hugh Jackson contributed to this story.

This article has been updated to include the estimated attendance at the rally on the Las Vegas Strip.
Nearly two-thirds of likely voters in a handful of states are in favor of adding more transmission lines to connect clean energy and strengthen grid reliability, according to a new survey.

The Conservative Energy Network, a nonprofit network of state-based organizations that describes itself as "focused on promoting clean energy innovation rooted in conservative values," surveyed likely general election voters in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

The Ohio Capital Journal summarized the group's findings, noting that Ohio's and Pennsylvania's power grids were severely backlogged. Voters from those two states were slightly more supportive of expanding pathways for delivering clean energy.

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The survey also found that 90% of people were concerned about rising energy costs. While there are a variety of reasons behind these spikes, integrating more solar at the household level is a great way to help ordinary people cut their monthly electricity bills. Plus, the integration of this clean, renewable energy source into more homes and businesses will help slash the amount of planet-heating pollution we produce.

One thing that holds some homeowners back from going solar is the upfront costs of installing a system. Leasing solar panels is one way to avoid this upfront expense, and Palmetto is one company with solar leasing options. Palmetto even has plans available for no money down.

If leasing isn't for you, EnergySage has free tools that give would-be customers estimates on purchasing and installing panels, making it easy to compare quotes.

Still not sure? Palmetto also has a handy guide that explains the pros and cons of leasing and buying solar panels to help you make a more informed decision.

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You can also sign up for community solar, which lets you tap into clean energy without installing solar panels of your own. This low-commitment option could still save you up to $150 a year. It's also a great solution for renters.

The new survey, which included Democrats, Republicans, and independent voters, showed that rising energy costs transcend party lines, according to Chris Lane, a senior partner at Cygnal, the polling firm that conducted the survey on behalf of the Conservative Energy Network.

"This is not a partisan issue.  You don't have to appeal to one side or another," he said at the National Conservative Energy Summit in Cleveland, per the Ohio Capital Journal.

John Szoka, CEO of the Conservative Energy Network, said in a press release that the findings "underscore a clear message."

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"Voters across the political spectrum agree that affordable, reliable energy is the backbone of American prosperity and security," he said. "When we invest in modern transmission, we strengthen our economy, protect families from rising costs, and ensure America, not foreign adversaries, controls our energy future."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (WHNT)  The Muscle Shoals Police Department is investigating after a man was injured in a shooting Saturday night.

According to authorities, the shooting happened in the 100 block of Williams Street at about 8:15 p.m.

MSPD said officers and detectives arrived at the scene and found a man who had a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

He was later taken to the North Alabama Medical Center and then to Huntsville Hospital, where he is expected to recover.

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MSPD said that Glenn Kimbrough,46, of Sheffield turned himself in to authorities a little after the shooting.

MSPD told News 19 that Kimbrough was charged with First Degree Assault and Discharging a firearm within city limits.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
PARIS  The Louvre museum was the target of a highly orchestrated robbery on Sunday, resulting in the loss of several historical jewels from Frances imperial era.

Frances minister of culture Rachida Dati said in an interview on the TF1 television channel that the heist had taken between four and seven minutes, beginning around 9:30 a.m. as the museum was opening. She described the perpetrators as professionals, part of a highly experienced and possibly international network.

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The robbers, a group of three or four according to officials, broke into the Apollo gallery, which houses jewels of historic value including a number of Frances crown jewels, using a mechanized lift set on a truck. Once inside, they targeted two specific cases.

French minister of the interior Laurent Nunez, speaking on a radio program, said the stolen pieces had inestimable value and true patrimonial significance.

Authorities later confirmed the stolen items included pieces from the historic collection of Napoleon and Empress Josephine.

One item, said to be a crown that belonged to Napoleon Bonapartes second wife Marie Louise, was recovered near the museum perimeter shortly after the incident, according to Le Parisien newspaper.

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It was later identified as the crown of Eugenie de Montijo, empress consort of Napoleon III. Set with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, it figures eight eagles in chiseled gold arching upwards and is topped with a globe and cross. According to media reports, the piece was damaged during the thieves escape.

Every effort is being made to recover the stolen artifacts, the Paris police prefecture said in a statement to AFP. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence are currently being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

No injuries were reported and the Louvres visitors were evacuated. The museum posted on X (formerly Twitter) that it will remain closed for the rest of the day on Sunday for exceptional reasons.

A preliminary investigation has been launched for organized gang theft and criminal conspiracy, led by the Brigade de Repression du Banditisme, a special police unit charged with investigating armed robberies, serious burglaries and scams, stolen cars and art thefts, with support from the Central Office for the Fight Against Trafficking in Cultural Goods (OCBC).

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A group of thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, making off with what French officials described as priceless jewelry.

The robbery, which occurred over four minutes in broad daylight while the museum was open to the public, targeted the museums Galerie dApollon, which holds what remains of Frances crown jewels.

Le Parisien reported that the crooks made off with nine pieces of Napoleon and the Empress jewelry collection; on Sunday, only one item had reportedly been found  the Empress crown.

It is not the first time the museum has been robbed: An Italian man stole Leonardo da Vincis in 1911, apparently in order to return it to Italy.
The Republican war on democracy in North Carolina is apparently boundless. Unsatisfied by a 2023 congressional districting map that moved, in an evenly divided state, from a 7-7 delegations to a 10-4 Republican advantage, the GOP-dominated General Assembly seeks to create an electoral structure to deliver 11 Republicans and 3 Democrats. Donald Trump will be well pleased. State Sen. Phil Berger Sr. will avoid Trumps wrath during the electoral season. North Carolina Republicans can show they are as committed to cheating as Texas Republicans are. The fact that Rep. Don Davis, a Black Democratic congressman, might be dispatched in the process is delicious icing on the cake for Republicans. Enough, it seems, is never enough.

Thanks to state Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby and his crew of Republican justices, partisan political gerrymandering  no matter how extreme, no matter how intensely disenfranchising  is perfectly permissible. Thats true even though our state constitution guarantees free elections. Free, Newby explains, does not mean fair. Of course not. Why would it? Rigged elections are still free. Who could disagree with that?

Gene Nichol

These are, of course, demographically sophisticated exercises in electoral line drawing. But they arent different in result than a statute that says every third Democratic ballot must be discarded. Im guessing Newby would find a cute justification for a law like that as well. After all, fairness, or democracy, or the justices oath to administer justice without favoritism to anyone dont enter the calculus. Republican fealty is all that matters. And theyre happy to admit it.

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Nor is outrageous legislative apportionment the whole picture. In statewide races  where there is, by definition, only one district  Berger waits until the results are in and then shuffles responsibilities accordingly. New Democratic officeholders are made to surrender their constitutionally prescribed authorities in favor of any Republican official who can be located. The North Carolina Constitution and Tar Heel voters be damned.

Even still, the antidemocratic crusade doesnt stop there. As a horrified electorate (and nation) learned in the Justice Allison Riggs case, the North Carolina Republican Supreme Court is willing to use its power to patently, in the bright light of day, steal an election. The legislature and Republican Party apparatus will cheer. The North Carolina Bar Association will cower in silence  violating its members own oaths of office. The acceptance of cheating thus becomes habitual. The death of democracy ensues. The frog in the bath expires.

The Berger-Newby Republican axis is now fully out of the closet. Their commitment to ending democracy in the Tar Heel State is unapologetically on display. North Carolina voters have, perhaps, one more electoral cycle to defeat it. But we will be required to prevail by bountiful margins. My strongest political hope is that such margins will be delivered. Only then will the faith of our forebears be secured.

Correction: An earlier version of this column misidentified North Carolinas 1st District Rep. Don Davis.

Contributing columnist Gene Nichol is a professor of law at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
The White House feels as confident about the shutdown on day 19 as it was on day one in part because congressional Republicans have, for the most part, remained largely in line.

Theres no discussions at all at the rank-and-file level, and what is there even for Republicans to be skittish about? said a Senate GOP aide granted anonymity to discuss the dynamics between the White House and Congress.

Even as 89 percent of Americans surveyed said they believe the shutdown is at least a minor problem, and 54 percent say it is a major problem, both parties are held responsible, giving neither party a reason to cave.

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The House did its job, Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday on ABCs "This Week." We passed the clean resolution. The continuing resolution, we keep the lights on, keep the government working for the people.  Democrats have voted 11 times, except for three Democrats in the Senate, voted 11 times to shut down the government.

The confidence and cohesion from Republicans on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue  and a similar confidence among Democrats  augurs no quick end to what is approaching one of the longest shutdowns in history.

Republicans are pushing a continuing resolution, which would open the government at current budget levels. Democrats want a deal to extend health care subsidies due to expire at the end of the year before agreeing to provide the votes needed in the Senate to reopen the government.

The longer the shutdown goes on, the more the Democrats position deteriorates in public polling, a White House official, granted anonymity to discuss the president's position, said in a statement. The Administration has been consistent from day one: keep the government open with the same proposal Democrats supported just 6 months ago and 13 times under the Biden Administration. We wont negotiate on policy while the American people are held hostage. Our position has not changed  nor will it.

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And thats just fine with congressional Republicans.

What were discussing is ways to minimize the pain on the American people that has been caused by the Democrats, said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.). Different members in the White House team have been meeting with the various caucuses, and weve been doing conference calls where we could share concerns, ask questions, bring up any issues.

Some House members from swing districts are growing nervous after hearing from local offices, Chambers of Commerce and federal workers, according to a person who served in Trumps first term and granted anonymity to describe the conversations. But, while staff are passing feedback to the White House, the concern is quiet rather than open defiance of Trump, the person said.

A few of the non-leadership members are checking in with Trump-world folks, but they are mostly looking for reassurances and not a strong push for a change in direction, the former aide said. I do get the sense that the longer this drags on, the more this becomes kind of a loyalty test  who stays on message and who starts to flinch once the hometown pressure kicks in.

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So far, there is very little flinching and the White House has had to do relatively little to keep members in line.

They haven't called me, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said. They follow my social media pretty closely, we've been told. So, I guess they know I'm firmly in their camp. I dont think we should budge.

In fact, its remarkably calm and regular order, said a person close to the White House. The Hills still running, people are taking meetings. Republicans are operating like were open for business, were doing what we want. The staffs not getting paid but theres a certain calmness, which is surprising.

Johnson has kept the House indefinitely out of session until Democrats vote to end the government shutdown, a strategy that has made some in his caucus anxious , but the speaker has insisted that Republicans are still very much engaged in the peoples business, even if it is off the floor.

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And there are some sensitive issues the White House has worked with Congress to address before they become pain points for members and their constituents.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune privately pressed the White House to allow farmers to access Marketing Assistance Loans during the shutdown, according to four people with direct knowledge of the conversations, including two Trump officials.

GOP lawmakers have also expressed concerns that Thanksgiving travel will be affected .

To eliminate a potential pressure point, the Trump administration moved to pay active-duty troops earlier this week. Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday called the move a temporary fix and warned that the next round of paychecks is not guaranteed, blaming Democrats for using the military as hostages.

I get the sense that the party is completely loyal to Trump and I dont think Trump feels cornered in any way at all, which I think is giving them confidence, said Sam Geduldig, a lobbyist at CGCN Group and former aide to ex-Speaker John Boehner. So I would put the level of concern amongst most rank and file as minimal.
Germany is souring on its massive population of Ukrainian refugees, according to a new survey.

62% of Germans were in favor of sending able-bodied Ukrainian men back to Ukraine immediately, per an INSA survey commissioned by German news outlet Bild and published Oct. 18.

Over 1.25 million Ukrainians were in Germany as of February of this year. The survey found that only one in three has a job, and that Germany is paying 6.3 billion euros annually in German citizen's benefits to 700,000 Ukrainians.

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The survey further found that 66% of those polled are against paying citizens' benefits to Ukrainian war refugees.

Millions of Ukrainians fled the country following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. 5.7 million remain abroad, per UN data. Germany is the largest single host nation of this refugee population.

The new survey consequently holds implications for attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees globally.

A February survey by Ukrainian think tank the Center for Economic Strategy found that the share of Ukrainians abroad who ever planned to return home had dropped from 74% to 43% over the preceding 2 years.

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Nonetheless, the same UN data show that the number of Ukrainians abroad has fallen by over a million since the start of 2025.

Read also: 120,000 Ukrainians in US at risk of deportation as Biden-era program lapses, WSJ reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.




For an hour on Thursday afternoon, inside the spacious St. John of God Church in San Francisco's Inner Sunset District, Georgia Seibert and about 30 other older adults - mostly from the neighborhood - did tai chi, arm circles and stepping to the beat of the music in unison as part of a group exercise class.

Afterward, Seibert and a dozen others sat in groups of three to get to know each other, picking questions out of a hat as an icebreaker. Seibert's group drew, "Share something about yourself people might be surprised to know."

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Seibert, 84, shared that she was a ballet dancer in Beverly Hills when she was 18.

The event was part of the "Meet Six Neighbors" initiative, led by a statewide program called Neighbor-to-Neighbor, which began during the COVID pandemic to help Californians tackle social isolation and strengthen community bonds. This fall, the state partnered with the city of San Francisco to launch the Meet Six Neighbors campaign locally, challenging residents to forge social connections with six people who live nearby.

Patti Spaniak Davidson leads an exercise during a community event Thursday, part of a campaign sponsored by the state and city to combat loneliness and the health harms that come with it. (Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle)





The campaign stems from a study, published in 2024, that found that performing small acts of kindness - such as checking in on a neighbor, or helping them mow their lawn or get groceries - can improve feelings of well-being and reduce stress, loneliness and isolation.

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The study was conducted in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia at the height of COVID shutdowns in 2020, but its findings remain relevant today, as they build on the growing body of evidence that social connection is just as important for one's health and well-being as better-known interventions like exercise and nutrition.

Doctors, researchers and policymakers are increasingly recognizing this and emphasizing the importance of social connection. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in 2023 declared loneliness an epidemic.

"It's so widespread," said Dr. Carla Perissinotto, a UCSF geriatrician who studies loneliness in older adults and led a 2012 study that found it is linked to significantly higher risk of early death. "That's why we're talking about it at the population health level. We need population-level initiatives."

Louise Juul, left, and Joginder Singh chat during an event that's part of the "Meet 6 Neighbors Challenge." (Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle)





Perissinotto's work and other research have found that loneliness is associated with higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease, dementia, poor diabetes control, infection, frailty and other health problems. One 2017 study found that lacking social connection is nearly as harmful for one's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

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"Conversely, if we're socially connected, we see the inverse happen - it can be protective," she said. "That's what's exciting."

Researchers are now trying to figure out exactly how much social connection is the "right" amount, and what duration of such actions impacts health the most.

"That's kind of what the next steps are," Perissinotto said.

While loneliness is often discussed in the context of older adults, many of whom become isolated after losing a spouse or living far away from their adult children, studies show the highest rates of loneliness are among young adults. The Meet Six Neighbors challenge is for people of all ages.

Conversation prompts for small groups are chosen at random. (Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle)





"We live in a time where people are very disconnected from each other and are not joining civic groups like they did in generations past, and people are living alone longer," said Josh Fryday, director of the California Office of Service and Community Engagement, which started the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program and issues grants to San Francisco and other cities to do the Six Neighbors campaign. "What we're trying to do is figure out ways to get people connected in their communities."

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The most recent state grant to San Francisco was $500,000, Fryday said. It helped fund ads on Muni buses and social media, block parties, workshops, swap meets and other gatherings.

Most people want to connect with their neighbors but aren't sure where to start, said Kate Kuckro, co-executive director of Community Living Campaign, the San Francisco nonprofit that organized the Thursday group exercise class and coordinates other community-building events for seniors at several neighborhoods across the city.

"So if you can help people get past that hurdle, the magic happens on its own."

Joginder Singh, second from left, chats with new acquaintances at the Thursday event. (Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle)





Indeed, Seibert has met friends through the group exercise classes at the church. She gestured toward Janet Bilden, who also lives in the area. They met months ago when Bilden started coming to the classes.

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"We text each other," Seibert said, and they'll walk home together from the church.

Seibert hadn't considered herself especially social. But as she got older, she started making more of an effort to socialize because her adult children live farther away and her parents have passed away.

"All your regular social connections are gone," she said. "I still think I'd like to call my mother and she's not available. I don't have any children under 56. And they think you're boring!"

This article originally published at Are neighbors the key to solving the loneliness epidemic?.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday instructed the military to "take firm action against terror targets in the Gaza Strip," after reports of attacks by Hamas on Israeli troops.

Netanyahu's office said the head of government had decided this after consulting with Defence Minister Israel Katz and security officials.

The Israeli military said terrorists had fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire at soldiers who were working to "dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area" in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.

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"In response, the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity," the military said.

"These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly."

Israeli media had earlier reported that Israeli planes attacked targets near Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.

A senior Israeli military official blamed Hamas for the attacks on Israeli soldiers.

"Both incidents occurred in an area controlled by Israel east of the yellow line," he said, referring to the line to which Israeli troops withdrew on October 10, when the current ceasefire agreement took effect.

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Following the reports, a senior Hamas official said the group remains committed to the ceasefire.

Izzat al-Risheq, a member of the Hamas politburo, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and fabricating "flimsy pretexts" to "justify its crimes."

Al-Risheq did not comment explicitly on the reports of attacks on Israeli troops. He accused Netanyahu of trying to shirk his responsibilities to the ceasefire mediators because of pressure from his right-wing coalition partners.

The current ceasefire has already seen a number of violations.

Far-right Israeli minister calls for war to be restarted

As reports of the Hamas attacks emerged, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had already appealed to Netanyahu to resume the country's war against Hamas.

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Netanyahu should instruct the military to "fully and with full force resume combat operations in the Gaza Strip," Ben-Gvir wrote on X.

The far-right minister criticized the ceasefire agreement from the outset and voted against it.

"The deceptive notion that Hamas will change its stance or even adhere to an agreement it has signed is, as expected, proving dangerous to our security," he wrote.

16 dead hostages left in Gaza Strip

Concern has been growing over the stability of the ceasefire agreement, as Hamas struggles to locate the remaining bodies of dead hostages in the devastated Gaza Strip.

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Under the first phase of the deal with Israel, Hamas agreed to release all living and dead hostages abducted during the massacre on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The group released the last 20 living hostages on Monday and has been gradually returning bodies of dead hostages since then.

On Saturday evening, Hamas handed over two more bodies. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said they had been identified as Israeli photographer Ronen Engel from Kibbutz Nir Oz and an agricultural worker from Thailand.

Engel was killed by militants on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military said on Sunday.

His wife and two daughters were also kidnapped during the attack, but were released as part of a hostage agreement in November 2023.

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According to the information provided, the Thai man had been working in Israel for eight years and was killed on October 7, 2023, and taken from Kibbutz Beeri.

This leaves the bodies of 16 hostages in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas claims that it is difficult to locate the bodies under the rubble of bombed buildings and tunnels which were destroyed during the two-year war in Gaza.

Israel accuses the group of deliberately delaying the process.

Hamas rejects US accusations of Gaza attack plans

The US State Department on Saturday warned that Hamas was planning an "imminent" attack on Palestinian civilians.

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It informed the guarantor powers of the Gaza peace plan about "credible reports" indicating a violation of the existing ceasefire, the department announced.

Hamas rejected the accusations in a statement, referring to them as "baseless claims" aligned with Israeli propaganda.

Following the ceasefire that came into effect on October 10 and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from nearly half of the coastal strip, there were reports of executions of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
Netanyahu was scheduled to testify on Monday between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Tuesday between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested that the Jerusalem District Court shorten the scheduled testimony hearings in his criminal trial to one and a half hours, due to two "urgent diplomatic meetings."

The Administration of the Courts announced soon after that, due to the nature of the meetings and personal matters of one of the three judges hearing the case, all hearings were cancelled for this week.

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This week, Netanyahu was scheduled to testify on Monday between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Tuesday between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The prime minister's attorney requested that both end early at 11 a.m. to accommodate the meetings, as well as briefings on Tuesday that "cannot be postponed."

Activists protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside the District Court in Tel Aviv, where Netanyahu was supposed to testify in his trial, October 15, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

Netanyahu awaits J.D Vance visit

Netanyahu will also be unavailable to testify on Wednesday and Thursday due to the visit of US Vice President J.D. Vance.

The prime minister was indicted in 2019 on the charges of bribery, fraud and breach-of-trust in one of the most complicated criminal cases in Israel. He pleaded not guilty to all three charges, and the trial has been ongoing since 2020, heard before Jerusalem District Court Judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Moshe Bar-Am, and Oded Shaham.
Nearly four months after being detained by ICE while working his regular route, a Culver City palatero has returned safely home to his family  and has a green card on the way.

In June, Ambrocio Enrique Lozano was taken into custody by masked federal agents while selling paletas, or frozen fruit treats, outside of a church. A striking photo of his abandoned ice cream cart went viral on social media , catalyzing a community effort to bring him home.

Lozano, who lives in South L.A. and has manned a palatero cart in the Culver City area for more than 20 years, was one of thousands of undocumented immigrants detained this summer in L.A. as part of an ongoing mass deportation effort by the Trump administration. The ICE raids have rattled Southern California and fueled widespread protest against the federal governments immigration policies.

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Read more: Commentary: The ICE raids show what state-sponsored terror looks like

After 114 days in detention, Lozano on Wednesday was granted a green card through a 245(i) petition, which relies on a little-known provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that allows certain individuals who are otherwise ineligible to apply for lawful permanent residence from within the U.S.

Two days later, Lozano reunited with his family at his sisters home in South Gate, his niece Kimberly Noriega told The Times on Saturday.

Walking in the door, Lozano was greeted by Welcome home! balloons and a tres leches cake for the birthday hed spent in detention. Noriega had cooked him a feast of carne asada, costillas and a whole big old pack of tortillas  the first thing he mentioned to her on FaceTime after he was released.

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Even though its hard, we never lost faith, and we always trusted God, Noriega said. I feel like this is a small victory in something that's way bigger.

Read more: One refugee's painful journey. Fleeing the U.S. and splitting up her family amid the Trump-era raids

Lozano was selling his paletas in front of Iglesia Bautista Libre Resurreccion in Culver City on the afternoon of June 23 when he was taken by ICE agents and driven off in an unmarked vehicle to an undisclosed location.

He told them, Why are you guys picking on me? Im just doing my job, Noriega said. Lozano had no criminal record, and his customers loved him. But the agents didnt relent.

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Lozano was permitted to quickly call his wife and explain the situation, but after 40 seconds or so on the phone, his call dropped, Noriega said. His family couldnt obtain more information about his whereabouts for days.

Noriega later learned that her uncle had tried to text her aunt when he got to the detention center, but there was no reception. Then ICE agents took his phone.

Read more: Immigrants decry conditions at former prison, ICE's largest detention center in California

With the help of the Community Self-Defense Coalition and donations from the community, Noriega and her family were able to find legal representation for Lozano. Later, more than 150 people, many of whom had purchased paletas from Lozano over the years, wrote letters of support to help him in court.

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Noriega said that Lozanos attorney, Ebony Espinoza, was always convinced Lozano would get his green card. But Noriega could never be sure, and that uncertainty haunted her.

It was so much stress, Noriega said. My aunt was crying and my mom was just losing her cahoots trying to do everything.

Matters grew worse when Lozanos wife Anita struggled to answer questions during a court hearing and feared shed ruined her husband's chances at release.

Read more: Top immigration court rules judges can deny bond to millions of immigrants

Luckily for Lozanos family, the judge was patient with them, even allowing them a two-hour break to retrieve photos proving his marriage to Anita.

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My aunt literally took the pictures off of her wall because we couldn't find her wedding album, Noriega said. She took the biggest pictures, you know, like those 20 by 20 huge ones, and we just carried those.

Court resumed for a couple minutes, long enough for the opposing council to withdraw its appeal, and then the judge told Lozano, Welcome to the United States.

Lozano clasped his hands in front of his face, as though praying, in gratitude.

"God gave him the strength to keep going every single day," Noriega said.

Read more: How ICE detainees are moved miles away from families and attorneys

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Following his release, Lozano was shocked to find out how much traction his story has gotten, Noriega said. She told her uncle he now has a powerful message to share with other detainees.

You can tell them to stay strong, she told him. If it happened for you, it can happen for others.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom tore into the Trump administration on Saturday, accusing the White House of leaning on the military to conduct an absurd show of force through a planned exercise to fire live artillery rounds over the busy I-5 highway as part of an event connected to the militarys 250th anniversary.

The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety, Newsom said in a statement. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isnt just wrong  its dangerous. Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isnt strength  its reckless, its disrespectful, and its beneath the office he holds.

State officials, who temporarily closed I-5 near the Camp Pendleton base where the exercise was taking place, alleged that the Marine Corps confirmed Thursday that the exercise would be conducted on a training range without firing over the freeway.

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Newsoms office claims that a day later, it got word the state should warn passersby of overhead fire in progress, with federal officials confirming a live fire exercise was set for Saturday afternoon.

Due to extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden unexpected and loud explosions, a section of I-5 will be closed for a period on Saturday, Newsoms office said.

Newsom accuses federal authorities of leaning on the military to conduct an absurd show of force, while the White House alleges the California governor unnecessarily closed I-5 (Getty Images)

The White House and the Marine Corps insist the exercise was safe and that a highway closure was unnecessary.

He closed the highway, the White House wrote on X. Not only did nobody at the White House or the Marines ask him to do so, the Marines repeatedly said there are no public safety concerns with todays exercises.

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A Marine Corps spokesperson told The Los Angeles Times that M777 artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based artillery firing points west of the I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate within existing safety protocols and without the need to close the route.

This is an established and safe practice, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Vice President JD Vance, who was present at the firing exercise, accused Newsom of politicizing the event.

The firing exercise, which was planned to showcase the Marine Corpss amphibious capabilities, was scheduled as millions of protesters participated in nationwide No Kings protests that the administration has repeatedly criticized.

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Thousands of demonstrators turned out for more than a dozen protests across southern California.

Law and order? This is chaos and confusion, Newsoms office said of the military demonstrations.

Newsom is among the Trump administrations most vocal Democratic critics (AP)

The war of words between Newsom and the White House follows months of public sparring.

Newsom, a rumored 2028 presidential hopeful, has sued the Trump administration multiple times over moves like sending the National Guard to Los Angeles, while adopting a brash, Trump-style posture on social media.
"This long and difficult war has ended."

So President Donald Trump proudly declared to his audiences delight on Monday afternoon, Oct. 13, in Jerusalem at the Knesset.

In vintage fashion, Trump incorporated casual asides, indecorous comments, and improvised riffs into his formal remarks. And, in vintage fashion, Trump overstated matters.

But the president, the 120-member Israeli parliament, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and his negotiating partner Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and the many other dignitaries packing Israels legislative chamber were entitled to indulge in a moment, even a full day, of hyperbole. So, too, were Israelis across the political spectrum who were overwhelmed by joy and gratitude. In the morning, thanks in large measure to Israels brave military and Trumps unorthodox diplomacy - which brought on board eight Arab and Muslim countries - Iran-backed Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages, whom the jihadists held in brutal conditions for 738 days. Hamas also returned four bodies from among the 28 dead hostages still in Gaza. These accomplishments improved prospects to expand the Abraham Accords.

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The reality remains that Israelis reside in a dangerous neighborhood, and the Jewish state is a long way from living in peace and harmony with its neighbors, beginning with Hamas in Gaza.

Hamas return of the hostages and the carrying out of a major portion of the Trump plans first phase came with disquieting developments and painful Israeli concessions.

Since Hamas agreed on Oct. 3 to discuss Trumps multi-point plan, masked and armed men have roamed Gazas streets, and within 24 hours of the ceasefires implementation on Friday, Oct. 10, Hamas police and interior ministry announced "that security forces had redeployed across the Strip." By the middle of last week, Hamas had tightened control over Gaza, reportedly killing more than 30 people and publicly executing seven.

Furthermore, the deal obliged Israel to release 250 Palestinian security prisoners serving life sentences for planning or executing terrorist attacks and approximately 1,700 Palestinians captured by the Israel Defense Forces since Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, massacres. Many of the released murderers and accomplices to murder will return to war against Israel.

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And Hamas has failed to fulfill its first-phase obligations: The jihadists have returned 10 of the bodies of the remaining 28 deceased hostages, and Saturday delivered two more bodies that were still to be formally identified; they agreed to repatriate all.

No reasonable person should be surprised that already at this early stage, implementation of the presidents comprehensive plan - which he originally presented as a take-it-or-leave-it proposition but then agreed to divide negotiations into phases - confronts mounting obstacles. An organization that is capable of the mass atrocities that Hamas perpetrated on Oct. 7, 2023, cannot be trusted to bargain in good faith, honor promises, or understand its interests as do citizens of rights-protecting democracies understand theirs.

Why then did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agree to the Trump plan?

In an Oct. 8 news analysis, longtime New York Times White House and National Security Correspondent David Sanger indicated that Trump forced Netanyahu to do so. Only if Trump maintained pressure on the Israeli prime minister, Sanger suggested, would the ceasefire hold and would Hamas return the hostages.

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In "How to End the War in Gaza for Good," published by Foreign Affairs, veteran Middle East negotiator Dennis Ross agreed with Sanger. According to Ross, who is Counselor at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a Georgetown University professor, Netanyahu "did not want to test what Trump might do if he rejected his proposals." This is all to the good in Ross view because the Trump peace plan, Ross believes, stands a chance of ending once and for all hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Ross recognizes that phase 2s implementation poses formidable challenges. It calls for nothing less than "the disarmament of Hamas; Israels further withdrawal to a buffer just inside Gazan territory, with a complete withdrawal once Gaza no longer threatens the country; the creation of a board of peace to oversee the enclaves governance and a technocratic group of Palestinians to administer it; an international stabilization force; and the actual reconstruction of and investment in the strip." More ambitious still, phase 2 "includes genuinely reforming the Palestinian Authority - the organization that administers the West Bank - to set the stage for the political reunification of Gaza and the West Bank and a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood."

A combination of geopolitical logic and assiduous diplomacy, Ross believes, will enable the parties to implement the plan in its fullness. A "broader constellation of forces" has coalesced, he observes. It includes "a powerful United States, a wider Arab world committed to helping end the conflict, and an Israel that wants the fighting to stop" as well as "a Palestinian public in Gaza that craves normality and is likely to be supportive of forces distributing assistance and safeguarding the public." To harness these forces, Ross argues, Trump should enlarge his foreign policy team, and its members "must remain focused and engaged, and hold every actors feet to the fire." Israel must "keep working with Arab countries to set up a peaceful, better government in Gaza." And Arab states "must keep pressuring Hamas and the Palestinian Authority" to "ensure that Hamas cannot control Gaza directly or indirectly" and "must also insist that the Palestinian Authority carry out substantial reforms."

Ross, though, asks nothing directly of two key actors: Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Instead, he treats both as parties to be compelled by others contrary to their inclinations and perceived interests. Oddly, Ross does not regard this as a reason to temper expectations or develop a plan B.

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In contrast, Prime Minister Netanyahu began tempering expectations at the rollout of Trumps Gaza plan at the Sept. 29 joint news conference with the president and very likely has been devising a plan B. At the news conference, Netanyahu underscored the plans basic elements: "Hamas will be disarmed. Gaza will be demilitarized. Israel will retain security responsibility, including a security perimeter, for the foreseeable future. And lastly, Gaza will have a peaceful civilian administration that is run neither by Hamas nor by the Palestinian Authority." Because "Israel will retain security responsibility, including a security perimeter, for the foreseeable future," it will be able to respond swiftly to a breakdown in the peace process.

Furthermore, Netanyahu emphasized Trumps "clear statement at the UN against the recognition of a Palestinian state." But that recognition concerned the here and now. Trumps peace plan does contemplate the possibility of a Palestinian state down the road: "While Gaza redevelopment advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people." It follows from the plans highly hedged language, however, that even if the PA faithfully reforms itself, a credible pathway to a Palestinian state may still not be in place.

Netanyahu went further. He hardened the plans terms, attributing to it the "firm position that the PA could have no role whatsoever in Gaza without undergoing a radical and genuine transformation." And Netanyahu elaborated on the far-reaching steps the PA must undertake to achieve a comprehensive transformation: "ending pay to slay, changing the poisonous textbooks that teach hatred to Jews, to Palestinian children, stopping incitement in the media, ending lawfare against Israel at the ICC, the ICJ, recognizing the Jewish state and many, many other reforms." Such a transformation of the PA is not likely to occur anytime soon.

Contrary to Sanger and Ross, Netanyahu embraced the Trump plan because it gives him just about everything he wanted. In the unlikely event that the parties implement it fully, Netanyahu will accomplish his principal war aims: not only returning the hostages but also disarming Hamas and excluding it from government, demilitarizing Gaza, and deradicalizing the population. If, as he probably expects, the Trump plan stalls in the not-too-distant future because Hamas refuses to cooperate with its own dismantling and effective surrender, then the IDF is well-positioned to return to battle with the severely degraded Hamas forces.

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Not least, and notwithstanding Ross high hopes, the slim chances of carrying out the many substantial steps contemplated by the Trump plan assist Netanyahu in preserving his fragile government. The benefits of cooperation with the United States and numerous Arab and Muslim nations give him cover to decline to pursue the extreme measures - transfer Palestinians from Gaza and establish Israeli settlements there - that his religious ultra-nationalist coalition partners have proposed. At the same time, Netanyahu can placate the religious ultra-nationalists by emphasizing that the obstacles to its realization will soon short-circuit the plan and restore Israels freedom of action in Gaza.

One major obstacle to implementing the Trump plan is that Hamas sees agreement to phase 1 as at most a tactical retreat. In its Oct. 3 response, Hamas characterized the plan as "calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip" - as if Israel were the aggressor and its enemy was not Hamas but rather the Palestinian people. Hamas said nothing about ending the war on the Jewish state that it proclaimed in its 1988 covenant and has been carrying out ever since.

US diplomats should recognize that Hamas and fellow jihadists may have reined in or paused the long and difficult war they have waged against Israel, but they are far from having ended it.

Peter Berkowitz is the Tad and Dianne Taube senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. From 2019 to 2021, he served as director of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. State Department. His writings are posted at PeterBerkowitz.com and he can be followed on X @BerkowitzPeter. His new book is "Explaining Israel: The Jewish State, the Middle East, and America."
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  On Saturday, a second round of No Kings Day protests was held across the United States, including in Grand Junction.

Thousands of Mesa County residents gathered at the Mesa County Justice Center to defend democracy and reject what national organizers call authoritarianism in the White House.

Weve got a lot of things to complain about and to do something about, said Sarah Jean Tracy, a protester at the event.

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Organizer Mallory Martin with Indivisible Grand Junction says they werent sure what to expect from the protest.

There has been a hard push throughout the government, throughout the Republicans, to really paint the protesters in a bad light. Were talking about them saying that we are traitors to our country, that we are antifa, that we are evil We have seen people be afraid to come out more than ever before, said Martin.

But that didnt stop Valerie Gibson, who says she came down from Norwood to support the cause.

Im out here because Donald Trump is an autocrat, and hes trying to take us back into that Hitler kind of state. Weve gotta get out here, weve got to- weve got to say no, said Gibson.

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Nor Sarah Jean Tracy, who, like many of the protestors, proudly identifies with antifa.

Were not terrorists. Were just little old people and young people and everybody that believes in democracy and is anti-fascist, said Tracy.

Not everyone at the protest was there for the cause. Zachary Ducky Quigg says he doesnt agree with some of the views protesters are sharing.

The problem is like we push this whole agenda thats not real, right? Like we push that Donald Trumps a king or fascist. Were allowed to use terms like fascist, racist, sexist, and Nazi all the time, which thats not true. If someone was an actual fascist, racist or Nazi, people like me would stop it, said Quigg.

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Haley Quigg, who came with Zachary, says she feels things have gotten to a point where she has to say something.

People who voted for Trump, we work for a living, and weve stayed silent this whole time. And because of that, they have they/thems [sic] in our schools teaching our child that he should question that at 11 years old, its wrong. The world is going so corrupt. We have to stand up. If we dont start saying something and start making a difference, were all doomed, said Quigg.

Most in attendance, though, were there because they want to hold the government accountable.

I believe that the government should do everything in its power to make sure that people are well cared for. I believe that that should be common knowledge. And we live in a time now where thats becoming not so common knowledge, and I think that thats a huge problem, said Georgie Jurgens.

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Overall, Martin says this protest was even more successful than the last, with an estimated 7,500 people in attendance  more than double the estimated 3,000 people who showed up for Grand Junctions first No Kings Day protest.

No Kings Day protest in Grand Junction

For Grand Junction, having over 7,000 people out here protesting is incredible. Its what we hoped for, said Martin.

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Throngs of Kansas City-area residents took their outrage and fear to the streets Saturday, along with their signs and costumes, for No Kings demonstrations that blanketed the metro.

Organizers behind the nationwide protests, Indivisible, chose Kansas City to be an anchor city for the day of resistance against President Donald Trump, joining Atlanta, Boston, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., where other large-scale events were held.

As peaceful demonstrations broke up at Mill Creek Park near the Country Club Plaza Saturday afternoon, protesters began marching along Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and chanting to a chorus of blaring car horns.

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Gail Vessels of Prairie Village brought a full-size American flag to the rally instead of a sign.

I want the Republicans to know that we love America, Vessels said. Them calling this the Hate America rally is just ridiculous. I just want to show the world that were not giving up, were not going to fall to (Trumps) authoritarianism.

In the four months since millions participated in the first round of No Kings protests, the Trump administration has not altered course.

Instead, Trump and his deputies have ratcheted up many of the policies their detractors find most objectionable, from escalating trade wars that stoke economic uncertainty at home to aggressively detaining anyone suspected of being in the country illegally.

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Tammy Perryman of Roeland Park got emotional talking about how the threat of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE, detainment has forced her loved ones to live in fear.

I have friends and family who are hiding right now, who have their friends and family bringing them food and groceries (because they) cant go to work, Perryman said. And it really upsets me because these are people who fed me and my children when we had nowhere to go, and I cant do anything to help them but make a freaking sign.

Jim Jones of Overland Park said No Kings protesters are people who are supporting what America is all about.

My son is Hispanic, and so hes that brown-skinned, tattooed kid that ICE is picking up, so its time to get out and stand up and say something, Jones said.

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Since June, Trump has federalized National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Memphis, and used his bully pulpit to pressure Republican-controlled states to redraw congressional maps that carve up cities, including Kansas City, for the GOPs electoral gain.

He has also leveraged the justice system to an unprecedented extent to enact revenge against his political enemies and initiated a crackdown on free speech in the month since conservative influencer Charlie Kirks assassination.

Demonstrators rally on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City as part of nationwide No Kings protests against the Trump administration. Protesters dressed up in costumes and brought signs showing their displeasure.

Scenes from the protest

A man dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit sang a Donald Trump themed version of Take Me Out to the Ball Game to protesters marching on Ward Parkway.

The song began, Take Trump out of the White House, lock him up in jail. Put him in handcuffs, and we will shout. We dont care if he ever gets out.

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Many Kansas City protesters joined the trend of the protesters in Portland, Oregon, by wearing inflatable costumes.

Brandon Jackson of Kansas City, Kansas, donned a penguin suit and held a No ICE Please sign. He said he wanted to debunk the myth of violent protests and bring silliness and good vibes to the demonstration.

Tony Wilson of Kansas City took a moment to reflect as he stood cooling off with his inflatable frog costume at his feet.

Im a seven-year veteran of the military, and seeing Donald Trump s all over our Constitution, which I took an oath to defend, makes me angry, Wilson said. Thats why Im out here.

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He said hes disgusted by Trumps decision to activate troops in cities he deems dangerous.

Granted, the president is the commander and chief. However, the American military should not be used against its own people, Wilson said.

Kendrick, the service dog, received pets while decked out in a Dog against D.O.G.E. sign.

Kendrick was one of several non-homo sapiens supporters at the protest. Multiple demonstrators held up feline signs, including My cat hates ICE and My cat is the only orange king I serve.

And Boston terrier Joan of Bark wore monarch butterfly wings emblazoned with Abolish ICE.

A protest sign on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Mill Creek Park in Kansas City as part of nationwide No Kings protests against the Trump administration.

More protesters weigh in

Sisters Lula and Lonnie Beattle, both of Kansas City, set up their chairs and signs under a tree in Mill Creek Park.

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Lula Beattle, 78, said she marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington, D.C.

I would do it again. Were in dark times, she said.

Lonnie Beattle, 75, said, youre never too old to contribute. The retired postal worker brought signs supporting her former employer.

The Postal Service belongs to the people, Lonnie said.

Carter Taylor of Kansas City, an elementary school educator and legislative chair for the Kansas City Federation of Teachers, said efforts to privatize education should scare parents.

Were clearly already seeing massive defunding of our public schools, and especially this week with the national cuts to the Department of Education staffing around special needs students, Taylor said, adding that students deserve better.

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I teach elementary schoolers, and they have no say in whats going on, Taylor said. Were supposed to keep them safe. So what are we supposed to do if all those safety nets are taken away from them?

No major instances of violence broke out in Kansas City during the day of demonstrations. Counter-protesters were few and far between.

Jim Fleming, a Kansas City-area psychiatrist who was working event security for the local Indivisible chapter, said he only had to deal with minor confrontations.

(My job is) mainly to keep everybody safe and de-escalate if theres some escalation. Somebody threw a bottle at a truck with a Trump sign on it, and that was de-escalated, Fleming said.

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Mallory Mudd Pomerville and several other women at Mill Creek Park donned costumes based on the television adaptation of The Handmaids Tale, which is set in an oppressive regime that subjugates women.

Pomerville said shes fed up with peoples rights being stripped or treated as privileges. She walked around with one of the biggest signs at the park  a four-panel display of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

I thought it would be educational, Pomerville said, stating she doesnt believe many people have read the founding documents for themselves.

David Hines of Kansas City, Kansas, wore a unicorn costume and sat in a folding chair near the edge of the park.

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Hines said he wants to see the energy of the days demonstrations translate into something more permanent.

This is great  get together, everybody has a good time  but it would be nice if we could come up with some solutions for some of this stuff. And theres enough brain power in this country that we should be able to figure this stuff out, Hines said.

Hines, 73, said he remembers Dwight D. Eisenhowers portrait on the wall of his grade school.

You might not have agreed with everything that he did, but you knew that he had the countrys best interests at heart and did what he could to do the job that we elected him for, Hines said. I wish there was more of that sense now, because it seems like they just want to represent their own side and ignore the rest of us.
Protesters are seen at the No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Alaskans came out to protest the Trump administration as part of the nationwide No Kings protest on Saturday, with speeches, songs, and increasingly creative flair  signs, slogans, and costumes, some as inflatable animals like eagles and polar bears.

In downtown Anchorage, protesters filled Town Square Park, and the crowd spilled over to line W 5th and W 6th avenues, where they waved signs and passing cars honked in support.

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Its a matter of we are losing our rights, said Keri Lord of Anchorage, dressed in a long cape and crown for the no kings theme. And we are headed towards fascism, and it needs to stop now.

Thousands gather at Town Square Park in downtown Anchorage for the second No Kings day protest to denounce the Trump administration and its policies on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

There were speeches, chants, poetry and songs. The crowd also showed support for the evacuees of the devastating storm in western Alaska, and urged donations and continued aid for relief and recovery efforts. Non-profits and advocacy groups hosted tables along the Atwood Concert Hall with educational materials and hot coffee.

Its great to see so many people come out, said Karan Gier, matching Lord in a cape and crown, holding a sign reading No troops in our streets. And from all ages. Thats whats especially wonderful. Weve seen that all summer, because weve been to all of (the protests) all summer long. And it makes your heart feel good to see this. Were not a silent majority. We are loud.

At least 25 communities held events throughout the state for No Kings day, including Kotzebue, Nome, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Healy, Wasilla, Anchorage, Girdwood, Soldotna, Kenai, Homer, Seward, Dillingham, Kodiak, Valdez, Haines, Gustavus, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and others.

Around 45 protesters rallied in Healy, pop. 723, in the Denali Borough of Interior Alaska for the second No Kings day protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Michelle Femrite)

More than 2,600 nonviolent demonstrations were planned across the country, and millions turned out Saturday to protest the Trump administration

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Alaskans protest signs shared on social media and in Anchorage used humor and satire to mock and condemn President Donald Trump, his cabinet, and recent moves to expand executive powers as authoritarian. Speakers denounced cuts to federal funding and social services such as Medicaid, disregard for the rule of law, and the ongoing government shutdown.

Many protest signs denounced the deployment of U.S. military troops in Democratic-led cities across the country, and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement violently arresting immigrants and U.S. citizens.

I love this country, and I think we should be better, said Kathryn Schild, a life-long Anchorage resident. Im appalled at what we are doing to our friends and our neighbors and our loved ones.

And this is what we can do, right? she said. We have a voice, we can call, we can protest, we can stand up, and we can demand that our government work for us.

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Click on photos to see gallery.

Karan Gier and Keri Lord protest at the second No Kings day of action in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Karan Gier and Keri Lord protest at the second No Kings day of action in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters demonstrate in downtown Anchorage for the second No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Veterans leading about 120 silent marchers through downtown Haines following a rally, for the second No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by George Figdor)

Veterans leading about 120 silent marchers through downtown Haines following a rally, for the second No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by George Figdor)

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Protesters are seen at the No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters in Anchorage at the second No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters in Anchorage at the second No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters in Anchorage as part of the second No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters in Anchorage as part of the second No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A dog in a taco costume is seen at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025. Protesters wore taco costumes and held taco-themed signs in reference to "Trump Always Chickens Out" mocking the president's pattern of flip flopping on tariffs. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A dog in a taco costume is seen at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025. Protesters wore taco costumes and held taco-themed signs in reference to "Trump Always Chickens Out" mocking the president's pattern of flip flopping on tariffs. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters are seen at the No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

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Protesters are seen at the No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A totem pole stands above protesters at Juneau, Alaskas Overstreet Park during the local No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

A totem pole stands above protesters at Juneau, Alaskas Overstreet Park during the local No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

A protester in an inflatable polar bear costume seen at the Anchorage event for the second No Kings day protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A protester in an inflatable polar bear costume seen at the Anchorage event for the second No Kings day protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Roughly 140 people joined a peaceful No Kings day protest in Haines on Oct. 18, 2025, with flag-carrying Veterans leading about 120 silent marchers through downtown afterwards. (Photo by George Figdor)

Roughly 140 people joined a peaceful No Kings day protest in Haines on Oct. 18, 2025, with flag-carrying Veterans leading about 120 silent marchers through downtown afterwards. (Photo by George Figdor)

Protesters are seen at the second No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

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Protesters are seen holding signs reading "Proud Veterans" at the second No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A protester in a taco costume hangs a sign disputing claims and criticisms about protesters at the second No Kings day on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A protester in a taco costume hangs a sign disputing claims and criticisms about protesters at the second No Kings day on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters dressed in frog costumes - in solidarity with a Portland protester who was tear gassed in an inflatable frog costume - demonstrate at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters dressed in frog costumes - in solidarity with a Portland protester who was tear gassed in an inflatable frog costume - demonstrate at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Inflatable costumes are seen at the No Kings day protest in Anchorage on October. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A large crowd gathers in Anchorage for the second No Kings day of protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

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A large crowd gathers in Anchorage for the second No Kings day of protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Erin Jackson-Hill, an organizer and executive director of Stand Up Alaska, a nonprofit social justice organization, rallies the crowd at the second No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Erin Jackson-Hill, an organizer and executive director of Stand Up Alaska, a nonprofit social justice organization, rallies the crowd at the second No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Kathryn Schild protests at the second No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Kathryn Schild protests at the second No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters are seen at the No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Hundreds gather at Juneau, Alaskas Overstreet Park amid rain and fog for the local No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

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Hundreds gather at Juneau, Alaskas Overstreet Park amid rain and fog for the local No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters in inflatable costumes reference US Sec. of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. false claims about Tylenol, at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon

Protesters in inflatable costumes reference US Sec. of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. false claims about Tylenol, at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters hold a sign calling for Alaska US Sen. Dan Sullivan to take action against the Trump administration's overreach of executive power at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters hold a sign calling for Alaska US Sen. Dan Sullivan to take action against the Trump administration's overreach of executive power at the No Kings protest in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

An estimated 65 people joined the second No Kings protest in Dillingham (Photo courtesy of Denise Lisac)

An estimated 65 people joined the second No Kings protest in Dillingham (Photo courtesy of Denise Lisac)

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Protesters are seen at the No Kings rally in Anchorage on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters gather on the stairs and balcony of Atwood Concert Hall in Anchorage overlooking the crowd for the No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Protesters gather on the stairs and balcony of Atwood Concert Hall in Anchorage overlooking the crowd for the No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Aubrey Wieber, executive director of the non-profit advocacy group 907 Initiative, holds a sign criticizing US Sen. Dan Sullivan at the No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Wieber also participated in the silent protest during Sullivan's address to the Alaska Federation of Natives the day before. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Aubrey Wieber, executive director of the non-profit advocacy group 907 Initiative, holds a sign criticizing US Sen. Dan Sullivan at the No Kings protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Wieber also participated in the silent protest during Sullivan's address to the Alaska Federation of Natives the day before. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
Oct. 18Thousands of people filled B.A. Clark Park and lined both sides of Division Street Saturday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump as part of the nationwide No Kings Day rallies.

By 2 p.m. protesters were holding signs and chanting on both sides of the street for more than a dozen blocks from Gordon to Wellesley avenues.

Protesters waved American, LGBTQ+, Ukrainian, Palestinian and Gadsden (Don't Tread on Me) flags and held up homemade signs to honking motorists.

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Across the nation there were an estimated 7 million people at more than 2,700 No Kings rallies in cities and towns, according to NBC.

The events were peaceful amid a tumultuous autumn, with the president sending federalized National Guard troops into some American cities and threatening many more cities with such deployments.

Protesters also are upset with the shutdown of the federal government and what protesters are calling crackdowns on rights protected by the First Amendment and continued raids and detainments of immigrants by agents with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

By about 2:30 p.m. in Spokane, some of the crowd began marching up Division along the sidewalks and others marched down Garland Avenue toward Monroe on the street. Police blocked parts of Monroe to let protesters pass. As the march went north, four officers were walking alongside the crowd communicating with march organizers and with other officers. A young child holding a sign stuck out her hand and a police officer gave her a high-five.

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The protesters on Garland turned north on Monroe and looped back to B.A. Clark Park, where many started dancing. Protesters on Division remained on the sidewalks but extended to Queen Avenue by 3 p.m.

Wendy DeLuca, who showed up wearing a blow-up panda costume, stood side by side with her friend dressed as a blow-up bird, chanting on the sidewalk off of Division Street.

She said they chose the costumes "to prove we are nonviolent," and show solidarity with Portland, Oregon, which made national headlines for protesters appearing as blow-up frogs.

"It's hard to say a blow-up panda is causing violence," DeLuca said. "And the blow-up frogs were all sold out."

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Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane police liaison Jim Leighty said communication with police officers went well.

"Everybody's working together. And communicating. The idea is to keep everybody safe," Leighty said during the march. "It's a large crowd and everyone's exercising their rights."

Spokane police officers trained to engage in peaceful dialogue with protesters and organizers walked side by side with the marchers. Officer Karl Richardson was one of them.

"It was a great, peaceful event," Richardson said.

Police made no arrests and documented zero acts of violence as of 4 p.m., as many of the protesters were leaving.

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"We wanna keep things safe, and today was a good day for that," he told The Spokesman-Review. As he was talking, a man drove down the street and cursed at the other police officers standing nearby.

They shrugged it off. It was the first time today they had been yelled at, the officers said.

"The organizations here did a great job," Richardson said, and officers had "overwhelmingly positive interactions with the group."

Shortly after, however, a man who was taunting the crowd got into a scuffle and was tackled to the ground after pushing a man in an orange vest. He appeared to walk away without serious injuries.

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A PJALS organizer kicked off the rally at B.A. Clark Park with a speech criticizing Trump, stressing the nonviolent intent of the event and asking participants to stay off streets and not to engage with counter-protesters.

Seth Lowe and Meadow Creveling are both in-home caregivers in Spokane. The couple has been together for almost six years and saw Saturday's protest as an opportunity to participate in an act of unity.

Lowe said that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is of huge concern to him, especially as it pertains to Medicaid. He said a lot of people he cares for rely on money from the government for medicine, treatment and a myriad of other things.

"They already don't have a lot of money to begin with and they already rely on, sometimes it's nobody, sometimes it's just us," Lowe said. "They have no family."

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Creveling said she had to overcome considerable anxiety to show up for the "No Kings" protest, but she's glad she did. Once she saw all the like-minded people, she felt supported.

As a retired prosecutor who practiced law on the San Juan Islands and in Spokane, Randall Gaylord said he's most upset about what he said is the president's willingness to defy the law.

He said a lot of the focus of the protests across the country are centered around Trump. But, what many people are missing is the bigger picture, he said. He believes Trump is a mouthpiece for the higher powers that want to usher in an agenda, like Project 2025, to further their control and accumulate more wealth.

His wife, Marny, said the United States is on the precipice of something that can't be undone. The pair said they felt inspired to see a bunch of older folks, like themselves, coming out to protest, but wished that more young people would get involved.

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"Our kids, they're in their 40s and they're going to somehow survive," Randall Gaylord said. "But our grandchildren? I have no idea what the world's going to be like and they don't have a voice."

Saturday was Patty Morales' birthday and she said she wouldn't dream of doing anything else on her special day. The 63-year-old served as a pilot in the Air Force for 27 1/2 years. It was during her service that she met her husband, Dio Morales, who also was at the protest. The pair have been married for the last 36 years.

"I'm fearful that the three branches of the government are not standing separate and independent," Patty Morales said. "And I am fearful that we're turning into an authoritarian type of government."

Her most recent grievance against the current administration occurred when President Trump announced that the rescue plan for Argentina could cost as much as $40 billion. When veterans are homeless and children are going without lunch, Morales said, giving $40 billion to a foreign country means that the current administration is not at all a good steward of taxpayer dollars.

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PJALS organizer Dan Lambert said he spoke with police officers following the event and attendee numbers were anywhere between 9,000 to 11,000 people.

At its peak, organizer Cynthia Hamilton of Indivisible Spokane said the 10-acre B.A. Clark Park was chock full of protesters standing shoulder-to-shoulder.

"It's not just your inner -city people, these are farmers," Hamilton said. "I had a cattle rancher here. They're realizing that their ox is getting gored too. So it was an amazing gathering of Spokane County people saying, 'We don't want any kings.' "

While there was the occasional altercation, she said most people knew to simply walk away and not stir the pot when a potential conflict emerged.

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She praised the positive results that came from the de-escalation training that members of her team and other organizations participated in. Hamilton said more people are learning to be comfortable with different points of view.

"My big sticking point is, look, we're all Americans," she said. "If the MAGA guy wants to stay in the park, he's welcome to stay in the park. He has as much right to be there as we do. So suck it up buttercup. If you really believe in America, you have to believe in America."

Mathew Callaghan's 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club.
NEED TO KNOW

"No Kings" protests returned to United States cities on Saturday, Oct. 18

Millions took to the streets to march against President Donald Trump and his administration

Similar demonstrations previously took place in June

The "No Kings" protests returned to cities across the United States this weekend.

Following the June event, in which millions took to the streets to march against President Donald Trump and his administration, the activist group organized hundreds of protest events for Saturday, Oct. 18. A message on the No Kings website praised the success of the summer marches, which were held as a counterprotest to Trump's military birthday parade in Washington, D.C.

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"The world saw the power of the people, and President Trumps attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power," it said.

"Now, hes doubling down  sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle. This isnt just politics. Its democracy versus dictatorship. And together, were choosing democracy."

More than 2,500 protests were expected in large cities and small towns alike. Anchor cities for the event were identified as Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, Honolulu, Boston, Kansas City, Bozeman, Chicago and New Orleans.

Ahead of the Oct. 18 protests, Trump's allies tried to undermine the movement by making unfounded claims that "antifa"  a loosely defined political ideology with no centralized leadership structure  would be paying crowds to participate.

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This is part of Antifa, paid protesters, it begs the question whos funding it? Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Fox Business.

Lets see who shows up for that, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Oct. 15. I bet you see pro-Hamas supporters. I bet you see antifa types. I bet you see the Marxists in full display. The people who dont want to stand and defend the foundational truths of this republic, and thats what were here doing every single day.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott even preemptively ordered National Guard troops into Austin ahead of the march, which he called "an antifa-linked protest."

Despite their discouragement, millions turned out en masse. Here, a look at some of the biggest crowds and most dramatic moments during the second No Kings Day.



01 of 11

San Francisco

SETH HERALD/AFP via Getty

02 of 11

Chicago

Joe Raedle/Getty

03 of 11

Washington, D.C.

SETH HERALD/AFP via Getty

04 of 11

New York City

Spencer Platt/Getty

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05 of 11

San Francisco

AMID FARAHI/AFP via Getty

06 of 11

Chicago

Joe Raedle/Getty

07 of 11

New York City

Kevin Mazur/Kevin Mazur/Getty

08 of 11

Washington, D.C.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty

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09 of 11

Los Angeles

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty

10 of 11

New York City

Craig T Fruchtman/Getty

11 of 11

Washington, D.C.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty





Read the original article on People
A global wave of No Kings demonstrations took place Saturday, as countless protesters gathered in cities across the United States and abroad to voice opposition to what organizers describe as growing threats to democracy and executive overreach.

The movement, which began as an online slogan, has now evolved into an international campaign of unprecedented scope. According to the groups official website, protests were held in all 50 U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as in countries across Europe, North America, and the Pacific.

International participants included Australia, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, England, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Panama, Mexico, Canada, and the British Virgin Islands. In countries that still maintain monarchies, demonstrators marched under the adapted slogans No Tyrants or No Dictators.

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According to The Independent, nearly 7 million people across the United States took part in Saturdays demonstrations, with more than 2,500 cities and towns hosting events nationwide.

In Southern California, thousands filled downtown Los Angeles, blocking portions of 1st and Alameda streets as police issued traffic advisories throughout the afternoon. Sky5 aerial footage showed hundreds more earlier in the day at intersections in Santa Clarita and Woodland Hills, where demonstrators waved signs and chanted slogans.

Thousands expected in L.A. for nationwide No Kings day of protest

Were here to protect our democracy from this administration, from Donald Trump  a wannabe king, Hunter Dunn told KTLA. Dunn is an organizer with 50501 SoCal, a group focused on peaceful civic action across the country.

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Political reactions to the demonstrations reflected the countrys divides.

Ahead of Saturdays demonstrations, California Gov. Gavin Newsom took to X to urge calm and civic engagement: I urge our nation to use this weekends No Kings marches as a declaration of independence against the tyranny and lawlessness currently running this country. Use your voice. ACT PEACEFULLY. Protect yourself and your community. THERE ARE NO KINGS IN THE UNITED STATES.

While Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson denounced the demonstrations, calling them the Hate America rally and accusing participants of hypocrisy.

From left, Dabney Standley of Sausalito, Harrison Miller of Marin, and Marguerite Buttrick of Oakland assemble for the No Kings protest at Wilma Chan Park before their march to Lake Merritt in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Yalonda M. James/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) Police officers block a street outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Protesters wear in costumes as they walk during the nationwide No Kings protest at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP) A protester carrying an effigy of Donald Trump take part during a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) A protester wearing an inflatable frog costume and waving an American flag takes part in a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Demonstrators hold up signs during a No Kings protest at Turner Park in Omaha, Neb., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Matthew Mueller/Omaha World-Herald via AP) Protesters gather outside the Wyoming State Capitol during the No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyo. (Milo Gladstein/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP) Protester dressed as the Statue of Liberty holds a No Kings sign during a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova) Crowds cross the memorial bridge as part of a No Kings protest, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) Protesters gather at the Civic Center in San Francisco, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, during the second nationwide No Kings protest in opposition against the Trump administration. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via AP) A protester holds a sign during the No Kings protest at the Wyoming State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyo. (Milo Gladstein/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP) People gather during a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Demonstrators gather during a No Kings protest at Turner Park in Omaha, Neb., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Matthew Mueller/Omaha World-Herald via AP) People in frog costumes gather for a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) Demonstrators march to the national Mall during a No Kings protest in Washington, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) People take part in a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Thousands gather during the nationwide No Kings protest in downtown Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Grace Trejo/Arizona Daily Star via AP) Protesters attend the No Kings protest at the Wyoming State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyo. (Milo Gladstein/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP) Protesters march from America the Beautiful Park to downtown Colorado Springs, Colo., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, during the nationwide No Kings protest. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette via AP) People march with signs during the nationwide No Kings protest in downtown Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Grace Trejo/Arizona Daily Star via AP) A demonstrator holds a sign during an anti-Trump protest, in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) A woman displays a No Kings sign as she participates in a pro-democracy, anti-Trump protest outside the US embassy at the Pariser Platz square in Berlin, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Demonstrators, dressed in inflatable animal costumes, cross Las Vegas Boulevard during a No Kings protest in downtown Las Vegas Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP) People gather along a waterfront park during a No Kings protest in Portland, Ore., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) Demonstrators gather for the nationwide No Kings protest in downtown Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Grace Trejo/Arizona Daily Star via AP)

In June, the first wave of No Kings demonstrations drew between 4 and 6 million participants nationwide, making it one of the largest single days of protests in U.S. history, according to Jeremy Pressman, a political science professor, in an interview with The New York Times. Those early demonstrations were sparked by federal enforcement actions, including immigration raids and National Guard deployments in the Los Angeles area.

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Since then, tensions have continued to rise not only in Los Angeles but in other cities across the country. Just last month, a 79-year-old Van Nuys car wash owner filed a $50 million federal civil rights claim, alleging that federal agents violently body-slammed and pinned him during a raid at his business. Surveillance footage reviewed by KTLA shows an agent shoving him to the ground, and the man said he was detained for nearly 12 hours without medical care despite suffering broken ribs and other injuries.

Lily Dallow contributed to this article.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Oct. 19On Saturday, demonstrators packed Anchorage's Town Square Park and overflowed onto the adjacent street corners. Some peered down at the crowd from the steps of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, or from the upper-level decks of the parking garage next door. All the protesters stood in unison against the Trump administration.

The large gathering was just one of the thousands of "No Kings" protests held around the country on Saturday. More than a dozen took place in other Alaska communities, from Kotzebue, Fairbanks and Talkeetna to Valdez, Homer and Juneau.

As the federal government shutdown nears the three-week mark, the Anchorage crowd made it clear they were watching lawmakers' actions intently. People carried signs with slogans that read "Dissent while you still can," "Workers Over Billionaires" and "Medicaid Matters." Erin Jackson-Hill, executive director of Stand UP Alaska, one of the groups that helped organize the demonstration, led a chant.

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"This is what democracy looks like," the protesters roared back.

Next November will bring races for the U.S. Senate and House, as well as Alaska governor.

For many Alaskans, the issues that are top of mind this fall haven't changed, including ICE deportations and the treatment of migrants, LQBTQ+ rights and attempts to cut funding from Medicaid. But several people demonstrating on Saturday expressed a new sense of urgency.

Some raised the recent storms that ravaged villages in Western Alaska and the millions of Environmental Protection Agency grant dollars cut earlier this year, bound for Kipnuk and other Alaska communities. Others worried about the Trump administration's latest wave of federal employee furloughs and firings during the shutdown.

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Anchorage resident Sadie Arneson, 33, said she doesn't "think the policies that are being passed are good for Alaskans."

She held a cardboard sign that said, "Lisa's favorite pearls to clutch." On the pearls she wrote different initiatives recently passed in Congress, including the rescission of funding for public broadcasting and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"I am especially disappointed with (Sen.) Lisa Murkowski's vote on the Big, Beautiful Bill," she said

Republicans in recent days have called the No Kings protests "hate America rallies." In Town Square Park, many people waved American flags while others dressed in costumes in the likeness of the Statue of Liberty. Bubbles floated overhead, and friends and families, grandparents and young people stood side by side.

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"I'm out here to remind myself and also my fellow community members that they're not alone," said Anchorage resident Alix McKee, 53. "Together, we can show up for each other and make sure that our country is taking care of the people who are most vulnerable."

Antonia Commack, 36, said she believed the crowd size Saturday was similar to the previous No Kings protest that attracted thousands to downtown Anchorage in June. She traveled from Wasilla to attend the rally as well as the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention around the corner.

"I really enjoy the ones here because they're so big, and I leave feeling less defeated," she said. "There's support around."
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

Lynne Gerber is too Jewish to join a church, she says. But when she moved to the Bay Area in 2001 to do doctoral work in religion, she went to a school where a lot of students were studying to become ministers for the LGBTQ-affirming Metropolitan Community Church. They invited her to worshipshe went and became a friend of the church.

A few years later, Gerber, who is now an independent scholar in San Francisco, found herself studying how churches deal with trauma and examining how MCC San Francisco handled the AIDS crisis. In the process of that research, a longtime congregant introduced her to a collection of audio recordings documenting the services and activities of the church during that time period.

Its these 1,200 tapes that have formed the basis of When We All Get to Heaven, a 10-part narrative podcast developed over 10 years by Gerber with her production company, Eureka Street Productions, and distributed by Slate. The series features beautiful archival sound, of the choir, of course, and of the voices of MCC leaders and congregants discussing the fraught and yet necessary place of spirituality in queer life during a time of crisis. There is sadness, but there is also joy.

On a recent episode, Bryan Lowder and Christina Cauterucci, hosts of Slates Outward podcast, spoke to Gerber about making this project and what lessons can be applied to the current moment. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Christina Cauterucci: For listeners who arent familiar, what is the Metropolitan Community Church?

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Lynne Gerber: Its a gay-positive church, founded in 1968 by the Rev. Troy Perry. Perry grew up a Pentecostal Baptist in Florida. Perry was a minister in a Pentecostal denomination and was struggling with his homosexuality. He was outed as gay in two different churches that he pastored, and both times the church said: This is unacceptable. Youre going to have to change, or youre going to have to move on. The first time, he tried to change, and the second time he moved on to Los Angeles. He decided that being gay was a good thing, that the problem wasnt with being gay but with how people were understanding God.

It took him a couple of years, trying to figure stuff out. But he heard God telling him that there needed to be a space for gay people where it was recognized that God loved them, that God made them, and God knew full well how God made them, and that that was fine with God.

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Perry felt as if he needed to make a space where that could be true, and he did that in his living room in Los Angeles, which then became a church and a congregation, and then became multiple churches. It was an organization that had people meeting every week in places around the country that a lot of the larger gay organizations couldnt reach.

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Bryan Lowder: The story of your research and how we get to what were listening to now really starts there, when this congregation rescues these amazing cassette tapes and gives them to you. Can you tell us a little bit about how that happened and then how you started listening to them?

Gerber: So these tapes started to get made by a guy named Keith Wismer, who began the recording program at MCC San Francisco. He passed away in the mid-90s.

This guy, Steve, took over the sound room for a while, and he introduced me to these tapes. In the early aughts, the church was relocating, so they were cleaning house. They had put these boxes and boxes of tapes on a shelf for the garbage, and Steve said, Thats not happening.

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He found a space underneath the floor in the sound room. He shoved them under there and put all these cables and junk on the other side so nobody would poke in there to pull them out. And then Im sitting in the church office one day, following up on the research that I was doing, and he was like, Do you know about these tapes under the floor of the center?

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It was a collection of 1,200 cassettes that are recordings of two worship services pretty much every Sunday between 1987 and 2003. I was teaching at UCBerkeley at the time. I had a team of research assistants with me, and we just started listening. We digitized a collection of 325 of them, which is what the series is ultimately based on.

Cauterucci: How did you decide which ones to start listening to?

Gerber: We did two samples. For the first, we created a grid of how to get a semi-representative sample from all the years. For the second, we picked whatever the hell we thought was cool. The only thing we could tell is what was written on the box.

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Lowder: Just so our listeners can get a sense of what you heard, can you describe one piece of tape, maybe something that really surprised you or moved you? Something that you werent expecting and that made it into the show?

Gerber: The opening tape is a tape of Jim Mitulski talking about what its like to almost forget people that youve lost and what it means to not be able to remember their name. It was so striking because it reflects the magnitude of the loss that these folks were living throughthat its person after person, after person, after person.

I think that tape is from 1993. Its 12 years into the crisis. Its a little horrifying to think, but it happenswe forget. And he said it: This was a church where you could name that that had happened and it didnt make you not an adequate lover of your beloved people or an inadequate friend.

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It was like, No, we are human people, and part of the reason we gather is to remember, because the tide is so big and its so fierce, and its wiping away so many people that were just gonna hold on where we can. His courage to name such a complicated feeling in a worship service in church, which seems to be a bit more of an emotionally buttoned-up kind of place, was really striking.

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Cauterucci: Theres been a lot of cultural material made about the AIDS crisis: films, books, other podcasts. What do you think this lens of spirituality, and specifically this congregation, helps us understand about the AIDS crisis that these other representations dont get at?

Gerber: Religion, and spirituality, is an interesting place to explore how people deliberately cultivate hope or sustain themselves, or they cultivate joy in a way that is related to all of their political activism and medical activism and care work.

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But it is also a space completely independent of that, that is really of imagination structured by a worship service. Its structured by music and pieces of the Christian tradition. In this case, its also structured by pieces of the queer tradition. Queer literature is evoked all the time, and queer music is sung all the time, and its a place to watch people work to cultivate hope and possibility.

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The sheer insistence on possibility and the commitment to gather and to cultivate a sense of hope through years where they had no idea how this would turn outthey had no idea that the dying would ever endgave the energy to do all of the rest of the other things that all of those other shows and podcasts are about. And that to me is tremendously moving.

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For this time, when we are in a moment when we have no idea how this is going to go and where its going to end up and how we get there, the practices of what it takes to hang in through that, in a community with a sense of imaginative possibility that insists on everybodys place in it and that directly counters the messages that are the loudest in the culture, speak powerfully to whats happening now.

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Lowder: Youve been working on this for a decade, and we understand that scholarly work is not a fast process, so thats part of it. But what is it about this, about San Francisco and about this story, that kept you invested for so long?

Gerber: Its been a decade since I started working with my two co-creators: Siri Colom and Ariana Nedelman. I was introduced to this archive in 2011, and I was at an interesting crossroads because I had been working in a world that did not speak to my own religious sensibilities. You can dry out. You can become hard. You can become cold to your topic.

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I did not want to become cold to my topic. And I was asking myself, Was there a place that felt likethe religious metaphor is living waterswaters that are actually nourished? And MCC San Francisco had always been that to me, not officially, just as a human person, even though I was never really a member.

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Listen now to the first two episodes of When We All Get to Heaven.

Cauterucci: These past 10 years have spanned some pretty tumultuous times in American life too, for queer people and for many other communities. In this moment, what does this work mean to you, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?

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Gerber: I hope people hear that there are communities of queer people who have been through really hard things before, and this is how they got through them, and these are some possibilities. I hope that people take very seriously the work of cultivating hope and imaginative possibility and of celebration and of ritual.

To me, the act of cultivating imagination and possibility, of telling better stories and trying to live into them, even if its just for an hour a week, is an essential part of what social movements are about. That can look like a lot of different things. But it needs to be there. Its not all agendas and campaigns and goals and marches and logistics. It is all those things, but its not only those things. And to make the space to imagine and to cultivate possibility on our own terms, I think that is incredibly important, and its something thats undervalued.

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If were going to get through this, we have to hold on to each other. Again, its not replicating MCCits insisting on making a space that MCC insisted on making.

That could look a lot of different ways. But I really hope that people think very, very seriously about, and really value, the imaginative work of an alternative space, another world again. Even if its just a temporary version of it, that muscle needs to be moved, and it helps to get together and sing ridiculous songs and even great songs and even moving songs. It helps to be together and to sing together and to express the possibility of love in something different together. It just helps. It really helps.
Editors note: The video above aired in a previous newscast.

NEW YORK (PIX11)  Over 100,000 people marched the streets of New York City in the No Kings march, rallying against the Trump administrations policies, according to the NYPD.

The demonstrations took place in all five boroughs. The demonstrations saw zero arrests, according to officials.

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We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests, The New York City Police Department posted on their X account.

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The majority of the No Kings protests have ended, and all traffic closures have been lifted, officials said.

Near Times Square, where a protest was held, ralliers held signs that read Democracy has no kings, Rise Up, Protect Democracy, and other signs, according to a video posted on the Citizen app.

More than 2,500 locations nationwide, including rural communities like East Glacier Ridge, Montana, with roughly 300 residents.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The No Kings movement held its second round of protests in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley on Saturday despite heavy thunderstorms.

No Kings is a grassroots group opposing what it views as authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump, according to its website. The first round of protests in June targeted Trumps 79th birthday events and immigration raids, with organizers accusing him of using the day to boost his ego and escalate tensions.

On October 18, millions of us are rising again to show the world: America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people, the movements website read.

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President Trump, in response, told Fox News on Oct. 17, They say theyre referring to me as a king. Im not a king.

Shutdown affects pay for 6,000+ Arkansas National Guard members

The Hill reports House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters leading up to the event that some Republican leaders have been calling the protests Hate America rallies.

No Kings protests were held in cities across the U.S., including Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Birmingham, Alabama. Organizers reported more than 2,600 rallies, according to the Associated Press.

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In Arkansas, 12 No Kings protests took place, down from 14 in June. Four were held in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley:

Bentonville: 10 a.m.12 p.m.

Fayetteville: 12 p.m.2 p.m.

Fort Smith: 4:306 p.m.

Rogers (Indivisible NWA): 9:3011:30 a.m.

At the Rogers and Fayetteville protests, attendees displayed signs addressing immigration, healthcare, the Hamas conflict, and other policies from the Trump administration. Inflatable costumes could also be seen, reflecting recent trends at protests in Portland.

Lisa Childs, co-leader of Indivisible NWA, the organization that organized the Rogers protest, said one of the groups goals is to ensure the government that is of by and for the people persists.

WATCH: Sights and sounds from Oct. 18 No Kings protest at the Washington County Courthouse in Fayetteville

Its not just about people of color. Its not just about Democrats. Its not just about Republicans. Its about all the people in the United States that deserve to be cared for [and] deserve a chance at the American Dream, Washington County Democrats chair Caitlyn Oxford, who attended the Fayetteville event, said.

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Like June, both the Rogers and Fayetteville protests were without incident. Each event saw hundreds of attendees.

No Kings is holding a virtual event on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 89 p.m. Eastern, where participants plan to discuss the recent protests and the groups planned future activities, according to the groups website.

The Republican Party of Arkansas issued the following statement to KNWA/FOX24 late Oct. 18:

Instead of obsessing over imaginary kings, the Left should focus on ending the Schumer Shutdown. While they waste time playing politics, President Trump and Arkansas Republicans continue to fight and win big for American families. Maya Harvey, RPA Communications Director

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Chants of change echoed throughout downtown Lexington Saturday afternoon as thousands of people gathered at the Courthouse Plaza before marching through the streets as part of the nationwide No Kings Protest.

The demonstrations were aimed at speaking out against the Trump administration and several of its policies.

I think our federal government is blatantly attacking our democratic values and many other American values, said protester Henry Spragens. Its important that we come out in protest, even in smaller cities like Lexington.

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Another demonstrator, Jamie Christie, said she felt compelled to take part.

Oligarchs are playing us like puppets, having us fight each other so that we dont see that they are the ones who are taking away our rights, Christie said. Theyre trying to take away protections in the environment. Theyre trying to take away all the good things that we have built over the last 250 years.

Stepfather of dead Breathitt County boy asks for $1M bond to be reduced

Participants voiced support for a variety of causes, from immigration rights to equality and compassion for all.

Everybody out here deserves their chance to be who they want to be. And thats what we have to protect as Americans, said UK student Cash Strong, who was among some of the younger protesters out on Saturday. Thats what is important and fundamental to our nation. Thats whats kept our nation going for as long as it has. And if we look around on every front, things are being taken by our federal government, those things are being taken by people on the right and we have to stand against it.

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Protester, Lindsey Lee, added, I support compassion and everybody in America, no matter how they got here.

Christie told FOX 56, We have to stand up for our neighbors, no matter who they are, where theyre from, because this is the United States of America, and that is what we do.

Amid the rally cries, there were also conversations; some between people with similar views, and others between those who disagreed.

Trump supporters Ken and Stacey Cockerham said they didnt plan on going to the protestthey were in town from Philadelphia visiting their daughter, who goes to UK. When they saw the protesters, though, the couple wanted to engage in respectful conversations with them.

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Were not trying to change opinions, Ken Cockerham said. Were not trying to tell you youre right or wrong. We just want to hear your opinion and kind of give you what were thinking, and then we can all agree to disagree, but just kind of get all in that way.

Kentucky governor warns residents ahead of cold front carrying severe weather chances

Im all for the freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and its okay to talk and engage. It was lovely, added Stacey Cockerham.

As protesters and supporters crossed paths in downtown Lexington, both sides said they were exercising the very rights that define democracy.

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Theres more good people than bad people, Christie said. And it was time for me to stand up.

We need to grow as a nation and realize we all have the same goal, Cockerham said. We want to take care of our family and friends and live in the best country in the world.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  The streets of Times Square were filled with demonstrators today demanding change in Washington.

Thousands gathered in Times Square Saturday for the No Kings protest, calling for democracy and equal rights amid growing concerns about political power. The crowd stretched from Seventh Avenue to 14th, filling sidewalks with homemade signs and flags, many reading No Kings.

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Chants echoed between the towering buildings as the crowd marched.

City Councilors marched shoulder to shoulder with protesters. Councilmember Chi Osse said, No Kings NYC to protest against some of the draconian acts that were seeing stem from Washington, perpetuated by Donald Trump, who thinks hes a king, who thinks this is a monarchy.

One marcher brought his children along, saying, Its very important for them to come and see whats going on and try to do the right choices for them to have a better life.

The NYPD was on hand to ensure the First Amendment rights of the protestors were protected, with officers warning there would be zero tolerance for illegal activity.

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A marcher said, No Kings means that they have to speak for their actions, they have to follow our Constitution.

Christopher Calabrese, holding a sign that read We Are The Power, said, This is still a democracy and we have to protect democracy and one person cant rule this country.

Some Republicans have criticized the protests, calling them hate America rallies linked to far-left groups, including antifa.

But some marchers were adamant. One voiced, Trump is literally stealing elections and calling himself a king. I dont want to live in a dictatorship.

Police reported the march was peaceful with no arrests made.

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This protest is part of a nationwide wave of No Kings demonstrations against what protesters see as authoritarianism under President Trump. Republican leaders have condemned the protests as politically motivated and have associated them with far-left activists.

Despite the political divide, thousands came out Saturday to make their voices heard, demanding accountability and the protection of democratic principles.

The NYPD continues to monitor the city to ensure that peaceful demonstrations are maintained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Thousands of Kentuckians turned out under the autumn sun to protest President Donald Trumps administration, some pointedly refuting Republican claims disparaging their motives.

In Lexington, Gracia OBrien, 71, said when folks in Congress said this was going to be a hate America rally, I said no, I love America. I want my grandchildren to know I stood up. Im old, and Ive never been scared for our democracy. I am now.

Marsha Bezold, of Midway, hoisted a sign showing a U.S. flag and the words Pro-America. Anti-Trump. She cited multiple reasons for protesting, from the dismantling of our Constitution to coming cuts in health care that she said will hurt her family.

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She said she thinks Trumps goal is to intimidate Americans into silence while he grabs unprecedented power. This is not the country I grew up in, she said. I think Ronald Reagan would be rolling over in his grave to see this.

In Louisville, former Democratic U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth greeted a large crowd gathered on the Belvedere: Hello all my fellow terrorists. Apparently thats who the Republicans and the administration think we are: terrorists, antifa, violent criminals.

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer recently said Democrats would rather cater to the pro-terrorist wing of their party than to reopen the government. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson described No Kings as a hate America rally

Yarmuth added that he thought the gathered crowd should show their antifa membership cards to Trump.

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Protesters also rallied in smaller Kentucky towns. In Pikeville, a small crowd gathered, holding signs that said, among other things, Hillbillies against Facism, Mountain Top News reported. The Owensboro Times reported more than 500 people attended a downtown rally in the Daviess County seat. The scene remained peaceful throughout the event.

In Morehead, organizers reported over 300 people and two dinosaurs gathered for the No Kings rally. Speakers in the Rowan County seat included two Democrats running for U.S. Congress: attorney Ned Pillersdorf, who is hoping to unseat longtime Republican incumbent Rep. Hal Rogers, and Logan Forsythe, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.

Inflatables and other costumes were in evidence at protests across Kentucky, a nod to the protesters wearing inflatable frog costumes to confront federal immigration agents in Portland, Oregon.

In Lexington, police blocked streets as thousands of protesters marched through downtown; observers said it was one of the largest demonstrations they had ever seen in Kentuckys second-largest city.

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Capitol rally in Frankfort

While the state Capitol is closed for renovation, protesters were able to peacefully gather on its steps. Similar demonstrations have been held at the site since Trump began his second term in January.

Dennis Van Horn, a Frankfort resident and veteran, listened to speakers on the Capitol lawn while holding a sign that said No thrones, no crowns, no kings  a chant that was heard throughout the day. He said Saturdays crowd was twice the size of the first No Kings rally at the Capitol in June.

Van Horn said he wanted to attend Saturdays protest because (of) the anxiety from watching our president trash the Constitution, rule of law and take retribution on his enemies.

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And thats not the way its supposed to be, he added.

Woodford County resident Alyssa Cumming and her dog, Cody, came to the Capitol to stand for her friends and family who are immigrants but are afraid to make their voices heard at this time. Cumming and Cody attended protests earlier this year.

She raised concerns about the direction of the country, adding that were not moving any closer to greatness right now.

I just feel like everybody can do something, Cumming said. I dont have any political power other than my feet.

Some politicians also joined the crowd. Speaking through a microphone, Democratic state Rep. Erika Hancock, of Frankfort, addressed the rally and was supportive of the groups message.

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This No Kings rally is about reminding everyone in power that they serve the people, not the other way around, she said to cheers.

John Drew Williams, a Democratic candidate challenging Republican U.S. Rep. James Comer in Kentuckys 1st Congressional District, said the Frankfort rally was his second of the day after another event in Danville. Williams, who is from far West Kentucky, said it was important for him to be in Frankfort because of the towns importance to the state and because Franklin County was added to the 1st Congressional District during redistricting. In Comers district, a thin line of counties along Kentuckys southern border connects the states far western tip and the Mississippi River with Franklin and Boyle counties in Central Kentucky.

This is what democracy looks like, Williams said. This is what the conversation needs to be, not just right now when we feel like there is a set of government overreach, but every year and every day.

Rallying on the river

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The Ohio River is in the background. Thousands of people gather on a grassy event space in downtown Louisville.

In Louisville, thousands gathered at the Belvedere, a grassy event space next to the Muhammed Ali Center in downtown Louisville, hearing from a range of elected officials and advocates after marching and chanting through the city streets.

Rebecca Elliott, of Louisville, watched marchers holding signs, including one that read: Immigrant Rights Are Citizens Rights  one of many signs that referenced the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.

The right of due process applies to all of us. So, if we allow people to start taking that right away from our immigrant neighbors, then were also going to end up not having it in the long run, too, Elliott said. I think we have to defend the more vulnerable people so that we can maintain our own rights.

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Other signs by protesters in Louisville referenced Trumps executive orders, including one that designated antifa, a left-wing anti-facist political movement, as a domestic terrorist organization. Jamie and Brian Reichenbach came to the Louisville protest from Spencer County, holding a sign with the word antifa and an arrow pointing at themselves.

Jamie Reichenbach said given that the country fought fascism in the past, she wanted to show that were antifa.

We stand for anti-fascism, which is what America was supposed to be, Reichenbach said.

Brad Ector, of Louisville, who sported an inflatable dragon costume that was buffeted by the wind as he marched, said he didnt want Portland to have all the fun.

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Just all the people in Portland that are there, pointing out the fact that they are not the terrorists that Trump wants us to believe, Ector said.

As far as the dragon goes, someone needs to melt ice, Ector said, apparently referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
WASHINGTON  Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators turned out in Washington, D.C., and cities across the nation on Saturday, to protest what they characterize as the increasingly authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.

Were here representing normal people  regular, peaceful Americans  who are against what this administration is doing, who are against the occupation of our cities and the disappearing of our neighbors off the streets, says Jermaine Collins, a 34-year-old veteran of the war in Afghanistan, speaking to Rolling Stone beside a city dump truck, set up to block road access beside the National Gallery of Art.

A rally more than a march, the No Kings protest centered on a stage set up on Pennsylvania Avenue with the U.S. Capitol in the background. The event comes as the Trump administration becomes increasingly eager to directly confront its political opponents using the varied levers of state power  including by using anti-terror tools originally designed to fight foreign extremists against domestic targets, and by deploying the National Guard to major cities under federal authority.

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In Washington, squads of roving guardsmen in MultiCam uniforms and body armor carrying M17 pistols and M4 rifles have become a commonplace sight, but on Saturday the law enforcement presence was relatively light and relaxed. A contingent of Metropolitan Police Department bicycle cops  in reserve as a rapid reaction force, their typical role should a protest turn violent  lounged in the shade of the art gallerys East Wing, mostly napping as protesters gathered nearby beneath a hot autumn sun. There was no sign of the National Guard near the protest site  indeed, there seems to have been a decision to minimize their presence in the areas surrounding Capitol Hill over the weekend.

Nevertheless, the deployment of soldiers to American cities was toward the top of the list of concerns for many who attended the protest.

Its horrifying, says one 68-year-old resident of D.C. holding a Freedom of the Press sign. He had gathered with a handful of friends in the shade of a tree in Union Square to listen to the speeches being broadcast from the nearby stage. We have friends who are in it [the D.C. National Guard]. Its a waste of time and resources.

The retiree and his three friends, all of whom asked not to be identified for fear of potential retribution by the American government, spoke to this reporter at length about what they see as a breakdown of politics-as-usual in the U.S. Describing themselves as political moderates, they say they are not optimistic that the Trump administrations vindictive lawlessness  as one described it  could be easily defeated, especially in the current emotionally charged and divisive partisan political environment.

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And yet, they are holding out hope that resistance to the administration will manifest in votes against Republicans at the ballot box during next years midterm elections, despite what one called a pathetic performance by the Democratic Party.

The reason Trump was reelected is that underlying the flamboyant rhetoric, there are real issues that need to be addressed, the 68-year-old says. Democrats need to face that reality, he adds, but its also vital to convince voters to reject the MAGA movement and its excesses. I have to hope that events like today will help make inroads with the independents who were voting Trump in the last election.

Others see protests like No Kings as the beginning of a broader movement of national resistance.

Ill keep it real simple. This administration is taking the U.S. down a road to authoritarianism, says Ethan Wilson, a 42-year-old veteran of the war in Iraq, who  along with Collins  was representing a progressive veterans nonprofit called Common Defense.

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The courts are important. Elections are important. But thats not probably going to be sufficient to save us, Wilson believes. What we need is a major nonviolent civil resistance movement in the U.S. thats capable of building levers of power that can be used against the administration and its supporters  especially the top tier of elites in American society that either actively support the administration or that are going along with it.

The goal of this, Wilson says, is to pressure elites and institutions to remove their support from what he calls the emerging regime.

Again: Nonviolently, he adds.

Indeed, there were no signs of violence witnessed by Rolling Stone at Washingtons No Kings protest. This reporter watched a lone man in a Make America Great Again hat and Donald Trump shirt walk through the crowds of protesters unmolested, staring defiantly as the people around him largely ignored his passing.

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That wasnt surprising to Collins, the Afghan vet. Theres a bunch of regular folks who are out here whore protesting. Its not what youve been seeing on Fox News and all that. Like, look around. Theres not a bunch of  they framed us as terrorists, he says. So thats kind of crazy. Naturally, thats crazy.

The event in D.C. was one of more than 2,700 similar protests across the country, organizers say. The administration and its allies have flip-flopped between downplaying and ignoring the protests, to describing them as major threats to national security.

On Wednesday, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said he wanted to introduce legislation allowing the Department of Justice to pursue prosecutions of the funders and organizers of No Kings under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, Act.

Follow the money. Cut off the money, Cruz told Fox News. You look at this No Kings rally  theres considerable evidence that George Soros and his network is behind funding these rallies, which may well turn into riots.

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This is the authoritarian playbook, says Brandon Wolf, the national press secretary for the LGBTQ+ rights nonprofit Human Rights Campaign, one of the organizers of the No Kings rally. They rely not just on division and chaos, but intimidation  because theyre the minority in this country. Not only is Donald Trump wildly unpopular, but the vast majority of people in this country dont support dictatorships. They dont support tyranny.

We dont have a country if we dont have the First Amendment, and people absolutely should exercise their freedom to peaceably assemble and petition their government, Wolf says. No matter what bluster comes out of the White House or their enablers, that is a fundamentally American freedom.

Nevertheless, Cruzs threats are part of a larger pattern in which the Trump administration has shown a willingness to go after protesters. In September, the president signed an executive order that labeled the leaderless anti-fascist collective movement known as Antifa a Domestic Terrorist Organization.

On Thursday, federal prosecutors secured a grand jury indictment against members of a supposed Antifa Cell on charges of providing material support to terrorism, related to an incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Alvarado, Texas on July 4. In that incident, a group of individuals dressed in black raided the ICE facility, shooting fireworks and vandalizing property, according to the U.S. government, in an attack that amounted to an ambush and attempted murder of federal officers.

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It is believed to be the first time that terrorism charges have been applied to alleged followers of the anti-fascist movement. Protests against ICE officers and facilities and supposed rampant crime have formed the basis for a number of unprecedented enforcement actions taken by the Trump administration  including the deployment of the military to Los Angeles, the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and a planned deployment of federalized National Guard members to Chicago.

A temporary restraining order blocking that deployment was upheld by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, which in its ruling specifically noted that Political opposition is not rebellion, arguing that the evidence did not support the president federalizing troops over the objections of local authorities.

A protest does not become a rebellion merely because the protesters advocate for myriad legal or policy changes, are well organized, call for significant changes to the structure of the U.S. government, use civil disobedience as a form of protest, or exercise their Second Amendment right to carry firearms as the law currently allows, the court wrote, adding, Nor does a protest become a rebellion merely because of sporadic and isolated incidents of unlawful activity or even violence committed by rogue participants in the protest.

Back at the protest in D.C. on Saturday, certainly there was little indication of open rebellion afoot. But there was plenty of carefully considered outrage.

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I am an immigrant. I wasnt born in this country. So that means I have the love for this country that immigrants have. Its a different type of love, in a way, because you realize what your life could have been like, had you not had this opportunity, says Nancy, a 57-year-old attorney from Maryland who  like many of the people with whom Rolling Stone spoke  asked not to be identified using her full name. Ive been here all my life. My dad was American, my mom was from South America. I think this countrys really important, and I think its worth fighting for.

Im an attorney and I believe in the rule of law, she adds. The rule of law is what differentiates a free people. And so Im really, really concerned about the abrogation of the rule of law  and how easily its happening. How almost without thought, were getting numb to whatever breaches are occurring.

For the most part, the large-scale protest had the atmosphere of a block party, filled with lively supporters of myriad causes in evidence. Regardless of someones motivations or politics, organizers say, the most important thing anyone can do to defend the rights that they believe to be under threat is simply show up.

Regardless of the lengths to which this administration is willing to go to quell dissent in this country, it is still our obligation to show up and defend our most fundamental freedoms, says Wolf. You cant tell what this administration is going to do from one day to the next. Theyve shown a willingness to back down when they face immense public pressure before. Oftentimes, its bluster and theres not a whole lot of bite behind the bark. And sometimes there is.

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But I will just say that, throughout American history and across the world, courageous people have stood up in the face of harrowing circumstances and defended freedom, Wolf adds, and theyve been on the right side of history when it was written.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Hundreds of protesters, many of whom were among the tens of thousands of demonstrators in the No Kings march earlier in the afternoon, took to the sidewalks outside the ICE facility in South Portland in a continuation of the protests over the Trump Administrations immigration policies.

The march was peaceful. But the scene outside the ICE facility took a much darker turn as federal agents deployed tear gas on the crowd around 4:30 p.m. and detained at least one person over the course of the next hour.

Portland No Kings marchers display unified front

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With armed federal agents stationed on the roof of the ICE facility, protesters  many in costumes  once again made their presence known. So did federal agents.

Federal agents deployed tear gas on the crowd of protesters at the ICE facility in Portland, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) This protester was tossed to the ground and detained by federal agents outside the ICE facility in Portland, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) This protester was tossed to the ground and detained by federal agents outside the ICE facility in Portland, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) A protester in a clown outfit reacts to the effects of tear gas deployed by federal agents outside the ICE facility in Portland, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) Protesters outside the ICE facility in Portland after the No Kings march, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) A Portland police officer stands near protesters outside the ICE facility in Portland after the No Kings march, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) Protesters outside the ICE facility in Portland after the No Kings march, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) Protesters outside the ICE facility in Portland after the No Kings march, October 18, 2025 (KOIN) Armed federal agents on the roof of the ICE facility in South Portland peer down on protesters below, October 18, 2025 (KOIN)

Around 7:30 p.m., federal agents tossed tear gas and smoke bombs into the crowd in front of the ICE facility as armed officers stood on the roof peering down.

Portland police said they arrested three people who were booked into the Multnomah County Jail for assault, bias crime and harassment.

By 8:30 p.m., PPB said there were about 200 people outside the ICE facility but traffic was moving freely.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Millions gathered in cities across the United States on Saturday in protest of President Donald Trump and his administration, which they dub a monarchical ruling power that is stripping away the rights of American citizens.

This corrupt system is waging a war on the working class, speaker Adrian Rollins, an organizer for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, said to the crowd on the steps of the Utah state Capitol. This is not freedom. Its capitalism, freedom for the rich, wage labor for the rest of us.

I took an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, Rollins, a Mexican-American veteran who served in Iraq, continued, Not to a president, not to a politician, and not to a king.

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The No Kings rally in Salt Lake City saw around 3,500 attendees, according to an estimate by the Utah Highway Patrol, and thousands more participated in 11 other planned protests across the state, including in Provo, St. George and Park City. The event comes on the heels of a No Kings protest in June, where bystander Arthur Folasa Afa Ah Loo, 39, was fatally wounded by a security peacemaker at the event.

Organizers and other news outlets estimated larger crowds at the Salt Lake City rally, perhaps an indication that many came and went from the demonstration throughout the planned two-hour event.

More than 2,600 events were planned across the nation to protest the federal government.

Many protesters at the Capitol in Salt Lake City told the Deseret News they were fed up with how the country is being run. Rollins argued that the system is past reform.

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It must be replaced by a system that serves the people and nonprofits, where wealth, health care, (and) education are guaranteed, and ordinary people control the institutions that shape our lives. This system is socialism, and it means power in the hands of the people, he said, followed by cries of support and cheering.

Another speaker, former Utah Teacher of the Year John Arthur, opened up his remarks by welcoming the crowd to the resistance.

Every single morning, my students pledge allegiance to the flag, Arthur said, noting that his students raise their voices when they get to the end of the pledge  Liberty and justice for all, to which the crowd repeatedly chanted.

Protesters gather at City Hall for a No Kings Day protest in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

As a father of two daughters, Arthur expressed the struggle parents have in trying to explain the state of the country to their children.

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Im constantly aware that the children are listening. The children are watching us right now. Theyre taking it all in, and theyre waiting to see what were gonna do, he said. In my house, when my daughters were little, we referred to Donald Trump as the bad Orange Man.

How do I explain masked men coming into our cities, our states, our schools, children shackled in Chicago? he said of the concerns parents have these days. Our children are going to struggle to have clean air, clean water, clean food, a place to live here in this valley.

The two parties: Fascism or anti-fascism

The U.S. is no longer divided between a two-party system, a protester said. Its fascism or anti fascism, Carrie ONeill told the Deseret News, and that means Im gonna vote Democratic Party, because I dont have a better idea.

The root of the problem, she said, isnt just Trump but is corporate buy-off, and its happened on both sides. Thats why we have gridlock. Solve the corporate buy-off of America, and well get on our feet again.

Whitney Hasler, her husband Josh Hasler, right, and daughter Nellie show the signs they brought to the "No Kings" rally at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Many people shared a similar sentiment at Saturdays protest. Yes, the demonstration was in objection to Trump, but many people told the Deseret News that they dont feel represented by either the Republicans or Democrats.

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I just think the Democratic Party is just complacent. And Im ... sick of it, Erika Einreinhof said. However, she added that though she aligns more with Democrats on the sense of moral justice, she can understand why people she knows vote Republican.

Both ONeill and Einreinhof said if they could choose who ran the country, theyd favor former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg or California Gov. Gavin Newsom, even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., or Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

I just think anything at this point is better, Einreinhof added. Honestly, I would take Mitt Romney. Id take Gov. Cox if he wanted to run. I hate him, but you know what? Id take that over whatever ... is going on in Washington right now.

Trump makes a Watergate scandal look like nothing, she said.

Living in fear every day

Protesters as young as 13 were expressing the fear they have in sharing their opinions of the Trump administration.

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Nellie Hasler held up a sign that read I am the same age as Anne Frank! Dont let history repeat itself. She told the Deseret News that she doesnt want young people fearing for their lives.

Protesters make signs during a No Kings Day protest at City Hall in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

I know there are girls right now that are probably hiding because they dont want to be deported, or their parents are being deported, and its just that thats not OK. And I dont want people to have to feel like that in their own country, Nellie said.

Her mom and dad, Whitney and Josh Hasler, both held posters of their own and expressed the love they have for their country, but fear for the direction its headed.

I use the word terrifying on a daily basis, and Ive never done that in my life, Whitney said. She specifically is worried about First Amendment rights, like free speech and freedom of the press.

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I dont want to have to live here being scared to speak out with what I think is true, Nellie said, adding that once her parents got involved in protesting, it made her braver, because I know when I come here, were not alone. We know there are people who are also fighting back. So if we can stick together and hopefully we can get over it.

A person holds a flag and a sign during a "No Kings" protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago. | Nam Y. Huh

I love the idea of making billionaires and kings afraid of the people, because they should be, Destiny Clifford told the Deseret News. She quoted former President John F. Kennedy, who said, Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

She added that both sides are responsible for leaving the American people with really no option. And so Im really hoping that these kinds of protests change their mind and allow them to start working with the people, because things like Luigi Mangione will keep happening if they dont.

Around the nation

Rallies appeared to be calm for the most part across the U.S., as people packed Times Square in New York City and other well-known venues, and in other locations.
Millions of people attended "No Kings" demonstrations Oct. 18 to protest President Donald Trump and his administration. Of the more than 2,700 planned protests nationwide, this round of "No Kings" saw thousands come together in over 80 events across his home state of Florida, including one 4 miles down the road from his private club, Mar-a-Lago.

Though the official number of attendees across the state has not been reported, organizers say nearly 7 million participated in Saturday's protests nationwide, 2 million more than in the June 14 No Kings Day protests. That mass mobilization event took place on Trumps 79th birthday, which he had celebrated in Washington, D.C., at his military parade for the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary.

Coincidentally, Trump returned home to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on the same weekend as the "No Kings" protests. That was his first trip home since the summer.

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How many people in Florida attended the "No Kings" protests on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025? The USA TODAY Network-Florida provided live coverage of the "No Kings" protests, and attendance ranged from a few hundred to 3,000 at various anti-Trump rallies across the state. Organizers said there were almost 90 protests here on Saturday.

Below are photos and videos of the large turnout across Florida, from Tallahassee to West Palm Beach:

More: Why are 'No Kings' organizers asking protesters to wear yellow Saturday?

How many people protested on "No Kings Day?"

Nearly 7 million people gathered across more than 2,700 U.S. cities Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for "No Kings Day" protests in one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations, according to organizers.

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With over 100,000 attendees just in New York City, according to CNN, the October edition surpassed the turnout of the first "No Kings Day" on June 14  Trumps 79th birthday  by 2 million, organizers say.

More than 80 protests were planned in Florida, although the estimated numbers across the state has not been reported.

"No Kings" protest in Tallahassee, Florida state capitol

"No Kings" protest in Pensacola, Florida

"No Kings" protest in Jacksonville, Florida

"No Kings" protests in Volusia County and Flagler County, Florida

"No Kings" protest in Ocala, Florida

"No Kings" protest in Sarasota, Florida

"No Kings" protest in Naples, Florida

"No Kings" protest in Fort Myers, Florida

"No Kings" protest in Brevard County, Florida

"No Kings" protests on Florida's Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Martin County and St. Lucie County

"No Kings" protest near Mar-a-Lago, Trumps private club in Palm Beach, Florida

Trump reacts to "No Kings Day" with AI-generated "fighter jet poop video"

President Donald Trump and the White House responded to the millions of protesters who took to the streets at "No Kings" rallies by jabbing them with a series of apparently AI generated videos and a photo of Trump wearing a crown.

In one video the president shared on social media, Trump wears a crown and flies a fighter jet with "King Trump" written on it and drops what appears to be excrement on protesters. In another, he wears a crown and robe and wields a sword as a song with the words "hail to the king" plays and former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others bow to him.

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The White House also posted an image on social media of Trump and Vice President JD Vance in crowns, juxtaposed with an image of House Minority Leader Hakeen Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wearing sombreros.

Are there more upcoming "No Kings" protests?

The only upcoming event on the official No Kings website is a Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, virtual call entitled, "Mass Call: What's Next After No Kings?"

"Join movement leaders and fellow local activists after the big day to come together, celebrate what we accomplished, and learn about whats next," the description reads.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: No Kings protests had 7 million people attend. How many in Florida?
MISSOURI  Organizers postponed planned No Kings protests in Joplin in light of todays stormy forecast.

Demonstrations drew national attention today, from Washington, D.C. to Branson, where protestors set up on West 76 Country Boulevard. Pro-Trump counterprotestors set up across the street in the Trump Store parking lot. The No Kings movement began with nationwide protests in June, with a focus on opposing Trump administration policies.

50501 Missouri says No Kings brings attention to issues like the deployment of troops in U.S. cities, accelerated deportation operations, and Trumps challenges to federal court rulings.

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Protesters take over Times Square for No Kings march

Branson protestors were optimistic in spite of the gloomy weather.

Nothing could have stopped me. The future of our country is on the line. My children, my grandchildren, count on bravery at this moment in time, and not even a tornado would have stopped me, said Bonita Peterson, Branson No Kings Protestor.

No Kings protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison reacted to the No Kings movement during a Friday press conference. He says the ongoing federal shutdown is proof there are no kings in America.

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The whole No Kings motto is absurd. I agree with the sentiment; we dont want a king back in the United States. But we dont have one, said Rep. Eric Burlison, (R) Missouri, The truth is the American people voted for Donald Trump to be president, the American people voted for the Senate Republicans to take the majority, and the American people voted for the House to have the majority in the House.

Burlison accused the Democratic Party of holding the budget hostage in an effort to undo the 2024 election.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Boston Bruins (3-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Utah Mammoth (3-2, in the Central Division)

Salt Lake City; Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mammoth -205, Bruins +170; over/under is 6

BOTTOM LINE: The Utah Mammoth host the Boston Bruins after Nick Schmaltz recorded a hat trick in the Mammoth's 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks.

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Utah has a 2-0-0 record at home and a 3-2 record overall. The Mammoth are seventh in league play serving 12.6 penalty minutes per game.

Boston has gone 1-2-0 in road games and 3-3 overall. The Bruins have a 1-2-0 record in games their opponents serve fewer penalty minutes.

Sunday's game is the first meeting between these teams this season.

INJURIES: Mammoth: None listed.

Bruins: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
George Brook Gay asked people to help carry this huge flag at the No Kings demonstration in Philadelphia. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Tens of thousands across Pennsylvania spent Saturday proclaiming their dissent to President Donald Trumps authoritarian regime in protests with a festive air but a gravely serious message.

People fought and died for us to have the rights we have, 61-year-old Tracie Benner of Juniata County said outside the state Capitol in Harrisburg, where between 5,000 and 6,000 people gathered. And now for Trump and the Supreme Court and the Congress to just throw it away, we wont stand for that.

Thousands attend the No Kings rally at the state capitol in Harrisburg, many were wearing inflatable costumes, part of an effort at protests around the country to emphasize they were peaceful events. (Ian Karbal/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Since taking office in January, Trumps government has slashed federal agencies and congressionally approved funding, indicted political foes and massively ramped up indiscriminate immigration law enforcement. And with a conservative U.S. Supreme Court majority secured by Trumps three first-term appointments, the high court has repeatedly allowed administration policies to move forward through its shadow docket.

Justin Douglas, a pastor and Dauphin County Commissioner who is running in the Democratic primary to unseat Rep. Scott Perry in Congress, speaks at the Hershey rally. (Photo by Ian Karbal/Capital-Star)

If you ever look around and think, Am I going mad? Is this really happening? Youre not crazy. Youre not alone, said Justin Douglas, a pastor and Democratic Dauphin County Commissioner at a rally Saturday afternoon in Hershey. We need moments like this right here where were out of social media, were in the real world, were standing in a park together in our community.

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Similar demonstrations were held in Pittsburgh, State College, the Lehigh Valley and deep red Butler County as part of the national No Kings movement, organized by a coalition of civil rights groups that claimed 7 million people participated nationwide.

An estimated 20,000 people gathered at Philadelphias City Hall and marched a mile on Market Street to Independence Hall, where the nations foundational documents were drafted, debated and adopted by delegates from the 13 original states.

Speakers included three of the Philadelphia regions Democratic U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, Madeleine Dean and Mary Gay Scanlon; District Attorney Larry Krasner; and Democratic state Sen. Vincent Hughes.

On the Montgomery County Courthouse steps, protest leaders in Revolutionary War garb read passages from the Declaration of Independence and listed what they said are the Trump administrations violations of the U.S. Constitution.

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Americans like their freedom, Stephanie Vincent, a lead organizer of Community Change for Montgomery County, said. Its just getting to the point where people really need to know that they need to come out and stand up against it.

The No Kings protest in Norristown, Pa., drew hundreds of people to the Montgomery County Courthouse steps. Some got started early at the Norristown Transportation Center a few blocks away for a morning protest pre-game for those taking the train to the No Kings event in Philadelphia. (Photo by John Cole/Capital-Star)

Many of the estimated 1,500 people who filled the courthouse plaza in Norristown, seat of the commonwealths third-most populous county, were protesting for the first time, Vincent said.

A big part of these kinds of protests is just people realizing that theyre not alone, she said. That there are other people that think like they do and care about the things that they care about.

In Harrisburg and across the U.S., protesters arrived wearing inflatable dinosaur, cow and shark costumes in order to dial back tension and draw attention to violent police tactics used against protesters elsewhere.

Some protesters in Harrisburg wore inflatable animal costumes, in solidarity with Portland, Oregon, protesters against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics. (Photo by Ian Karbal/Capital-Star)

One person dressed as the starfish character Patrick from the cartoon Spongebob Squarepants. Two strangers wearing similar pink and blue inflatable axolotl costumes hugged and danced together.

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Honestly, it just feels very American to me, Amy, the woman wearing the pink axolotl costume, said. She declined to give her last name. Were just such a serious bunch, you know? We try our best to just fight for our rights and everything, but we still know how to have fun.

No Kings protesters march down Market Street toward Independence Hall in Philadelphia. An estimated 20,000-plus people are demonstrating there today. (Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Don Coleman, 69, said he attended the rally at the Capitol because hes concerned about subversion of the constitution, especially with a Congress and Supreme Court that he views as beholden to the president. But beyond the actions of the U.S. government, hes worried about polarization of the American people.

My father was a veteran after World War II. My grandfather fought in World War I. I have friends who fought in Vietnam, he added. How did we get here? They didnt fight for this.
GREENVILE, S.C. (WSPA)  Hundreds of people attended the No Kings protest in Greenville to criticize policies of the Trump Administration.

As the sun beat down on Falls Park on Saturday, hundreds piled into the amphitheater carrying home-made signs, megaphones and even some dressed in costumes to protest President Donald Trumps recent policies. Its all part of the No Kings demonstrations happening nationwide.

In Greenville, the event drew attendees from all walks of life, even those with contrasting views.

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Both sides told 7NEWS its important to peacefully assemble in order to exercise their right to free speech.

Its really important for me to, you know, growing up in an area that is so Republican and does tend to be so conservative to come out and make sure that our voices are heard, make sure that, we are not silenced by what tends to be the majority in our area and be around an uplifting community, Veronica Dobyne told 7NEWS.

I personally, totally disagree with the premise. We havent had a king in this country since the 18th century, when we overthrew George the third. I do not believe, Trump is or wants to be king. He was duly elected and someone will be duly elected to replace him, Nick Brown told 7NEWS.

Organizers said they ran a canned food drive to benefit Upstate Food Not Bombs, a local nonprofit that provides food for the homeless.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Protestors wave signs as thunder begins to rumble near the end of the No Kings demonstration at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Saturday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Thousands gathered in cities and towns all over Missouri on Oct. 18 at No Kings demonstrations to speak up against the many ways they believe the current administration  both at the federal and state level  is a threat to democracy.

And scattered among the crowds were volunteers with clipboards, collecting signatures for initiative petition campaigns hoping to make the 2026 ballot.

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We are just out here trying to make sure that the people hold the power and not politicians, said Drew Amidei, a staff organizer for Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, at the Jefferson City rally.

This was the second nationwide No Kings mass gathering, with the first organized in June to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., that commemorated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trumps 79th birthday.

Since then, Missourians have found more reasons to organize at the state level, said Sue Rodgers, spokesperson for We Stand United Missouri. The organization led the Jefferson City rally at the State Capitol, where hundreds of protesters turned out despite a rainy afternoon.

Sue Gibson, a volunteer with Respect Missouri Voters, collects signatures during the No Kings demonstration at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on Saturday. Respect Missouri Voters is the intiative petition campaign for a constitutional amendment that would make it harder for the General Assembly to overturn citizen-led ballot measures (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Rogers pointed to last months move by Missouri lawmakers to push forward a gerrymandered congressional map requested by Trump and a ballot measure to make it harder for citizens to amend the states constitution.

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Theres more specific issues at this point, Rodgers told The Independent. We see more evidence of the authoritarian power grabs and executive overreach.

Even a thunderstorm in St. Louis wasnt enough to dampen the spirits of protesters.

I know its raining. I know its a little cool, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Cori Bush told a crowd of more than a thousand people gathered in downtown St. Louis amid the thunderstorm. But you all, this is nothing in comparison to the reign that well have to live through if we dont resist the Donald Trump administration.

Jefferson City

Rodgers pointed to organizations with tents surrounding the Missouri State Capitol lawn with volunteers collecting signatures for three petition campaigns.

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We definitely have more of a focus this time on the initiative petitions and redistricting, she said.

A petition seeking a statewide vote on the gerrymandered Missouri redistricting plan circulated during the demonstration, with groups like Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action and Respect Missouri Voters collecting signatures.

To them, the citizen-led petitions embody the spirit of No Kings  with voters asserting power and calling out leadership they believe is acting autocratic.

Women dressed as suffragettes wait to present a timeline of womens contributions to democracy as part of the No Kings demonstration at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City Saturday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

No Kings is a good time to get this message out because both this referendum and this rally are really about empowering the people of Missouri, Amidei said. Its really about asserting our democratic values.

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He told The Independent there was a good amount of foot traffic as he collected signatures for a petition seeking a statewide vote on the gerrymandered Missouri redistricting plan.

Organizers wanted voters rights to be emphasized while creating an uplifting environment.

We encouraged them to come in costumes, have fun, Rodgers said. Everyone needs a little space to let off anxious energy and find out they are not alone.

Rodgers was one of a handful of women dressed as suffragettes who spoke during the Jefferson City rally about womens contributions to democracy.

Another speaker, assistant attorney general Greg Barnes, dressed as James Madison to warn demonstrators of threats to the U.S. Constitution. He spoke about Trumps mentions of a third term.

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But not every costume had an obvious nod to democracy. Others dressed as dinosaurs in inflatable costumes, and one organizer wore a Cheeto costume.

Respect Missouri Voters organizer Jennie Loomis, dressed in a cow onesie, told the crowd that the costumes are intentional.

When were silly, we expose them as frauds, she said. Fascists cant promote lies about dangerous, left-wing terrorists when we keep showing up unarmed wearing costumes.

Respect Missouri Voters organizer Jennie Loomis leads chants during the No Kings rally in Jefferson City on Saturday. Browning said the organizers encouraged participants to wear costumes to show their intentions for a peaceful, uplifting event (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Unlike in June, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe did not declare a state of emergency ahead of Saturdays rallies. At the time, Kehoe said his decision to activate the Missouri National Guard was a precautionary measure in the case of events that are occurring or could occur.

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We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, Kehoe said in a statement at the time, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state.

Kehoe is currently being sued by Lucas Cierpiot, a disability-rights activist from Blue Springs, and the son of a Republican state senator, over his decision to activate troops over the summer.

Local news outlets reported that the June protests remained uneventful between demonstrators and police.

St. Louis

The crowd at Keiner Plaza in downtown St. Louis brought with it ample American flags, ponchos and an occasional inflatable costume.

Fight looks like marching in the streets. Fight looks like collecting signatures, state Rep. Ray Reed, a Democrat from St. Louis, told the crowd.   Fight looks like putting your name on a ballot.

More than a thousand people gather in a thunderstorm on Saturday as part of a No Kings protest in downtown St. Louis (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

Brice Bloom-Ellis, 69, of St. Louis, stood several yards away holding a sign demanding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. But ICE was front of mind.

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Im totally opposed to masked federal police snatching people off the street, said Bloom-Ellis, who works in child welfare. Its just unbelievable that thats happening in this country.

He was also appalled by Missouris new congressional map, which he called nothing but a power grab.

Bloom-Ellis was far from the only one upset that the governor took the presidents request to redraw the congressional map in favor of Republicans to heart.

Tullia Hamilton, 77, of St. Louis, said shes never met Kehoe, but if she did, she knows what she would tell him:

I dont know you, but chances are youre three times the man Donald Trump is, said Hamilton, a retired history professor. Why are you bowing to him? Hes a small person.

More than a thousand people took to the streets on Saturday as part of a No Kings protest in downtown St. Louis (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

Beside Hamilton stood by her good friend, Dr. Seth Eisen, 84, the director of Washington Universitys Clinical Rheumatology Research Program, who brought a sign that read: hands off science.

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Its really a throw-back for science and also for health care in St. Louis specifically, but in the state and in the nation as well, said Hamilton, who in recent months has seen NIH funding decreased, studies halted, and colleagues leave academia for the pharmaceutical industry.

Whats happening now is going to impact research for 10 years, he said. Even if it were to change today.

Ryan Maliff, 35, of Webster Groves, who works in health care, is already seeing the impact on Missourians, including his patients who can no longer afford insulin.

A lot of whats been done to gut the protections for Medicare and Medicaid, its affecting my work, its affecting my patients, he said.

Ari Jones-Bradley (center) marches behind her husband, Ryan Bradley (right), on Saturday as part of a No Kings protest in downtown St. Louis (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).

As the group rounded out its march through downtown, which lasted nearly two hours, Ari Jones-Bradley, 49, said shes spent the past several months feeling hopeless, alone and terrified for the world her four sons are growing up in.

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Were headed into extremely dark times, and this is not the country my grandfather fought for, Jones-Bradley said of her grandfather who served in World War II at the Battle of Iwo Jima.

But she said Saturdays demonstration, which she called electrifying, shifted something in her.

Im mad, Jones-Bradley said. Im fully energized again and Im ready to fight.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  People across the United States gathered on Saturday as part of the nationwide No Kings movement, expressing concerns over the current direction of the country under the Trump administration.

From Morgantown to Washington, D.C. thousands took to the streets as part of the national No Kings rallies, a coordinated wave of demonstrations opposing what participants say is a drift toward authoritarianism under the Donald Trump administration. Here in north central West Virginia, locals joined in on the movement, letting their voices be heard.

A No Kings sign at the Morgantown No Kings Rally that took place on Saturday (WBOY Photo)

West Virginia, being as it is a very Republican state, its sometimes the noise of the Republicans drowns out the fact that there are many, many, many Democrats in this state, and the No Kings is important, so that we can be seen and heard, Patti Strobl said.

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Monongalia County unites in pink for annual breast cancer walk

According to the Associated Press, the theme No Kings is part of a call by people for Trump to be dethroned as they compare his actions to those of a king and not a democratically elected president.

A protestor holding a No Kings sign at the Morgantown No Kings Rally (WBOY Photo)

16 different No Kings events took place across West Virginia on Saturday, with five taking place here in north central West Virginia, which were held in Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Elkins and Buckhannon.

These events were just several of the many taking place across the United States to voice their disagreement in regards to recent actions and policies of the Federal Government.

Protestors watch on as the group passes by at the Morgantown No Kings Rally (WBOY Photo)

According to Morgantown Indivisible Citizen Action, the Morgantown march and rally focused on the hardships felt by West Virginians of all political persuasions, as the direct result of cuts in federal funding to education, health care, environmental protection and more.

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Basically, its fundamentally just to stand against the authoritarianism. We arent an oligarchy, we are a democracy, and wed like our country to remain that way, and were very concerned about the state that our country is moving in, and we want to do something about it, Mindy Holcomb, Interim President of Morgantown Indivisible Citizen Action said.

More than 2,400 similar rallies took place across the country.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
CHICAGO  Looming over the tapestry of flags and homemade signs undulating across the lawn of Grant Park on Saturday were two that stood higher than the rest.

Robert Ryan, 61, had meticulously fashioned both a NO KINGS flag  complete with an angry red X crossing out a crown  and the signature Chicago flag atop a 15-foot pole.

He was one of more than 100,000 rallygoers who flocked to Grant Park late Saturday morning to take part in the nationwide No Kings demonstrations that later proved to be Chicagos largest protest in recent memory. The event was organized in response to President Donald Trumps administration, which has lately made Chicago ground zero for his mass deportation campaign.

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Ryan lugged the flags from south suburban Joliet, taking the early 8:30 a.m. train to get to Grant Park on time. It was his fifth time protesting the Trump administration this year, he said.

I feel its one of the only things I really can do, is add one person to the numbers, Ryan said. But at the end of it, I feel much better. I dont feel sad. I feel glad I did something. I try to tell other people, you wont regret it, and I never have.

The No Kings Hands off Chicago protest was one of roughly 2,500 similar demonstrations against the Trump administration planned across the country and globe, according to event organizers.

The main Chicago rally and march kicked off at noon at Butler Field in Grant Park, located at East Jackson Drive and South Columbus Drive. A smattering of elected officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker, addressed the crowd in the latest full-court press from local Democrats seeking to condemn the president.

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Miles away, federal immigration agents were spotted detaining individuals at a parking lot for rideshare drivers at OHare International Airport, in what would be their second raid on airport grounds this month.

Just before 2 p.m., the crowd began a slow but spirited march around the Loop that, for many, doubled as an impromptu dance party, complete with a ragtag symphony of musical instruments and singing.

Some of the songs sampled include the American folk anthem This Land Is Your Land and Do You Hear the People Sing from the Les Miserables musical, both blasting from a tuba player. Meanwhile, marchers chanted, ICE, ICE go away, immigrants are here to stay, and Hands off Chicago!

Onlookers watched the parade from rooftop buildings and windows facing Michigan Avenue, peering over the ledges and pressing their faces against the glass. Some pedestrians stopped in their tracks and decided to join the march.

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A masked man in all black stood atop the entrance to the Grant Park parking garage, vigorously waving an American flag flown upside down. In front of him, someone else was carrying a blown-up copy of the U.S. Constitution, the We the People opener neatly scribed at the top.

The sound of whistles  an ominous warning from neighbors in recent weeks that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was nearby  instead rang out from the crowd as a cheer.

During the earlier speeches, the mayor urged the throngs of attendees at Grant Park to keep protecting immigrants who live in fear of federal immigration authorities.

There are those in this country that have decided, at the behest of this president, to declare war on Chicago and American cities across this country, Johnson told the crowd, eliciting a chorus of boos. They have clearly decided that they want a rematch of the Civil War. But we are here to stand firm, to stay committed, that we will not bend, we will not bow, we will not cower, we will not submit.

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When Pritzker took the stage, he looked onto the rally and declared, That is what resistance looks like.

Donald Trump, stay the hell out of Chicago, Pritzker said. The fighting against tyranny isnt won or lost in one protest. Its won in countless daily decisions to stand for justice, to refuse cruelty, to defend human dignity. Its won when we recognize that none of us are free until all of us are free.

The nationwide demonstrations were the latest flashpoint in Trumps ongoing immigration crackdown on Democratic-led cities, with Chicago serving as his biggest focal point for the deportations. Titled Operation Midway Blitz, the heavy ICE activity that began in September has disrupted livelihoods for many Latino communities around the Chicago area. Trump has saber-rattled a military occupation as well, but for now, the courts have blocked the White Houses attempts to deploy the National Guard to Chicago.

Among the aggressive tactics federal agents have been spotted enacting on the streets include tear gassing protesters and even Chicago police officers, as well as conducting raids and arrests that legal experts say are unconstitutional. But the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has argued that immigration enforcement is making cities like Chicago safer, even as crime has already been trending down for the past few years.

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The No Kings demonstrations  the second of the year  were roundly condemned by Republican politicians as Hate America rallies. But the scene on Saturday was peaceful, though noisy, in downtown Chicago.

Ahead of the speeches, a DJ warmed the crowd up with protest anthems by Black Sabbath, John Lennon, Rage Against the Machine and Public Enemy. Boxes of miniature American flags for attendees to take lined the perimeter of the sidewalk.

Nick Ruzas, 34, held one of those flags ahead of the event, sitting and watching as organizers did sound checks on the stage.

For him, attending the protest is taking a stance against the corrupt president and what he said was a false narrative of Chicago being a warzone.

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Disappearing people off the streets, no due process, its insane. And bringing National Guard here when its not wanted  its ridiculous, Ruzas said. Its like having a toddler as president.

While the mood at the rally was largely positive  forecasted rain cleared out before the events began  many of the thousands of signs carried by attendees struck a darker tone, referring to ICE as the new Gestapo and referencing Trumps ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Attendee Andrew Hayes, 35, said the stories he hears of ICE barging into restaurants and other places in the city he frequents do resemble tactics from the Nazi Germany regime.

I got a lot of coworkers  their families are immigrants. Ive got an apprentice who works for me. His familys all from Mexico, so I know he does not  and I dont agree with  what ICE is doing, Hayes said. Dont care for this Gestapo-style snatching people.

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Cynthia Cortez, 27, had arrived around 9 a.m. with her mother, both traveling from west suburban Plainfield. Holding a hot pink sign declaring March for those who run in fear, Cortez said the duo believed in standing up for people who cannot fight for themselves.

I cant really stand by that. I cant be on the wrong side of history, Cortez said. At this point, its pretty much you fight for the people. You fight for your rights. You fight for the families. It could be any one of us. Were literally just one step away from that.

Organizers of the Grant Park rally included Equality Illinois, Indivisible Chicago, Chicago Federation of Labor, Personal PAC, Sierra Club Illinois and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. Dozens of other local No Kings protests are also scheduled throughout the Chicago area, including Naperville, Elgin, Highland Park, Valparaiso, Aurora and Gary.

Millions of protesters nationwide attended the first No Kings protests across the U.S. in June, with massive crowds of demonstrators filling the downtown Chicago event.

(The Tribunes Angie Leventis Lourgos contributed reporting.)
Oct. 18Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday afternoon to denounce the actions of President Donald Trump, who protesters said acts as a king in a democratic country, and his administration.

Known as "No Kings Day," the nationwide rallies came after similar gatherings held in June, one of which in Albuquerque drew thousands of people to a West Side park.

Across the country, more than 2,000 rallies were held Saturday, according to the No Kings website. In New Mexico, nearly 30 rallies were held, including in Las Cruces, Santa Fe and Carlsbad.

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The rally in Downtown Albuquerque saw protesters dressed in costumes as they clutched signs that read "No crown for the orange clown," "Burque over billionaires" and "We the people are not okay," among others.

No large skirmishes or issues were reported during the two-hour event, which had demonstrators marching on Central Avenue between Second and Eighth streets.

The Republican Party of New Mexico said the movement merely caused confusion and division at a time when the state is facing a crisis in health care, veterans rights and a lack of school choice.

"Whatever the message behind these protests may be, it stands in stark contrast to what President Donald J. Trump has been doing for this country, putting America and Americans first," the N.M. GOP wrote in a statement. "For the first time in modern history, we have a president who prioritizes the people over the political elite, families over government control, and the future of our children over the agendas of Washington insiders."

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From discontent about the ongoing government shutdown to concerns over immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights, protesters of all ages had different reasons for joining the rally, but they all expressed their frustration with the Trump administration.

Air Force veteran Cassie Drake was one of many protesters expressing disdain for Trump's recent actions, including a recent address he delivered to top military leaders. Drake said she was concerned that the president was weaponizing the military to do his bidding and hold power over the people.

"Our military is here to protect our people, not fight against them," she said. "I'm worried about getting all of my care through the VA (Veterans Affairs), especially being lesbian. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to receive my disability for being just who I am."

Temperatures reached the high 70s as a cool breeze helped to wave American, Mexican and Palestinian flags above the heads of marchers. The sound of banging drums, chants and horns reverberated in the streets as passing drivers blared their horns in support.

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State Sen. Harold Pope Jr., D-Albuquerque, stood amid the crowd in the heart of Downtown to show his support.

"We just had a special session to deal with what's happening in Washington and now we have the shutdown," Pope said. "There's probably some folks fearful of showing up and using your voice, but the reality is, they're already coming for everybody, and we have to stand together and unite together to change this as a community and as a people."

Other lawmakers, such as Rep. John Block, R-Alamogordo, called protesters "Hamas radicals" and denounced the rallies.

"Be safe out there, patriots, as Hamas radicals with their 'intifada' and Antifa are set to hit the streets with their violent riots today," Block wrote on social media platform X. "Steer clear of them and pray for the safety of law enforcement."

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Sisters Bernice Herrera and Margaret Aragon-Chavez, along with their grandchildren, said they joined the protest because Trump has made the country more divided than ever before.

"I want my country back to the way it was when people loved each other and didn't constantly hate," Herrera said. "What we want is to see people work together for the good of all people, not just one or the other."

Aragon-Chavez said she fears a loss of women's and immigrant rights. She said Trump stoked fear in Americans.

"Most presidents are elected to represent all the people and in all of his speeches, all he talks about are his enemies," she said. "Instead of unifying our county... we all feel divided."

---
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sweetgrass Uprising and the Siouxland Good Troublemakers hosted a peaceful protest over the weekend with over 100 attendees.

They began at noon in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and ended at the Sioux City Public Museum. The one-hour rally featured performances by the Mount Zion Baptist choir ensemble, Siouxland native American dancers, and Iowa Rock n Roll Music Association Hall of Famers. The majority of the protesters who attended were expressing their opinions on the current Trump Administration and ICE raids.

One protester told KCAU that coming to these events helps bring more people out to future protests.

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We cant vote him out of office. We maybe will get some change during the mid-term elections, but Im not really sure about that either, said a protester. So the only way that we can get our thoughts known as to be out here today everywhere and say what we think is on our minds.

The protest was done peacefully and held several prayers stops along the way.

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The misconception that Russian soldiers are forced to fight against their will in Ukraine is one that reaches even into the highest echelons of the U.S. government.

Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly lamented the deaths of soldiers on both sides, seemingly equating their suffering and the circumstances under which they found themselves in the trenches.

"Every day people are dying. Young handsome soldiers are being killed. Young men, like my sons. On both sides. All over the battlefield," he said in February.

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"Young, young, beautiful people. Theyre like your kids, two million of them  and for no reason."

But this sentiment ignores one important fact  most Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine chose to do so, and did so not for values, but for cold, hard cash.

Many think that the Russians are forced to fight. In fact, the Kremlin is afraid of mobilizing its people, Kateryna Stepanenko, Russia research fellow at the Institute for the Study of War, told the Kyiv Independent.

Instead, Russian President Vladimir Putin relies on paying vast sums of money in order to entice people to sign up voluntarily, which they continue to do so in droves  up to 40,000 a month according to NATO estimates from August.

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"The moral equivalence of these two armies is impossible," Pavel Luzin, an independent Russian military analyst, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Russias side is completely immoral, and the vast majority of its soldiers went to war voluntarily  driven by financial and psychological interests, not by coercion.

One side is an occupying force trying to subjugate another country and its people. The other is fighting for its freedom. These are fundamentally different causes."

A billboard promoting contract army service and reading 5 200 000 rubles for the first year of the contract (about USD 64,300) is seen in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 14, 2025. (Alexander Nemenov / AFP via Getty Images)

Russia's two armies

Russia effectively operates with two armies  a conscript army and a contract army.

The conscript army is the standing force used to defend Russia itself. The Kremlin conducts conscription twice a year, in spring and fall, requiring eligible men to serve for one year. By law, conscripts cannot be sent abroad to fight.

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Instead, the Kremlin has relied on its contract army, which consists of paid volunteers and soldiers who sign short-term contracts with the Defense Ministry.



"Money remains central to how the Kremlin sustains its forces."

Russias volunteers

Money remains the main motivator for Russian soldiers signing up to fight in Ukraine.

Recruits are offered sign-up bonuses and monthly salaries several times higher than the national average. For many from poorer regions, joining the army means solving years of financial hardship in a single decision.

"Theyre incentivized not only by finances but also by numerous social benefits. These include free education, housing subsidies, discounts on cars, and other privileges that make service more attractive," Stepanenko said.

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Some also enlist to resolve personal or legal problems.

"Theres recruitment among prisoners and people facing financial or legal issues, like those with unpaid loans or minor criminal charges. For them, signing a contract can mean avoiding debt or punishment," Stepanenko said.

Russian citizens drafted during the partial mobilization begin their military training for the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Rostov, Russia, on Oct. 4, 2022. (Arkady Budnitsky / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But not all those fighting for Russia were given much of a choice.

Migrants from Central Asia and other countries are another target group. Many are pressured to enlist through the threat of deportation or the loss of Russian citizenship.

Russia has also recruited smaller groups of foreign nationals from countries such as Cuba, Syria, and Nepal through local intermediaries or misleading job offers that later turned into military contracts.

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"Theres a lot of coercion. Recruitment sometimes involves abuse, manipulation, or pressure in workplaces to meet quotas. But theres also a large number of people who willingly sign contracts to fight in Ukraine because of the financial rewards. Money remains central to how the Kremlin sustains its forces," Stepanenko said.

Putin's social contract

Well into the fourth year of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to sustain a large army without declaring general mobilization or facing mass protests.

"Putin has two overriding priorities  to subjugate Ukraine and to stay in power. When he announced partial mobilization in the fall of 2022, his popularity dropped the most," Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told The Kyiv Independent.

"Another mobilization risks provoking backlash not only against the war, but against his rule itself."

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To avoid that, the Kremlin promotes the idea that participation in the war is voluntary. It presents those who fight as contract soldiers, rewarded with high pay and other benefits.

"Theres a kind of social contract between Putin and Russian society. Putin will not mobilize the broader Russian society and will pay those who serve, as long as people do not oppose the war," Stepanenko said.

So far, it has worked  there have been no large-scale protests across Russia."

Read also: Russia keeps hitting Ukraines training centers  and Ukraine doesnt have an answer

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Jensen Subaru and Noahs Hope held their fourth annual pet adoption event over the weekend. Several dogs and cats were available for adoption at the dealership.

Each animal adopted during the event received a special new pet parent kit filled with essential items, like food, toys, and care instructions, to help their new owners care for their companions.

Last years event had the highest number of pet adoptions, with 13 animals finding new homes: folks over at Jensen Subaru hoped to double this number this year.

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We just feel like we try to do a little our little part to help them on this day and just promote this and get the word out, said Troy Fuller, a sales manager over at Jensen Subaru. And whether its social media all through our customer base, whatever we can do to get the word out, we need to help them try forever homes for these pets.

Fuller also mentioned that throughout October, Jensen Subaru will donate $150 to Noahs Hope for every pet that is adopted.

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North Carolina Republican legislative leaders approved a new congressional map that aims to flip a Democratic seat represented by Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) (Source: ncleg.gov)

Republican leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly have made their priorities crystal clear, and the people of this state arent one of them. Instead of passing a state budget, repairing our mass teacher shortage, investing in schools, or fixing our crumbling infrastructure, Senate President Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall have announced plans to redraw our congressional districts yet again, this time to help Donald Trump rig the 2026 midterm elections.

Its a shameful, cynical move that would hand nearly 80% of North Carolinas congressional seats to Republicans in what is, by every measure, a 50/50 swing state. Under Trumps direction, GOP leaders are taking a page from Texas gerrymandering playbook, aiming to impose an 11-3 map that silences voters and stacks the deck for partisan power.

This is truly unprecedented

Under the Rucho decision, the U.S. Supreme Court was not considering whether states could redraw maps purely for partisan gain. Normally, districts are redrawn in only two situations: after the census to rebalance populations and uphold the 14th Amendments one person, one vote principle, or when a court orders changes to fix legal violations.

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Whats happening now is neither. Legislative leaders have openly admitted that this redraw isnt about population balance; its about removing voters in North Carolinas Black Belt to engineer partisan advantage. This is retaliation against voters for how they voted, a deliberate effort to silence communities of color and predetermine outcomes in Congress.

Weve now seen four congressional map changes in just five years: 2021, 2022, 2024, and now 2025. Thats chaos. If this pattern continues, North Carolinians will live under new maps every election cycle, punished again and again for exercising their right to vote.

Targeting Black voters again

The proposed gerrymanders are not just partisan; they may be racially discriminatory. The target is North Carolinas historic Black Belt district, Congressional District 1 (CD1). For decades, CD1 has been a vital voice for Black voters across northeastern North Carolina, reflecting our states long struggle toward equal representation.

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Now, in an effort to rig until red, Senator Berger and Speaker Hall are working to rip that district apart. Its a direct attack on the political power of Black North Carolinians and a slap in the face to every voter who believes elections should be fair and free.

This is not a democracy. Its manipulation, plain and simple.

Trumps priorities, not North Carolinas

At a time when working families are struggling with high costs, teacher shortages, and crumbling public services, politicians in Raleigh are spending their time on backroom map-drawing. Why? To curry favor with Trump and secure partisan control, not to solve the problems that matter most to the people they represent.

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North Carolinians deserve leaders who put our communities first, not a presidents political ambitions.

The people are watching, and theyve had enough

Voters across North Carolina, Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike, are fed up with gerrymandering. A recent poll found that 84% of voters believe its never acceptable for politicians to draw districts to help their own party win more seats, including 78% of Republicans, 87% of Democrats, and 85% of unaffiliated voters.

Our message to Raleigh and Washington couldnt be clearer: these maps dont belong to politicians. They belong to the people of North Carolina.

The path forward: fair maps for a fair democracy

Every time politicians rig the maps, they rob North Carolinians of real choices and accountability. Our democracy cant function when election outcomes are pre-determined by partisan cartography. The only way to end these rigged maps for good is through real reform, independent redistricting commissions to take power out of politicians hands, and proportional representation to ensure every voters voice truly counts. Fair maps should never depend on who happens to hold power this decade.

Melissa Price Kromm is executive director of NC For The People Action and a longtime voting rights advocate.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea across the rivals' heavily fortified border on Sunday, South Korea's military said.

The military took the custody of the soldier who crossed the central portion of the land border, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. It said the soldier expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea.

It was the first reported defection by a North Korean soldier since a North Korean staff sergeant fled to South Korea via the border's eastern section in August 2024.

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Despite the two border crossings, it isn't common for North Koreans to defect via the land border.

Unlike its official name, the Demilitarized Zone, the 248-kilometer (155-mile) -long, 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) -wide border is guarded by land mines, tank traps, barbed wire fences and combat troops. In 2017, when a fleeing North Korean soldier sprinted across the border, North Korean soldiers fired about 40 rounds, before South Korean soldiers could drag the wounded soldier to safety.

A vast majority of about 34,000 North Koreans who have fled to South Korea since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War came via China, which shares a long, porous border with North Korea.

Relations between the two Koreas remain strained, with North Korea repeatedly rejecting outreach by South Koreas liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June with a vow to restore reconciliation between the rivals.
Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst reported that it was not good news coming out of Israel Sunday morning after Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement, according to the Israeli Defense Forces.

The Israeli military is currently striking the Gaza Strip, Yingst began. They say Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement. I spoke with one military official who said two separate attacks took place inside Israeli controlled territory. One of them an RPG attack and the other a sniper attack conducted by Hamas.

Yingst said most of the strikes took place in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafa, but there is at least one report of a strike in the northern part of the enclave.

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Yingst said it was a difficult moment for Israeli forces having to make a decision about whether or not to start striking Gaza again.

The IDF posted Sunday, In response to Hamas blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement this morning, the IDF struck dozens of Hamas terror targets across Gaza. The strikes targeted weapons storage facilities, firing posts, terrorist cells and additional Hamas terror infrastructure. In addition, the IDF struck and dismantled ~6 km of underground terrorist infrastructure, used to advance attacks against Israel, using over 120 munitions.

 In response to Hamas blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement this morning, the IDF struck dozens of Hamas terror targets across Gaza. The strikes targeted weapons storage facilities, firing posts, terrorist cells and additional Hamas terror infrastructure. In addition,  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025

In a second post, the IDF included video of several armed terrorists who were approaching IDF forces operating in the Beit Lahia area behind the yellow line. The IDF wrote that the insurgents posed an immediate threat to the troops and were struck.

 WATCH: Several armed terrorists identified approaching IDF forces operating in the Beit Lahia area behind the yellow line, posing an immediate threat to the troops. In accordance with the ceasefire agreement, the terrorists were struck after crossing the yellow line. pic.twitter.com/sl7mS98Lmi  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025

The U.S. State Department issued a statement overnight, saying, The United States has informed the guaranteed nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

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Yingst said the events have brought about two separate issues: One, an attack by Hamas overnight on Israeli forces within the Gaza Strip, and two, a warning from the U.S. State Department that Hamas is planning to target Palestinian civilians or the forces that are currently opposing their rule inside Gaza.

President Donald Trump has threatened to allow Israel to finish the job and put an end to Hamas if the terror group doesnt stop its attacks.

Watch the clip above via Fox News.

The post Not Good News: Foxs Trey Yingst Reports from Tel Aviv  As Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Falls Apart first appeared on Mediaite.
(Reuters) -Swiss drugmaker Novartis said on Sunday its targeted radiotherapy treatment Pluvicto reduced the risk of progression or death in patients with prostate cancer by 28%.

Pluvicto is part of a class of drugs that combines cell-killing radioactive particles with molecules that attach themselves to tumours, a field in which Novartis has a leading position.

(Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
The New York State Education Department is pushing new math guidelines, including a recommendation that teachers stop giving timed quizzes  because it stresses students out.

The new guidelines also argue that repeated practice of math facts is not useful, and that explicit instruction doesnt work as well as letting students figure out their own ways to do math.

Critics bash the states latest math guidance, developed by University of Michigan researchers who promote equity and social justice, warning the changes will backfire spectacularly.

The New York State Education Department is pushing new math guidelines that include recommending that teachers stop testing students on their problem-solving speed because it stresses them out. Prostock-studio  stock.adobe.com

Teachers are very hungry for information on how to teach math better, and if they are listening to this advice coming from the state Education Department, inevitably their kids will do worse, not better, Benjamin Solomon, a professor at the State University of New York at Albany told The Post.

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Solomon, a psychologist and math-curriculum expert, fired off a letter last week to state Education Commissioner Betty Rosa  signed by nearly 200 math academics, researchers, parents and others  demanding a retraction of the newly released guidance, calling many of the suggestions critically flawed.

Among the more controversial new guidelines in the states Numeracy Briefs for teaching pre-K-12 math is a claim that timed math testing  which supporters say improves skills and gets students ready for real-world deadlines  shouldnt be used by teachers because it causes anxiety and could discourage students from tackling math.

Solomon, however, said theres no definitive research showing timed-testing causes math anxiety, adding that its been shown to be pretty important for kids to get really good at math. They need to know their math facts cold.

The briefs, issued in May, also claim that repeated practice of math facts and standard algorithms  such as simple addition and subtraction  are not as helpful as letting students figure out their own ways to do math.

Benjamin Solomon, a SUNY-Albany professor, sent a letter last week to State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa signed by nearly 200 math academics and others demanding a retraction of the controversial math guidance. Chalk & Talk with Anna Stokke/ Youtube

The idea sounds good, Solomon said, but doesnt work because kids still need to know standard formulas before moving on to complex equations.

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Solving algebraic proportions cannot be learned if children have not mastered all the skills that are prerequisite, he wrote Rosa.

The methods in the NY briefs diminish the critical importance of mastering and performing fluently or automatically all the foundational skills that build advanced math performance during primary and secondary education in math.

The letter also raises concerns about the math briefs recommending that teachers drop explicit instruction in favor of exploratory learning in which youngsters typically use blocks or other objects to learn math.

There is a 50-year consensus that explicit instruction works better, Solomon said.

Danyela Souza Egorov, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, said the math briefs should be taken down. Manhattan Institute

The brief very bizarrely is condescending of explicit instruction. [The authors] dismissed it and said its not that important, but if teachers start following that advice literally, were screwed, he said. Thats really bad advice.

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Danyela Souza Egorov, a fellow at the conservative think tank Manhattan Institute and vice-president of Manhattans District 2 Community Education Council, agreed that the math briefs should be withdrawn.

They are unscientific and promoting terrible ideas to our teachers at a time of record low-performance among New York students, she said.

The state should have a better process to select curriculum providers and ensure that what is being distributed to school districts and teachers follows the science of learning, Egorov added.

Teachers are very hungry for information on how to teach math better, and if they are listening to this advice coming from the New York State Education Department, inevitably their kids will do worse, not better, Solomon, a psychologist and math expert, told The Post. Gorodenkoff  stock.adobe.com

Every parent knows it takes repeated practice for kids to memorize the times tables, for example. How can our New York State Department of Education discourage this?

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The states new guidance was produced out-of-state by Deborah Loewenberg Ball, a professor of education at the University of Michigan, along with TeachingWorks, an initiative that trains teachers to advance equity and social justice.

A state Education Department spokesperson did not return messages.
A campaign staffer for Democratic mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani was recently caught on hidden camera saying who gives a st what cops think about the socialist candidate.

Theyre city employees. You get told what to do, shut up. When did you get an opinion? Robert Akleh, the citywide canvass manager for the campaign sniffed to an undercover operative for conservative podcaster Steven Crowder.

Scott Munro, the president of the Detectives Endowment Association representing 21,000 active and retired NYPD Detectives tells The Post that New Yorkers better vote like their lives depend on it.

DEA President Scott Munro at the union headquarters in Lower Manhattan. Helayne Seidman

New Yorkers, pay attention.

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The alarm bells are ringing and now everyone can hear it right from the socialists mouth. When a top campaign staffer for Zohran Mamdani is caught on video saying, Who gives a st what cops think? were getting just a glimpse behind the mask of the Shamdani campaign.

An aide to mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was caught on camera saying who gives a st what cops think about the socialist candidate. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

I have the honor of representing the men and women who proudly wear the gold shield, who chase down killers, who comfort victims  and who are now leaving the NYPD in droves. Morale has been crushed by politics, by prosecutors who treat criminals like victims, and by politicians like Mamdani who must think were fools to believe his fake apology.

In fact, its clear that Mamdani and his anti-police friends dont give a st about New Yorkers or their safety. Theyre too busy auditioning for applause from the radical left and marching in the streets to care that detectives are marching to file for retirement, that case loads can be 500 per detective, and that the next victim could be your neighbor, your child, or you.

Mamdami has called in the past for defunding the police. Helayne Seidman

And heres a reality check for Mamdani and his so-called advisors: those detectives he mocks are also voting constituents  so if he doesnt care what they think, how can he possibly care what every other New Yorker thinks?

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Weve seen this movie before. The DEA warned that the anti-police, soft-on-crime policies of De Blasio, the City Council, and district attorneys would lead to skyrocketing violence  and we were right.

Now Mamdani is promising a sequel 10 times worse: a city where ideology trumps safety and cops are treated as the enemy.

Lets be clear: his sham of an apology to police is meaningless and just as insulting as his disgusting comments about us. Out of one side of his mouth, he says he respects the NYPD. Out of the other, he surrounds himself with anarchists who brag they dont care what cops think.

If Mamdani becomes mayor there will be fewer cops. More crime. More victims. A dismantled and defunded NYPD. And a City Hall filled with radical, dangerous cop-haters.

New Yorkers better hold on like their lives depend on it. Because they do!

I have no doubt that Mamdani and his comrades dont give a st about that either.
Ocala officers cleared in shooting involving a bank robbery suspect

The two Ocala officers who shot a bank robbery suspect back in May have been cleared, according to the police departments spokesperson.

The state attorney said the use of deadly force was reasonable and lawful, so the officers will not be charged.

According to police, Randall Lee Williford, Amanda Jean Bishop, and Andre Javon Baker worked together to rob the TD Bank on 17th Street.

Deputy Chief Lou Biondi said the suspects then led officers on a chase, going around 90 mph.

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That chase ended when the fleeing driver lost control and crashed into a retention pond near the 4400 block of Maricamp Road.

Biondi said two suspects stayed with the crashed vehicle, while Williford got out and approached officers with a handgun.

Biondi said Williford ignored police orders to drop the gun, raising it up instead. He said at that point, the police shot him.

The suspect was hit in the right wrist. The injury was not life-threatening.

The deputy chief said that after the other two were removed from the vehicle, all three were rushed to the hospital.

Williford, 37, is charged with robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and kidnapping.

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The other two suspects, Bishop, 34, and Baker, 36. Both are charged with robbery with a firearm. Bishop also faces charges of fleeing and eluding police with disregard for the safety of people or property.

As for Willifords kidnapping charge, Biondi said he forced a bank teller to leave with them to help them get out. He said the teller was released when the suspects got to their vehicle.

Bishop and Baker were able to bond out of jail. Williford is still in jail and will remain in prison until his trial.

The state attorneys office has closed the criminal investigation regarding the officers, but the department has not said when the two officers can return to regular duty.

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Illinois officials are cheering the restoration of millions of dollars in federal grants, which they intend to use to build an electric vehicle charging network along roadways throughout the state.

The funding, disbursed through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, had been withheld by the Trump administration, but Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 16 other attorneys general to sue the Federal Highway Administration. In June, a judge ordered the administration to release funding appropriated to Illinois and 13 other states, according to a press release.

Following the successful lawsuit, the state announced that $18.4 million would be awarded to build 25 charging stations for electric vehicles along interstate corridors. This is the second round of NEVI disbursements. In total, the state is set to receive $148 million through this program to build out an EV charging network along interstate corridors and smaller locations.

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Renewable Energy Magazine said that the charging station project will advance Illinois' goal to have 1 million EVs registered by 2030.

Because EVs produce no tailpipe pollution, they help contribute to cleaner air for communities. Traditional vehicles spew out harmful carbon pollution that has been tied to health problems, including respiratory diseases and cognitive decline.

These same pollutants are also to blame for the overheating of our planet. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation-related pollution accounts for 28% of the country's planet-heating pollution  this makes this sector the worst when it comes to its climate contributions.

NEVI was made possible with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.

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"Because of the IIJA, more than $18 million is coming to Illinois to support electric vehicle charging stations," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin stated in Gov. JB Pritzker's press release. "After months of battling the Trump administration's unconscionable freeze of this critical funding, Illinois is finally seeing its fair share of support from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. This funding is a continuation of Illinois state leaders' shared goal to help reduce carbon emissions, ease the transition to clean power sources, and combat the climate crisis."

Pritzker added: "Illinois has been at the forefront of building a clean energy economy that creates jobs and helps lower costs for consumers, and building electric vehicle chargers across the states has been core to that mission. I'm thankful for the quick action of our attorney general in the fight to restore these funds that President Trump was unlawfully withholding."

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While the electric vehicle tax credit expired Sept. 30, residents in Burlington, Vermont, can still snag up to $5,700 in EV rebates through the Burlington Electric Department.

As WPTZ reported, the EV incentive program launched Oct. 1 and will run through 2026, offering residents a refund of $5,000 or $5,700 for income-eligible buyers. City leaders announced the program in late September, noting that the incentive offers have doubled compared to a former EV rebate program, which provided rebates of $2,300 or $3,000, depending on income.

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak told NBC5 that, despite the federal EV tax credits ending seven years earlier than anticipated, the city is doing its best to promote a healthy, eco-friendly environment and help residents make sustainable choices.

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"Reversing the harmful effects of climate change and making our community climate-resilient will require both bold policy solutions and collective action on the part of residents," she said.

Tax breaks and rebates can make it easier to switch to an EV, but even without the incentives, EV owners can still save a fortune on gas, maintenance, and other expenses compared to gas-powered vehicles.

According to the Department of Energy, drivers can expect to save up to $2,200 per year on fuel costs for a fully electric vehicle and around $1,500 for a plug-in hybrid.

If you charge your EV at home with solar panels, you could save an additional 60% each year, according to EnergySage, and spend less time waiting at charging stations. The company estimates that the average EV owner may spend around $300 charging their car at home with solar energy, compared to up to $700 using grid electricity, and a staggering $2,500 for a gas-fueled vehicle.

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With electricity and car repair bills skyrocketing, it's never been a better time to level up to an EV.

Not to mention, electric vehicles are significantly better for the planet compared to polluting gas cars, which contribute to rising temperatures and more extreme weather. A study by the Argonne National Laboratory, a DOE-funded science and engineering research lab, found that EV drivers reduce carbon pollution by 1 pound per mile, which equates to roughly 75% less pollution generated compared to a conventional gas car.

The more drivers that adopt EVs, the easier it will be on their wallets and the environment. Even though the tax credits have expired, 13 states are still offering tax breaks and rebates for purchasing an EV, according to personal finance experts at Money. Additionally, the federal tax credit for EV charging equipment remains available until mid-2026, covering up to $1,000 for residential installations and up to $100,000 for businesses, as per the Internal Revenue Service.

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The Australian government is facing backlash after loosening pollution restrictions on a massive gas plant that experts say is damaging ancient Indigenous rock art in Murujuga, one of the world's oldest cultural sites.

What's happening?

Documents released show that Environment Minister Murray Watt weakened pollution limits on Woodside Energy's North West Shelf gas plant after the company argued that stricter standards were "not technically feasible" and would effectively block the project, according to reporting by The Sydney Morning Herald.

In May, Watt had proposed strong safeguards to protect Murujuga's 40,000-year-old carvings, including a ban on detectable air pollution that could harm the rock art by 2030. However, after months of lobbying, the government reversed course, opting for softer measures that allow continued pollution of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which are linked to rock corrosion.

Why is this concerning?

Experts and advocates say the government's decision prioritizes corporate profits over cultural and environmental protection. Watt's own assessment confirmed that industrial pollution from the Karratha Gas Plant is "adversely affecting the rocks of Murujuga," per the Morning Herald.

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Murujuga Traditional Owner Raelene Cooper called the decision "sickening," saying it proves the government has been "covering up and denying" the harm caused by gas expansion in the region. The Conservation Council of Western Australia also criticized the move, stating it exposes serious flaws in Australia's environmental laws and their ability to protect cultural heritage.

"It is absolutely sickening that the minister has allowed ongoing impact to the Murujuga rock art so that Woodside can make a quick buck selling more gas overseas," Cooper told the Morning Herald.

A Woodside spokesperson said the company took its responsibility to protect cultural heritage seriously, and that the research to date on the impacts of industrial pollution on rock art "has not been conclusive."

The rock art of Murujuga, more than 40,000 years old, includes some of the earliest depictions of human faces. Scientists warn that continued exposure to acidic industrial pollution could permanently erode these carvings, a loss for both Indigenous communities and global history.

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This isn't just a loss of historic artifacts caused by greedy corporations; it hinders progress toward a cleaner future where families can enjoy the historic site for generations to come, without an environment that overheats and increases extreme weather events and disease.

What's being done about it?

Conservation groups and Indigenous advocates are calling for a Senate inquiry into the government's approval process and demanding stronger protections for cultural heritage, per ABC News.

Meanwhile, clean energy advocates say this case highlights the urgent need to transition away from dirty energy sources toward renewable sources like wind and solar, energy systems that don't rely on harmful industrial pollution. You can help by supporting renewable energy and holding leaders accountable for prioritizing polluters over people.

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Despite persistent light rain falling overhead, hundreds of protesters packed City Hall Park for an open-air rally against President Donald Trump, joining thousands of other "No Kings" demonstrations across the United States.

The Oklahoma City "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18 was part of a national movement to organize opposition to Trump and his administration's activities, including the gutting of the federal workforce and raids by immigration authorities.

The "No Kings" protests draw their name from the idea that the United States doesn't have a king  a reference to Trump's language about himself and his administration's efforts to expand presidential powers beyond what Congress or the U.S. Constitution has authorized.

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Organizers said the goal of the nationwide protests was to show "this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants." Nearly 20 demonstrations took place across Oklahoma.

U.S. Army veteran Brian Wofford, who was wounded in 2004 while serving in Iraq, attended the OKC rally in his green service coat emblazoned with the honors he had earned in the military.

"I was willing to die and lost a leg in a foreign country fighting for their rights," said Wofford, a lifelong Oklahoman who lives in Moore. "Theres no way Im bending the only knee I have left for a king here in America. I cant sit idly by while rights are trampled on and ignored, and people are pushed and treated like second class citizens."

Protesters waved American flags, held umbrellas and carried homemade signs that said "No Kings!" and "Save our democracy." A handful of people drew inspiration from the headline-grabbing protests in Portland, Oregon by wearing inflatable costumes to the rally  a squirrel and a unicorn were among the cast of characters. A person dressed in an inflatable lion costume held a sign that said, "Kings belong in the jungle. Not in the White House."

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One demonstrator, Lynn Page, brought a flag to the demonstration that said, "We the People. No Kings in America."

"We need to remember that," Page said of the message on her "No Kings" flag. "Congress needs to step up and reclaim what they are supposed to do (under) the Constitution."

U.S. Army veteran Brian Wofford films the crowd on his phone during the 'No Kings' protest on Saturday, Oct. 18 at City Hall Park in Oklahoma City.

There were no signs of counter-protests in OKC, and police mostly stayed back from the crowd. The event was peaceful, with the only warning coming from organizers calling on protesters to stay clear of the roadways.

Organizers staged a mock trial against Trump, complete with witnesses listing off his alleged crimes and alleged unconstitutional actions culimating with a chant of, "Lock him up!" At one point, the protesters joined together to sing "This Land is Our Land" by Oklahoma folk musician Woody Guthrie.

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Many in the crowd expressed frustration with the Republican-led Congress, which isn't in session right now due to lawmakers' inability to find enough votes to fund the government.

Andrew Tevington sought shelter from the rain beneath a nearby awning. He carried several signs, including one that said "Hands off Social Security!" in red and blue letters.

Hundreds of people packed into City Hall Park on Saturday, Oct. 18 for the 'No Kings' protest as part of a nationwide movement.

Tevington said he wanted to demonstrate against Trump because he believes the president ignores the Constitution. He said he also thought it was clear that Congress, including Oklahoma's Republican congressional delegation, had abdicated its responsibility to act as a check and balance to the executive branch.

He said he was especially frustrated over Congressional cuts to Medicaid funding, and had tried several times to reach out to U.S. Republican Rep. Stephanie Bice, who represents the OKC metro.

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"We have a horrible health care system in Oklahoma," Tevington said. "We dont need to lose any more hospitals. We dont need to lose any more nursing homes. Nursing homes really count on Medicaid for funding."

Protesters gathered in City Hall Park for the 'No Kings' demonstration carried handmade signs criticizing President Donald Trump.

Veteran Sharon Hebert attended the demonstration in support of her fellow federal employees amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Never in my lifetime would I have thought that we would continue to be used as pawns like we are being today, Hebert said. And let's be clear, all the governments have used us  it doesn't matter if it was Democrat or Republican  we've always been used as pawns, but not to this degree. The law is you get paid when you're furloughed, and you can't just fire federal workers like they have.

Raleigh Nannety attended the protest with her 9-year-old son, who was dressed like a slice of pepperoni pizza. He held a sign that said, "No thrones, no crowns, just pizza." The pair talked about the impact of the day's event, she said.

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"Hopefully we can be loud enough as a country that the people who do represent us will actually do something, finally," she said.

Several protesters wore inflatable costumes to the 'No Kings' demonstration in downtown Oklahoma City, drawing inspiration from headline-grabbing protests in Portland, Oregon.

Also at the protest were college students Jacki Lynn and Reagan Conrad, who came out because they wanted to find like-minded people and show their distaste for the current administration and its actions.

Conrad said she found it refreshing to be surrounded by so many people who shared similar beliefs in Oklahoma.

Sometimes you kind of lose hope that we're in the Bible Belt and you see Christians being so hateful, and it's good to see people like this that are actually fighting for unity, Conrad said.

Protesters gathered in City Hall Park for the 'No Kings' demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 18 in downtown Oklahoma City.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC No Kings protest draws hundreds downtown against President Trump
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office has been given the green light to host online auctions for foreclosed homes.

Internet auctions were introduced in 2023, but the agency hit an unexpected wall.

Aaron Brilbeck with the Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office told News 4, It was challenged in court and the Supreme Court ruled that we were right to be able to do it. The challenge came from one of these groups that likes to buy up a lot of these houses and make their profit that way.

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New legislation was approved by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2025, allowing the agency to get the ball rolling with stronger guidelines in place.

UPDATE: McClain Co. Sheriffs Office locates owner of two horses

It was never illegal what we were doing. It just cleaned up the language and made it a bit more crystal clear in terms of the sheriffs office, Brilbeck said.

The agency believes more access will increase competition, as the internet auctions expand the bidding process nationwide.

However, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt expressed concerns about affordable housing options becoming scarce if big companies start dipping into Oklahoma real estate.

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Were seeing corporate landlords buy up properties and then flip them and raise the prices a lot. It really hurts Oklahomans when prices go up faster than wages. And it also affects rent because when you cant afford a place to buy, you certainly have to rent. And more and more, these investors with big portfolios, national money is being taken out, Sen. Kirt said.

Kirt also mentioned the increase in competition and how individual buyers will have to be prepared with all-cash offers to compete with other entities interested in the foreclosed homes.

Brilbeck said the agency wont be making any additional money outside of what they currently make when the auctions were held in person.

The first online sheriffs sale is on November 18.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
MILAN (Reuters) -A migrant boat carrying around 35 people sailing from Libya capsized in the central Mediterranean leaving one confirmed dead and two dozen missing, UNICEF country coordinator for Italy said on Sunday.

The rescue operation was carried out on Friday off the coast of Italy's Lampedusa island by the Italian Coast Guard, which saved 11 migrants, including four children travelling alone, and recovered the body of a pregnant woman, UNICEF's Nicola Dell'Arciprete said.

The survivors and the body were brought to Lampedusa, while the remaining passengers remain unaccounted for.

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The boat capsized after two days at sea, Dell'Arciprete said.

In a separate event, on Sunday two migrants were found dead and 14 others were in critical condition when Italian tax police intercepted a boat with 85 people on board from Pakistan, Eritrea and Somalia, the AGI news agency reported.

The 14 migrants in need of assistance and the two bodies were transferred onto two Coast Guard units 16 nautical miles off the Lampedusa coast and brought ashore to be transferred to hospitals, AGI said.

More than 32,700 migrants have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean since 2014, including an estimated one in five who were children, according to data from United Nations agencies, Dell'Arciprete said.

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Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesperson for the United Nations' International Organization for Migration, on Saturday said on social media platform X that at least 916 migrants had died in the central Mediterranean so far in 2025.

(Reporting by Giulio PiovaccariEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Louise Heavens)
NESBIT, Miss.  The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting involving the Desoto County Sheriffs Office on Sunday, deputies confirm.

The DeSoto County Sheriffs Office identified the man who was fatally shot as Rylee James Westmoreland.

The incident happened at a residence on Bankston Road in Nesbit after deputies responded to a noise complaint.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a large crowd of teenagers. While they were dispersing the crowd, several teenagers ran down the driveway shouting someone up the hill was shooting.

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DUI driver arrested after Nutbush crash; teens hospitalized, police say

According to MBI, Westmoreland fled into a nearby wooded area and later returned.

DCSO identified Westmoreland as the individual armed with a handgun and told him to drop the gun.

Deputies said he did not drop the gun and pointed the gun at them, and deputies shot Westmoreland. He died from his injuries.

No deputies were physically hurt during the incident.

The sheriffs office said the following in response to the shooting:

This incidents outcome was not decided by our deputies but by the suspects actions to hurt or, in the worst case, kill our deputies.

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WREG spoke to neighbors and people who were on the scene of the incident, and said there was a party Saturday night.

Germantown Rd. closed due to accident investigation, police say

Steven Leake, who lives nearby, said he was informed earlier in the day by people at the home that they were hosting a party.

Two young ladies were walking across my yard. So, I stopped and talked to them, and they informed me that someone had been shot, said Steven Leake, a neighbor.

Its just a bunch of, it was a whole lot of kids, quite honestly, said Leake.

If you need to have a gun when you go to a party, then you shouldnt go to the party. Its just tragic, quite honestly, said Leake.

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A motive for the initial shooting has not been released.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating this shooting, and they will share their findings with the Attorney Generals Office.

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MILAN (Reuters) -A migrant boat carrying around 35 people sailing from Libya capsized in the central Mediterranean leaving one confirmed dead and two dozen missing, UNICEF country coordinator for Italy said on Sunday.

The rescue operation was carried out on Friday off the coast of Italy's Lampedusa island by the Italian Coast Guard, which saved 11 migrants, including four children travelling alone, and recovered the body of a pregnant woman, UNICEF's Nicola Dell'Arciprete said.

The survivors and the body were brought to Lampedusa, while the remaining passengers remain unaccounted for.

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The boat capsized after two days at sea, Dell'Arciprete said.

More than 32,700 migrants have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean since 2014, including an estimated one in five who were children, according to data from United Nations agencies, Dell'Arciprete said.

Commenting on the news of the shipwreck on social media platform X, Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesperson for the United Nations' International Organization for Migration, said that at least 916 migrants had died in the central Mediterranean so far in 2025.

(Reporting by Giulio PiovaccariEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  One person was injured Sunday afternoon in an accidental shooting in Spartanburg County.

According to Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, deputies are on the scene of a shooting on Mason Road. The sheriffs office said the cause of the shooting remains under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate it was accidental.

One person was taken from the scene to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A man was arrested, and an 18-year-old woman was hospitalized after an early morning accidental shooting at Bradley University.

Edward A. Traywick Jr, 19, of Lansing, who is not affiliated with the university and was just a guest, was arrested on charges of unauthorized use of a weapon, possession of a firearm under 21, reckless discharge of a weapon and no FOID, school spokeswoman Libby Derry said.

At 2:14 a.m. on Oct. 19, Bradley University and Peoria police departments were called to a report of a shooting on the third floor of Geisert Hall, a Community Advisory Alert from the school said.

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When police were on their way, they stopped a vehicle with four people inside, when they found the woman inside with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and took them to the hospital, the alert said.

She was also not a student at the school, and the release said she was in stable condition.

Two other people in the car were questioned but were released by the police, the release said.

Bradley University Police and our campus safety partners remain committed to maintaining a secure environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We understand that incidents like this can cause concern, but we want to assure the campus community that this was an isolated event and there is no ongoing threat, the release said.

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Bradley University President James Shadid also released a statement saying how he was deeply concerned about the events that transpired.

I am deeply concerned about the incident that occurred early this morning in Geisert Hall. While this was determined to be an accidental shooting and while neither the shooter nor the victim are Bradley students, I recognize that any event involving a firearm on our campus can understandably cause fear and concern. Please know that the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priorities. Guns are not permitted on Bradley Universitys campus, and we take any violation of this policy with the utmost seriousness. The individual responsible is in custody, and the appropriate legal and university consequences will follow. There is no ongoing threat to our campus community. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Bradley University Police Department, the Peoria Police Department, and the Illinois State Police for their swift and professional response. Their immediate coordination ensured that the situation was contained quickly and that our community remained safe. Bradley University is a community built on care, respect, and accountability. We will continue to uphold these values as we work to ensure a safe environment for all. Bradley University President James Shadid

As of late Sunday morning, he remained in the Peoria County Jail, according to jail records.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Adoptees wrestle often with what-ifs. What if my birth mother had kept me? What if I had been raised in her family? What if shes trying to find me?

As an adopted child, these questions ran constantly through my head, affecting my sense of worth and causing anxiety and suicidal ideations. Only after I met my birth mother as an adult and learned my origin story did this train of thought settle.

Now Im pondering other what-ifs as details about Utahs adoption tourism come to light and lawmakers consider curbing the practice of transporting out-of-state pregnant women into Utah to facilitate adoptions. These adoptions parallel my own  an unethical placement that should not have been allowed.

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Like many hopeful parents traveling to Utah to adopt, my parents crossed state lines to adopt me, where access to adoptable infants was quicker and laws more advantageous. What if they had put more thought into the ethical lines being crossed?

Similar to many expectant moms lured to Utah, my birth mom encountered professionals who didnt have her best interests at heart. Her obstetrician was known as the go-to guy for unwed mothers and a colleague of my adoptive uncles. Despite his duty to prioritize my mother as his patient, the doctors care was biased. What if state laws recognized that he was acting as a broker? What if my private adoption had been seen as a public child welfare issue?

Like many mothers who initially make an adoption plan, my mother decided to parent me after I was born. But like mothers isolated from their families and supports when brought to Utah, she was alone and defenseless when the obstetrician pressured her toward adoption. I dont care about you. Were done taking care of you, he said. But that babys not going anywhere until you come to your senses. What if the care extended to my birth mother wasnt contingent upon her relinquishing her baby? What if she wasnt treated as a disposable vessel?

I was brought to my adoptive parents in the middle of the night by a lawyer who represented my adoptive parents. What if my birth mother had her own attorney giving her the informed consent necessary to make a sound decision? Would her lawyer have raised concerns over her infant being seized in the night?

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My adoptive parents travel from another state compressed the timeline of my adoption, as it does for those flying into Utah to adopt. Thus, my mother was pressured to sign papers almost immediately after giving birth  during a time thats important for recovery, bonding with a newborn and regaining coherence. What if my birth mother had been legally protected from signing adoption consents during this crucial time? Would we have both benefitted from the bonding process?

During our first call, my birth mother expressed sorrow for not getting me back. She and my grandmother kept diapers in their purses for weeks after my placement, praying for miracles. What if my mother had been given a reasonable legal time period to revoke the adoption before it became final? What if someone helped her find resources so her desire to raise me could have been honored?

These questions reflect the strong emotional ramifications inherent in adoption. And they stem from straightforward legal processes and adoption policies that can and should be reformed.

In August, legislators convened for a hearing over bill language related to the Utah Adoption Act. While I may never get satisfying answers to my what-ifs, Utah Adoption Rights proposed recommendations for policy considerations in the bill file that would circumvent exploitative adoption practices. These include allowing the revocation of consent based on fraud and extending the consent waiting period to 36 hours post-birth. They also recommended strengthening laws that prohibit unlicensed intermediaries and requiring free, separate legal representation for all expectant mothers. These recommendations, among others, would dissuade predatory practices in Utah, the only state in the nation with adoption agencies bringing in out-of-state mothers en masse.

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What if we work together to stop Utah from preying on mothers and being a national shopping ground for children? What if anyone considering adoption is safe, informed and empowered about her options, the adoption process and her rights?

What if the public called their legislators in support of these changes?
There is an ongoing controversy in America regarding the optimal age to test a child for entry into public school gifted-and-talented programs. In New York City, incoming kindergartners are evaluated via teacher recommendations, though Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has said he would get rid of such an early entry point and delay assessment until second grade for a third grade G&T placement.

This has sent many subscribers to my NYC School Secrets mailing list into a panic. Not because they necessarily believe their children are gifted, but because a G&T program is often the only chance to give students an education slightly better than whats otherwise offered in a city where almost half of students fail to meet an already low bar for grade-level performance.

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Testing in second grade for a third grade G&T entry, however, would put NYC in line with other districts. New Jersey districts test kids in first and second grades. Los Angeles also begins in second grade and continues admissions testing up through middle school.

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But a bigger issue than when to open G&T is when to close it. Once children have been labeled gifted, it doesnt seem that they are ever retested for the duration of their academic career. Furthermore, in many places, if children miss the optimal window for demonstrating giftedness, their academic options grow more limited.

Is that a sensible policy? A new paper in the journal Intelligence & Cognitive Abilities suggests otherwise:

[C]lassifications [of giftedness] are largely unwarranted. Those showing high cognitive ability at early childhood might lose their marks as they age. Conversely, those showing average cognitive ability may increase their marks as they age. Of those scoring one standard deviation above the mean at age 7, only a tiny minority preserve their high-ability marks afterwards. Moreover, some children scoring below the standards of high ability at age 7 move upward in the cognitive distribution.

What does this mean for education policy?

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NYC Teachers Believe Many Kids Are Gifted & Talented. Why Doesnt the District?

For some, it suggests schools should scrap all G&T programs for kids under 12, as thats when what the authors describe as general cognitive ability begins to stabilize. This is the approach NYC attempted  and failed to accomplish  in 2021.

For others, it means retesting those already in G&T programs and, if their score dips below the threshold, booting them back to general ed. Some NYC parents have privately forwarded me communications from their schools pushing to remove a child from advanced classes due to underperformance. Similar scenarios have popped up on gifted message boards across the country, including students being asked to retest.

But my position when it comes to education has always been more, not less. Instead of cutting NYC G&T programs because not enough Hispanic or Black students are enrolled, as repeatedly advocated by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, I lobbied for opening more such programs, so more children would have access.

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In that same vein, students should be tested before age 7  and again after.

If students show high ability after third grade, they should be moved into a G&T program. In NYC, this is almost impossible due to space limitations. As it is, at the kindergarten level, over 9,000 students applied for only 2,500 spots. There wasnt enough room to accommodate even all those who qualified at age 5, much less those who might meet the criteria down the road. But this is a solvable problem. General education classrooms can be converted for G&T based on the number of students eligible for a seat. As the overall student population wouldnt increase, just changing the classification shouldnt cost the district any more money, at any grade level.

Related

More G&T Classes Would Help School Diversity, Not Harm It

The trickier question comes from what to do with students who previously qualified as gifted but, upon retesting, no longer score as high. In a scarcity model, where there are only so many spots to go around, the instinct might be to return them to general ed.

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However, I would venture that a child who has been keeping up with the work in a gifted classroom should be allowed to remain, in spite of a newly recalculated score.

This way, the system would accommodate both those whove demonstrated the potential to do higher-level work and those who are already doing it. Does it really matter if theyre called high potential or high achieving, as long as theyre capable?

This approach would be especially beneficial for underrepresented, low-income and minority students. While advocates for getting rid of all G&T programs claim they are doing it for the welfare of the kids, research, including in the paper quoted above, shows the opposite. Underrepresented, low-income and minority students actually benefit the most from engaging with what the papers authors call cognitively demanding activities. For these kids, the fade out effect and drop in General Cognitive Ability scores upon being removed from a rigorous environment is actually more pronounced if they are returned to a less intellectually stimulating classroom.

In fact, the earlier such students are placed in G&T programs, the better they tend to perform in the long run, up through high school.

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Where Are the Black Kids? Tracking, G&T and NYC's Top High Schools

A robust G&T system would work for all students. It would both identify young high achievers  whether they are naturally gifted or have simply been exposed to more of whats on the test  and expand to make room for late bloomers. It would regularly retest children to make sure they are at the correct academic level and offer those with high potential the opportunity to tackle more challenging work, while rewarding hard workers with the opportunity to keep doing it  regardless of an IQ score that seesaws at least until age 21.

Its a system that would always offer more. Never less.
Our nation is facing a starter home crisis, presenting severe challenges to affordability and family formation by the middle and working class. More than half of Gen Z adults say the cost of living keeps them from affording the life they want.

Solutions are being discussed at all levels of government. But in 2025, Texas did more than any state in America to make housing more affordable.

Baby boomers are often considered synonymous with Not in My Back Yard or NIMBY policies. They have been a key impediment to two obvious solutions  starter homes on smaller lots and allowing residential and mixed-use housing on commercial land in cities. Yet boomers owe their very existence to an explosion in starter homes after World War II.

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In 1946, there were more than 1 million housing starts, up from 326,000 in 1945. The growth continued, reaching nearly 2 million in 1950. In the 1950s, single-family homes had a median living area of 1,350 square feet  enough for 3 bedrooms  and sat on a median lot of 8,700 square feet.

Thanks to NIMBYs, the starter home of the baby-boom era has largely been banned, and affordability has suffered. A study of nearly 11 million new homes built from 2000 to 2024 found that the median single-family detached home had a 70 percent larger living area at 2,300 square feet and sat on a lot of 8,000 square feet. Minimum lot requirements make it cost-prohibitive to build smaller homes on smaller lots.

Consider this simple thought experiment. If median single-family detached lots and living area had instead been about 5,500 and 1,960 square feet, and if 20 percent of the land used for them had instead been used for townhomes, an additional 10 million family-friendly homes would have been built on the same amount of land. Moreover, they would have been available at a 15 percent lower price, without subsidies. Other studies show that if builders had the flexibility to build starter homes, they would.

A favorite NIMBY myth is that smaller lots and light-touch density would negatively affect property values. Another myth is that these homes would impose infrastructure costs that American cities cant afford  a myth disproved again and again.

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The organization that one of us chairs was instrumental in assembling a big-tent, grassroots coalition of 59 groups to make the case that Texas, to avoid Californias fate, needed to take decisive action. It has demonstrated that the answer lies with starter homes on smaller lots in new neighborhoods, as well as opening up commercial land to build homes (condos, townhomes and apartments alike). In the legislative session that just ended, Texas Senate Bill 15 provides for lot-size flexibility for new residential subdivisions in larger cities, thereby allowing builders to build more starter homes on smaller lots.

When Houston implemented a similar proposal in the early 2000s, they found detached townhomes built on the now-legal smaller lots were priced at an average of $340,000, compared to the average price of $545,000 for other new single-family homes over the same period.

Americans can also look to a second game changer from the Lone Star State: Senate Bill 840 opens up commercial and other non-residential zones to build homes and apartments. Research demonstrates that greater housing supply leads to a direct decrease in surrounding rents by a whopping 6 percent.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently pointed to a coming blue-collar boom, but noted, We dont want to step into the business of states. Encouraging other states to adopt Texass approach is the solution.

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Consider where the new Hyundai factory in Ellabell, Ga., near Savannah, is expected to add 8,500 jobs by 2031. Almost all homes built in the area since 2010 are single-family detached homes, and few are within 10 miles of Ellabell. Production worker households recently buying homes in the Savannah metro area had an income of $76,000 and purchased a home costing $313,000.

But metro wide, newer single-family detached homes represented 86 percent of the single-family homes built, had a median value of $372,000 in 2024. They had a lot size of 9,300 square feet with 2,090 square feet of living area. Townhomes, which represented the other 14 percent, had a median value of $302,000 and a median lot size of 1,700 square feet, with 1,560 square feet of living area. The road to providing homes for production workers is starter homes on smaller lots.

It is time for baby boomers to return the favor, and in the process provide the answer to the question: where will their children and grandchildren live?

Edward Pinto is a director of the American Enterprise Institutes Housing Center. Nicole Nosek is founder of Texans for Responsible Solutions.

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Even as the government shutdown stalls work in Washington, D.C., the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is taking additional steps to undermine its mission.

The primary federal agency charged by Congress with enforcing the federal employment discrimination laws recently made it easier for employers to discriminate against workers, according to a new internal memo, reported but not yet publicly released.

Since 1971, federal law prohibiting employment discrimination (as interpreted by the Supreme Court) has required employers to use hiring practices which accurately measure job applicants ability to do the job. This is to avoid barring people from jobs because of irrelevant characteristics such as their race or gender, even if such exclusion was not intended.

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Referred to as the disparate impact rule, it enables workers to challenge employment practices that disproportionately exclude groups of people based on race, gender, or other protected, non-job-related characteristics, where those are not valid measures of who can do the job.

In short, it means that arbitrary hurdles for job applicants have historically been eliminated, and when they havent, workers have been able to bring a discrimination claim. That means the job market has a more level playing field for everyone.

For example, lets say a job posting for a retail or entry-level administrative job requires job applicants to have a college degree. That college degree is likely not necessary to do the job, but workers without one are disproportionately denied the opportunity to be considered. Such workers would have the ability to bring a disparate impact claim against that company.

Its not just about hiring. Employers who set pay for a position based on what people earned in their prior job  not on the value of the work being done  can also face disparate impact claims and be required to show that prior pay accurately differentiates the value of employees current work.

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In an era where evidence of intentional discrimination is rarely shown, and employers incorporate increasingly advanced technology in decision making, disparate impact claims are more critical than ever to fight employment discrimination.

Employers are now frequently using AI to screen applicants, but AI tools may be modeled off the demographics of existing employees, and identify characteristics that are not job-related, like whether you played lacrosse in college.

AI hiring systems may even be a black box that does not identify to the employer what criteria it is using. The efficiency gained by using AI must not come at the expense of applicants receiving a fair evaluation on job-related criteria.

Nonetheless, the EEOC has recently begun rejecting all pending claims of disparate impact discrimination, without completing ongoing investigations. Just last month, a leaked internal memo revealed orders to EEOC staff to conclude all investigations into disparate impact claims by the end of September and to notify claimants by the end of October that they must file a lawsuit on their own if they want to continue pursuing their claims.

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In doing this, the EEOC is failing to enforce the law that Congress enacted in 1964, which has forbidden employment practices having a disparate impact since at least 1971. There has been no notice posted on the EEOC website or any other form of communication explaining the EEOCs about face.

Fortunately, these civil rights laws can also be enforced by lawyers in the private bar. As the Supreme Court recognized, the nation must rely in part on lawyers acting as a private attorney general, vindicating [civil rights laws] that Congress considered of the highest priority.

Workers who receive notices of a right to sue should know that the EEOCs refusal to investigate their claims does not necessarily mean that there is no way forward. To the contrary: The courts are still enforcing the law, including the disparate impact rule. Courts are obliged to do so, as Congress enacted legislation in 1991 that specifically incorporated disparate impact as a form of prohibited employment discrimination.

But those workers who receive these notices from the EEOC will only have 90 days to file their own lawsuits, or else their claims may be forever time-barred. They should consult a lawyer as soon as possible with experience bringing disparate impact claims.

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The EEOC may be abandoning decades of precedent, but the doors to courthouses remain open to workers with disparate impact claims. Do not be deterred by the EEOCs action or its inaction. If you believe you have been the victim of a discriminatory practice in the workplace, even as a job applicant, there is still a path to justice.

Joseph Sellers and Christine Webber are co-chairs of the Civil Rights & Employment practice at national plaintiff firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll.

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The 11th test of the Starship was so perfect that SpaceX made flying the enormous rocket look easy. The company seems to be getting a handle on the largest launch system ever built.

Nevertheless, the path ahead for SpaceX to develop a Starship that can get human beings on the lunar surface is daunting. The main problem is the necessity to refuel the spacecraft in low Earth orbit before sending it to lunar orbit to dock with the Orion capsule before making the final descent.

A recent piece by CNN notes that the plan is to deploy a refueling station into Earth orbit, fill it up, and then send the Human Landing System Starship to top off. The big question is how many refueling flights will be needed.

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The article gives a range of 10 to 40 refueling flights. The need to refuel adds an overwhelming aspect of complexity that could lose NASA the race against the Chinese to the moon.

SpaceXs Gwynne Shotwell has pushed back at concerns about the Starship, maintaining that it will be ready to take people to the lunar surface by the time of the planned Artemis III mission in 2027. Shotwell, unlike her boss, Elon Musk, is not known for over-optimism where schedules are involved. She is being backed up by acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy.

Ars Technica, while reporting that SpaceX officials are quietly suggesting 2028 is doable, is also reporting that Blue Origin is working on an alternative that might get Americans back to the moon before the Chinese.

Blue Origin is already developing a lunar lander called Blue Moon Mark 2 that could be operational by 2030 or so. The company is also building a smaller, cargo version of Blue Moon designated as Mark 1 that will first fly to the lunar surface by early 2026. A second Blue Moon Mark 1 will take the VIPER lunar rover to the moon by 2027.

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Blue Origin is now attempting to develop a crewed version of Blue Moon Mark 1 that could fly earlier. The idea would involve multiple landers to land people on the moon and then take them off again. No refueling would be required.

In the meantime, CNBC has reported that Jared Isaacmans name has surfaced. It seems that the billionaire space traveler and President Trump are deep in conversations on space policy, presumably with a view of reviving Isaacmans nomination as NASA administrator.

Trump nominated Isaacman to be NASA administrator shortly before he was sworn in for his second term as president, Isaacman received nearly universal acclaim from the commercial space sector, astronauts and even former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

However, after Isaacman was confirmed by the Senate Commerce Committee and shortly before he was to be confirmed by the full Senate, Trump withdrew his nomination. Trump was shocked, shocked that Isaacman had ties to Musk, with whom he was feuding at the time, and had given contributions to Democrats.

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Trump made the decision on the advice of Sergio Gor, his then-director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office and a man known to detest Musk.

Gor is now on his way to New Delhi to become American ambassador to India. Despite having assigned Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to be interim NASA administrator, Trump is in desperate need of a permanent head of the space agency.

Duffy, who is due to leave his NASA job soon, has also interviewed Isaacman (among others) with a view to having the billionaire private space traveler replace him.

Isaacman has the experience of running an entrepreneurial company that would be useful for managing an organization like NASA that is as known for its top-heavy bureaucracy as it is for its magnificent achievements. He has the ability to think outside the box to find solutions to problems that may not have occurred to most people.

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Isaacman is just the person needed to get the Artemis program back on track and, hopefully, stop the Chinese from stealing a march and getting back to the moon first. While, as I mentioned before, that might not matter in the long run, such an event would be a tremendous loss of face and prestige, not only for the U.S., but for Trump as well.

Trump is not a man who likes to lose.

Mark R. Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, has published a political study of space exploration entitled  Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon?  as well as  The Moon, Mars and Beyond and, most recently,  Why is America Going Back to the Moon?  He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner.

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In August, President Trump claimed that crime in the District of Columbia was out of control, saying the mayhem endangers public servants, citizens and tourists, disrupts safe and secure transportation and the proper functioning of the Federal government. To rescue the capital from bloodshed, bedlam, squalor and worse, the president issued an executive order, based on a provision of the Home Rule Act, declaring a state of emergency, authorizing a take-over of the citys Metropolitan Police Department, and bringing National Guard troops into Washington to restore order.

We have a very safe city now, Trump announced fewer than two months later. It is an objective fact that crime had dropped dramatically, a spokeswoman for the White House asserted: compared to the same period in 2024, total crime was down 17 percent, homicides down 50 percent, assaults with a deadly weapon 16 percent and robberies 22 percent.

Five of the eight states that sent troops to D.C.  Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, West Virginia and Ohio  have set dates to withdraw this fall. The others are expected to leave soon as well. The orders of more than 900 members of the DC National Guard have been extended through December.

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Has the operation been a success?

As Jeff Asher, a crime analyst and co-founder of AH Datalytics, notes, You need months and months of this data to be able to draw a conclusion. If crime was already falling before you did the intervention and it kept falling, what does that show?

Heres a review of information the White House didnt cite. Violent crime in Washington reached a 30-year low in 2024. This downward trend continued in the first half of 2024, with an additional decline of 26 percent in violent crime and 13 percent in homicides year over year.

In the four weeks before the executive order took effect, violent crimes committed with a firearm dropped from 97 to 65. In early August, residents reported about seven violent crimes to the police per day; the average dropped to 5 or 6 in mid-August, but was back up to seven by the end of September.

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Although National Guard troops had the authority to make arrests, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated, theyre not going to be involved in law enforcement. Kingsley Wilson, the Pentagon press secretary, confirmed that they will not be arresting people.

Of the 550 people arrested in the first 13 days of the operation, 527 were apprehended by officers of the Metropolitan Police Department; 225 of the individuals in custody were alleged to be undocumented immigrants and three were alleged gang members.

One quarter of the 550 offenses were not listed as crimes but as other. As Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D) told reporters, Most of it was no paper, a lot of frivolous charges.

The activities of National Guard troops were often unrelated to crime. In addition to providing administrative and logistical support for the MPD, they patrolled parks, the National Mall, Metro stations and several neighborhoods  at times armed, sometimes reassuring and sometimes unnerving or angering residents. The troops removed graffiti, helped run soup kitchens, disposed of 1,015 bags of trash, spread 744 cubic yards of mulch, removed five truckloads of plant waste, cleared 6.7 miles of roadway, painted 270 feet of fencing.

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No wonder Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), with whom Trump did not consult before issuing his executive order, repeatedly pointed out that the National Guard deployment is not an efficient use of resources.

As Virginia Burger, a senior defense policy analysis at the Project on Government Oversight, emphasized, an operation of this scale is not cheap. According to an internal budget document obtained by USA Today, the cost of the National Guard personnel assigned to the presidents initiative (968 from D.C. and 1,300 out-of-state) is about $1.8 million per day. Expenses include pay, transportation, hotel rooms, food, and laundry service.

The drain on annual government appropriations for the National Guard, whose assignments, until now, came with the support of local officials, usually involve recovery from natural disasters and help quelling riots, Maj. Gen. Greg Porter indicated. Trumps deployment will make it difficult to keep the troops trained, equipped, and ready to respond when our nation calls.

A civilian critic has calculated that the daily cost of the invasion of D.C., which included the dismantling of 50 homeless encampments, is equal to one-quarter the cost of operating public housing for all homeless individuals in the nations capital on any given night. Note that public housing reduces crime and improves education and health outcomes.

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There are, then, many reasons  cost, efficient use of personnel and resources, a hallowed democratic tradition of keeping the military out of domestic politics  why the National Guard and U.S. Army have not been ordered to assist with crime prevention since 1894.

And heres another reason: Even if Trump is right that Washington, D.C., is now a safe city, whats to prevent the nations capital from returning to crime, bloodshed, bedlam, squalor and worse the moment the troops return home?

Glenn C. Altschuler is The Thomas and Dorothy Litwin Emeritus Professor of American Studies at Cornell University.

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Oct. 19It wasn't much of a surprise.

An Albuquerque mayoral debate aired Wednesday night on KOAT-TV uninterrupted for one hour. It pitted the four highest-polling candidates  Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilor Louie Sanchez, former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Alex Uballez and former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White  against each other. The candidates fielded questions from staff from the Journal, KOAT and KKOB.

Crime and homelessness issues dominated the debate, and the challengers essentially teamed up against Keller, arguing he has mismanaged the city for the last eight years and the city needs a change in direction. This isn't surprising, as our polling has shown that crime and homelessness are the biggest issues on the minds of voters  and it isn't even close.

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Some of my takeaways from the debate:

Keller's got the recognition and baggage that come with having done the job for eight years.

He took heat from both sides. On some issues, Uballez tried to flank Keller to the left. He accused the mayor of being cruel to homeless people, saying that the city sweeps homeless encampments and throws away people's belongings and identification cards, making it harder for them to get back on their feet. Uballez mentioned that he talked to a homeless person who had a parent's ashes thrown away during a sweep. That put Keller on the defensive.

"We do not throw away IDs. And if we do by accident, those people are held accountable. We do not sweep; we clean," Keller said.

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That left the door open for White, a Republican, who accused Keller of not enforcing existing laws, like camping on the streets.

"Some say, 'Well, that's cruel.' You know what's cruel? If you're a family that lives in that neighborhood where all these tent cities are, or you're a business that's struggling to survive in that environment," White said.

The exchange highlighted Keller's predicament: If he makes an argument to appeal to Democrats, then he's attacked by White and Sanchez for being too liberal. If he tries to appeal to his base, Uballez is there to counter.

Uballez is sharp.

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He looked good on the stage and articulated his points. I expect he will be mayor some day if he wants the job, but he's got an uphill battle to win enough Democratic votes against Keller this cycle.

White will get the conservative vote.

He was effective at getting his messaging across. He wants more broken-windows style policing instead of relying on civilians to assist officers and technology like speed cameras. He'll also be heavy handed on homeless people who refuse services. Voters who want that approach have their candidate.

There's not much room for Sanchez.

Keller and Uballez will get liberal voters. White will get conservative ones. That doesn't leave much room for Sanchez to extend his share.

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It was kind of depressing.

Albuquerque is the biggest city in New Mexico, home to a mountain range, hike and bike trails, parks, arts, sports, industrial sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing and directed energy. We have a military base, a national lab and health care systems, not to mention award-winning restaurants. But the people vying to lead it spent much of the debate talking about human waste, drugs, trash and crime. Of course that's what voters want addressed, but it would be nice to hear some optimism and plans for economic development in our city.

What's next?

There's still some time for the candidates to win over the 37% of likely voters that a Journal Poll last month found were undecided.

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The Journal will be hosting a debate, which will feature questions from the Journal, KOAT and KKOB, at 2 p.m. Wednesday. It will be streamed live on the Journal's website at https://www.abqjournal.com/mayor25/ and by our partner outlets. That debate will also include candidates Mayling Armijo and Eddie Varela, who were not included in last week's debate. (They are polling at 1% and 2%, respectively.)

Additionally, if you'd like to compare the candidates' positions side-by-side, turn the page. Today we're publishing questionnaires the candidates submitted to the Journal. The responses, as well as other election coverage, are also available online at https://www.abqjournal.com/election/.
Since Watergate, Americans have expected presidents to steer clear of criminal prosecutions. But under Donald Trump, presidential interference is happening in broad daylight  enabled by his replacement of seasoned, Senate-confirmed prosecutors with political loyalists devoted to him, not the law.

Trump has only 18 of 93 Senate-confirmed U.S. attorneys in place. (He had 46 confirmed during the first year of his first term). But a lack of Senate-confirmed prosecutors hasnt stopped Trump. To the contrary, he has a network of acting prosecutors who do what Trump wants  particularly prosecuting his critics  as quickly as he wants them, whether or not the law supports it.

Lindsey Halligan, Trumps hand-picked interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, has no prosecutorial experience, and she did what her predecessor and the nonpartisan line prosecutors in her office refused to do: She presented felony charges to a grand jury against two of Trumps critics, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Because prosecutors arent supposed to bring charges unless the evidence is sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction, Halligans decision to present those cases appears to violate Justice Department norms.

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The New York Times reported in August that in the Northern District of New York, John Sarcone III, another Trump pick with no prosecutorial experience, issued subpoenas to James office probing whether James (whose office won the civil fraud case against the Trump Organization and a high-profile corruption case against the National Rifle Association ) violated Trumps rights or those of his businesses or the NRA. Sarcone hasnt been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Attorney General Pam Bondi installed him indefinitely through an unusual maneuver after local federal judges declined to appoint him.

In New Jersey, Alina Habba, a former personal attorney of Trumps who had no experience as a prosecutor, charged Newarks Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., with crimes some time after she spoke to a right-wing podcaster about turning New Jersey red. Baraka was charged with misdemeanor trespassing outside an ICE detention facility in Newark and McIver with assaulting two law enforcement officers there.

Habba dropped the charge against Baraka, who now suing Habba, claiming malicious prosecution. At the court hearing where a federal judge approved the governments request to drop the charge against Baraka, the judge had a scathing rebuke for Habba: The apparent rush in this case, culminating today in the embarrassing retraction of charges, suggests a failure to adequately investigate. The judge continued: Your office must operate with a higher standard.  Your role is not to secure convictions at all costs, nor to satisfy public clamor, nor to advance political agendas.

Though the case against McIver continues, so do questions about the legitimacy of Habbas appointment. A bipartisan group of 10 former U.S. attorneys from the Reagan era to the Biden administration filed an amicus brief with the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in which they agree with a federal court ruling that found that Habba was appointed improperly. The appellate court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in that case Monday.

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A federal judge in Nevada recently ruled last month that the appointment of acting U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah was invalid. This week in Los Angeles, another judge weighed whether the Central District of Californias top prosecutor ought to be in the position.

None of this is normal. The Senate is supposed to confirm U.S. attorneys  the nations top federal prosecutors  to help ensure independence and accountability. While presidents can make short-term appointments, those typically expire after 120 days. At that point, federal judges may appoint temporary replacements. Trump has upended that system, using extraordinary and untested legal maneuvers, such as naming Sarcone special attorney to the attorney general, to bypass Senate confirmation and keep loyalists in place.

Ed Martin, Trumps nominee for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., who failed to win confirmation even in a Republican-controlled Senate, told reporters earlier this year, There are some really bad actors, some people that did some really bad things to the American people. And if they can be charged, well charge them. But if they cant be charged, we will name them.

In a culture that respects shame, he added, they should be people that are ashamed.

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Martin now leads the DOJs so-called weaponization working group, but in any previous, post-Watergate administration, his statement would have cost him his job. Federal prosecutors have been taught to bring cases only when theres enough evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction in court; not to shame people in the court of public opinion.

Trumps second term has laid bare his determination to replace independent thinkers and prosecutors with political enforcers. The Justice Departments Public Integrity Section  once the moral center on matters of corruption  has been hollowed out. Most of its veteran lawyers have been fired or reassigned, and The Washington Post reported in May that Bondi was reportedly weighing a plan that would allow federal prosecutors to seek indictments of members of Congress without the customary review of the career prosecutors who remain in the section.

The reason you have the section is exactly what this administration says they want, which is [to] stop politicization, former public integrity attorney Dan Schwager, told The Washington Post in that May report. That requires a respect and ability to understand how the laws have been applied in similar situations in the past. The only way to ensure that public officials on both sides of the aisle are treated similarly is to have as much institutional knowledge and experience as possible.

And MSNBC reported Thursday that Career federal prosecutors are navigating what colleagues describe as an intense White House pressure campaign to execute Donald Trumps vows of vengeance against his political foes and critics.

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During Trumps first term, Attorney General Jeff Sessions refused to shut down the FBIs investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election and eventually recused himself from it altogether. His successor, Bill Barr, rejected Trumps lies about the 2020 election. In the Southern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman refused to bring baseless charges against former Secretary of State John Kerry. Even special counsel John Durham, who spent four years and $8 million investigating what Trump termed the Russia hoax, found no evidence of politically motivated misconduct on behalf of the FBI.

In Trump 2.0, those kinds of officials are gone. In their place are people like Bondi, who peddled false claims of voter fraud in 2020, and who said nothing critical after a social media post in which Trump openly pushed for her to prosecute his perceived enemies.

This is not merely a bureaucratic reshuffle. It is a fundamental assault on the post-Watergate norms that have defined the Justice Department for half a century. And Trumps sidestepping of the Senate and putting in power people whose chief qualifications appear to be a willingness to do what he says threatens not only defendants but public faith in the impartial administration of justice.

There are two kinds of federal prosecutors: those who follow the facts and the law and those who bend to political pressure. Its clear which kind Trump prefers.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Ottawa councillor Sean Devine was not pleased with the timing or content of the latest announcement regarding the Lansdowne 2.0 project, one that includes tearing down the Ottawa Charge's current arena, TD Place, to be replaced by a new, smaller venue.

When the news dropped, Devine felt as though it was done with the intent of reducing feedback and criticism by hiding the announcement itself.

"The easiest way for any government to publicly disclose controversial news is to make the announcement late on a Friday afternoon. And if you can take advantage of doing that on the Friday of a long holiday weekend, even better," Devine wrote in his most recent newsetter on October 15.

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"And so it was, late last Friday afternoon, with half the city already shut down for the long Thanksgiving weekend, that the City of Ottawa announced the upcoming Committee and Council meeting dates for Lansdowne 2.0, easily the most controversial and divisive issue that Council will debate during this Term of Council."

The final debate and deliberations for the projected $419 million project will take place October 29, with a separate special council meeting schedule for November 7. While the announced cost is $419 million, audits have shown the project will cost closer to $500 million.

One of the main concerns beyond cost however, is the negative impact the reduced capacity, which has been advertised at 5,500 seated fans and another 500 standing room, will leave thousands of Ottawa Charge fans out in the cold.

"By downgrading the arena capacity from 8,000 to 5,500, how does this help Ottawa keep the PWHL Charge, who regularly sell out the current venue?" Devine questioned.

In their first two seasons the Charge have averaged 7,496 and 6,888 fans, not including playoffs. In their first two seasons, Ottawa drew more than 8,000 fans to TD Place 13 times out of their 28 home dates. Of those 28 dates, the Charge drew under the new 5,500 seated capacity only four times.
The International Auschwitz Committee expressed outrage on Sunday at renewed debate in Germany on the possibility of cooperation between mainstream conservative parties and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

"It is beyond my understanding and my acceptance that cooperation with parties that are close to that repulsive and deadly ideology that once took my family, Germany and Europe into the abyss is seen as possible within democratic parties," committee head Eva Umlauf said.

The committee's executive vice president, Christoph Heubner, thanked people in Germany "who combat the extreme right-wing parties legally and politically and stabilize the firewall through their political work and voting behaviour" in the name of Holocaust survivors.

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The term "firewall" is used in Germany to refer to mainstream parties' complete rejection of the AfD and other extreme right movements.

Former influential conservative politicians have recently called for a new strategy for dealing with the AfD.

The leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) is holding a closed-door meeting on Sunday and Monday to discuss the party's approach to the AfD ahead of several regional elections next year.

Merz has declared the AfD to be the main opponent of the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, in future elections.

Merz simultaneously made clear that there would be no cooperation with the AfD while he was leader.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  One of the busiest intersections in Newport News was the site of just one of many No Kings rallies to take place across the country. Protesters, young and old, showed up to make their voices heard.

The intersection of Oyster Point Road and Jefferson Avenue saw protesters pack sidewalks, holding signs and shouting various chants.

The most important thing is safety. We have our police chief out here. Weve coordinated with all of the protesters, said Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones. I think everyones out here because they believe, like I do, that our democracy is under attack. Were proud to host this here in Newport News, proud to be here with my brothers and sisters and everyone making their voices heard.

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According to Mayor Jones, over 1100 protesters gathered in Newport News. For some like 84-year-old army veteran Gloria Pelletier, it was their very first time demonstrating.

Im here to protect the Constitution. I see it fading. I see it dying. I see it being stepped on, and its killing my heart, said Pelletier. I was really scared. In January, Ill be 85. I think hope is the thing, hope is what its all about. Vote, hope and pray.

For others, it wasnt their first protest but still impactful, nonetheless.

Its a wonderful thing. Its not necessarily something that we attribute to Trump alone. Its the fact that we have people who are willing to come together like I have never seen them do since Vietnam, said protester Joe Filippone. It reminds me of what took place back then and what we had to do to change things.

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Those who gathered made their voices heard on various issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to Medicare to immigration reform.

Your local immigration office is understaffed, train more people, put more staff members in, said protester Rebecca Capehart-Freire. They know how to do background checks. They know how to check that every t is crossed, every i is dotted.

Im a first generation American. My family was killed by the Nazis. They came here for freedom. They were afforded the freedom, said another protester, Marge Battista. We as Americans have to open our hearts because we were all immigrants at one point. This is giving us hope and hopefully will spread the word to all the other people. You are not alone in this. Democracy is alive and well. If we fight for.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One person is dead and three others are suffering from various injuries at a nearby hospital after crashing a car into a tree on The Paseo early Sunday morning in Kansas City.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, at about 1:20 a.m., officers were called to the area of East 16th Street and The Paseo on reports of a crash with life-threatening injuries.

One dead after shooting in Westport parking lot early Sunday morning

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Initial investigations indicate that the driver of a gray Chevrolet Malibu was speeding southbound on The Paseo when it went into a broad slide near 16th Street.

The Malibu then slid up the curb, through the grass, and hit a large tree before stopping.

The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. However, shortly after arriving, he was pronounced dead by hospital staff.

Three passengers were inside the car at the time of the crash.

KCPD reported the front seat and left rear seat passengers were taken to a hospital with critical injuries. The front seat passenger is currently in critical condition, while the left rear seat passenger is in serious condition.

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Two men hospitalized, taken into custody after shooting, battery in Shawnee

The right rear seat passenger was also hospitalized, but they are reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. They are said to be in stable condition.

According to KCPD, this is the 54th fatality compared to 75 at this time last year.

Investigations are ongoing, police said.

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French authorities have launched a major investigation after thieves stole jewels of 'inestimable value' from the Louvre Museum.

Thieves carried out a bold daylight robbery at Pariss Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, escaping with royal jewels described by French authorities as being of inestimable value.

The heist unfolded around 9:30 a.m., just as the worlds most visited museum was preparing to open its doors.

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According to Frances Interior Ministry, several intruders used a basket lift to scale the building, forced open a window and smashed display cases in the Galerie dApollon  home to the French Crown Jewels  before fleeing on motor scooters.

The entire operation lasted just seven minutes.

Louvre plagued by leaks and crumbling infrastructure, museum boss warns

High-speed escape, Louvre in lockdown

The Louvre was swiftly sealed off as police moved in, evacuating visitors and closing nearby streets.

A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum, Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed on X, while the museum cited exceptional reasons for shutting its doors for the day.

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Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who visited the scene alongside Dati and museum officials, described the incident on France Inter radio as a major robbery.

He said the thieves had clearly done their scouting and used professional tools, including a disc cutter to slice through the display glass.

Le Parisien reported that the gang entered through the museums Seine-facing facade, where construction work is underway, and even used a freight elevator to reach the gallery.

Early findings suggest nine pieces were taken, including jewels from the collections of Napoleon and Empress Eugenie.

Dati later told the TF1 television that one of the stolen pieces had been recovered near the museum. One of the jewellery items was found near the Louvre, she said.

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In a curious twist, the item retrieved is believed to be Empress Eugenies crown, reportedly damaged during the thieves rapid escape.

Could Mona Lisa move into a private suite at Le Louvre?

Investigators comb the scene

Forensic teams are now scouring the museum for evidence as curators race to complete an inventory of the missing treasures. The Interior Ministry said the stolen objects possess inestimable historical and patrimonial value, though it has yet to confirm their exact worth or provenance.

Despite the shock, there were no injuries reported, and officials have expressed confidence that the investigation will move swiftly.

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This is far from the first time the Louvre has found itself at the heart of a dramatic art theft. In 1911, the Mona Lisa famously vanished from its frame, spirited away by Vincenzo Peruggia, a former museum employee who hid overnight in a broom cupboard and simply walked out with the painting under his coat.

The theft made global headlines  and when the Mona Lisa was recovered two years later in Florence, it had become the most famous painting in the world.

Today, the Louvre houses more than 33,000 works of art spanning civilisations and centuries  from ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian artefacts to Renaissance masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Vermeer.

Its star attractions, including the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, draw up to 30,000 visitors a day.

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Sundays heist is a blow to the museums prestigious collection, but French officials have been quick to stress that security protocols were followed and that the Louvre will reopen soon. The investigation will bring to light those responsible, said Nunez, promising the full mobilisation of police resources.

(With newswires)
CHICAGO  A pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver overnight in the Englewood neighborhood on the citys South Side, according to Chicago police.

2 dead, 3 injured in South Side crash Friday night

The victim, an adult woman, was struck around 2:15 a.m. Sunday by a black sedan going north at a high rate of speed in the 6600 block of South Ashland Avenue, police say.

The victim sustained trauma to the body and was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The black sedan fled the scene of the accident, according to police. Nobody is in custody, and Major Accidents is investigating.

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A pedestrian was struck and killed by multiple vehicles on U.S. Highway 92 east of Calle Alto Vista.

The incident occurred when the pedestrian was walking north across the westbound lanes of the highway, outside a marked crosswalk.

An unknown vehicle initially struck the pedestrian with its left side mirror, causing the pedestrian to fall to the ground. Subsequently, multiple vehicles struck the pedestrian, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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Following the collision, the vehicle that initially struck the pedestrian, along with other cars involved, fled the scene and continued traveling west on U.S. Highway 92.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact the Florida Highway Patrol at *347 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the identities of the pedestrian and vehicles involved have not yet been determined.

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STONE COUNTY, Mo.  A pedestrian has been seriously injured following an incident in Stone County on Saturday, Oct. 18.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) crash report, a 21-year-old Omaha, Arkansas, man was injured around 7:52 p.m. on Missouri Route DD, three miles south of Branson West, on Saturday.

Springfield police investigate shooting at Club Rodeo

MSHP says the crash occurred as a 70-year-old Reeds Spring man was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Impala north and crashed into the Arkansas man. The pedestrian was reported to be working on his vehicle at the time of the crash.

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The 21-year-old man was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for his injuries.

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In Hawaiian mythology, a fearsome and unpredictable goddess created the islands. If shes near and stirring up trouble, youll find long, tangled strands of golden, hair-like material piled up along cliffsides and roads. These golden strands, called Peles hair, are actually a rare type of volcanic glass.

Background

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The landscape around it shifts constantly because of the regular eruptions. The volcano creates new lakes, reshapes the coastline, and produces volcanic glass.

When Titus Coan, a 19th-century missionary from New England, watched volcanic activity form Peles Hair, he floridly described its hellish birth:

Awful seething and roaring, striking this mural barrier with fury, and with such force that its sanguinary jets are thrown back like a repulsed charge upon a battlefield, or tossed into the air fifty to a hundred feet high, to fall upon the upper rim of the pit in a hailstorm of fire.

Peles Hair forms under very specific conditions. It occurs when low viscosity or runny basaltic lava is violently ejected into the air from lava fountains or lakes. Then, high winds and explosive pressure from the eruption tear the blobs apart mid-air. This stretches the lava into long, thin strands of glass when rapidly cooled to the right temperature. Geologist Katryn Wiese compares the process to how glassblowing works, when hot air is blown into the glass to stretch it out, albeit not in such a dramatic fashion.

Pele's hair. Photo: Public Domain

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When the volcanic craziness dies down, Pele's hair appears on the ground as fragile golden strands, which are light and sharp. They can be up to two meters long but only a millimeter thick. In the wind, they accumulate, forming small clumps, tumbleweeds, or carpets. It is not uncommon to find the strands gathering on telephone poles and antennas many kilometers from the volcano.

But Peles hair is not the only peculiar volcanic material in Hawaii. Peles tears are droplets of volcanic glass formed during an eruption. The tears undergo the same process, with small lava blobs solidifying under the same conditions. However, these lava blobs are not stretched out.

Look but dont touch

National park authorities have issued countless warnings to the public about the hair. "The fragile hairs easily break into tiny pieces, and no one wants glass splinters in their eyes or skin that keep breaking when you try to pull them out. So, leave the hairs be if you find them," the U.S Geological Survey advises.

Many people compare the hair to fiberglass, which can cause respiratory and skin problems when mishandled. Weather stations routinely include the appearance of Peles hair in their forecasts, particularly when there are high winds. Locals need to secure their water supplies because the hairs can contaminate them.

Pele's hair. Photo: K. Mulliken/USGS

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Though Peles hair is mostly associated with Hawaiian volcanoes, volcanoes in Nicaragua, Iceland, Ethiopia, and Italy sometimes produce the same phenomenon. In Iceland, Peles hair is called witches hair. In 2024, hair formed by the eruption of a volcano in southern Iceland rained onto the town of Reykjanesbr. The hairs caused minor injuries to some people.

Where geology and mythology collide

To understand the significance of Peles hair in Hawaii, we must acknowledge that for many locals, geology and mythology go hand in hand. Here, all volcanic activity has to do with Pele. Known as "she who shapes the sacred land," Pele is a revered goddess. She is passionate and hot-tempered, creating the islands with her vast power as she searched for a home.

However, she is also a great destroyer who uses her powers to wreak havoc. She is said to dwell in Halemaumau, the great crater at the summit of Kilauea, where her spirit dances in the lava lake. Peles hair is the goddess's hair.

Another missionary named William Ellis spoke about the natives offering sacrifices to the goddess, including their hair:

Numerous offerings were presented, and many hogs, thrown alive into the stream, to appease the anger of the gods, by whom they supposed it was directed, and to stay its devastating course. All seemed unavailing, until one day, the king Tamehameha (Kamehameha), as the most valuable offering he could make, cut off part of his own hair, which was always considered sacred, and threw it into the torrent.

Many years later, the king's great-granddaughter, Princess Ruth Keelikolani, offered the great lava flow of 1880 a lock of her hair to save the local towns. In Hawaiian culture, hair had divine power and was a symbol of social status.

Pele's hair covers the side of the road. Photo: HVO/USGS

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Hawaiians adhere to ancient rules that prevent them from messing with Pele's hair. Local legends state that anyone removing lava from the islands will suffer great misfortune, or "Peles curse."

Various stories online detail ignorant tourists attempting to take pieces of Hawaii home. One woman, for example, pinched a lava rock while on a tour. When her tour bus driver kicked her off, she threw the rock, only for it to ricochet back and hit her in the head, leading to a trip to the hospital.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, November SNAP benefits for Pennsylvanians will not be paid, the Department of Human Services announced.

A release on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website states that starting on Oct. 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends and funds are released to the state.

Officials will notify the approximately 2 million people in Pennsylvania who receive SNAP benefits when payments can resume.

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During the shutdown, SNAP recipients are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to income, contact information or people living in their home.

The Department of Human Services urges anyone in need of immediate food assistance to call 211 or visit either the Feeding Pennsylvania website or the PA Navigate website.

Additional SNAP work requirements and time limits go into effect on Nov. 1, as a result of a bill Congress passed in July and President Donald Trump later signed into law.

The requirements include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) and reporting that they are meeting the requirements.

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The expanded work requirements apply to those between the ages of 18-64 who do not have a dependent child under 14 and are considered physically and mentally able to work.

There are exemptions to the work requirements, but those exemptions no longer include being a veteran, or current or former foster youth age 18-24.

Click here to learn more about the work requirements.

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HARTFORD - A person suffered a gunshot wound not considered life-threatening in a shooting Saturday morning on the 30 block of Roosevelt Street, Hartford police said in a news release.

City police officers were dispatched at 10:09 a.m. and arrived to find evidence of gunfire, police said. While on scene, officers developed

information that a victim of gunfire fled the area in a white Toyota pick-up truck, police said. The truck later was found unoccupied on Cherry Street, police said.

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Around 4 p.m., the gunshot victim arrived at a local hospital, suffering from a graze-type wound, police said.

The events that precipitated the shooting are still under investigation, police said.

Hartford Police Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions responded and assumed the investigation.

Anyone with any information regarding the case is asked to call the HPD Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).

This article originally published at Person wounded in Hartford shooting on Roosevelt Street, police say.




In the wake of the reported suffering and death of 11-year-old Jacqueline "Mimi" Torres-Garcia, online petitions are calling for more stringent oversight of home-schooled children in Connecticut.

Writing that the girl was "erased in silence," petition organizer Los Fidel of Bridgeport lobbied for "Mimi's Law" to ensure "no child disappears unnoticed again." As of late Sunday morning, the petition on change.org had gathered 11,664 signatures.

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The girl's remains were found in a bin behind an abandoned house in New Britain on Oct. 8. Her mother, Karla Garcia, along with Garcia's boyfriend, Jonathan Nanita, and the girl's aunt, Jackelyn Garcia, have been arrested. Nanita, 30, and Karla Garcia, 29, face charges that include murder with special circumstances. Karla Garcia's sister, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, faces charges that include cruelty to persons under age 19.

Police say Jacqueline suffered "prolonged physical abuse" and "malnourishment." In recently released search warrants, police say Karla Garcia "stopped feeding" the child in the weeks before she died and that Jacqueline was restrained with zip ties.

The girl was withdrawn by her mother from New Britain public schools, and is believed to have died sometime last fall when the family lived in Farmington. Police said they believe most of the crimes happened in Farmington, where the girl's body allegedly was kept in a basement for months after her death. Her remains were relocated when the family moved to New Britain in March, police said. Nanita's mother has said that when she asked about the girl, she was told Jacqueline was with her biological father, even though Karla Garcia had custody.

The state Department of Children and Families has acknowledged that Karla Garcia had another child pose as her daughter during a virtual wellness check earlier this year after the girl was likely already dead. Karla Garcia had told the agency, which was investigating a complaint involving Jacqueline's younger sibling, that the 11-year-old was being home-schooled in another state and she could only speak to case workers virtually, the agency said.

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Fidel wrote in the petition that "the system" failed Jacqueline due to lax oversight.

"As a father, I've been through DCF investigations that went nowhere - time, energy, and pain spent fighting for my name while my children needed stability," he wrote. "The courts made it harder through parental alienation, limiting my role even when I was trying to do right by my children.

"Meanwhile, children across Connecticut are placed in homes with individuals who have violent or sexual offenses in their past. Parolees convicted of crimes against minors are allowed to live where children sleep," Fidel wrote. "The system calls that 'supervised reintegration.' I call it reckless endangerment."

Because Jaccqueline was home-schooled, "there was no teacher to notice her absence or her pain," he wrote. The petition calls for periodic in-person welfare checks for home-schooled children; mandated DCF accountability when repeated concerns go uninvestigated and make bodycams for agency personnel a requirement; the strengthening of parental access and oversight rights "to prevent one parent from cutting off the other entirely;" and a prohibition on convicted child abusers from paroling into or residing in any home with minor children "as happened in Mimi's case." Jackelyn Garcia had been convicted of risk of injury to a minor and served jail time.

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A second petition started by Brenda Milhomme of Vernon also calls for more oversight of home-schooled children.

Connecticut's home-schooling laws are looser than in neighboring states. A recently released report by the Office of Legislative Research says Connecticut's home schooling framework largely relies on voluntary guidelines rather than on state statute - making it an outlier compared to nearby states that solidify rules around notice and record keeping in state law.

Although there are rules around withdrawing children from school, Connecticut does not legally require any notification from parents before home schooling their children, according to the report. There are also no state laws around required home record keeping, annual assessments or enforcement or intervention mechanisms if home schooling requirements are not met, the report notes. Some advocates say this lack of regulation has allowed some parents to withdraw their children from school, isolate their children, shield themselves from reports to the state's child welfare agency and neglect or abuse their children. State guidelines recommend parents file notice of intent to home-school with the local board of education, but it is not mandated by law, according to the report.

However, parental rights advocates who want less government involvement in children's education and home schooling families have adamantly pushed back against regulation, arguing that a high-profile Waterbury case and similar tragedies reflected failures by DCF, not the home schooling system.

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Milhomme's petition, which had 118 signatures as of late Sunday morning, calls for changes that include that withdrawal from school of an at-risk child would prompt an automatic wellness visit and follow-up will be triggered; real-time inter-agency communication; DCF, schools, courts and the Attorney General must share risk information quickly - not after a tragedy; and child death reviews must be reported to legislative oversight so patterns are fixed, not hidden.

This article originally published at Petitioners for 'Mimi's Law' call for more oversight of home-schooled kids in CT.
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Six adults and two children are displaced after a Sunday house fire in Landover, according to the Prince Georges County Fire and EMS Department (PGFD).

Firefighters said crews responded at 12:05 p.m. to reports of a house fire in the 2100 block of Kent Village Drive, where flames could be seen coming from the back of a one-story home.

Police: Hit-and-run crash at childs birthday party in Bladensburg injures at least 11

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According to firefighters, all occupants were able to escape, and no one was hurt.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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<body><p>VIDEO SHOWS: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES</p><p>STORY: Video from Gaza released early in December shows the new leader of a Palestinian militant group opposed to Hamas reviewing armed fighters under his command.</p><p>The group, known as the Popular Forces, is among those that have emerged in Israel-held parts of Gaza, eyeing a role in the enclave's future.</p><p>They are small, but have added pressure on Hamas and could complicate efforts to unify and stabilize a divided Gaza shattered by two years of brutal war.</p><p>Three Egyptian security and military sources said Israel-backed groups were increasingly active since a cease-fire took effect, and estimated they now had 1,000 fighters, adding 400 since the truce began.</p><p>But they have faced setbacks. </p><p>Just last week, the man seen at the heart of efforts to establish anti-Hamas forces - Popular Forces leader Yasser Abu Shabab - was killed. </p><p>The Popular Forces did not say who killed him. His deputy, Ghassan Duhine, has taken over and vowed to continue on the same path.</p><p>Recent footage showed Duhine alongside Hussam Alastal, leader of another group, pledging to jointly continue the fight against Hamas.</p><p>Hamas has branded such groups collaborators. </p><p>A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, said security forces would pursue collaborators "until this phenomenon is eradicated."</p><p>But they "are protected by the occupation army in the areas where these forces are present, which makes it difficult for the security apparatuses," he said, speaking to Reuters before Abu Shabab's death.</p><p>Hamas moved swiftly against Palestinians who defied its control after the U.S.-backed ceasefire took hold, killing dozens, including some it accused of working with Israel.</p><p>The Popular Forces didn't respond to requests for comment sent via their Facebook page. It has previously denied receiving Israeli support.</p><p>In an interview with Reuters in late November, Alastal said fortunes for groups such as his were improving.</p><p>Despite Hamas accusations of collaborating with Israel, Alastal said his group was not a militia, but an administration. He said the group was present for the people, to build a new Gaza.</p><p>Nearly all Gaza's 2 million people live in Hamas-held areas. The group is reestablishing its grip and four Hamas sources said it still commands thousands of men.</p><p>But Israel still holds over half of Gaza - areas where Hamas' foes operate beyond its reach. With U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza moving slowly, there is no immediate prospect of further Israeli withdrawals.</p><p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in June that Israel had armed anti-Hamas clans, though Israel has given little detail since then.</p><p>In response to a request for comment, an Israeli government official said: "There is no shortage of Palestinians wishing and actively fighting to free themselves of the Hamas repression and tyranny."</p><p>Israel has established what it calls the "Yellow Line," a defensive border separating Israeli-controlled areas from Hamas-held territory.</p><p>With no clarity on next steps, there is a risk of de facto partition between an inland sector controlled by Israel where few people now remain, and a sector along the coast now crowded with displaced people, much of it wasteland.</p><p>On a tour of Israeli military positions in Gaza, an army spokesperson said for now they were just keeping Hamas penned in.</p><p>"We are holding the yellow line that is the current border. And what happens next depends on the situation on the ground. Right now, Hamas is refusing to disarm. Hamas is the main blocking point of this plan moving forward. And we are currently holding the yellow line, according to the agreement, making sure Hamas doesn't cross it or violate it."</p><p>Many of the armed anti-Hamas groups operate in Israel-held areas, a fact that a Hamas spokesperson said effectively made them a part of what they called the "occupation army."</p><p>That impression may limit their role in governing Gaza.</p><p>"I don't think there is any serious future for these new groups that are associated with the Israeli occupation in Gaza."</p><p>Ghassan al-Khatib is a lecturer in international studies at Birzeit University in Ramallah. </p><p>"The reason is that the public is not at all accepting them. They are not acceptable by the public because of the cooperation and collaboration with the Israeli occupation."</p><p>Al-Khatib noted Israel had plenty of experience propping up Palestinian armed groups for short-term tactical reasons. </p><p>A U.S. official said Washington has not had any official contact with the anti-Hamas groups. They added, "Beyond Hamas having no future role, who will govern Gaza will be up to Gazans."</p></body>
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  East Texans were out protesting against the policies of President Donald Trump at No Kings rallies on Saturday.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: No Kings protests against Trump held across East Texas

No Kings protests were held by East Texans in Athens, Jacksonville, Longview, Lufkin, Palestine, Mineola, Nacogdoches and Tyler on Saturday afternoon as a part of a series of No Kings protests which have been held across the country this year.

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Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. NO KINGS is more than just a sloganits the foundation our nation was built upon, an event description for the Nacogdoches No Kings protest said. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we dont have kings, and we wont back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

The following photos of Saturdays protests were gathered from East Texans by KETK News:

Photo of Athens No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Athens No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Athens No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Athens No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Athens No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Jacksonville No Kings Protest courtesy of the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of Wraccz Media LLC. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Longview No Kings Protest courtesy of John Traylor. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson. Photo of Lufkin No Kings Protest courtesy of Katie Jackson.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A huge crowd gathered outside of the federal courthouse in downtown Sioux Falls Saturday for the No Kings rally, protesting the actions of the Trump administration.

The sidewalks of Phillips Avenue were packed with people, with crowds stretching from W 13th Street to 11th Street. Organizers say over 3,000 people attended.

Across the state of South Dakota, 11 protests were underway, as well as protests organized in cities across the United States.

Crowd outside federal courthouse Crowd outside federal courthouse Crowd outside federal courthouse Crowd outside federal courthouse

Outside of the courthouse, many South Dakota representatives and citizens gave speeches highlighting why the protest was taking place.

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When a president acts like he is above the law, when our corporations act like they are above accountability, and when billionaires act like they are above taxes, it is our job to remind them that we the people built this country and we are not done shaping it. District 15 Democratic Representative Kadyn Wittman said in her speech.

Crowd listens to speakers outside federal courthouse

Keep using your voice, make sure with everything that you do, do not give in, do not give them what they want. They want us to be violent, they want us to give them a reason to strip us of our democratic process. They want a reason to strip us of our due process. Do not give them that. But do give them a piece of your mind, just like you are right now. District 15 Democratic Representative Erin Muckey said during his speech.

America does not belong to the powerful, it belongs to the people senatorial candidate Julian Beaudion said in his speech.

An opposing protest in favor of the Trump administration also took place outside of the Washington Pavillion.

The message is all across the board, whether youre a democrat, republican, independent or anywhere in-between, people are tired. Were tired of being ignored, were tired of being divided, we are tired of leaders who talk about freedom but then govern through fear. Beaudion said.

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Crowds gathered Saturday in cities across the United States  and overseas  for No Kings rallies in protest of President Donald Trumps administration and to call for the defense of First Amendment rights.

Protesters from Los Angeles to New York  including in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas  flooded into streets chanting, marching and waving homemade signs, including some that proclaimed We want all of the government to work and Make America Good Again.

Organizers said nearly 7 million people turned out Saturday to more than 2,700 No Kings protests across the U.S.  2 million more than at the previous round of rallies in June.

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Speeches were shared, music blared, and some donned Halloween costume in the cross-country rallies that demanded the protection of constitutional rights, which they say are under attack by the Trump administration.

Politicians joined the rallies encouraging people to fight for democracy.

Protesters rally during the No Kings national day of protest in Minneapolis on Saturday. (Kerem Yucel / AFP / Getty Images)

In Washington, D.C., Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Chris Murphy of Connecticut spoke. Bill Nye, the beloved childrens show host, also gave a speech slamming Trump and his Cabinet for failing to accept basic scientific facts.

They do not promote the progress of science. They suppress it to the detriment of our health, well being and international competitiveness, he said. It is a formula for failure.

Fired U.S. Agency for International Development workers also joined the No Kings rally at the capital, including Amanda Nataro.

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Nataro, 41, of Washington told NBC News: The common adage is that 50% of the country voted for this. But 50% of the country didnt vote for a government shutdown and the dismantlement of the government and services that people rely on.

In Santa Monica, California, former second gentleman Doug Emhoff shared a photo of himself with his son, Cole, at the No Kings protest.

Protesters march at a No Kings rally on Saturday in Chicago. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)

People take part in a No Kings protest in Las Vegas on Saturday. (Ty ONeil / AP)

In Chicago  where high-profile clashes between residents and federal immigration authorities have unfolded in recent weeks  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivered a defiant speech.

He called out Trump and White House adviser Stephen Miller for coming for the immigrants, and for Black and brown people, and for LGBTQ people and for their political opponents.

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History will judge us by where we choose to stand right now, today. Future generations will ask: What did we do when fellow human beings faced persecution? When our rights were being abridged? When our Constitution was under attack? Pritzker asked. Theyll want to know whether we stood up or we stayed silent.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren addressed thousands at Boston Common, saying: Standing up to a wannabe dictator? That is patriotism. Peacefully protesting to protect our democracy? That is patriotism!

Overall, the protests have been peaceful, though some leaders, including in Texas, have said they would mobilize the National Guard to monitor for potential unrest.

New Yorkers take to the streets at the No Kings protests on Saturday. (Olga Fedorova / AP)

People hold signs and chant during the No Tyrants protest in Tokyo on Saturday. (Damon Coulter / SOPA / Getty Images)

People participate in a No Kings rally on Saturday in Birmingham, Ala. (Mike Stewart / AP)

Dogs joined protests in Boston and Paris on Saturday. (Franziska Spiecker ; Owen Franken / Getty Images)

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Protesters form a human banner during the No Kings national day of protest on Ocean Beach in San Francisco. California is holding a Nov. 4 special election on Proposition 50, a measure backed by legislative Democrats and Gov. Gavin Newsom that, if approved, would redraw the state's congressional districts. (Laure Andrillon / AFP / Getty Images)

People participate in a No Kings national day of protest in Philadelphia on Saturday. (Matthew Hatcher / AFP / Getty Images)

A No Kings protest fills the walkway of the Manette Bridge in Bremerton, Wash., on Saturday. (Meegan M. Reid / KITSAP SUN / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

The Rev. Alonzo Malone marches alongside protesters on Saturday in Louisville, Ky. (Maggie Huber / The Courier-Journal / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

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Inflatables being prepared in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)

Thousands of people participate in a No Kings protest in Manhattan on Saturday. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

Costumed protesters on Saturday in Memphis, Tenn. (Jan Sonnenmair / Getty Images)

A person carried a Virgen de Guadalupe at the No Kings protest on Saturday in Chicago. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)

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A protester chants at a No Kings protest on Saturday in Longmont, Colo. (Mark Makela / Getty Images)

Costumed protesters on Friday and Saturday in Washington, D.C. (Nathan Howard ; Anna Rose Layden / Getty Images)

People demonstrate outside the U.S. Embassy in Berlin on Saturday. (Adam Berry / Getty Images)

People participate in a No Kings national day of protest in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday. (Seth Hereld / AFP / Getty Images)

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Bill Nye the Science Guy in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. (Allison Bailey via Reuters Connect)

People participate in a No Kings national day of protest in Boston on Saturday. (Joseph Prezioso / AFP - Getty Images)

Demonstrators sign the "We the People" banner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. (Stefani Reynolds / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Protesters in Shelburne, Vt., on Saturday. (Robert Nickelsberg / Getty Images)

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A protester dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume enters the subway after a No Kings protest on Saturday in New York City. (Olga Fedorova / AP)

An upside-down U.S. flag with multiple balloons is held up during a No Kings protest in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. (Allison Robbert / AP)

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Just off the coast of the Myrtle Beach area, unique pieces of history lie beneath the water.

Adventurers willing to don their scuba gear and trek miles from the shore can get a firsthand look at the structures that hide in the sea. Beneath the waves, shipwrecks, military items and subway cars have become habitats for ocean creatures such as rays and barracudas. These pieces of history live on as artificial reefs and spots for divers to explore.

Many of the artificial reefs are placed intentionally by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. SCDNR sinks everything from ships, to army tanks to provide ocean habitats and improve fish populations. The department has been constructing these reefs for more than 40 years, cleaning the vessels and materials before giving them new life as places for marine populations to thrive, according to its website.

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Among the sunken vessels are dozens of U.S. Army tanks and New York City Subway cars. For example, the Jim Caudle Reef in Little River was created with 13 Army tanks and hundreds of concrete cones, while the Little River Offshore Reef includes 19 Army tanks, as well as tugboats, landing crafts and barges, The Sun News previously reported.

The Bill Perry reef near Murrells Inlet houses 44 old New York City subway cars. This reef also houses a military landing craft and a tug boat sunk in the 1990s, which have become covered in a variety of hard and soft corals. The subway cars were added in 2003, but have significantly worn away, according to Coastal Scuba.

Materials for reefs like these are often donated by sport fishing and diving clubs, as well as other agencies and organizations. SCDNR also has a history of working with the state National Guard to sink equipment like armored carriers and ships, The Sun News previously reported.

Some of the Grand Strands undersea treasures hold even deeper histories.

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Nearly 50 miles out to sea near Murrells Inlet, the Twin Cities wreck lies about a hundred feet underwater. The wreck consists of two historic ships that rest about a quarter mile apart, and have become a popular dive site for advanced divers. The Hebe, a cargo vessel and the St. Cathan, a converted trawler, collided on a dark night in April 1942, sending them both into the depths.

The St. Cathan was stationed at a Naval base near Charleston during World War IIs hunting of German submarines. The boat had 39 sailors on board as it ventured to the Frying Pan Shoals area to search for the U-boats, while the Hebe headed south from New York. They collided along the way, according to the South Carolina Maritime Museum.

Another historic ship, the Sherman, lies under 52 feet of water 6 miles from the Little River inlet. The post-Civil War wreck is more than 140 years old, and has become a home for bountiful marine life. The 200-foot blockade runner also houses many artifacts, from bottles and buttons to fossils, and is a good dive site for divers of all skill levels, according to Coastal Scuba.

The Sherman was originally called the Princess Royal, and was built in 1861. It was captured by Union Navy forces while trying to run a blockade on Charleston in January 1863, according to the Caledonian Maritime Research Trust.

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About 22 miles off the coast of the Murrells Inlet area, the Suwanee, formerly known as the Governor, rests under 80 feet of water. The ship is a 200-foot Civil War paddle wheeler, and brass artifacts and other items have been discovered by divers there, according to Coastal Scuba and anecdotal accounts from divers online.

All of these shipwrecks and artificial reefs are now inhabited by schools of bait fish, barracuda, and sometimes camouflaged octopus and flounder hiding in plain sight, as well as numerous kinds of coral. Numerous other ships, reefs and structures stud the South Carolina coast and are accessible by boat to enterprising divers.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Michigans largest free-standing behavioral health provider, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, is expanding services for people using Medicaid.

Pine Rest, the second largest nonprofit behavioral health provider in the U.S., has more than a dozen locations throughout West and northern Michigan. It recently opened a clinic with the hopes of expanding its psychiatry outpatient capacity for Medicaid patients, according to Chief Operating Officer Bob Nykamp.

Nykamp and his staff hope the expansion will give Medicaid patients another option for care with shorter wait times. As the government shutdown continues, funding may become uncertain, but Pine Rest officials said they will continue to offer care.

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Some money thats due to Pine Rest, whether thats grant money or reimbursement of care might be slowed down, but were confident theyll figure it out. Money thats due here will come to our state, Nykamp told News 8.

The nonprofit is also in the process of building a new pediatric behavioral health center expected to open in 2026.

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled the last name of Chief Operating Officer Bob Nykamp. We regret the error, which has been fixed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Plans to reopen a railway on Jersey that was closed nine decades ago are threatening to split the island community of 104,000 people.

The proposals would see the restoration of track between the Channel Islands capital St Helier and the west of the island, together with a new line to the airport.

Proponents say the scheme would ease congestion on Jerseys sole dual carriageway while helping to revitalise tourism, aided by new light rail technology that would make the 10 mile line less intrusive and easier to build.

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However, critics believe the 250m price tag is beyond the resources of Jerseys low-tax economy and that the line is unnecessary on an island measuring just nine miles by six.

One resident working in the finance sector, which contributes 40pc of Jerseys GDP, said reopening the railway should be way down the wish list for a community this size.

While Jerseys Infrastructure Ministry has said it is not opposed to considering plans for the line, which closed in 1936, a government insider said people were always coming up with ideas like this here and that the island might as well develop its own spaceport.

The Channel Island has a population of just 104,000 people - Hiroshi Higuchi/The Image Bank RF

Alex Sparrow, who is leading the project, said that without the new line, traffic on Jerseys ridiculously jam-packed roads risks grinding to a complete halt.

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Jersey has 1.5 cars per household, compared to an average of 1.2 in the UK  and with 36,000 people driving to work daily, a four mile journey can take upwards of 45 minutes.

The Jersey Hospitality Association, which represents hotels and restaurants, said efficient transport was essential to the visitor experience as tourist numbers languish below pre-Covid levels.

Murray Norton, chief executive of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, called the proposals compelling but said politicians were preoccupied with plans for a 710m hospital.

He said: Any big project, the first thing you get in any small community is a bit of a laugh and a smile and a yeah, really?

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But when you ask, do we want to reduce the number of cars, make it easier to commute, make it easier for tourists and reduce our carbon footprint, the answer is clearly yes.

Mr Norton said the plans must also be viewed in the context of Jerseys ageing population, which the island can only support by attracting more outside workers to pay income tax.

Mike Jackson, Jerseys assistant environment minister and representative for Corbiere, which is located at the end of the line, said the proposals were unrealistic given the cost.

But Mr Sparrow said a public-private partnership could avoid heaping debt on Jersey and that interested parties include Balfour Beatty and members of the Angel Investment Network.

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He said six million passengers a year paying 2.50 per journey would be enough to repay construction costs, though take-up could be twice that level, excluding tourists.

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A year after pulling a measure from the ballot amid catastrophic polling numbers, the team behind California Forever has presented a new plan to Solano County. If approved, the Suisun Expansion Project would annex 22,873 acres of unincorporated Solano County to become part of Suisun City.

Last year, a secretive group of investors were outed for buying up 65,000 acres of land in Solano County, making them the largest landowners in the county. Once the purchases became public, the group came forward under the name California Forever, announcing their intention to build a new city of 400,000 people largely in rural areas around Suisun City and Rio Vista.

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The announcement was widely unpopular in the county and, amid dire polling numbers, California Forever pulled the November 2024 ballot measure that would have allowed the project to bypass certain zoning restrictions to develop the area. At the time, California Forever CEO Jan Sramek said they would be back to the drawing board with plans to resubmit the project in 2026.

Instead, they're now offering over 22,000 acres to Suisun City for incorporation. The plan is an incredibly ambitious one: The design emphasizes mixed use spaces, with blocks containing housing, restaurants, parks and shopping, along with easy access to public transit. The document submitted to the city calls it "the first time in a century that anyone has tried to create a new walkable city of this scale."

The application broadly calls for two, 20-year buildouts of neighborhoods, commercial, mixed-use and greenspace that would ultimately include about 400,000 residents, with phase one initially preparing for up to 150,000 residents. The document says it would become "comparable to other Solano cities, such as Fairfield, Vallejo, and Vacaville." Solano County currently has about 455,000 total residents; Suisun City has a population of about 30,000.

A map showing the Suisun Expansion Project in Solano County submitted by California Forever. (California Forever/Handout)





The proposal says the housing would be "medium-density." "It follows the patterns that have created some of the most beloved neighborhoods in the country, whether in smaller towns like Charleston, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Davis, California, or in neighborhoods of large cities like Noe Valley and Marina in San Francisco," the plan reads.

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The incorporation would add a huge swath of land to the city, from Highway 12 to the south, Creed Road to the north and the edge of Rio Vista to the east.

Suisun City manager Bret Prebula said the city will take 30 to 45 days to start the environmental review process, and once that first phase, known as "scoping," is done, a draft environmental impact report will be prepared and submitted for public feedback.

"In the months that we've been having really high-level conversations with them about our interest with jobs and housing, transportation, and to have open space as part of this process, among other very big picture items, they've really listened," Prebula said.

The first phase would use existing and increased supply of groundwater and surface water and rely on recycled water for non-potable uses. The project proposed to build three water intake stations, with two in Lindsey Slough and one in Carpenter Slough, along with a surface water storage pond and two water treatment facilities that could potentially treat more than 26 million gallons of water per day. The plan calls for relying on those sources for the first phase, before the second phase would require imported water from outside sources, according to the proposal.

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It's not clear if locals want Suisun City to go from a relatively quiet suburb of 30,000 to a bustling metro of 400,000. A public meeting on the project is scheduled for Oct. 27 at the Vault Event Center in Suisun City.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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- Disgraced Bay Area sheriff uses loophole to get 90% of salary for life

- 'Severe' rare virus strain potentially spreading in parts of Calif.

- 'Hit the jackpot': Bird seen for first time ever in California

- Plan submitted to increase Bay Area city from 30,000 to 400K residents

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This article originally published at Plan submitted to increase Bay Area city from 30,000 to 400,000 residents.
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An Air China flight made an emergency landing after a passengers lithium battery spontaneously ignited

Footage of the incident shows bright flames and smoke emanating from an open overhead compartment

Two members of the airline crew can then be seen in the footage hurrying from the rear of the plane toward the fire

A passenger plane operated by Air China was diverted after a lithium battery caught fire in an overhead compartment.

Flight CA139 had departed from Hangzhou, China, and was en route to Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, South Korea, when the incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, Oct.18, per France 24.

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Footage of the incident filmed by passengers and obtained by NBC News shows smoke and flames emanating from an open overhead bin as visibly concerned passengers flag the cabin crew for help. Two members of the airline crew can then be seen hurrying from the rear of the plane toward the fire.

"A lithium battery spontaneously ignited in a passenger's carry-on luggage stored in the overhead bin on flight CA139," the airline said in a statement on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, per France 24.

"The crew immediately handled the situation according to procedures, and no one was injured," the airline added.

NBC News The lithium battery on fire on the Air China flight. The lithium battery on fire on the Air China flight.

The airline said the plane was diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China for an unscheduled landing to ensure flight safety.

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PEOPLE reached out to Air China for comment on Oct. 18, but did not receive an immediate response.

Thermal runaway, or self-heating, can occur without warning in lithium batteries as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged or improperly packed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Common items that contain lithium batteries include smartphones, laptops, tablets and e-readers, smartwatches and fitness trackers and portable power banks.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

A number of airlines prohibit passengers from traveling with lithium batteries  whether installed in devices or uninstalled  in their checked luggage, though policies vary from airline to airline. The TSA prohibits all uninstalled lithium batteries  such as external battery packs  from checked baggage.



Read the original article on People
LORAIN, Ohio (WJW)  An 18-year-old man has died after a shooting in Lorain on Saturday evening.

According to a press release from the Lorain Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting at Lakeview Park North, located at 1800 West Erie Avenue, around 6:45 p.m.

Cleveland Public Square Hospitality Kiosk now open

At the scene, officers found an unresponsive 18-year-old inside a parked vehicle near the west end of the parking lot.

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According to the release, the man appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

The victim was taken to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

3 injured after car crashes into Cleveland building

According to the release, no suspect information is available at this time, and a homicide investigation into this shooting is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to contact the Lorain Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau at (440) 204-2105.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A driver crashed into a Clay Township police officers cruiser early Sunday morning, Clay Township Police Chief David Birk confirmed.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The crash happened in the 9000 block of Number 9 Road around 6:30 a.m.

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Birk said an officer had responded to reports of a fallen tree at the time of the crash.

The officer had their overhead lights activated and was blocking the road.

An oncoming driver crashed into the cruiser head-on, Birk said.

The officer sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by medics, Birk added.

The other driver involved also sustained minor injuries.

Both vehicles were undriveable as a result of the crash, Birk said.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation into this crash.

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Windemere Best Man and trainer/driver Danny Gillis emerged in a blanket finish to take the Winners Over Pace featured on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Inverness Raceway.

All six starters in the afternoon's $2,000 featured finale were in contention racing three-in and three-out after a :28.2 opening quarter through middle splits of :57.2 and 1:28.1. As the field spread across the track down the stretch, Windemere Best Man out-sprinted them all, closing from second-over to score in 1:58.4 by half a length over the dead-heat second-place finishers, front-stepper Whats Up Doc (Keigan Madden) and a from-last Talk Some Smack (Travis MacLean). Early leaver La Playa Deo (Andrew MacLean) and first-up Shir Gain (Rodney Gillis) were less than a length behind with Bettie White (Zach Mullins) rounding out the order.

Following three close calls in his most recent attempts, Windemere Best Man returned to the winner's circle for Gillis and co-owner Beverley McIsaac of Fairview, P.E.I. The Malicious-Art Blanche gelding has now earned eight victories in 22 starts during his seven-year-old campaign and boasts 28 wins lifetime.

Closing out the Sunday action, Windemere Best Man delivered on his 9-5 pari-mutuel promise, paying $5.70 to win, and delivered Gillis his third driving win on the seven-race card.

Earlier in the day, Inverness Raceway honoured 14-year-old pacer Real Bigg with a retirement ceremony in the infield following the fifth race. Through unable to attend for the cooler presentation as he is recovering from an operation, Real Bigg was officially retired by local trainer Lily Watson, who has campaigned the Mister Big-Real Girl gelding since July 2021 through his final start on Sept. 28 and shares ownership with Marla MacKay of Burnside, N.S. In his retirement, the career winner of 33 races and more than $100,000 will be a companion horse and a teaching horse for students learning about animal care at the Agricultural Campus at Dalhousie University.

The 2025 live harness racing season at Inverness Raceway will wrap up next Sunday, Oct. 26 with post time at 1 p.m. (ADT).

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Inverness Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada)
Police on Saturday evening declared an unlawful assembly and issued a dispersal order for a small portion of downtown Los Angeles next to the Metropolitan Detention Center where demonstrators from "No Kings Day" protests had converged.

Tense standoffs took place between police and the crowd in the area of Alameda Street and Aliso Street, with demonstrators accusing law enforcement of escalating tensions amid the carryover from peaceful daytime rallies.

"A dispersal order for the area of Alameda between Aliso and Temple has been ordered ... All persons in the area of Alameda and Aliso/Commercial must leave the area," the LAPD posted on social media at 6:55 p.m. "All persons in the area have 15 minutes to comply. If you remain in the area you may be subject to arrest or other police action."

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Read more: SoCal 'No Kings' protests draw tens of thousands alongside massive rallies nationwide

The day's protests, which drew throngs of crowds in Southern California and across the nation, made pointed critiques of President Trump's actions on transgender rights, foreign policy, the federal government shutdown, university funding and other matters. Protesters also took on the White House's push to deport immigrants without legal authorization to be in the U.S. by undertaking raids in U.S. cities including Los Angeles. The Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility, has become a focal point over anti-ICE sentiment.

Read more: L.A. council rebukes city attorney over ban on LAPD using crowd control weapons on journalists

On Saturday, tensions grew around 7 p.m., after the LAPD declared the unlawful assembly and began to press a line of protesters outside the facility. Police shot multiple less-lethal rounds and brought in a fleet of horses in an attempt to push back crowds.

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By 8:30 p.m., protesters had largely abandoned their stand near the detention center while police tried to reestablish a line on the street in front of the federal building.

As of 9 p.m., the LAPD had reported no arrests.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Police in a New England town are searching for a man who they say pocketed thousands of dollars in cash that fell off the roof of a car.

The Kennebunk Police Department in Maine says an older man was seen picking up about $7,400 on Fletcher Street on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The lost money that was pocketed was from the sale of a vehicle, police noted.

Photos shared on Facebook by police showed the man in question wearing a solid blue shirt and brown pants. He reportedly drove away in a dark grey Honda CR-V.

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A second man could be seen in the photos, but police made no mention of him being wanted in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kennebunk Police Department and Officer David Brown at 207-985-6121.

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MACON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A woman is in jail after police said she led them on a chase across state lines on Saturday.

According to Franklin Police Department, at around 3:41 p.m. officers were called to the Mountain Energy Gas Station on Georgia Road for a reported assault. At the gas station officers said they attempted to speak with a suspect, later identified as Bridgette M. Wilks-Reed, who was sitting in a U-Haul truck.

Police said Wilks-Reed ignored commands to put the truck in park and instead drove away. Officers reportedly chased Wilks-Reed to a congested area where she briefly stopped, but drove away again when commanded to get out of the truck.

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Franklin police said they stopped chasing Wilks-Reed, but the chase continued with Georgia law enforcement agencies attempting to stop the truck. The chase eventually ended in Mountain City, where officers used a tire deflation device to stop the truck.

Police said after the device was used Wilks-Reed lost control of the truck and rolled it onto its side. She was taken to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries, then booked into the Rabun County Detention Center.

Franklin police said charges are pending for Wilks-Reed in Franklin. The department thanked the Macon County, North Carolina Sheriffs Office, as well as the Rabun County Sheriffs Department and the Dillard and Mountain City police departments for assisting in the arrest.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
A police vehicle flipped on its roof after a crash in Phoenix, authorities said.

About 11:50 a.m. on Oct. 18, officers responded to a reported crash involving a Phoenix police Tahoe near Seventh Avenue and Grant Street, according to Phoenix Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Jennifer Zak.

Preliminary findings indicate the police vehicle was heading south on Seventh Avenue when another vehicle, traveling westbound, ran a red light and collided with the Tahoe, Zak said.

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Officers arrived to find the police vehicle overturned, with the other vehicle still at the scene, Zak said.

The two officers and their passenger, an adult male, were taken from the vehicle and transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to Zak.

The driver of the other vehicle was treated for injuries at the scene.

Pushback: Mayor Kate Gallego criticized after surge in Phoenix police shootings

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police vehicle flips after crash in Phoenix
Millions of Americans gathered together for No Kings Day protests across the country on Saturday, with elected leaders also participating in  or lampooning  the marches.

About 2,600 demonstrations aimed at criticizing the Trump administration were planned across all 50 states. Protests were held in small towns and major cities, including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, New Orleans, Miami and Portland, Ore.

In Illinois, where President Trump has quarreled with Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker over deploying the National Guard in Chicago and elsewhere, protests peppered the state. Pritzker, in a post on the social platform X, called the protests democracy in action.

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Proud of our state for peacefully showing up and speaking out together in one voice to fight back against Donald Trumps takeover of our democracy, Pritzker posted.

No kings, Pritzker said in a separate post. Not now, not ever.

We will not bend, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), who also addressed protesters in the city, posted on X. We will not bow. We will not cower. Chicago will not submit to Trumps authoritarianism and I will use every resource at my disposal to Protect Chicago until Trump ends his war on the working people of our city.

In Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott (R) deployed the Texas National Guard and claimed the protests were antifa-linked, the Austin Police Department praised those who gathered.

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the No Kings March today, the department said on social media. The rally remained peaceful, with no arrests reported. Were grateful to our community and event organizers for coming together to make sure voices were heard safely and respectfully. Great job ATX!

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) took photos with protesters and wrote on X, Colorado bows to no kings.

On the West Coast, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) thanked all of the patriots who made their voices heard peacefully across Washington state.

This is what democracy looks like! she wrote on X. We use our voices and our votes. NO KINGS IN AMERICA!

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) praised San Diego after its police department said 25,000 people turned out for the No Kings protest in the city and no one was arrested.

North of San Diego, in Los Angeles, the citys Mayor Karen Bass (D) said there were 10 different marches across the city.

Theres tens of thousands of people peacefully exercising their First Amendment right and their complete rejection of military intervention in our cities, Bass said on MSNBCs The Weekend: Primetime.

Back in Washington, D.C., Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) met with protesters and shook their hands.

From our nations capitol to cities across California, millions stood shoulder to shoulder to say that our democracy is worth fighting for, that our voices will not be silent, and that we will not sit back and let a wannabe king take our freedoms, Schiff wrote on X. Proud to stand with you.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was one of the speakers at the No Kings protest in Washington, where thousands gathered after the nations capital did not host any demonstrations on the first No Kings Day on June 14.

Thank you to the millions of Americans who turned out in small communities and big cities all over this country to say loudly and boldly: No more kings, Sanders posted on social media Saturday afternoon. In America, We the People will rule.

But as Democrats took part or voiced support for the protests, Republicans  including the president himself  poked fun at the them.

Trump shared on his social platform Truth Social an AI-generated video of himself wearing a crown while piloting a fighter jet. As Kenny Logginss song Danger Zone plays in the background, the jet flies over Time Square in New York City and dumps what appear to be feces over No Kings demonstrators.

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Trump shared another AI-generated video, originally posted by Vice President Vances account on the social platform Bluesky, of himself wearing a crown before a cape forms over his shoulders and he unsheathes a sword. The video ends with a clip of Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), kneeling to honor George Floyd in 2020.

Schumer posted photos on X of himself with demonstrators in New York City, adding that we wont allow Trump to keep eroding our democracy. But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), meanwhile, shared a post on X as a comment below Schumers previous words about No Kings Day.

If Trump was a king, the government would be open right now, reads a caption above a portrait of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that says, Theres already an actual No Kings Day. Its on July 4th, we call it Independence Day.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) on Saturday shared a video of himself, wearing a crown and holding a hamburger, outside a Burger King.

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In America, we dont have a king, but we do have a dadgum good President in @realDonaldTrump, Burchett posted. Celebrating the fact I dont have a British accent with a charbroiled whopper from @BurgerKing.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also weighed in, reposting a video of protesters in Carrollton, Texas, which the original post said were made up of almost exclusively old white people.

Boomers gotta boom, Cruz wrote above the video.

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Young women are requesting no MAGA matches, says April Davis, the matchmaker and founder of Luma Luxury Matchmaking.

Since (President Donald Trump) first came into office, politics has become a major issue when it comes to finding a match, she said.

Most of her clients used to be moderates or independents and many still are.

But more people are now willing to lay out their political preferences up front, whether its avoiding a liberal or a Trump voter.

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She also gets requests from some people seeking a partner who is not vaccinated, another issue embroiled in politics increasingly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things are so much different compared to a decade and a half ago when Davis started her business.

People were cautious with dating apps and were more likely to see them as taboo. That was before Tinder launched its prototype app called MatchBox in 2012 and changed the course of modern dating.

Real-life conversations led to connections. People were more open and curious, said April, whereas now theyve got a filter.

The professional matchmaker revealed her husband isnt what she thought she was looking for on paper, and even though they shared similar values, their genuine connection played a big role in bringing them together.

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But Its hard to get people to think beyond (their criteria) these days, Davis said.

Thats why you have fewer people in relationships than ever before because theyre dating for a dismissal, she explained.

Politics is a big reason people decide a dating partner isnt suitable, complicating the world of dating  especialy as men and women drift apart from each other ideologically.

A Substack analysis written by Ryan Burge, a writer and professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, suggests young men born in the 2000s are becoming more conservative on certain issues compared to previous generations, while Gen Z women are described as easily the most socially progressive segment of the American population.

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A similar, though less pronounced, gender gap exists among millennials, too.

Here's something that is exceedingly clear from the data:



Young women (18-25) are easily the most socially progressive segment of the American population.



While men of the same age are actually more conservative than men born in the 1980s. pic.twitter.com/e2G9pv3uhi  Ryan Burge  (@ryanburge) September 29, 2025

Members of both the Gen Z and millennial generations are marrying later than previous generations, pushing this milestone until their late 20s or early 30s and putting school and careers first.

These generations also attribute greater value to politics than other generations.

Politics is deeply personal for young people

Dawn Moore, the clinic director at the Center for Individual, Couple and Family Counseling, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has four kids between the ages of 18 and 23.

Im Gen X, my older brothers are what you call boomers. When I was a child, I remember my dad picking up the newspaper, which came to the porch every morning, and reflecting on the news for 45 minutes with a cup of coffee, then putting it down and that was that, she said.

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But these days, peoples engagement with politics is much more emotional. Its about attributing political beliefs to personhood, especially among younger people, the clinical director said.

Ahead of her conversation with the Deseret News, she asked her eldest son, currently a 23-year-old senior at college in North Dakota, for his perspective on the role politics plays in the modern world of dating and marriage.

Politics seems to dictate everything, she read his message over the phone. You cant buy a coffee if you dont like the places views. Weve reached a state of political turmoil where I wont even try to become friends with someone if they outwardly talk about liberal views. It almost becomes a deal-breaker. This makes me sad, Moore read out loud.

She added that her son is conservative and is set to get married in May.

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Where Gen Z leans on political beliefs to not only decide who to be friends with but also who to date or marry, I didnt have that experience, Moore said.

As a Gen X, she recalled politics being less than 10% of what she and her husband talked about during their courting period.

Gen Z and millennials who dont read the newspaper or watch cable news still talk about it on the daily, she added. They get inundated with information, whether its foreign wars or the economic downturn on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Bye girlboss, hello trad wife

Young people are also in search of stability now more than ever because of economic pressures, a stiff housing market, political division and violence, and stress from an era marked by the pandemic.

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Her daughter, 20, a student at Colorado State University, more on the liberal side, opened up to Moore about rejecting the idea of marrying before the age of 25.

Shes more interested in finishing college and getting her finances in order before making a serious commitment, Moore said.

The trend to get married later and later was big among millennials, who really waited a long time under the guise of going to college, buying a home, becoming financially stable.

Gen Z is definitely seeing that and asking what the better path is, she added. Her younger daughters say they long for a fulfilled life. They want the best of both worlds  a sense of purpose and to raise children.

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Matchmaker Davis hears that in her line of work all the time, even from those women who consider themselves feminists.

They still want a man to be a man in the relationship, Davis said. That means making more money and picking up the check. But they also want him to be a lot more liberal in his other values.

She points to the trad wife phenomenon. More and more young women are rejecting the girlboss revolution millennials led during the years of the Obama administration.

Instead of the hustle culture, they are opting into another trend: the trad wife, short for traditional wife, a woman who aspires to live by what she sees as traditional gender roles in marriage.

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Its not so much that women are looking to be subservient to their husbands, said Davis. Its more about wanting to raise their children.

They want to homeschool and make healthy food for their kids. But theyre not necessarily just looking to give up their independence.

Davis adds that women are making more money now than ever, which can present itself as another challenge for younger men.

Davis matchmaking company works with high-level executives and shes noticed that women start to lean Republican more when they begin making around half a million dollars a year.

But younger women are also defying the assumption that high income and conservative values go hand in hand, showcasing the depth of the ideological differences between the two sexes.
VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Leo XIV canonized Venezuelas beloved doctor of the poor Sunday before tens of thousands of people, offering the South American nation its first saint and a reason to celebrate amid a yearslong economic crisis and new tensions with the United States.

Jose Gregorio Hernandez, revered by millions for his dedication to poor people, was declared a saint alongside the founder of a Venezuelan religious order, Mother Carmen Rendiles Martinez, at a Mass in St. Peters Square that Leo called a great celebration of holiness.

Thousands of jubilant Venezuelans filled the square and draped Venezuelan flags on its police barricades, adding splashes of red, blue and yellow that perfectly matched the uniforms of the attending Swiss Guards.

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Thousands more who couldn't travel to Rome gathered overnight in the Caracas plaza outside the Nuestra Senora de La Candelaria church, where a 26-foot (8 meter) statue of Hernandez stands, and watched the Mass from Rome on a giant screen.

Its good news after so much sadness, said Ana Sanabria, a 71-year-old homemaker, as she watched the fireworks in Caracas.

The Mass, which the Vatican said drew some 70,000 people, also gave Papua New Guinea its first saint: Peter To Rot, a layman killed in prison in 1945 for standing up for monogamous marriage at a time when polygamy was practiced. In all, seven people were canonized in a ceremony that Pope Francis put in motion in some of his final acts as pope.

In fact, Francis approved Hernandezs canonization from his hospital room on Feb. 24, agreeing to bypass the Vaticans typical miracle confirmation process to pronounce him a saint based on the widespread veneration of the doctor-saint among the faithful, the Vatican said.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro thanked Francis for intervening, after years of petitions from ordinary faithful and the Venezuelan Catholic hierarchy.

Today we have raised a prayer for the eternal spirit of he who is going to be a saint, also for Pope Francis, who gave this beautiful gift to Venezuela, he said in Caracas after the Mass.

A beloved doctor and an icon after death

Hernandez is beloved among Venezuelans, with his face plastered on street art around Caracas, in portraits in hospitals and in photos gracing individual home altars.

As a doctor in Caracas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, he refused to take money from poor people for his services and often gave them money for medicine, earning the nickname doctor of the poor. He was killed in a road accident in 1919 while crossing a street shortly after picking up some medicine at a pharmacy to bring to a poor elderly woman.

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He became a religious icon after his death, and when Pope John Paul II visited Venezuela in 1996, he received a petition signed by 5 million people  almost one in four Venezuelans  asking that he declare Hernandez a saint.

For them, this is indeed a national event of the highest order," said Silvia Correale, who spearheaded his sainthood case. Certainly, the canonization of Jose Gregorio is desired by all the Venezuelan people, and has been waited for by all the people.

Jose Ramon Malavecontreras, a Venezuelan resident in Rome, said his mother named him after Hernandez.

They believed Id be stillborn, so she dedicated his name to me for saving my life," he said Sunday in St. Peter's. "Therefore, this moment was unmissable for me. I couldnt fail to be here.

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In Caracas, Arquimides Blanco, 60, said he wasnt a particular fan of Hernandez but recognized the significance of his canonization for Venezuela now. Blanco belongs to a cultural collective commissioned to paint the streets ahead of the canonization.

I may not be a big fan of Jose Gregorio as such, but I understand that he is Venezuelan and that his canonization in the context of the whole geopolitical situation is important, he said.

A celebration amid tensions

The canonization was a long-awaited celebration and a boost for Venezuela, just weeks after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize. It comes as tensions mount with the United States over Washingtons use of military force against suspected drug cartels.

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Just this past week, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing the execution of land operations in the South American country.

Venezuelas economy has been in crisis for the past decade, compounded by U.S. sanctions and spurring the emigration of millions of Venezuelans, first to other South American nations and then, in more recent years, to the United States.

The government of Maduro  sworn in last year despite credible evidence he lost reelection  has been forced to cut subsidies, making many daily necessities unaffordable to the 80% of residents estimated to live in poverty.

Other new saints

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In his homily, Leo held up all seven new saints as models for today's Catholics who carried "the lamp of the faith."

May their intercession assist us in our trials and their example inspire us in our shared vocation to holiness, he said.

Also canonized Sunday were Archbishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, an Armenian Catholic who was killed for refusing to renounce his faith during what the Vatican has said was the Ottoman era genocide of Armenians; Sister Vincenza Maria Poloni, a 19th century founder of a religious order; Sister Maria Troncatti, an Italian missionary in Ecuador; and Bartolo Longo, who like Hernandez was canonized based on widespread veneration among the faithful, not a purported miraculous healing.

___

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Rueda contributed from Caracas, Venezuela. Juan Arraez in Caracas, and Luigi Navarra, Silvia Stellacci and Maria Selene Clemente in Vatican City contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
When Pope Leo XIV makes good on his promise to visit the tiny island of Lampedusa, some will cheer his message of solidarity for the hundreds of thousands of migrants who have landed on its shores.

Giuseppe Pino Daietti will not be among them.

Like many of Lampedusas 6,000 inhabitants, he is tired of living on an island that has become the gateway to Europe for boatloads of asylum seekers who cross the Mediterranean from Libya and Tunisia.

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He is angry that the Italian authorities devote huge resources to rescuing and processing the new arrivals while neglecting the needs of the island, a sliver of limestone rock and scrub that lies closer to north Africa than to Italy.

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1810 Lampedusa

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The Popes visit will be an insult to Lampedusa. Hes not coming for us. Hes coming for the migrants, said the 81-year-old former plumber, sitting on a bench in the main street of the islands only settlement.

When the Pope comes, hell express solidarity with migrants and remember those who died at sea. But no one remembers us, no one commemorates all the islands fishermen who lost their lives, said the pensioner, who likes to belt out Neapolitan and Sicilian songs to friends in the evenings.

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We have no doctors here. We have no hospital. The refugees have the Red Cross  but all we have is a black cross against our names.

There are services for migrants but not for us islanders. Whether they arrive in small numbers or large numbers, the problems of the island never get resolved.

Migrants picked up by the coastguard are moved to a processing facility in Lampedusa - David Rose

It was in September that Leo pledged to visit Lampedusa, Italys farthest flung outcrop, although the Vatican has not yet named a date.

But when he does come, he will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Pope Francis, who visited the island in 2013 on the first trip of his papacy.

The Argentinian pontiff tossed a wreath into the sea to commemorate the tens of thousands of people who have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

We feel totally abandoned

In a nine-minute video, Pope Leo, who was elected in May, greeted the people of Lampedusa at a distance but said that he hoped to soon meet them in person.

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He offered thanks to the island for the welcome they extend to refugees and migrants, commending all those who, often invisibly, have shown and continue to show a smile  to those who have survived their desperate journey of hope.

But smiles are in short supply among some islanders after two decades of migrant arrivals.

We feel totally abandoned. Not just by the island authorities but by the regional government in Sicily, the national government in Rome, the European Union, said Liliana, who runs a car and moped rental business.

The flow of migrants is like a river, it never stops. And yet we receive very little support.

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A pregnant woman cant give birth on Lampedusa. She has to fly to Sicily. Its the same if you break a leg or arm and need to have it put in plaster. Its ridiculous.

The Catholic church of San Gerlando on the island, where Pope Leo XIV is to pay a papal visit - David Rose

The sense of neglect is palpable. The single road that circumnavigates the island is a slalom course of perilous potholes.

Tap water is undrinkable  only bottled water is safe. Outside the tourist season, no newspapers are delivered to the island.

There is rubbish and plastic waste everywhere  along dry-stone walls, in waste ground and in tiny fields, where goats nibble on parched shrubs.

So far this year, 55,000 migrants and refugees have arrived in Italy, with around 75 per cent of them reaching Lampedusa, which lies just 80 miles off the coast of Tunisia.

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It is a large number, but a dramatic reduction compared with 2023, when there were 140,000 arrivals during the same period.

The decrease is largely a result of deals the Italian government struck with Libya and Tunisia.

Giorgia Meloni, Italys prime minister, has vowed to combat the trafficking gangs and increase the pace of repatriations.

The Popes spirit of welcome and acceptance puts him at odds with Ms Meloni, who once called for a naval blockade of Italys shores.

Since she came to power in 2022, Italy has pledged hundreds of millions of euros to the two north African countries in aid, trade and development, in return for them beefing up their coastguard and blocking migrant boats from leaving.

The facility in the centre of the island, known as the hotspot where migrants are processed, and moved on to the mainland within a few days - David Rose

It is a highly controversial policy  the Libyan coastguard is accused of firing live rounds at migrant boats and NGO rescue vessels  but in terms of raw numbers, it appears to be working.

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So far this year, just 3,000 migrants have arrived in Italy from Tunisia.

Thats a decrease of 77 per cent compared to last year, said a spokesman for the International Organisation for Migration, a UN body.

But from Libya there has been a 51 per cent increase. When you close one route, another route, often longer and more dangerous, opens up.

People are still arriving

Francesca Saccomandi, from Mediterranean Hope, an NGO that helps migrants on the island, said: People are still arriving  less from Tunisia and more from Libya. People get deported from Tunisia and they go to Libya.

Boats depart from the Libyan ports of Tobruk, Sabratha and Tripoli, she said.

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Were seeing a lot of people from the Horn of Africa: Somalians, Eritreans, Ethiopians and Sudanese. Many, many from those places.

Then there are Bangladeshis, Egyptians and many from sub-Saharan Africans. People dont have safe and viable options to come to Europe. They still find ways to arrive. And they will never stop trying.

After so many years of dealing with migrants, the reception process on Lampedusa is a well-oiled machine.

Migrant boats are intercepted at sea by the Italian coast guard, the Guardia di Finanza, a border and customs police force, or Frontex, the EUs border agency.

They are brought to a concrete jetty in Lampedusas port, disembarking next to the waterlogged wrecks of other migrant boats, often blue vessels with Arabic writing painted in red on their hulls.

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Just along the harbour there is a line of tour boats with names including Baby III, Sweet Caroline and Pearl of the Sea, which take holidaymakers on snorkelling trips to bays and beaches.

It is a surreal juxtaposition of two worlds  bedraggled, traumatised migrants fleeing misery and hardship, and suntanned tourists who zip around the island in Mini Mokes and trek down to Rabbit Beach, a crescent of white sand that has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world.

Its important to keep the two worlds apart because this is an island that lives off tourism and fishing, said a police officer watching the latest batch of migrants disembark.

The routine of migrants picked up out at sea and bought into port by the coastguard has avoided, largely, the scenes of them arriving on tourist beaches - David Rose

Seven boatloads arrived in a single day, bringing hundreds of asylum seekers.

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This is not a crisis. Its a situation that is manageable. Were used to it. And were prepared for it, said the unnamed officer.

From the jetty, migrants are transported by minivan to a fenced camp which is hidden at the end of a rocky ravine, barely a mile from Lampedusa town.

It consists of portable units stacked on top of each other and has a capacity of around 600 people.

Within 24 hours, they are taken back to the port where they board giant passenger ferries which transport them to either Agrigento or Porto Empedocle on the south coast of Sicily.

From there, they are distributed to reception centres around Italy, where their asylum applications are processed.

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The inhabitants of the island very rarely meet the migrants. The only place where they encounter each other is in the islands clinic  or the cemetery, said Ms Saccomandi from Mediterranean Hope.

While some islanders say they have little time for the message of solidarity that Leo will bring, others remain sympathetic to the plight of the migrants and refugees who turn up on their shores.

Well welcome Pope Leo, for sure, said Giorgio, 30, who was born on the island and runs a food van behind Guitgia Beach, a turquoise bay which is just a short walk from the jetty where asylum seekers disembark.

I feel bad for the migrants because they are fleeing poverty and war. But tourists dont even see them. The whole thing is managed by the authorities.

A sign in Lampedusa old town saying Hail Mary, all our hope ahead of the visit by the Pope - David Rose

Franco Billeci, 74, a former tradesman who is now retired, said: In part, I feel sympathy for them, in part no. There are those who bring a criminal element with them, but I would say they are a minority.

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The majority are just looking for a better life  just like our fathers and grandfathers who emigrated from Italy.

Lampedusa remains a welcoming island. We welcome strangers, whether they are migrants from Algeria and Tunisia or tourists from Britain and France. Its in our DNA.

Giulia, a young islander who works in a hotel, said: Lampedusa is a tiny place in the middle of the sea.

Our geographical position means that its inevitable that migrants will try to reach here. But even after all these years of arrivals, islanders have big hearts.

It is hard to predict how many of the migrants have Britain in their sights as their ultimate destination.

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The Sudanese always want to get to the UK, as well as some of the Syrians, the Afghans, the Iranians and the Albanians. The majority arriving here dont come with the intention of trying to reach Great Britain. But peoples plans change. After one or two years in Italy, maybe theyll be on the move again, said the IOM spokesman.

The islanders feel abandoned, said Antonio Di Martino

At the end of the dock from where ferries take migrants to Sicily, Antonio Di Martino, 64, attaches a worm to a hook and drops his fishing line into the crystal-clear water.

He worries that the almost continuous presence of migrants could dissuade tourists from coming to Lampedusa.

People who dont know better are given the impression that there could be 2,000 refugees just wandering through the streets. They might not come because they are afraid. But it is not like that at all, he said.

Mr Martino, a food hygiene inspector, is exasperated with what he sees as the neglect of the islands inhabitants.

The water purification system is inadequate, the roads are full of potholes, there are problems with the waste disposal process.

It is impossible to find a seat on the flights that connect the island to Sicily because they are booked up by the police, the army and coast guard, and the NGOs that work here.

Feeling a tug on the end of his line, he hauls it in, pulling up a silver-scaled fish that flaps frantically against the glow of the sunset. As he unhooks the fish and puts it in a bucket, another giant ferry arrives, ready to transport another batch of migrants to Sicily.

Islanders feel abandoned, he said, watching the ferry dock. I met a bishop from Burundi once, when he was visiting the island. After spending a few days here, I remember him turning to me and saying, You are the Africa of Europe.

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A Queens home is doubling as a designer-dog emporium, brazenly hawking dozens of posh pooches for as much as $38,000, despite New Yorks puppy-sale ban, The Post discovered in a sting of underground pet stores.

The Empire States landmark Puppy Mill Pipeline Act outlawed the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops last December.

But at Tiny Cuties NYC at 28th Street and 36th Avenue in Astoria, customers can still pick up the latest designer canine cross from Taiwan  a miniature Pomchi, or Pomeranian chihuahua mix, for $7,800; or a palm-sized Maltipom, a cross between a Maltese and Pomeranian, for $8,800; or a teacup Pomapoo, a Pomeranian poodle mix, for $9,800, according to the selection currently available for purchase on the business flashy website.

Herbie the Maltipom is being sold for a whopping $8,800. J.C. Rice

The prize pooch on offer is Miffy, a micro teacup white poodle that promises to be only 2.2 pounds fully-grown, selling for an eye-watering $38,000, an undercover reporter posing as a potential customer found.

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The business is run out of a living room that boasts a fish tank, a half-dozen Louis Vuitton and Hermes purses neatly displayed on a shelf, and photos of owner Jenny Tsai in a pink gown with some of the tiny pups.

It was found through a simple Google search for puppies for sale NYC, coming up in the top local results.

Tsai  who showed an 8-month-old, 3-pound Maltipom named Herbie to The Post, and even let the reporter pet it  said she keeps a stable of dogs in the back of the two-bedroom home. Their loud barking could be heard from the street.

We have 35 puppies here, Tsai bragged over the yipping and yapping . And we have another 30 in Taiwan.

Tsai told The Post there were 35 puppies in the Queens house, and another 30 in Taiwan. J.C. Rice

My family has a kennel in Taiwan, said Tsai, adding that the dogs are shipped when they reach 6-months-old.

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Weve sold more than 600 dogs, she claimed.

The mom only has one puppy at a time, she continued. Because if they have two, one will not survive. They have a C-section, so they are very valuable.

Size is the number one factor, explained Tsai, who said the smaller the miniature pup, the higher the price. At that size, its a miracle basically that theyre alive, she said.

Owner Jennie Tsai shows a Post reporter posing as a potential customer a picture of Herbie the Maltipoms parents. J.C. Rice

She also explained that some form of patellar luxation  a dislocation of the kneecap  is normal and happens to 90% of their teacup puppies, and advised the tiny dogs steer clear of sudden movements.

The kneecap is not too strong. Its just too small to fit everything inside, she said. You want to prevent him from jumping. He can run in a flat place but not jumping too much.

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This is the new designer breed, said Tsai of the Herbie the Maltipom. We do our own R&D, so we come out with all kinds of breeds. Theyre all tiny and cute, its just a unique mix.

Potential buyers choose a dog from the website, and they are brought to a living room area to meet with clients. J.C. Rice

Our clients, they want a tiny dog . . . something they can put in a Birkin and travel around the world, she added.

Brian Shapiro, New York State director of the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, was horrified by The Posts encounter.

Ive never heard anything so absurd, he said.

This this is a big money big business with signs of puppy mill cruelty behind it, said Shapiro.

Tsai proudly showed Herbi the Maltipom to a Post reporter posing as a potential customer. J.C. Rice

This is just baffling my mind because Ive never heard of such intense breeding that ends up in such a horrific physical place for an animal . . . Its almost like youre mutating these animals into something so unnatural.

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After the visit, The Post confronted the owner. She denied running a puppy mill.

Were not a pet shop, Tsai said.

We breed our dogs ourselves, we breed them more than ten generations, and we know their lineage, Tsai defended. We dont do in breeding. We raise them in a family home.

The business is run out of a Queens home doubling as a designer-dog emporium. J.C. Rice

We have USDA license, we have our attending vet coming to visit regularly, so everything is fine. We are not like a puppy mill that we dont know where the dogs come from, or we buy from somebody else. This is all our own puppies.

We also do events, we are not only selling puppies, she added. We use them for puppy yoga, puppy therapy, so it actually benefits the society.

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She also defended concerns about the tiny dogs wellbeing.

Herbie, whos being touted on the website as having big eyes, baby doll face, soft fluffy coat and compact short body has an estimated adult size of 3-3.5 pounds. J.C. Rice

Its very common for any small breed dog to have patellar laxation, she insisted. Theres not too many health issues. The common health issue just in the kneecap. And the remaining puppy teeth, they wont fall out themselves. The average lifespan is 15 years.

The store is part of a handful in the city that appear to be operating in a legal gray area  importing or appearing to broker the import of puppies through a foreign pipeline and blurring the lines by operating a large part of their business online.

The Post also found a Midtown pet shop that appeared to be brokering the sale of Korean-bred designer pooches through an Instagram catalog, also specializing in teacup-sized designer dogs, which retailed for up to $4,000.

A store employee at this Madison Avenue pet store in Midtown Manhattan showed The Post available puppies displayed on an Instagram account, when a reporter posed as a potential customer last month. New York Post

It appeared to get around the law by not physically holding the pups in store, only saying they could be picked up at the store after they arrive from South Korea, The Post found when it paid a visit to the Madison Avenue shop posing as a potential customer.

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New Yorks Puppy Mill Pipeline Act states that a retail pet shop, defined in the bill as any for-profit place of business that sells or offers for sale animals, shall not sell or offer to sell dogs.

The text doesnt differentiate between brick and mortar and online sales, and the law applies to both, according to state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), who cosponsored New Yorks puppy ban bill.

The Midtown pet store visited by The Post also specializes in teacup-sized puppies imported from Asia. New York Post

It was intended to cut off the pipeline of animals being trucked into the state from abusive puppy-mill breeding practices, Gianaris told The Post, and instead encourage adoption from overwhelmed shelters.

Puppy mills, often in the Midwest, are high-volume commercial breeding operations that prioritize profit over the health of the dogs, and where dogs are often kept in cramped conditions, according to the Humane World for Animals, who worked on the law.

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Since it was enacted, more than 60 pet shops across the state have shut down.

Tsai displays a USDA Class B dealer license, which is issued to animal brokers or resellers. J.C. Rice

The amount of illegal puppy sales is down very dramatically, which means the law is working, said Gianaris. Theres going to be always some bad actors trying to find ways around it.

In July, the state attorney generals office busted Bayside, Queens pet store Vanity Pups after it tried to sell a 10-week-old apricot Cavapoo for $1,800 to one of its undercover investigators, The Post learned.

The store repeatedly and persistently engaged in fraudulent, deceptive, and illegal business practices . . . in flagrant disregard of the multiple directives to stop their illegal activity, states a lawsuit filed July 8 by AG Letitia James in Queens Supreme Court, which alleged Vanity Pups website continued advertising dogs for sale after the ban.

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The case is still ongoing in court, and Vanity Pups has denied the allegations. The business did not return The Posts request for comment.

A sale is a sale, slammed Shapiro.

Because so much money is involved, youre going to see people try to find ways to be creative and push boundaries.
NEED TO KNOW

President Donald Trump posted an AI video of himself dumping brown sludge on protesters in response to the 'No Kings' protests

The video comes as the rallies returned across the United States over the weekend

Millions of people came out across the country to protest the Trump administration

President Donald Trump is hitting back at protestors participating in the No Kings marches in his latest social media post.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, Trump, 79, posted an AI-generated video of himself flying a jet while dumping brown sludge over crowds of protestors in response to the return of the anti-Trump protests taking place across the United States.

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In the fake clip, which was shared on Trump's social media platform Truth Social and is accompanied by the Kenny Loggins song "Danger Zone," the president is seen wearing a crown while sitting in a fighter jet marked "King Trump." He is then seen flying over large crowds of protestors and dumping brown liquid on them in what appears to be Times Square in New York City.



Trumps latest post comes as the "No Kings" protests returned to cities across the United States on Saturday. The protests follow the previous wave of protests organized by the activist group in June.

The rallies saw millions take to the streets on Saturday to speak out against the president and his administration. Anchor cities for the protests were Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, Honolulu, Boston, Kansas City, Bozeman, Chicago and New Orleans.

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On the "No Kings" website, the activist group praised the success of the summer event, which was held in protest to Trump's military birthday parade in Washington.

"The world saw the power of the people, and President Trumps attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power," the message read.

"Now, hes doubling down  sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle. This isnt just politics. Its democracy versus dictatorship. And together, were choosing democracy," the activist group stated.

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Protesters rally during the 'No Kings' protests in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, 2025 Protesters rally during the 'No Kings' protests in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, 2025

Trumps latest fake post comes after he shared a racist AI-generated video aimed at the Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in September.

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In the fake clip, which was also shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump depicted Jeffries, 55, in a fake sombrero and mustache and Schumer, 74, speaking in an AI-generated voice, insulting Democrats, immigrants and more.

Jeffries, who is the first Black person to lead a major party in either Congressional house, responded to the video in a post on X. "Bigotry will get you nowhere. Cancel the Cuts. Lower the Cost. Save Healthcare. We are NOT backing down," he wrote.



Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

Police are investigating reports that Prince Andrew allegedly asked his protection officer to uncover personal information about accuser Virginia Giuffre

The news comes after Andrew discontinued the use of his royal titles and honors amid renewed interest in his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions when she was 17

Authorities are "actively" looking into allegations that Prince Andrew attempted to uncover information about Virginia Giuffre, who has accused the royal of sexual assault prior to her death.

Leaked email correspondence suggests that Andrew, 65, asked his police protection officer, a taxpayer-funded position, to uncover personal information about Giuffre over a decade ago and provided the officer with her social security number and date of birth in order to do so, according to the BBC, The Telegraph and The Guardian.

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The leaked emails were sent just before a photo of Andrew and an underage Giuffre  who died by suicide in April at 41  surfaced in 2011, per The Guardian. There is no suggestion the officer complied with the royals request, the outlet reported.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told PEOPLE, We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made.

MediaPunch Inc/Alamy Stock Photo Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell in early 2001 Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell in early 2001

Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the leaked emails deeply concerning while appearing on the BBC One political program Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Oct. 19. Miliband, 55, called for the claims to be investigated because it is absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used.

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The leaked emails surfaced shortly after Andrew discontinued the use of his royal titles and honors amid renewed interest in the royals relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday, Oct. 17, Andrew said he will no longer use his title or honors as it distracts from the work of King Charles and the royal family.

Reports previously revealed another newly surfaced email from 2011 that allegedly showed the royal telling Epstein that they "are in this together" one day after the infamous picture of Andrew with his arm around Giuffre was published. The email message from Andrew to Epstein also appeared to prove that the pair were in contact after the royal said that he had cut ties with him.



Before her death, Giuffre filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Andrew, alleging she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions when she was 17. She recounts each occasion in detail in her posthumous memoir, Nobodys Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice, out Oct. 21. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Prince Andrew in September 2025 Prince Andrew in September 2025

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In 2022, Andrew and Guiffre reached an out-of-court settlement, which included a statement in which he expressed regret for his association with Epstein, but contained no admission of liability or apology, per the BBC.

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"Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms. Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights," per a court document filed at the time. "Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms. Giuffre's character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

Read the original article on People
Prince Andrew could become the first member of the Royal family to be investigated by police for more than 20 years after he was accused of trying to use his protection officer to smear his teenage sex abuse accuser.

The Metropolitan Police is actively looking into allegations that he asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre after obtaining both her date of birth and social security number.

He then told Ed Perkins, Elizabeth IIs then deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his officers to dig up information about Giuffre, according to a leaked email.

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A Scotland Yard spokesman said: We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made.

The Prince could potentially face a criminal investigation in the US for sharing Giuffres nine-digit social security number without her consent.

Virginia Giuffre alleged that Prince Andrew sexually abused her - US Department of Justice/PA

Spencer Kuvin, the lawyer who represented nine victims of Jeffrey Epstein  the late paedophile who abused Giuffre  suggested that the Prince could face a hefty jail sentence, noting that it was a crime to knowingly transfer, possess or use without consent another persons social security number.

Penalties for this crime are very severe and can be up to 15 years in prison, he said. The US Social Security Act also protects this information.

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Mr Kuvin added: Given the information disclosed so far it appears that Andrew may have violated both of these acts. The FBI should immediately open an investigation into his actions and request that Andrew subject himself to an interview.

Both the US and British authorities should not protect this awful individual. The world should hold Andrew accountable and show everyone that justice matters.

The row embroiling Prince Andrew comes 23 years after the Princess Royal became the first senior member of the royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence in 2002.

She pleaded guilty at East Berkshire magistrates court in Slough to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act, after her pet Dotty bit two children in Windsor Great Park. She was fined 500.

In 2002, the Princess Royal became the first senior member of the Royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence

The Met has looked into allegations relating to the Prince and Epsteins activities in London three times and opted not to investigate.

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In October 2021, Scotland Yard announced that it would take no further action against Prince Andrew after reviewing legal documents from the civil case brought by Giuffre.

But Sigrid McCawley, Giuffres former lawyer, said on Sunday that the newly unearthed emails warranted a thorough investigation into the forces actions.

She told The Telegraph: For too long the Metropolitan Police has been a pawn for the powerful and privileged. Weaponising the criminal justice system to discredit and debase survivors is wrong and cannot be tolerated.

These new revelations warrant a thorough investigation and a new examination of actions taken by Prince Andrew and the Metropolitan Police to silence the bravery of Virginia Giuffre.

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Buckingham Palace staff could also face questions over what they knew and what they knew about the sharing of Giuffres private information.

Deeply concerning allegations

Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, said the developments were deeply concerning.

Asked about the reports on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, he said: These are deeply concerning allegations. I think people want to look at those allegations and what the substance is behind them.

But if that is correct, that is absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used.

The revelations, published by the Mail on Sunday, came just 24 hours after the King forced his younger brother to relinquish his remaining royal titles and honours.

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He moved to act amid fears that a newly unearthed email, purporting to show the Prince had stayed in touch with Epstein longer than he had previously admitted, would open the floodgates to more scandal.

The King acted amid fears that more scandal about the Prince could be unearthed - Derek Ironside / Newsline Media

Palace sources said they did not want to waste parliamentary time by officially stripping him of the titles as it was considered a family distraction.

The matter could yet be taken out of their hands, however, if there is public clamour for MPs to act.

The latest revelations have fuelled mounting calls for Sir Keir Starmer to pass a law to strip the Prince of his dukedom.

The Prince gave up his Duke of York title, knighthood and his role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter on Friday, but only an Act of Parliament could remove his dukedom.

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Mr Miliband refused to say whether Parliament would move to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom.

Well be guided by the Royal family, he said. Its right that Prince Andrew has relinquished his titles. The royal family will have to make their own decisions about what other steps might be taken.

Ms Giuffre gave an interview to the Mail on Sunday in February 2011 in which she claimed to have been trafficked across the world and to have been forced to have sex with the Prince when she was 17.

The claim was put to the palace ahead of publication and a small circle of close advisers arranged a conference call to discuss how to respond.

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Prince Andrews denial was so outright that the most serious allegations did not, at that stage, make it into print.

What? Who? he spluttered to an aide. What was the name again? Never heard of her.

The leaked emails now appear to show what happened next.

Prince Andrew emailed Jeffrey Epstein to complain that the newspaper was gratuitously trying it on.

The next day, Mr Perkins sent the Prince the now infamous photograph of the Prince with his arm draped around Giuffres waist, which the newspaper had agreed to share on the grounds it was shown only to Andrew.

Prince Andrew with Virginia Giuffre and Ghislaine Maxwell. The Prince denies allegations that he sexually abused Giuffre - AFP

In response, the Prince emailed Mr Perkins to say: Ive just had a short conversation with Ghislaine [Maxwell] and she says VR [Virginia Roberts  as she was known then] is a lying so and so, paraphrasing, but this is consistent with what JE [Jeffrey Epstein] says. If this comes to the crunch we must have a statement ready.

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Mr Perkins replied: Indeed Sir. All received. Awaiting their response now. Lawyers primed.

The Prince then told Mr Perkins he believed Ms Giuffre had a criminal record in America and that he had handed over her social security number and date of birth to one of his protection officers.

Less than three hours later Andrew is said to have forwarded his emails with Mr Perkins to Epstein, with a note simply saying: latest.

The Prince has consistently denied the allegations and eventually settled a civil claim with Giuffre out of court after coming under pressure from the palace to draw a line under the litigation, which threatened to overshadow Elizabeth IIs 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

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Giuffres family has welcomed the news that Andrew has agreed to no longer use his titles but said that in order for true justice to be done, he should also give up the honorary prince title with which he was born.

On Sunday, the Princes biographer, Andrew Lownie, warned there was more scandal to come.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, he said. I think the palace is worried about new allegations that will emerge stateside, they know there is more damaging stuff to come.

Prince Andrews biographer Andrew Lownie warned that the latest scandal was just the tip of the iceberg - Jeff Gilbert for The Telegraph

He said the King should have removed his brothers titles entirely, rather than simply ordering him not to use them.

Mr Lownie said the Prince should be forced to cooperate with the authorities to finally expose the full extent of his dealings with Epstein.

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He also claimed the King should have made the announcement himself, demonstrating that he had taken the lead rather than allowing the Prince to suggest he had made the decision for the good of the country.

A source close to Andrew insisted that he remained stoic about the latest development, having already been asked to give up so much.

But the palace strategy of gradually stripping back his privileges in recent years was likened by one well-placed source to slicing a salami.

Its just optics, they said. Its repetition of something which is already a demonstrably failed strategy.

What theyve done this week follows exactly the same pattern as has been happening since 2011; this tactical approach of asking Prince Andrew to salami slice his entire life until there is virtually nothing left. But it doesnt solve the problem.

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He has never been given the chance to clear his name.

Another source who knows both the Prince and Sarah Ferguson well said they would have taken the latest sanction very hard.

Its about the loss of status, and the public humiliation and the impact on his family  both the immediate circle and the wider royal family, they said.

Day to day, his life gets smaller, the retreat continues.

Sarah will feel it just as keenly.

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NEED TO KNOW

When Prince William is king, he will take a tougher stance on Prince Andrew than his father King Charles, according to a report from The Sunday Times

William will ban Andrew from all aspects of royal life, including his coronation, the outlet reported

The news comes a day after Andrew announced that he is giving up his royal titles amid renewed interest in his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

Prince William plans to put his foot down when it comes to matters concerning his uncle, Prince Andrew.

When the Prince of Wales, 43, becomes king, he will take a tougher stance than his father King Charles did in relation to his disgraced uncle, 65, banning him from all aspects of royal life, according to a report from The Sunday Times.

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The news comes a day after Andrew  who has spent recent years battling the fallout from his connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein  released a statement on Oct. 17, announcing that he is giving up his royal titles and honors. It's a seismic decision that several members of the royal family consulted on, including William and the King, PEOPLE understands.

A palace insider tells PEOPLE that the King and the Prince of Wales are in lockstep on the decision announced on Oct. 17, but The Sunday Times reported that, unlike Charles, William is not satisfied with the outcome.

When he takes the throne, he will ban Andrew from royal life altogether, including both public and private royal events, as well as most state occasions, plus his coronation, the outlet said.

Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Prince Andrew and King Charles pictured in 2022 Prince Andrew and King Charles pictured in 2022

Prince William will also ban Andrews ex-wife Sarah Ferguson from all royal events, per The Sunday Times.

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Fergie, 66, who has remained close with her Andrew since their divorce almost 30 years ago, has been embroiled in her own controversy due to her ties to Epstein. Like her ex-husband, she will no longer use her royal title moving forward.

The royal titles and positions of the former couple's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, meanwhile, will not be affected by the latest bombshell. According to The Sunday Times, William will continue to include the princesses in royal events and family affairs when he is king.

Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace had no comment when reached by PEOPLE.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew in September 2025 Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew in September 2025

Prince Andrew's fall from grace began in 2010 due to his alleged connections to billionaire predator Epstein, but the heat was turned up exponentially in 2015 when he was named in a civil suit against the convicted sex offender.

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In the lawsuit, a woman later identified as Virginia Giuffre (formerly Roberts), claimed she was ordered by Epstein to have sex with Andrew on three separate occasions when she was 17 years old.

In January 2022, Prince Andrew's mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, stripped him of his military titles and patronages amid a sexual assault lawsuit against him by Giuffre, first filed in 2021. Andrew denied any wrongdoing, and in February 2022, he settled with Giuffre out of court for an undisclosed sum. Giuffre died by suicide in April at age 41.

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On Oct. 17, amid renewed interest in his ties to Epstein, Prince Andrew announced he would no longer be using his titles and honors, including the Duke of York, in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice in 2013 Prince William, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice in 2013

"In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family, he said in the statement. "I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life."

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With His Majestys agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me, Andrew continued. "As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.



Read the original article on People
Friends of Prince William tell the Daily Beast that William plans sweeping reforms when he becomes king, using special executive orders to remove princely titles from all non-working royals.

As king, William will strip Prince Andrew and all other non-working royals of their honorific HRHs and princely titles, friends and allies of the prince told the Daily Beast.

Earlier this week, Andrew was encouraged to give up his title of Duke of York following revelations about his friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He remains a prince, however, because the title is protected by law.

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William plans to undo that protection. The dramatic change will be effected by an executive royal order known as letters patent, to be ratified by Parliament in the early weeks of the reign of King William V. It will remove princely titles from Beatrice, Eugenie, Harry, Archie, and Lilibet. The children of Prince Edward and Princess Anne have never used princely titles.

Father and son, Prince William and Prince George, attended Wimbledon this year. William is said to discourage the use of formal titles around his children. / Karwai Tang / WireImage

Meghan and Harry will also see their dukedoms and HRHs formally revoked by the new king, the source said. Meghan continues to use her HRH, despite being ordered not to do so by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

A source said Williams own children may have their titles informally parked until they become adults and can decide for themselves if they want to be full-time working royals or lead lives as private citizens. The source said they are never addressed as prince or princess by their parents, teachers, staff, or family.

Prince Andrew and Prince William take a moment to reflect at the funeral for the Duchess of Kent, on Sept. 16, 2025. / Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

William is understood to have lobbied hard for Andrew to have his title of prince removed and to be dissatisfied with the settlement announced Friday, under which Andrew will stop using his Duke of York title while still being referred to as Prince Andrew.

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Just this week, the kings own aides were briefing the media that it was not worth removing the dukedom, as prince sounded grander than duke anyway.

One ally of Williams told the Daily Beast: On Wednesday, the kings office was saying that removing the dukedom would be a completely lame and ineffectual gesture unless you took away the prince title as well. On Friday, its suddenly the other way round, and persuading him to drop the duke title, without even taking it away, is being held up as a triumph of the kings steely will. His operation is a mess.

Another friend of Williams, who told the Daily Beast about the plan to remove a huge swath of princely titles, said, It should have been done by Charles this week, but William knows he doesnt have the strength because of his illness. William is understanding of his fathers situation. William wont be afraid to take the next step.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and King Charles III attend Countdown to COP30 at the Natural History Museum on Oct. 9, 2025 in London, England. Father and son see eye to eye on climate change, but not much else, it seems. / Henry Nicholls / Pool/Getty Images

They added: William thinks about Queen Margrethe of Denmark a lot.

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In 2022, Queen Margrethe II removed princely titles from four of her grandchildrenNikolai, Felix, Henrik, and Athena. The Queen said the decision would give her grandchildren greater freedom to shape their own lives.

The information gathered on this issue by the Daily Beast tallies with a report in the London Sunday Times that Andrew will be excluded from Williams coronation, that William considers his uncle a threat to the monarchy, and is deeply concerned about the message Andrews presence at royal events sends to victims of sexual abuse.

In an interview with the Canadian actor and comedian Eugene Levy, William said he wanted to ensure the institution he will one day lead was fit for purpose, saying: Change is on my agenda. Change for good. I dont fear it.

One former Buckingham Palace staffer told the Daily Beast that William strongly opposed Fridays statement being issued in Andrews name and Andrews defiant tone.

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They said phone lines were running hot between William and the king, and that last-minute negotiations meant the statement was not ready in time for the 6 p.m. news bulletins, as had been intended, instead being issued at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Prince Andrew is on an island of his own making. / Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty Images

Andrew ordered cops to investigate Giuffre

Prince Andrews entitlement extended to trying to use the countrys police force as his own private detective agency in an attempt to smear Virginia Giuffre, newly published emails show.

He passed confidential personal information, including Giuffres social security number, to his taxpayer-funded police bodyguard with orders to investigate her.

Andrew has not explained how he accessed the social security number, but many will assume it came from her employer, Jeffrey Epstein.

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According to leaked emails published in the Mail on Sunday, the shamed prince asked one of his Metropolitan Police personal-protection officers to investigate Giuffre just before the now-infamous photograph of Andrew with his arm around Giuffres waist was published in 2011.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre holds a photo of herself as a teen, when she claimed she was abused by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Prince Andrew, among others. Giuffre died in April 2025. / Miami Herald / Emily Michot/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

It would also seem she has a criminal record in the States, the prince allegedly wrote. I have given her DoB and social security number for investigation with [name redacted], the on-duty PPO.

The revelations landed within 24 hours of King Charles ordering his brother to relinquish his remaining royal titles. The decision followed the publication of Giuffres posthumous memoir and the emergence of an email showing Andrew had stayed in touch with Jeffrey Epstein far longer than he admitteda tipping point that convinced King Charles and Prince William that Andrew posed an intolerable, reputational risk.

While the U.K. newspapers have portrayed this as decisive and swift action by the king, in fact, the debacle has been dragging on for years, and Charles only finally acted under increasingly furious demands from his son and heir, Prince William.

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Andrew Lownie, the princes biographer, told the Daily Beast: Its not enough. The King should have removed Andrews titles, not just asked him to stop using them. There is much more to come; this is the tip of the iceberg.

Giuffres family condemned Andrews request to the police to dig up intel on her as proof of the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors.

Andrews allies described the slow dismantling of Andrews status as salami-slicing in the Daily Telegraph, and argued he should have been given a chance to clear his name in court.

Another source said the latest blow had devastated both Andrew and Ferguson: Its about the loss of status, the public humiliation, and the shrinking of their world. Day by day, his life gets smaller. Andrew reportedly canceled a planned birthday celebration for Ferguson at their Windsor home last week. Her children did not publicly wish her a happy birthday.

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Giuffres brother, Sky Roberts, said the family felt vindicated but insisted that true justice required the removal of Andrews prince title as well. He shouldnt be able to call himself one, he said.

Giuffres posthumous memoir, published this week, alleges Andrew insisted on a one-year gagging order after their settlement to avoid overshadowing Queen Elizabeth IIs Platinum Jubilee.

Prince William is understood to be considering further measures to protect the monarchys image when he becomes king, including the possibility of excluding his uncle from his coronation.

Legal experts warned the episode could have serious consequences, with renewed calls for a police investigation.

Andrews ex-wife Sarah Ferguson is said to have repeatedly borrowed money from Jeffrey Epstein. / Kirsty Wigglesworth / via Reuters

Scrounging Sarah Ferguson Borrowed Huge Sums From Epstein

Sarah Fergusons long-standing claim that she accepted only 15,000 (then $18,000) from Jeffrey Epstein has been exposed as the nonsense many have long suspected it was.

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Sarahs biographer and nemesis Andrew Lownie has said she accepted in the region of $2 million.

Newly unearthed emails published by the Mail on Sunday reveal the pedophile financier secretly bankrolled the Duchess of York for around 15 years, footing her bills, paying off debts, and fielding repeated pleas for money that ran into tens of thousands of dollars.

In the messages, Epstein complained to friends about Fergusons scrounging ways, describing how she begged to borrow between $50,000 and $100,000 to cover small bills.

He even wrote that she was the first to celebrate his release from jail with her two daughters in tow. At the time Princess Beatrice was 20 and Princess Eugenie 19around the same age as many of Epsteins victims.

The title of Sarah Fergusons 2002 tome now seems ironic.

The cache of emails, now under review by the U.S. Congress, reveals a relationship far more intimate and financially dependent than Ferguson ever admitted.

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They show that while she publicly distanced herself from Epstein after his 2008 conviction for child sex offences, privately she continued to ask for his help with money, charities, and even media strategy, with Epstein providing her with talking points before an Oprah Winfrey interview.

One email shows Epstein paying off a debt Ferguson owed to her former personal assistant, John OSullivan, to the tune of 15,000 ($18,000). Another from January 2011 has him informing Prince Andrew, JS done, confirming the payment.

Andrew replied, Fantastic!!! Thank you. Thank you. Later messages reveal that OSullivan was demanding a further $60,000 (49,000) in unpaid wages, and Epstein warned Andrew a second payment could look like a payoff. Andrews response, So I could get it paid by someone else?, only deepened the impression of murky financial entanglement.

Sarah Ferguson pictured with her daughters, Eugenie and Beatrice, in 2010 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. / Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty Images

Despite publicly declaring she would never have anything to do with Epstein again, Ferguson continued corresponding with him. He helped her set up a charity, and even bought her the domain name Mothers Army. When she later apologized in the London Evening Standard for accepting the 15,000, Epstein fumed in an email to French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel: The duchess that I have financially helped for 15 years said she wants nothing to do with a pedophile and child sex abuser. It has caused quite a stir.

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Epstein subsequently demanded that Ferguson write him a public letter of apology, even threatening to sue her if she refused. One draft of the letter found in the email trove read: Dear Jeffrey, I wanted you to know with certainty that many things said in the press about you that were attributed to me were either a totally malicious fabrication or an outrageous exaggeration There was never a claim of pedophilia... You have been a loyal friend of my family for many years.

The correspondence leaves no doubt that Epstein financed Ferguson far beyond the token 15,000 ($18,000) she once admitted. As one source close to the situation told the Mail: Andrew and Sarah were in it up to their necks. It was always about the moneyand Epstein got sick and tired of being their bank Sarah and Prince Andrew have always maintained they distanced themselves from Epstein after his conviction for child prostitution. In fact, it was Epstein who ended up dumping them. He got sick and tired of Sarah constantly asking him for money.

Want more royal gossip, scoops and scandal? Head over to The Royalist on Substack




BROWNSVILLE - Every few months, thousands of people gather on nearby shores to watch rockets lift off from Boca Chica Beach. The eyes of residents - young and old - gaze up as SpaceX tests the vehicles it says will take humans to Mars.

Now, high school students here are being offered the opportunity to design, build and launch a rocket of their own.

The South Texas Astronomical Society, known as STARSociety for short, is accepting applications for Project Vortex, an initiative that will give high school students first-hand experience in building a rocket and launching it in the spring.

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Lizzie Flores, executive director of STARSociety and a student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, said they want to encourage high school students to pursue careers in space sciences, especially those who might lack confidence in entering those fields.

LAST WEEK: SpaceX launches Starship for 11th test flight from South Texas Starbase

"We just want to engage as many kids as we can with getting them to believe in themselves," Flores said. "So many kids just don't think that they're good enough."

Participation in Project Vortex is free, which was made possible through a series of sponsorships.

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SpaceX's launch site is located on one of the southernmost tips of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, a heavily Hispanic region that for decades has been defined not by space exploration, but poverty. Even with a growing space economy in Cameron County, which includes Brownsville, the average income is just $24,283, according to census data. Nearly 90% of students in the Brownsville school district qualify for government-subsidized meals, an indication of poverty.

Project Vortex is the latest example of how Elon Musk's company is changing the region - albeit slowly.

Blaine Allen, center, and Hector Salinas, staff members from the South Texas Astronomical Society organization, speak to a passerby Sept. 20 at a night market in Brownsville. (Michael Gonzalez/Texas Tribune contributor)





Sabian Cardenas, another UTRGV student and mentor with STARSociety, said there aren't many opportunities for high school students in the Rio Grande Valley to learn about rocketry and aerospace engineering, and hopes Project Vortex can fill that void.

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"This is a program, first of its kind, trying to give that opportunity for high schoolers to develop those skills for teamwork and more technical-like abilities," Cardenas said.

Growing up in Brownsville, Cardenas assumed he would have to leave the Valley to pursue a career in space sciences, but SpaceX gave him hope that staying was an option.

"I don't have to leave the Valley to be chasing my dreams for aerospace," he said.

The program

The students accepted into Project Vortex will gain hands-on experience in building a rocket that could be up to 11 feet high.

During the 13-week program, students will be split into four teams: structures, avionics, operations and recovery, and business and outreach. The purpose is to help students understand that there are different roles involved in building a rocket.

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It is set to start later this fall, and they are targeting June for the rocket launch. The goal is to hit an altitude of 10,000 feet.

Project Vortex comes as SpaceX continues to expand its footprint in South Texas. The space exploration company has been conducting test flights of its fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket since 2023.

Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration cleared the way for SpaceX to increase the frequency of its launches, from five to 25 times per year.

The company now is seeking to expand its existing launch pad and infrastructure at Starbase, the newly formed city that encompasses the SpaceX campus, by another 21 acres.

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The growth of SpaceX in the Valley has garnered more interest in aerospace among the community, Flores said. During their gatherings, the group has fielded questions about SpaceX's operations. Most often, parents approach them on behalf of their children who expressed an interest in space sciences.

The influence of SpaceX is undeniable to Isaac Choutapalli, founding director of UTRGV's Center for Aerospace Research.

"The presence of SpaceX has been a catalyst, I would say, to increase student interest in aerospace related careers, and also in general, increase interest in STEM areas," Choutapalli said.

Staff members from the South Texas Astronomical Society oversee a telescope setup that lets passersby check out the stars Sept. 20 during a night market in Brownsville. (Michael Gonzalez/Texas Tribune contributor)





Funded by a grant from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the research center enables graduate and undergraduate students to conduct research across multiple fields of study to create one product. Choutapalli said the ability to work within different areas of study is very important and attractive for students who want to pursue a career in aerospace, a field that requires the combination of different subject areas.

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When the research center started two years ago, Choutapalli had only three students. But as activity at SpaceX's launch site has ramped up, more students have inquired about aerospace courses, internships and careers. The center now includes 35 students, though Choutapalli said that between 50 to 100 have asked about joining.

On to SpaceX

Two of his students went to work at SpaceX, and the center is hoping to soon begin a collaboration with the company. SpaceX did not respond to a request for an interview.

Rayyan Farooqui, a high school intern with the STARSociety, didn't want to pursue a career aerospace initially, but that changed after he moved to Brownsville in 2021.

"When I came to Brownsville and I saw the first Starship launch, and I saw what SpaceX was doing, that kind of shifted my mind," said Farooqui who moved to the Valley from Houston.

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Seeing Starship rockets go off in their backyard, so to speak, has really ignited curiosity among other students, Farooqui said.

STARSociety aims to foster that.

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc.

This article originally published at Project gives South Texas students a chance to get a taste of the space race.
Illinois state lawmakers went back to Springfield this week for the veto session with a Clean Energy Proposal on the table.

And Iowas latest two-year cycle for city elections will be decided in a little more than two weeks.

Host Jim Niedelman talks about that with Iowa Republican Party Chair Jeff Kaufmann and former Rock Island Mayor Mark Schwiebert, a Democrat.

Weve discussed this several times in the legislature, I know, and its one of those issues that seems to be bipartisan on both sides, Kaufmann said.

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As a person who served as mayor for 20 years, I found it kind of relieving not to have to run every two years, Schwiebert said.

To hear more from the panel, click on the video.

Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 the Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
A copyright controversy between celebrity storm chaser Reed Timmer and a YouTube streamer highlights a behind-the-scenes legal industry meant to protect original content online.

For fans, it has offered a peek inside the lucrative but complex world of federal copyright law and the legal tools used to make sure original creators get paid when their work is used by someone else. While the dispute was resolved quickly, Timmer often goes to court to protect his work.

A decade ago, it was mostly large, well-established companies and publishers who rooted out cases of copyright infringement, said Oklahoma City attorney Douglas Sorocco. But now there are more independent creators, citizen journalists and small businesses creating their own digital content.

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That has created a booming industry of digital rights management companies, where even fair uses of content can get sometimes get caught up in costly legal battles.

"They're just filing basically the same lawsuit around the country," Sorocco said. "Some people look at it as an extortion racket. Other people, content creators, (say) it's protecting our rights."

Streamer used clip from Hurricane Milton coverage

In the short-lived legal battle that played out in YouTube videos posted Oct. 10, streamer penguinz0 told his audience of 17.3 million subscribers that he might be getting sued by Timmer, a University of Oklahoma graduate who has chased and captured video of the most dangerous tornadoes the state has ever seen.

Timmer recently moved his fleet of weather-chasing vehicles into a warehouse near Norman, which is the base of operations for his chases that stretch across the nation. Timmer did not respond to a message seeking comment for this article.

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The other streamer, whose real name is Charles White Jr., said he got a "normal, unassuming, albeit very large envelope in the mail." Online, he is known as penguinz0 and also uses the handle MoistCr1TiKaL (pronounced moist critical).

The letter contained accusations that White copied and displayed copyrighted works by Timmer and another storm chaser.

White explained that during his own live stream of 2024's Hurricane Milton from his home state of Florida, he spent about two minutes looking at other streams of hurricane coverage, including from Timmer's Team Dominator stream.

More: Microsoft sued by authors over alleged use of 200,000 pirated books to train AI

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Timmer works with a digital rights management company that found the footage used by White. The letter from Viral DRM claimed White could be liable for tens of thousands of dollars in damages, he said.

"For the hurricane, I thought it would be A-OK to show very brief clips of what was happening with Milton so I could stay up to date," White said.

Timmer agreed, even if his digital rights management company didn't. In a response video posted the same day as White's, Timmer clarified he is "not suing Charlie" and asked that the copyright claim be removed.

"I wasn't aware of this content match or that a lawsuit was going to be filed. But I have removed myself from that content match because I encourage, in this case, Charlie for using that short clip to let people know about the hurricane that was happening out there," Timmer said from the back of the Dominator 3, an up-armored truck he uses to get as close as possible to tornadoes.

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Timmer said that his streams and videos often get stolen and republished as original content. On places like YouTube, that can have a severely negative impact on the true original creator's income stream from new viewers.

"We'll get an 'unoriginality' tag, and it throttles our reach on that video for good," Timmer said.

Before actually filing a lawsuit, digital rights management companies often send a letter demanding the removal of content or payment. This is what White received.

"We do have to push back against content theft in general out there," Timmer said, explaining that all the revenue from his videos goes back into staffing and operation of his science missions.

Timmer involved with several lawsuits over copyrighted content

Although Timmer won't be suing penguinz0, he does avail himself of the court system. In 2025 alone, he's listed as a plaintiff in at least 17 copyright infringement cases in 11 states. Oklahoma isn't one of them. For many of those federal lawsuits, Timmer is just one of several creators suing for infringement.

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For example, lawsuits have been filed against news broadcasters in Mexico, Australia and the United Kingdom. Several of the cases, however, are aimed at local businesses and digital "creators" who reuploaded viral chase videos to their own social media accounts, without attribution or permission. A vehicle wrap company in Georgia was ordered to pay $7,500 for reuploading Timmer's drone-shot video of the spectacularly photogenic 2022 Andover, Kansas tornado.

That's not what White did during his stream, though. If he had been brought to court, he could have argued the doctrine of "fair use." According to the U.S. Copyright Office, fair use is a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works  in certain circumstances.

When determining fair use, a court can examine the purpose of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, how much of the work was used, and the ultimate effect on the original work's value.

Reed Timmer is seen with The Dominator, an up-armored truck that he uses to chase tornadoes. He's holding a rocket that is launched from the truck into tornadoes to gather meteorological data. Along with conducting science, Timmer also live-streams and records his chases, which provides the funds to continue chasing.

How digital copyright management works

As it exists today, the digital rights management industry grew out of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), a 1998 law that tried to address the growing presence of the internet and curb the unwanted republication of copyrighted works.

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In 2025, in the age of live streams and TikTok, here's how it usually works:

A streamer, video producer or any other kind of content creator online will publish an original work. Some will encode a "watermark," or a digital fingerprint that makes it easier for web-crawling bots to identify when someone reuploads it as their own, and the content can also be assigned a formal copyright with the U.S. government.

If that content is found anywhere else, the copyright owner or their representative will then issue a takedown notice to the website, whether it be YouTube, Instagram or any other online service provider.

The "suspect" will then either accept the takedown or file a counter-notice. This is often done by claiming fair use. Challenging or ignoring the claim, however, might eventually turn into an expensive lawsuit.

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While many digital rights management companies aggressively protect their clients' copyrights, things can sometimes go haywire. The automation required to scan millions of websites, videos and images can send out hundreds of takedown notices on unrelated content. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit advocate for online privacy and equitable copyright laws, wrote in 2015 that automated takedown notices without human review is an abuse of the DMCA.

Reed Timmer is seen with The Dominator, an up-armored truck that he uses to chase tornadoes. He's holding a rocket that is launched from the truck into tornadoes to gather meteorological data. Along with conducting science, Timmer also live-streams and records his chases, which provides the funds to continue chasing.

These takedown requests can have a long tail. Many service providers like YouTube will penalize someone for receiving too many takedown requests and channels or profiles can be shut down entirely.

Honest content creators can also be the target of scammers or trolls using the DMCA. Even genuine letters can be scary for a streamer or creator who isn't equipped to defend themselves.

Sorocco said that some digital rights management companies are basically a holding company for copyrights that have a close relationship with a law office.

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"An industry has boomed where companies either acquire through assignment or partner through licensing with the sole goal of going out there and identifying potential infringing uses," Sorocco said.

Sorocco noted that penguinz0 would have had a good argument that using a clip of Timmer's stream was fair use. Ultimately, he said the cost of vindicating your right to use copyrighted content in a fair way has become too high.

"If there needs to be some changes in the law, perhaps it's looking at how these disputes can be adjudicated in a way that's less expensive and makes them less prone to extortion," he said. "Right now, the threat of bringing litigation in federal court is a significant factor weighing on people to settle."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Reed Timmer and penguinz0 copyright lawsuit controversy explained
LIMA  Hundreds of demonstrators marched down West Market Street to Town Square Saturday in protest of President Donald Trump.

The protesters, some dressed in costumes, others carrying American flags, chanted, Donald Trump has got to go, as they marched from the old West Ohio Gas Company building to Town Square, where they formed a circle around the Market Street roundabout.

Demonstrators carried hand-made signs decrying immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities. Others compared the president to a king, tyrant or fascist.

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The rally, which lasted for two hours, is one of hundreds of No Kings demonstrations that took place across the U.S. Saturday.

The Lima News did not observe any acts violence committed by or against protesters. Protesters spoke of their frustration with an administration they say is eroding constitutional rights and public services as it concentrates wealth in the hands of a few and tests the boundaries of presidential power.

Why do we need to give billionaires tax cuts? said Kris Krendl, who traveled from Auglaize County with her sister to take part in the No Kings rally because she worries her Medicare premiums will soon double in price.

I feel so powerless, said Nancy Kohlrieser, another protester who came to Town Square Saturday to express frustration with what she described as the lack of bipartisanship and moderation in Washington, D.C. I have no one in government who represents the way I think.  Theres no bipartisanship. Theres no negotiating. The moderates have no voice anymore.

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Clarence Roller attended his first protest Saturday to publicly denounce the firings of senior military leaders. Roller, a Vietnam veteran, stood to the side clutching his walker and an enlarged cartoon of soldiers lifting the American flag with the caption, Cmon suckers! Lets do this for the losers!

Theres few people in the military who have the responsibility of determining legal orders, said Roller, who fears the president is targeting senior military leaders so he can declare an emergency to remain in power past 2028.

Roller and other protesters also raised concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s leadership of Health and Human Services, whom Roller described as a man who doesnt believe in vaccines.

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Kennedys ascension comes amid a nationwide measles outbreak: Allen County Public Health confirmed the countys first measles case in at least 20 years earlier this year, bringing the issue close to home.

We didnt used to have to worry about that stuff, Krendl said. Theyre not going to do anything about it.

Roller said Trumps recent admission of getting seasonal flu and COVID vaccines suggests he doesnt believe the man he put in charge of everybody else.

Hes destroying the country inside and out, Roller said. Hes an embarrassment. What hes doing scares me.
TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11)  Thousands of No Kings protests were held across the U.S. on Saturday in defiance of the Trump administration and its policies.

Protesters, joined by local and state representatives, descended onto Times Square in Manhattan around 11 a.m., according to organizers. The first wave of No Kings protests was held over the summer, during President Donald Trumps military parade in Washington, D.C.

Saturdays protest focused on the fight against the government shutdown, intensifying immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops into cities.

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Today we join millions of Americans speaking out to reclaim and defend our freedoms from the madness of a wannabe king. In America, power belongs to The People, and We The People will hold the powerful accountable, the New York Civil Liberties Union said in a statement to PIX11 News.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events, organizers wrote on the No Kings protest event page.

Another No Kings march kicked off on Staten Island, outside of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis office, at 1 p.m. Protests were expected throughout all five boroughs on Saturday.

The NYPD said in a statement: The No Kings protests are happening across the city today. The NYPD will be out to make sure everyone can peacefully and safely exercise their First Amendment right. As a reminder, there will be zero tolerance for any illegal activity or anyone who breaks the law.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Protesters lined the sidewalks surrounding the Daviess County Courthouse lawn on Saturday for Owensboros presentation of the worldwide No Kings rally, a protest aimed at voicing displeasure with the Donald Trump administration.

The rally began at 11 a.m., with organizer Tyler Sagardoy encouraging the crowd to keep it respectful.

Were just here to raise a message. Were not here to debate anybody, Sagardoy said. I want us to generate some positive energy here today that I hope keeps us inspired and hopeful in some of the dark days ahead.

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The No Kings protests began in June 2025, with as many as five million people in more than 2,000 cities and towns across the globe turning out to protest the policies and actions of the current administration.

Ezra Levin with Indivisible  a progressive movement that began in response to President Trumps 2016 election victory  said, The time for assessing this administration is over  now is the moment to raise our voices and be heard. Not just to protest this parade, but to affirm something deeper: that power belongs to the people, that democracy is worth defending, that we still believe in a government of, by, and for the people. Inspired by Dr. Kings legacy, this mobilization reminds us of his vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable society. A dream toward which we have dedicated our lives and urge everyone to stand together in the face of this latest challenge to our fragile democracy.

At the Owensboro rally, organizers allowed speakers to address the crowd before protesters took to the sidewalks around the courthouse. Those speakers, according to Sagardoy, each brought powerful statements to the microphone.

Sr. Sharon Sullivan, congregation leader for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, delivered what Sagardoy called a moral message.

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Sullivan asked protesters to recall their elementary school years, referencing words from the Emma Lazarus poem The New Colossus, inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

In a poem called The New Colossus, we find these familiar words, Give me your poor, your tired... the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!  Sullivan said. These words reflected themes of hope, refuge and the American ideals of freedom and opportunity for all  not just the wealthy, the professional, the person who would most benefit from the United States economy, but the homeless, the tempest-tossed, those seeking to build better lives.

Sullivan, whose speech centered on immigration, also quoted the Declaration of Independence, saying:  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men, all persons, are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We each have value. We each have worth. Its not a question of us and them. Rather, we are all we, she said. Today, then, we must ask ourselves, how did we get so off track?

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Sullivan concluded her address with five simple tasks for the community:

We must become and remain aware. We must challenge ourselves to evaluate our own actions and assumptions. We must commit ourselves to challenge assertions based on fear  especially on fear of others. We must be willing to consistently challenge assumptions and assertions we know to be false. And, in whatever way we can, we must not be silent.

Chrissy Bray Cotton spoke on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a time when we should be celebrating our shared humanity, we are, instead, mourning lives for hate, violence and fear, said Bray Cotton. So many innocent people in Kentucky, across our nation and around the world are being demonized simply for existing, simply for being who they are. There is no room in this world for that kind of (behavior).

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As a proud, transgender woman, Bray Cotton  who is a worship leader at Owensboros Unity Fellowship, a service-oriented, LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming church  stated that: LGBTQ+ people... are being targeted.

Books that reflect our stories are being banned. Healthcare that saved lives is being restricted. People who are just trying to be are being hurt in a political battleground, she said. But, let me be clear, our rights are constitutional. The First Amendment gives us the right to speak, to gather, to be heard, just like were doing today. The 14th Amendment (provides) equal protection under the law, and no leader, no legislature, no faith-based agenda can erase our humanity or our work.

We will move forward together... They can try to shut one door, but well open 10 more. They can try to dim our light, but, together, we will shine brighter than ever.

Jen Vogel, representing the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, addressed the audience about womens rights in the current political climate.

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Now, more than ever, the power of women is needed, said Vogel. The rights of a man are the same in all 50 states. A man can get on a plane and fly to Texas, and he can fly to New York, and nothing about his rights has changed. But for me and my daughter, our rights vary when we step off that plane into a different state. Ask yourself, why are the rights of women not universal within the borders of a nation?

Vogel cited the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade as putting the power to control reproduction into the hands of politicians.

It is only someone who sees themselves as a ruling class who would dare think that they have any right to make decisions about someone elses bodily autonomy and healthcare, Vogel continued. In a democracy, individuals, not the state, must have autonomy over their bodies and their lives. Restrictions on reproductive healthcare, including contraception and abortion, represent an unprecedented expansion of state power over personal medical decisions.

Renee Kuegel told the crowd a personal story about her husband and his experience navigating the healthcare subsidies provided by the Affordable Care Act  and the potential consequences if those subsidies are withdrawn.

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Although her husband receives disability benefits, Medicare coverage does not begin until two years after the disability ruling, Kuegel said.

So, come Jan. 1, 2026, my husband will be without insurance for 10 months because we will not be able to afford this new premium without the subsidy, she said. We could lose everything weve worked hard for  our home, our savings, our peace of mind. At a time in life when we should be enjoying our golden years, were back to living paycheck to paycheck and hoping that nothing bad happens. And yet... I truly believe we are the lucky ones.

She added: We all go without so millionaires and billionaires can have just a little bit more. That is the cruel decision of the current administration. That is not a policy choice. That is a moral failure. So today, Im standing here to say enough. I refuse to accept this fate.

Sagardoy said the turnout at Saturdays No Kings protest was probably the biggest crowd weve had so far.

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I dont want to say its a positive sign per se because I would prefer not to have a No Kings rally and have a competent person (representing the country), he said. But it just means that people are becoming more and more aware of whats going on. Its encouraging, but we still have a ways to go.

I think some people have a misconception and dont fully understand what this event is about. They think that were trying to, I dont know, overthrow Donald Trump or something. No. This is about maintaining positive energy because we know its going to get dark. We know its gonna get darker. And its important that we hang on to a little light inside of us of hope, so that way, come the midterms next year, we can get the vote. .. Im hoping personally to maintain this momentum into the midterms so that way, God willing, we can elect a competent Congress.

More information about the No Kings protest can be found at www.nokings.org.
MSNBC interviewed one No Kings organizer on Saturday who said that if people like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) want to rip the protestors as Antifa members, she will wear it as a badge of honor, because she is proud to say the attendees are fighting back against President Donald Trumps fascist government.

Reporter Nnamdi Egwuonwu, during a live hit from Houston on MSNBC Reports, spoke to a woman only identified as Bethany, who is an organizer with 50501, one of the groups spearheading the nationwide No Kings rallies.

Egwuonwu asked Bethany for her response to Republicans who said the attendees were anti-American and members of Antifa. Bethany laughed, said that is silly, but that yes, according to the definition of it, the protestors were certainly Antifa.

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Obviously, if you look at the definition of it, Antifa, anti-fascist  Ive spoke to a couple of veterans who said thats literally what they fought against. They are anti-fascist. So I think I should be proud to say that the people out here are Antifa, Bethany said. We dont agree with the fascist government.

Bethany did not mention what aspects of the Trump Administration in particular she believed were fascist.

MSNBCs question for her  and Bethanys response  comes a few days after Johnson mockingly dubbed the protests as the We Hate America Rally. Johnson predicted the second No Kings event  just like the first one back in June  would be littered with a bunch of communists and terrorist supporters who loathe their own country.

I encourage you to watch  we call it the Hate America Rally  thatll happen Saturday, Johnson said on Wednesday. Lets see who shows up for that. I bet ya see pro-Hamas supporters, I bet you you see Antifa-types, I bet ya see the Marxists in full display. The people who dont want to stand and defend the foundational truths of this republic.

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The 50501 groups website said it is dedicated to protests that are against the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies. The featured image on its site includes a picture of a protest where one attendee is holding a sign with Trumps picture on it that said impeach the b*tch, and another sign that said Trump: enemy of the people.

You can watch Bethany talk to MSNBC above.

The post Proud to Say That the People Out Here are Antifa: No Kings Organizer Brags to MSNBC first appeared on Mediaite.
Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Ukraine hand over full control of Donetsk Oblast to Russia as a condition for ending the war during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, The Washington Post reported on Oct. 18, citing two senior U.S. officials.

According to the report, Putin indicated he was willing to give up parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, both partially occupied by Russian forces, in exchange for complete control over Donetsk.

Some White House officials described the proposal as progress, while a senior European diplomat cautioned that Ukraine would likely view the proposal in a very different light.

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Its like selling them their own leg in exchange for nothing, the diplomat said.

Trump has not publicly addressed the Kremlins demand but, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, urged both sides to stop the killing and make a deal.

This development marks a shift from Putins earlier position in April, when he rejected a U.S. proposal to freeze hostilities along current front lines and instead insisted that any peace deal must grant Russia full control over Crimea plus the full four regions that are partially occupied now: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Putin and Trump are expected to continue discussions at a planned summit in Hungary, which is set to take place in the coming weeks.

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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Oct. 17 that he had spoken with Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, adding that preparations for the U.S.Russia summit are ongoing.

Read also: Putin lectured Trump on Kyivan Rus during Alaska summit, FT reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Word about a new facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base to train Qatari fighter pilots spread rapidly when it was teased a week ago, but details of the sudden U.S. Defense Department deal have remained limited.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths announcement took many by surprise, including Idahos governor and federal lawmakers who werent informed ahead of time. And it was criticized across the political spectrum, with a number of prominent right-wing Republicans questioning what came off as the U.S. permitting the Middle East nation to establish an air base in Idaho.

To my knowledge, none of us had a heads-up on this, Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho, told KIDO radio this week. So I know a little bit, I dont know a lot. But I can tell you that I have concerns.

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Hegseth and others in President Donald Trumps administration were forced to spend days clearing up that Qatar would not be building a base in the U.S., and instead was welcomed by the 366th Fighter Wing in Idaho only to train. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News it was largely a fake story.

With countries that we work with, we have relationships where sometimes their pilots work on our bases, sometimes that we train together, he said. But were not going to let a foreign country have an actual base on American soil.

The plan is eight years in the making, after the U.S., during Trumps first term, completed a $12 billion agreement with Qatar in June 2017 for 36 scaled-down F-15s plus training, Bloomberg reported at the time. Col. Michael Perez, group commander of the 366th Maintenance Group at the base in Mountain Home, said at a news conference Tuesday that the Air Force would be hosting the Qataris as part of that agreement.

Since 2009, the base in Mountain Home has hosted a contingent of F-15 pilots from Singapore in the 428th Fighter Squadron under a similar agreement. At least four other arrangements of its kind between the U.S. and other foreign nations exist across the country, Fulcher said in his radio interview.

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Mountain Home is one of only two U.S. bases that house a similar model of the fighter jet Qatar is buying, and that countrys military leadership wanted to conduct the training  including maintenance and operations  at one of those locations, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. The base south of Boise offered more room to expand, so became the preferred option.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week that Qatar will begin training on F-15 fighter jets at Mountain Home Air Force Base south of Boise. Qatari pilots could arrive by 2030.

A dozen of the F-15s Qatar purchased would be stored at the base during the 10-year deal, which could be extended by another decade, according to a final environmental analysis from March 2022. Hangars and facilities for storage, maintenance and operations would be built on base to accommodate the additional aircraft.

The military project analysis documents, which includes several alternatives, are an estimate, but remain accurate for planning purposes, an Air Force spokesperson told the Statesman. A member of the Air Force based in Mountain Home previously estimated the projects cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Construction will be funded by Qatar through the Defense Departments Foreign Military Sales program, though an updated cost figure is not currently available. But the project cleared congressional review in April 2025, with a final price tag expected in the coming weeks, according to an email from the 366th Fighter Wing to Idaho Gov. Brad Littles office obtained by the Statesman through a public records request.

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All new facilities at the base will be owned and operated by the Mountain Home Air Force base, a spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, wrote to Littles office. Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Little were among those in Idaho leadership whom the Trump administration left in the dark about plans to bring Qataris to Mountain Home for F-15 trainings, public records showed.

In a letter posted online Friday, Little, Risch, Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson asked Hegseth to brief Idahos congressional delegation about the agreement with Qatar. Risch and Crapo supported Hegseths nomination for secretary of defense.

We would like the department to provide more information about the plans and intentions of this mission now that it appears to be finalized, the letter read.

Possible Qatari land holdings in Idaho

All construction of the structures at the base is expected to be completed by 2030 or 2031, ready to welcome Qatari pilots and military personnel, the Air Force spokesperson said by email.

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The original plan calls for 169 members of Qatars military to be stationed at the base. An additional 131 U.S. Air Force personnel would join them to assist with trainings for a total of 300 more people at the base.

Fulchers office did not respond to a request for comment from the Statesman. But Fulcher told KIDO radio the number of people would be around 270. Comparatively, Singapores program at the base entails about 140 military personnel, he said.

The last time I was at Mountain Home Air Force Base, they didnt have room on site for an incremental 270 people, Fulcher said. So that begs the question, Whats the living quarters like? Are they supposed to absorb into Mountain Home communities, East Boise? I dont know the answer to that.

Under a new agreement between the U.S. and Qatar, pilots and other military personnel from the Middle East nation are expected to arrive at Mountain Home Air Force Base south of Boise to train on F-15s as soon as 2030. Theyll learn how to maintain the fighter jets like these U.S. service members in 2005.

New on-base dorms also are part of the construction plan to house the visiting Qataris. Off-base housing in Elmore and Ada counties could come into play as well on an interim or permanent basis, the project analysis documents said.

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A new Idaho law took effect in July that prohibits foreign governments from owning property in Idaho, including near military bases. The bill targets foreign adversaries as defined by the federal government, which singles out countries such as China, Russia and North Korea.

Under one alternative in the military analysis plans for Qatars Idaho training program, the Middle East nation would buy or rent off-base housing, including in Mountain Home and Boise. Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, a retired U.S. Navy captain who sponsored the state law signed by Little, declined to comment on the prospects of Qatar owning land near Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Just a week before the deal to sell the F-15s to Qatar was finalized in June 2017, Trump said in a news conference on the White House lawn that the Middle East nation unfortunately has historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level.

Today, Qatar is considered a critical ally to the U.S., rather than a foe, and a key strategic partner in the Middle East. At the news conference announcing the F-15 training program in Idaho, Hegseth said Qatar played a substantial role from the beginning to help deliver a recent Israel-Hamas peace treaty to end a two-year war in the Gaza Strip.

Qatar earlier this year donated a luxury jet valued at as much as $400 million to the U.S. for Trump to use as Air Force One while Boeing is delayed in delivering a new version of the presidents plane. The unprecedented gift has raised concerns among Democrats and some Republicans in Congress, including over required upgrades to the jet estimated at as much as $1 billion, according to news reports.
JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens (PIX11)  Residents and community leaders in Queens are continuing their efforts to make Roosevelt Avenue safer and better for families, facing ongoing challenges from crime and illegal activity.

Residents say that crime and prostitution have been persistent problems, but their fight is far from over. They hope their ongoing efforts inspire real change and result in increased safety.

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A community group in Jackson Heights is stepping up again to tackle crime and improve life along Roosevelt Avenue. On Sunday, dozens gathered at 90th Street and Roosevelt Avenue for a public safety rally organized by the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition.

It has been one year since major efforts began to combat crime and sex trafficking in the area, but serious problems still remain.

Hiram Monserrate, the district leader, spoke at the rally just steps from an illegal brothel. We are on 90th and Roosevelt, which is basically the Walmart of illegal sex trade, he said. At night, the prostitutes line up here about 50 to 60 deep.

Monserrate emphasized the coalitions new campaign against attempts to legalize prostitution in the state. If there is any attempt thats effective in legalizing or decriminalizing, as they say, its basically the same thing. This community will be overwhelmed by more gangs and cartels, he warned.

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The coalitions goal is clear: protect neighborhoods, keep families safe, and make sure children dont have to walk past brothels or illegal businesses on their way to school.

Resident Toni Diaz said, We dont want our children to grow up and say I want to be a prostitute. Thats wrong.

The movement to legalize prostitution seeks to allow adults to buy or sell sex without fear of arrest. However, it remains illegal, and the police continue to crack down on illegal activity.

Rosa Sanchez, president of Restore Roosevelt Avenue, shared her concerns, Were here to make sure that our women are not trafficked and also what were noticing is that our youth are following the wrong steps. We are here to lend a helping hand because we know what it is to be in a place where you dont want to be.

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These efforts follow New York Citys Operation Restore Roosevelt launched last yeara 90-day multi-agency crackdown led by the NYPD, sanitation, homeless services, and the Queens District Attorneys office to clean up the streets, fight crime, and support trafficking victims.

Despite a citywide drop in crime this year, many say the fight on Roosevelt Avenue is ongoing. Monserrate said, The job is still not done Were not asking for ICE, were not asking for cooperation, were asking for law enforcement to do their job and keep us safe.

NYPD crime statistics confirm a significant decrease in crime along Roosevelt Avenue since the operation began.

Monserrate and the coalition vow to continue protests at brothels and illegal businesses until the community feels safe again and Roosevelt Avenue truly feels like home.

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Scrantons courthouse square was filled with protesters Saturday afternoon participating in the citys second No Kings rally, as part of a national movement of protest against the expansion of Trumps executive powers and erosion of democratic principles.

The protestors, some dressed in colorful costumes and most carrying signs, expressed concerns over a variety of issues, including reduction in health care, overzealous immigration enforcement, the deployment of federal troops in some cities, and reduction in services for those with disabilities.

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Protestors gather along North Washington Avenue in Scranton for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather at Courthouse Square in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. Hundreds rallied in front the the courthouse to protest Trump administration policies. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).

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Protestors gather at Courthouse Square in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. Hundreds rallied in front the the courthouse to protest Trump administration policies. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).

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Protestors gather along North Washington Avenue in Scranton for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather at Courthouse Square in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. Hundreds rallied in front the the courthouse to protest Trump administration policies. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).

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Protestors gather at Courthouse Square in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. Hundreds rallied in front the the courthouse to protest Trump administration policies. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).

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Protestors gather along North Washington Avenue in Scranton for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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A Trump supporter walks along North Washington Avenue carrying an American flag as protestors gathered in front of the courthouse for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather along North Washington Avenue in Scranton for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather along North Washington Avenue in Scranton for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Debbie Skripkunis, of Exeter, traveled from Luzerne County for the rally because of concern about how the current administration is negatively affecting her family.

Skripkunis said her husband has heart problems, and her daughter has severe autism.

Im afraid theyll take our health care away, she said.

Protestors gather along North Washington Avenue in Scranton for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Skripkunis also has two transgender sons, and she worries about them and whether the government will interfere with their lives.

We need to let the LGBTQ+ community live their lives, she said, not criminalize that community.

Skripkunis said she never really pictured herself as a protestor before the current administration came to power.

I cant let this happen, she said. I cant be silent.

Justice system evaporating

Howard Evans, director of Serving Seniors Inc. and president of Scranton Federation of Teacher Retirees, is concerned about how Trump administration policies will affect issues such as Medicare, nursing home assistance, and other services.

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Gary Grube, attending the event with Evans, is concerned with issues such as due process and civil rights.

The justice system is evaporating, he said.

Evans and Grube, who missed the first No Kings rally held in June, were happy to be out among like-minded people.

The men wore yellow, along with many others, at the rally.

Protestors gather at Courthouse Square in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. Hundreds rallied in front the the courthouse to protest Trump administration policies. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).

Organizers asked protestors to wear yellow as an unmistakable reminder that millions of us stand together in the belief that America belongs to its people, not to kings.

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Not only was Mary Stuthmann wearing yellow, but she was also wearing paperclips in her ears.

Norwegians wore paperclips as a symbol of unity and resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II, she said. The paperclip represented a subtle show of non-violent unity.

Demanding accountability

Dana Sheritan and Marissa Fallon, besties from Scranton, are thirty-somethings with a variety of concerns about the administration and its policies.

Sheritan, who has three children with autism, said shes afraid theyll lose access to education and resources.

Protestors gather at Courthouse Square in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. Hundreds rallied in front the the courthouse to protest Trump administration policies. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO).

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She was especially frustrated by Robert F. Kennedys assertion that a pregnant mother taking Tylenol causes autism.

She believes that Kennedy, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, puts out inaccurate information, detrimental to those who need assistance the most.

Fallon said she was protesting against corruption and the Department of Justices failure to release the Epstein files.

If President Donald Trump is in the files, its his duty to be accountable for his actions, she said.

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Protestors gather in front of Lackawanna County Courthouse for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of Lackawanna County Courthouse for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of Lackawanna County Courthouse for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of Lackawanna County Courthouse for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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State Rep. Kyle Donahue, State Rep. D-113, Scranton, addresses protestors at a No Kings rally in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan addresses protestors at a No Kings rally in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse in Scranton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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A dog wears a Sit, Stay, Resist jacket at a No Kings rally in front of Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct. 18 in downtown Scranton. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct.,18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct.,18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct.,18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct.,18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct.,18, 2025, for a No Kings rally. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Protestors gather in front of Lackawanna County Courthouse for a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Counter protestors on scene

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A much smaller contingent of counter-protestors attended the rally, many whom engaged in verbal arguments with passersby.

Bob Bolus parked his pro-Trump tractor-trailer on Courthouse Square, quick to share his opinion with those passing by.

Bolus, well known as an outspoken conservative, also brought the vehicle to the citys first No Kings rally.

Bolus took issue with calling Trump a king, saying he was simply a strong president.

Those who didnt support him and the country should move to another country, he said.

Saturdays protest was part of a large number of No Kings protests help around the country from major metropolitan cities to small towns.
When you hear the word "pirate," you're likely thinking of dashing Johnny Depp, decked out in his Captain Jack Sparrow getup topped with the iconic tricorne hat. You might imagine a thrilling life of adventuring around Caribbean islands, where a bevy of swashbuckling buccaneers climb aboard an 18th-century battleship in search of treasure. However, the reality of piracy, despite its romantic depictions on the silver screen, is much darker (think more Abduwali Muse in "Captain Phillips" and less Jack Sparrow). In the place of charming Casanovas engaged in swordplay and witty banter are violent men armed with guns, RPGs, and missiles. Attacks are mostly confined to specific areas well-known for piracy, including the Somalian coastline, the Malacca Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, and to particular kinds of vessels  primarily lucrative oil tankers and cargo ships. But although cruises are generally very safe and do not experience frequent attacks, they're still not immune from the occasional pirate interaction.

One of the most famous attacks occurred in April of 2009, around 180 miles north of the Seychelles, against a vessel owned by the Italian MSC Cruises. Six pirates approached the 1,500-person MSC Melody at night in a speedboat, opened fire, and tried to board. However, they were thwarted by the efforts of those on the ship: The crew sprayed them with water, the security team fired warning shots, and passengers even threw deck chairs overboard in an attempt to knock them down. After five minutes, the group abandoned their mission. Certainly, a pirate attack would be one of the worst things to ever happen on a cruise ship  but thankfully, they're exceedingly rare (just a handful of incidents over the last two decades). The odds of you getting food poisoning or a hangover are much higher than being attacked by pirates!

Read more: The Most Bizarre Rules On Cruise Ships

What piracy is and how it impacts cruising

U.S. military image of pirates leaving the merchant vessel MV Faina for the Somalian shore, under the observation of a U.S. Navy ship in the Indian Ocean on October 08, 2008 - U.s. Navy/Getty Images

An act of piracy is defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as "any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends ... on the high seas, against another ship," and a pirate is someone who engages in said activities. They are different from terrorists in that their motivation is typically financial, rather than political or religious. However, this doesn't make them any less dangerous. Modern pirates, similar to those in the days of yore, do what they do as a result of high levels of poverty and a lack of economic opportunities, meaning that they're often angry and desperate.

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Despite the risks, attacks on cruise ships are extremely uncommon  you're more likely to experience crime, such as petty theft, at some of the most dangerous cruise ports or find yourself in a tropical storm (if you try to save money by embarking on a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season). This is because most cruise ships avoid high-risk areas, are equipped with excellent detection technology, and aren't worthwhile targets. While a team of well-organized pirates could certainly hold the crew of a cargo ship hostage, it would be much more difficult to control thousands of crew and passengers on a ship the size of a small city.

And if the worst-case scenario came to pass, staff are actually trained in what to do. The specific security protocols for each cruise liner are not advertised publicly in order to prevent criminals from becoming aware of them as well. But rest assured, crews on every ship are prepared to handle a variety of emergencies, including pirate attacks, and they constantly monitor their surroundings, looking out for any suspicious activity on the ocean.

What cruise ships, staff, and you can do during a pirate attack

U.S. military image of the USS Farragut passing smoke from a suspected pirate skiff it disabled on March 31, 2010 in the Gulf of Aden - Handout/Getty Images

Cruise ships are equipped with a variety of tools to protect passengers, such as surveillance cameras, spotlights, sonar, radar, and other vessel-tracking equipment. They possess several non-lethal deterrents, too, like water cannons. These can unleash a spray of seawater at 5,110 liters per minute at a pressure of 175 PSI (pound-force per square inch)  powerful enough to easily repel an approaching vessel or completely flood it. Many also have LRADs (Long Range Acoustic Devices) on board, which emit a high-frequency noise loud enough to induce nausea and hearing impairment for those in the path of its sonic waves. Another available measure is the P-Trap  an anti-piracy system that consists of a set of thin lines, dragged through the water by strong metal rods, which will prevent a vessel from nearing the ship. Note that cruise ships don't usually carry firearms as they are illegal at most ports of call and can escalate dangerous situations quickly.

Additionally, there are some evasive maneuvers that ships can employ, including creating waves to capsize attackers' boats, zigzagging to avoid contact, and speeding ahead. Cruiseliners can sail much faster than your average pirate's rundown fishing vessel, making them a challenging target to catch. Finally, there are things that you can do as an individual to keep safe. Listen and follow the instructions of the crew, who are there for your security and have been trained for this ordeal. Don't try to be a hero  you're not John McClane, and your actions could put others at risk. As well, all cruise ship passengers should get one important thing: travel insurance. While piracy itself isn't typically covered by most policies, the associated risks, like trip interruption and cancellation, emergency evacuations, and medical costs, will be.

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Read the original article on Islands.




The Texas National Guard recalled several troops deployed to Chicago because they failed to meet fitness standards. Some troops were mocked online after a photo appearing to show overweight soldiers went viral, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth celebrated the recall of troops. Hegseth has also been a driving force in consolidating bases and other installations throughout the military, and those efforts hit San Antonio this week as the Army will merge Army North and Army South at Joint Base San Antonio with a new command at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Here are the most-read headlines on ExpressNews.com this week.

Texas Guard recalls 7 troops over fitness after viral photo

The Texas National Guard revised its tally and recalled seven soldiers from Illinois after a viral photo raised questions about troops who failed to meet fitness standards. The soldiers were among roughly 200 Guard members sent at President Donald Trump's order in a rapid deployment that bypassed the full SRP 1 screening that typically takes days. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth decried unfit service members, ordered stricter testing and daily workouts and praised the recall as proof that standards had returned.

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Army shifts San Antonio command HQs to Fort Bragg in sweeping consolidation

The Army moved to merge Army North and Army South into a new Western Hemisphere Command headquartered at Fort Bragg, with the shift set to happen within weeks. Gen. Randy George said the four-star headquarters would oversee homeland defense and partnerships across the hemisphere, aligning with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's push to streamline the force, cut top headquarters and refocus on lethality. The plan folded the San Antonio commands into an organization tied to Forces Command at Fort Bragg, though some elements were expected to remain at Fort Sam Houston. San Antonio leaders who lobbied to keep the HQs expressed disappointment, while the mayor predicted minimal impact on the city's overall Army footprint and the job losses remained unclear.

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Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham greets visitors before unveiling the Alamo's newest statue of Lt. Col. William Barret Travis inside the Ralston Family Collections Center in San Antonio, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. (Sam Owens/Staff photographer)





Alamo post sparks political clash and questions for $550 million revamp

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham applauded the removal of an Alamo social media post honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day and ordered its nonprofit overseer to center messaging on the 1836 battle. She launched a review of how posts are approved, cited a visitor center script that mentioned slavery far more than liberty and demanded the names of staff behind public content. The dispute raised questions about a $550 million expansion already under construction, which promised galleries on Mexican, Tejano, Indigenous and African American history.

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METRO Joe Straus is applauded by his friends and family after being sworn in as Speaker of the House during the convening of the 81st Texas Legislature in Austin January 13, 2009. From left are Representaive Dan Branch, Julie Straus, Joci Straus and Joe Straus. Tom Reel/Staff (TOM REEL, treel@express-news.net / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)





Search for Julie Straus, wife of former Texas House speaker

Julie Straus, the 64-year-old wife of former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, was reported missing Thursday night in Terrell Hills. She was found Friday afternoon. Terrell Hills police issued a silver alert and searched for Straus after she went missing from her home. Authorities said she suffered from dementia and was last seen walking east on Geneseo Road after her caregiver lost sight of her.

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Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, right, shares a laugh with Mayor Ron Nirenberg onstage during the ground breaking event for UTSA's San Pedro II building on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in downtown San Antonio, Texas. San Pedro II will be home to the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Careers (IEC). The $130 million, 182,000-square foot building will be located across the San Pedro Creek from San Pedro I, which includes the School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center. (Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News)





Nirenberg set to challenge Sakai for Bexar County judge

Former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg plans to launch a campaign for Bexar County judge after the Nov. 4 election, according to a source with firsthand knowledge. The move set up a March Democratic primary against incumbent County Judge Peter Sakai, who is seeking a second term. Nirenberg left the mayor's office after hitting term limits following eight years in the role and previously served two terms on the City Council. A newly formed Team Ron PAC organized a fundraising event to support the bid, signaling an imminent campaign rollout.

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This content was partially generated by AI and then reviewed and edited by our newsroom staff. For more details on our use of AI, see our AI policy.

This article originally published at Recall of unfit Guard troops, Army commands leaving San Antonio top week's news.
While there are many different volcanic hotspots throughout the world, lots of which fall within the Pacific Ring of Fire (more on that below), there is no better place in the United States to view volcanic activity than the aptly named Hawaii Volcano National Park.

The park contains two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa (which has not erupted since 1984). Kilauea is among the most active in the world and the current series of eruptions first started back in December of 2024 and has since has many "episodes", and this current one, the 35th episode, has just broken records.

Starting on Friday at about 8:05 p.m., lava began spewing from the north vent in Halemaumau crater, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). About 45 minutes later, at 8:50 p.m., lava began to spew from the south vent and grew rapidly with both vents erupting with force. At 10:11 p.m., USGS reported record-high fountains for this eruption at nearly 1,500 feet.

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Volcanoes aren't often directly discussed in the surf world but they're fundamental to the creation of many of the greatest waves we know with the entire Hawaiian Island Archipelago being volcanic in nature. When they are discussed, it's usually in regards to the destruction they cause--to homes, business, roads, and surf breaks--they're actually one of the two main sources for all land creation.

Land mass is primarily a result of tectonic activity, either as continental plates collide then shoot skyward and create mountain ranges, like the Himalayas and the Rockies, or when the edges of those plates grow apart, magma rises to create new crust, sometimes slowly, other times via wild explosions and eruptions as seen in the video above.

A record breaking eruption at Kilauea in Hawaii Volcano National Park Smithsonian

According to the Smithsonian Institute, "The "Pacific Ring of Fire" (PROF) is not a scientific term, but rather a popular description for many areas around the Pacific Ocean with high levels of volcanic activity that originated more than 100 years before the theory of plate tectonics provided a framework to explain the distribution of most volcanoes. While this is an appealing phrase, these areas do not form a single "ring" structure, adjacent volcanoes do not have connected magma reservoirs, and regions have separate tectonic environments. While hot erupted lava is incandescent, volcanic rocks are not on fire or burning, and volcanic ash is actually tiny fragments of rock. As defined below and shown on the map, the PROF consists of 693 Holocene volcanoes (56% of the 1,230 overall) in 41 different volcanic regions."

It goes without saying that active volcanoes are highly dangerous and anyone attempting to witness eruptions in real life should heed warnings and advisories by officials.

Related: Would You Travel 24,000 Miles For One Wave?

This story was originally reported by Surfer on Oct 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oct. 19BETHEL  As the stream of evacuees arriving in Bethel slowed Saturday, officials prepared to begin repair and cleanup efforts in villages affected by the catastrophic storm that devastated communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim area of Western Alaska days earlier.

Officials said they were prepared to begin cleaning up flood-damaged villages and repairing battered homes and infrastructure starting next week after winding down a massive airlift effort that resulted in hundreds of residents who were displaced from their homes being evacuated to Anchorage, Bethel or other villages in the area over the previous few days.

The storm slammed into Western Alaska coastal communities last weekend, displacing more than 1,000 residents who fled after tidal surge flooding and hurricane-force winds wrecked homes and infrastructure. One person died and two others remain missing, all from the village of Kwigillingok.

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While Col. John James of the Alaska Defense Force said some communities, like Kipnuk, would require extensive repair work, others could be stabilized quickly enough to allow people to remain or return to them relatively soon.

"There are things we can do immediately," he said. "If we can go into those communities and assist with anything to prepare them for winter, we're gonna go through that."

In a pole shed in Bethel on Saturday afternoon, about 20 youth volunteers and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. staff members prepared about 300 flood cleanup kits that would soon be distributed to flood-damaged homes in the region.

The supply kits, said YKHC Environmental Health Services Manager Alyssa Leary, would hopefully be given away in affected communities as soon as the beginning of the week as government agencies and disaster relief organizations moved to a new phase of recovery efforts.

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The kits included trash bags, tarps, masks, gloves, disinfectants, soap, mops, brushes and fans, she said.

"They're kind of basic stuff to get people started," Leary said. "The most important thing, really, for these homes that got water in them is to get them dry, get them disinfected to try and prevent mold growth over this coming winter."

At the same time, the Alaska National Guard has seen a declining number of evacuees arrive in Bethel.

A major three-day airlift effort had resulted in 633 people displaced by the storm being moved to shelters as of Saturday afternoon, according to the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

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No evacuees stayed at the Bethel Armory on Friday night, according to the emergency management division. In addition, YKHC has passed shelter operations to the American Red Cross as it shifts its focus.

Authorities, relief organizations and local groups would continue to help residents who have remained in their communities find shelter if they change their mind, James said.

But he said aircraft and assessment crews had already been assessing communities and prioritizing where to begin "general purpose labor and light debris removal."

James said he hoped to have personnel in up to four affected communities beginning that work as soon as Sunday.

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With the winter freeze-up looming, YKHC CEO and President Dan Winkelman said the organization would begin work, alongside other groups like the Association of Village Council Presidents, to stabilize homes and infrastructure to "keep people in clean and healthy homes."

That work, Winkelman said, would include "mucking out" flood-damaged homes and working to get resources to residents who have stayed behind and to restore utility services to villages like Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, the two most severely damaged communities.

Already, the health corporation and AVCP have evaluated 250 homes in communities that were in the storm's path, he said.

Additional personnel, including those who specialize in disaster recovery repair work, are expected to begin arriving in the area in the coming days to assist in the next phase of recovery efforts, Winkelman and James said.

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'Going to move quickly'

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who flew to Bethel on Friday morning and boarded a Black Hawk helicopter to tour Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, said agencies and relief organizations had moved from the "rescue" phase to the process of providing care for residents in shelters and beginning to make damaged villages and homes livable again.

"We're going to move quickly," he said, "to get these folks back up on their feet and running."

Among those evacuated from their villages Friday were 70 residents of Tuntutuliak, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, who arrived in Bethel in three separate flights of Alaska National Guard helicopters.

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Lucy Martin said she was among the last evacuees from Kwigillingok because she helped coordinate evacuation efforts.

"I had to make sure everyone got out," she said.

Martin said she plans to stay in Bethel with family and would like to return home "hopefully before winter."

That could be possible, Dunleavy said Friday.

Dunleavy said he believed that some people who fled their damaged villages for shelters could potentially return before harsh winter sets in.

Kwigillingok was in "much better shape" than he expected, though Kipnuk "is in rough shape," Dunleavy said.

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Martin said some in Kwigillingok have stayed behind to continue search and rescue efforts and begin repair work.

She's not worried about them, Martin said.

"They are conditioned for it," she said.

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EPA defends canceling coastal erosion grant to hard-hit Kipnuk

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Human female remains that were found in a shallow grave on a grounds of an abandoned school are "believed to be" 23-year-old Kada Scott, a Philadelphia woman who has been missing for two weeks, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department told ABC News on Saturday evening.

Police said the medical examiner's office will work to confirm the identity of the remains and to determine a cause of death.

"While conducting a search of the property, investigators discovered a shallow grave and recovered human remains believed to be those of Kada Scott," police said in the statement.

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"This is a heartbreaking development, and our thoughts are with Kadas family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time. The Philadelphia Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served," the statement continued.

The remains were found in a heavily wooded area after police received a "very specific" anonymous tip overnight and officers searched the area around 10 a.m. local time on Saturday, First Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department John Stanford told reporters during a press briefing on Saturday evening.

Stanford added that police have been in touch with Scott's family following the discovery of the remains.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said in a statement on Saturday that the city will continue to support Scott's family amid their "unimaginable pain and turmoil."

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"I pray that God will give the family a certain peace that passes all understanding to meet this moment," Parker said. "The City of Philadelphia is here to support them in any way that we can. We will continue to stay by their side."

The remains found Saturday were located in a deeply wooded area behind Ada H. Lewis Middle School, an abandoned school near Awbury Arboretum in Germantown, an area that was central to a search earlier this week, police said on Saturday.

While searching the school grounds on Wednesday they located items believed to belong to Scott, including a cell phone case, an iPad case, glasses and a card bearing her name. The items were recovered by police and are under forensic examination, they said.

Scott was last seen by her mother on Oct. 4 when she was leaving for work at a nearby nursing home, police said last week. Keon King, 21, was previously charged with kidnapping "for his involvement" in the disappearance of Scott, authorities said.

Philadelphia Police Department - PHOTO: Officials in Philadelphia are searching for Kada Scott, a 23 year old woman who has been missing for nearly a week.

On the evening of Oct. 4, Scott arrived at work, but left prior to her shift's completion, Philadelphia police Capt. John Craig said during a press conference last week. It was not clear what time Scott left work, but officials said her shift typically was from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Scott was reported missing to police on Oct. 5, with law enforcement saying they had "some concern, more so than usual," regarding her disappearance due to worrying phone calls she was receiving.

"In the days leading up to her disappearance, Ms. Scott related to her family and friends that an unknown individual or person had been harassing her via phone," Craig said.

Suspect held on $2.5M bail in alleged kidnapping of missing 23-year-old Philadelphia woman: Police

Officials said evidence shows Scott was "in communication with an individual" -- they identified as King -- and that she appeared to meet with him "very shortly after" she left work on Oct. 4.

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"Mr. King is the last person we believe to be in contact with her when she went offline," Ashley Kozlowski, the Philadelphia assistant district attorney, said during a press conference on Wednesday.

Philadelphia Police Department - PHOTO: Keon King, 21, was charged in connection to the disappearance of a 23-year-old Kada Scott, who has been missing since Oct. 4, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Police were previously asking the public's help in locating the suspect's vehicle, a 1999 metallic-gold Toyota Camry with a Pennsylvania license plate of MSX-0797, which they believe Scott may have been in. Later that day, police confirmed to ABC News that King's vehicle was found in an apartment lot.

Officials said they received two tips, the first led them to an elementary school where they recovered evidence "of value," and the second that led them to the vehicle connected to Scott's disappearance.

Missing 23-year-old Philadelphia woman was harassed by unidentified individual before disappearing: Police

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The 23-year-old's father, Kevin Scott, told ABC News the family remains confident "she's gonna be with us as soon as possible."

"It's been difficult, extremely difficult. We keep faith that she's OK and she's going to be with us as soon as possible, she's going to be found and hopefully no harm is done to her. I'm going to keep that positive vibe going," Kevin Scott told ABC News.

ABC News' Tommy Foster and Tesfaye Negussie contributed to this report.
Oakkharasr's remains were returned to Israel last night, along with the remains of Ronen Engel.

The body of Thai national Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, was returned to Israel after more than 740 days in captivity, Israeli officials confirmed on Sunday afternoon following forensic identification.

Following identification from the National Center for Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Military Rabbinate, military representatives informed the Oakkharasri family that their loved one had been returned to Israel and officially identified.

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Oakkharasri was working on Kibbutz Beeri at the time of his abduction. He was the father a 7-year-old daughter, Kaimook.

He longed to return to Thailand to be with his family and build his own farm. He was in Israel for 8 years ahead of his abduction, working as an agricultural worker in various Kibbutzim in Israels North, before heading to Kibbutz Beeri.

Though he was described as a quiet man who was focused on his work, he maintained daily contact with his mother, Amorn, and his young daughter. According to a statement by the Hostage Family Forum, his work contract in Israel was set to end in October 2023, and he had already been planning his return to Thailand.

Oakkharasri was among the dozens of foreign workers who were murdered in the terrorist attack on Kibbutz Be'eri.

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In May 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv received confirmation from the Foreign Ministry of the death of two Thai captives, both Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak, who were both believed to have been killed on October 7.

In a statement, the families of hostages and released captives expressed condolences to the slain hostages family back in Thailand. Alongside the grief and the understanding that their hearts will never be whole again, Sonthaya's return brings some measure of solace to a family that has lived in unbearable uncertainty and doubt for over two years, the statement added.
Forever you will remain engraved in our hearts and souls: Initiatives created in his honor

No one will ever forget the shock and horror that reverberated throughout Israel and the Diaspora on Oct. 7, 2023. Even more terrifying and tragic was knowing someone who was there  at the Supernova music festival or in one of the kibbutzim that were brutally attacked.

David (Yair Shalom) Newman was a high school classmate of my close friend Shifra Jacobs. At age 25, he was one of the 350 innocent people murdered at Supernova, which he had attended with his girlfriend, Noam Ben David. As the terrorists infiltrated the site, the couple ran toward their car; but due to the heavy build-up of cars trying to leave, with so many trying to escape, they sought shelter in a large metal dumpster, along with several other terrified festival-goers.

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The group hid there for four and a half hours, but tragically the terrorists opened fire on the dumpster, killing Newman and wounding Ben David, who was later rescued and survived. Many others were killed, such as Maya Bitton and her fiance, Eliran Mizrahi; Inbar Shem Tov; Hadar Prince; Ilkin Nazarov; and Amit Levy.

In an interview, Ben David recounted her boyfriends last moments: I heard Davids last breath next to me, but I was too scared to move.

Newmans sister, Batya, describes how in his final moments, David kept his composure and tried to calm those around him. Later, his family learned that he had saved 200 people that day by sending his location to security forces before he was murdered. He was a hero, his girlfriend says.

RACELETS MADE and designed by Imbar Slavat in honor of David Newman. (credit: Imbar Slavat)

Jacobs describes receiving the devastating news: Everything was so surreal. I got a text from a friend saying that she had heard David had been killed. I was in total denial. I called her in tears and couldnt believe that it could be true. David, the brightest person in the room, couldnt be gone. The funeral was one of the hardest experiences of my life. Everyone was grieving so loudly, all together, in shock. The whole situation was absolutely horrific. Even after that, I didnt believe it. It just didnt make any sense that he was gone.

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She continues, I thought that, just like with everyone, Id see him again  but we didnt get that chance or that time. It made me want to reach out to everyone I went to high school with. Thats another thing that David gave  the message of loving everyone. It makes me appreciate my family and everything so much more  and not take things for granted.

Recalling memories of her childhood friend, Jacobs says, I remember him as a light. You saw him, and everything lit up. I want other people to remember that, too. I want everyone to know about him, even if they dont buy the bracelet but just read the article.

Ever since I met him, he was so friendly, the bereaved friend says. He was just the best friend. We used to go to town a lot on Thursday nights  its what the teens did. I was always happy to see him and felt comfortable around him. I knew that if David was there, everything would be all right. I want to remember him as my friend, a good person, who was taken too soon. Its so unfair.

Newman grew up in Jerusalems Old City. Son of Chaya and Moshe Meir, and brother to siblings Batya, Noach, Gavriel, and Dvir, he was close to his family and was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. An experience he never wanted to miss was family Friday night and holiday dinners with his siblings, Batya says.

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Enlisting in the army in October 2017, initially as a driver in the Air Force, he persevered to be accepted into a combat role in the Golani elite infantry brigade. After the army, he met his girlfriend, Noam, and the couple traveled together through India for several months. When he returned to Israel in June 2023, David worked in the events industry and dreamed of opening his own events hall. The couple had planned to move in together after the Supernova festival.

Newman is sorely missed. His younger brother Dvir wrote on Newmans memorial page: You were everything to me: a big brother, a friend, a partner, a role model  you were an angel in human form. You were the biggest gift in this life, and you always will be. Thank you, rest in peace my brother, my love, my blood, my king, my angel.

Batya describes her brother as a huge and bright light, who despite his large presence, was humble in his character and always respected others. He was someone who brought joy to everyone and illuminated every space he entered. Everyone who knew him loved him immediately. If someone was sitting aside or looked sad, he would immediately approach them, talk to them, and uplift them.

She also speaks about his love of dancing. David danced through life with joy. He was the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. She says that he wanted to see the world, fulfilling his dream when he traveled to South America, Mexico, India, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.

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Davids favorite things were sunsets and sunrises, enjoying good food, dancing at parties, and simply enjoying life, she adds fondly.

Initiatives started in David's memory

Several initiatives have been established by Newmans friends in his memory.

At his one-year azkara (commemoration), Jacobs asked his brother Dvir if he had any of Newmans stickers left, and he said they were running out. Since then, she has printed and handed out hundreds of stickers of Newman and stuck them all over Jerusalem. Speaking about her efforts, she says, Theres not a lot that I can do. Im just one person. But I can do one thing like with the stickers. Every time I see them, I feel good.

During Sukkot 2024, along with several friends, I had the honor of sitting in a sukkah outside Mojos restaurant in Jerusalem that was built and dedicated in memory of Newman and the victims of the Supernova attack. The previous Sukkot, just several days before he was murdered on Simchat Torah, Newman had helped to construct a sukkah in that very location. Every person who sat in the sukkah at Mojos partook in the mitzvah of leishev basukkah (to sit in the sukkah) in Newmans honor.

Shuk 'N Chic bracelet

Last year, Jacobs came up with the idea of collaborating with our friend Imbar Slavats jewelry company Shuk N Chic to design a charm bracelet in Newmans memory. Shuk N Chic, based in Tel Aviv, produces handmade Jewish jewelry and accessories. All jewelry is designed, handmade, and packaged personally by Slavat, and then shipped within Israel or abroad.

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After hearing about Hersh Goldberg-Polins tragic murder while he was in captivity, Slavat designed and sold Hersh chocolate chip cookie necklaces, earrings, and key chains with chocolate chip cookie charms. As written on Shuk N Chics Instagram page, the initiative is aimed to honor Hershs beautiful but short life.

In Slavats words, We must honor life. I want us to remember that chocolate chip cookies were Hershs favorite food. I want us to remember his passions, his dreams, what he loved, and who he loved.

Although Slavat didnt know Newman personally, she wanted to support Jacobs in honoring his spirit by creating this handmade bracelet as a tribute to the light and love he brought into our world. Beautifully designed and deftly crafted, each bracelet has a tiny postcard charm on it, symbolizing his passion for travel. David had a heart full of wanderlust, exploring the world with a contagious spirit of adventure and joy, Jacobs wrote on her website on the page titled Remembering David.

Engraved on the back of each postcard is Newmans cherished motto: Hakol mishtabesh letova (Everything breaks apart for the good)  a reminder of his optimistic outlook on life. According to his sister, David believed that everything is for the best, despite all the difficulties he faced. He always lived in the moment.

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Another charm on the bracelet is a crown, which represents Newmans namesake, King David, symbolizing the lasting legacy of strength, kindness, and love that Newman always embodied.

Says Jacobs about the bracelet, What I find so fitting about it, and so special, is that obviously when somebody is killed, its a terrible thing  theres no positive to that. But when you see what David said, Everything breaks apart for good, it reminds you that good can come from this terrible thing that happened.

DAVID LOVED traveling. (credit: Lets Do Something)

This doesnt mean that what happened is good, she clarifies. But when I see this bracelet or stickers of David, I feel positive. Hes still here  in another way. We dont understand it. Wearing this bracelet feels like carrying a piece of him with us, keeping his memory close.

On her Instagram page, Slavat writes: In loving memory of David Newman, a man whose joy, kindness, and warmth touched everyone around him. David was tragically taken from us on Oct. 7, 2023, at the Nova Festival, and his absence has left a profound void in our lives.

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Every bracelet purchased keeps Davids memory alive and supports efforts to honor his legacy. Wearing it is a way to carry a piece of Davids spirit forward, keeping his memory alive in the journeys we continue to take. He will always remain in our hearts.

All proceeds go to the Newman family and toward honoring David Newmans legacy, ensuring that his light endures. His sister says that shed like to use the money raised to buy more stickers. So far, dozens of bracelets have been sold, in Israel, Germany, and America, and NIS 1,000 has been raised. The bracelet I bought, I wear on my right wrist.

May David Newmans memory be a blessing.

Learn more about the bracelets at shifrajacobs.com/remembering-david/ or follow Slavat on Instagram:

@shuknchic
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  It seems like only yesterday that Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.) flipped Oregons 5th Congressional District in 2024, defeating now-Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

Recently, Rep. Bynum, an engineer and business owner, has been vocal about the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in America.

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Eye on Northwest Politics

This comes especially after one of her constituents, an American citizen, was apprehended and detained on his way to work. He was later released.

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Rep. Bynum returned to Eye on Northwest Politics to talk about that case, the immigration crackdown, as well as the impact of the weeks-long government shutdown on her district.

Watch the full interview in the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon House Republicans have a new leader to replace Christine Drazan, who is looking to move to the Oregon Senate.

Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville previously served as deputy leader of the 23-member House Republican caucus. Then Republicans chose her as House leader after Sen. Daniel Bonham resigned.

Elmer was later tapped by President Trump for a job in the Labor Department under Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Happy Valley, a former congresswoman in District 5.

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Eye on Northwest Politics

Drazan, the previous Republican House leader, then resigned her position, aiming for the appointment to Bonhams Senate seat.

Those falling dominoes put Rep. Elmer into the House Republican leadership seat.

She grew up in Yamhill County, is a graduate of Linfield University and owns several businesses, including a boutique hotel and a coffee shop in McMinnville.

Rep. Elmer joined Eye On Northwest Politics to talk about the transportation bill, her role in trying to address the states housing shortage, as well as a way forward for the minority party in Salem.

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Watch the full interview in the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Pete Hegseth

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Andrew Thornebrooke, a national security reporter at the right-leaning The Epoch Times, has resigned after the outlet agreed to the Pentagons new press restrictions, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

Thornebrooke, in his resignation letter on Friday, said agreeing to the new rules was a decision to abdicate our responsibility as journalists in favor of merely repeating state narratives.

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His letter also contained the following passage: I can no longer reconcile my role with the direction the paper has chosen, including its increasing willingness to promote partisan materials, publish demonstrably false information, & manipulate the reporting of its ground staff to shape the worldview of our readers.

The Times reported he also criticized the outlet for referring to Antifa as a terrorist organization.

His biography on the EP website already refers to his work in the past tense, as of Sunday evening:

Andrew Thornebrooke is a former national security correspondent for The Epoch Times covering China-related issues with a focus on defense, military affairs, and national security. He holds a masters in military history from Norwich University.

Epoch Times editor-in-chief Jasper Fakkert, in a statement on Friday, said the outlet does not view the new guidelines for Pentagon press access as an impediment to our reporting.

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Fakkert added: Having been subject to repeated attacks by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the past two decades, The Epoch Times is no stranger to attempts to suppress freedom of the press; the Pentagons new media access policy is no such attack.

Thornebrookes resigned two days after the major television networks  ABC, NBC and CBS  as well as Fox News and CNN, banded together in a joint statement to denounce the Pentagons updated rules, which the outlets said threaten core journalistic protections.

The rebuke comes after the Pentagon recently updated its rules for credentialed journalists. That update said reporters who ask military personnel and Department of Defense officials to leak information could be deemed security risks, and risk having their credentials revoked.

The Pentagon revised its update after reporters and press groups were upset with a draft of new rules circulated last month. That draft called for reporters to get approval from Defense Department officials before publishing stories, even if they contained unclassified information. Failing to receive approval could lead to reporters losing their credentials, the draft said.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, during an interview with Peter Doocy on Fox News earlier this month, slammed reporters for looking to publish classified documents.

When someone is providing information thats otherwise classified or otherwise not for disclosure, thats a problem. So, were doing everything we can protocol-wise to make sure those are minimized, Hegseth said.

The Pentagons new rules do not require credentialed journalists to get approval before publishing non-public information. It does require news organizations and reporters to acknowledge its updated policies within one week and sign that they agree to them, even if I do not necessarily agree with such policies and procedures.

The Epoch Times was founded in 2000 and is based in New York City.

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Its About section on its website said it has a deep commitment to freedom of the press, drawing inspiration from the experiences of our first reporters and editors in China, who faced state-sanctioned censorship, torture, and jail.

You can read the full NYT story by clicking here.

The post Reporter at Right-Leaning Epoch Times Resigns Over New Pentagon Rules, Says Outlet Was Merely Repeating State Narratives first appeared on Mediaite.
Israeli planes have attacked targets near Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported on Sunday.

The attacks were in response to a breach of the current ceasefire by Palestinians, with Israeli troops in the region being fired on, according to the reports.

An Israeli military spokesman said the reports were being investigated.

A ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas that has been in force in the Gaza Strip since October 10 has seen a number of violations.

The United States has warned that Hamas is planning an attack on Palestinian civilians, which Hamas has denied.
Listening to anyone from the Trump administration talk about the No Kings protest would have had you expecting complete anarchy. Masked men with Molotov cocktails, smoke in the air, American flags burning, police and National Guard in full riot gearsomething more akin to January 6.

This crazy No Kings rally this weekend, which is gonna be the farthest left, the hardest-core, the most unhinged in the Democratic Party, which is a big title, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, claiming that the Democrats were for some reason waiting for the rally to happen before negotiating to end the government shutdown. No Kings equal no paychecks.

Republicans have been repeating something along those lines for over a week leading up to the rally.

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We call it the Hate America Rally thatll happen Saturday, Speaker Mike Johnson said that same day. Lets see who shows up for that. I bet you you see pro-Hamas supporters, I bet you youll see antifa types, I bet you youll see Marxists in full display, the people who dont want to stand and defend the foundational truths of this republic. And we do.

Republican Senator Roger Marshall called it a Soros, paid-for protest where his professional protesters show up, while House Majority Whip Tom Emmer went one step further and called it an event for the terrorist wing of the Democratic Party.

But much to the chagrin of the GOP, the No Kings rally in Washington, D.C., was not unhinged, not very far left, and entirely peaceful. The atmosphere was extremely energetic and family friendly for both young and old. People walked slowly, often with kids in tow. Countless attendees wore large inflatable costumes, inspired by the Portland frog. There was live music, tabling, and speeches by Bill Nye, Mehdi Hasan, and Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy, among others. And while the event was massive, the vibe was closer to that of a lively farmers market on a nice Sunday morning than it was to whatever the right was trying so desperately to convince people it would be.

But perhaps equally upsetting for Republicans: The 200,000 people who are estimated to have shown up in D.C.of the roughly seven million protesters nationwiderepresented an expansive contingent of Americans. Many of them seemed to care quite a bit about those foundational truths Johnson pretended to be so worried about.

An inflatable eagle stands in the road in front of a large printout of the Constitution

One of those people was a 49-year-old woman wearing a massive inflatable costume of a bald eagle dressed as Uncle Sam. Its absurd. This is everyday Americans who are looking at  every day theres something new that is illegal or anti-constitutional, the eagle said when I asked her about the GOPs antifa and Hamas allegations. The most American thing I think we can do is vote, and then the second most American thing you can do is peaceful protest. I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to be part of this country, and I am an incredible supporter of the United States Constitution.

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Darla, 67 (but 68 in a week), a military veteran and third-generation Philadelphian, placed a similar emphasis on what so many No Kings attendees saw as a bastardization of Americas founding principles.

[No Kings] means that we should have three powers, as per the Constitution: judicial, congressional, and executive, and they balance each other. And right now there is no balance, she said. One person, followed by all the little sycophants and the puppet masters, is making decisions that are not being balanced. And so the White House is playing king.

She also made a point to lean in to the GOPs mass antifa branding.

It is antifa. Its anti-fascism. We have a government thats very quickly going into a fascist nondemocracy, Darla continued. My mother served in World War II. She was an anti-fascist. She served against a fascist government in Germany and in Italy, you know, the triad there. So, yeah, its anti-fascism. Give me a break.

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It took maybe about five minutes among this solidly liberal, protest the right way No Kings crowd to completely shatter the Republican facade. These were retirees, public school teachers, college students, and quite a few former government workers whod been fired or taken the buyout in the DOGE culling.

Protesters at the No Kings rally in Washington, D.C. A large sign in the forefront reads "Enough is Enough."

Chantel, an African American woman in her forties, worked for the Air Force as a civilian for 20 years before taking a buyout after receiving DOGEs infamous fork in the road email. She attended the event with her mother, Janet Winn, and was holding a sign that read Fight the Radical Right.

I wasnt able to protest until I was officially not a government worker. So as of October 1, I can go to protest. So this is my first one. Im happy to be here, she told me. The DEI was also part of my reasoning with making the decision to go ahead and get out of the government, because them trying to eliminate and dismantle all those things we worked for, as far as having equity and with promotions and hiring, it was really disappointing. And taking away all the Black history and the Black celebrations that we would have. It was just disappointing, after 20 years of being with them because the military was always, I felt, like the most nonbiased organization. Weve hit reverse on all the progress we made.

Lee, a Fairfax, Virginia, resident, was fired from his job as a federal contractor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was wiped off the map: no conversation, nothing, he said. He was there with his wife, Laura, a public school teacher. They rejected the notion of being antifa, or being on George Soross payroll.

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No, and I could assure you, I could use the money. I wish someone was paying me to be here! Lee said. I am here of my own volition, I one hundred percent believe in this. I refuse to back down to this insanity that is upon us.

Chuck Epps, 76, a retired local journalist and schoolteacher from Richmond, made a similar point to distance himself from such claims, recalling his experiences as an antiwar protester in the 1960s.

Im not a proponent of violence. Never have been. Im old enough to have marched in anti-Vietnam protests and gotten tear-gassed and so forth. And when that kind of street violence occurs, I bolt. Im not for violence of any kind, he said. Ninety-nine point nine, nine, nine percent of everybody here is here because they feel strongly about this, or theyre just voyeurs and want to check it out.

I think theres clearly a far-left fringe that does do violent things, as I would argue that theres a more predominant right-wing fringe that does a lot more violence and advocates for it. But thats not what antifascism is about. Theyre trying to demonize everybody whos opposed to this administrations objectives. Its gaslighting.

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There were some members of that supposed left fringe in attendance. A smaller pro-Palestinian contingent from Youth Demand D.C. and some D.C. Metro Democratic Socialists of America members were gathered by a die-in protest aimed to raise awareness of Israels genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

A large Palestinian flag waves in the air above protesters at the No Kings protest near the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

I spoke to Sam Nelson, 33, who has been a member of the D.C. Metro DSA for 10 years, about his groups place in this movementespecially given that the Trump administration seems to have targeted them more than many of the other groups in attendance.

Simply being in a march is not enough, and thats why I think its very important that we as DSA show up as an organization, so we can tell people that this is not just about Trump. This has been building for years, if not decades, Nelson told me. He also emphasized that even though the DSA members there received some weird looks or were approached with caution, they see it as a chance to work together rather than a moment for purity testing.

The ruling class is very collective. They love working together. The ruling class is also very internationalist. They love working with right-wing oligarchs in other countries around the world. They work together. And weve got to work together all the same. Youve got to go where the people are, he continued. Look how many people are out here, particularly federal workers. Go where the people are mobilizing. And that might look different depending on where you live, and thats OK. There are many, many roads that lead to Rome. And many paths into the socialist movement.

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Its obvious that Republican proselytizing and fearmongering about violence and agitators at this rally was strategic, but its even more obvious that it was a piss-poor strategy. You cant plug your ears and yell antifa while hundreds of thousands of Americans march through the streets. Its laughable that an event co-signed by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Kamala Harris would even serve as a sleeper cell for antifa, and yet Republicans told that lie over and over and over again, even as their policiesand their presidentbecome increasingly less popular.

Its the ultimate gaslighting of America that this administration is trying to pull. Antifa are the people he doesnt like, Epps told me. Its gaslighting, and its coming from the absolute highest levels of U.S. government.
POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Crews with two Kentucky rescue teams, as well as other emergency responders, worked together Saturday afternoon after a hiker fell over 10 feet from a rock shelter.

Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team wrote on social media around 8:20 p.m. on Oct. 18 that team members had been requested for mutual aid by Powell County Search and Rescue after a woman fell near the area of Rush Ridge and Rough Trail.

Crew members hiked about a mile and a half before finding the hiker, packaging her in a vacuum mattress, and carrying her back to the trailhead.

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Ambulance crews waiting at the entrance took the fall victim to the Clark Regional Medical Hospital for treatment.

Today was another example of several agencies working together for a successful rescue, WCSART officials said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Extensive research has shown that microplastics are incredibly pervasive, prompting further inquiry into how these ubiquitous particles of plastic litter got into everything.

A data scientist revisited research into microplastics in off-the-beaten-track areas around the Adirondacks in upstate New York, and according to The Guardian, updated conclusions as to how plastic pollution reaches these far-flung places.

What's happening?

Back in 2023, Sacred Heart University data scientist Tim Keyes visited Lake Tear of the Clouds to collect water samples for microplastic testing.

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Lake Tear of the Clouds is New York State's highest elevation point, and The Guardian indicated it experiences "heavy hiker traffic" due to its proximity to well-trod hiking trails.

Keyes  who conducted the research with his company, Evergreen Business Analytics, and a non-profit trail advocacy group, Adirondack Hamlets to Huts  detected microplastics levels of 9.45 particles per milliliter in Lake Tear at the time.

Researchers suspected that the contamination was airborne in nature, introduced to the lake by precipitation cycles and rain. Keyes returned to Lake Tear in 2025 to collect samples, and retrieved samples from Moss Pond at the same time.

Sampling in 2025 revealed an unexpected difference: Lake Tear had microplastic levels of approximately 16.54 particles per milliliter. Moss Pond, a "remote, trailless body of water," had concentrations closer to 0.73 particles per milliliter, far lower despite being at a similar elevation.

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This led Keyes and his co-author Joe Dadey to conclude that hiking gear, like specialized shoes, was the primary culprit, not precipitation.

"It's a pretty clear indication given the stark difference in microplastic levels between the sister body of water that's a bushwack away compared to Lake Tear, which is on this thoroughfare for hikers that sees tens of thousands of people annually," Keyes explained to the outlet.

What are 'microplastic pathways,' and why are they so important?

Keyes broadly referenced "microplastic pathways," the means by which plastic particulate matter (microplastics and nanoplastics) enter the environment and human bodies.

Because microplastics are incredibly pervasive and can persist in the environment for centuries, understanding how they're introduced to water, soil, wildlife, and people is critical to figuring out how to reduce that exposure.

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In other words, we need to understand how microplastics enter and exit people and places, and identify where they're most concentrated to minimize our direct exposure.

Microplastics have only been on researchers' radar since 2004, and research into their prevalence and impacts has been ongoing since they were first identified.

Their findings have largely been concerning  microplastics are consistently found in soil, water, and the air, and that also holds true for wildlife and most systems in the human body.

Exposure to microplastics has been linked to a number of adverse health outcomes, from vascular damage to cognitive decline and cancers.

What's being done about it?

Keyes and Dadey said they hoped their findings would draw more awareness to the issue and that hiking gear manufacturers would take heed and address the issue at the production level.

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Using less plastic is one way to limit direct exposure, and as this research emphasized, replacing everyday items with plastic-free alternatives makes a big difference.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
PIERRE, SD (KELO)  Hunters had a successful start to the traditional pheasant season in South Dakota, including Governor Larry Rhoden.

Rhoden posted photos on Facebook of his hunting party saying the group shot more than 100 birds on Saturday.

Rhoden posted: Pheasant hunting is more than a tradition here in South Dakota, its part of who we are.

Meanwhile, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is asking hunters to use caution while driving on unpaved roads because recent heavy rains have made the roads soft and vulnerable to damage.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Oct. 18Robert E Nolen, Jr. (Bob) Robert E Nolen, Jr. (Bob), age 102, of Albuquerque, NM passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 9,2025. He was born May 18,1923 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He grew up in Tyler, Texas. Bob proudly served in the US Army during World War 2. He was combat wounded in Germany in November, 1944. He spent 8 months recuperating in various hospitals between Europe and the US. He earned a Purple Heart. He was active in the local chapter of military order of the Purple Heart. After returning to civilian life, he became a middle school math teacher until he retired in 1991. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Glenna J. Nolen and his great-grandson, Robert A. Bartley. He is survived by his two children, Nancy and John, sister Betsy Smith, two grandchildren, Wendy and April, two great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He was a gentle, kind and caring man who loved us all. The memorial service will be on Monday, October 27th, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. at Central United Methodist Church in the Chapel, 201 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 P.M.
Hollywood icon Robert De Niro branded Stephen Miller, President Donald Trumps senior advisor, a Nazi, despite Miller being Jewish, during a savage rant on MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday.

The Goodfellas star made the comment in response to co-host Jonathan Capehart asking him about his claim, a moment earlier on the show, that Trump will not leave the White House in 2028. Capehart said he was on the same wavelength as De Niro and agreed with him, before the actor compared Miller to Joseph Goebbels, the high-ranking Nazi leader and chief propagandist for Adolf Hitler.

No way! We see it, we see it, we see it all the time  he will not want to leave. He set it up with, I guess hes the Goebbels of the cabinet, Stephen Miller. Hes a Nazi, De Niro said. Yes, he is, and hes Jewish, and he should be ashamed of himself!

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Miller is, among other responsibilities, leading the Trump Administrations crackdown on illegal immigration.

Capehart did not push back on De Niros comment. Instead, he moved to a question about Trumps White House posting a picture on X of him and Vice President JD Vance wearing crowns, in response to the No Kings protests on Saturday. The picture also included Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) wearing sombreros.

Its all nonsense. We know its all racist. I mean, thats what he appeals to, thats what Trump is, De Niro said.

Were built different. Have a good night, everyone.  pic.twitter.com/4WBVxq2Cfe  The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 19, 2025

De Niro said there is no other option but to keep fighting and pushing until Trump is forced out of the White House, because he wont want to leave, even though he did in 2020, De Niro added.

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His rant included other notable moments, including when he called Trump an alien who has no empathy. The president, De Niro told MSNBC, wants to destroy the very country he runs, saying he wants to hurt the USA.

You can watch his comment about Miller above, via MSNBC.

The post Robert De Niro Calls Stephen Miller a Nazi In Wild MSNBC Rant: Trumps Goebbels Should Be Ashamed! first appeared on Mediaite.
Protests such as the nationwide No Kings protests that broke out across the United States this weekend are essential in this moment because Donald Trump is not going to leave the White House on his own, Robert De Niro said on MSNBCs The Weekend.

The actor noted hes very happy to see how the protest movement against the Trump administration has grown this year because thats  we need much more of it going forward, because thats the only thing that people are going to, the politicians are going to recognize  either face the wrath of Trump or the wrath of the people.

Its also important to continue to demonstrate, he added. We cant let up, cannot let up on him because he is not going to leave the White House. He does not want to leave the White House. He will not leave the White House. 

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Elsewhere in the interview, De Niro compared Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller to Joseph Goebbels, head propagandist for Hitlers Nazi Party.

Trump will not want to leave, the actor reiterated. He set it up with his, I guess hes the Goebbels of the cabinet. Stephen Miller, hes a Nazi. Yes, he is. And hes Jewish, and he should be ashamed of himself.

Watch the interview with Robert De Niro in the video above.

The post Robert De Niro Insists Trump Will Seek a 3rd Term: He Is Not Going to Leave the White House | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Following this weekends No Kings protests, Robert De Niro is continuing to hold Donald Trumps feet to the fire and drive home the messages of the nationwide demonstrations.

The 2x Oscar winner, who helped mobilize ahead of Saturdays protests, went on to warn fellow Americans that we have to keep fighting as the president continues to deploy the National Guard to major cities under the guise of keeping peace, ahead of the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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Im very happy to see that because we need much more of it going forward, he said of the protests on MSNBCs The Weekend. Because thats the only thing that the politicians are going to recognize, they either face the wrath of Trump or the wrath of the people. And they have to be more afraid of the wrath of the people and realize, This is not good. I better strap on my balls and do something about it.'

De Niro added, We cant let up. We cannot let up on them, because he is not gonna leave the White House. He does not wanna leave the White House, he will not leave the White House. Anybody who thinks [he will] is just deluding themselves, they Republicans most of all, because they know. But theyre going along with it. Its a classic bully situation. We see it, and theres no other way to face a bully. You have to face him and fight it out, and back him off, and back him down. Thats the only way this is going to work.

After Trump deployed 300 California National Guard troops to Oregon, in addition to boots on the ground in Chicago and other major cities, De Niro warned that the military presence is gonna wear on people until they dont have the freedom to walk into the polling station and vote without being intimidated.

We have to have a defense against that, an oppositional offense, he said. We have to be strong to counter that situation when it comes, because you know thats what hes trying. Its better to neutralize it now than to worry about it later.

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De Niro added that when Trumps term is ultimately up, the Supreme Court will find a way to go after him for what hes done, all the awful, monstrous things that hes done. Hes not gonna wanna leave. Why should he?

The Killers of the Flower Moon star previously appeared in a video for Indivisible to help mobilize for Saturdays No Kings protest, which the grassroots organization said attracted a turnout of more than 7 million people across all 50 states.

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Hollywood legend Robert De Niro lambasted President Donald Trump as an alien who has no empathy and wants to destroy the country he runs during a scathing rant on MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday morning.

The Raging Bull star also gave kudos to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and a number of other top Democrats, before letting an F-bomb fly on live TV as he praised New York City Attorney General Letitia James.

Hakeem Jeffries, I like. Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, theyre all great, strong. I like what Letitia James is doing. Shes fighting back. Shes saying, f*ck you! De Niro said.

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The expletive sounded like it rattled co-hosts Eugene Daniels and Jonathan Capehart off-camera, with one of them letting out an Oop!

Im sorry, this is where were at, De Niro continued, while holding his hand to his chest. Its what shes saying, This is it. I will not be taken down by this person. I am not afraid of him. And God bless her for that.

He added ICE agents  or those ICE guys, as De Niro put it  better not mess with James.

His support for James comes a few weeks after she was indicted on criminal charges related to mortgage fraud. James previously led a civil fraud trial against Trump; he was ordered to pay more than $350 million in 2024, but the massive financial penalty was tossed by a New York appeals court in August.

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De Niro made a number of other incendiary remarks during his appearance on MSNBC.

He branded the presidents senior advisor Stephen Miller a Nazi and compared him to Adolf Hitlers chief propagandist, Joseph Goebbels, despite Miller being Jewish.

The longtime lefty and Casino star also urged Americans to strap on their balls and continue protesting, like they did on Saturday at the nationwide No Kings rallies. Americans have to keep fighting back against Trump, he said, because he predicted Trump will not leave the White House in 2028  even though he exited after his first term.

We cant let up. Because hes not gonna leave the White House. He does not want to leave the White House, he will not leave the White House, De Niro said. Anybody who thinks Oh, hell do this, hell do that, is just deluding themselves  The Republicans most of all. Because they know, but theyre going along with it. Classic bully situation.

You can watch his comments on James above, via MSNBC.

The post Robert De Niro Praises Letitia James for Saying F*ck You to Trump in MSNBC Tirade first appeared on Mediaite.
Robert De Niro is speaking out on the importance of protests, saying, We cant let up, because President Donald Trump does not want to leave the White House.

The Oscar winner stopped by MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday to chat about Saturdays No Kings protests across the nation and the risk of Trump running for a third term.

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The original No Kings protest was 250 years ago, De Niro said of the American Revolution, which started in 1775. Americans decided they didnt want to live under the rule of King George III. They declared their independence and fought a bloody war for democracy. Weve had two and a half centuries of democracy since then. Often challenging, sometimes messy, always essential, and we fought in two World Wars to preserve it.

He continued, Now we have a would-be king who wants to take it away? King Donald I. Fuck that. We are rising up again this time, nonviolently raising our voices to declare No Kings.

Protest organizers said nearly seven million people marched and rallied in cities across the United States on Saturday for No Kings demonstrations denouncing what participants see as the current governments move into authoritarianism under Trump.

The Zero Day actor said hes very happy to see people from all different backgrounds and across the political spectrum joining the protests, which reportedly took place in more than 2,700 cities and towns, including Los Angeles and New York City.

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We need much more of it going forward, because thats the only thing that the politicians are going to recognize, either face the wrath of Trump or the wrath of the people, De Niro said. And they have to be more afraid of the wrath of the people and realize this is not good. I better strap on my balls and do something about it.

The Killers of the Flower Moon actor also stressed the importance of continuing the protests so that the No Kings message resonates with more people. The last No Kings protest was on June 14, the same day as the U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Parade and Trumps 79th birthday.

We cant let up, he continued. Cannot let up on him because he is not going to leave the White House. He does not want to leave the White House. He will not leave the White House. Anybody thinks he, oh, hell do this, hell do that. Its just deluding themselves.

De Niro continued, The Republicans, most of all, because they know, but theyre going along with it. Its a classic bully situation. We see it, and theres no other way to face a bully; you have to face him and fight it out and back them off and back him down. Thats the only way this is going to work.

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On Saturday, other Hollywood notables, including Spike Lee, Mark Ruffalo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Stiller, also spoke out in support of the No Kings protests.

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Robert De Niro is telling Americans to keep protesting against Donald Trump.

After Saturdays nationwide No Kings protests, De Niro told MSNBC that the country needs to show much more resistance, because thats the only thing the politicians are going to recognize. He added that we need to make lawmakers more afraid of the wrath of the people than the wrath of Trump.

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We cant let up, De Niro said. Cannot let up on him because he is not going to leave the White House. He does not want to leave the White House. He will not leave the White House. Anybody thinks he, oh, hell do this, hell do that, its just diluting themselves.

He added, The Republicans, most of all, because they know, but theyre going along with it. Its a classic bully situation. We see it, and theres no other way to face a bully. You have to face him and fight it out and back them off and back him down. Thats the only way this is going to work.

The Oct. 18 No Kings protests were joined by nearly 7 million people, according to MSNBC. ICEs aggressive immigration crackdown remains a key issue in the nationwide demonstrations, as they were during the first No Kings protests in June. National Guard presence in major cities and sweeping cuts to federal programs were also major motivators for participants.

De Niro was one of the many Hollywood mainstays to speak out in support of the No Kings movement. On Oct. 9, he appeared in a video on the TikTok account of political activist group Indivisible to encourage people to attend the No Kings protests.

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The original No Kings protest was 250 years ago, De Niro said. Americans decided they didnt want to live under the rule of King George III. They declared their independence and fought a bloody war for democracy. Weve had two and a half centuries of democracy since then. Often challenging, sometimes messy, always essential.

He continued, Now we have a would-be king who wants to take it away: King Donald the First. Fuck that. Were rising up again, this time, nonviolently raising our voices to declare: No Kings.

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Engel fell while "protecting his family and fighting terrorists" during the October 7 massacre, the kibbutz eulogized.

A kibbutz Nir Oz resident and dedicated Magen David Adom volunteer, Ronen Engel was killed while protecting his family when a Hamas terrorist cell broke into their home on the morning of the October 7 massacre.

Ronen, 54, was married to Karina, the devoted father of Tom, Mika, and Yuval, and the brother of Danny. He was a photographer, a lover of travel and off-road biking, a vintage collector, and above all, a true friend.

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Karina, Mika, and Yuval were also kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 and were released in the first deal.

In recent years, he volunteered as an emergency medical technician with MDA while working as a water engineer. In the kibbutz, he worked in the chicken coops and in restoring and refurbishing furniture and vintage items.

Israelis gather in Tel Aviv for the release of Gaza hostages on November 25, 2023 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

'Always look on the bright side of life'

According to his family, he used to say, "One person's trash becomes another person's treasure." A few years ago, he tattooed "Always look on the bright side of life" on his arm, a sentence that was a way of life for him.

"Alongside the grief and the understanding that their hearts will never be whole again, Ronens return brings some measure of solace to a family that has lived in unbearable uncertainty and doubt for over two years," his family said in a statement released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum when his remains were returned.

Ronen Engel's remains were returned to Israel as part of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan on October 18, 2025.
In March 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele the return of nine MS-13 gang leaders in U.S. custody, some of whom were confidential informants, in exchange for access to El Salvadors Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). According to an exclusive in the Washington Post, this agreement facilitated the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador but has raised significant concerns about the safety of U.S. law enforcement operations and the protection of informants.

To fulfill Bukeles request, Attorney General Pam Bondi was reportedly instructed to terminate the Justice Departments agreements with these informants. Critics argue that this move undermines the credibility of U.S. law enforcement and could deter future cooperation from informants. One of the deported gang leaders, Cesar Lopez Larios, had previously provided critical information about MS-13 activities in the U.S. and alleged government collusion in El Salvador.

The arrangement has also drawn attention to the Trump administrations relationship with Bukeles government, which has faced allegations of negotiating with MS-13 to reduce crime statistics and suppress evidence of government dealings with the gang. While the Trump administration has defended the deal as a diplomatic success, the decision has sparked controversy over the ethical implications of sacrificing informant safety for geopolitical gains.

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This situation underscores ongoing tensions between national security interests and the protection of individuals who assist in law enforcement efforts. The case has increased scrutiny of U.S. collaboration with Bukele, whose administration is accused of negotiating with MS-13 to reduce crime statistics, while facing allegations of human rights abuses and undermining democratic norms.

The post Rubio puts US informants at risk in El Salvador deal appeared first on Salon.com.
Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 62 drones, around 40 of which were Shaheds, on the night of 18-19 October. Ukraine's Air Force reported that 40 drones had been shot down or jammed, while almost twenty hit their targets.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: The drones were shot down and jammed in the north and east of the country.

Strikes from 19 drones were recorded in 7 locations.

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(Reuters) -Russian forces on Sunday attacked a coal mine in southeastern Ukraine and an unidentified energy site in the north near the Russian border, the operators of the sites said, adding to a series of recent assaults on Ukraine's energy network.

Private Ukrainian energy firm DTEK said Russian forces launched an attack on a colliery in Dnipropetrovsk region. The company said 192 miners were safely brought to the surface, with no injuries.

The company said it was the fourth Russian assault in two months on coal mining operations in Ukraine.

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The regional energy company in the northern border region of Chernihiv, Chernihivoblenergo, said an attack there caused extensive damage and cut off electricity to 55,000 users. Emergency crews would restore power in the area once it was safe to do so, it said.

Russian attacks in recent weeks have focused on Ukraine's power grid and other energy sites.

Power cuts were imposed in many areas in the past week in the aftermath of an attack earlier this month that cut electricity to more than one million consumers.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
Russia has claimed that 45 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles attacked its territory and were intercepted or destroyed on the night of 18-19 October.

Source: Russian Ministry of Defence

Details: According to the Russian forces, all 45 drones were shot down, but as usual, they did not report whether any hits occurred.

In particular, 12 drones were downed over Samara Oblast, 11 over Saratov Oblast, 5 each over Rostov and Voronezh oblasts, 2 over each of Bryansk and Lipetsk oblasts, and 1 over each of Volgograd, Orenburg, Ryazan, Tver and Tula oblasts.

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Three drones were also supposedly shot down over occupied Crimea.

Background: Yevgeny Solntsev, Governor of Orenburg Oblast in Russia, previously reported a drone attack on a gas plant which caused a fire.

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A woman has been killed in a Russian attack on the village of Hannivka in the Pokrovsk district in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Donetsk Oblast

Details: A Russian shell hit a house, which was completely destroyed. A woman was trapped under the rubble. Emergency workers had to pause their operations several times due to the ongoing danger and activity of Russian drones.

After the search and rescue operation was completed, the emergency workers recovered the body of the woman from under the rubble.

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The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating a possible cyberattack in which Russian hackers reportedly stole hundreds of confidential military documents and leaked them on the dark web.

Source: Daily Mail, citing The Mail On Sunday, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to the British outlet, the hackers gained access to the file storage system of a Defence Ministry contractor, Dodd Group, which provides technical maintenance for military facilities.

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The stolen files allegedly contain detailed information about eight British military bases  both air and naval  as well as the names and email addresses of Ministry of Defence employees.

Among the compromised sites is believed to be RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, which houses US F-35 fighter jets.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Quote: "We are actively investigating claims that information relating to the MoD has been published on the Dark Web. To safeguard sensitive operational information, we will not comment any further on the details."

More details: The investigation is ongoing, with cybersecurity experts assessing the scale of the breach and potential risks to national security.

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Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the latest developments.

Russia launched a large-scale attack against a coal mine in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Oct. 19, trapping 192 employees underground, the Ukrainian energy company DTEK reported.

The strike marks the fourth large-scale attack on DTEK coal enterprises over the past two months, the company said.

At the time of the strike, 192 miners were underground at the enterprise, DTEK said. An evacuation was carried out to bring the employees to the surface.

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The company later announced that all 192 employees had been safely returned to the surface. None of the miners were injured.

DTEK is the largest private energy company in Ukraine. Its facilities have been targeted in multiple Russian strikes, forcing production halts and disrupting residential heating supplies.

Russia has ramped up strikes against Ukraine's energy system heading into the colder season, striking critical infrastructure and leaving hundreds of thousands of households without power. Ukrainians are bracing for another winter of blackouts as Russia aims to impose what President Volodymyr Zelensky described as an "energy disaster" across the country.

Read also: Ukraines embattled steel sectors latest struggle? Polish protectionists

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DeepState analysts have reported that Russian forces have advanced in three settlements across Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

Source: DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts

Details: The Russians have made gains near the village of Filiia in the Synelnykove district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

The other two villages are Malynivka and Okhotnyche in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine previously reported that Ukrainian forces had stopped a Russian assault near Filiia and that there had also been an attack near Malynivka.

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Eleven people have been injured in a Russian attack on the Shakhtarske hromada in the Synelnykove district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: Haivanenko said that 10 people had been injured in the Shakhtarske hromada in a drone strike. One woman is in a serious condition.

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He added that apartments in three high-rise buildings had caught fire. A house in the Mezhova hromada also caught fire, while infrastructure was damaged in the Mykolaivka hromada.

The aftermath of the Russian attack.

The aftermath of the Russian attack.

Photo: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

The aftermath of the Russian attack.

The aftermath of the Russian attack.

Photo: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Russian forces shelled the Nikopol district with artillery and used drones. The city of Nikopol and the Pokrovske hromada came under attack, where the roof of a house caught fire.

There is also an update regarding the drone strike that occurred there in the evening. Local residents' houses, two cars and a power line were damaged."

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Update: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office later reported that the number of injured had risen to 11.

In total, 7 apartment buildings, 27 cars (9 of them destroyed), a shop and an electrical transmission tower were damaged.

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Yevgeny Solntsev, Governor of Orenburg Oblast in Russia, has reported a drone attack on a gas plant which caused a fire in one of the workshops.

Source: Solntsev on Telegram

Quote: "Ukrainian Armed Forces drones attempted to attack another industrial facility in the region. The infrastructure of the gas plant had been partially damaged."

Details: Solntsev said a fire broke out in one of the workshops as a result of the drone strike.

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Russian forces killed two civilians in the settlements of Staroraiske and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on 18 October.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; Kherson Oblast Military Administration

Details: Another three people were injured in Donetsk Oblast  two in Staroraiske and one in Druzhkivka.

In Kherson Oblast, five civilians were injured in Russian attacks.

Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces struck critical and social infrastructure, as well as residential areas in the oblast, damaging two apartment buildings and 15 houses.

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(FOX40.COM)  One person is dead and the Sacramento Police Department is still looking for a suspect after shots rang out along a Sacramento neighborhood just before midnight on Friday.

This incident marked the second deadly shooting in South Sacramento within two days.

FOX40 spoke with community members who said gunfire erupted and sheer panic ripped through the 7700 block of 51st Avenue. Nearby residents said what started as a house party with more than 100 young people quickly turned to tragedy.

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One neighbor showed FOX40 the bullet holes that sprinkled their home  including one hole that pierced through her daughters bedroom wall. She said that was one of an estimated more than ten rounds of gunfire  bullets also punctured her fence and destroyed a truck tire.

Image: FOX40

It is important to clarify that this bout of violence marks the second deadly shooting in South Sacramento within just two days. Thursday night, the police department responded to a shooting along Meadowview Road. That victim also died at the scene.

When officers got here, they located an adult male with at least one gunshot wound, SPD Spokesperson Anthony Gamble said.

The data from the city of Sacramentos website shows the police have reported opening 33 homicide investigations so far in 2025, including both recent incidents.

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Officials have not released suspect information for either case. So far, no one has been arrested. Gamble previously shared a message to the community.

Were encouraging anybody in the community that saw something, heard something, saw something after the fact, or heard something after the fact, please contact the police department, Gamble said.

Police remind the community that they need to speak with family members of the people who died before releasing their identities. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the Sacramento Police Department.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
GEDDES, N.Y. (AP)  Before white settlers came to Onondaga Lake, before the city of Syracuse grew along its shore, before the pristine waters became one of the most polluted bodies of water in the United States, it was a sacred place for the Onondaga Nation.

Local officials aware of that history have expressed a desire to transfer a parcel of lakeshore land back to the Onondagas, one of the native peoples who populated and governed much of upstate New York and parts of Canada before the American Revolution. But after 14 years, the effort is stalled amid issues related to taxes, the lakes cleanup and, most recently, a nearby statue of Christopher Columbus.

Both sides are frustrated, though a deal is not out of reach.

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Its not called Onondaga Lake for some arbitrary reason, said nation member Betty Hill on a recent visit to the lake. They know that it belonged to us, they know that it was part of our history for thousands of years.

Like other Indigenous people, the Onondaga have been trying to reacquire more of what was once a vast expanse of land in the state, beyond their federally recognized territory.

But reacquiring property along the lake would be a particular prize.

Sacred lake, tainted lake

Onondaga Land Claim

Onondaga Lake is revered as the place where a figure known as the Peacemaker, helped by Onondaga leader Hiawatha, brought the warring nations of Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga to form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy.

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Many people believe the confederacy influenced the drafters of the U.S. Constitution.

The nation eventually lost its foothold on the lake, which became polluted in the 19th and 20th centuries as industries dumped mercury, salt and other contaminants into the water. The lake is much cleaner now after restoration efforts, but there are still signs warning that its fish may be harmful to eat.

Yet the lake is still a living relative to our people, according to Sid Hill, the Tadodaho, or chief, of the nation. He told Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon in a letter this March that We have ceremonies which need to be practiced on its shores and other obligations.

County lawmakers considered returning some land in 2011 following advocacy spearheaded by an Onondaga ally, Lloyd Withers.

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Legislators passed a nonbinding resolution to return a parcel by a shopping mall in Syracuse, but that area turned out to be too polluted. A second resolution in 2016 supported the eventual transfer of a to-be-determined parcel of land.

Little progress has been made since.

Goodbye, Columbus?

Some nation members believe the county is coming up with issues to foil progress. As an example, they point to the statue of Columbus that has stood atop a pillar in downtown Syracuse since 1934.

Onondaga Land Claim

The Onondagas support plans announced by the mayor of Syracuse in 2020 to remove the statue of Columbus, an Italian explorer who helped the Spanish establish a colonial foothold in the Caribbean and later suppressed revolts by Indigenous people. They view the statue as a symbol of oppression and plunder standing in the heart of their traditional homeland.

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The statue is still standing years later amid a pushback from supporters, who see Columbus as a symbol of Italian American pride.

It became mixed up in land talks this summer. An aide to McMahon told Withers in an email that if the Onondaga lakeshore land transfer is to serve as a symbolic gesture of healing and partnership, then demands to remove the Columbus statue seem at odds with that goal.

The email suggested the nation embrace an alternate idea of adding a statue of Hiawatha as a way to potentially help bridge the divide between two very passionate sides.

Betty Hill, who is married to Sid Hill, said placing a Hiawatha statue next to Columbus is beyond insulting.

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I guess thats politics for you. You give up something for this, and Ill trade you off for this, Sid Hill said. What do we have to trade? We dont have anything. We have just a small piece of land left.

McMahon said he was merely seeking clarification on the issue from the Onondagas. The county does not have control over the statue and it is not a bargaining chip, he said.

An elusive deal

What McMahon does want, however, is for the Onondagas to pay taxes on other parcels of land that have been reacquired by the nation at county auctions.

He also wants a commitment the nation will not sue over the lakes cleanup, which has been criticized as insufficient by Onondaga leaders.

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If they can be addressed, then I think we can get to the table, and I think we can hunker out a deal, McMahon said.

The tax issue could be the trickiest one to resolve. An attorney for the Onondaga, Joe Heath, said that under state law, it isnt required to pay taxes on land recognized as Onondaga territory in the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua.

In the meantime, Betty Hill said the Onondagas are not going anywhere.

Were not going to stop in this quest to gain a piece of this back for our people and our confederacy, she said.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect corrected information released by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A head-on collision on Friday, Oct. 17, led to a San Angelo man being pronounced deceased on the scene.

The crash occurred at 4:34 p.m. in Irion County at U.S. Highway 67 and North First Street in Barnhart, Texas. The weather conditions were described as clear and dry.

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Texas Department of Public Safety reported that a preliminary investigation indicated that a 2008 Mitsubishi Raider was traveling westbound on U.S. 67 and leaving Barnhart, and a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling eastbound on U.S. 67 entering Barnhart.

The Raider then crossed over into the eastbound lane, striking the Silverado head-on.

TxDPS stated the driver of the Raider is a 52-year-old male from Boerne, Texas. He was taken to Shannon Medical Center with serious injuries.

The driver of the Silverado, David Brent, a 52-year-old of San Angelo, was pronounced deceased on the scene by J.P. Donna Smith, reported TxDPS.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.




Thousands of protesters marched through downtown San Antonio on Saturday for the "No Kings" demonstration, shouting "Immigrants are welcome here" and other slogans in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies.

The peaceful march was among thousands of demonstrations held across the country to protest Trump's crackdown on unauthorized immigrants, deployment of National Guard troops to Democrat-led cities and other actions that protesters depicted as authoritarian. It was the second round of "No Kings" protests. The first was held in June.

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Saturday's marchers gathered in Travis Park in the late afternoon heat to listen to speeches and stage a procession through downtown streets. They carried signs with slogans such as "All power to the people" and "Democracy yes! Dictators no!" They chanted criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who have spearheaded Trump's campaign to remove undocumented immigrants.

An organizer with the group 50501 SATX, which helped plan the event, estimated the turnout was the same as or slightly higher than the first "No Kings" protest, which drew about 10,000 people. No arrests were reported.

Participants make their way along the streets of downtown San Antonio during the "No Kings" march on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Michel Fortier/San Antonio Express-News)





Among those who turned out Saturday were Mary Claire Munroe and her husband, Mike Munroe, who came downtown from Alamo Heights to participate. Mary marched along Martin Street wearing a pickle costume.

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She said her getup did not signify that she had soured on the country. "I think we've got someone that thinks he's a king, that thinks he can do whatever he wants," she explained. "I'm here to say we're in a pickle, but we're going get out of it."

Her husband wore a blond wig with pigtails and a red apron with the label "Aunt Teefah" a humorous reference to antifa, a loose collection of anti-fascist activists. Trump has designated antifa a domestic terrorist organization.

Before the march got under way, U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, and Greg Casar, D-Austin, fired up the crowd.

"There is no hero coming to save you," Casar said, asking everyone to introduce themselves to their neighbors. "These are the people you're going to work with to save this country."

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Castro told the protesters that Trump considers himself a king and the country his kingdom.

"There's only one way out of this," Castro said. "In November 2026, every single person here needs to march to the polls," he said, alluding to the midterm congressional elections and that year's contests for governor, lieutenant governor, other statewide offices and the Legislature.

"And in 2028, we're going to say adios to Donald Trump," Castro said.

READ MORE: Thousands march in S.A. No Kings' protest as threats, chants and unity collide

As protesters assembled at Travis Park, speakers led them in call-and-response chants, asking them what they should do when the rights of immigrants, transgender people, workers and others are under attack.

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"Stand up, fight back," the crowd cried out.

Among them was Suzy Sledge, wearing a monarch butterfly cape and carrying a sign that said, "The only good orange monarch is a butterfly."

"I'm hoping to show solidarity with all the people who can't take this anymore," she said.

Participants make their way along the streets of downtown San Antonio during the "No Kings" march on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Michel Fortier/San Antonio Express-News)





Sledge, 72, said some of her friends wanted to attend Saturday's march but had been frightened away by rumors of a National Guard presence. No Guard troops were in evidence during the demonstration.

Like many others in the crowd, Sledge carried a sign with several American flag images "to show that I love America."

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"People have said it's just a hate rally," Sledge said, referring to comments by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders. "It's a love rally."

John Grey, a San Antonio native and graduate of LEE High School, said he joined the protest because the Trump administration had reduced funding for special education and environmental protection, and because ICE agents were "grabbing grandparents and children, pulling them out of school.

"He's destroying our Constitution, and he's destroying our democracy," Grey said of Trump.

Just after 4 p.m., two men and a woman - all wearing "Make America Great Again" hats - briefly interacted with the protesters in Travis Park. One waved a large flag with Trump's likeness on it. A few protesters sang in their faces and shouted at them.

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San Antonio Police Department officers observed the encounter from across the street.

"Don't engage with them because that's what they want out of you," an organizer said through a megaphone.

By 4:30 p.m., the trio of counter-protesters had departed.

Abbott deployed state troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers to Austin in advance of that city's separate protest march on Saturday. Echoing Trump, Abbott called the "No Kings" demonstrations "antifa-linked."

Ahead of the June protests, Abbott sent more than 5,000 members of the National Guard and more than 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to Texas cities, including San Antonio.

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On Saturday, Charles Broadnax, 78, sat in a folding chair and puffed on a cigar as he watched protesters walk past. The Seguin native said he was too old to march with them.

"There is a young generation out here," he said. "Seeing and knowing that they're affected by all this inspires me. Even a third grader can figure out that something is wrong. Change is coming from those young people."

This article originally published at San Antonio 'No Kings' protesters denounce federal immigration crackdown.
After his sentence was commuted by President Trump, former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) said Sunday he does not expect to run for office in the next decade.

I can tell you this, not that I can see of in the next decade. Im all politicked out, Santos told CNNs Dana Bash on State of the Union regarding a political comeback.

On Friday, the president commuted the former congressmans seven-year prison sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos, 37, pleaded guilty to the charges in August 2024 and reported to a New Jersey federal corrections facility in July.

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Santos was expelled by the House in December 2023, less than a year into his first term, amid the allegations.

On Sunday, Santos said he was humbled by his time in prison and wears the scorn of my poor choices and my poor decisions. He added that if he is still required by law to pay $370,000 in restitution to those he defrauded during his initial run for Congress, he will do so.

According to a copy of the commutation posted by Ed Martin, a White House pardon attorney, to the social platform X on Friday, Santos no longer needs to pay the restitution.

I have been granted a second chance, Santos said on Sunday. I have made a very concise decision to apply that for good and use that to make amends with my community, with my friends, with my family and those who I have left a sour taste in their mouth.

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The former GOP lawmaker also said that during his conversation with Trump after the president commuted his sentence, he expressed a willingness to work on prison reform in real human ways.

How can I be a voice of helping change a system that needs desperate changing to help rehabilitation? Prison is not rehabilitating anybody. Its actually creating recidivism because its not doing what its supposed to do, Santos added.

Updated at 1:11 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.




One man is dead, and another person is injured after a shooting near downtown San Antonio that evolved into a police chase that ended in a car crashing into a tree.

At about 4:07 a.m. on Sunday, October 19, the San Antonio Police Department responded to a call for a shooting near East Commerce Street and Alamo Plaza downtown. When officers arrived on-scene, they found a man, 27, unresponsive with a fatal gunshot wound, according to a preliminary report from the SAPD. The man was later pronounced dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.

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While investigating in the area, the SAPD received a second call to approach a Denny's restaurant in the area for a second person with a gunshot wound. When officials arrived at the restaurant, witnesses pointed to a group of people near a parked Nissan Altima, who witnesses said came from the direction of where the shooting took place. SAPD officers also noted the groups clothing and demographic matched the description of the alleged shooters provided by witnesses at the previous scene.

"Officers gave commands to the suspects, but the suspects entered the Nissan Altima as the officers were approaching and fled in the vehicle," the SAPD preliminary reports states. Police followed the vehicle, and at one point saw it come to a stop as multiple people exited the car near Burnet Street and Onslow before the Altima took off again.

Police then saw the vehicle crash into a tree before more people exited the Altima. Police eventually arrested two people after the crash and found a firearm. The person who died in the shooting has not been identified. The second person who was shot was sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

No other injuries were reported, and police said an investigation remains ongoing.

This article originally published at SAPD arrests 2 after chase stemming from deadly shooting ends in car crashing into tree.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy will go behind bars on Tuesday, starting a five-year sentence for conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is set to make history on Tuesday  though not in the way he would have liked.

The once all-powerful leader is due to be jailed over a long-running case involving alleged Libyan financing for his 2007 presidential campaign, becoming the first former head of an EU country to actually serve time behind bars.

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Sarkozy, who held office from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September of criminal conspiracy over a plan to receive campaign funds from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The court ruled that the scheme, dating back to 2005, involved his associates striking an illegal deal in exchange for political favours.

The 70-year-old former president has appealed the verdict and insists he is the victim of a grave injustice.

If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison  but with my head held high, he told reporters defiantly after the ruling.

Sarkozy is expected to be sent to La Sante prison in Paris, a historic and somewhat forbidding facility that has previously housed everyone from the notorious militant Carlos the Jackal to disgraced model agent Jean-Luc Brunel.

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Sarkozy to begin five-year jail term on 21 October in Paris prison

Solitary confinement

Sarkozy will likely be placed in solitary confinement for security reasons, according to prison officials.

His cell will measure just nine square metres  enough space for a bed, a small desk and not much else.

Officials told AFP the arrangement is intended to avoid awkward encounters or unauthorised photos, given that smuggled mobile phones are rife inside French prisons.

Under solitary confinement rules, the former president will be allowed out once a day for a brief walk in a small yard. It remains unclear how long he will stay behind bars  Judge Nathalie Gavarino said his offences were of exceptional gravity and ordered immediate incarceration, even pending appeal.

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However, Sarkozys lawyers plan to request his release as soon as he arrives, and an appeals court has two months to decide.

The court could, in theory, keep him inside if it believes thats the only way to prevent interference with evidence or witnesses. Alternatively, it could grant home detention with an electronic ankle tag  something Sarkozy is already familiar with.

The fall of France's Nicolas Sarkozy, from palace to prison

Legal troubles piling up

The former presidents latest conviction adds to a long list of legal woes since leaving the Elysee Palace in 2012.

He has already been found guilty in two separate cases  including one for trying to bribe a judge in exchange for confidential information.

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That sentence was served at home under electronic surveillance until the tag was removed in May.

In the so-called Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that Sarkozys team agreed to take millions from Kadhafis regime to help bankroll his successful 2007 campaign.

In return, France was said to have promised to rehabilitate Libyas image internationally, following its pariah status after the 1988 Lockerbie and 1989 Niger air disasters.

Crucially, while the court found evidence of a conspiracy, it stopped short of saying Sarkozy personally received or used Libyan cash. He was acquitted on separate counts of corruption, embezzlement and illicit campaign financing.

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Macron slams 'unacceptable' threats to judge after Sarkozy court ruling

Public divided, right still loyal

Despite his mounting convictions, Sarkozy remains something of a hero to parts of the French right.

His son, Louis Sarkozy  who writes for a far-right newspaper and is now running for mayor in southern France  has called on supporters to come and show support outside his fathers Paris home before the incarceration.

Still, the broader French public appears less sympathetic. According to a recent poll by Elabe, six in ten people say Sarkozys latest sentence is fair.

President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile weighed in to condemn the wave of online abuse and death threats directed at the presiding judge following last months verdict, calling them unacceptable.

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Sarkozy met with Macron at the Elysee Palace on Friday, a source from the executive branch told AFP Monday.

When Sarkozy walks through the gates of La Sante, he will become the first French leader to be jailed since Marechal Philippe Petain  the head of the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime  was imprisoned after World War II.

Its a striking fall from grace for the man once dubbed Sarko lAmericain, admired for his energy and global ambition.

(With AFP)
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Long Island school district has responded after one of its teachers was arrested and accused of soliciting indecent photos from an adult posing as a minor, officials said.

On Friday, district officials sent a message to parents addressing the arrest of Mark Verity, identified by police as a teacher in the district.

More Local News

Verity, 37, is accused of requesting indecent photos from an adult posing as a 13-year-old girl online, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

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This is a deeply troubling situation for our entire community. The charges brought forward are heinous and deeply disturbing, and they stand in direct opposition to the values we uphold as a school district, Poole said in a message to parents.

Last week, a teacher was banned from Wading River School after being caught sharing disturbing remarks on a livestream, according to Superintendent Gerard Poole.

Poole did not specify if Verity was the teacher involved in the livestream incident. Police said there is no evidence any students were victims.

Verity has been suspended, and the district is reviewing its internal employment processes with urgency, Poole said.

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Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
For a pet owner who wants to keep their dog or cat free of fleas, flea treatments seem like a good idea. But new research suggests that toxic chemicals in these treatments have a far greater reach  and pollutive impact  than previously suspected.

What's happening?

The University of Sussex and Imperial College London published research in the journal Science of the Total Environment that tracked the presence of two insecticides  fipronil and imidacloprid  found in some of the commonly used over-the-counter flea treatments. Researchers found that not only did the chemicals linger on the hands and in the homes of pet owners for 28 days after application, but their residue drained into and contaminated local water sources.

Many flea treatments, especially those by prescription, do not contain either ingredient; The New York Times recently published an unrelated list of common flea treatments and their active ingredients here. Many veterinarians have already been advising dog owners against using flea treatments such as Frontline for this reason for years, and the new study helps to reinforce that.

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Dave Goulson, a biology professor who oversaw the research, told the Guardian: "These two chemicals are extremely potent neurotoxic insecticides and it is deeply concerning that they are routinely found on the hands of dog owners through ongoing contact with their pet. Pet owners will also be upset to learn that they are accidentally polluting our rivers by using these products."

Why are these chemicals so harmful?

Imidacloprid belongs to a group of chemicals called neonicotinoids, or neonics, which are also used widely as insecticides. However, research on the dangers of neonics has led to their being banned in the EU. At this time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still allows neonics to be used in agriculture.

Neonics have been linked to neurological issues, birth defects, heart damage, and memory loss. And with neonics still measurably present in households a month after applying flea treatment, Goulson says, proper risk assessments for these treatments need to be made.

"If they're on our hands then these neurotoxins will be all over our homes," he said. "That doesn't sound healthy to me."

This discovery raises substantial concerns for families, particularly with young children and pets, who may be at heightened risk from prolonged exposure to neurotoxins within their homes. Community awareness and safer practices in flea treatment can significantly reduce this hidden health hazard.

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These toxins are also harmful to wildlife, from birds to deer, fish, and more. Guy Woodward, an ecology professor who was also involved in the research, said that "despite these chemicals being banned from outdoor agricultural use for several years, we are still finding them in UK freshwaters at levels that could harm aquatic life."

And unfortunately, it seems that flea treatments are a much larger contributor than previously thought. The research found that they accounted for an estimated 20-40% of wastewater pollution.

The preservation of wildlife and the environment is important as well because ecology is often a delicate balance, where one struggling species of animal or plant can suddenly cause a domino effect leading to any number of other problems.

What's being done?

"I would argue that vets should stop encouraging dog and cat owners to use these treatments prophylactically," Goulson suggested. "If an animal hasn't got fleas, why would you treat it for fleas?" He also advised washing pet bedding often to kill larvae.

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When it comes to agricultural use, many groups are pushing for a full ban. But until then, some researchers are looking to optimize application to avoid over-spraying, while others are investigating alternative methods for keeping insects at bay.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet.
Researchers have identified a concerning side effect of underwater power cables. These electrical hubs power key offshore sites, such as wind farms; however, an article from the University of Portsmouth shared on Phys.org reported that female crabs are "more sensitive to electromagnetic fields," which poses a significant threat to the survival of crab species.

What's happening?

A new study from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences examined the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from underwater cables on both male and female crabs. Their findings revealed a stark disparity in the effect these EMFs have on female crabs versus their male counterparts.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth James

After exposing 120 common shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) to underwater EMFs, the researchers found that female crabs were nearly twice as likely to congregate in areas near EMFs. Male crabs, on the other hand, did not change their behavior in response to the EMFs and didn't demonstrate a preference between the areas affected by EMFs versus the unaffected areas.

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Published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the study is the first set of research to analyze "sex-specific responses" to underwater EMFs, according to Ph.D. student Elizabeth James, who led the study.

"The fact that we're seeing such clear behavioral differences between males and females, even at relatively low, as well as high electromagnetic field strengths, suggests that we need to think much more carefully about how offshore energy infrastructure might be affecting marine ecosystems differently than we previously thought," James said, per the University of Portsmouth article.

Why is the new research important?

While offshore wind farms supply clean energy, their underwater cables can negatively impact local marine life. The behavioral changes in female crabs could have major consequences for the crab population.

"If female crabs are drawn to stay near underwater cables instead of continuing their natural migrations, this could affect where they lay their eggs and ultimately impact crab populations along entire coastlines," the University of Portsmouth explained.

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These changes don't only impact the crab population, though. When one species declines, it disrupts the entire balance of the ecosystem, triggering a domino effect that affects the whole food chain.

What's being done about the impact of underwater power cables on marine life?

James highlighted how her research findings underscore the importance of placing offshore wind farms in areas that won't impact crab migration paths. She also emphasized the need for additional research on how underwater EMFs affect both male and female marine species, as the impact can vary based on sex.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.




Scott County Iowa Genealogical Societys p

resentation of Just Before the Battle, Mother: A Visit from a Civil War Soldier by O.J. Fargo will be 1 p.m. Saturday,Nov. 1 at the Davenport American Legion hall, 702 W. 35th St., Davenport.

This image provided by Heritage Auctions, shows 21-star U.S. flag. Illinois state investigators are scrutinizing the purchase by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum of this 21-star U.S. flag reportedly from 1818-1819 at the time that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. At the same time, one of the nations top vexillologists, or flag experts, says the flag is not from 1818 but from the Civil War period and is likely a so-called Southern exclusionary flag, reserving on its blue canton space for stars representing only those states remaining loyal to the Union. (Heritage Auctions via AP)

The Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit, to host the presentation. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowas communities.

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After an overview of Iowas involvement in the Civil War, the audience will be introduced to a returning Civil War soldier (played by Fargo). The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the soldier who will stay in character.

The speaker will bring along a full roster of all men who served in and from Iowa in the Civil War to enable the participants to check for ancestors who served. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia for the presentation and focuses the presentation on an individual soldiers experience.

Fargo has done more than 100 history presentations throughout the state for Humanities Iowa including historical societies, libraries, schools, professional organizations and many other groups. In addition to being a Humanities Iowa speaker since 1998, he is the author of three books and editor of two CD-ROMs containing 320,000 pages of searchable text and 10,000 Civil War pictures. He is a contributor to several Iowa history websites and maintains one on Iowa in the Civil War aimed at students and teachers.

Fargo is a retired social studies consultant and director of support services. He became a re-enactor in 1993 and got into the hobby because of his love of history and the opportunity to interact with others of like interests. Now retired, he continues to teach classes and do talks. He is the president of the Army of the Southwest, a group of Civil War re-enactors headquartered in Waukee.

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The presentation is free and open to the public. A list of all Civil War soldiers from Iowa will be available for viewing at the event for those who might want to search for the name of a relative. Fargos books and CDs will be available for sale as well. For more information, visit here.

About the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society

Our society, Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society was organized in 1973 for literary and educational purposes as a nonprofit corporation with activities devoted to pursuits designed to further the creation and fostering of interest in genealogy and family history, the gathering, preservation, and use of records relative to the ancestors, founders, and early settlers of our county; giving of aid and instruction to individuals in their genealogical research and in the compilation of their family histories; the establishment and maintenance of a depository of genealogical information and materials.

The society houses a large collection in the Richardson-Sloane Special Collection Center at the Davenport Public Library, 321 Main St., Davenport. It is open to the public and is constantly being expanded. It includes marriage records, probate records, cemetery records, naturalization index and documents, church records and many more. Volunteers always seek more information to help family researchers in their quest for material.

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Meetings are held at 1 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Davenport Public Library lower-level meeting room. No meetings are scheduled for January or July. Guests are welcome.

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19/10/2025





Royston Drenthe, 38, who was on loan with Everton in 2011-12, has suffered a stroke and was rushed to hospital.

A statement from his current team FC De Rebellen, a team of veterans in the Netherlands, said: Last Friday, Royston Drenthe suffered a stroke.

Drenthe is currently being taken good care of and is in good hands. The team and those involved are hoping for a smooth recovery.

Roystons family is asking for peace and privacy during this period so they can provide him with the support and space he needs for his recovery.

His season-long loan at Everton was due to expire at the end of June 2012 and was not converted into a permanent contract, despite the obvious skill and flair he could bring to the team.

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(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office was searching for a missing family, including a 1-month-old baby, after being last seen on Friday night.

 Video above: How to report a missing person

According to SCSO, the following people went missing around 6:30 p.m. near Power Inn and Florin Road in South Sacramento.

Derek Valdez-Astorga, 1 month old, black hair, brown eyes, unknown clothing.

Priscilla Astorga-Fuentes, 23 years old, 54, 125 lbs, black shoulder-length hair, brown eyes. She has tattoos of 2002 on her right hand and a floral design on her right forearm. She was last seen with her husband, Antonio, and their infant son.

Antonio Gonzaga-Valdez, 35 years old, 57, 200 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, and is believed to be armed.

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Priscillas brother told the sheriffs office that she had called him when he was in Washington, stating that she had been assaulted and was afraid for her safety. Before he could arrive in California, Antonio allegedly took her phone and sent a message telling him not to interfere.

SCSO said when the brother arrived on Saturday at their home in Sacramento, the family and their vehicles were gone. Deputies are seeking a 2019 White Toyota Camry with distinctive black tiger scratch decals on the driver and passenger doors.

At around 5:30 p.m., all three individuals have been located safe and sound. Detectives have confirmed that no crimes were committed, and no one is in any danger.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
A search for a missing man is underway at a private lake in Preble County early Sunday morning.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Around 1:40 a.m., crews were dispatched to a private lake on Guy Murray Road on reports of a subject that had disappeared in the water, according to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson.

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Fire personnel were unable to locate anyone during their initial search of the lake.

A male subject is missing, according to Simpson.

Simpson added that boats are currently in the water, but a recovery hasnt been made yet.

Crews remain on scene.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to update as we learn more.

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An N12 investigation found critical security flaws in the Gaza border barrier, revealing ignored warnings, faulty design, and budget-driven lapses.

Massive security faults and serious lapses in the design, construction, and operational readiness of the barrier along the Gaza border that Hamas breached during the October 7 massacre were revealed by N12 on Saturday.

The report highlighted a series of systemic issues, including unfulfilled technological promises, misallocated resources, ignored warnings, and gaps in strategic planning that ultimately left southern communities unprotected.

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Launched in 2021, the barrier was introduced as a groundbreaking defense project. It was intended to utilize autonomous systems, robotics, and advanced surveillance to stop infiltration from Gaza.

The upper fence is very significant, said Brig.-Gen. Eran Ophir, head of the Border and Seam Administration at the Defense Ministry, and project lead. It is prepared for the threats from Gaza. Its massive, its strong, and it will respond to all the threats in this area. This is an above-ground obstacle that prevents overground infiltration.

However, according to multiple project officials interviewed by N12, the advanced capabilities described in public statements were not fully realized. One senior official involved in the project stated, Where are all the technologies that were promised? They sold dreams to the residents. The border wasnt smart or lethal.

Another officer added, There were tworobots patrolling the barrier whenever journalists came. Other than that, they did nothing. The defense establishment knew the smart barrier was a fiction.

Palestinians take control of an Israeli tank after crossing the border fence with Israel from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2023. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

The barrier project started after the 2014 Gaza conflict revealed extensive tunnel networks into Israeli territory. Of the estimated NIS 5 billion budget, the vast majority was used for underground defenses, while only NIS 122 million was invested in the above-ground fence, which was eventually breached.

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According to former intelligence officer Dr. Ofer Guterman, We invested billions in a project intended to cut off tunnels and prevent infiltration through them. What we missed was the capability to carry out a wide ground incursion.

Dr. Yuval Steinitz, then a cabinet member, also warned of broader threats. I always said the main danger was not a squad or even 20 squads coming through tunnels, but a mass attack of thousands of fighters crossing the fence and entering Sderot, kibbutzim, and bases.

Despite this, the above-ground barrier was not upgraded to counter such scenarios. They prepared for the previous war, one senior Southern Command officer said, referring to the focus on tunnel threats from 2014.

Early Warnings Overlooked

Military intelligence reportedly received Hamass detailed invasion plan in 2018. The plan, known four years later as Jericho Wall, outlined how thousands of elite Nukhba fighters would cross the border overground, not via tunnels.

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Dr. Danny Tirza, a defense barrier planning expert, told N12, We received these threats, the invasion threats, and didnt respond to them with the fence we built.

Another senior officer said, They told residents the above-ground fence would prevent infiltration, but it wasnt even built for that. It was only meant to delay attackers by 15 minutes. It didnt respond to explosives, not even to a tractor.

Langotsky, a former tunnel warfare advisor, added, I said, Friends, this is an illusion. Not that it doesnt help at all, but the illusion is that this is a hermetic seal. Theres no such thing. Heaven forbid, look what can happen.

Hamas Conducted Field Tests Weeks Before Attack

According to the report, Hamas carried out several test operations on the fence weeks before October 7, using motorcycles, small bridges, and explosives. One key test, conducted one week prior, involved blowing up a structural beam critical to the fences integrity. It succeeded. The report states this activity did not trigger an IDF response.

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Langotsky also said he proposed conducting IDF simulations on how the wall could be breached, but was unaware if any were actually carried out. I suggested doing an exercise on how to breach the wall. Lets bring someone to dedicate thought to play the role of Hamas. That way, wed understand the deficiencies. I dont think that was done.

Efforts by Gaza Division commanders to improve the defensive response were reportedly unsuccessful. Proposals to upgrade weapon systems, such as replacing outdated machine guns with more effective naval-style cannons or implementing a new project called Green Axe, were rejected due to budget concerns.

Commanders also reported a lack of readiness in armored forces. Only 14 tanks were staffed on the morning of the attack, and some were not functional due to restrictions aimed at conserving operating costs.

Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage survivor Nimrod Cohen, described the situation, Theyre there, near the border. And the tank arrives on a carrier to save engine hours. The crew cant function in an operational situation because the equipment given to them by the army wasnt working. They tried to save a few pennies.

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An additional directive reportedly issued five months prior to the attack called for a significant reduction in kilometers traveled by tanks and APCs, including in the Gaza Division. Brig.-Gen. Avi Rosenfeld allegedly exceeded the quota and was reprimanded.

Command disputes and promotions

N12 reported internal disagreements between then-IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and Southern Command head Herzi Halevi regarding where to deploy new detection systems. While Halevi requested they be installed along the Gaza border, Kochavi ordered deployment in the north.

N12 also highlighted the recent promotion of Brig.-Gen. Eran Ophir to the rank of major general. Former officers questioned the decision, given his role in overseeing the barriers construction. One senior official said Ophir had asked Halevi for the promotion based on tenure, but was refused. Current Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir later approved it, with support from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Sabag, the IDFs former Chief Engineering Officer who investigated the barrier's failure, concluded, Like the Maginot Line and the Bar-Lev Line, when a long and expensive project is undertaken, it creates excessive confidence.

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The Ministry of Defense stated, The barrier disrupted over 30 tunnels and stopped new ones from being built. The above-ground fence was constructed per operational requirements to stop infiltration, not a mass explosive breach. The barriers sensor systems provided early warning and real-time information. We fully support Maj.-Gen. Eran Ophir and the Border Administration, which built over 1,200 kilometers of barriers nationwide.

From former Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavis office, it said, During Kochavis term, new methods were initiated to detect and destroy enemies. These took time and were not fully realized before his term ended. Traditional defenses were also reinforced. New techniques and operations improved intelligence in the area.

The IDF Spokesperson said, In-depth investigations were conducted regarding the Gaza border defense concept. Operational limitations and budget constraints affected armored unit deployments. The attempt to link current failures directly to Lt.-Gen. Zamir and the intelligence from seven years ago are manipulative and unprofessional. Maj.-Gen. Ophirs promotion was backed by multiple past chiefs of staff and defense ministers.
South Dakota State Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, speaks to the Senate State Affairs Committee on Feb. 5, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakotas race for its lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives got a little more crowded last month with the entrance of state Sen. Casey Crabtree, a Madison Republican. The seat will be up for grabs next year because Republican U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson is running for governor.

In making his announcement, Crabtree let people know, in no uncertain terms, that he will be loyal to President Donald Trump. Whether that kind of blind loyalty can get him elected remains to be seen.

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I am the only conservative Republican in the race who has always delivered on an America First, South Dakota Always agenda, Crabtree said in an interview with South Dakota Searchlight. He needs strong allies like myself who will be serving in Congress to make sure he can deliver the America First agenda.

In the interview, Crabtree went so far as to back Trumps tariff policy as well as his handling of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. There are plenty of photos of Trump with his arms wrapped around an American flag. If Trump were a flag, it would be wrapped around Crabtree.

Like the Lloyd Bridges character in the movie Airplane, who picked a bad day to give up smoking, Crabtree may have picked a bad year to run for Congress. Thats particularly true if he is going to market himself as a Trump loyalist.

Off-year elections are traditionally tough on the party in power. With Republicans controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, the GOP can expect to take a few hits in the 2026 election.

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Something must be up, because South Dakotas usually candidate-averse Democratic Party already has two announced candidates for the partys nomination for the U.S. House with another who has filed the paperwork to run. Its hard to imagine a Democrat getting elected to the U.S. House in South Dakota, but that level of Democratic interest is unprecedented in recent history.

By wrapping himself in Trump, Crabtree is betting that the presidents popularity in South Dakota will help him win a primary against another declared GOP candidate, Attorney General Marty Jackley (a third Republican, James Bialota, of Piedmont, has filed paperwork to run). Crabtree is likely to find that service in the Legislature doesnt necessarily transform into recognition from the electorate.

Election 2026

News and commentary on statewide races and ballot questions.

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In an April poll about gubernatorial hopefuls by South Dakota News Watch, state Rep. Jon Hansen, the only announced Republican candidate at the time, was at the bottom with 2% support from registered Republican voters, despite being the current speaker of the state House. That means Crabtree, a former legislative leader, has his work cut out for him. Thats especially true running against Jackley, a veteran of multiple statewide campaigns.

How Crabtree got to be a former majority leader in the Senate may also point to a weakness in his candidacy. He was on the wrong side of the carbon dioxide pipeline law that voters rejected in the 2024 general election. Voter opposition to that law contributed to losses by 14 incumbent Republican legislators in the 2024 primary, and also contributed to the Legislatures adoption of a ban on eminent domain for carbon pipelines earlier this year.

Crabtree easily handled election integrity advocate Rick Weible in their primary, earning 72% of the vote, and was unopposed in the general election.

But Crabtree was ousted from his post as Senate majority leader last winter when Republican legislators gathered to elect their leadership, and the populist branch of the party is known for having a long memory and a love of primaries. That means a populist candidate for the U.S. House could still emerge and put Crabtrees cloak of Trump loyalty to the test.

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For decades, Americans trust in one another has been on the decline, according to the most recent General Social Survey.

A major factor in that downshift has been the concurrent rise in the polarization between the two major political parties. Supporters of Republicans and Democrats are far more likely than in the past to view the opposite side with distrust.

That political polarization is so stark that many Americans are now unlikely to have friendly social interactions, live nearby or congregate with people from opposing camps, according to one recent study.

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Social scientists often refer to this sort of animosity as affective polarization, meaning that people not only hold conflicting views on many or most political issues but also disdain fellow citizens who hold different opinions. Over the past few decades, such affective polarization in the U.S. has become commonplace.

Polarization undermines democracy by making the essential processes of democratic deliberation  discussion, negotiation, compromise and bargaining over public policies  difficult, if not impossible. Because polarization extends so broadly and deeply, some people have become unwilling to express their views until theyve confirmed theyre speaking with someone whos like-minded.

Im a political scientist, and I found that Americans were far less likely to publicly voice their opinions than even during the height of the McCarthy-era Red Scare.

A supporter of Donald Trump tries to push past demonstrators in Philadelphia on June 30, 2023. AP Photo/Nathan Howard

The muting of the American voice

According to a 2022 book written by political scientists Taylor Carlson and Jaime E. Settle, fears about speaking out are grounded in concerns about social sanctions for expressing unwelcome views.

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And this withholding of views extends across a broad range of social circumstances. In 2022, for instance, I conducted a survey of a representative sample of about 1,500 residents of the U.S. I found that while 45% of the respondents were worried about expressing their views to members of their immediate family, this percentage ballooned to 62% when it came to speaking out publicly in ones community. Nearly half of those surveyed said they felt less free to speak their minds than they used to.

About three to four times more Americans said they did not feel free to express themselves, compared with the number of those who said so during the McCarthy era.

Censorship in the US and globally

Since that survey, attacks on free speech have increased markedly, especially under the Trump administration.

Issues such as the Israeli war in Gaza, activist campaigns against wokeism, and the ever-increasing attempts to penalize people for expressing certain ideas have made it more difficult for people to speak out.

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The breadth of self-censorship in the U.S. in recent times is not unprecedented or unique to the U.S. Indeed, research in Germany, Sweden and elsewhere have reported similar increases in self-censorship in the past several years.

How the spiral of a silence explains self-censorship

In the 1970s, Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, a distinguished German political scientist, coined the term the spiral of silence to describe how self-censorship arises and what its consequences can be. Informed by research she conducted on the 1965 West German federal election, Noelle-Neumann observed that an individuals willingness to publicly give their opinion was tied to their perceptions of public opinion on an issue.

The so-called spiral happens when someone expresses a view on a controversial issue and then encounters vigorous criticism from an aggressive minority  perhaps even sharp attacks.

People rally at the University of California, Berkeley, to protest the Trump administration on March 19, 2025. AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez

A listener can impose costs on the speaker for expressing the view in a number of ways, including criticism, direct personal attacks and even attempts to cancel the speaker through ending friendships or refusing to attend social events such as Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.

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This kind of sanction isnt limited to just social interactions but also when someone is threatened by far bigger institutions, from corporations to the government. The speaker learns from this encounter and decides to keep their mouth shut in the future because the costs of expressing the view are simply too high.

This self-censorship has knock-on effects, as views become less commonly expressed and people are less likely to encounter support from those who hold similar views. People come to believe that they are in the minority, even if they are, in fact, in the majority. This belief then also contributes to the unwillingness to express ones views.

The opinions of the aggressive minority then become dominant. True public opinion and expressed public opinion diverge. Most importantly, the free-ranging debate so necessary to democratic politics is stifled.

Not all issues are like this, of course  only issues for which a committed and determined minority exists that can impose costs on a particular viewpoint are subject to this spiral.

The consequences for democratic deliberation

The tendency toward self-censorship means listeners are deprived of hearing the withheld views. The marketplace of ideas becomes skewed; the choices of buyers in that marketplace are circumscribed. The robust debate so necessary to deliberations in a democracy is squelched as the views of a minority come to be seen as the only acceptable political views.

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No better example of this can be found than in the absence of debate in the contemporary U.S. about the treatment of the Palestinians by the Israelis, whatever outcome such vigorous discussion might produce. Fearful of consequences, many people are withholding their views on Israel  whether Israel has committed war crimes, for instance, or whether Israeli members of government should be sanctioned  because they fear being branded as antisemitic.

Many Americans are also biting their tongues when it comes to DEI, affirmative action and even whether political tolerance is essential for democracy.

But the dominant views are also penalized by this spiral. By not having to face their competitors, they lose the opportunity to check their beliefs and, if confirmed, bolster and strengthen their arguments. Good ideas lose the chance to become better, while bad ideas  such as something as extreme as Holocaust denial  are given space to flourish.

The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: James L. Gibson, Washington University in St. Louis

Read more:



James L. Gibson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
As Moscow steps up its hybrid onslaught against the Baltic states, local Russian-speaking populations present a potential weak spot to exploit.

Russian is the mother tongue of roughly one-quarter and one-third of the populations of Estonia and Latvia, respectively, two small nations at NATO's eastern frontier.

Adopting a "wartime" mentality  fueled by the war in Ukraine and Russian aerial incursions  Tallinn and Riga increasingly see this minority as a potential risk, says Vendula Kazlauskas, an expert on the Baltic region at the Prague-based Association for International Affairs.

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Seeking to curb Moscow's influence, Latvia and Estonia are phasing out the Russian language in education, tightening immigration rules, and targeting Russian-linked organizations.

These steps are driven both by security concerns and by the need for a "greater integration of the Russian-speaking minority," Kazlauskas explains.

Read also: In Estonias border town, Russian-speaking majority enjoys NATOs shield, remains mute on Russias threat

Weaponizing the diaspora

After enjoying three decades of independence, the Baltic states  Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  were occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. Following the end of World War II, while not recognized by the West, it remained in place until the 1990s.

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The large Russian-speaking and ethnically Russian populations in the Baltic states are primarily the result of forced resettlement, immigration, and Russification policies implemented during the Soviet era.

Many Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia remain stateless or hold Russian passports. Roughly 40,000 people in Latvia are Russian citizens, and over 80,000 in Estonia.

It's their own choice.

Those living in Latvia and Estonia can obtain a local passport and integrate if they pass the citizenship test, which narrows down to language proficiency and knowledge of the country's history.

Analysts say Russia has long been employing propaganda to target Russian speakers in the Baltics  some of whom have little knowledge of local languages  to sway public opinion and sow division.

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"Russia persistently seeks to influence Estonia's Russian-speaking community," Igor Gretskiy, a researcher at the Tallinn-based International Center for Defense and Security (ICDS) think tank, told the Kyiv Independent.

"To that end, Russia weaponizes virtually every sphere of human activity: language, culture, sports, and so on."

Marek Kohv, a former Estonian defense official and a security expert at the ICDS, adds that Russia is using social media and online portals to promote narratives about the "decline of the West" and alleged oppression of Russian speakers.

These efforts only gained pace when Moscow launched its all-out aggression against Ukraine.

In Moscow's shadow

"After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we have seen a significant intensification of (Russian) influence activity in Estonia," Joosep Kaasik, the deputy secretary general for Internal Security at Estonia's Interior Ministry, told the Kyiv Independent.

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In both Estonia and Latvia, attitudes toward the war in Ukraine vary notably between Russian-speaking and national-language communities.

Surveys showed that the Russian-speakers are less likely to blame Russia for the start of the war and are more skeptical about Ukraine's chances to liberate its territory than their compatriots.

People watch a concert marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II, staged in front of the Russian Fortress of Ivangorod, as they stand on the opposite bank of the Narva River in Narva, Estonia, on May 9, 2025. (STRINGER / AFP via Getty Images)

Two girls attend festivities near Victory Monument to the Soviet Army in Riga, Latvia, on May 9, 2017. (Ilmars Znotins / AFP via Getty Images)

Yet the Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltics are far from monolithic.

The 2025 yearbook by KAPO, Estonia's internal security agency, says that the Kremlin's support base in the country is primarily composed of older residents and is dissipating rapidly.

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Reacting to this development, Russia "seeks to engage Estonia's Russian-speaking youth and draw them into its informational and value sphere," Kohv told the Kyiv Independent.

This propaganda campaign aligns with other hybrid operations, including cyberattacks, bomb threats, espionage, and vandalism, acts sometimes carried out by local Russians.

"We cannot  and we should not  simply ignore the fact that our population (or part of it) is systematically targeted by propaganda and disinformation by the Russian regime."

Recent weeks saw tensions surge in the region after three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace on Sept. 19, just 10 days after Poland downed several Russian drones over its territory.

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Russian drones have also "strayed" into the Lithuanian and Latvian airspace during past attacks on Ukraine.

As Western officials raise alarms about a possible open clash between Moscow and NATO in the coming years  a conflict where the Baltics would be at the front line  Riga and Tallinn try to ensure their entire populations are on their side.

Read also: Reduced protection, rising tensions: Inside Lithuanias strained relations with Tsikhanouskaya

Countering Russian influence

After the all-out war in Ukraine broke out, both Latvia and Estonia took steps to better integrate their Russian-speaking minorities  a strategy that drew ire from Moscow.

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The Latvian parliament amended its immigration laws in 2022 and again in 2024, mandating that Russian nationals living in the country pass a basic language test and undergo a security check.

Around 2,600 Russian citizens left the country in response, while 841 who failed to meet the requirements are facing deportation.

Estonia, in turn, barred non-EU citizens from voting in local elections, a move that primarily affected Russian citizens who did not have local passports.

People with Russian passports wait in a public building for their Latvian language exam in Riga, Latvia, on Oct. 23, 2023. (Alexander Welscher / dpa / picture alliance via Getty Images)

A mural depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on a building adjacent to the Russian Embassy in Riga, Latvia, on Feb. 24, 2023. (Andrey Rudakov / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Latvia passed a law on the separation of the Latvian Orthodox Church from the Russian Orthodox Church in 2022, while Estonia approved similar legislation three years later.

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The two countries are also phasing out Russian as the language of instruction in education to improve national language skills.

"However, the steps taken by both countries are a double-edged sword," Kazlauskas says.

"While understandable given their internal situation, security concerns, and historical experience," Russian propaganda can use them to "justify the need to 'protect' oppressed Russian-speaking compatriots  potentially serving as a pretext for aggression."

Criticism came even from the West, as the Council of Europe chastised both countries over their new language laws.

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But local authorities say firmly that these efforts are aimed at safeguarding national security and social cohesion.

"We cannot  and we should not  simply ignore the fact that our population (or part of it) is systematically targeted by propaganda and disinformation by the Russian regime," Estonia's Kaasik told the Kyiv Independent.

"For our small nation, countering this long-term threat is a question of self-preservation."

Read also: Ukraines embattled steel sectors latest struggle? Polish protectionists

Author's note:

Hi, this is Martin Fornusek, the author of this article.

As Russia ramps up its aggression in Ukraine, it also seeks to sow division and doubt abroad  including among Ukraine's closest allies.

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Supporting honest and fact-based reporting is now more important than ever. Help our work by joining the Kyiv Independent community.

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Washington  Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, said Sunday that lawmakers could resolve the shutdown stalemate and reopen the government as soon as this week, urging Republicans to come to the negotiating table on health care subsidies.

"We should be able to wrap this up this week, if they will sit down and have a negotiation with us," Kelly said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."

Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama pressed Democrats to "do the right thing" and reopen the government first.

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Democrats and Republicans remain dug in on their positions on Day 19 of the government shutdown, which has become the third-longest funding lapse in modern history. Last week, an effort to advance a House-passed measure to fund the government fell short of the 60 votes needed in the Senate for a tenth time, as Republicans sought to peel off support from Democrats. But they've been unable to win over additional support since the shutdown began, as most Democrats have demanded an extension of expiring health insurance tax credits as a condition for reopening the government.

Republicans in Congress have insisted that there's nothing to negotiate as Democrats have sought to sit down with GOP leaders and the president. Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said last week that he's told Democrats he's willing to guarantee a vote on the tax credits, though he can't guarantee an outcome. And in a post on X Friday, the South Dakota Republican added that he's willing to sit down with Democrats on the health care issue, but only under the condition that the shutdown ends.

Kelly reiterated Democrats' position Sunday, saying, "we want negotiations."

"What we need is to fix this skyrocketing premium  they're going to go up on Nov. 1 for people," the Arizona Democrat said, referring to an expected jump in health insurance premiums if Congress doesn't extend a set of enhanced tax credits. "What we need to do is fix this health care premium issue and open the government."

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Though there have been conversations between lawmakers about how to reopen the government, congressional leaders have not met since the shutdown began, last gathering on Sept. 29 for a meeting with President Trump at the White House.

"The president has spent one hour negotiating this issue with leadership in Congress. That's it, one hour," Kelly said. "They need to get in the room and stay in a room until we can hash this out. The president has said he wants to fix this premium thing, and he wants the government open. That's what we want."

Sen. Britt: Democrats need to "do the right thing"

Britt, who also appeared on "Face the Nation" on Sunday, said, "Democrats need to come to the table and do the right thing."

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"There are a lot of people that are being affected by the Democrats playing politics, and they need to actually do what's right, and that is work for the American people," Britt said. "And so getting the government open is number one."



On extending the health insurance tax credits, Britt reiterated that Republicans are willing to discuss the issue, but only once the government is reopened.

"We believe that you can walk and chew gum at the same time. Democrats, for some reason, don't think that that's possible," Britt said. "They need to come to the table, open the government back up, and then we're happy to have a conversation about the broken system that they created and help them get out of their own mess."

Britt said it's "absolutely totally ridiculous to sit here and say we're afraid people cannot afford their health care, but at the same time we're going to deny them their paycheck."



"Those two things do not match up, and Democrats need to actually be honest about it and get the government back open," she added.

Trump says two survivors of U.S. strike on submersible suspected of drug smuggling will be sent home

A cross-border landmark faces a restrictive new future

The surprising story of a vinyl record empire in Kansas
WASHINGTON  Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., condemned U.S. strikes on alleged drug cartel boats in the Caribbean, saying in an interview on NBC News Meet the Press that the strikes go against all of our tradition.

Paul argued that when the U.S. kills someone, you really need to know someones name, at least, you have to accuse them of something.

You have to present evidence, Paul said. So all these people have been blown up without us knowing their name, without any evidence of a crime.

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Pauls criticism comes as the U.S. has targeted at least five boats that the administration says it believes are connected to Venezuelan drug cartels. NBC News has reported that lawmakers have been growing increasingly concerned about a lack of information about the intelligence and strategy behind the Trump administrations decision to strike the boats.

If our policy now is to blow up every ship we suspect or accuse of drug running, that would be a bizarre world in which 25% of the people might be innocent, Paul argued.

He noted that the boats targeted by the U.S. were 2,000 miles away from us, saying that if the boats were transporting drugs, they were probably bringing the drugs to an island near Venezuela.

The idea theyre coming here is like, its a huge assumption, he said. You have to present some proof. It is the difference between war and peace. In war, though, you dont ask peoples name.

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Paul has continued to emphasize his strong support for President Donald Trump, while also sometimes voicing disagreement with the administration on issues such as military actions and tariffs.

He has previously spoken out strongly against the strikes targeting alleged drug boats, directly responding on X to Vice President JD Vance, who wrote in September that Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military.

Paul called the comments despicable.

Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?? Paul wrote in a post. What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial.

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In his Sunday interview on Meet the Press, Paul said that if the U.S. does want to go to war with Venezuela, then Congress should vote on a declaration of war.

The president shouldnt do this by himself, Paul said.

Last week, Paul joined forces with Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Adam Schiff of California to introduce a resolution to block the U.S. military from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

I think were going to get more Republicans on board with the notion that the President should not go to war without a vote of Congress, Kaine said in an interview on Meet the Press. This is the most sacred responsibility that Congress has.

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The Constitution says war is a matter for Congress to declare, not for the president to initiate unilaterally, he continued.

Kaine and Schiff previously put forward a resolution aimed at preventing the U.S. military from continuing strikes in the Caribbean without congressional approval. The measure failed in a 48-51 vote. Paul and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska crossed the aisle to vote for the resolution, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted with Republicans.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said Sunday that he would support passing a stand-alone measure through the Senate to pay U.S. troops and federal workers who are not getting paid during the ongoing government shutdown.

Im in favor of paying the troops. Im in favor of paying all of the employees that are currently working. And if that procedure or that vote comes before us next week, which I think theres a chance that it will, I will support that, Paul told NBC News Meet the Press.

Its a notable position for Paul to take, given that hes voted against every bill to temporarily fund the government in recent weeks.

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The federal government has been shuttered since the beginning of the month as the Senate has failed to overcome a 60-vote threshold for any bill to temporarily fund the government.

The House in September passed a stopgap funding measure that would temporarily fund the government through Nov. 21. All House Republicans and one House Democrat voted in favor of that measure, but it has failed to earn the votes of 60 senators.

Senate Democrats have proposed their own temporary funding measure that would fund the government through Oct. 31, reverse cuts to Medicaid that Republicans passed earlier this year and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of this year.

That measure has also failed to garner 60 votes.

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During the government shutdown, federal workers and members of the U.S. military dont receive paychecks. Some federal workers are furloughed and dont work during the shutdown, while others continue working but dont get paid.

Last week, Trump announced that he and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were planning to fund troops paychecks ahead of the Oct. 15 payday. Meanwhile, the Trump administration tried to lay off thousands of furloughed federal workers, who are supposed to receive back pay for the time they dont work once the government reopens. The move to lay off these workers has been temporarily blocked by courts.

I didnt vote for their Democrat spending bill and I didnt vote for the Republican spending bill, Paul said Sunday. I did so because the spending levels lead to an enormous amount of deficit. The Republican bill will lead to $2 trillion in deficit next year, the Democrat bill $3 trillion in deficit. So I opposed both.

The Kentucky senator has long been known to buck his party on bills that would increase the deficit, and its a key issue hes championed nationally since he joined the Senate.

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Rand has faced criticism for his position from President Donald Trump, who on Friday wrote in a post, Whatever happened to Senator Rand Paul? He was never great, but he went really BAD!

He just never votes positively for the Republican Party. Hes a nasty liddle guy ... a sick Wacko, who refuses to vote for our great Republican Party, MAGA, or America First. Its really weird!!! the president added.

On Sunday, Paul responded to the post, telling Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, What I represent some people describe as unusual, and the president describes it as weird that Im for less debt and balanced budgets.

But, you know, when I come home to Kentucky or when I travel the United States, people come up to me and say, Stick to your guns. Youre the only voice up there, Republican or Democrat whos still talking about the debt and still talking about balanced budgets, Paul added.

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He dismissed the presidents criticism, saying, I dont take it too seriously.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., joined the program after Paul and spoke about his partys continued decision to vote against the GOP-backed bill to fund the government.

Kaine said that Democrats would only vote to reopen the government if Trump engages in negotiations and if Republicans make a deal to extend ACA subsidies.

We want to negotiate a resolution so peoples health care costs dont spike. And Republicans are saying the same thing. They know they need to fix this, so lets fix it now, Kaine told Welker.

The president told the Republicans to write this budget without any Democratic involvement. He instructed them to do this without any Democratic involvement, the Virginia senator added. Thats not the way things work here. And so when the Republicans wrote up this budget, we didnt sit on our hands. We came up with an alternative that protected people from rising health care costs.

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Kaine went on to say that it was up to the president to move the nation out of this shutdown.

We will get out of this shutdown within a matter of days or hours, once the president engages. We all have to come together on this, Democrats and Republicans, House, Senate and the White House, Kaine said, adding later: If he will engage, well find a path forward.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Suspects are in custody after shots were fired on Southern Universitys campus during Saturdays homecoming game.

The shots were fired just after 5 p.m.

Southern University and A&M College increases security for homecoming after threats to HBCUs

A university spokeswoman tells Louisiana First News that this was an isolated incident and no injuries were reported.

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The names of the suspects and their possible charges are unknown.

The Southern University Police and Baton Rouge Police Departments say the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier this week, Southern University Chancellor John Pierre announced an increased law enforcement presence during the homecoming festivities.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.




The south end of Napa Valley's scenic Silverado Trail is a rustic snapshot of the region 30 years ago, a simpler era reflected in the locally famous strawberry stand, a small family farm, and an old-timey general store and deli. There's still evidence of the cattle and horse ranches that preceded the vines spanning Napa to Calistoga.

Along those first 3 miles of the 30-mile highway - one of the region's two major thoroughfares - it's almost as if Napa Valley's dramatic transformation from a quiet farming community to a luxury tourist destination never happened. But over the past four years, that's started to change: The Soda Canyon Store, a Napa landmark dating back to 1946, inexplicably closed last year, and several glitzy, high-end wineries have popped up between the handful of modest wineries that have occupied this stretch of road for decades.

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The metamorphosis of the Silverado Trail's gateway might have seemed inevitable as affluence has proliferated throughout Napa Valley over the past decade, and given the ongoing redevelopment of downtown Napa 2 miles south. But this quaint pocket of Wine Country is also being recognized for the kind of wine that it's able to produce. "Top talent is starting to turn their eyes here," said Yannick Girardo, managing partner at Seven Apart, a swanky boutique winery that opened catty-corner to the Soda Canyon Store at the end of 2021.

For decades, anyone pulling over at the intersection of Soda Canyon Road was likely stopping at the store - the lone spot on the entire Silverado Trail to grab coffee or a casual lunch - which was family-owned for most of its existence. Now they're likely visiting Ellman, Napa Valley's newest winery, which opened directly across from the shuttered store in September. The wines, priced between $175 and $450 a bottle, are made by famed Napa winemaking consultant Andy Erickson. The sleek tasting room features dramatic vineyard views, a striking rhino statue, collectible art, a record player and custom furnishings. Tastings cost $175, not unusual in Napa these days.

"We wanted a hedonistic, comfortable vibe, for you to come in and feel like you're in your own living room," said Neil Ellman, who co-founded the winery with his brother Lance. The brothers, born in South Africa - hence the rhino - are also third-generation mattress manufacturers. "We'll spin vinyl and you'll drink world-class wines."

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Further south, the billionaire-backed Lawrence Wine Estates opened its elegant new home for Burgess Cellars, one of Napa Valley's most classic wineries, in 2023. The dreamy, Provencal-inspired estate hosts a speakeasy behind a bookshelf door. Two miles north, Signorello, which burned to the ground in the 2017 wildfires, unveiled its rebuild last year: a splashy, 20,000-square-foot facility complete with caves. It's four times the size of Signorello's original, more understated winery.

The barrel room at the swanky Seven Apart, which opened at the end of 2021 on the south end of the Silverado Trail. (Lea Suzuki/S.F. Chronicle)





Prior to these developments, the wineries along this stretch of the Silverado Trail toiled in the shadow of their revered neighbor immediately to the north, the Stags Leap District, home to some of Napa's most illustrious Cabernet Producers, such as Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Shafer and Clos du Val. South of Stags Leap, the majority of the Silverado Trail wineries are humble, under-the-radar family operations, like Judd's Hill, Hagafen and Reynold's Family, which all offer tastings for $50 or less. There were only two in the area that could accommodate more than two dozen visitors at once: the corporate-owned Black Stallion and Darioush, modeled after the ancient Persian city of Persepolis.

Judd Finklestein, owner of Judd's Hill, which moved to the south end of the Silverado Trail in 2005, feels the area has been undervalued due to "marketing," or lack thereof, compared to Napa sub-regions further north, like Stags Leap, that "throw a little something into their PR."

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Wineries on the southwest side of the Silverado Trail, such as Seven Apart and Burgess, just barely fall within the eastern border of the Oak Knoll District, one of Napa Valley's lesser-known sub-regions. The southeast side of the highway, where Judd's Hill, Ellman and Signorello are located, is a sort of no-man's land, left out entirely from Napa Valley's 17 federally designated appellations. This can disadvantage wineries; instead of utilizing a prestigious sub-region like Oakville or Stags Leap on their label (often associated with high quality), wines made from their estates simply read "Napa Valley."

This end of the Silverado Trail "has retained its old Napa' charm for a long time," said Finklestein. "For two decades, we were the new folks on the block down there. With the challenges we've been facing in the wine business for the past couple of years, it's been pretty tough. So I'd say any excitement, any draw for visitation, I welcome it."

When Ray Signorello Jr. purchased his hillside property, a former horse ranch, in the 1970s, people thought the area "was too cool temperature-wise" to grow Cabernet. The first grape he planted was Chardonnay, but today, "it's all Cabernet in our area," he said. And now, cooler-climate red wines are trending: Consumers are shifting away from stereotypical ripe, Napa fruit bomb and seeking out more classic styles - high in acid, restrained and lower in alcohol - from cooler regions like Sonoma County's Moon Mountain, which foster those characteristics.

Owner Ray Signorello Jr. walks through the tasting room at the rebuilt Signorello Estate Winery in 2024. Signorello burned to the ground in the 2017 wildfires. (Jessica Christian/S.F. Chronicle)





"On really hot days," Seven Apart winemaker Morgan Maureze said it can be "five to ten degrees" cooler in southeast Napa than sub-regions further north. Maureze apprenticed under consultant Erickson at some of Napa's most exclusive estates, including Oakville's Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.

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Tourists are discovering it, too. "Something is definitely brewing," said Maureze. "I think people just never really looked at this area."

Most used to bypass Napa for chef Thomas Keller's hub of Yountville, 9 miles north; now, the majority anchor in the buzzy downtown, where there are several large hotels and more in development. When Signorello Jr. opened his winery, "the town of Napa was not really much," he said. But now, it's "the epicenter" of the region.

Stanly Ranch, a 700-acre luxury resort that opened in south Napa in 2022, attracts the kind of clientele sought by wineries like Ellman and Seven Apart. Rooms typically start at $1,000 a night. "You're getting a whole new crowd that's staying south of (the Silverado Trail)," Neil Ellman said.

Still, Signorello Jr. doesn't expect the area around his estate to change much more. As he learned first-hand after his winery burned down, it's become extremely difficult - and expensive - to obtain a winery permit in Napa County. Permits cost roughly $22,000 on average, sometimes as much as $100,000, and can take years to be approved.

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"It's been quite an ordeal," said Signorello Jr. "A lot of people would be thinking twice about rebuilding a winery or building a new winery given the immense costs of construction, the headwinds of permitting and the headwinds of the wine industry right now."

The Ellmans, who purchased their estate in 2015, can relate. It was 10 years before they finally opened, largely due to permitting delays. "It was a rollercoaster," Neil Ellman said. "We really had to hold our own until this was done,"

But the brothers believe the wait was worth it.

"This is not a vanity project for us. It's not a five-year return on investment," he said. "This is a generational play."

This article originally published at This slice of Napa Valley resisted the region's luxury boom - until now.
A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Atlanta to Los Angeles returned to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a smoky odor was detected in the cabin, officials said.

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The plane, a Boeing 757-300, was en route from Atlanta to Los Angeles, Calif., when the crew decided to turn back as a precautionary measure, the Atlanta-based airline said in a statement.

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The plane landed safely, and all passengers aboard Delta Flight 898 deplaned normally upon arrival at the gate, according to officials.

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The safety of our customers and people is of utmost importance, a Delta spokesperson said. Thats why our flight crew followed standard procedures to return to Atlanta after a smoky odor was detected in the cabin. We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels.

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The flight carried 219 customers, along with two pilots and five crew members. After the safe landing, maintenance teams began evaluating the plane to determine the source of the odor.

Delta says it is actively working to reaccommodate passengers to their destination on a new plane as quickly as possible.

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SNAP cuts endanger food for the elderly

I wouldnt be able to eat.

Thats the answer to my question to my 70-year-old neighbor when I asked her, What if you didnt have SNAP? My neighbor worked all her life and is on Social Security. She had to sell her home and now rents. Shes living thriftily and is worried about the prices of food going up.

You see, this One Big Beautiful Bill makes sweeping cuts to SNAP that truly will take food away from millions of Americans. In Pierce County alone, approximately115,000 people are on SNAP.

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Also, this happened: On Oct. 3, the USDA notified the states that the changes to SNAP go into effective on Nov. 1

Now, the government is shutdown, which gives us an opportunity to convince Congress to stop the crazy and cruel cuts to SNAP. We need to remind them that its time to prioritize people over politics.

Contact your Congress members. Let them know this stinks! Help speak up for the people who will go hungry if nothing is done.

Ellen Beatriz, Shelton

Ibsen cant be trusted

A reminder to voters that in 2019 when Anders Ibsen was on the Tacoma City Council he was found to have violated the city code of ethics for using his position on the council to try to generate clients for his real estate business. I cannot trust that he might not try to do something again if elected mayor to improve his personal business prospects, whether while in office, or after leaving.

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Ellen Cohen, Tacoma

Trump threatens basic liberty

During his campaign for president, the convicted felon claimed that, if elected, he would be a dictator for one day. He also stated that he knew nothing about Project 2025. Again, he has been proven to be a liar.

Ten months into this term, with the aid of his criminally corrupt administration, he is working to enact extreme parts of Project 2025. Day one he pardons hundreds of Jan. 6th insurrectionists. His policies endanger Social Security and Medicare. He is cozying up to dictators, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreements and World Health Organization. He is excepting massive personal gifts from foreign governments, conducting mass layoffs of federal workers.

Trumps cabinet heads only had one qualification, a total loyalty to Trump. They are incompetent, unqualified, corrupt and willing to support Trumps illegal attempt to become a full-time dictator. His appointees to the Defense and Intelligence Departments are a threat to the National Security of this nation.

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Now he is illegally sending masked armed military to what he calls war torn American cities. With the aid of the spineless Republican Congress and conservative Supreme Court he will take away our Civil Rights. Voting Rights, Human Rights, Womens Rights, and Constitutional Rights.

Steve Golubic, Puyallup
Sonthaya Oakkharasr, a Thai national murdered by Hamas at Kibbutz Beeri, had planned to return to Thailand after years of farm work in Israel.

The remains of Thai national Sonthaya Oakkharasri, 30, were returned to Israel after more than 740 days in captivity, Israeli officials confirmed on Sunday. Oakkharasri was murdered by Hamas in Kibbutz Beeri during the October 7 massacre, and his body was taken into the Gaza Strip, where terrorists held it for over two years.

In May of last year, Oakkharasris family received official confirmation of his death.

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For eight years, Oakkharasri was an agricultural employee for kibbutzim across Israel. He had worked in the North before settling in Beeri, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

Oakkharasri's plans for his future

Oakkharasri dreamed of returning to his hometown in Thailand and building a farm there, drawing from what he had learned while working in the kibbutzim.

The forum described Oakkharasri as a quiet man who was focused on his work, adding that he kept in daily contact with his mother, Amoran, and his seven-year-old daughter, Kaimok, from Israel.

Oakkharasris employment in Israel was set to conclude in October of 2023  the very same month he was murdered by Hamas. Per the forum, he had already begun planning his life back in Thailand.

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In May 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv received confirmation from the Foreign Ministry of the death of two Thai captives  Oakkharasri and 43-year-old Sudthisak Rinthalak  who were both believed to have been killed on October 7 in Kibbutz Beeri.

Families of hostages and released captives expressed their condolences to the slain hostages family back in Thailand.

Alongside the grief and the understanding that their hearts will never be whole again, Sonthayas return brings some measure of solace to a family that has lived in unbearable uncertainty and doubt for over two years, they said in their statement.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The U.S. Government shutdown has been ongoing for almost three weeks.

Shutdown tensions rise as SNAP impacts to hit South Dakota

Politicians in Washington cant agree on legislation to fund the government. According to the latest numbers from the Office of Personnel Management, there are just shy of 9,000 civilian federal workers in South Dakota impacted by the shutdown.

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In South Dakota, the EROS Data Center, located near Garretson, is one of the most significant federal civilian operations, employing more than 600 people. They are involved in scientific research and data management.

EROS workers utilize information from satellites and aircraft to monitor land changes, conduct natural resource assessments, and inform disaster response efforts worldwide.

Usually, the parking lot is full of cars, but today it is empty. The workers are home, not earning a paycheck. Dr. David Ermer notes the fact that employees have no control over their future can be unsettling. With that, he says self-care is essential.

I always tell people, its easy to do self-care skills when you are doing well, Ermer said. I think thats when you really want to start doing them, is exercise and get enough sleep when things are going well, so when times get rough, you have those skill sets available to you, even doing things for other people when you are feeling in a very difficult situation, going to help others can really be fulfilling.

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Air traffic controllers at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and other airports are working, but they arent getting paid.

How long can you go without a paycheck? Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck, said Steph Winder of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. People might have to consider taking second jobs, to put food on the table, to put gas in their car so that theyre able to go to work.

Ermer says uncertainty can have a significant impact on a persons mental health.

If it gets to the point where you are struggling with pretty serious not feeling good, not sleeping, hopeless, it gets the the point where you cant do it on your own counseling is available, Ermer said. It would not be unusual for somebody in this situation to need to see a counselor because it is very stressful supporting yourself and your family and that financial piece is huge.

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Ermer suggests avoiding internet discourse and focusing on hobbies or completing those inexpensive projects.

Some companies and organizations are willing to provide financial assistance to federal workers. Some banks are offering interest-free loans to help with daily expenses. And companies like Verizon are offering to let federal workers defer their bills until they get their paychecks.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
This story is meant particularly for the people who know exactly what happened that afternoon 20 years ago, and why.

Those with information are encouraged to make the call that may unravel the mystery of May 14, 2003.
South Fulton police are investigating a shooting at a troubled condominium complex.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting at Camelot Condominiums shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday.

They located a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Police have not yet released details on the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The investigation remains active.

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Camelot Condominiums has been the site of numerous shootings. A man was shot and killed there in May.

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In 2023, city officials took out warrants against Bettye Ligon and Lyndon Baldwin Sr., the president and treasurer of Camelot Condominiums Homeowners Association. According to authorities, Ligon and Baldwin are accused of receiving nearly $2 million in insurance money after two dozen units were damaged in a fire in 2020. Instead of cutting checks to fire victims, police say they kept the money.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday defended President Donald Trumps decision to grant clemency to former New York Rep. George Santos, who was serving a seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft.

The president has the right in the Constitution for pardon and commutation, of course, the Louisiana Republican told Jonathan Karl on ABCs "The Week." "We believe in redemption. This is a personal belief of mine. And I hope Mr. Santos makes the most of his second chance.

Santos had served less than three months of a seven-year sentence when Trump announced in a social media post that he would commute the rest of the sentence.

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In an interview with CNNs "State of the Union" on Sunday, Santos said that he learned of the presidents decision through television.

Other inmates saw it and called me over to see it, Santos told host Dana Bash. I was not in the room at the time, and then I made my way to see it. I called my family and they told me it had happened, but I was not aware. It was a surprise.

Trumps move has been met with criticism, with some pointing to Trump applauding the former lawmaker for having the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!"

Santos on Sunday dismissed the criticism, pointing to former President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden.

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Pardon me if I'm not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics and of the people predominantly on the left who are going to go out there and try to make a big deal out of something like this, Santos said.

He added, President Biden pardoned his son after he said he wouldn't. I didn't see outrage.

In his interview with ABC on Sunday, Johnson added that Trump did not pardon Santos for his political affiliation but argued the president was being transparent.

I just think hes talking about this individual and  and his past, Johnson said. And at least hes open and transparent about it.

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Still, some New York Republicans have expressed disapproval over Santoss commutation.

Rep. Nick LaLota said Santos crimes warrant more than a three-month sentence. Rep. Andrew Garbarino, who sat on the House Ethics Committee panel that investigated Santos, said the victims of Santoss crimes still have not been made whole.

Santos on Sunday declined to commit to paying back the more than $370,000 he was ordered to pay in restitution as part of his sentencing.

I can do my best to do whatever the law requires of me. So I don't know what that is. I have been out of prison for two days, Santos said when Bash asked if he would pay his victims. If it's required of me by the law, yes. If it's not, then no. I will do whatever the law requires me to do.

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Santos also said he has no current plans to seek election in the future.

I'm 37 years old. I can tell you this, not that I can see of in the next decade. I am  I'm all politicked out, he said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday doubled down on his criticisms of millions of protesters who joined Saturdays No Kings rallies across the nation, decrying the widely peaceful demonstrations as evidence of a rise of Marxism in the Democratic Party.

In an interview with ABCs Jonathan Karl on "This Week," the Louisiana Republican said the protests were political cover for Democrats as the government shutdown continues.

They needed a stunt, Johnson said. They needed a show. Chuck Schumer has  needs cover right now. Hes closed the government down because he needs political cover, and this was a part of it.

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Demonstrators gathered across the country in an estimated 2,700 separate "No Kings" rallies Saturday to protest what they call President Donald Trumps authoritarianism. It was the third mass mobilization against the Trump administration since he returned to the White House in January.

Reports of the protests show demonstrators dressed in costumes of inflatable animals, dancing in the streets and holding signs criticizing Trump and his administration. Organizers estimated that almost 7 million people took part.

Though he congratulated protesters on a violent-free, free speech exercise, Johnson on Sunday condemned what he said were hateful messages of the demonstrations.

We have video and photos of pretty violent rhetoric, calling out the president, saying fascists must die and all the rest. I mean, I don't think that's loving speech. I dont think thats friendly speech. And I dont think its pro-American to say those kinds of things, Johnson said.

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Johnson had been a vocal critic of the rallies leading up to the weekend. He and other allies of the president called the demonstrations Hate America rallies and sought to tie the protests to Hamas and antifa.

The irony of the message is pretty clear for everyone. If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now, Johnson said. If President Trump was a king, they would not have been able to engage in that free speech exercise out on The Mall, by the way, which was open because President Trump hasn't closed it.

Leading up to Saturdays nationwide protests, Trump told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures With Maria Bartiromo" that people are referring to me as a king. Im not a king. But shortly before a Washington rally began Saturday, the Trump War Room account posted an image of a smirking Trump wearing a crown.

Still, Johnson on Sunday said the message of the protests pushed an un-American Marxist ideology.

It's not about the people, it's about the message. It's about the ideology, said Johnson. It is a dangerous ideology, and it is anti-American. It goes against everything that we stand for."
For eight years, a springer spaniel named Sebbi roamed Australia's Lord Howe Island, using his keen sense of smell to seek out invasive rats.

Part of a canine biosecurity crew, Sebbi is now retired from the trade. But he and his canine colleagues are regarded as conservation heroes, The Guardian reported, as their efforts were largely responsible for the eradication of rats that were devastating the island.

The publication explains that the unique plants and animals that had evolved in this biodiversity hotspot were severely impacted by rodents that arrived via ships in the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, at least five native bird species, 13 invertebrates, and two plants were lost forever.

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The canine team started their work in 2017. In addition to taking on the rats, Sebbi and other detection dogs also helped with the removal of cats, pigs, and goats, non-native animals that also threatened the island's native species. Now, the island's plant life is beginning to recover, The Guardian reported.

Sebbi, the biosecurity dog, is just one example of how animals can be humanely used to help with invasive species management.

Invasive species  both plants and animals  are a major problem for local ecosystems, as they can aggressively outcompete native species for resources. Invasive predators like cats and rats can devastate native animals like birds, leading to declines and extinctions. Other non-native animals, such as sheep, have been known to over-graze land, leading to habitat disappearance.

For instance, the sihek  sometimes known as the Guam kingfisher  was last seen in the wild in 1986. The population declined due to the introduction of the brown tree snake, which fed on birds and eggs.

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In all, this snake is responsible for the extinction of nine of 13 native forest birds and several species of lizards, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These snakes are also a frequent cause of electrical power outages, as they often get into transformers and electrical boxes.

Dogs in particular are also a helpful ally in monitoring populations of imperiled native species. One conservation dog in Alaska, for example, is getting accolades for his help monitoring wolves by sniffing out their scat. In Maine, conservationists are using specially trained dogs to track down an elusive turtle.

Although Sebbi is in his retirement era, he's passed the baton on to a new group of recruits named Tilly, Sooty, and Willow.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"I miss working with Sebbi," Tim Solomon, a biosecurity dog handler on the island, told The Guardian. "He also helped mentor younger animals, including the two cocker spaniels I'm now working with on the island. But of course I wish him the best in his well-earned retirement."

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The New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water also celebrated Sebbi and his conservation canine cohort in a LinkedIn post.

"Sebbi has been helping protect the Lord Howe Island's unique natural environment for years, forming the foundation of the biosecurity dog team alongside his son Zuma and handler Tim," the agency said. "The pups have been instrumental in helping to detect and prevent invasive pests by screening freight, baggage and cargo on the island and at Port Macquarie."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
SPRINGFIELD  A driver smashed into an apartment building on Worthington Street, heavily damaging the building and forcing six people out of their homes Friday night.

The driver was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, after firefighters extricated her from the car, said Fire Capt. Drew Piemonte.

The crash took place around 10 p.m. when the driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into 841-851 Worthington St., pushing a foundation wall into the basement, Piemonte said.

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No residents were injured, but six people were displaced from their homes after the Building Department condemned the structure. The residents were assisted by the American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts, he said.

The Police Department is investigating the crash, Piemonte said.

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
St. Petersburg bar and restaurant Dead Bobs, at 6717 Central Ave., will relocate to a larger space by the end of the month or early November.

The new space, at 6475 Central Ave., was once home to the longtime Kays Family Restaurant, which permanently closed in 2024.

After nearly 30 years, Kays owners Gzim and Zafi Xheka decided to leave the industry to spend more time with their families, according to a message posted on the restaurants Facebook page.

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Dead Bobs co-owner Ben Scherlis was friends with the Xheka family, and he knew that they had been wanting to close the business.

We sat down and worked out a deal on a napkin, and sent it over to the attorneys to have them draw it up, he said.

Scherlis and his business partner, Bill Hepscher, acquired the property in 2024 through their company, Florida Rental Properties Lake Pasadena LLC, for $1.6 million.

The building, approximately 2,000 square feet, offers triple the amount of kitchen space and double the amount of seating. Additionally, the property has its own parking lot  unlike Dead Bobs current location, Scherlis said.

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He plans to host events and gatherings at the new location, including live music on the weekends.

The owners originally intended to open the new Dead Bobs in January. However, the 2024 hurricane season and construction issues delayed the process.

In 2014, Scherlis co-founded Dead Bobs with Mike Anderson, the owner of multiple bars and restaurants in the St. Pete area. Before Anderson passed away in 2021, Scherlis bought him out of the business.

Anderson was the one who came up with the name Dead Bobs, Scherlis said. It is a tribute to an eccentric friend the former owner made during a Miami vacation.

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Scherlis and Hepscher would open a second location, Dead Bobs Too, in Tampa right before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Choosing the new St. Pete property was an easy decision, Scherlis said.

Both the Tampa location and the former Kays building were once Chicken Unlimited restaurants in the 1970s, so they have similar layouts. After seeing the space, Scherlis was able to quickly create a plan for the renovations.

A grand opening celebration will be held later this year or in early 2026.

This content provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com.
Sign up for our Texas Politics Newsletter and the State of Texas Podcast today.

New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Dont want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this weeks segments now.

AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Greg Abbott is expected to win reelection in next years race for Texas Governor. But Texas Democrats are working to change that narrative. A state lawmaker is the latest to join the race.

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State Rep. Gina Hinojosa represents Texas House District 49 in Austin. But on Wednesday, she returned to the city of Brownsville, where she grew up, to launch her campaign for Governor.

Texas needs a governor who works for you, and I will be that governor, Hinojosa told a crowd gathered for the announcement. Supporters cheered, with some waving signs that read No Te Dejes. That phrase translates as a directive to know yourself and fight for it, Hinojosa said during her speech.

I will be the first governor of the state of Texas from the Rio Grande Valley, Hinojosa said, drawing a round of cheering from supporters in the room.

Hinojosa started her career as a labor lawyer. She said she never wanted to be a politician, but decided to get involved after her sons school was threatened to be closed and was elected to the Austin Independent School District school board. She was then elected to the State House in 2016 and has served the Austin area in the Capitol ever since.

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Hinojosa has been a vocal proponent of public education in her time at the Capitol. She said her campaign will also emphasize affordability and health care.

When asked about her intentions in running for governor, Hinojosa said that Texans need a governor who prioritizes the needs of Texans, as opposed to the billionaire class, which is what were seeing Governor Greg Abbott do.

Hinojosa has been one of the harshest critics of Abbott, who is running for his fourth consecutive term. Following Hinojosas announcement, Abbotts campaign manager, Kim Snyder, released a statement:

Time and again, Gina Hinojosa chooses woke, extreme ideologies over the safety and security of Texas families. Texans deserve a Governor who will continue to secure the border, fight for safer communities, and uphold family valuesnot someone who supports failed, radical policies that hurt hardworking Texans.

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Hinojosa is the latest Democratic candidate seeking to challenge Gov. Abbott next year. Andrew White, an entrepreneur and the son of former Gov. Mark White, said hes running because he believes Texans are tired of Abbotts performative culture wars.

[Texans] want a governor who will focus on the things that matter. Our schools, our hospitals, and our infrastructure. All three of those things arent doing very well at all. Texas is doing great, we have the best land, the best people, and the best food, but our boy our politics is really messed up. So as governor, Ill be focused on the things that really matter to Texans.

Hailing from a family of educators, White said that education would be one of his top priorities as governor.

Everyone wants a great school, whether you call yourself a Republican or a Democrat, you want great teachers. So sending a billion dollars of public money to private schools, the private school voucher plan that Greg Abbott just did, is ridiculous. Ill make the investments into our school systems that will pay off for the next 20 or 30 years.

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When asked why hes the best candidate to beat Abbott, White kept it simple: Hes a culture warrior, Im a problem solver.

Bobby Cole is rancher and a retired firefighter who launched his campaign in the summer. Cole said he believes at the national political level there are some authoritarian tendencies afoot, and thinks the legacy of our democracy is at stake.

If you think its under attack, you can sit and watch it happen or you can get involved and try to make a difference, Cole said.

Cole said he will fight for working class people who he believes are being squeezed out. He believes it will take someone like him  a political outsider  to bring change to Texas politics.

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With my background, being from rural Texas, working class, I believe I can resonate with a lot of voters in rural Texas, Cole said.

Cole says he supports increasing access to rural healthcare, legalizing marijuana, raising the minimum wage to $15, and ensuring LGBTQ rights.

Nick Pappas is a retired U.S. Marine who said he decided to run for governor after watching a random video on YouTube about the 89th legislature. Pappas, the son of a retired Texas teacher, said he was frustrated with the education policy that was passed this year.

Pappas said his priorities are ranked choice voting, abolishing the states new education savings account program, and immediately instituting tax reform.

Prop 1 would expand job training access to address skills gap in Texas

Texas voters will soon decide whether to amend the states constitution to improve access to technical training for workers. Proposition 1 would create an investment fund to support growing and improving the footprint of the Texas State Technical College (TSTC).

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The TSTC offers technical vocational education and training for the future of Texas highly-skilled workforce. It offers programs to help students gain an associates degree or certificate in a technical career like welding or HVAC technology.

The proposition comes at a time of high demand for technical workers as businesses like Tesla, Samsung and SpaceX expand in Texas.

Its a demand the college is having a hard time meeting. Joe Arnold, the deputy vice chancellor in government relations for TSTC, said if the college was somehow able to quadruple the output of graduates, there would still be a skills gap in Texas. Arnold estimates there are over a million technician positions open in Texas right now.

Gov. Greg Abbott referenced the need to grow career technical training in high schools during his State of the State address back in February. Many of the most in-demand jobs are careers like welding, plumbing, and electricians, Abbott said.

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TSTC has 11 campuses across the state with a 12th campus scheduled to open in Denton County in the next few years. Arnold said its been a challenge for the college system to grow and renovate because of a lack of financial stability. TSTC is not like your regular community college. Its a state agency that can not call for a bond election or levy a tax on homeowners.

During the 89th legislative session, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment  SJR 59  to create two funds to address this issue. If a majority of Texas voters approve Prop 1, then the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would deposit $850 million from the states general fund to the newly created Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund (TIFF) that would act as an endowment. It would also create the Available Workforce Education Fund (AWEF).

Texas Policy Research, a nonpartisan public policy organization that believes in limited government, recommends voters vote no on Prop 1. In its rationale for a no vote, the organization said, While expanding access to workforce education supports individual liberty and personal responsibility, embedding this preferential funding mechanism in the Constitution undermines limited government and transparency. A statutory approach with normal budget oversight would better uphold fiscal accountability.

Some of the earnings from the TIFF will be placed in the AWEF every year, which the college system could then draw from for capital projects. The money could not be used to pay for salaries or utility bills. It is strictly for capital projects like buying land, new equipment or renovating aging buildings.

Its time for the next generation, Hunt highlights age in campaign for U.S. Senate

U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt is putting a spotlight on his age in the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate. His campaign adds a new dimension to a race that was previously seen as a close contest between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

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What Ive realized is that its time for the next generation of leadership to step into the fray to lead us moving forward, Hunt said. He noted that he has three young children, which influences his approach to leadership.

Every decision I make hinges on their future. I got to make sure that Im doing the right thing because Im going to be around to see those decisions that I make now come to fruition, Hunt added.

Hunt is 43, roughly 19 years younger than Paxton, and more than 30 years younger than Cornyn.

I believe it is now time to continue to give my best years to this country because the United States Senate is not a retirement community, Hunt said, explaining his decision to run.

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The annual Texas Trends Survey from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University shows Paxton leading Cornyn 34%-33%, with Hunt coming in at 22%. However, the entirety of the poll was conducted between Sept. 19 and Oct. 1, before Hunt announced his candidacy.

Texas HHSC to apply for grants to help rural hospitals

Texas Rural Hospitals are in the spotlight after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) created the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a national $50 billion fund reserved for rural hospitals. Half of the funds will go towards each state equally, while the other half will be distributed by U.S. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). States requesting extra funds have to have their applications to CMS in early November.

Trump administration unveils $50B plan to aid rural hospitals

Monday, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) held a hearing where Texas healthcare professionals were invited to voice their concerns and priorities that should be considered in the Texas application for the RHT.

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Before the hearing, HHSC emphasized the importance of direct and local control of the funds.

These funds, if we get them, are yours, Director of Provider Finance at HHSC Victoria Grady said to open the hearing. They belong to rural Texans, and we want to prioritize local control as much as possible. We want to get as much of the $50 billion for Texas as we can.

Leaders pledge health care funding for rural Texas communities

While the OBBBA creates the RHT, the law isnt wholly positive for rural healthcare. With cuts to Medicaid, Scoggin estimates rural Texas hospitals will see a spike of 3-6% more uninsured clients, which cost hospitals the most.

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According to the CMS website, the RHT grants will be announced by the end of the year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego law enforcement arrested a suspect that led them on a pursuit in a stolen fire truck from each end of the county Saturday night.

Multiple agencies assisted in the pursuit that started around 4:30 p.m. in Chula Vista. The suspect fled from police north on Interstate 5 in a reported stolen fire truck, ending around 5:10 p.m. near Loch Ness Drive in Fallbrook, police confirmed.

Police search for suspects after man killed in Linda Vista

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San Diego Sheriffs deputies found the fire truck and arrested a suspect in the nearby area. No information on their identity or any other information on how the fire truck was stolen was immediately available.

Police say there were no injures or road closures.

The San Diego Police Department was assisted in the incident by San Diego Sheriffs deputies.

Check back for updates on this developing story

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Editors Note: The forecast below has been updated and is no longer active. Please click here for the latest weather conditions.

(WJW)  The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory from 3 a.m. until noon Sunday for the following counties: Ashland, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Holmes, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Summit and Wayne.

Northeast Ohio weather alerts

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Saturday night will be partly to mostly cloudy and mild. Overnight lows will be in the lower to mid-60s. Outside of a couple of downpours or thundershowers across Ottawa, Sandusky, and Seneca Co., Saturday night will be dry. The wind will pick up out of the south Saturday night.

Heres the latest run of Futurecast from 12 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Sunday:

Sunday is not going to be nearly as nice as Saturday. It is going to be more of an indoor kind of day. A strong storm system and cold front will bring much-needed rain and gusty winds to Northeast Ohio on Sunday.

Widespread rain with few rumbles of thunder will develop from west to east across Northeast Ohio Sunday morning, and continue through much of the rest of the day. Any breaks in the rain on Sunday will not last very long. Although the threat is very low, a stronger storm capable of gusty winds cannot be ruled out Sunday morning into Sunday afternoon. The rain will taper off from southwest to northeast Sunday evening into Sunday night.

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Heres the latest run of Futurecast from 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. on Monday:

Rainfall totals Saturday night through Monday morning will range from 0.5 to 1.0. A few places could see up to 1.50. This much rain will put a dent in the dry and drought conditions across Northeast Ohio.

This storm system is also going to be a wind machine  Sunday is going to be a windy day across Northeast Ohio. The strongest winds on Sunday will come between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. This is when wind gusts could be as high as 45 mph. Wind gusts will still be above 30 mph Sunday afternoon, though. The wind will not start to settle down until Sunday night.

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A GALE WATCH has been issued for Lake Erie due to the potential for west winds at 25 to 35 knots and wind gusts up to 40 knots. Waves could range from 7 to 10 feet on Sunday.

Rain will move into downtown Cleveland around 10 a.m. on Sunday. Anyone tailgating before the Browns game or going to the Browns game will want to wear a rain poncho. Also, make sure the canopies are tied down.

The start of the workweek looks dry and cooler. The break in the wet weather will not last long. The chance of rain will return on Tuesday and continue on Wednesday. This week is going to feel like fall with highs near or below normal all week. Heres the latest 8 Day Forecast:

Stay up-to-date by downloading the FOX 8 apps, including the new FOX 8 CLE+ streaming app available for free on Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
NEED TO KNOW

DUwan Morgan, 14, was killed by a stray bullet while he was playing video games in his bedroom in Missouri on Oct. 8

Erica Davis, the St. Louis teen's aunt, described the shooting as senseless, adding that no child should die like this

The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made

A high school freshman in Missouri was playing video games in the comfort of his bedroom when he was fatally struck by a stray bullet.

The victim, who police identified to local outlet KMOV as 14-year-old DUwan Morgan, was killed in his St. Louis home on Hobkirk Drive on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 8. Police responded to a 911 call for a shooting around 6:10 p.m. local time and located the boy, who had been shot at least once, according to a news release from the St. Louis County Police Department. He died on the scene, police said.

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Police stated that the preliminary investigation indicates an unknown subject or subjects fired shots in the area, and the victim was struck.

DUwan was sitting in his bedroom playing video games when he was hit by a stray bullet, according to regional outlets KOLD and WCNC. The latter outlet, an NBC affiliate, reported that two bullets came through the window of his bedroom, shattering it in the process.

He was minding his business, doing nothing. Just sitting in his room, an unidentified family member told WCNC. And now hes gone.

St. Louis County Police A St. Louis County Police car A St. Louis County Police car

DUwans mom, identified in a GoFundMe as Keshia Morgan, was at home at the time of the shooting, according to WCNC.

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Several people were nearby when the shooting occurred, KOLD reported, citing police. The outlet also reported that bullet holes were left in several homes nearby following the shooting. One neighbor, Mary Glaser, told KOLD she saw several groups of people gathered in the street and following several gunshots, people began scattering.

WCNC reported that two groups of teenagers had been arguing outside prior to the shooting. After the gunshots  at least one of which fatally struck DUwan  neighbors told police they witnessed teenagers running away from the area, according to the outlet.

Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating the incident as a homicide, the department said. The investigation is active and ongoing. As of Oct. 13, no arrests had been made, WCNC reported.

The St. Louis County Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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Five months before DUwans sudden death, the quiet 14-year-old had graduated from middle school, and was excited to have recently started attending high school, according to WCNC. The teens family described him to the outlet as a sweet and intelligent person who loved the outdoors, especially fishing.

In a GoFundMe created to raise funds for DUwans funeral, among other costs, the teens mother called him a vibrant, caring young man with a bright future ahead of him.

This loss has left an indescribable void in our lives, wrote the grieving mom.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Morgans aunt, Erica Davis, told WCNC he was a beautiful, nice kid, and said that Keshia has been left completely broken by his death. She hasnt been eating. She hasnt been sleeping, Davis said of Keshia, adding, This is a horrible nightmare.

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My family will never be the same. We want justice for my nephew. He didnt deserve to lose his life like this, said Davis. This is senseless, she told the outlet of the teens death. No child should die like this.

Davis, like authorities, also urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. You can stay anonymous, the aunt told WCNC. Just help us. Help us get justice for DUwan.

Read the original article on People
Viktor Pak, of Korean descent, doesn't remember his parents well  they passed away when he was just two months old. His family story is rooted in a difficult past. In the 1930s, during Stalin's mass deportations, Pak's grandmother was among the tens of thousands of ethnic Koreans forced to leave the Russian Far East. She arrived in Uzbekistan with nothing, hoping only for safety. According to Pak, Koreans continue to express appreciation to the Uzbek people who welcomed them during the forced relocation of 1930.

Viktor Pak, Chairman of he Korean Cultural Centers Association in Uzbekistan - Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Interethnic Relations and Work with Compatriots Abroad

Raised by an Uzbek family in a modest neighborhood of Tashkent, Pak grew up learning two cultures at once  the Korean heritage of his late grandmother and the Uzbek traditions of the household that raised him.

Decades later, Pak now leads the Korean Cultural Centers Association in Uzbekistan  a role shaped both by personal history and professional interest.

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"It's not about choosing one culture over another. It's about finding belonging in both, he says. Every year, we celebrate our national holidays and invite everyone to join us. For example, in October, we hold a Harvest Festival that features traditional customs, clothing, and dances. Around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors attend this festival in a single day  and they arent just ethnic Koreans, but people of all backgrounds. The support we receive from the state makes this possible, Pak explained.

National cultural centers bring people together

Currently, 157 national cultural centers like this operate across Uzbekistan, with varying degrees of support from the Parliamentary Fund and local governments. These centers aim to promote cultural exchange and community engagement through events, language courses, and artistic performances.

According to government data, nearly 5,000 civil servants from 35 ethnic backgrounds are employed in Uzbekistans state civil service. Different nationalities make up 12.7% of the members in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and 11.2% of deputies in local councils.

Avedurdieva Guldana, a member of the Turkmen ethnic group, is one of them. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Turkmen Cultural Center and as a Deputy in the Legislative Chamber.

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"Serving in such a role as a representative of the Turkmen people reflects the principles of equality and interethnic harmony in Uzbekistan. Here, every citizenregardless of ethnicitycan work toward their goals and contribute to the countrys development, she said.

Celebrating People's Friendship Day

Since 2021, Uzbekistan has observed People's Friendship Day annually on July 30 to highlight the coexistence and cooperation among different ethnic communities. This years events were held under the slogan Uzbekistan  Our Common Homeland.

A group of Uzbek women perform with traditional doira drums during a cultural event - The Committee on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan

One of the new additions to the celebration was the introduction of cultural pavilions, which were set up alongside the activities of existing national cultural centers. These pavilions allowed communities to present their cultural traditions, art, and values more visibly to the public.

"These pavilions showed that Friendship of Peoples is not just a phrase  its something people can experience. Visitors had the chance to learn about 22 different ethnic groups living together at once, said Viktor Pak.

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Each pavilion featured architectural and cultural elements unique to the community it represented. For example:

The Belarusian pavilion included a miniature City Hall (Ratusha).

The Kazakh and Kyrgyz communities showcased traditional yurts.

Visitors could also see examples of clothing, music, handicrafts, and cultural landmarks.

Kazakh musicians present traditional instruments and attire at a cultural exhibition in Tashkent. - The Committee on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan

International Dialogue on Unity

As part of the celebrations, an international conference titled Strengthening National Unity  A Key Pillar of New Uzbekistans Development was held in Tashkent. Participants included experts and delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, Russia, and the United States.

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These kinds of events are not only helpful for promoting internal harmony, but also for maintaining constructive regional relations, said Sapa Annaorazov, First Secretary of the Turkmen Embassy in Uzbekistan.

Representatives of various ethnic groups and dignitaries gather in front of the Independence Monument in New Uzbekistan Park - The Committee on Interethnic Relations and Compatriots Abroad of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In recognition of individual contributions to interethnic cooperation and social cohesion, 50 citizens were selected to receive the Order of Friendship of Peoples. An award ceremony was scheduled as part of the festival.
(FOX40.COM)  California is developing 707 permanent supportive homes with services for veterans and other individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with behavioral health issues.

Video Above: Providing important services for veteran in Mather

More than $2.1 billion of Prop 1 funding is going toward local Homekey+ projects to provide local communities with resources to build permanent supportive housing with services. About 50 percent of housing funding will go toward projects for serving veterans, according to Governor Gavin Newsom.

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Were proud of our veterans  and California stands shoulder to shoulder with those whove served. We see their courage, their sacrifice, and we meet that with care, opportunity, and community, Newsom said. When they come home, we dont just thank them  we honor them and work to make sure they have the housing, healthcare, and jobs to thrive.

This project aims to serve veterans facing mental-health issues, suffered from traumatic brain injury or have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, who may have a more difficult experience when it comes to finding stable housing. The governors Homekey+ program to ensure that veterans can access supportive housing supports a variety of other programs for veterans in California.

So far in October, 75% of supportive housing projects have completed construction. After all projects are completely built, California will have added 6,561 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing for veterans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Keith Siegel raised his family in a small village in Israel. Then, on October 7, 2023, their lives changed forever when Hamas launched an attack, taking him and his wife hostage.

After President Donald Trump brokered a historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas, the terror group released 20 live hostages, as The Dallas Express previously reported.

In an October 15 briefing with the nonprofit Concerned Women for America (CWA), Siegel shared his story of captivity and redemption.

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They were constantly trying to convert me to Islam, Siegel said in the forum. My Jewish faith became stronger. I prayed, and I said blessings, I thought a lot about my people.

Siegel is an American citizen. He was born in California and grew up in North Carolina. In 1979, at age 20, he moved to Israel. He married his wife, Aviva, in 1981.

The couple moved to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a small village near the border of Gaza, in 1983. They have lived there ever since, raising their four children. Keith and Aviva now have five grandchildren.

Keith thanked his family for giving him the strength to survive as a Hamas prisoner.

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When I was in captivity, I knew that I must survive, he said.

CWA CEO and President Penny Nance told The Dallas Express the group held this briefing to emphasize support for Israel and to recognize the horrors endured by hostages like Keith and Aviva.

We rejoice that they both were freed, and that other hostages were finally released, Nance said.

CWA also wanted to remind leaders and supporters that it feels the matter is not over, so long as Hamas keeps the bodies of two American hostages, according to Nance.

Many in our country are willfully blind to the atrocities of rape, murder, and kidnapping Israel endured when Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023, she said. We are intent on supporting Israel and praying for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Something Was Different This Time

When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, they reportedly murdered close to 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 others.

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The morning of the attack, rockets started hitting Kibbutz Kfar Aza around 6:30 a.m., according to Siegel. This had happened many times in the past, so his family knew the drill. They went to the safe room.

The rockets went on and on, and we got a whole lot of text messages and telephone calls, Siegel said. We realized something was different this time.

Officials announced that Hamas terrorists had entered the village and ordered residents to lock their doors and windows. Around 10:30 a.m., the militants broke into Siegels home.

They shot into the safe room, and dragged Keith and Aviva out  screaming in Arabic. The terrorists brought the couple to their car and put them in the back seat.

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They shot at us, and I was hit by a bullet in my wrist on the way to the car, Siegel said. Two terrorists  one driving, one sitting next to him with a gun, and one in the backseat on the left. Aviva in the middle, and Im to the right, and hes holding this long knife right in front of our face. Thats when we realized that we were being kidnapped.

The Department of Justice arrested Mahmoud Amin YaQub Al-Muhtadi, a 33-year-old Gazan, on October 16 for joining the terror attacks near Kfar Al Aza, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. He had reportedly been hiding in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Now, You Are A Muslim

When the Hamas terrorists drove away from the kibbutz, Siegel reported seeing massive clouds of smoke rising from the neighborhood.

I saw a terrorist standing next to a Hamas car, and were into Gaza, he said. The driver screaming through the window, Prisoners, prisoners, prisoners. And people are cheering and clapping their hands.

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The militants moved the couple into a different car, blindfolded them, and drove them around. Then they moved to another car, which brought them to a house.

They took off the blindfold. Were in a residential home, and theres an opening into a tunnel, Siegel said. They forced us to get down into the tunnel.

They climbed down a ladder into the dark, narrow space. Theyre saying, Walk, walk, walk. Were bumping our heads on the way, Siegel said.

The terrorists put them into a small niche, where they watched other hostages come in  around 900 total, including seven from their community. Siegel said they spent two and a half days sleeping in a tunnel, stacked head to foot, surrounded by Hamas members.

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The terrorists were constantly walking back and forth, while ground and sand was falling from the ceiling, Siegel said. My face  our faces  was covered with sand.

On October 9, they moved the hostages into a home.

The exit from the tunnel was in this familys living room, and the television was on, Siegel said.

There, he said, the militants clothed the hostages with Islamic garb  with robes and hats for the men, and hijabs for the women.

After 51 days, they released his wife, Aviva. But they held him for another 433 days.

They Held Me In A School In The Stairwell

Then I was alone with the terrorists for two weeks, Siegel said. They held me in a school in the stairwell.

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When he initially arrived at the school, Siegel said the terrorists sat him on a chair by himself at the entrance. They only let him use the bathroom twice daily, before sunrise and after sunset. He said Palestinian civilians surrounded him.

At the school, he said, Hamas members were constantly trying to convert him to Islam.

The first day that I arrived, one of them said, Repeat after me. I thought he was teaching me Arabic, Siegel said.

So he repeated after the man. He said, Now you are a Muslim. I said, No, Im not  Im Jewish.

This continued throughout his time in captivity, saying he must become Muslim to avoid hell, according to Siegel.

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Siegel reportedly spent 67 days with an IDF soldier named Matan, locked by themselves in a dark room with no windows. Matan was serving on an Israeli tank crew when Hamas attacked on October 7, taking him captive, beating him, and parading him through the streets of Gaza, Siegel said. While they were together, Matan was still suffering from his injuries.

We had to beg to go to the toilet  knock on the door, ask for them to come, Siegel said. Sometimes they came, sometimes they didnt.

Im Going To Kill You Now

Hamas eventually separated the two men and placed Siegel with Omri Miran, a middle-aged father of two girls. They spent four and a half months together, during which time the terrorists moved them multiple times.

Hamas denied the prisoners basic human rights and often waved rifles in their faces, according to Siegel.

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A terrorist threatened to kill me, he said. He pointed a pistol at me out of the blue. I had done nothing, I was just lying down doing what I was told to do. He pointed a gun at me and said, Im going to kill you now.

One minute, the terrorists would be laughing, smiling, and joking around, according to Siegel. But they would instantly turn violent, cruel, and mean, threatening the prisoners.

Hamas made a propaganda video featuring Siegel and Miran. Hamas told them to recall memories of holidays with their families  it was the Jewish holiday of Passover at the time. He saw the video play on the air.

I thought it was this incredible opportunity that my family will see that Im alive. I was just trying desperately to present myself as very strong, he said. When I started to say, I have these wonderful memories about times together with the family during the holidays  which is something the Hamas terrorists told us to say  I started to cry.

I Must Return To My Family

After three months, the terrorists brought Siegel to a home where he met others from his kibbutz. After another month and a half, they moved him again to an apartment. There, he was alone for two months  from November 29 to February 1, when he was released.

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Im so joyful and so excited and so happy beyond words that my friends, and all the 20 alive, were released, Siegel said.

During his time in captivity, he said his Jewish faith became stronger. Siegel recalled the Holocaust, wars, and terror attacks against Jews  the atrocities and the catastrophes.

Thinking about that was inspiring, and gave me a lot of power  empowering, he said. And helped me get through the days of uncertainty and not knowing when, or even if, I would ever be reunited.

I kept promising myself, I must survive, I must return to my family, said Siegel.




Bandera County officials are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains found Friday evening off Wharton's Dock Road.

Deputies were called around 6 p.m. Friday to a report that suspected human remains had been found. Officials confirmed the remains were human and said they recovered multiple pieces of evidence that will be sent for forensic processing and identification.

READ MORE: SAPD: Officer shoots suspect who fired at police during burglary call

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The Bandera County Sheriff's Office and Texas Rangers are investigating.

Sheriff Josh Teitge said in a Facebook post that there is no known threat to the community. He said updates will be provided as they become available.

This article originally published at Suspected human remains found in Bandera County Friday evening.
Authorities say Namir Badi Assad was seized in Al-Qardaha with alleged partners as part of a wider post-regime crackdown on drug and arms networks.

DAMASCUS - Syrian authorities on Thursday arrested Namir Badi Assad, the brother of Wassim Assad, who was recently detained on charges tied to drug trafficking and organized crime, during a security operation in Al-Qardaha in the countryside of Latakia Governorate in northwestern Syria.

According to an official statement from the Syrian Ministry of Interior, the arrest followed a planned ambush carried out with the governorates Anti-Terrorism Branch, leading to the capture of Namir Assad and several partners, including Qusay Ibrahim, the leader of the so-called Mountain Brigade, a security unit previously active around Jabal al-Akrad, Nabi Yunis, Sahyun Castle, and Kinsabba.

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Officials said the detainees were referred to the Anti-Terrorism Directorate to complete investigations before being presented to the competent judiciary. The statement framed the move as part of the new transitional governments campaign to pursue remnants of the former regime and apply the law without exception.

These arrests of both Namir and Wassim Assad form part of a series of operations launched after the fall of Bashar Assads regime in December 2024.

Government accounts link the suspects to economic and security networks that operated under the former authorities and to what officials describe as disrupting public order and promoting illegal activities.

Kurdish internal security forces stand guard after seizing a quantity of captagon pills in Qamishli, Syria, March 25, 2025. (credit: orhan qereman/reuters)

Officials also said the latest actions show a determination to hold powerful figures to account across economic and military spheres, including alleged drug- and arms-smuggling rings.

Captagon: one of the region's most profitable illegal exports

International assessments have alleged that the ousted regime controlled a large share of the Captagon market and that members of the Assad family benefited directly from that illicit trade.

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Captagon, originally a 1960s pharmaceutical stimulant, now refers to counterfeit tablets containing amphetamine-type substances, often amphetamine mixed with caffeine; production hubs are widely reported in Syria and Lebanon, with major consumer markets in the Arabian Peninsula. It has become one of the regions most profitable illegal exports, worth billions of dollars annually.

The drug, known as "cocaine for the poor," is a synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant.

Hamas terrorists who carried out the October 7 massacre were found to be under the influence of Captagon. Pills of the drug were recovered from the pockets of many terrorists who lost their lives on Israeli soil.

The drug allowed the terrorists to commit heinous acts with a sense of calmness and indifference. Simultaneously, it kept them highly alert for extended periods and suppressed their appetite.

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Experts estimate that the annual value of Syrias Captagon trade reaches about $10 billion annually, with the Assad familys share around $2.4 billion.

Judge Marwan al-Youssef, a former adviser at the Syrian Supreme Court, told The Media Line that the arrest of Namir and Wassim Assad represents an important step in building transitional justice, as it demonstrates that the law can reach even those who were considered influential figures within the former regime.

He added that the new Syrian law allows for the prosecution of anyone involved in illegal activities or financing organized crimes during the period of the former regime, including their involvement in economic and security networks that affected society.

The judge said the arrests signal that the era of impunity has ended and that the rule of law will apply regardless of family or political ties.

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Retired Colonel Samer Deeb, an expert in criminal investigations, told The Media Line that preliminary investigations indicate that Namir Assads network relied on complex methods including mountain passages and ports to facilitate the smuggling of illegal materials, with former security personnel acting as cover.

He added that the arrest of the leader of the so-called Mountain Brigade reflects the military and security nature of these networks, as they protected smuggling operations and ensured the continuity of their activities within the Syrian coastal areas.

The criminal expert also noted that the arrest of Wassim and Namir Assad within a short period demonstrates the seriousness of the new authorities in pursuing all actors who were part of the former power structure, whether in the military or economic sectors.

Observers see the detention of two close relatives of former President Bashar Assad as a major shift in judicial and security policy after the regimes fallopening the way for an accountability process that could include holding to account those responsible for economic and security crimes linked to the former regime, delivering justice for victims of corruption and violence over the past decades, and rebuilding public confidence in courts and security services.

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Judicial sources say the Justice and Interior ministries are compiling files on prior corruption and influence networks for referral to specialized bodies to ensure fair, transparent proceedings. Names reportedly under review include figures the government alleges were involved in war crimes or corruption, such as Suhail al-Hasan, and former provincial leaders, particularly in Damascus.

DuringBashar Assads rule, select security and family figures held substantial sway, supervising drug- and arms-smuggling networks across coastal and border provinces. Operating under official cover, these networks were difficult to prosecute at the time.

Human rights and regional reporting have long described an overlap between military and economic power within the regimes circle, where family and security groups drew on illicit wealth to fund political and security activities. Neighboring states in recent years have mounted cross-border actions to stem Captagon shipments originating from Syrian territory.

That history gives added weight to the latest arrests, which suggest an effort to dismantle coercive networks and to restructure security and judicial institutions around clearer legal standards. Under Syrias Narcotic Drugs Law (Law No. 2 of 1993), drug manufacturing and trafficking carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and, in aggravated cases, capital punishment.

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A Ministry of Interior spokesperson told The Media Line that the recent arrests come within the framework of the states efforts to ensure the rule of law, pursue all persons who participated in criminal activities or affected public security during the period of the former regime. These measures will guarantee the application of justice without exception, reflecting the new governments commitment to prosecute all offenders according to the law.

The spokesperson said Wassim and Namir Assad and members of their networks will face full judicial investigation with their legal rights guaranteed, calling the step a first practical milestone in the countrys post-regime justice track.

Taken together, the arrests of Namir and Wassim Assad indicate a resolve to pursue former power brokers and to hold those involved in economic and security crimes accountable. The move also lays the groundwork for broader accountability mechanisms for corruption and violence across prior decades.

Analysts expect the next phase to include a wider pursuit of former security and family figures who helped entrench illicit influence, an overhaul of security and judicial bodies to ensure independence and effectiveness, and a reconciliation and justice agenda that balances accountability with victims rights.

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Overall, these actions are being cast as a turning point after the former regimes collapsewhere law, politics, and security intersect to begin a more durable rule-of-law era.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
Damascus and the SDF both have some mixed messages on the path forward with the SDF, although everyone wants to see progress.

Syria is putting out mixed messaging about how to proceed with integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the new security forces of the Syrian government. However, Damascus does not seem to have a clear message or vision on how to proceed. This is made even more complex by the fact that SDF officials also seem to have some mixed messaging on what comes next.

Central to the issue is how to incorporate around 100,000 SDF members into the new transitional army. Reports say that several divisions worth of the SDF could become units within the army. But will they come under the new army as fully organized divisions and keep their cohesive nature?

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What about the rest of eastern Syria, which the DAANES, the civilian component of the SDF, runs? Rudaw media in the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq reported on October 19 that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Saturday repeated Damascus rejection of any form of division or federalism, but said that northeast Syria (Rojava) has a historic opportunity to help build the countrys future.

We reject any form of division and federalism, and this does not require discussion or negotiation, Shaibani said in an interview with state-run al-Ikhbariya TV.

The report notes that there had been talks about the SDF integrating into the Syrian security forces. The report says some progress is being made. Last week, Abdi said the two sides had reached an understanding about the principle of decentralization.

A rebel led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stands in the back of a vehicle in al-Rashideen, Aleppo province, Syria November 29, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Hasano)

Najeeb Ghadban, an advisor to Foreign Minister Shaibani, told Rudaw earlier this month that Rojava is pushing for decentralization to be applied across all of Syria, adding that there is openness to that idea.

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The Syrian foreign minister is clear that it is important to move forward. Shaibani said that integrating the SDF into Syrias institutions is crucial to restoring unity. The Kurdish-led force controls about a third of Syrian territory.

'We believe a partnership must happen as soon as possible'

The Syrian top diplomat added that we succeeded in convincing countries interested in the SDF file that its only solution is the March 10 agreementthe absence of Syrian Democratic Forces within state institutions deepens the rift between them and the Syrian state, so we believe partnership must happen as soon as possible.

This follows several interviews that SDF commander Mazloum Abdi conducted last week with the AFP and AP in which he discussed integration. Several SDF officials then explained the outline of how it might proceed. However, SDF commander Sepin Hamo also appeared to be more cautious in his prognosis about what might take place.

Rudaw says negotiations between the two sides stalled over disagreements on how to incorporate the SDFs forces into the national army, leading to periodic clashes in northern Syria in recent weeks. The deadlock appeared to ease after Abdis visit to Damascus earlier in October, during which he met with Sharaa.

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Meanwhile, North Press in eastern Syria says that Asaad al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Syrian Transitional Government, called on Saturday for an urgent partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to safeguard Syrias unity and end the suffering of civilians.

This report also looked at the interview that Shaibani did with Ikhbariya and had a slightly different interpretation. While Rudaw was less optimistic, North Press appeared more optimistic. At the end of the day, the Syrian foreign ministers words are the same and are up for interpretation.

There is a historic chance for Northeast Syria to be a key part of this phaseFailure to reach an agreement with the SDF hampers the interests of civilians and delays the return of displaced people to their homes, he said.

HE also said that the president of Syria is keen to see the SDF as an essential component of the countrys future. But Damascus does reject any form of division or federalism, a key sticking point.

Meanwhile, the government wants to try to resolve things with the Druze in Suweida. Syrian media also continues to report on what it sees as Israeli violations of Syrian territory near Quneitra.
There are plenty of reasons for the bright mood that surrounds the Motown Museum these days: a $75 million expansion, a renewed connection with Detroits creative community, a growing international profile.

And now, in the thick of that momentum, a new executive has taken the reins.

Meet Kenya LeNoir Messer, hired as Motown Museum CEO following a 15-month national search. The Chicago native isnt just overseeing daily operations at one of Detroits most beloved cultural institutions  she arrives as the museum deploys its hallowed history as the springboard to a reimagined future.

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Messer will work closely with continuing chairwoman and former CEO Robin Terry, granddaughter of Esther Gordy Edwards, who launched the museum 40 years ago at the West Grand Boulevard site where Motown reshaped American culture.

Momentum is irreplaceable. Its like lightning in a bottle, Messer said during a sit-down Oct. 16 at the museums executive offices. Its very rare that someone, particularly a CEO, can come into a situation like this  and come into it with a chairwoman who is very much the continuation of the legacy.

Kenya LeNoir Messer, left, the new CEO of the Motown Museum, poses at the museum with Robin Terry, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Though Terry is giving up her role as CEO, she will remain involved in the museums expansion project while Messer will take over the day-to-day operations.

Terry, also the grandniece of Motown founder Berry Gordy, remains the crucial family link to a Detroit music enterprise that produced the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Four Tops and so many more barrier-breaking acts.

She describes Messers CEO appointment as a deepening of the Motown Museum bench.

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I knew it was a tall ask to find the person who could really be in love with this legacy to the same degree my grandmother, myself and the rest of the Gordy lineage are connected to it, said Terry. We went through a lot of candidates. To be honest, there were points where I thought it might be impossible. And then there was Kenya.

Messer, 57, hails from the world of academia, including time as the associate dean of student affairs at Columbia University and as a vice president at Ohios Wilberforce University. A published author and researcher, she has served on a host of national and global boards, many with a business or cultural focus, including the New Orleans Museum of Art.

When Terry announced in February 2024 shed be stepping down as Motown Museum CEO, the timing was strategic: She and the board wanted to install a new executive before the institutions expansion was complete.

They would get to invest in the vision for the institution as it goes forward, Terry said. We didnt want to build it and then say, Here are the keys. 

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If youve been by the West Grand Boulevard campus lately, youve surely spotted the expansion in progress as a 40,000-square-foot annex at last begins to appear. Behind the iconic Hitsville, U.S.A., house, building crews are hustling and steel is rising as the museum moves into the third and final phase of an expansion plan announced nine years ago this week.

The completion timeline has shifted: The museum, originally scheduled to pause tours this month to accommodate the work, will continue to be open to visitors through Jan. 19. Construction is set to finish in October of next year, with a grand opening planned for spring 2027.

During the downtime, which will include minor yet necessary upgrades inside the Hitsville building, the Motown Museum will continue its retail offerings, along with its Hitsville Next arts and business programming. Temporary exhibits are planned for other Detroit spaces.

Made for Motown

Long before the CEO title was attached to her name, Messers Motown journey began just as it has for millions of people across the globe: as a music-loving kid.

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Growing up in musical household in the 70s, she and an older brother enjoyed weekly trips to the record store with the family, and she vividly recalls her first album purchase  Stevie Wonders classic double album, Songs in the Key of Life.

That changed everything for me, she said. It was like foreshadowing because its still one of my all-time favorites.

Motown records were also at Messers fingertips during her time as a club DJ during the rise of Chicago house music, when artists such as the Originals and Carl Bean were part of the repertoire.

The CEO position is a chance to marry my passion and my purpose, Messer said. She arrives at the Motown Museum during a bustling 40th anniversary year that has included the launch of the Esther Gordy Edwards Centre for Excellence, a two-story facility just west of the main campus.

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More: Shop that celebrates iconic Detroit people, places and brands turns 15

Among her first activities as CEO was a private luncheon with Motown alumni in Detroit, a chance to experience what that love is all about, said Terry.

They embraced her wholeheartedly, the chairwoman added. The responsibility of this legacy is great. This is their lives. This is their stories. So it was important that Kenya got an introduction to really understand the magnitude of the Motown family.

Messer speaks emphatically about that sense of responsibility as she assumes a high-profile leadership role in Motowns hometown. We stand on the shoulders of greatness, she said.

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Her job will involve the museums day-to-day business operations, working with the internal team and partners in Michigan and beyond  the friendship building she calls more important than ever in a post-expansion future. That includes immersing herself in Detroits arts and culture community, and Messer said she has already begun making critical connections.

Kenya LeNoir Messer, left, and Robin Terry, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, in the Motown Museums Studio A on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

Terry, who took on the chairwoman and CEO role in 2014, has proved to be a transformative figure at Hitsville, raising the museums global profile and shepherding the expansion. For more than a decade, she has been the institutions most visible public face, and as board chair, shell continue a role she describes as the legacy lead, including fundraising as the museum nears its $75 million expansion goal.

With the recent promotion of Sharri Watkins to chief operating officer, its worth noting that the Motown Museums top leadership is all-female. It doesnt just mirror the museums 1985 founding by Edwards; it echoes strides made in the 60s by Berry Gordy when he broke music-industry convention by appointing women to key positions inside the label.

I want to be clear: We looked for the best candidate to fill this role, and thats how we landed on Dr. Kenya Messer, said Terry. But its not lost on me that my grandmother was a huge advocate for women and mentored many of them in her life. So it feels very appropriate.

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More: 'Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon,' a movie cult classic, is back in theaters as it turns 40

During last weeks interview, Messer and Terry frequently characterized themselves as a team. The new CEO broke into the chorus of It Takes Two, the Kim Weston-Marvin Gaye classic, and at one point the pair exchanged a high five.

Its the dynamic duo! Terry said.

Asked whether she has joined the Motown family at a particularly cool moment in museum history, Messer beamed with a smile.

The momentum is enormous. This is the time for it, particularly in a space where joy is needed, she told the Free Press. When we think about the world and the notion that unity is needed  when we think about the legacy of Motown and the inspiration it brings  theres no better time than this.

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So cool is one word. But awesome is better.

Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kenya LeNoir Messer takes reins as new CEO of Motown Museum
Oct. 18ROCHESTER  As thousands of people were marching along Broadway on Saturday, Joy Graham was off to the side in the grass fixing her sign. She had cut chunks of styrofoam into the shapes of letters and attached them to a board to create a 3-D message: No Kings.

After having been to her share of protests recently  from Detroit Lakes to La Crescent  her sign suddenly needed a little mid-march upkeep.

"This has been used once or twice before. ... I've been all over the state," Graham said. "We are in the middle of a fight for our country. I believe we are on the precipice of (having) a new country that is not going to be good for Americans."

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Graham was taking part in Rochester's contribution to the nationwide "No Kings" protest and rally. Local organizers counted 2,600 people who marched the 1.1 mile route, and estimated that there may have been as many as an additional 1,000 people at the rally in Soldiers Field where the march began and ended.

From a small stage, local organizers and politicians spoke to the crowd about what they described as the corruption they believe is taking place in the federal government  forcefully condemning figures from President Donald Trump to U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad.

"Most Americans know what he is," Rochester Rep. Tina Liebling said into a microphone, referring to Trump. "A small, petty, greedy man who only cares about grabbing more power and riches, and staying out of jail for his crimes."

According to the news aggregation site RealClearPolitics' polling average, 51.7% of respondents disapprove of Donald Trump's job performance, and 45.6% of respondents approve of his job performance as of Oct. 16.

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Saturday's protest was just one among more than 2,000 that were scheduled to take place across the country. It followed an earlier No Kings march that was held on June 14.

The local march and rally were organized by a number of groups, including Indivisible 507, Minnesota 50501-Rochester, COPAL and ISAIAH.

Henry Neuvirth showed up in a suit of armor, with two small banners attached to the shoulder plate. One said "No Tyrants" and the other said "No Kings." One marcher came dressed in the inflatable costume of a honey bee, holding a sign that said "Bee-lieve in Democracy." Multiple women were draped in the maroon cape and bonnet associated with Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale."

As the crowds made its way along Broadway, passing vehicles honked their horns in support of the march. One marcher wearing a purple cape played a trombone as he walked. Zach Storz, who had come with his two siblings Ashley and Avery, juggled as he walked the route.

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Toward the end of the route, one man standing at a street corner raised an American flag that had an image of Trump imposed on it, causing some of the marchers to direct mocking comments toward him.

Two of the marchers, however, Tim and Donna Blade started a conversation with the man, who declined to speak or give his name to the media.

"We just want to promote the truth and the facts," Tim Blade said, who described himself as a conservative Republican. "That's why we were talking to (him)."
Texas Christian University is facing criticism from a TCU alumnus and business owner over what he calls the schools history of woke policies.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the university denied a request to host a Turning Point USA event featuring detransitioner Chloe Cole, sparking backlash from elected officials and renewing debate over free speech on campus.

A TCU alumnus is now criticizing the universitys leadership, accusing it of abandoning its Christian foundations and embracing anti-Christian, anti-conservative ideologies.

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I am Preston Campbell, a TCU alumnus of 2019. I am writing to express concern and disappointment at the direction my alma mater has taken in regard to the adoption of anti-Christian, anti-conservative ideologies, Campbell wrote in a letter sent to TCU officials and shared with The Dallas Express.

Campbell, a gay conservative business owner and graduate of TCUs School of Fine Arts, said he chose the university expecting a conservative, traditional, God-fearing environment.

He accused the school of celebrating sin and divisiveness, arguing that it now encroaches on students God-given rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of thought, and the sacred truth that all of us are made equally in the image of God.

Campbell cited examples from his time at TCU, alleging that professors promoted socialism and expressed political bias against conservatives. He said one professor explicitly introduced himself on the first day of class as a socialist, and a department director preached to the point of his own tears the morning after the 2016 presidential election.

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He also alleged that the university mishandled a sexual assault case involving an individual he described as a mentally deranged, transgender, autogynephile man, saying TCU found [him] not at fault.

This is not the only time TCU faced similar controversy.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a former TCU student filed a federal lawsuit seeking $100 million in damages, alleging the university mishandled her report of being raped by another student in October 2024. The anonymous plaintiff, identified as Emily Doe, claims TCUs Title IX office took no action until she obtained legal counsel and then imposed only minimal punishment on the alleged perpetrator.

Now, TCU has cancelled the speaking event of a de-transitioner, Chloe Cole, who tries to warn young people of the dangers associated with child-abuse-ridden trans ideology, Campbell wrote. All while my alma mater advertises their own Pride Month in October.

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He referred to TCU as Texas Creedless University, saying it silences the rational side of the aisle while publicly backing the deranged side  the dangerous side.

I am now genuinely embarrassed to be an alumnus of Texas Creedless University, Campbell continued. Somewhere around $200,000 later, I now consider my earned degree a symbol of willful ignorance and one of my gravest mistakes thus far in life.

Campbell said he will withhold donations from the university and warned that TCU risks alienating alumni who have the capability to donate.

The Dallas Express reached out to Texas Christian University for comment but did not receive a response.
TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44)  Temple police are investigating a Sunday morning burglary that left one person injured after an armed suspect entered an apartment and assaulted a resident.

Officers were dispatched around 9:50 a.m. to the 200 block of North Sixth Street. Investigators said the suspect entered the apartment at about 9:47 a.m., attacked the resident, and then fled northbound on foot.

One person was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

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Authorities are urging residents not to approach the suspect if seen. Anyone who locates or recognizes the individual should immediately call 911 and report the location.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
A rabbi and a doctor walked into a bar. The Tennessean was there.

Not to tell a joke. To tell a story.

Mark Schiftan, for decades the senior rabbi at The Temple, and Dr. Frank Boehm, a member of the congregation, started walking together. And talking together. Their conversations led to the book "A Rabbi and a Doctor Walk Into a Bar," which was released in August.

"My hope is it'll stimulate conversation," Boehm told Tennessean columnist Brad Schmitt. I don't think the rabbi and I are right on every subject. I think people have to come to their own conclusions."

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So it is with The Tennessean's coverage of religion. For more than 60 years, The Tennessean has been a trusted source for thoughtful, in-depth religion reporting, providing coverage with nuance, accuracy and relevance.

Religion reporter Liam Adams has written extensively about denominations with Nashville ties, wrote authoritative news obituaries after the deaths of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson and Room In The Inn founder Father Charlie Strobel and has covered trends involving religion. He has written about how Nashville mosques aided newly resettled Afghan families during Ramadan and a celebration of Diwali at the state Capitol.

You'll find reporting of faith and faith-based matters throughout the pages of The Tennessean, too, in pieces such as music writer Melonee Hurt's coverage of the annual Dove Awards and health care reporter Beth Warren's coverage of Christian artist Amy Grant's partnership with a coalition of faith-based organizations working to support HIV/AIDS relief.

This kind of journalism takes time, resources and sustained investment. As a newsroom based in a city known for its influential faith-driven industries, were dedicated to providing local insights on stories impacting a diverse range of religious communities.

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We invite you to partner with us to support coverage of religion.

Thanks to our partner and fiscal sponsor, Journalism Funding Partners, a verified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (tax ID #84-2968843), you can invest in the future of this reporting. Your donation via givebutter.com/tgOCAn is 100% tax deductible.

And I invite you to let us know the stories we should be telling from your temple, church, mosque, Kingdom Hall or meeting house. You can look for me on Belle Meade Boulevard on Thanksgiving Day, when my husband and I will be participating in the 32nd annual Boulevard Bolt. A joint effort of Immanuel Baptist Church, St. Georges Episcopal Church and The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom, the event has raised more than $4.8 million to aid Nashville's homeless community.

If you'd like to get in touch sooner, please email me at jbrett@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessean asks for donations covering faith communities
Thousands of demonstrators gather on the west side of the Colorado Capitol during a No Kings protest, part of a nationwide act of resistance against Trump administration policies, in Denver on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Thousands of people gathered in opposition to President Donald Trumps administration at a rally and march in Denver on Saturday, the largest of more than 50 No Kings protests held across Colorado amid rising tensions over the countrys direction in his second term.

See Colorado Newslines live coverage of No Kings protests here.

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An overflow crowd spilled into Civic Center Park, and multiple streets surrounding the Capitol grounds were shut down as the event began just after noon. Near the state Capitol steps, attendees heard from a lineup of speakers including former state Rep. Joe Salazar, who told the crowd in a fiery speech that Trumps agenda threatens to tear the fabric of this country apart.

There is no king in America, and we will not be silenced by authoritarians, Salazar said to cheers. We will not be painted as domestic terrorists. We are just Coloradans, just Americans, who are calling a spade a spade and a dictator a dictator  because that is our constitutional right to do so.

Tiffany Weber, founder of the activist group Solidarity Warriors and one of the Denver protests organizers, blasted U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnsons characterization of the nationwide No Kings event this week as a Hate America rally.

He has the gall to say we hate America. We love America, Weber told the crowd. We love the loud, beautiful, chaotic streets of Denver. We love the variety of ways that people show up to protests, and we hate the fact that not everyone can safely exercise their American right to free speech.

A demonstrator wears a Trump mask and dresses like an inmate behind bars during a No Kings protest, part of a nationwide act of resistance against Trump administration policies, in Denver on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Organizers of the Denver protest estimate that more than 25,000 demonstrators were in attendance, Salazar told Newsline. An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 demonstrators gathered in Colorado Springs. The nationwide No Kings Coalition, partners of which include liberal and progressive groups like Indivisible, MoveOn and the ACLU, estimated 7 million people turned out Saturday to demonstrate against what it called Trumps authoritarian actions and power grabs.

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The latest round of protests come as Trump has ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the cities of Chicago and Portland, which he has falsely described as war ravaged in spite of recent nonviolent anti-ICE protests that have prominently featured inflatable animal costumes and naked bicycle rides.

Im hoping to save democracy. We need to defeat these people trying to tear us down and destroy our Constitution.

 Jerry Hawthorne of Fruita, at the No Kings demonstration in Grand Junction

Throughout the day, the atmosphere at Saturdays demonstration in Denver was similarly peaceful and festive, featuring countless satirical anti-Trump protest signs  The Only Thing Colorado Likes More Than Hiking on a Saturday Is Our Democratic Rights, read one  and dozens of protesters clad in inflatable costumes of the kind recently popularized by protesters in Portland.

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Gerry Lauer, a demonstrator dressed in an inflatable chicken costume, said he had been inspired by footage of the Portland protests and ordered the costume online before Saturdays event.

Portland did a great job of finding a way to eliminate the hostility, (and) kind of create that safe place to be, Lauer said. Its a real serious time, but we dont need to be creating violence and hostility. We need to figure out how to get it around that.

A tattered American flag waves the air during a No Kings demonstration in Denver on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

This insanity has to stop

Coloradans also turned out for a No Kings protest in Grand Junction, where an organizer with Indivisible said thousands had turned out in the Western Slope city to protest the Trump administration.

One of those participants was Jerry Hawthorne of Fruita.

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Im hoping to save democracy. We need to defeat these people trying to tear us down and destroy our Constitution, he said.

From left, Rick Griffith, Bev Griffith, Bill Shelton and Connie Ellenberger carry signs designed by Shelton during a No Kings protest against the Trump administration in Grand Junction on Saturday. (Photo by Sharon Sullivan for Colorado Newsline)

Kerri Osterguard traveled from the town of Mesa to attend the No Kings rally in Grand Junction.

This insanity has to stop. Its out of control, she said.

Rick Griffith, Bev Griffith, Bill Shelton and Connie Ellenberger displayed protest signs designed by Shelton. Bev Griffith said the Grand Junction event was their first No Kings rally and that they participated because President Donald Trump is running our country into the ground and he should be behind bars.

Jill Smith, left, and Terri Carter, costumed as an angry antifascist chicken, protest the Trump administration during a No Kings rally in Grand Junction on Saturday. (Photo by Sharon Sullivan for Colorado Newsline)

Tensions over immigration enforcement

In his second term, Trump has pledged to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, aiming to remove all of the estimated 12 million immigrants in the country without permanent legal status, regardless of how long they have been in the country, the legal status of their family members or whether they have criminal records.

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Tensions have risen in cities like Chicago, Portland and Los Angeles as ICE enforcement operations have become more expansive and aggressive, drawing protests that Trump administration officials have in turn harshly criticized and sought to meet with further crackdowns by federal law enforcement, as well as troop deployments. Trump told an audience of top U.S. military leaders last month that American cities should be used as training grounds for our military, and he has repeatedly spoken of invoking the Insurrection Act to broaden his authority to deploy the military against U.S. citizens.

A woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty raises a sign that says No Kings while marching during a No Kings demonstration in Denver on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Trumps mass deportation program has been bolstered by $45 billion in new ICE funding in the Republican federal spending and tax cut law approved in July. At least 170 people with U.S. citizenship have been swept up in the agencys expanded enforcement operations so far this year, ProPublica reported Thursday.

We cant treat people like this. We cant treat anybody like this, let alone immigrants who are minding their own business and doing their work, said Emily Magner, an Aurora resident who attended Saturdays protest at the Capitol. (They say) Were only after the bad ones. Well, then why are you going to meatpacking plants (and) places where you think immigrants would work?

Demonstrators march from the Colorado Capitol during a No Kings protest in Denver on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

After hearing from rally speakers, thousands of demonstrators marched away from the Capitol down 15th Street into Denvers Central Business District. Before the march, Julian Camera of the American Civil Liberties Union spoke to the crowd about their constitutional rights, including the right to free speech and the right to remain silent if detained by law enforcement.

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The reason I share these rights with you today is because its rookie hour at the federal government, and if youre detained by law enforcement, they might try to intimidate you and lie to you about your rights, Camera said. Were not going to let them get away with trying to rewrite the Constitution just because Trump is telling them to.

Following the march, most demonstrators left the Capitol area by 4 p.m. A much smaller group of protesters later marched to 20th and Chestnut streets, where Denver Police Department officers dispersed the group to deny access to the highway and made multiple arrests, according to a DPD social media post.

A demonstrator raises a sign that says Save Democracy during a No Kings demonstration in Denver on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline)

Chase Woodruff reported from Denver. Sharon Sullivan reported from Grand Junction.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE




Tens of thousands of protesters gathered at the Texas Capitol then marched through downtown Austin to Auditorium Shores Saturday for the "No Kings" protest, part of a nationwide movement against President Donald Trump's administration and what organizers and protesters describe as growing authoritarianism and threats to democracy.

Representatives from various organizing groups like Hands Off Central Texas and the Communications Workers of America union spoke in front of the crowd before the march to Auditorium Shores began. Other speakers included U.S. representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar as well as Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa, who just announced her candidacy for the Texas governor's race.

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"There's a lot of talk about Trump, and rightfully so, but his tactics started right here in Texas," Hinojosa said.

Saturday's events remained peaceful, despite concerns around Gov. Greg Abbott's order to deploy Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guard solders to Austin ahead of the protest.

"When we lose our fear, we win. And, quite frankly, they lose their power," said Derrick Osobase, vice president of CWA District 6, which spans Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Melody Tremallo leads thousands of protesters through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)





Some protesters wore blow-up costumes of unicorns and dinosaurs, a habit that's become common in recent protests. Just a few weeks ago, at a protest in Portland, Ore., a video showed a law enforcement officer seemingly clogging a blow-up frog costume's air vent with pepper spray.

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Other protesters carried American flags or similarly patriotic gear, chanting "the people united will never be divided" and "release the files," the latter referring to case documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes that some believe may implicate Trump.

The cadets at West Point have to take an oath  they have an honor code that says I will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do, said Charlie Arnone, a 51-year-old U.S. Navy veteran attending the protest. Im personally offended that our commander-in-chief cant abide by the simplest code we require of candidates.

Elijah B. leads chants near the front of the rally as thousands march through downtown Austin for the No Kings protest, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)





At Auditorium Shores, attendees heard from additional speakers like former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke and live musicians like Guy Forsyth. According to organizers, more than 50 nonprofit organizations and other groups set up in the park to meet with attendees.

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And of those groups, senior citizens were among the most well-represented. Advocacy groups like Third Act, the Raging Grannies, the Gray Panthers and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans hosted tents on Saturday. They called their corner of the park the "wisdom village."

Jan Lance, 73, said the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans is especially concerned about the future of the Affordable Care Act.

Seniors have to be engaged, she said. When we advocate for senior issues, we, in the end, advocate for our family's issues.

Lance has two grandchildren, and she said they inspire her to try to do everything I can to try to make a better world for them.

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Just two tents down, 74-year-old Judy Gradford said she and other Raging Grannies are personally outraged.

We're very concerned about what's happening to immigrants, were very concerned about what's happening to communities of color, what's happening at universities, what's happening all over this country, where people are being attacked and trying to be silenced, Gradford said.

The event wrapped up around 5 p.m. with no arrests reported, according to the Austin Police Department.

A press release from nationwide organizers of the protests said nearly 7 million people gathered for more than 2,700 protests across the country.

Protesters crossing the First Street bridge are reflected in the sunglasses of a protester watching the crowd go by as thousands march through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)




Hundreds of Oregonians gather in front of the Oregon State Capitol to protest against the Trump administration at the No Kings rally on October 18, 2025 in Salem. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Tens of thousands of Oregonians turned out on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump, filling city streets and parks while marching in inflatable costumes and toting signs.

The protests, in dozens of cities large and small across Oregon, were part of a national day of protests that included more than 2,600 events and drew millions nationwide, according to organizers.

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The Portland Police Bureau estimated between 40,000 and 50,000 protesters were present at the main protest in downtown Portland, with smaller satellite events throughout the citys suburbs.

Protesters around the country demonstrated against the Trump administrations efforts to send federalized National Guard troops to Portland and other cities. Federal courts have so far blocked those efforts in Portland.

Protesters included the Unpresidented Brass Band, out in big numbers in banana suits. The band is more resolute since its clarinet player was arrested at the Portland Immigrations and Customs Enforcement facility Sunday, founder Miles Thompson said.

Were just just going to be safe and bring joy, said Thompson, who started the band more than eight years ago.

Members of the Unpresidented Brass Band play at Portlands No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

More than 100 miles south, in Eugene, Ty Warren said he came out to protest because the country needs a visual display to indicate how upset people are with the direction Trump is taking the country. He scoffed at Republican depictions of No Kings Day as hate America rallies.

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Its hard to say were hating America when youve got inflatable unicorns and frogs out here, he said. I see a lot of love. These people here probably love America more than Mike Johnson and Donald Trump do.

Inflatable frog costumes have become a fixture of regular protests outside Portlands ICE detention facility as Portlanders seek to use whimsy to refute Trumps descriptions of their city as war ravaged. Those suits appeared in Salem and Eugene on Saturday, too.

Frog costumes were popular at the at Portlands No Kings protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Brenda Hodge drove from Vancouver to protest with her family and friends in Salem. They ordered frog hats online on Thursday in anticipation of wearing them at the rally.

Im out here because our Constitution is being trampled on, Hodge said. A lot of the rights of people that we have lived with for a long time are being taken away and theres no due process for the immigrants that ICE is taking away.

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Dozens of counter-protesters met outside the Oregon Capitol, holding U.S. flags, signs depicting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot to death in Utah last month,and Make America Great Again memorabilia. Among them was Elisabeth Camara, who drove from Lake Oswego and held a sign saying Hey Queen Kotek: No gas price increase!

On Sept. 29, Oregon Democrats in a month-long special session garnered all the votes needed to pass a transportation bill that would raise $4.3 billion over the next 10 years to maintain state, city and county roads.

A lot of people rejected this, Camara said. They passed it anyway, and (Koteks) going to sign it into law. I feel like theyre not doing what the people want.

Back in Portland, at least 200 protestors gathered outside the ICE processing facility south of downtown after the No Kings march. Federal officers shot pepper balls at the crowd to clear a road in front of the building.

Federal officers on top of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland shoot pepper balls at the crowd on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 24-year-old woman suffered serious injuries Friday after a two-car collision in the El Cerrito neighborhood, according to the San Diego Police Department.

The FOX 5/KUSI video above provides driving safety tips

The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of El Cajon Boulevard and Dayton Street. Police say a 35-year-old man was driving a Tesla Model Y eastbound on El Cajon Boulevard when he attempted to make a left turn at Dayton Street.

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The Tesla turned in front of an oncoming Honda Civic, which was traveling westbound through the intersection with the right of way, police explained. The vehicles collided in the intersection, causing significant damage.

The driver of the Honda, a 24-year-old woman, was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. She is being treated for a fractured left femur and a lacerated liver, authorities said.

SDPDs Traffic Division is investigating the incident. DUI is not suspected in the crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact SDPD or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.




A Texas man crashed into a Buc-ee's store in North Texas after allegedly killing three people in a nearby subdivision on Friday, October 17, according to police. Christopher Kyle Reid Jr. shot himself in the head after driving into the Ennis Buc-ee's store entrance and pinning a woman against a sales display, according to the Ennis Police Department.

The deadly shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Friday at a home in a subdivision in Mabank, a small town 54 miles southeast of Dallas and 43 miles east of the Bucee's in Ennis. According to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, deputies arrived and found multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

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Officials said three people were pronounced dead: Kimberly Simpson, 51, Connie Patrick, 72 and Ronny Hammonds, 57. Two additional people were transported to a hospital in Tyler; Colton Reid, 24, is in stable condition and Henry Hopgood, 70, is in critical condition as of noon on Saturday, October 18, according to the sheriff's office.

Crash at Buc-ee's in Ennis, Texas

Following the deadly shooting, Reid drove a 2003 maroon Dodge Caravan into the southwest entrance of the Buc-ee's in Ennis. He struck and pinned a pedestrian against a sales display near the main entrance as the vehicle entered the building, according to the Ennis Police Department. Once the car came to a stop, Reid used a weapon to shoot himself in the head.

The pedestrian, a woman in her 30s from Oklahoma, was passing through Ennis and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Reid is currently in critical condition at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

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Neither the Henderson County Sheriff's Office nor the Ennis Police Department disclosed Reid's connection to the victims. The case remains an active and ongoing investigation.

The Henderson County Sheriff's Office stated it is working in close coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers, the Henderson County District Attorney's Office and the Ennis Police Department to gather all relevant facts and ensure a thorough investigation.

This article originally published at Texas man accused of killing 3 crashes into Buc-ee's.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed emergency personnel to Alaska on Thursday to assist with flood recovery efforts. The deployment follows a formal request from Alaskas Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The interstate cooperation marks another example of states mobilizing resources through mutual aid agreements as extreme weather events strain local response capabilities.

Our hearts are with all Americans in Alaska who have been devastated by a typhoon that led to days of flooding, said Governor Abbott. I deployed emergency management personnel to help people and communities in Alaska as they deal with the horrific aftermath.

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The Texas Division of Emergency Management sent personnel to Alaska to assist in staffing the Emergency Operations Center, coordinating volunteer agencies, and managing donations.

The deployment operates under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a state-to-state mutual aid system. EMAC enables states to share resources across disciplines while protecting deployed personnel and ensuring reimbursement for mission costs.

Texas continues managing its own flood recovery from Julys catastrophic flooding while sending help north. The dual response highlights stretched emergency management resources nationwide.

Texas will continue to work to help ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by the typhoon and flooding, Abbott said. I thank all first responders and emergency management personnel who are working around the clock to support their fellow Americans in need.
By Sybille de La Hamaide and Gabriel Stargardter

PARIS (Reuters) -Thieves in balaclavas broke into Paris' Louvre museum on Sunday, using a crane to smash an upstairs window, then stealing priceless objects from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, officials said.

The robbery raises awkward questions about security at the museum, where officials had already sounded the alarm about lack of investment at a world-famous site, home to artworks such as the Mona Lisa, that welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024.

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"The theft committed at the Louvre is an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our History," President Emmanuel Macron said on X. "We will recover the works, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice."

ROBBERY WAS 'VERY PROFESSIONAL' WITH NO VIOLENCE

The thieves struck at about 9.30 a.m. (0730 GMT) when the museum had already opened its doors to the public, and entered the Galerie d'Apollon building, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said on BFM TV.

The robbery took between six to seven minutes and was carried out by four people who were unarmed, but who threatened the guards with angle grinders, she said.

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A total of nine objects were targeted by the criminals, and eight were actually stolen. The thieves lost the ninth one, the crown of Napoleon III's wife, Empress Eugenie, during their escape, Beccuau said.

"It's worth several tens of millions of euros - just this crown. And it's not, in my opinion, the most important item," Drouot auction house President Alexandre Giquello told Reuters.

Beccuau said it was a mystery why the thieves did not steal the Regent diamond, which is housed in the Galerie d'Apollon and is estimated to be worth more than $60 million by Sotheby's.

"I don't have an explanation," she said. "It'll only be when they're in custody and face investigators that we'll know what type of order they had and why they didn't target that window."

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Beccuau said one of the thieves was wearing a yellow reflective vest, which investigators have since recovered. She added that the robbers tried and failed to set fire to the crane, mounted on the back of a small truck, as they fled.

PROBE UNDERWAY BY SPECIALIST UNIT

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the probe had been entrusted to a specialized police unit that has a high success rate in cracking high-profile robberies.

Investigators were keeping all leads open, Beccuau said.

But she said it was likely the robbery was either commissioned by a collector, in which case there was a chance of recovering the pieces in a good state, or undertaken by thieves interested only in the valuable jewels and precious metals. She said foreign interference was not among the main hypotheses.

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"We're looking at the hypothesis of organised crime," she said, adding that it could be thieves working on spec for a buyer, or seeking to get access to jewels that can be useful to launder criminal proceeds.

"Nowadays, anything can be linked to drug trafficking, given the significant sums of money obtained from drug trafficking."

QUESTIONS ON SECURITY

The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, said on X it would remain closed for the day for "exceptional reasons".

Joan and Jim Carpenter, from Santa Cruz, California, said they had been moved out of a gallery just as they were about to see the Mona Lisa.

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"Well, when you rob the Louvre, that's a big deal to all of France, so I knew something was up because of the way they swept the whole museum," Joan Carpenter said.

The Mona Lisa was stolen from the museum in 1911 in one of the most daring art thefts in history, in a heist involving a former employee. He was eventually caught and the painting was returned to the museum two years later.

Earlier this year, officials at the Louvre requested urgent help from the French government to restore and renovate the museum's ageing exhibition halls and better protect its countless works of art.

Macron, writing on X, said that a new government plan for the Louvre announced in January "provides for strengthened security."

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Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the issue of museum security was not new.

"For 40 years, there was little focus on securing these major museums, and two years ago, the president of the Louvre requested a security audit from the police prefect. Why? Because museums must adapt to new forms of crime," she said. "Today, it's organised crime - professionals."

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide, Gabriel Stargardter, John Cotton, Clothaire Achi and Ardee Napolitano; Additional reporting by Helen Popper; Editing by David Holmes and Diane Craft)
In a minutes-long strike Sunday inside the worlds most-visited museum, thieves rode a basket lift up the Louvre s facade, forced a window, smashed display cases and fled with priceless Napoleonic jewels, officials said.

The daylight heist about 30 minutes after opening, with visitors already inside, was among the highest-profile museum thefts in living memory and comes as staff complained that crowding and thin staffing are straining security.

The theft unfolded just 250 meters (270 yards) from the Mona Lisa, in what Culture Minister Rachida Dati described as a professional four-minute operation.

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ALSO READ: Charlotte activist took advantage of the homeless to steal millions, feds say

One object, the emerald-set imperial crown of Napoleon IIIs wife, Empress Eugenie, containing more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum, French authorities said. It was reportedly recovered broken.

Images from the scene showed confused tourists being steered out of the glass pyramid and adjoining courtyards as officers closed nearby streets along the Seine. No one was hurt.

Also visible was a lift braced to the Seine-facing facade near a construction zone, since removed  the thieves entry point and, observers said, a striking vulnerability for a palace museum.

A museum already under strain

Around 9:30 a.m., several intruders forced a window, cut panes with a disc cutter and went straight for the glass display cases, officials said. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the crew entered from outside using a basket lift via the riverfront facade, where construction is underway, to reach the hall with the 23-item royal collection.

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Their target was the gilded Apollon Gallery  where the Crown Diamonds are displayed, including the Regent, the Sancy and the Hortensia.

The thieves smashed two display cases and fled on motorbikes, Nunez said. Alarms brought Louvre agents to the room, forcing the intruders to bolt, but the theft was already done.

Eight objects were taken, according to officials: a sapphire diadem, necklace and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from the matching set of Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonapartes second wife; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugenies diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch  a prized 19th-century imperial ensemble.

Its a major robbery, Nunez said, noting that security measures at the Louvre had been strengthened in recent years and would be reinforced further as part of the museums upcoming overhaul plan. Officials said security upgrades include new-generation cameras, perimeter detection, and a new security control room. But critics say the measures come far too late.

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The Louvre closed for the rest of Sunday for the forensic investigation to begin as police sealed gates, cleared courtyards and shut nearby streets along the Seine.

Daylight robberies during public hours are rare. Pulling one off inside the Louvre with visitors present ranks among Europes most audacious in recent history, and at least since Dresdens Green Vault museum in 2019.

It also collides with a deeper tension the Louvre has struggled to resolve: swelling crowds and stretched staff. The museum delayed opening during a June staff walkout over overcrowding and chronic understaffing. Unions say mass tourism leaves too few eyes on too many rooms and creates pressure points where construction zones, freight routes and visitor flows meet.

Security around marquee works remains tight  the Mona Lisa sits behind bulletproof glass in a climate-controlled case  but Sundays theft also underscored that protections are not uniformly as robust across the museums more than 33,000 objects.

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The theft is a fresh embarrassment for a museum already under scrutiny.

How can they ride a lift to a window and take jewels in the middle of the day? said Magali Cunel, a French teacher from near Lyon. Its just unbelievable that a museum this famous can have such obvious security gaps.

The Louvre has a long history of thefts and attempted robberies. The most famous came in 1911, when the Mona Lisa vanished from its frame, stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia and recovered two years later in Florence. Another notorious episode came in 1956, when a visitor hurled a stone at her world-famous smile, chipping paint near her left elbow and hastening the move to display the work behind protective glass.

Today the former royal palace holds a roll call of civilization: Leonardos Mona Lisa; the armless serenity of the Venus de Milo; the Winged Victory of Samothrace, wind-lashed on the Daru staircase; the Code of Hammurabis carved laws; Delacroixs Liberty Leading the People; Gericaults The Raft of the Medusa. The objects  from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the classical world to Europes masters  draw a daily tide of up to 30,000 visitors even as investigators now begin to sweep those gilded corridors for clues.

Politics at the door

The heist spilled instantly into politics. Far-right leader Jordan Bardella used it to attack President Emmanuel Macron, weakened at home and facing a fractured parliament.

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The Louvre is a global symbol of our culture, Bardella wrote on X. This robbery, which allowed thieves to steal jewels from the French Crown, is an unbearable humiliation for our country. How far will the decay of the state go?

The criticism lands as Macron touts a decade-long Louvre New Renaissance plan  about 700 million ($760 million) to modernize infrastructure, ease crowding and give the Mona Lisa a dedicated gallery by 2031. For workers on the floor, the relief has felt slower than the pressure.

What we know  and dont

Forensic teams are examining the site of the crime and adjoining access points while a full inventory is taken, authorities said. Officials have described the haul as of inestimable historical value.

Recovery may prove difficult. Its unlikely these jewels will ever be seen again, said Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds. Professional crews often break down and re-cut large, recognizable stones to evade detection, effectively erasing their provenance.

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Key questions still unanswered are how many people took part in the theft and whether they had inside assistance, authorities said. According to French media, there were four perpetrators: two dressed as construction workers in yellow safety vests on the lift, and two each on a scooter. French authorities did not immediately comment on this.

Investigators are reviewing CCTV from the Denon wing and the riverfront, inspecting the basket lift used to reach the gallery and interviewing staff who were on site when the museum opened, authorities said.

WATCH: Suspect in 4-year-olds murder had bonded out after numerous car thefts, records say
In a minutes-long strike Sunday inside the worlds most-visited museum, thieves rode a basket lift up the Louvre s facade, forced a window, smashed display cases and fled with priceless Napoleonic jewels, officials said.

The daylight heist about 30 minutes after opening, with visitors already inside, was among the highest-profile museum thefts in living memory and comes as staff complained that crowding and thin staffing are straining security.

The theft unfolded just 250 meters (270 yards) from the Mona Lisa, in what Culture Minister Rachida Dati described as a professional four-minute operation.

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One object, the emerald-set imperial crown of Napoleon IIIs wife, Empress Eugenie, containing more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum, French authorities said. It was reportedly recovered broken.

Images from the scene showed confused tourists being steered out of the glass pyramid and adjoining courtyards as officers closed nearby streets along the Seine.

A lift  which officials say the thieves brought and which was later removed  stood against the Seine-facing facade, their entry route and, observers said, a revealing weakness: that such machinery could be brought to a palace-museum unchecked.

A museum already under strain

Around 9:30 a.m., several intruders forced a window, cut panes with a disc cutter and went straight for the glass display cases, officials said. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the crew entered from outside using a basket lift via the riverfront facade to reach the hall with the 23-item royal collection.

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Their target was the gilded Apollon Gallery, where the Crown Diamonds are displayed, including the Regent, the Sancy and the Hortensia.

The thieves smashed two display cases and fled on motorbikes, Nunez said. No one was hurt. Alarms brought Louvre agents to the room, forcing the intruders to bolt, but the theft was already done.

Eight objects were taken, according to officials: a sapphire diadem, necklace and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from the matching set of Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonapartes second wife; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugenies diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch  a prized 19th-century imperial ensemble.

Its a major robbery, Nunez said, noting that security measures at the Louvre had been strengthened in recent years and would be reinforced further as part of the museums upcoming overhaul plan. Officials said security upgrades include new-generation cameras, perimeter detection, and a new security control room. But critics say the measures come far too late.

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The Louvre closed for the rest of Sunday for the forensic investigation to begin as police sealed gates, cleared courtyards and shut nearby streets along the Seine.

Daylight robberies during public hours are rare. Pulling one off inside the Louvre with visitors present ranks among Europes most audacious in recent history, and at least since Dresdens Green Vault museum in 2019.

It also collides with a deeper tension the Louvre has struggled to resolve: swelling crowds and stretched staff. The museum delayed opening during a June staff walkout over overcrowding and chronic understaffing. Unions say mass tourism leaves too few eyes on too many rooms and creates pressure points where construction zones, freight routes and visitor flows meet.

Security around marquee works remains tight  the Mona Lisa sits behind bulletproof glass in a climate-controlled case  but Sundays theft also underscored that protections are not uniformly as robust across the museums more than 33,000 objects.

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The theft is a fresh embarrassment for a museum already under scrutiny.

How can they ride a lift to a window and take jewels in the middle of the day? said Magali Cunel, a French teacher from near Lyon. Its just unbelievable that a museum this famous can have such obvious security gaps.

The Louvre has a long history of thefts and attempted robberies. The most famous came in 1911, when the Mona Lisa vanished from its frame, stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia and recovered two years later in Florence. Another notorious episode came in 1956, when a visitor hurled a stone at her world-famous smile, chipping paint near her left elbow and hastening the move to display the work behind protective glass.

Today the former royal palace holds a roll call of civilization: Leonardos Mona Lisa; the armless serenity of the Venus de Milo; the Winged Victory of Samothrace, wind-lashed on the Daru staircase; the Code of Hammurabis carved laws; Delacroixs Liberty Leading the People; Gericaults The Raft of the Medusa. The objects  from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the classical world to Europes masters  draw a daily tide of up to 30,000 visitors even as investigators now begin to sweep those gilded corridors for clues.

Politics at the door

The heist spilled instantly into politics. Far-right leader Jordan Bardella used it to attack President Emmanuel Macron, weakened at home and facing a fractured parliament.

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The Louvre is a global symbol of our culture, Bardella wrote on X. This robbery, which allowed thieves to steal jewels from the French Crown, is an unbearable humiliation for our country. How far will the decay of the state go?

The criticism lands as Macron touts a decade-long Louvre New Renaissance plan  about 700 million ($760 million) to modernize infrastructure, ease crowding and give the Mona Lisa a dedicated gallery by 2031. For workers on the floor, the relief has felt slower than the pressure.

What we know  and dont

Forensic teams are examining the site of the crime and adjoining access points while a full inventory is taken, authorities said. Officials have described the haul as of inestimable historical value.

Recovery may prove difficult. Its unlikely these jewels will ever be seen again, said Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds. Professional crews often break down and re-cut large, recognizable stones to evade detection, effectively erasing their provenance.

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Key questions still unanswered are how many people took part in the theft and whether they had inside assistance, authorities said. According to French media, there were four perpetrators: two dressed as construction workers in yellow safety vests on the lift, and two each on a scooter. French authorities did not immediately comment on this.

Investigators are reviewing CCTV from the Denon wing and the riverfront, inspecting the basket lift used to reach the gallery and interviewing staff who were on site when the museum opened, authorities said.

___

Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.

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Oct. 19 (UPI) -- A group of thieves broke into the Louvre Museum on Sunday morning and stole priceless jewels before fleeing on motorcycles, the famed institution confirmed to UPI.

A representative for the Louvre said that several people broke in through a window in the Apollo Gallery, which houses many of France's royal jewels, around 9:30 a.m. local time after the museum had already opened its doors to the public.

Inside, the thieves stole jewelry from their display cases. French media later reported that they made off with seven jewels owned by Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Empress Josephine de Beauharnais.

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"An investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled," museum officials said in a statement. "Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value."

After the theft, the museum was evacuated "without incident" and no injuries were reported among the public, museum staff or law enforcement, the representative said.

The museum shared on social media that it would be closed Sunday for "exceptional reasons."

"At the Louvre Museum this morning to commend the exemplary commitment of the staff mobilized following the theft," Culture Minister Rachida Dati shared on social media after visiting the site.

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"Respect for their responsiveness and professionalism. Together with President Emmanuel Macron, we extend our sincere thanks to them."

Dati told French TV channel TF1 on Sunday that one of the jewels was later found and that the entire heist lasted only four minutes. She called the thieves "professionals."

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said Sunday that "everything is being done" to find the thieves.

"The mobilization of investigators will be total, under the authority of the Parquet de Paris," Nunez said. The Parquet de Paris is the public prosecution office in the French capital. "Attacking the Louvre is attacking our history and our heritage."

The news comes just days after the Louvre announced that two 18th-century snuff boxes that were stolen during a violent armed robbery in 2024 while they were on loan to the Cognacq-Jay Museum have been found and returned.
By Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS (Reuters) -Thieves broke into Paris' Louvre museum on Sunday, using a crane and smashing an upstairs window and stealing priceless jewellery from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, the French government said.

The robbery is likely to raise awkward questions about security at the museum, where officials had already sounded the alarm about lack of investment at a world-famous site, home to artworks such as the Mona Lisa, that welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024.

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The thieves struck at about 9.30 a.m. (0730 GMT) when the museum had already opened its doors to the public, and entered the Galerie d'Apollon building, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

ROBBERY WAS 'VERY PROFESSIONAL' WITH NO VIOLENCE

The robbery took around four minutes, Culture Minister Rachida Dati told TF1, and was carried out by professionals.

"We saw some footage: they don't target people, they enter calmly in four minutes, smash display cases, take their loot, and leave. No violence, very professional," Dati said on TF1.

She said one piece of jewellery had been recovered outside the museum, apparently dropped as the thieves made their escape.

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Dati declined to say what the item was, but newspaper Le Parisien said it was believed to be the crown of Napoleon III's wife, Empress Eugenie. The item was broken, the newspaper said.

"It's worth several tens of millions of euros - just this crown. And it's not, in my opinion, the most important item," Drouot auction house President Alexandre Giquello told Reuters.

"Ideally, the perpetrators would realise the gravity of their crime and the dimension they've entered into, and return the items, since the jewels are completely unsellable," Giquello said.

"Were touching on the history of France ... Its a completely incomprehensible act, because the perpetrators will have every police force in the world on their tail, and in my opinion, theyve put themselves in a very precarious situation," he added.

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PROBE UNDERWAY BY SPECIALIST UNIT

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France Inter that three or four thieves got into the museum from outside using a crane positioned on a truck.

"They broke a window, headed to several display cases and stole jewels ... which have a real historical, priceless value," Nunez said, adding that the team had likely scouted the location and may have carried out similar thefts in the past.

A video posted on X by a museum guide showed visitors filing towards exits in the middle of their tour, initially unaware of the reason for the disruption.

No injuries were reported, Dati said.

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Nunez said a probe had been opened, with a specialized police unit that has a high success rate in cracking high-profile robberies such as this one tasked with running it.

QUESTIONS ON SECURITY

The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, said on X it would remain closed for the day for "exceptional reasons".

Joan and Jim Carpenter, from Santa Cruz, California, said they had been moved out of a gallery just as they were about to see the Mona Lisa.

"Well, when you rob the Louvre, that's a big deal to all of France, so I knew something was up because of the way they swept the whole museum," Joan Carpenter said.

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The Mona Lisa was stolen from the museum in 1911 in one of the most daring art thefts in history, in a heist involving a former employee. He was eventually caught and the painting was returned to the museum two years later.

Earlier this year, officials at the Louvre requested urgent help from the French government to restore and renovate the museum's ageing exhibition halls and better protect its countless works of art.

Dati said the issue of museum security was not new.

"For 40 years, there was little focus on securing these major museums, and two years ago, the president of the Louvre requested a security audit from the police prefect. Why? Because museums must adapt to new forms of crime," she said. "Today, it's organised crime - professionals."

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Additional reporting by John Cotton, Helen Popper, Clothaire Achi and Ardee Napolitano; Editing by Gabriel Stargardter and David Holmes)
Jewellery stolen on Sunday morning from the Louvre museum in Paris is of "invaluable cultural and historical significance" beyond its market value, the French ministries of culture and interior said.

The thieves entered the museum at around 9:30 am (0730 GMT) by breaking a window, the ministries stated. Inside, they stole jewellery from display cases and fled on motorbikes.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the thieves needed just four minutes to secure their haul. "These are professionals," she told broadcaster TF1 after viewing video surveillance material.

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"They do not attack anyone. They enter quite calmly. In four minutes, they wreck display cases, seize their haul and disappear without using any force," Dati said.

Dati contradicted earlier reports describing the thieves as robbers, which implies the use of force, saying the crime was a case of theft.

"The haul is of course of inestimable value. It's jewels that were stolen," she said. Dati added that the thieves had dropped one of the pieces of jewellery, which had been secured and was being investigated.

The Le Parisien newspaper reported on the basis of police information that nine items from the collection of Napoleon and his empress had been stolen, including a necklace, a brooch and a diadem.

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It reported further that there had been panic among museum visitors, who were trapped for a period of time after the doors closed when the alarm went off. The ministries reported that evacuation had proceeded smoothly and that no one had been injured.

Le Parisien said masked thieves entered through a side door where construction work was ongoing. They used a goods lift to gain access to the museum room in the Galerie d'Apollon.

After breaking the window with a tool, two men entered as the third stood guard outside, media reports said.

They then made their escape on two motorcycles.

The museum had been open for around 30 minutes when the theft occurred. Investigations are under way and a detailed list of the stolen items is currently being compiled, the ministries said.

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For security reasons and to preserve evidence for the investigation, the museum has been closed.

"The Musee du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons," the museum posted on its X page, without mentioning the heist.

All available resources are being deployed to recover the stolen items. Dati and new Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who until recently served as Paris police chief, were present at the museum with investigators.

The Louvre is the world's most visited museum with almost 9 million visitors last year. Some 20,000 go to see Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa every day.
Koopman Lumber, a third-generation, family-owned supplier of building materials is growing.

The company said it will acquire Lyon & Billard, a respected building materials supplier with more than 180 years of history serving professional contractors and homeowners in central Connecticut.

Lyon & Billard currently operates four Connecticut locations, including in Berlin, Cheshire, Meriden, and East Hampton serving customers throughout Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It started in 1847, according to the company.

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While the acquisition is not yet finalized, Koopman, a Massachusetts-based company and Lyon & Billard have entered into a definitive agreement, and the companies are in the midst of the transition, the company said in a statement.

Once the deal is finalized, Lyon & Billard will continue operations under its historic name, now branded as Lyon & Billard, part of the Koopman Lumber Family.

Lyon & Billard has built a well-known brand in Connecticut, with a history that runs deep, said Dirk Koopman, CEO of Koopman Lumber.

We are excited to welcome their team into the Koopman family and provide the tools, systems, and support needed to help them and their customers thrive well into the future.

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Customers can expect a steady focus on operational improvements, technology upgrades, and long-term investments in people, infrastructure, and the local Connecticut community, the company statement says.

We could not have asked for a better partner than Koopman Lumber, said Edd Goralnick, president of Lyon & Billard, in a statement. They are the real deal: family-owned, fiercely committed to doing the right thing and ready to invest in our people and our future. This is going to be fun.

Koopman Lumber was founded in 1939 and headquartered in Whitinsville, Mass. The company says its mission is Supplying Excellence for Generations.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Thousands of people gathered at the Iowa State Capitol Saturday for the No Kings Rally, a protest against the Trump Administration.

Terri Hamm, a protester at the No Kings Rally, said that she attended because she fears a rise of fascism in America.

I do not believe America should have any kings, and we are seeing fascism taking over our country. I will not let my voice be silent, Hamm said.

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Tensions rise ahead of No Kings protests: What to know

Kathleen Hodges, a protester at the No Kings Rally, said that after seeing ICE raids she needed to protest.

ICE raids broke my heart to see those people being deported, to see what happened in Chicago with children being tied. The raids were just unfounded. That is, I think, the number one reason I am here today, Hodges said.

No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025 No Kings protest Des Moines, Iowa October 18, 2025

Iowa State Representative Rob Johnston, D, District 34, attended and MCd the rally. Johnson said there are many issues that protesters are fighting for.

We have to make sure that our community is safe. We have to make sure that children have food to eat. We have to make sure that our education system is protected. We have to make sure that people can go to the doctor and see a doctor and get well. We have to make sure that people are able to pay their bills. So one thing always funnels into the next, Johnson said.

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No Kings protests took place across the country on Saturday, with the largest groups showing up in Washington D.C., New York Citys Time Square and Chicagos Grant Park.

On Friday, the Trump Administration and Republicans leaders responded to the impending protest calling it a hate America rally.

The third mass mobilization since President Trump took office, Saturdays protest was amplified due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Iowa News:

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IDWeek begins in Atlanta, gathering global infectious disease researchers, clinicians, and students.

The conference focuses on AI in healthcare and biopreparedness for disease outbreaks.

This article is part of "IDWeek," a series on one of the leading conferences for infectious-disease experts.

On October 19, thousands of infectious disease professionals  including doctors, researchers, and medical students  will fill the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for Infectious Disease Week.

The annual conference, which runs through October 22, comes at a challenging time for the medical and scientific community: Vaccine hesitancy continues to spread, grant funding dwindles, and the government publicizes false claims about Tylenol's risks.

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To understand how infectious disease leaders in research and clinical care are working through this era, Business Insider will be on the ground for talks about public health strategy, healthcare innovation, and the future of careers in the field.

This year's IDWeek will center on themes like artificial intelligence in healthcare and biopreparedness for infectious disease outbreaks, Dr. Yohei Doi, an IDWeek chair representing the Infectious Disease Society of America, told Business Insider.

"We have presenters who are experts in public health, and we're looking forward to hearing their insights. I think public health has always been a theme, but it will be heavily featured this year," Doi said ahead of the conference.

What to expect during ID Week

IDWeek is a convergence of six professional organizations with different specialties: the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the HIV Medicine Association, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.

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"Get ready for a bunch of nerds," Dr. Sophie Katz, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and an ID Week workshop presenter, told Business Insider.

"There are so many interesting talks to go to at once, so it's hard to choose what to do," Katz said. "It's fun to be in an environment with all of these people, learning about all the things at the forefront of science for ID."

At a pre-event media briefing, a selection of researchers teased their upcoming IDWeek presentations, which will highlight study findings on topics like the benefits of RSV and shingles vaccines.

Doi said that the majority of attendees are medical doctors, with smaller yet growing subsets of pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants attending.

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The conference  which offers more than 250 events over four days  features talks on topics like:

Emerging infectious diseases

Antimicrobial stewardship

AI in healthcare

Pediatric bacterial infections

Prescription research and clinical best practices

Sustainability and equity in infectious-disease treatment

The event is also a useful networking opportunity, especially for medical students, said Doi. For example, the IDWeek BugCrawl program provides curated networking opportunities and lectures for students and residents. There's also the NextGen ID Lounge, a space inside the Georgia World Congress Center where medical students, residents, and fellows can mingle and listen to career-oriented talks by more seasoned infectious-disease experts.

"It's probably their first big meeting to attend, and it's a huge venue, so we have sessions where we walk through the conference with them," Doi said. "And they get to meet with the most prominent people in the field, and just sit with and talk with them about life, career, and the research they do."

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Additionally, there are scheduled receptions, meet-ups, and group dinners for a variety of professional organizations, like IDSA and PIDS.

An infectious disease conference in the mecca of US public health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also located in Atlanta, makes the city "the mecca of public health in the US," Doi told Business Insider.

He added that IDWeek plans to feature insights from experts formerly affiliated with the CDC and current CDC workers, though their availability is subject to change.

"Obviously, there are evolving circumstances with the government shutdown, so we have to plan for that," Doi said, "But we're still hoping to leverage our location to the extent possible this time."

Read the original article on Business Insider
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  People gathered Saturday on Governors Drive in Huntsville and in communities across Alabama for  No Kings demonstrations to protest the direction of the country under President Donald Trump.

Many of the protesters were holding signs and banners that read: Defend the Constitution, Peace, Love, and Democracy and No Lying King, with passersby honking their horns in support.

People began to gather just before 9 a.m., and although there was no official head count, organizers estimated that there were thousands of people who remained on Governors Drive until 11 a.m.

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Most are angered by the approach to mass deportations and ICE raids.

The No Kings demonstrations come on the heels of a government shutdown that closed federal programs. Many, like Jim Chamberlain of Huntsville, used the platform to show how dissatisfied their country is being run.

I hope that our more moderate leaders and some within the republican party will start pushing back on some of the more extreme measures that are being taken then we can start seeing some bipartisanship and get the government back up and running again, said Chamberlain.

Lerisha Thompson said that immigration detentions and deployments of troops in U.S. cities are alarming signs of eroding democracy.

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I feel things in this country are slipping away, and we have to do something, and so we are out here today to peacefully protest to say there are no kings. We fought a war against tyranny, and were going to continue to fight it, Thompson explained. We dont have secret police in the U.S., we dont snatch people off the streets, we dont ignore court orders, and we dont trash the constitution.

The rally in Huntsville was among dozens planned across the state, including rallies in Guntersville and Athens.

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Thousands join No Kings protests as demonstrators rally nationwide against President Trump

From coast to coast this weekend, crowds surged into the streets in more than 2,500 cities and towns as demonstrators rallied under the growing No Kings movement. A coordinated protest effort against what participants call authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump.

Locally, Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia saw rallies in at least ten locations, with turnout exceeding expectations and tensions running high, though events remained peaceful throughout the day.

I am so proud of Jacksonville. I came to the one in May, and this is way bigger, said protester Anne Holman.

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The movements message is wide-ranging: protesting militarized crackdowns, defending immigrant communities, and calling for the protection of democratic institutions. Demonstrators wore political costumes, held homemade signs, and sang protest songs as they marched through city streets and rural roads alike.

I think its so important to be able to have the righteous assembly, said protester Bennett Pappas. And the fact that we have the Jacksonville police force here safely providing us our voice to be heard for those that may not have them.

Law enforcement presence was visible but measured, with Jacksonville Sheriffs Office officers on bicycles managing traffic and monitoring crowds. According to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, organizers worked closely with police ahead of time to ensure smooth operations.

The coordinators and the people that do these things meet with us, they speak with us, and we talk to them about things that they know the rules pretty consistently, Waters said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

For many, the protests carried a deeply personal meaning.

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I serve for my country, so this is very, very, very important to me, said Sharita Glass. Im very passionate about it.

Others pointed to growing frustration with national leadership.

And we are done feeling all the effects, and theyre not feeling anything. They need to feel this, said protester Sarah Phillips.

Organizers said the movement wont be slowing down anytime soon. With the November election just weeks away, more demonstrations are already being planned.

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Thousands of people marched through Philadelphia as part of the "No Kings Day of Peaceful Action," a nationwide movement involving nearly 2,500 locations.

The event was a follow-up to "No King rallies held in June on President Donald Trump's birthday, to counter a military parade.

Though the parade coincided with the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, critics claim Trump pushed the pageantry for personal reasons.

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"I can't stand what's going on in this country; our voices had to be here," said Ilene Wilder from South Philadelphia.

"We shouldn't be living in a society where we're scared to voice our opinion, where reporters are being shut out because they don't believe in what's going on. That's not America," said Daniela Loveridge from New York.

Indivisible Philadelphia organized this action to protest against what they call escalating authoritarianism in America.

"I'm very worried about the threat to democracy," said Brian Pickett from South Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner joined the march, which went from City Hall to Independence Mall down Market Street.

"I'm out here primarily to make sure everything is peaceful, everything is calm," he said.

He added he believes marches like this can make a political difference.

"It's essential that people keep coming out in larger and larger numbers and they're doing so peacefully in the tradition of Dr. King," he said.

Upon arriving at Independence Mall, protestors joined a rally featuring community leaders and politicians.

"You have a lot more voice and a lot more power than you realize," said Congressman Brendan Boyle.

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As protestors packed Independence Mall, there was a significant police presence. The Philadelphia Police Department says it increased staffing for this event, saying they wanted to be prepared for anything.

Protestors said they're exercising their peaceful right to be heard.

"I don't see any benefit to this political climate right now. Everything costs me more, I don't feel safe a lot, I just think it's time for a change," said Janice Steinberg from Glenside.
A festive atmosphere  bubbles, drums, honking cars, flags and costumed marchers  pervaded Lexingtons No Kings demonstration Saturday, as thousands of people turned out downtown to protest the Trump administration and its policies.

The crowd filled the courthouse plaza and later spread from one end to the other of a mile-long march route that went up Main Street and back down Vine Street.

They chanted, We are anti-fascists, and, No kings, no tyrants. We will not be silenced.

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The event was one of 29 throughout the state and more than 2,500 across the country Saturday.

Harry Neack, co-leader of the Bluegrass Activist Alliance, which helped organize the event, said the joyous feel was intentional.

While the reason for the protest was a serious one, Neack said organizers also wanted it to be a happy time, because some people feel isolated, and even some communities dont feel safe to come out.

He said the goal is to help everyone feel included while encouraging them to keep the momentum going when they head back home.

Ultimately, he said, the hope is that the Democrats can win back a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026, which, he said, will help stop the authoritarianism that is happening.

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Neack said Kentucky, and Lexington in particular, is positioned to help with that, since the 6th Congressional District seat held by Rep. Andy Barr is up for grabs.

We have to flip the 6th District, he said. Kentucky could make the difference nationally.

The last nationwide No Kings protest day was June 14, Trumps birthday and the same day the president staged a military parade in Washington, D.C.

Neack said Saturdays rally in Lexington had an even larger turnout than the previous one.

I am ecstatic, he said, noting that a coalition of at least a dozen organizations had helped with the Lexington rally.

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Many of the marchers wore inflatable costumes like those Portland protesters have donned to counter the presidents claims about the citys safety.

Monica Rathke dressed in a green outfit and frog earrings intended as an ode to the Portland frog.

She said there were many issues that brought her out to the protest Saturday: immigration, Epstein, military, things in Qatar, the tariffs, prices going up and not coming down.

But she said she wanted to highlight one in particular. Rathke carried a long cardboard sign that repeated just two words painted again and again in multiple colors: Epstein Files.

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(Trump) keeps coming up with things to distract from the Epstein files, she said. Dont forget the Epstein files.

Monica Rathke, center, carried an Epstein Files sign at the No Kings rally in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 18, 2025.

Three generations of Candy Brunks family came out, including her two grandsons, Andreu and Vincent.

The boys are homeschooled, and Saturday was a lesson day, a day for teaching our latest generation how to stand up for our rights, and how we communicate peacefully with our government whats important to us, Brunk said.

And Brunk said she wants her grandsons to see that we also need to stand up for those who are being persecuted.

What impacts ... one group within our country impacts all of us, she said.

Andreu Brunk held a sign at the No Kings rally in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 18, 2025.

Former state Rep. Charles Booker told the crowd that with every single day that passes, our rights are being eroded.

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Our voices are being silenced. Our security is threatened. Our stories are being erased. Our communities are less safe, he said.

And let me make this very plain. Donald Trump is weaponizing the U.S. military on American cities. ... not because of crime. ...They are attacking regular people because he knows something powerful: that our towns, our cities, are the incubators of democracy.

No Kings rally in Lexington, Ky., Oct. 18, 2025

He encouraged the crowd to let Saturdays rally fill our tanks so they could go out and work to protect democracy.

We dont have the luxury to sit down, he said. We will not be sold out, shut down, screwed over by politicians who dont care if we live or die.

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Bishop Mark Van Koevering, of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, told the crowd a wave of Christian nationalism that has spread across the country should be rejected.

The Christian faith is not a tool for exclusion, he said, but a bridge to greater compassion ... and unity.

Danny Morgan, who spoke during an open mic portion of the rally, said hes worried about cuts to health research funding by the Trump administration.

Morgan said hes been diagnosed with stage-four cancer.

Ive got it at bay right now because of previous research. Thats why Im alive, he said.

He said hes worried the nation is heading toward a one-party system.

Weve got to vote, he said.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Thousands gathered in downtown Augusta for the annual Miracle Mile Walkan event thats been raising awareness and funds for local breast cancer care for the past 25 years. Organizers say at least 10,000 people joined this years walk to honor survivors, support those still fighting, and remember loved ones lost to the disease.

Anne Catherine Murray, Executive Director of Philanthropy for the Piedmont Augusta Foundation, says the event continues to provide life-saving screenings across the region.

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Weve been raising money to fund mammograms for women in our community who are under or uninsured, Murray said.

We have a 25-county area in Georgia and South Carolina, either through our mobile mammography unit or in our breast health center, making sure that women get access to those life-saving mammograms.

Murray said at least $350,000 has been raised to support local breast health services. Behind every dollar and every step are stories of strength, survival, and remembrance.

Breast cancer survivor Tamika Cook says this year marks 24 years since her diagnosis.

It just reminds me that as a woman, you have to be your own self-advocate, she said.

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Others, like Linda Wright, walk in memory of loved ones.

My mom died five years ago of cancer, Wright said. I always come to the walk to honor her.

For Phillis Scott, who was diagnosed at just 16 years old, she urges young women to be tested for it.

And while breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also be at risk. Cecil Herrin, a survivor and Catalyst for Mens Cancer Awareness at Augusta University, says his heart doctor helped save his life in 2011.

Shes the one that got me a mammogram, Herrin said.

They told me I had breast cancer, and on January 17, they removed my breast.

The walk may be over, but donations can still be made to the Piedmont Augusta Foundation to help fund mammograms and other breast health services throughout the CSRA.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  A protest rallying against President Donald Trumps administration was hosted Saturday on the steps of the Champaign County Courthouse as part of the nationwide No Kings Day of Action.

Tracey Dougan, co-lead of Champaign County Indivisible and one of the speakers at the event, estimated 5,000 people would be in attendance. Earlier this year, around 3,000 were at Urbanas first No Kings demonstration, according to Dougan.

Urbana event honors survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Dougan said the deployment of the National Guard and ICE across American cities are some of the reasons a second protest is taking place.

Donald Trump is upping the stakes so were upping the stakes, Dougan said. If we all stand up and say were not going to tolerate this  were not going to put up with this  something has to change.

Some Republican lawmakers across the country, however, are speaking out against the movement. US House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) called the protests Hate America Rallies.

Youre going to bring together the Marxists, the Socialists, the Antifa advocates, the anarchists and the pro-Hamas wing of the far-left Democrat Party, Johnson said.

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Dougan said thats not the case, calling Urbanas protest an exercise of peoples First Amendment rights.

We are being more American than [Trump] ever imagined, what were doing is a constitutionally protected thing, Dougan.

Local legend makes the crowd go crazy at The Temptations concert

Other Central Illinois organizations spoke at the rally as well. The following were all in attendance: ACLU of Champaign County, ACLU of Illinois, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Champaign-Urbana, Champaign County Democrats, Champaign-Urbana Resistance Effort (CURE), Indivisible Illinois, Indivisible Vermilion County, Illini Democrats and Young Democratic Socialists of America.

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The Secretary for Illini Democrats, Rey Camas, said assembling peacefully is something college students should continue to do during the movement.

A lot of people tell us young people are the future, Camas said. But we are also the present, we can also get involved right now and not wait for the future.

Camas said the demonstration is just one part of whats necessary to create the change he wants to see.

Although this is a good step, I think there are other ways we can get involved, Camas said. I want people to go back to their communities, help out and get involved with all these local organizations.

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Still, Dougan said seeing some in the community come together may inspire others moving forward.

I want people to grab onto the hope something like this gives us, Dougan said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Thousands of San Diegans join nationwide No Kings Day protests against Trump

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Thousands gathered across San Diego on Saturday as part of the nationwide No Kings Day movement, a coordinated day of protests challenging what demonstrators describe as authoritarian actions by the Trump administration.

Crowds filled downtown streets and neighborhoods across the county, with one of the largest rallies at Waterfront Park, where participants carried signs, chanted, and called for change on a wide range of issues, from immigration and healthcare to education and environmental protections.

Protesters take over Times Square for No Kings march

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Im just trying to protect democracy, said one demonstrator. Ive watched too many of my friends and family scared of whats going on.

Others like Bri voiced frustration over what they view as violations of court orders and a lack of respect for the rule of law.

Thousands gather downtown for No Kings protest

I want to stand up for our immigrant community, she said. My family came here a couple generations ago from Italy, were all immigrants.

The demonstrations also drew attention to international issues and the ongoing government shutdown.

San Diego Police commend community for peaceful No Kings protest

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For me, Im a first generation Ukrainian-American, Nina K said. Im trying to amplify continued support for Ukraine.

Millions are being affected by the shutdown, another added. Our FAA workers are literally working without pay.

What to know about No Kings protests

Thousands of San Diegans join nationwide No Kings Day protests against Trump (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) Thousands of San Diegans join nationwide No Kings Day protests against Trump (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) Thousands of San Diegans join nationwide No Kings Day protests against Trump (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) Thousands of San Diegans join nationwide No Kings Day protests against Trump (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky) Thousands of San Diegans join nationwide No Kings Day protests against Trump (SkyFOX/KUSI in the Sky)

Organizers estimate several thousand people joined rallies across San Diego, part of a growing national movement that saw more than 60,000 people gather downtown earlier this year.

They say the message remains the same  a call to defend democracy and reaffirm the power of the people.

I hope that message continues to resonate around the world, one demonstrator said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Thousands of activists and advocates rallied on the New Haven Green Saturday as part of the nation-wide No Kings protests.

The wave of peaceful protests is a reprise of other No Kings rallies held earlier this year across the state to push back against the Trump Administrations policies. Many at Saturdays demonstration shared frustration towards an abuse of power by the president.

Trump is trying to dictate the law. He is trying to say whatever he says is the law, which is what a king does, Michael Briney said.

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Several other cities and towns across Connecticut held similar rallies hosted by a handful of organizations, including The American Civil Liberties Union and Indivisible, among others.

Child left on bus after possibly falling asleep, police say

Others attending in New Haven raised concerns on recent escalations of deportations of undocumented immigrants and a lack of due process.

However, others like Senator Rob Sampson, a republican, are finding the rallies ironic alongside laws and protections already in place.

The fact of the matter is the existence of these protests proves that there is not a totalitarianism government silencing people on its face, Sampson said. In my view, theyre not revolutionists, theyre misguided activists.

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With close to 2,000 people in attendance according to New Haven Police, attendees say seeing the turnout is leading to feelings of hope that others are prepared to fight for the same cause.

It tells you that people are continuing to get energized and angry and looking for ways of being positive, John Barrett of CT Visibility Brigade said.

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BONDO, Kenya (Reuters) -Thousands of mourners, relatives and dignitaries paid their final respects to Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday as he was laid to rest close to his farm in Bondo near Lake Victoria in western Kenya.

Sunday's Anglican service and burial took place without major incident after an outpouring of national grief this week, in which at least five people were killed and hundreds injured when surging crowds eager for a glimpse of his body overwhelmed authorities.

"Now finally Baba is home," said his son and namesake, Raila junior, as his father's casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, stood under a marquee. Odinga senior had died on Wednesday aged 80 in India where he was receiving medical treatment.

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CHAMPION OF PEACE

Odinga was widely referred to as "Baba" or "father" in the Swahili language. After the main service at a local university, the funeral cortege headed to a private interment with a military band gun salute.

In a message on social media platform X, former U.S. President Barack Obama praised Odinga as a champion of peace who placed his country's interests ahead of personal ambitions.

"Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values," Obama said.

Tributes also came from current Kenyan President William Ruto, as well as former Kenyan and Nigerian presidents, Uhuru Kenyatta and Olusegun Obasanjo, who were at the service in Bondo.

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Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga became prime minister in 2008 and struck political pacts with Kenyatta in 2018, and with Ruto last year, in a career of shifting alliances. He was once imprisoned for treason and ran unsuccessfully for president five times.

SEVERAL KILLED, MANY INJURED

Back from India on home soil, the first public viewing of his body on Thursday turned deadly when officers opened fire to disperse crowds after they breached a stadium gate.

On Friday, another two people were killed and more than 160 others injured at the state funeral in capital Nairobi, while dozens of mourners were injured on Saturday after his body was flown to the city of Kisumu, the political heartland of his Luo tribe.

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"I'm feeling so low having lost him and this feels like a bad dream ... I still can't believe Baba is gone," Ainea Opilu, a 25-year-old tutor, told Reuters.

(Reporting by Vincent Mumo in Nairobi; Writing by Ammu Kannampilly, Portia Crowe and Wendell Roelf; editing by David Holmes)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  While Saturdays No Kings march was largely peaceful, three people were arrested after a protest turned heated at the ICE facility in South Portland that night, police said.

During the protest, Portland police said they arrested a 27-year-old man on charges of fourth-degree assault and harassment, after he allegedly pushed another protester down, injuring her elbow.

Then, after a confrontation in which one protester used anti-trans language against another, both involved were arrested. A 46-year-old woman was charged with fourth-degree assault and a 32-year-old woman was charged with harassment, as well as second-degree bias crime.

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Photos: Massive turnout as Portlanders join No Kings

According to PPB, neither were injured.

A PPB medic assists an injured person at the ICE facility, Oct. 18, 2025. (PPB)

The action further escalated by around 4:30 p.m., when federal agents deployed tear gas on the crowd of protesters and detained at least one person over the course of the next hour.

Around 7:30 p.m., federal agents tossed tear gas and smoke bombs into the crowd in front of the ICE facility as armed officers stood on the roof peering down.

By 8:30 p.m., PPB said there were about 200 people outside the ICE facility but traffic was moving freely.

Federal agents deployed tear gas on the crowd of protesters at the ICE facility in Portland, October 18, 2025 (KOIN)

Including the three arrests Saturday night, PPB says they have made 53 arrests in the South Waterfront area since protests began in early June.

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KOIN 6 News has reached out to Portland police for more information on the events leading up to the most recent arrests. This story will be updated when we hear back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
On this edition of Tiempo, we break down what students and families need to know about this year's federal student aid form and its new changes.

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available.

The form is a critical first step for students hoping to receive federal aid, grants and educational loans as well as work study programs.

Technical problems with the form and delays led to major headaches in recent years. This year, administrators streamlined the form to make it easier to fill out.

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Here to help guide us once again through the form and some of the new changes is James Rodriguez from UFT's College and Career Resource Fairs and Francisco Garcia-Quezada from the NYC Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network.

They have several FAFSA completion events specifically designed to help students and families successfully submit the application.

Also on our show: The Dominican American Distinguished Awards takes place later this month in New York City.

The inaugural event will honor Dominican leaders and visionaries for their cultural, entrepreneurial and social impact. We'll hear more about the prestigious event coming up.

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Tiempo airs Sunday mornings at 11:30 on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE TIEMPO PODCAST



Discover more podcasts from abc7NY here

WATCH Tiempo on our Connected TV apps for Fire, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV. Click here to learn more.

MORE: Watch more episodes of Tiempo here!

Tiempo airs Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. on Channel 7.
The abrupt retirement of the four-star Navy admiral overseeing the U.S. militarys strikes against boats in the Caribbean is raising alarms as to the validity of the attacks and the Trump administrations broader plans in the region.

In a surprise move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced that U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) head Adm. Alvin Holsey would step down at the end of the year, two years ahead of schedule. Southcom oversees all operations in Central and South America, and multiple outlets have reported that Holsey and Hegseth were at odds over the U.S. mission in the Caribbean.

Holseys unexpected departure, set for Dec. 12, means Southcom is without its top military commander at a time when the Trump administration is building up U.S. forces in the Caribbean and increasingly targeting vessels off the Venezuelan coast it says are transporting drugs  most recently on Thursday  escalating a standoff with the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

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Everything were seeing is setting off alarm bells, said Brian Finucane, a national security lawyer with the International Crisis Group, an organization focused on conflict resolution. The military buildup in the Caribbean, these lawless strikes on vessels there  the administration talking about potential action in Venezuela. None of this is being undertaken with congressional authorization.

Holseys retirement announcement comes as the Trump administration has steadily escalated its actions and rhetoric toward the Venezuelan government, quietly shifting roughly 10,000 troops in addition to warships, fighter jets and a nuclear submarine to the Caribbean in support of what officials say are counternarcotics operations. The majority of the service members are based in Puerto Rico, with eight Navy ships and one submarine in the region.

Hegseth said last week that the Defense Department is forming a new counternarcotics joint task force to crush drug cartels, which would operate in the Southcom area of responsibility.

And on Wednesday the U.S. flew three B-52H bombers over the area as a demonstration mission, U.S. Air Force Southern Command confirmed Friday.

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The U.S. military also has conducted six strikes against boats off the coast of Venezuela that have killed at least 29 people since September, with the last such strike on a semisubmersible vessel leaving two survivors who were being held aboard a Navy ship. President Trump on Saturday announced the two survivors would be repatriated to Colombia and Ecuador. Without putting forward evidence, administration officials have claimed the vessels were carrying drugs as justification for targeting the individuals aboard as if they were combatants in a war.

But the six-week campaign has raised alarms among some legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, who question whether the administration is following the laws of war and if its taking the advice of its top military officials.

Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) called out Holseys departure as troubling given growing concerns of a potential U.S. conflict with Venezuela.

At a moment when U.S. forces are building up across the Caribbean and tensions with Venezuela are at a boiling point, the departure of our top military commander in the region sends an alarming signal of instability within the chain of command, Reed said in a statement.

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Admiral Holseys resignation only deepens my concern that this administration is ignoring the hard-earned lessons of previous U.S. military campaigns and the advice of our most experienced warfighters, Reed added.

The operations in the Caribbean caused tensions between Hegseth and Holsey, the latter of whom raised concerns about the mission and the attacks on the alleged drug boats, The New York Times reported.

It is not yet clear who will replace Holsey, who is one of only two Black four-star officers leading a U.S. combatant command.

He is now the latest of more than a dozen military leaders who have been fired by Hegseth or pushed out, including the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who is Black; the first female chief of naval operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti; and the U.S. militarys representative to the NATO military committee, Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield.

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But Holseys ouster is particularly notable as it comes as the White House is using extraordinary power in combating what it claims is a war on drugs.

Trump earlier this month notified Congress that the U.S. is now in an armed conflict with drug cartels that the administration has designated as terrorist organizations, offering a tenuous legal rationale for strikes against vessels.

We attacked a submarine, and that was a drug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs, Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who sat alongside Trump, offered no details of the attack, only saying there is an ongoing narcoterrorist operation the United States has been conducting.

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Outside of the U.S. military, Trump on Wednesday appeared to confirm that he allowed the CIA to conduct operations in Venezuela.

Finucane, a former State Department lawyer, told The Hill that legally, the administrations justification doesnt pass the straight face test.

The legal justifications that the administration has advanced for premeditated killing in the Caribbean are completely inadequate, he said. There is no armed conflict, the U.S. is not engaged in a war in the Caribbean, these people are therefore not lawful targets, the boats are not lawful targets, and the administration has no legal basis for engaging in these premeditated killings.

But the boat strikes are unlikely to do little to stop drugs from entering the U.S., with the overwhelming majority passing over land through the U.S.-Mexico border.

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In an effort to block Trump from possibly using U.S. forces in Venezuela without congressional approval, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with co-sponsors Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), will force a vote on a war powers resolution, expected in the coming weeks.

The American people do not want to be dragged into endless war with Venezuela without public debate or a vote. We ought to defend what the Constitution demands: deliberation before war, Paul said in a statement Friday.

The effort marks the second time senators have sought to block Trumps buildup of force in the Caribbean Sea. A vote on a separate resolution  which aimed to block the U.S. military from striking more alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean without congressional approval  last week failed 48-51, although it garnered support from Paul and one other Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi on track to become Japan's first female prime minister

TOKYO (AP)  Japan's governing party leader, Sanae Takaichi, is on track to become the countrys first female prime minister, after finding a badly needed replacement for a crucial partner that left her Liberal Democratic Partys coalition. Takaichi, 64, would replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tuesdays parliamentary vote. If she's successful, it would end Japan's three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the coalition's loss in the July parliamentary election. The moderate centrist Komeito party split from the LDP after a 26-year-long coalition. The move by Komeito came days after Takaichis election as president of her party, and it forced her into a desperate search for a replacement to secure votes so that she can become prime minister.
As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was.

Top stories this past week included:

Fall River City Councilor Shawn Cadime is pushing for an ordinance that would impose stricter regulations to new city housing developments.

Fall River's Emergency Medical Services department praised the efforts of a paramedic during an attempt to rescue a person from the Taunton River. The person sadly did not survive. They have not been publicly identified, as of this writing.

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A 54-year-old man from Puerto Rico pleaded guilty to molesting a disabled woman in Fall River, and is accused of abusing her family. Fernando Rodriguez was sentenced Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Bristol County Superior Court in Fall River on charges of rape and indecent assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability in connection with a 2015 attack, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys office. What we know, as of this writing.

This Joseph Case setter is reaching volleyball milestones as a sophomore.

Swansea is considering a new bylaw that would allow developers to use open space scattered around town to build more, and higher-density, housing units while also safeguarding the environment against developers who would make too much of it. What to know.

Discount retailer Five Below plans to open up shop along Swansea Mall Drive.

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Bostons Elm Chamber Ensemble will be performing in the Arts in the Village series in Rehoboth.

How you can get tickets to the latest production by Little Theatre of Fall River: "The Explorers Club."

Haunted attractions to explore this fall in Massachusetts.

Fall River Eats took a look at some spots where you can eat, drink, and party for Halloween.

A request by Liberty Utilities to jack up natural gas rates for customers by an average of 55% next year  and up to 90% by the start of the next decade  met with widespread condemnation as customers and public officials called the idea absolutely absurd.

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Massachusetts officials announced a crackdown on illegal street takeovers resulted in numerous arrests, citations, and vehicle seizures. Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado said the purpose of those takeovers is to "cause chaos and disruption."

A handful of Swansea residents gave their input on an updated 2025 Waterways Plan.

Somerset's Musictown Parade is today.

Southcoast Health has added 12 new providers to its team.

Swansea voters will have the chance to approve a study and $49,500 federal grant match at the Oct. 27 Special Town Meeting. The study, if funded, will provide insights into potentially removing the Coles River dam. Swansea's Special Town Meeting warrant also proposes new changes to the town's traffic by-laws.

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The latest Greater Fall River real estate report, featuring a waterfront home in Fall River that sold for $1,390,000. The Dickinson Street home was built in 2003 with unobstructed panoramic views of South Watuppa Pond, and it features a modern chefs kitchen with a large island, an inviting fireplace in the living room, an impressive spa-like ensuite for the primary bedroom, and a fully equipped theater room. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.

These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com:

Small plane crash on I-195 in Dartmouth kills husband and wife from RI

A tragic airplane crash on Monday, Oct. 13, claimed the lives of Middletown couple Thomas Perkins, 68, and Agatha Perkins, 66, and injured another person after a small, fixed-wing aircraft went down on the median of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth.

A woman was hurt when the silver Hyundai Sonata she was driving was impacted by a portion of the crashed aircraft. She was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

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Thomas and Agatha Perkins were active in the Middletown community, volunteering for local causes and donating to the Aquidneck Island Land Trust. Perkins and his brother in law, Jerry Kirby, were partners in Kirby Perkins Construction of Middletown, an award-winning firm that has performed historic restoration and preservation work on historic mansions of Newport.

Several plane crashes and incidents have taken place in or near Massachusetts in 2025.

A small, fixed-wing airplane crashed on the median of Interstate 195 in Dartmouth on Monday morning, Oct. 13, 2025.

Jack Rosen, a veteran pilot with over 47 years of flying experience out of New Bedford Regional Airport, shared some perspective on what could have happened that caused the tragic crash.

Plane crash: Pilot says bad weather unlikely a cause in Dartmouth plane crash, 'too early' to speculate

Fall River school guard sues for $10M, says she was sexually harassed and offered drugs

A Fall River Public Schools safety officer is suing the school department, Superintendent Tracy Curley, former Superintendent Maria Pontes, and several other FRPS employees, alleging she was sexually harassed on multiple occasions and faced retaliation after speaking out.

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The lawsuit by Carla Cruz, filed Oct. 9 in Bristol County Superior Court, seeks $10 million and a jury trial for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

What we know, as of this writing.

Lawsuit: Fall River school guard sues for $10M, says she was sexually harassed and offered drugs

Staff worker at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea dies after altercation with student

A 53-year-old female staff worker at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea died after being kicked by a student at the therapeutic school for youth and young adults.

Amy Morrell of Riverside, Rhode Island, died following a physical interaction Wednesday, Oct. 15, between a 14-year-old female school resident, who was attempting to leave a dorm building without permission, and staff, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced in a press release on Thursday.

Meadowridge Academy at 664 Stevens Road, Swansea, a therapeutic residential school for youth and young adults run by the Justice Resource Institute, is seen here Oct. 17, 2025.

What we know about the incident, as of this writing.

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Staff worker dies: Staff worker at Meadowridge Academy in Swansea dies after altercation with student

Taunton man dies after being crushed at Westport scrap metal yard, remembered as loving family man

Mark Peters, 49, of Taunton, died after suffering a crushing injury while at work at Mid City Scrap in Westport.

According to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office, at 11:10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, Westport EMS responded to a medical call at the 548 State Road scrap yard. They found Peters suffering from a crushing injury to his lower extremities, the DAs office said.

He was hospitalized, and pronounced dead shortly after.

Peters is being remembered as a loving family man.

This is a shock to all of us that loved him. Imagine waking up, kissing your family to leave for work and never making it home, Nichole Franco, a close friend of the family wrote in a GoFundMe set up to support Peters wife and son.

Mark Peters, 49, of Taunton, left, was killed at Mid City Scrap, a recycling center in Westport, after a workplace accident on Friday, Oct. 10.

How you can help.

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'A shock to all of us that loved him': Taunton man killed in Westport industrial accident remembered as loving family man

Farmcoast Experience spotlights area's foodie gems by double-decker bus

You'll want to catch the big blue bus in Tiverton.

Theres a new Tiverton-based tour and hospitality business rolling out a treat for all the senses, including your sense of adventure, with an immersive all-access pass to SouthCoasts hidden gems, with unique flair.

Farmcoast Experience launched in early October aboard a decked-out turquoise blue double-decker bus, offering a new go-to for foodies and fun-lovers alike.

Erica Arruda stands atop her double-decker bus in Tiverton on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.

Hop aboard and learn more, here.

Unique foodie experience: Farmcoast Experience spotlights area's foodie gems by double-decker bus. What to expect.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories: Couple dies in small plane crash in Dartmouth
NHS bosses told nurses they would be trained in inclusivity by the transgender woman they complained about using their changing room, The Telegraph understands.

An employment tribunal is set to hear evidence from eight nurses who claim County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust failed to respect their right to privacy by insisting Rose Henderson, a biological male, had a right to change in the female dressing room.

The nurses will also claim sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation as part of the tribunal, set to begin on Monday.

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One of the nurses, Karen Danson, a survivor of sexual abuse, is expected to tell the tribunal how Henderson had facial hair and appeared to be male in appearance.

She is set to detail how Henderson wore revealing boxer shorts and repeatedly asked her if she was going to get changed, which caused her to panic.

Karen Danson said the issue forced her to take time off work

Nurses say they first raised concerns in July 2023 and after no action was taken, 26 of them signed and sent a letter to the trust outlining their concerns.

However, they claim that instead of addressing the issue, senior HR staff said they needed to be more inclusive and be educated. Henderson even offered to educate the nurses personally.

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The nurses say they were threatened with suspension from the Nursing and Midwifery Council and told they could be sacked by hospital management.

Alongside Ms Danson, her colleagues Bethany Hutchison, Joanne Bradbury, Mary Annice Grundy, Lisa Lockey, Carly Hoy, Tracey Anne Hooper and Jane Peveller are also taking action.

Following the exchange with Henderson in the changing room, Ms Danson previously told The Telegraph how she was forced to take time off work and when she did return, she began getting changed in a lavatory.

This was ethically wrong

Her trauma was compounded when she was admitted to Darlington Memorial Hospital for a minor gynaecological operation, only to discover Henderson was scheduled to be involved.

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Speaking to The Telegraph earlier this year, she said: It is difficult to put into words how I felt. I immediately knew this was ethically wrong and that my condition would be made worse and more painful with the stress it would cause.

The eight nurses have received support from concerned members of the public throughout their case and last year author JK Rowling took to X to offer her own opinion on the matter.

She wrote: It isnt a female changing room if it includes trans-identified men. I hope the Darlington nurses know how many millions of women stand with them.

In April, the author celebrated the Supreme Court ruling that transgender women are not legally women.

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A spokesman for the trust said: County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing safe, respectful and inclusive care for patients and working environment for all colleagues.

As this matter is the subject of ongoing employment tribunal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for the trust to comment further.

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A new Florida law allowing select charter school operators to set up their programs within the walls of traditional public schools, rent free, is a lesson in power, politics, money  and how the three combine late at night in the state Capitol.

The result got a failing grade from state Rep. Robin Bartleman, a Weston Democrat, former teacher, former assistant principal and mother of a teacher.

I was crushed, she said in an interview. I am crushed.

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It wasnt just the policy outcome, with which Bartleman vehemently disagrees. It was the way that legislation widely believed to be moribund was suddenly resurrected.

What Bartleman and legislative allies described as sweeping changes to the law governing charter schools, resulting in a major impact on traditional public schools, was pushed through late at night on the last day of the annual Florida legislative session.

It was a last-minute switcheroo. We on the House side (of the Capitol) definitely under the impression it was done, it was over, it wasnt going anywhere. It had been defeated. It came back as a surprise, said state Rep. Kelly Skidmore of Palm Beach County, the House Democratic policy chair. We were like what the hell, where is this coming from at the last minute?

Skidmore, Bartleman and other Democratic senators and representatives, traditionally allied with teacher unions and traditional public schools, argued against both the way the legislation was advanced, and the policies it contained.

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I urge everyone to vote no on this. Send it back and lets work on language and really work on the schools that need help, Bartleman said during the final House debate, late at night on the last day of the session. This is a sin. Please vote no.

The Republican majority, long supportive of private-sector alternatives to public schools and allied against teacher unions, was unmoved.

The bill passed overwhelmingly.

Provisions

There were multiple provisions of the last-minute legislation. Most controversial were the elements that involved schools of hope, a subset of charter schools.

Schools of hope were established by the state in 2017 to provide alternatives to students in areas with persistently low-performing schools or in opportunity zones, which are economically distressed areas.

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The 2025 legislation changed the definition of persistently low-performing schools, vastly expanding the number. It also allows schools of hope outside of opportunity zones in some cases. More money was allocated. State universities or colleges (whose boards are appointed by the governor) can now sponsor a school of hope instead of school boards (whose members are elected by voters in each county).

One of the most controversial elements was a requirement that school districts allow schools of hope to co-locate in the same place as a traditional public school where there are underused, vacant or surplus school facilities.

The school districts are required to provide janitorial, cafeteria and other services to the schools of hope  at no charge.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure into law on June 30. The DeSantis-appointed state Board of Education passed implementing regulations on Sept. 24.

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Charter school operators jumped on the opportunity within weeks.

Success Academy

A widely renowned charter-school operator from New York City announced Sept. 25  the day after the Board of Education implemented its regulations  its plan to launch a presence in Florida.

Success Academys plans were announced in Miami by DeSantis, Success founder and CEO Eva Moskowitz, and Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of the global investment company Citadel. Griffin donated $50 million to Success Academys Florida undertaking.

The Miami schools, projected to start operating in the 2027-2028 school year, are just the beginning, DeSantis said.

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Shes not going somewhere to do just one school, DeSantis said of Moskowitz, CEO of Success. We believe that theres going to be a lot of places around Florida where this approach can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students and so I think Miami is Step One.

I absolutely would envision that you will be seeing Broward. You will be seeing West Palm. Youll be seeing Orlando and some of these places. I think that thats very likely. I think thats their model. I think that thats their intention.

DeSantis said the new law, passed at the last minute, was an essential component for Success Academys future in Florida. They have an ecosystem in place with the legislation I signed where that can be done.

Mater Acadamy

Another charter operator, Mater Academy, wrote to multiple school districts in the state about two weeks after the state Board of Education adopted the rules implementing the new law.

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Mater identified facilities that meet the official criteria of underutilized. Using a provision of the new law, Mater said it wants to co-locate schools of hope in buildings that already house existing, traditional public schools.

Legislative process

Lawmaking often isnt simple and transparent, the way many people might imagine based on what they learned in school.

Reality, in this case, was complex, according to legislative records, video of proceedings in the House and Senate, and interviews with half a dozen people involved in the process, including lawmakers and lobbyists on both sides of the issue and both political parties. ]

Legislation on schools of hope passed the state House of Representatives, but stalled in the Senate. When the annual legislative session was originally scheduled to end, in May, the schools of hope bill was formally withdrawn. Many lawmakers and lobbyists said they believed that was the end of the idea, at least for 2025.

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They were wrong.

The Legislature reconvened in June to adopt the state budget that had been delayed by a monthslong feud between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami-Dade County Republican. Lawmakers also had to pass legislation implementing some of the provisions of the budget.

One bill included the suddenly revived schools of hope legislation. Two days later  45 days after the Legislature was supposed to finish its work  Senate Bill 2510 received final approval from the House and Senate. Opponents were able to raise questions, but by that point of the session couldnt offer amendments to change the bill.

This was very much done in secrecy, and it was a bomb that was dropped, Skidmore said. Somewhere the powers that be got in a room and did some trading.

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The leaders, along with appropriations chairs, are the people making the final decisions on the last day of session. It is their prerogative, Skidmore said. Theyre fully in charge of their chambers.

A major change doesnt get enacted this way without the blessing of the House speaker and the Senate president, said Skidmore, who has been a legislative aide and is now in her second stint as an elected lawmaker, and Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman of Palm Beach County.

Absolutely, theres no other way that you would get something like this to be discussed at the very end of session, Berman said.

And, Berman said, it had changed from its earlier incarnation. At the very end, toward the last days of session, it came back, and the way it came back was even broader than we were worried about.

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Representatives of the Senate president, House speaker, the chief House sponsor of the original legislation and the chief House sponsor of the version as it eventually passed, all Republicans, did not respond to requests for comment. Aides to two cited busy schedules.

Speaking last month at the Success Academy announcement in Miami, DeSantis acknowledged the late-session push to get legislation passed. I know we had to work hard, kind of in the extra innings of the legislative session, and were going back and forth and we got it done because I knew it was important and so we were happy to lean in on that.

A billionaires gift

Ken Griffin is a longtime supporter of Success Academy, which operates in New York City. Education is one of the main priorities of his civic engagement initiative, Griffin Catalyst.

Since he and Citadel moved from Chicago to Florida in 2022, Griffin has become a prominent donor to philanthropic causes and to Florida Republicans.

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Campaign disclosures, first reported by the Seeking Rents investigative news site, showed Griffin made $28.47 million in political contributions in Florida in 2024.

His largest contribution was $12 million to Keep Florida Clean Keep, a political operation formed to support one of DeSantis top causes last year: defeating the referendum to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida.

Records show Griffin also gave $7 million to the Republican Party of Florida, $4 million to the state House Republican Campaign Committee (controlled by Perez), and $4 million to the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (controlled by Senate President Ben Albritton).

Griffin also was an early supporter of DeSantis unsuccessful candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

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Seeking Rents, citing documents, said the legislation passed at least in part, at the behest of Ken Griffin, the billionaire investor and Republican megadonor in Miami, and Success Academy, a prominent charter school system in New York City.

Lobbyists for Griffin and Success Academy engaged in an extensive, behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign for the privatization legislation, according to emails obtained through a series of public records requests, Seeking Rents reported. Success Academy wrote an initial draft of the legislation. Griffins team gathered intel.

A representative for Griffin provided extensive background about his support for Success Academy, but did not respond to a question about Seeking Rents reporting.

Others wondered about it as well. During Senate debate on the last night of the session, Sen. Tracie Davis, a Duval County Democrat  who described the measure as legislation that had died and now it has life again  directed a two-part question to the sponsor in that chamber, Sen. Ed Hooper, the Republican chair of the Appropriations Committee. Maybe you have heard, maybe you have not heard of Success Academy and the gentleman by the name of Ken Griffin, she said.

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Hoopers response: The answer to the first part of your question is no.

Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association teachers union, said major donors have the ability to get what they want from the Legislature. The way our Legislature often operates is money has more influence, Spar said.

The union was more direct in a social media post offering its version of how events transpired, starting with Billionaire with Ties to Corporate Charter School network Success Academy Donates Millions to Political Campaigns, which the union said led to the writing and passing of the legislation.

The new law

Perhaps the most contentious element was the requirement that the traditional public schools provide space and related services, such as custodians and the cafeteria, without charging the schools of hope.

When Sen. Rosalind Osgood, a Broward Democrat and former School Board member, asked during the Senate debate if there were circumstances in which the traditional public school (is) now subsidizing the operations of the schools of hope? Hooper, the Senate appropriations chair, said yes.

There is $0 in rent, Berman said in an interview, even if a school of hope conducts classes year-round, forcing the traditional public school to provide services in the summer. There are just so many different problems that could arise.

State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, chair of the PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee, argued in favor of the legislation in the House and downplayed that prospect. She said traditional public schools where schools of hope co-located would be able to keep some of their capital facilities money theyd otherwise have to turn over to a charter school operating off-site.

Why not permit an operator to come in and use a public facility paid for by public taxpayer dollars to teach our kiddos, especially those kiddos who have been in persistently low performing schools? Persons-Mulicka said.

DeSantis, Griffin and Success Academy were clearly happy with the results.

A Success Academy statement on the day of its announcement said that Floridas innovative new legislation will have a far-reaching impact in improving learning quality and excellence by removing the largest obstacles to the expansion of high-quality schools serving poor kids and incentivizing exceptional performance.

Moskowitz, the Success CEO, said at the announcement that she had been looking at three states: Florida, Tennessee and Texas. And Florida, frankly, was welcoming and embracing of innovation and a desire to solve this problem. She said the appeal of working in a state that has put out a welcome mat for her charter school approach combined with Griffins gift made it kind of a no-brainer to come here.

Griffin said the Success Academy approach would help transform the lives of Florida children. And what makes it such an important part of my focus here in Florida is Ive got the support of the governor and the Legislature behind this idea.

Political writer Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
EORIA, Ill. (WGN)  12 jurors and three alternates were selected Monday in the trial for the former Sangamon County Sheriffs deputy accused of the 2024 murder of Sonya Massey.

Sean Grayson is charged with first-degree murder, battery and misconduct in connection with the shooting of Massey.

On July 6, 2024, Grayson and a fellow deputy responded to Masseys 911 call reporting a suspected prowler outside her Springfield-area home.

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The situation escalated when Massey appeared to have trouble answering the deputys questions.

Trial date set for deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey

Body camera footage shows Grayson shooting Massey in the head after she moved a pot of boiling water from her stove and said, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.

According to court documents, Massey put her hands in the air, apologized and ducked for cover. Prosecutors say she posed no threat, and the use of force was unjustified.

But Graysons attorney argues he acted in self defense and Massey was the aggressor.

In April, a judge moved the trial to Peoria after Graysons defense team argued he could not get a fair and impartial trial in Sangamon County.

Full Coverage: Sonya Massey

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Deputy thought Sonya Masseys rebuke in the name of Jesus indicated intent to kill him

Fundraiser for Illinois woman shot by deputy eclipses $500,000

Deputy involved in Sonya Massey shooting death worked for 6 agencies in 4 years, records show

Body-cam video in Sonya Massey shooting reveals chaotic scene

The jurors were asked if they had heard of the case, and more than half of them raised their hands. However, all of them said they could remain fair and impartial and rely solely on evidence and the law.

A handful of jurors also said they have members of law enforcement in their life, but if the evidence shows Grayson is guilty, they wouldnt be hesitant to return a guilty verdict.

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The jury will be made up of nine women and three men, one of which is Black.

Grayson sat next to his attorneys in court on Monday wearing a blue suit and brown shoes. His father, James Wilburn, was also present in the courtroom.

Outside the courthouse, barricades were set up along with police vehicles in anticipation of protests and national media coverage. Hamilton Boulevard in front of the courthouse will be shut down all week.

Graysons trial could last up to two weeks.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The question of what should happen to the terrorists who committed the October 7 massacre remains at large. Now, after the release of the final living hostages, it will finally begin to be answered.

The last livinghostages are home. Many have already left the hospital. The images of their reunions with loved ones are still fresh in the nations mind. A sense of relief is still palpable.

But as the country begins to emerge from that particular trauma, a new question looms, one that few dared raise while Israelis were still in captivity for fear of how it might affect them: What should be done with the terrorists who carried out theOctober 7 massacre and now sit in Israeli jails?

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Roughly 250 members of Hamass Nukhba unit, the terrorists who stormed the border, burned families alive, raped, pillaged, and dragged people into Gaza, are today in Israeli prisons under administrative detention.

Their trials have not begun. Their fate has not been decided. And now that no hostages remain in danger, that debate has begun in earnest.

Should they be tried in criminal courts according to standard legal procedures? Should they be tried in military courts? Or should they be tried under the 1950 Law on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, which mandates a death sentence for those committing acts intended to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group?

Members of the Keter unit, an Israeli prison service response unit seen during an operation where Nukhba terrorists (a Hamas unit) being held, at the Ofer Prison near Jerusalem, August 28, 2024. (credit: Chaim Goldberg FLASH90)

Some in the government are pushing for a special tribunal, one that would try the October 7 perpetrators not as individual murderers but as participants in a genocidal assault on the Jewish people.

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Last week, Justice Minister Yariv Levin (Likud), Knesset Constitution Committee chair Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party), and MK Yulia Malinovsky (Yisrael Beytenu) issued a joint statement pledging to promote the measure at maximum speed, aiming to bring captured Nukhba terrorists to trial. The fact that both coalition and opposition parties proposed this is significant.

According to the draft legislation, the special tribunal would operate outside the regular court system to avoid overburdening the courts and to ensure that these cases receive streamlined attention. The resolution also calls for the inclusion of international jurists as a way to lend the tribunal greater legitimacy.

Under the proposal, the trials would be public, with some of the usual evidentiary requirements eased to expedite proceedings. The bill reads: It is hereby proposed to establish a special and separate legal mechanism appropriate for dealing with the crime of genocide. The mechanism is intended to enable rapid, efficient, and focused treatment while upholding the principles of justice and international law.

Such trials, with defendants in Eichmann-style glass booths, would serve as powerful answers to the pernicious genocide libel being hurled at Israel. They would expose, for the world to see, those whose ideology truly seeks genocide, the annihilation of Jews, and who, through unspeakable brutality on October 7, tried to put into motion a dynamic that would bring it about.

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Capital punishment for all 250 would obviously bring international outrage.

Another option, some suggest, would be to single out the most egregious perpetrators for the death penalty, while sentencing the rest to life in prison with no possibility of release.

The goal: to send an unmistakable signal to Hamas and other terror groups that those convicted of the October 7 massacre will never again walk free  just as Israel has refused to release Marwan Barghouti and other high-profile terrorists in past deals.

Death penalty both justice and deterrence

Advocates of capital punishment frame the death penalty here as both justice and deterrence. They argue that if there are no terrorists left to trade, the incentive to kidnap Israelis disappears.

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Since the Oslo Accords, Israel has released more than 10,000 terrorists in swaps and goodwill gestures. The result has been painfully consistent  more kidnappings, more murders, more deals. On Friday, Makor Rishon ran photos of some 800 Israelis killed over the years by terrorists who were released in various prisoner exchanges since October 7.

Another argument is being made as well. The IDF proudly announces every time it kills one of the Nukhba terrorists in Gaza who was involved in the October 7 attack.

Last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the cabinet, We are intensifying the operation in and around Gaza City. We are eliminating Nukhba terrorists who played a significant role in the October 7 massacre, including the accursed terrorist who called his parents and took pride in having personally murdered 10 Israelis.

The irony, as many note, is that those same terrorists, if captured alive inside Israel, are protected from death at the hands of the IDF. To some, that contradiction makes no moral sense.

Death is no deterrent for terrorists

But theres also a powerful counterargument.

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Opponents warn that executions wont stop the next attack; that for terrorists raised on martyrdom, on becoming a shaheed, death is no deterrent. Worse, they argue, it risks dragging Israel down to the moral gutter of the terrorists. The Jewish state, they say, must not become a state that kills defenseless prisoners, no matter the crime.

Then theres the international dimension. A country already accused of genocide for defending itself would hand its critics a propaganda gift by executing captured terrorists. Israel would find itself in the company of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China  not the democratic nations with which it seeks to align. Even in the United States, the death penalty is being phased out and is rarely used.

Ultimately, however, this debate is not only about punishment; it is about prevention; about ending the recurring cycle of kidnappings. For decades, exchanging thousands of terrorists for hostages has become Israels default mode, something that was not the case until 1978, when Israel released 76 terrorists for an IDF soldier captured by Ahmed Jibrils organization during Operation Litani.

That burst the dam. In 1983, Israel traded 4,598 terrorists for four IDF soldiers, and in 1985 the ratio was three soldiers for 1,150 security prisoners.

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Following the abduction of Gilad Schalit in 2008, then-defense minister Ehud Barak established the Shamgar Commission to set guidelines for such scenarios.

While the commissions recommendations were never officially adopted, they reportedly advised near equal exchanges, not exorbitant ones like the Schalit deal, and that contact between the political echelon and the families of hostages remain limited to reduce emotional pressure, as well as the worsening conditions of Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jails to increase leverage on the terror organizations.

The question is whether Israeli society, with its strong ethos of mutual responsibility and solidarity, can ever live by such strict rules. Justice for October 7 cannot only deal with what was; it must also look ahead. What Israel decides now regarding how to deal with the Nukhba terrorists will shape not just how it punishes its enemies, but how it protects its future.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  It was all treats and no tricks at Triple S Harley-Davidson in Morgantown Sunday afternoon as the motorcycle dealership hosted its annual Trunk or Treat event, giving families a fun and safe place to kick off Halloween festivities.

Kids and adults alike were dressed up as their favorite pop culture icons as they waited to fill their bags to the brim with candy.

A man wearing a clown mask passes out candy (WBOY Photo)

Several local north central West Virginia organizations were in attendance, passing out candy to the children.

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Jacksons Mill hosts Harvest Time at the Mill

A bowl of candy being filled at the Triple S Harley-Davidson Trunk or Treat (WBOY Photo)

The line for the event stretched clear through the store, with more than 200 trick-or-treaters in attendance.

12 News spoke with Triple S Marketing Coordinator Alex Edwards on how it feels to give back to the community.

It feels amazing, I absolutely love it. I love seeing the community come together, especially here around our motorcycles and everything, so it feels just so great, Edwards said. We just really want to create an atmosphere that everyone is welcome at and really give back to the community and the kids here.

Stay tuned to 12 News for more information on upcoming trick-or-treating events in our area.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Troops will be given new powers to shoot down drones threatening UK military bases, John Healey will announce on Monday.

The Defence Secretary is expected to unveil his vision on how to protect the nations most critical military bases in response to a growing threat posed by Russia.

Insiders hope the plans will cut red tape surrounding how the military can react to drone sightings, allowing for more decisive action by soldiers to shoot them down with rifles and other technology.

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Last year, a series of mystery drone sightings at four British airbases used by United States forces  RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk; RAF Feltwell in Norfolk; and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire  prompted alarm and the deployment of 60 British troops to defend them.

RAF Lakenheath was one of four UK airbases that reported mystery drone sightings last year - Mark Kerrison/Getty Images

Although the new powers will initially apply only at military sites, a source told The Telegraph the Government was not ruling out working to extend those powers to other import sites like airports.

We will always do whats needed to keep the British people safe, and as we speak, we are developing new powers  to be put into law through our Armed Forces Bill  to shoot down unidentified drones over UK military sites, Mr Healey is expected to say.

Currently, troops can use specialist counter-drone equipment which can track incoming drones, hijack the signal, and forcibly divert them . It can also disrupt GPS signal.

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However, the proposal would give soldiers or Ministry of Defence Police a kinetic option to shoot them on site, albeit only in extreme circumstances.

It is not clear how soon these new powers would come into effect. However, defence chiefs are increasingly concerned about the risk of drone incursions into UK airspace, as well as cyber-attacks by states such as China and Russia.

There has been a series of incursions across Europe, including 19 Russian drones flying into Polish airspace last month, while other unmanned aircraft have been sighted in Denmark, Norway and Germany.

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The Defence Secretary will warn of a growing drone threat from hostile states. Nowhere is this clearer than in Ukraine, into which waves of unmanned attack craft are launched almost daily.

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According to Britains latest defence intelligence assessment, due to be published on Monday, Russia has increased its use of drones to blitz Ukraine, despite continuing peace talk efforts led by Donald Trump, the US President.

In September alone, Russia launched around 5,500 one-way attack drones into Ukraine. More than a thousand were fired in August. So far in October, more than 3,000 have been launched.

Threat is growing across Europe

Mr Healey will explain how this is part of wider growing Russian aggression across Europe: Last month, we saw 19 drones cross the Polish border. Days later, Russian jets violated Estonias airspace, while at the same time, Russia mounted a concerted campaign to subvert Moldovas election, he will say, during a speech at the Lord Mayor of Londons Defence and Security Lecture on Monday.

The Defence Secretary will warn the UK is not immune from these threats. Here at home, we continue to defend ourselves daily from threats reaching from the seabed to cyberspace, he will say.

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Russia has the capacity to produce about 2,700 Shahed-type kamikaze drones every month, Ukrainian military intelligence has warned.

The unmanned aircraft, packed with explosive warheads, have caused devastation across Ukraine, destroying buildings and killing dozens of people.

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At least 214 civilians were killed and almost 1,000 injured in Ukraine in September as a result of Vladimir Putins drone assaults, the United Nations said last week.

Russia can also build more than a million smaller, remote-controlled drones used to attack soldiers on the front line each year.

Britain deployed counter-drone specialists from the RAF Regiment to Denmark earlier this month, in response to the drone attacks observed at its main airport and regional airports, Mr Healey previously said.

UK to send military experts to Moldova

More British military drone experts are set to deploy to Moldova later this month to help scope requirements for Moldovas armed forces in counter-drone tactics, the Ministry of Defence said.

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Last Wednesday, Mr Healey said the UK was seeking to ramp up our response to Russias aggression. At a Nato meeting in Brussels, Mr Healey announced the extension of the UKs contribution to Natos Eastern Sentry mission, with RAF jets flying air-defence missions over Poland until the end of the year.

In the Strategic Defence Review, published in June, up to 1bn of new funding was pledged to homeland air and missile defence and the creation of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to defend Britain from cyber attacks.

A further 4bn will be invested into the militarys autonomous systems this parliament.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
A tropical wave is moving into the Caribbean with a 60% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm over the next week.

Forecast models indicate that the tropical wave is unlikely to move towards Florida. Instead, many models predict it will either head straight into Central America or turn back into the central Caribbean before moving out into the Atlantic.

The tropical waves development chances have increased over the past few days, reaching a 60% likelihood of becoming a tropical depression or storm.

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It is still early in the life cycle of this tropical wave, and meteorologists will continue to monitor its progress and provide updates as more information becomes available.

As the situation develops, residents in the potential path of the tropical wave are advised to stay informed through official weather updates.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A tropical wave, which was located very near the islands in the far southeastern Caribbean on Sunday, could develop this week  potentially into a tropical depression or tropical storm, experts said.

Tampa Bay area meteorologists say the chances of the weather system getting near Florida appear low, but that it cannot be ruled out. They suggest that Floridians keep an eye on it.

The system lacks a closed circulation, but was becoming more organized and could become a tropical depression in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

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The system was churning up a large area of showers and thunderstorms, which were expected to impact the Windward Islands in the southeastern Caribbean through Monday morning.

The system was predicted to further organize midweek in the central or southern Caribbean, moving west at about 20 mph.

As it reaches the warm waters of the Caribbean early this week, low wind shear may allow it to quickly become a tropical storm, said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva.

The next named storm would be Melissa.

7 hurricanes that show how powerful late-season storms can be

Atmospheric conditions are primed for a storm to form in the Caribbean, DaSilva said. The waters are exceptionally warm since the Caribbean has not been disturbed by a single tropical storm or hurricane so far this season.

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As of 2 p.m. Sunday, the National Hurricane Center gave the system a 30% chance of developing by Tuesday afternoon hours and a 70% chance of developing within a week, a spike in odds from 24 hours prior.

The storm would have to get to Jamaica or Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula to be of concern to Florida as we see it now, DaSilva said.

Hurricanes walloped Tampa Bay. A year later, how the area is recovering

Tampa Bay meteorologist Denis Phillips with ABC Action News wrote on Facebook Sunday morning that the system is not an imminent threat to Florida, but that its future is murky.

Forecasts are still highly uncertain as far as a track goes, with models still split between movement north east of the Bahamas or a west track into Central America, Phillips wrote. Well keep you posted, but no immediate concern for Florida as this will be in the Caribbean for the next 7 days.

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Later in the day Phillips wrote: US mainland impacts chances are very low, but not zero...so, well continue to watch it.

Similarly, Fox 13s Paul Dellegatto said the chance of a Florida impact is small, but that it bears watching.

Hurricane season is winding down, but we will probably see another named storm or two, Dellegatto wrote on Facebook late Sunday morning. The tropical wave we have been watching for the past week will likely develop into Melissa. Once it does, it will likely move slow and erratically for several days. Everyone in the Caribbean will need to monitor this storm. Threat to Florida and the United States looks low, but its expected slow movement means we will be watching it for a long time.

The systems uncertainty and unusual nature for this time of year was reflected in observations from other weather experts.

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The track of the disturbance is unusually far south, especially for October, Fox Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross wrote in his Hurricane Intel blog. One of the open questions about the forecast is whether the system will track so close to the South American coast that it wont be able to organize and intensify.

Said DaSilva: If the system remains weak and steers westward, it may continue on a path into Central America with no additional U.S. threat.

Here are the lessons you learned from Tampa Bays historic 2024 hurricane season

Four hurricanes have formed so far in the Atlantic season, and none has hit the U.S. Of the 12 named Atlantic storms so far, only Tropical Storm Chantal has made a U.S. landfall.

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Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.

In the meantime, the drier air that had made the Tampa Bay area more comfortable of late gave way to muggier conditions on Sunday, though a weak cold front was expected to move through later in the day, bringing a chance of showers. Most of that rain was expected to be north of Interstate 4, according to a post on X from the National Weather Services Tampa Bay office.

Expect high temperatures in the upper 80s today and early this week. Morning lows are expected to stay a few degrees warmer compared to the last several days and may not dip below 70 early in the week.

High temperatures should drop a degree or two by mid-week and those morning lows may again fall below 70 by Thursday and through the rest of the week, according to a 7-day forecast from Spectrum Bay News 9.

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For those who like cooler weather, longer-term forecasts show a cold front that may knock high temperatures into the 70s could get here the week of Halloween.

Times staff writer Chris Tisch contributed to this report.

  

Tampa Bay Times hurricane coverage 2025

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Here are the lessons you learned from Tampa Bays historic 2024 hurricane season.

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(FOX40.COM)  Floridas top prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against Washington and California after a truck driver arrested in Stockton was accused of causing a fatal crash in Florida in August.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated the two states are not complying with federal immigration laws and are failing to follow federal safety regulations regarding commercial drivers licenses.

According to Uthmeier, a CDL is needed to allow drivers to operate 18-wheelers, which is what he argues Harjinder Singh, 28, was licensed with when the crash took the lives of three people.

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Below is the filing for the lawsuit.

Florida v.-California-Bill-of-Complaint_10.15Download

Image: St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office

The lawsuit alleges that California and Washington failed to follow regulations, allowing immigrants without adequate training to operate commercial motor vehicles and putting the public at risk.

Uthmeier stated Californias failure to act led to the crash involving Singh, who is accused of killing three people while making an illegal U-turn in a semi-truck after there were multiple signs advising against making that U-turn.

In August, Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins landed at the Stockton Metropolitan Airport to personally escort Singh back to Florida to face charges in a deadly crash.

Authorities said Singh was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide at a San Joaquin County courtroom.

Three lives were lost because he got a license when he shouldnt have. Those people died and then he fled back to California, said Collins. Were going to make sure this thug is brought to justice and faces it in Florida.

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For Washington, Uthmeier in the lawsuit references a case where the state gave an immigrant without papers a license after they failed the CDL exam 13 times.

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TRUMBULL - Six towns already have implemented speed camera programs and Trumbull can be next.

Police Chief Michael Lombardo said Trumbull residents have complained about speeding getting out of hand in town, which spurred the department to find new ways to get it under control.

"We do receive, on a regular basis, complaints about speeding vehicles and vehicles being driven recklessly," he said. "So, we're trying to adapt and trying to adopt measures that will help us slow the traffic and have people comply with the law."

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Lombardo said speed tables are a little flatter, lower to the ground and a bit more spread out than speed humps. And although they can be helpful for the town, there are other factors to consider, such as drainage, plowing, upkeep and maintenance, before moving forward.

"It's not something we want to run into without making sure we've looked at every possibility, the pros and cons of it, and decide because it's a lot of work to get it done in the first place," he said. "There's a cost involved in it. There's an approval from the state."

Lombardo said there are a number of steps that must be taken before the program can be implemented.

"We have to create a plan, we have to create an ordinance, we have to hold public hearing on it and get the state to approve it," he said. "Then when it's initially approved, every three years we have to go back to the state DOT with the plan to be re-approved. So there's a variety of things that we have to look at and make sure that it's going to work for our community."

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The town of Washington implemented the first state-approved speed camera program in December 2024. Since then, Marlborough, Middletown, Greenwich, Stratford and Wethersfield followed suit, according to the state Department of Transportation. Hamden, New Haven, Beacon Falls, Fairfield, Milford and Stamford submitted municipal plans that are now under review.

"I've learned some from other police chiefs about how they've worked in their towns, and we're just trying to take some of the good points they may have from them before we make a final decision moving forward," Lombardo said.

The town received two speed feedback signs earlier this month from the Connecticut Transportation Institute, according to a Trumbull police Facebook post. Officials said the signs have not yet been placed, but when they are, they will be rotated to different locations throughout town.

"There's over 200 road miles in Trumbull and we just cannot be everywhere all the time," Lombardo said. "It's just not a possibility. So we try to come up with other unique techniques, and at times devices, to help manage the traffic."

Police Commission Chair Raymond Baldwin said Trumbull needs the speed camera program.

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"It's a really good way to get people to slow down before somebody gets hit or even an accident, or some kid gets hit," he said.

Baldwin, who works in Shelton as an administrative aide to Mayor Mark Lauretti, said he's already seen the impact speed cameras can have after Shelton launched its own BusPatrol program in late August to stop drivers from passing school buses. Through the program, buses are equipped with AI-powered, stop-arm enforcement technology.

"We launched it for a 30-day period of sending out warnings only. On Sept. 29, we're going to be issuing tickets for anybody who passes a standing school bus with the stop arm out," Baldwin said. "It doesn't cost us a dime. They are installed by a company called BusPatrol, where $250 fines are issued to an offender, and $100 of that $250 goes to the city for public safety. The remainder goes to the company, the cost of operations and the installation of the cameras."

There were 141 drivers caught passing school buses in Shelton within the first week of the cameras being installed, before the fines were implemented.

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Lombardo said it's too soon to know if the town will approve speed cameras in town, but his priority is to keep everyone safe.

"We want to try to make the roadways safer for everybody, including other car drivers and occupants, people on bicycles and people who are using the roads as pedestrians as well," he said. "They have a right to be there as well and we want to make sure it's safe."

This article originally published at Trumbull police mull speed cameras after residents complain about speeding.
President Donald Trump accused the Colombian president of being an illegal drug dealer and announced he was slashing U.S. funding to the country in a social media tirade that misspelled Colombias name multiple times.

On Sunday morning, Trump raged on Truth Social that President Gustavo Petro, of Columbia, is an illegal drug leader encouraging drug production across Columbia.

Within an hour, Trump appeared to realize the spelling errors and deleted the post. He followed up with a nearly identical, more grammatically polished rant, attacking the low-rated, unpopular leader Petro for allowing drugs to become the biggest business in Colombia.

Truth Social

Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America. AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA, the president wrote.

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The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc.

Trump then threatened direct U.S. intervention if Petro fails to shut down the so-called killing fields.

Petro speaks during the 80th session of the UNs General Assembly. / Alexi J. Rosenfeld / Getty Images

The United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely, he added.

Petro fired back on X, saying Trump was being deceived by his advisers.

The main enemy that drug trafficking had in Colombia in the 21st century was the one who exposed its ties to Colombias political power. That was me, he wrote. I recommend that Trump take a good look at Colombia and determine which side the narcos are on, and which side the democrats are on.

Trump esta enganado de sus logias y asesores. El principal enemigo que tuvo el narcotrafico en Colombia, fue en el siglo XXI, el que le descubrio sus relaciones con el poder politico de Colombia. Ese fui yo.



Le recomiendo a Trump leer bien a Colombia y determinar en que parte  Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 19, 2025

This marks the latest escalation between the two leaders. Earlier Sunday, Petro accused the U.S. of killing a civilian and violating international law following an American military strike in Caribbean waters.

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Trump had announced the strike in a Saturday afternoon Truth Social post, claiming he had personally overseen the destruction of a drug boat in international waters.

Truth Social

It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route, he wrote. A video attached to the post purportedly shows the strike in action.

Trump noted that four people were on board, two of whom were killed. The surviving two will be returned to Ecuador and Colombia, their countries of origin.

The president began ordering lethal strikes last month on what he claims are drug-smuggling vessels traveling from Venezuela. So far, 29 people have been killed, but U.S. officials have offered little to no detail on who was on board or what intelligence justified the attacks.

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This isnt the first time Petro has condemned Trumps policies as criminal. Last month, after Trump was compared to Hitler in a fiery United Nations speech by the Colombian president, the U.S. State Department moved to cancel Petros visa. Petro had also urged Americans to disobey Trump.

When we believed it was only the property of Hitler, Trump does not speak of democracy, he does not speak of the climate crisis, he does not speak of lifehe only threatens, kills, and lets tens of thousands be killed, Petro said.

Trumps Sunday posts come after his recent more quiet determination that the U.S. is now in an armed conflict with drug cartels. The cartels have been designated by the administration as non-state armed groups whose actions constitute an armed attack against the United States.

It also follows amid mounting international skepticism about the strikesincluding calls for Trump to be criminally investigated over them.

The first attack, in September, killed 11 people in international waters and has been described by critics as a serious violation of human rights, possibly amounting to a war crime.
(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump announced that his administration is actively working on a plan to lower the price of groceries, particularly the price of beef.

According to a survey from Axios, 47% of Americans believe groceries are becoming harder to afford. President Trumps announcement comes as the cost of beef continues to rise at a record high, with them now being up nearly 13% in the past year.

In January, ground beef was $7.11 per pound, and by August, the price had increased to nearly $8 per pound, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. President Trump hasnt laid out exactly how he plans to lower grocery prices, but said he will work his magic.

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GoFundMe CEO: More people asking for help with basic necessities

Previous administrations, including Trumps, have worked to lower gas prices by using strategic reserves to increase supply so demand could be met. However, there is no reserve for beef, ruling out the possibility of using that tool. When egg prices reached record highs earlier this year, the industry began importing eggs at a high rate.

To lower beef prices, the Trump administration could increase imports from trade partners like Brazil and Australia. However, that would likely require reducing or removing tariffs. Currently, tariffs are set at 10% for Australia and 50% for Brazil.

The price of milk, a grocery item considered a kitchen staple, has gone up four percent since January. However bread has actually gone down in price since January, from $1.93 a pound in January to $1.84 per pound in August of this year.

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Families across the country have responded to the rising costs of groceries by clipping coupons, cutting back on certain costs and shopping more strategically than before.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration is poised to massively raise the stakes in its feud with the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who it accuses of supporting narcotrafficking and collusion with drug cartels.

President Donald Trump's startling Oct. 15 announcement that on-land strikes against Venezuela could come soon, which follows six strikes on Venezuelan boats that have killed more than two dozen people, raises questions as to what caused Trump's sudden aggression and where it will lead.

Maduro has already offered Venezuela's natural resources, Trump said Oct. 17. "You know why? Because he doesn't want to f--- around with the United States," he added.

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The CIA also has received the green light from Trump to carry out secret operations inside Venezuela, the president confirmed in the same press conference.

"I authorized for two reasons really," Trump told reporters. "Number one, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America...they came in through the border. The other thing are drugs."

More: 'Clash that could expand.' Why global war no longer feels like remote prospect

Military members look on before President Donald Trump addresses senior military officers gathered at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 30, 2025. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday the military must fix "decades of decay" as he addressed a rare gathering of hundreds of senior officers summoned from around the world to hear him speak near Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses senior military officers at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept.30, 2025. Members of the military attend a meeting convened by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 30, 2025. Members of the military wait for President Donald Trump to arrive for a meeting convened by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 30, 2025. Hundreds of military leaders went to Quantico for Trump, Hegseth. See inside the Sept. summit 1 of 4 Military members look on before President Donald Trump addresses senior military officers gathered at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 30, 2025. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday the military must fix "decades of decay" as he addressed a rare gathering of hundreds of senior officers summoned from around the world to hear him speak near Washington.

News broke on Oct. 16 that Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander U.S. military forces in Latin and South America, will retire after just a year on the job.

Holsey has not said publicly why he is leaving. According to news reports, he had raised concerns with the ongoing strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea.

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Trump and some of his allies have long harbored antipathy towards Venezuela's communist government, and fantasized about overthrowing it. But it is unclear whether that is Trump's goal in initiating military conflict with the oil-rich South American nation.

Who is Nicolas Maduro and why does Trump hate him?

Maduro has been in the crosshairs of American conservatives for decades. A socialist authoritarian with a record of human rights abuses, he took over in 2013 after winning an election as the handpicked successor of strongman Hugo Chavez. Both Maduro and Chavez have been accused by international monitors of rigging their electoral wins.

In the face of U.S. sanctions, Venezuela under Maduro widened its diplomatic and trade ties with U.S. foes like Russia, Iran and China, further angering Washington.

Conservative Cuban-Americans who fled Cuba after the revolution led by communist leader Fidel Castro have long held particular ire toward Chavez and his successor because of their government's close ties to Cuba.

Trump: 'We're not talking about' overthrowing Maduro

When asked by reporters in July if he wanted regime change in Venezuela, Trump said: "Well, we're not talking about that."

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But Trump and his inner circle discussed military action in the country during his first term.

Trump reportedly asked advisers in 2019 about a military invasion of Venezuela during a meeting about sanctions against Maduro. Two years later, Mike Pompeo, Trump's then-secretary of state, said the U.S. would launch military action in Venezuela "if that's what's required."

In 2020, the Justice Department charged Maduro and 14 other Venezuelan officials for "narco-terrorism, corruption" and drug trafficking in 2020, saying they "expressly intended to flood the United States with cocaine."

Trump  and most of Washington  threw support behind Juan Guaido, a Venezuelan opposition leader who declared himself president of the country and launched a failed coup in 2019.

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Guaido appeared at Trump's State of the Union address that year and received a standing ovation. After Guaido's attempt to take power failed, he fled to the U.S. and became a professor at a Florida university.

Trump blames Maduro for cartel collusion

Trump has said his vendetta against Maduro's government hinges on its alleged ties to drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles, which gets its name from the sun symbol patches on the sleeves of some Venezuelan military uniforms.

But those ties aren't proven, and Venezuelan drugs make up a tiny fraction of those trafficked into the United States.

In a secret report released in April, intelligence community analysts assessed that Maduro's regime does not operate directly with Tren de Aragua. That prompted Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's Director of National Intelligence, to fire the report's two authors.

President Donald Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of colluding with drug cartels.

A vanishingly small amount of the fentanyl trafficked into the U.S. comes from Venezuela  most can be traced back to Mexican cartels, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Less than 10% of U.S.-bound cocaine is trafficked through the eastern Caribbean Sea off Venezuela's shores, according to U.S. drug data.

All about the oil?

Venezuela sits on the world's largest oil reserves, a fact not lost on Trump.

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"When I left, Venezuela was ready to collapse," Trump said in 2023. "We would have taken it over, we would have gotten all that oil, it would have been right next door."

The New York Times reported last week that Maduro dangled in front of Trump preferential access to Venezuelan oil for U.S. companies and to cut back its oil sales to China in favor of the U.S.  but to no avail.

Oil exports from Venezuela reached their highest levels in five years this month after the Trump administration in July walked back a February move to cut off U.S. oil giant Chevron from doing business in Venezuela. The terms of that waiver remain under wraps.

Deadly attacks and military buildup against Venezuela

Since early September, the Pentagon has launched five known strikes on boats in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, killing at least 27 people.

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The Trump administration said the boats carried drugs and labeled their passengers "narco-terrorists," but has yet to produce evidence of either allegation. Questions were also raised about the identities of those killed after Colombian President Gustavo Petro said earlier this month that one strike targeted a Colombian vessel.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed a massive amount of military force to the region, including eight Navy ships, F-35 fighter jets, a special operations ship, and 10,000 troops.

Is it legal for Trump to attack Venezuela?

The strikes were a jarring departure from U.S. policy on drug trafficking at sea, igniting alarm and criticism over their legality.

For decades, the Coast Guard has interdicted ships carrying drugs, boarded them, and carried out arrests.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the first boat targeted could have been interdicted, but instead, "on the president's orders, we blew it up."

The Pentagon sent some members of Congress a notice in late September stating that Trump determined the U.S. is now in a "non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels. "The President directed the Department of War to conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict," the notice read.

More: Trump-ordered strikes on Caribbean boats have killed 21. An effort to stop them failed.

Critics and legal experts have said that doesn't add up to a congressionally approved use of military forces. Senate Democrats, joined by two Republicans, tried unsuccessfully last week to pass a resolution to stop the strikes, saying Trump is illegally using military force without lawmakers' permission.

Maduro tries diplomatic letter, asks UN for help

As the pressure rises, Maduro has scrambled to boost his military readiness, even as he extended a diplomatic olive branch to Trump.

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"I hope that together we can defeat the falsehoods that have sullied our relationship," he wrote in a letter to Trump last month.

Trump was not swayed. Weeks later, he called off diplomatic talks with Maduro that were led by special envoy Richard Grenell, the New York Times reported.

Maduro has since asked the United Nations Security Council to declare the boat strikes illegal and back up Venezuela's sovereignty, Reuters reported.

Poverty, immiseration under Maduro fuel migration surge

During his tenure as head of Venezuela, Maduro has presided over the arrests of thousands of political opponents, journalists and human rights advocates. More than half of the country lives in poverty, and 40% of the population experiences at least moderate food insecurity.

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Those conditions have driven a massive wave of Venezuelans to flee the country, with many seeking refuge in the U.S. and adding to the flood of migrants at the southern border in recent years. Around 770,000 Venezuelan immigrants lived in the U.S. in 2023.

The Trump administration ended temporary protected status for Venezuelans in the United States, erasing legal protections for nearly 350,000 people and allowing them to be immediately deported. The move was challenged in court, but the Supreme Court sided with Trump in a ruling earlier this month.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump is zeroing the military and CIA in on Venezuela. Is war coming?
Donald Trump brought an end to the two-year war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas this week. The conflict was so brutal and divisive that some European broadcasters wanted to throw Israel out of the Eurovision Song Contest.

But despite a ceasefire now coming into effect as well as hostage and prisoner exchanges taking place, the Telegraph can reveal that Mr Trumps peacemaking efforts have so far failed to save the annual music contest.

Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, Ireland and the Netherlands all said before the ceasefire that they would boycott Eurovision if Israel were to take part.

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Germany, the contests major financier, and host Austria warned in response that if Israel did not take to the stage, neither would they, which raised the prospect of the contest descending into chaos.

There were hopes that the competition, which gave the world Abba, would be rescued by Mr Trumps Gaza peace plan.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) was due to hold an emergency vote next month on whether Israel can be part of the contest - Martin Meissner

However, the Telegraph has learned that RTV Slovenia still intends to carry out its boycott threat if Israel takes part.

RTV Slovenia said its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 remained unchanged. If Israel takes part in the contest, RTV Slovenia will not participate, a spokeswoman said.

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Spanish broadcaster RTVE, one of the big five that spends the most money on the contest, has not changed its position on the boycott and is waiting for a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) meeting in December.

The Dutch broadcaster is also waiting before taking any action ahead of the meeting in two months.

Irelands RTE told the Telegraph, Clearly events in the Middle East are unfolding day by day [..] the issue of participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been included on the agenda of the EBU Executive Boards ordinary Winter General Assembly.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to be held in Austria next year and welcomed EBUs decision to postpone the vote - Martin Meissner

The EBU was due to hold an emergency vote next month on whether Israel would be thrown out of the contest, which is in Vienna next May.

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The EBU has now delayed the crunch moment until its regular meeting of broadcasters in December. It is not clear if a vote will still take place or if it will be just a discussion.

By then, it is hoped, the divisive issue of Israels war in Gaza will have solved itself, thanks to the peace plan agreed last week.

Eurovision 2026 host Austria welcomed the EBU decision to postpone the emergency vote.

Germany, another staunchly pro-Israel country with a Nazi wartime past, is a member of the big five Eurovision broadcasters.

Friedrich Merz, the countrys Chancellor, had said that Germany should pull out of the contest if Israel was banned. Italy was also reportedly ready to quit supporting Israel.

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German broadcaster ARD, and its regional arm Sudwestrundfunk, was optimistic that Mr Trump had saved the contest.

With regard to the Eurovision Song Contest, we are confident that a solution will be found that is consistent with the values of the EBU and the competition, a spokeswoman told the Telegraph.

For decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has been a major musical event that unites people in Europe and beyond  through diversity, respect, and openness, regardless of origin, religion, or belief. It is a competition organised by EBU broadcasters, not by governments.

Eurovision is meant to be non-political, but Israels participation over the last two years has been controversial because of the war in Gaza and a war crimes investigation by the International Criminal Court.

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More than 70 previous Eurovision contestants called on the EBU to ban Israel in an open letter a week before the last contest in Malmo, Sweden.

Yuval Raphael was Israels entry in this years Eurovision and came second - TOBIAS SCHWARZ

Spains RTVE and Belgiums Flemish broadcaster called for an investigation in this years contest after Israels Yuval Raphael unexpectedly came second with New Day Will Rise.

The 24-year-old survivor of the Oct 7 terror attacks won the public phone vote by a record margin, which led to suspicions of vote-rigging.

Ms Raphaels performance was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protestors after demonstrations calling for a boycott of the competition.

Austrias JJ won with Wasted Love after the jury and public votes were combined in a victory.

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Before the Gaza ceasefire, Israels broadcaster KAN expressed its firm hope that the Eurovision Song Contest will continue to uphold its cultural and non-political identity.

Israel, like Australia, takes part in Eurovision despite not being in Europe. The contest is open to all member broadcasters of the EBU.

KAN has been a member of the EBU since 1957. It has taken part in the contest for 50 years.

Israel has won it four times, most recently in 2018 and most famously in 1998 with Dana Internationals Diva.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan had the best line of the day at the No Kings rally in Washington, D.C., a biting dig at President Donald Trump.

The great irony is, of course, that Donald Trump is the son of an immigrant, the grandson of an immigrant, and married to an immigrant, he said.

In fact, two of his three wives were immigrants, proving yet again that immigrants will do the jobs that even Americans are not willing to do. The crowd erupted in laughter at Hasans zinger.

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Hasan, the founder of the digital media company Zeteo and an immigrant to the United States from England, was referring to First Lady Melania Trump, who is a Slovenian immigrant, and Ivana Trump, Trumps Czech first wife.

The joke came during a portion of Hasans 10-minute speech where he took issue with how Republicans have described the No Kings protest as a Hate America rally.

The people who cant get through a single day without hating, he said. On late-night comedians and overweight soldiers and Muslim politicians and Mexican immigrants and Palestinian refugees and Black women and transgender kids and peaceful protesters and Mr. fricking Potato Head, they are lecturing us on hate? Really?

Hasan, an American immigrant from England, slammed Republicans description of the protests as a Hate America rally. / Paul Morigi / Getty Images for Crooked Media

He then pointed out that the immigrants Donald Trump is focused on deporting in ICE raids often have greater loyalty to the U.S. Constitution than Trump himself.

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And we immigrants, we love this country often more than the people who are born here because we chose to move here, live here, swear an oath to the Constitution here. An oath that the guy down the street violates every morning and every night, said Hasan.

Protesters have been challenging the GOP narrative that they are terrorists and extremists. / X/Tina Sizemore

Republicans have been trying multiple rhetorical tactics to alarm Americans, discredit the protests, and threaten the protesters. House members, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have said the protests would be attended by terrorists and extremists. On Friday, he amplified a tenuous report from Fox News attempting to connect the protests to liberal billionaire and conservative bogeyman George Soros.

On Saturday, Florida congressman Randy Fine appeared to warn Florida protesters that they would be run over if they blocked the road, tweeting, PSA to the idiots protesting today. In Florida, if you block the roads, youll hear the following sound. Thump thump!

Footage from more than 2,600 Saturday rallieswhich took place in Europe as wellpaints a picture that is drastically at odds with the chaos that Republicans foretold. Images and videos show large crowds peacefully demonstrating in small towns and major cities across the country.

As of the time of writing, there have been no reports of violence committed by protesters. In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a man in a Jeep sporting pro-Trump stickers was arrested for flashing his gun at protesters.
United States President Donald Trump has called his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro an illegal drug leader, announcing that the US will slash funding to the South American nation.

President Petro is strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs across Colombia, Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, in which he repeatedly spelled it as Columbia.

He called Petro a low rated and very unpopular leader, warning that he better close up drug operations or the US will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

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The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc, Trump added, saying US payments and subsidies to Colombia were a rip-off.

AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE, he wrote in capital letters. It was not clear what payments Trump was referring to.

A while later, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, writing on X, said the Pentagon had attacked and destroyed a vessel associated with a Colombian group in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, which includes the Caribbean, on Friday.

Hegseth said three people were killed in the attack, claiming that the ship was affiliated with the leftist rebel group National Liberation Army and was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, without offering evidence to back the claim.

Trump comments undermine dignity of Colombians

Hours after Trumps comments, Petro responded angrily in a series of posts on X.

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Colombia has never been rude to the United States. To the contrary, it has loved its culture very much. But you are rude and ignorant about Colombia, Petro wrote.

Colombias Foreign Ministry also condemned Trumps remarks as offensive and a direct threat to its sovereignty, and vowed to seek international support in defence of Petro and the countrys autonomy.

These accusations represent an extremely serious act and undermine the dignity of the president of Colombians, it said in a statement.

In the early hours of Sunday, Petro had accused Trumps government of assassination and demanded answers after the latest US strikes in Caribbean waters.

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The US said on Saturday that it was repatriating to Colombia and Ecuador two survivors from its attack on a semi-submersible vessel, the sixth since early September. At least 29 people have been killed in strikes that the US has said are targeting alleged drug traffickers.

The deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean have outraged Colombians. Meanwhile many legal experts and human rights activists have also condemned the extraordinary series of US military actions, with Amnesty International describing it as murder on the high seas.

Last month, the Trump administration accused Colombia of failing to cooperate in the drug war, although at the time Washington issued a waiver of sanctions that would have triggered aid cuts.

Colombia is the worlds largest exporter of cocaine, and the cultivation of the critical ingredient of coca leaves reached an all-time high last year, according to the United Nations. Last year, Petro pledged to tame coca-growing regions in Colombia with huge social and military intervention, but the strategy has brought little success.





We await explanations

Relations between Bogota and Washington have frayed since Trump returned to office.

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Last month, the US also revoked Petros visa after he joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged US soldiers to disobey Trumps orders.

I ask all the soldiers of the United States army, dont point your rifles against humanity and disobey the orders of Trump, Petro said.

Petro said early on Sunday that a Colombian man was killed in a September 16 strike and identified him as Alejandro Carranza, a fisherman from the coastal town of Santa Marta. He said Carranza had no ties to drug trafficking and that his boat was malfunctioning when it was hit.

US government officials have committed murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters, Petro wrote on X.

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The Colombian boat was adrift and had a distress signal on, with one engine up. We await explanations from the US government.

Petro said he had alerted the attorney generals office and demanded that it act immediately to initiate legal proceedings internationally and in US courts. He continued to post a flurry of messages about the killing.

The United States has invaded our national territory, fired a missile to kill a humble fisherman, and destroyed his family, his children. This is Bolivars homeland, and they are murdering his children with bombs, Petro wrote.
Donald Trump issued a threat to Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, on Sunday morning after the South American leader spoke out against the deadly U.S. attacks against vessels in the Caribbean the Trump administration has accused of ferrying drugs.

In a Truth Social posting the U.S. president seemed to suggest that Petros country could play host to a U.S. invasion or military campaign of some kind as he vowed that his administration would use force to close the so-called killing fields in Colombia if the Petro government did not take action first.

His remarks refer to areas where cartel violence against civilians and others is rampant, particularly in rural, forested areas where paramilitary groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) are present. Colombias government has struggled against those groups in armed conflicts dating back decades.

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President Gustavo Petro, of Columbia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Columbia. It has become the biggest business in Columbia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America, the U.S. president wrote on Truth Social on Sunday morning.

He declared that U.S. subsidies to Colombia would end immediately, and warned: Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

Donald Trump warned on Truth Social that Gustavo Petro must stop so-called killing fields in Colombia (AP)

Trumps statement came just hours after Petro denounced an escalating campaign of U.S. military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea, which the White House have accused of ferrying drugs bound for the United States. That campaign continues, with the most recent strike being reported on October 16. Two survivors were captured by the U.S. military in the wake of the Oct 16 attack, and were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.

Petro, in a statement, wrote that one U.S. strike in September targeted a civilian boat in distress  not a drug-smuggling vessel, as U.S. officials claimed. The Colombian president accused Trump of murder over the attack, which killed one person on board.

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"The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal up due to an engine failure," said Petro. He added: "We await explanations from the US government."

"Fisherman Alejandro Carranza had no ties to the drug trade and his daily activity was fishing, said the Colombian president.

Trumps explanation appears to have been an overt threat to engage the U.S. military in an attempt to occupy sovereign Colombian territory. At the same time, the Trump White House is reportedly moving towards a goal of orchestrating regime change in neighboring Venezuela, where like in Colombia the ruling governments head Nicolas Maduro is accused by Trump officials of operating a state-sponsored drug cartel.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately said on Sunday that U.S. forces, striking two days earlier, destroyed a vessel being operated by the ELN, a left-wing paramilitary group which is estimated to be in command of several thousand members and is active in the drug trade.

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The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route, and was transporting substantial amounts of narcotics. There were three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel during the strikewhich was conducted in international waters. All three terrorists were killed and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike, Hegseth wrote on X.

Confirming that the secretary was speaking about the same incident, Petro responded in his own tweet.

The fisherman's boat from Santa Marta was not from the ELN; it belonged to a humble family, lovers of the sea, from which they drew their food. What do you say to that family? Explain to me why you helped assassinate a humble fisherman from Santa Marta, the land where Bolivar died, and which they say is the heart of the world. What do you say to the family of the fisherman Alejandro Carranza? He was a humble human being, wrote the president.

Gustavo Petro wrote on X that a man killed by a U.S. airstrike on a Colombian vessel in September had no ties to the international drug trade (AP)

In a third post, Petro delivered a lengthier condemnation of the Trump administrations foreign policy in the Americas: A U.S. missile has killed a humble fisherman from Colombia in Santa Marta. The USA destroyed a family of fishermen in the city that will host the summit of Latin America and Europe. The USA has invaded national territory with a missile fired to kill a humble fisherman, has destroyed his family, his children. This is the homeland of Bolivar and they are murdering his children with bombs. The USA offended the national territory of Colombia and killed an honest, hardworking Colombian. Let the sword of Bolivar be raised!

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In Venezuela, the Financial Times reported on Saturday, Trump officials aim to bully top Maduro officials, including possibly the president himself, into resigning or fleeing the country. Opposition figures told the outlet that the White House is implicitly threatening to assasinate Maduro or other government figures if the president does not let go of power.

Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Southern Command overseeing the strikes and escalation of U.S. military might near Venezuelan territory, just stepped down after expressing concern with the attacks according to a new report.

U.S. officials in both the Trump and Biden administrations have argued that the 2024 elections in Venezuela were fraudulent, and tainted by acts of political repression and other factors. The Trump administration ramped up rhetoric earlier this year when it accused Maduro of direct involvement in drug smuggling operations, though the Justice Department also made that accusation initially in 2020 during the first Trump administration.

According to the DOJ and White House, Maduro runs Cartel de los Soles, a drug-smuggling organization linked to the sun emblems on the uniforms of top Venezuelan military brass. It also charged him with running elements of the FARC militant group in Colombia, which largely disbanded three years prior but still maintains some presence.

In his role as a leader of the Cartel de Los Soles, Maduro Moros negotiated multi-ton shipments of FARC-produced cocaine; directed that the Cartel de Los Soles provide military-grade weapons to the FARC; coordinated foreign affairs with Honduras and other countries to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking; and solicited assistance from FARC leadership in training an unsanctioned militia group that functioned, in essence, as an armed forces unit for the Cartel de Los Soles, Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement in 2020.
(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader" on Sunday and said the United States would cease "large scale payments and subsidies" to the South American nation.

"The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc," he said in a Truth Social post.

The Colombian embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Relations between Bogota and Washington have frayed since Trump returned to office. Last month the United States revoked Petro's visa after he joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey Trump's orders.

Last year, Petro pledged to tame coca-growing regions in Colombia with massive social and military intervention, but the strategy has brought little success.

In September, Trump designated countries such as Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia and Venezuela among those the United States believes to have "failed demonstrably" in upholding counternarcotics agreements during the past year.

He blamed Colombia's political leadership for the failure to meet its drug control obligations.

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"Petro ... is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs," said Trump, saying U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia were a rip-off.

"AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE," he wrote in capital letters. It was not clear what Trump was referring to.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Nia Williams)
(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader" on Sunday and said the United States would cease "large scale payments and subsidies" to the South American nation.

"The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc," he said in a Truth Social post.

Reuters could not immediately establish which payments Trump was referring to. Colombia was once among the largest recipients of U.S. aid in the Western Hemisphere, but the flow of money was suddenly curtailed this year by the shuttering of USAID, the American government's humanitarian assistance arm.

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The Colombian embassy in Washington, D.C. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. State Department referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a query.

Relations between Bogota and Washington have frayed since Trump returned to office. Last month the United States revoked Petro's visa after he joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey Trump's orders.

Last year, Petro pledged to tame coca-growing regions in Colombia with massive social and military intervention, but the strategy has brought little success.

In September, Trump designated countries such as Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia and Venezuela among those the United States believes to have "failed demonstrably" in upholding counternarcotics agreements during the past year.

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He blamed Colombia's political leadership for the failure to meet its drug control obligations.

"Petro ... is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs," said Trump in his post on Sunday, saying U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia were a rip-off.

"AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE," he wrote in capital letters.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Nia Williams)
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)  The United States will slash assistance to Colombia and enact tariffs on its exports because the country's leader, Gustavo Petro, does nothing to stop drug production, President Donald Trump said Sunday, escalating the friction between Washington and one of its closest allies in Latin America.

In a social media post, Trump referred to Petro as an illegal drug leader who is low rated and very unpopular. The Republican president warned that Petro better close up drug operations or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

Later in the day, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Colombia has no fight against drugs and they are a drug manufacturing machine" with a lunatic for a president. He said that he would announce new tariffs on Monday.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced the latest U.S. strike on a vessel that was allegedly carrying substantial amounts of narcotics.

He said the vessel was associated with a Colombian rebel group  the National Liberation Army, or ELN  that has been in conflict with Petros government. He did not provide any evidence for his assertions, but he shared a brief video clip of a boat engulfed in flames after an explosion on Friday.

Petro, who can be as vocal on social media as his American counterpart, rejected Trumps accusations and defended his work to fight narcotics in Colombia, the worlds largest exporter of cocaine.

Trying to promote peace in Colombia is not being a drug trafficker, Petro wrote. He suggested that Trump was being deceived by his advisers, described himself as the main enemy of drugs in his country and said Trump was being rude and ignorant toward Colombia.

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The Colombian Foreign Ministry described Trumps statement as a direct threat to national sovereignty by proposing an illegal intervention in Colombian territory. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez told reporters that the country has used all its capability and also lost men and women fighting drug trafficking.

Trumps latest broadside against Petro raises the possibility of an expanding clash in Latin America, where the U.S. has already increased pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

American naval ships, fighter jets and drones are deployed in the region for what the administration has described as an armed conflict with drug cartels. Trump also authorized covert operations inside Venezuela.

Unlike Venezuela, Colombia is a longtime U.S. ally and the top recipient of American assistance in the region. But coca cultivation reached an all-time high last year, according to the United Nations, and there has been fresh violence in rural areas where the government spent years battling insurgents before reaching a peace deal a decade ago.

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In September, the Trump administration accused Colombia of failing to cooperate in the drug war, although at the time Washington issued a waiver of sanctions that would have triggered aid cuts.

Colombia received an estimated $230 million in the U.S. budget year that ended Sept. 30, a drop from recent years that exceeded $700 million, according to U.S. figures.

Petro, Colombias first leftist president, has repeatedly feuded with Trump this year. Petro initially rejected U.S. military flights of deported migrants, leading Trump to threaten tariffs. The State Department said it would revoke Petros visa when he attended the U.N. General Assembly in New York because he told American soldiers to disobey Trumps orders.

Petro and Trump have also been at odds over American strikes on boats in the Caribbean. On Sunday, Petro accused the U.S. government of assassination, pointing to a Sept. 16 strike that he said killed a Colombian man named Alejandro Carranza. Petro said Carranza was a fisherman with no ties to drug trafficking, and his boat was malfunctioning when it was hit.

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The United States has invaded our national territory, fired a missile to kill a humble fisherman, and destroyed his family, his children. This is Bolivars homeland, and they are murdering his children with bombs, Petro wrote on social media. He said that he asked his countrys attorney generals office to initiate legal proceedings internationally and in U.S. courts.

The White House and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Petros accusations.

Despite Petros criticism, his government plans to prosecute the Colombian survivor of a more recent U.S. strike on a submersible that was allegedly carrying drugs.

Another survivor was repatriated to Ecuador, where the Ministry of the Interior said he would not face charges after prosecutors met with him and determined that he had not committed any crimes within the countrys borders.

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The ELN, which Hegseth said was the target of Fridays strike, has long denied any role in drug trafficking and offered to submit to the scrutiny of an international commission. It did not respond to Hegseth's announcement. Colombian authorities regularly report the dismantling of cocaine laboratories and the seizure of drugs believed to belong to the guerrillas.

There have been seven U.S. strikes in the region since early September that the administration says are targeting alleged drug traffickers. At least 32 people have been killed.

Trump said Sunday that Petro had a fresh mouth toward America. He complained that drug smuggling continues despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America.

AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA, he added.

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Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst for the Andes region at International Crisis Group, said it is befuddling and profoundly unwise of the United States to alienate its strongest military partner in Latin America at a moment when tension between Washington and Venezuela are at its highest point in recent years.

She said Washington and Bogota have long treated their relationship as foundational, but that wisdom is being thrown out the window, with really catastrophic effects.

Colombia lost significant U.S. funding when Trump slashed the U.S. Agency for International Development earlier this year. More cuts could affect military cooperation and undermine efforts to fight rebel groups.

If that is cut, we will see a strategic loss of capability for the Colombian military and police at precisely the moment when theyre confronting the greatest security crisis in Colombia for over a decade, she said.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Suarez from Bogota, Colombia.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect Trump called Petro an illegal drug leader, not an illegal drug dealer.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader" after Bogota protested the bombing of a fishing ship in Colombian waters.

Trump threatened to cut "large scale payments and subsidies" to the South American country, calling Petro a "low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America."

The post on Trump's Truth Social platform initially incorrectly spelled the country "Columbia" before being corrected.

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Petro on Saturday directly accused the United States of an "assassination" and having "violated our sovereignty in territorial waters" in the attack on a boat off the country's Caribbean coast in mid-September.

The Colombian leader linked to a news report by broadcaster RTVC with an alleged family member of the fisherman killed in the attack.

"The fisherman Alejandro Carranza had no connection to drug trafficking and his daily activity was fishing," wrote Petro on X. "We await the explanations of the US government."

The US has been attacking boats off Venezuela's Caribbean coast for weeks, justifying the measures as an operation targeting drug trafficking.

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More than 20 people are said to have been killed in the strikes, which critics have deemed extrajudicial killings in international waters.

After the last strike on Thursday, Trump said two "narcoterrorists" were killed when the US destroyed a "drug-carrying submarine that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route."

Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti said one of the people who survived the incident was a Colombian national, who was handed over to the Colombian judiciary after being seriously injured.
Washington  President Trump called Colombia's president an "illegal drug leader" on Sunday and pledged to end U.S. aid to the South American country, following the leader's criticism of U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

Mr. Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro in a post on Truth Social of "encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields."

"It has become the biggest business in [Colombia], by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America," the president said, continuing in all caps: "AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLOMBIA."

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Hours earlier, Petro accused the U.S. in a series of X posts of hitting a fishing vessel in a strike it carried out last month, not a boat carrying drugs as it had claimed at the time. The Colombian leader said a fisherman had been killed in the attack, saying that in doing so the U.S. had "invaded national territory." He made a similar allegation earlier this month, claiming another boat that was struck by the U.S. military carried Colombian citizens  which the U.S. denied.

Petro's intervention has added to mounting scrutiny of the administration's strikes, which it has characterized as being part of a broader effort to combat drug smuggling and stem the flow of narcotics into the U.S.



It comes after a U.S. strike Thursday on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, the sixth known attack in the area since last month, and the first in which survivors were reported. Mr. Trump said Saturday that the two survivors, one from Ecuador and the other from Colombia, would be returned to their countries of origin.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump said in his post Sunday that the U.S. will no longer offer payments and subsidies to Colombia, claiming that the country's drug production is intended for "the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc."



"Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won't be done nicely," the president said.

Petro pushed back on Mr. Trump's allegations in a post on X, arguing that he has been the primary foe of drug trafficking in his country in recent years. Petro later said Mr. Trump had been "rude and ignorant" toward Colombia.

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Last month, the Trump administration added Colombia to its list of countries it deems as failing to uphold its responsibilities to control drug trafficking for the first time in almost three decades. The department said that under Petro's leadership, "coca cultivation and cocaine production have reached record highs while Colombia's government failed to meet even its own vastly reduced coca eradication goals."

At the same time, the administration issued a waiver allowing Colombia, a traditional U.S. ally in anti-drug trafficking efforts, to continue to receive aid.

It is not clear what U.S. payments to Colombia will now be cut off.

Petro, the first leftist elected president of Colombia in decades, has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration in recent weeks. In addition to his criticism on social media, he denounced the strikes on alleged drug boats in a speech before the United Nations last month and later, during a New York protest event, encouraged members of the U.S. military to "disobey" Mr. Trump's orders. The move prompted the State Department to announce it would revoke Petro's visa.

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The strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats have also drawn backlash from neighboring Venezuela, which has accused the Trump administration of aggression. The administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of working with drug cartels, which he has denied.

Trump says two survivors of U.S. strike on submersible suspected of drug smuggling will be sent home

Ms. Rachel on raising her voice for kids everywhere

A cross-border landmark faces a restrictive new future




President Donald Trump said he has "unquestioned power" to deploy the National Guard and reaffirmed that San Francisco will be the next city to face federal intervention.

In an interview that aired Sunday on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Trump floated invoking the Insurrection Act - a centuries-old law that allows presidents to deploy troops on U.S. soil.

"Don't forget I can use the Insurrection Act," he said. "Fifty percent of the presidents almost have used that. And that's unquestioned power. I choose not to, but I'm met constantly by fake politicians, politicians that think that they - you know, it's not a part of the radical left movement to have safety.  These cities have to be safe." Only about one-fourth of presidents have invoked the act.

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Trump told host Maria Bartiromo that San Francisco is next, setting up another potential showdown with Democratic leaders over presidential authority and local control.

"The difference is, I think they want us in San Francisco," he said. "San Francisco was truly one of the great cities of the world. And then, 15 years ago, it went wrong. It went woke."

Soldiers with the California National Guard and U.S. Marines form a line outside the North Los Angeles Federal Building during the June No Kings protest. (Stephen Lam/S.F. Chronicle)





Trump has already deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles, Memphis, Chicago and Washington, D.C. After a trial in federal court, a judge ruled that the Los Angeles deployment violated the law because troops acted as police, a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. Federal judges have also blocked his attempt to send troops to Portland, Ore.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom was quick to fire back on Sunday.

"Fact check: Nobody wants you here," he wrote on X. "You will ruin one of America's greatest cities."

Trump's comments came amid a separate legal battle over his administration's attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago. A federal judge temporarily blocked that move, ruling there was no evidence of a "danger of rebellion."

The White House has appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the decision "impinges on the president's authority."

National Guard soldiers stand by Friday as visitors check out the Ellipse in Washington, with the White House in the background. (Rahmat Gul/Associated Press)





In San Francisco, local officials have already made clear they don't want federal troops in the city. Mayor Daniel Lurie said last week that the city's police department is seeing progress in both recruitment and crime reduction.

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"We have a lot of work to do, but I trust our local law enforcement," Lurie said at a police academy news conference on Wednesday. "We in San Francisco are doing the work each and every day."

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said city leaders "have this issue under control" and criticized the idea of federal troops as "resources being imposed upon our communities."

Prominent tech figures have urged federal intervention in San Francisco. Elon Musk and investor David Sacks backed sending in federal forces, and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff initially echoed the idea before walking it back and pledging $1 million to support larger hiring bonuses for new police officers.

The Posse Comitatus Act bars using federally controlled troops - including a federalized National Guard - as local police. Only a formal Insurrection Act declaration creates a narrow exception for domestic law enforcement in extraordinary circumstances.

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Trump's remarks follow a series of actions directed at Democratic-led cities.

On Friday, the White House announced it would pause $11 billion in infrastructure projects in places such as San Francisco, New York and Baltimore, citing budget constraints. Critics called the move an act of political retaliation.

National Guard soldiers conduct a community safety patrol at Tom Lee Park in Memphis last Sunday. (George Walker IV/Associated Press)





Meanwhile, No Kings protests drew millions nationwide Saturday.

In response, Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting himself as "King Trump" flying a jet that dumps brown sludge resembling feces over demonstrators.

Newsom wrote in a separate post: "7 million Americans turned out yesterday to peacefully protest a monarchy. It was the biggest protest the country has ever seen. And despite the GOP's best efforts to sow hatred and chaos, you stood firm in peace and unity. That's what real patriotism looks like."

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Asked about the ongoing demonstrations by NPR, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded: "Who cares?"

This article originally published at Trump claims unquestioned power' to deploy troops to San Francisco under Insurrection Act.
In response to the nationwide No Kings protests against his policies on Saturday, US President Donald Trump posted videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI) depicting him as a king.

One clip, shared by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, depicts him as the pilot of a fighter jet labelled "King Trump." In the video, the jet drops brown, mud-like sludge resembling excrement onto protesters in a city that appears to be New York.

In another video, previously posted by Vice President JD Vance on the platform Bluesky, an AI-generated Trump is shown adorning himself with royal insignia, including a crown, robe and sword, while politicians such as Democrat Nancy Pelosi kneel before him.

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Trump's posts were an apparent response to the No Kings slogan for the protests that turned out millions of people on Saturday. Demonstrators expressed their discontent with the president's leadership style.

Organizers said nearly 7 million people participated in protests across more than 2,700 cities and towns in the United States.

The No Kings movement accuses Trump of authoritarian behaviour. The group noted that Trump believes his power is absolute but "America has no kings."

An aerial view shows protesters forming a human banner during a 'No Kings' protest in San Francisco against US President Donald Trump's policies, as part of nationwide 'No Kings' demonstrations. Paul Kuroda/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Protesters take part in a 'No Kings' protest in Truckee against US President Donald Trump's policies, as part of nationwide 'No Kings' demonstrations. Barbara Munker/dpa
As millions of people staged more than 2,500 protests around the world in whats being described as the largest collective demonstration yet against Donald Trump, the president demonstrated precisely why people are rallying against tyranny.

In a Saturday afternoon Truth Social post, Trump announced that he had overseen another lethal strike on what he claimed was a drug boat traveling in international waters.

The president wrote, It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route. A video attached to the post purportedly features footage of the strike.

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Trump noted that while four people were on board, only two were killed, and that the two survivors will be returned to Ecuador and Colombia, their countries of origin

President Trump celebrates the deaths of two people he alleges were narco-traffickers. / Truth Social

The presidents post confirms prior reporting from Reuters on Thursday that revealed the strike had left two survivors.

The vessel is the latest in a rapidly growing number of boats targeted by the Trump administration in international waters, with the administration targeting at least six since early September.

Trumps campaign against supposed narcoterrorists traveling to the U.S. from Venezuela has killed at least 29 people, with the latest strike being the first to leave any survivors.

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Ignoring both local and international outcry and legal experts, including the militarys own lawyers and at least one senior military commander, Trump has continued to escalate his war on drugs, confirming on Wednesday that had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondis Department of Justice authored a secret memo designed to legitimize the presidents strikes, arguing that he is able to order deadly strikes because of the imminent threat posed to Americans by drug cartels.

The same argument is used by the president himself, most recently in his Saturday Truth Social post in which he said, At least 25,000 Americans would die if I allowed this submarine to come ashore.

Under my watch, the United States of America will not tolerate narcoterrorists trafficking illegal drugs, by land or by sea. The Trump administration has yet to provide evidence to the public that the people on board the vessels it has targeted were transporting drugs or were confirmed members of Tren de Aragua.

Millions of people around the world participated in 'No Kings' protests against President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 18. / Damon Coulter/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Trumps post about the strike came as millions of people attended more than 2,500 protests worldwide in a follow-up to the first No Kings protests in June.

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While the majority of protests took place in the U.S., there were smaller satellite protests in Paris, Tokyo, Lisbon, Berlin, Rome, London, Stockholm, Ottawa, Copenhagen, Mexico City and Madrid.

Protesters around the world carried signs condemning Trumps presidency, with many rejecting what they characterized as Trumps autocratic rule.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Former Congressman George Santos is speaking out for the first time after President Donald Trump commuted his criminal sentence.

In a long post on X, Santos thanked the president for a second chance at life, adding that hes back as a new man, ready to work and do good.

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News of his prison sentence being commuted is sparking strong reactions among constituents in New Yorks congressional district three, where he once represented. The reactions follow Fridays announcement from the president about Santos release. He was serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.

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Douglaston resident Janice Credaroli said while she supports President Trump, shes questioning this move.

Well, Im a Trumper fan but I just dont agree with what he did, she said.

Santos was sentenced in April after admitting last year to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people, including his own family members, to make donations to his campaign. One resident who wished to remain anonymous said that the scandal left her and others feeling betrayed.

I know people who voted for him thinking that he was presenting himself in good faith, she said. Then when they found out that he was not, they felt, I think, even more betrayed than I do because they voted for him, but I think it was a betrayal for all of us,.

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The former lawmaker reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, in July and was released from the facility Friday night. Still, some residents in congressional district three remain stunned about his release from prison.

I think its one of the worst things that ever happened to the United States in the last 20 years, said Douglaston resident Robert Miller. He deserves to pay. He deceived the people big time.

I think he shouldve at least spent a little more time in jail before he was commuted, said another resident who declined to give his name. I mean, I understand that being in jail is difficult, but he did commit some serious crimes, so three months in jail I didnt think would be enough.

Santos sentence being commuted not only removes prison time, but it also clears any remaining fines, restitution, or supervised release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Why Trump didnt win Nobel prize

Hey Trump, so you did not win the Nobel Peace Prize. Obviously settling eight wars doesnt count.. Peace is something you strive for, especially for others, and it becomes part of you.

Peace does not mean turning our military against its citizens. Peace is not deporting numerous residents whether they are legal or not. Peace is not denying citizens their birthright. Peace is not trying to negotiate the situation in the Gaza Strip for a week. The problem has been going on for two years and now you want to help find a peaceful solution?

Peace is not antagonizing other countries who have been our allies for years. Peace is not humiliating, denouncing, denigrating those who do not agree with you.

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Peace is not calling dictators good people when obviously they are not. Flattering does go a long way with you. Peace is listening and not dictating. Peace will never be a part of your vocabulary nor your character.

April Nishioka, Richland

Give community input on boundary

Thirty years ago we moved to south Richland (south of the Yakima River). At that time the attitude we encountered was that our part of town was not really part of Richland. I couldnt help thinking one day we will have more people and outvote you.

Well, that time has come and now some central Richlanders are upset that most city council members live in our area. I do not oppose district voting in principle, but I do object to the boundaries.

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Specifically, District 3 should not extend south of the Yakima if you truly want central Richland to have representation. I would vote for district voting if there were more input from the community as a whole and not just that proposed by a small group who are feeling left out.

Maja Shaw, Richland

Proud to support Valentine on KSD

I am proud to support Micah Valentine for school board. Micah has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is used wisely to support classrooms, teachers and students  not bureaucracy.

He understands that real progress comes from local control and community input, not top-down mandates from Olympia or Washington, D.C. Micah believes decisions about our schools should be made by those who know our students best  parents, educators and local leaders working together.

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Micah is also a solutions-focused leader who looks beyond politics to find common ground. He listens, asks tough questions and works collaboratively to strengthen academics, improve safety, and build trust throughout the district.

We need steady, principled leadership on the board. Thats why I encourage everyone to vote for Micah Valentine for school board.

Gabe Galbraith, Kennewick

Values matter for KSD candidate

Our community has many different values, which can divide us rather than uniting our intentions and actions. Values are pointing the way for the candidate my wife and I want to represent us on the Kennewick School Board  a man with high values and an openness of listening to others.

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Robert Franklin personifies the values necessary for making our schools even better for learning. What we admire about Robert is his commitment to both students and to teachers. Robert comes from a teaching family: both his mother and grandmother were teachers  and he currently teaches history at Washington State University-Tri-Cities.

His historical training provides him with the necessary skills to properly weigh evidence when making decisions. Please join us in voting for Robert Franklin for the Kennewick School Board to provide both new energy and a refreshing vision and commitment for the future of our children. We need his values, his priority of listening to others and his background.

Larry and Peggy Gregory, Kennewick

Franklin values to decide her vote

I want to recommend Robert Franklin for the Kennewick School Board. Ive gotten to know Robert because he has been so open and responsive to the people of Kennewick. I first saw the drive he promoted to gather personal care items for older high school kids.

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Since then, Ive seen all the activities he has sponsored, and I have been blown away. I usually find it hard to know who to vote for in local elections because they havent had much of a presence or shown me who they are. Robert is the first candidate for a local election where I have seen not only what he stands for but who he is.

He has my vote, and I strongly encourage you to check him out and see for yourself. It wont be hard. He has made it his goal to reach out and be a part of the community, and I greatly appreciate that.

Susan Sorenson, Kennewick

Benton policies slow solar power

Today, hundreds of U.S. counties (including our own Benton County) have policies that prevent the development of solar projects on farmland.

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While the loss of farmland should be taken seriously, the reality is that solar is not the driving force of farmland loss. For example, between 2013 and 2021, less than 5% of lost Indiana farmland was due to solar energy projects, while 68% of the lost farmland was developed into homes and neighborhoods.

Also, solar projects on farmland do not have to stop agricultural production. Agrivoltaics, the term for agriculture plus photovoltaics (solar energy), is a practice that can create efficient dual-use purposes for farmland. In Indiana, and other areas where agrivoltaics is allowed, there are growing numbers of sheep herds, pollinator habitats and crop studies under solar panel installations.

In Benton County, the Hop Hill project, where agriculture (sheep production) and solar energy are proposed, the project permitting process has been ongoing for 3+ years, due (to) a county policy that prevents agrivoltaics.

Come on Benton County! We need this type of electrical production to support new industrial projects and avoid brownouts and blackouts.

Roger Ovink, Richland

Franklin best pick for KSDs board

As a parent of a child with special needs, I know how important it is to have leaders who truly see every student. Thats why Im supporting Robert Franklin for the Kennewick School Board.

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Roberts priorities  safety, accessibility and opportunity  arent just talking points. Theyre exactly what our schools need. He believes every student should be safe, known and valued. For families like mine, that kind of leadership means the world.

Hes focused on increasing mental health support, expanding career and vocational options and keeping the focus on learning  not politics. I appreciate that he wants schools to be a place where all kids can thrive, not get caught in the middle of adult agendas.

Robert also understands the importance of using our districts resources wisely, with students at the center of every decision. We need someone who listens to parents, respects teachers, and stands up for all kids  including those with special needs. Robert Franklin is that person.

Please join me in voting for Robert Franklin on Nov. 4.

Jennifer Dunn, Kennewick

Ex-KSD teacher will vote Franklin

The quality of education in the Kennewick School District will be at stake when citizens mark their ballots in the local school board election on Nov. 4. As a former KSD teacher and a current volunteer, I am asking you to vote for Robert Franklin. He is an educator and a published Hanford Site historian.

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I am endorsing Franklinbecause he has a passion for teaching and understands the role of both teacher and student in the classroom. He is able to communicate in a non-confrontational way with people who may have differing opinions. He believes considering all perspectives is the pathway to good decision-making. Thus, Franklin will lead by values, not by politics.

Franklin also strongly supports the KSD mission for providing a safe environment. He believes all students deserve a place where they feel safe, feel, respected, feel accepted, and feel valued. In order to help enhance this environment, Franklin would like to expand the mental health services for students who are dealing with issues that may keep them from thriving and/or learning. As you can see, a vote for Franklin, is a vote for kids.

Gayle Hane, Kennewick

Franklin will get ex-teachers vote

As an educator in Kennewicks K12 schools for 25 years, Ive seen firsthand how school boards shape the learning environment for students, families and educators. I led a district-wide study team in 2005 that helped launch Phoenix High School  designed to meet students where they are and take them where they want to go. Thats why Im proud to endorse Robert Franklin for the Kennewick School Board.

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Franklin brings a historians insight, an educators heart and a commitment to ideological diversity that the KSD board desperately needs. He understands that strong systems are built by listening to all voices  especially those most impacted by board decisions. Franklins refusal to engage in culture wars and his belief in evidence-based policy reflect the kind of leadership our students and teachers deserve.

Kennewick families deserve board leaders who listen, learn and lead with integrity. Franklin is that leader.

Tracy Money, West Richland

Trump deserves to get Nobel Prize

Hamas always knew exactly what would happen, in answer for the horrors of Oct. 7, Israel would retaliate with righteous rage, vast devastation and inhuman cruelty.

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Hamas knowingly incited systematic leveling. These extremist politicians slowly sacrificed Gaza to make Israel look bad.

Keeping hostages guaranteed unrelenting war.

Hiding below hospitals, knowing the IDF will readily bomb.

Unrelenting craters and crying on nightly news for two years.

Our collective humanity suffers as we grow numb.

Hamas simply had to return the people they stole to end the bombs and missiles. Hamas has been winning the PR war; with little attention paid to their prolonging the war by keeping the kidnapped.

Why?

The obvious outcome is world-wide condemnation of Israels brutality.

Withholding food and medicine, and allowing mass starvation, will scar generations. Isreals government is guilty of genocide, and absolutely atrocious war crimes.

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Palestine is a wasteland, but Hamass suicidal mission has been achieved; a negative world-view of Israel. Children traumatized today are tomorrows terrorists.

America looked weak for not stopping Netanyahu.

Its lasted until our president stopped it. Ive always known that I would approve of some things our deplorable miscreant leader would accomplish.

I believe Donald Trump deserves a well-earned Nobel Peace Prize.

Michael Harrington, Pasco

Trump pushes for Christian nation

President Donald Trump projects a white Christian nationalist vision to his followers. He declared that one of his first acts of his second term would be to set up a task force to root out anti-Christian bias and pledged to protect pro-God context and content.

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This is contrary to the First Amendment which, in part, states: the First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individuals religious practices.

Those who oppose Christian nationalism view the movement as a threat to religious freedom and democracy. They argue that the movement is exclusionary and that it promotes a narrow intolerant version of Christianity that is at odds with the values of a democratic and pluralistic society.

They see Christian nationalism as a cover for white supremacy and an attempt to impose a particular set of beliefs on others. Theologically, Christianity is understood to transcend all ideologies, including ethnonational identity, and thus many Christians reject Christian nationalism as a harmful and limited misconstruction of the faith.

Do we want to live in a secular democratic society or one that discriminates against religious and nonreligious minorities?

Bill Petrie, Richland
While thousands of Connecticut residents filled the streets Saturday to protest what they say is the growing authoritarianism of President Donald Trump, politicians dispute whether that disapproval will be a factor in the upcoming elections.

Connecticuts municipal elections will decide seats for mayor, first selectman, school board and other local offices. Democrats and Republicans disagree on whether the ongoing federal government shutdown and continuing policy clashes in Washington, D.C. will influence those races.

Although President Donald J. Trump remains the single most dominant political figure in the United States, state Republican chairman Ben Proto says he does not think that Trump will be a key factor in the Connecticut races that are often based on local disputes and small-town infighting.

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I know everybody wants to make a big deal about Trump, but weve been having the Trump discussion for 10 years, Proto told The Courant in an interview. Literally, it has been 10 years. He came down the escalator [at Trump Tower] in 2015. At some point, Donald Trump is what Donald Trump is to everybody. I dont think it has that big of an impact on the local races.

In local races for town council and the school board, candidates often capture support as lifelong residents in a small town or through superior organizing of the local political infrastructure.

But Trump still comes up in some local campaigns.

What does it have to do with Trump? Proto asked. The Democrats will ask a planning and zoning candidate: Do you support Donald Trump? Im not sure what that has to do with whether or not we should approve this commercial office space or this three-lot subdivision.  Donald Trump is their bogeyman, and I think that bogeyman went away a number of years ago.

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But Democrats have a sharply different view.

State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, a West Hartford Democrat, said Trump is a definite factor this year that she has seen personally as she campaigns in 27 towns in Greater Hartford for her own race for Congress in the First Congressional District. The election in her race is not until 2026, but the congressional candidates have been campaigning and preparing for a convention and a primary next year.

I 100% disagree, Gilchrest said of Protos assessment. I have been at many doors, in many towns, and a common topic that comes up is peoples disappointment, horror and shock over what the Trump administration is doing. They are not pleased at what is going on.

Some voters, Gilchrest said, ask her if she is a Democrat before agreeing to speak further at the door.

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While Connecticut is widely known as a blue state, it is not that way on the municipal level. Of the states 169 municipalities, Republicans control the mayor or first selectmans office in 92 towns, officials said. Democrats control 73 towns, while unaffiliated voters hold the remainder.

Since Democratic mayors run the largest cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford, the party controls municipalities with a combined population of 2.15 million, while Republicans oversee communities covering 1.48 million residents, according to calculations by the state Democratic Party.

Every two years, the pendulum often swings back and forth. In Westport, traditionally known as a Democratic stronghold where Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump in 2020 by a 3-1 margin, Republican Jennifer Tooker has served as first selectwoman since 2021 when she defeated Democrat Jonathan Steinberg. She briefly ran for governor before recently dropping out of the race.

By comparison, Democrats hold all the constitutional offices statewide like attorney general and treasurer, along with all five seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and both U.S. Senate seats. For the past 15 years, Democrats have controlled the governors office, covering the tenures of Dannel P. Malloy and Ned Lamont.

Legislators running in Enfield

While each side is predicting victory on Nov. 4, Democrats and Republicans have different lists of the most important towns that they are watching across the state.

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Democrats say they are expecting to hold seats for mayor in Danbury, Stamford, and Newington, as well as first selectman in Litchfield and Colchester. They also expect to hold the town council majorities in Wethersfield and Coventry, among others.

Democrats are also hoping to flip the majority in Enfield, where Republicans control the town council by 6-3. In a town that was once run by conservative Democrats, Republicans currently hold the majorities on both the council and the school board in Enfield.

In an unusual twist, two state legislators are running for the town council. State Rep. Carol Hall still has another year remaining on her term in the legislature in Hartford and would serve simultaneously on the town council if elected. At the same time, state Rep. John Santanella is seeking reelection to the Enfield council, where he currently serves as the Democratic minority leader.

Former state legislator David Alexander, a Democrat who is not running this year, predicted that Democrats could win back the school board in a close vote if the towns tradition of ticket-splitting continues.

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The lower turnout helps the Republicans in Enfield, and many unaffiliated and Democrats that vote Democrat for state and federal office strangely vote for Republicans for local office in town, Alexander said. Party registration doesnt always match up to election results in local elections. I am seeing unique enthusiasm with Democratic voters who usually dont vote in local elections. They are coming out simply to vote against Trump.

He added, Local elections are interesting to follow because they can get quirky and sometimes dont follow the national political narrative.

On the Republican side, Proto said the party is expecting to do well in Torrington, Wallingford, Brookfield, East Haven, Fairfield, Old Lyme, East Lyme, East Hartford, and Danbury, among others.

Both sides are battling in the small town of East Granby, where two-term Republican first selectwoman Eden Wimpfheimer is defending her seat against Democratic newcomer Jason Hayes. Wimpfheimer won her last race in 2023 with 53% of the vote, but Hayes has run an aggressive campaign by knocking on nearly every door in town.

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In Old Lyme, Republican challenger John H. Mesham is battling in a rematch against the incumbent first selectman Martha H. Shoemaker, a retired teachers union president who won their race two years ago as Democrats took control of the board.

In Simsbury, there is a three-way race among candidates who are well known at the local level. First Selectman Wendy Mackstutisis running for reelection against Republican Heather Goetz, who currently serves on the board of selectmen. They are both facing independent Eric Wellman, the former first selectman for four years who lost against Democrat Melissa Osborne for a state legislative seat that was vacated by longtime Rep. John Hampton.

State Democratic chairman Roberto Alves is not only seeking to flip some seats across the state, but he is also running for reelection in Danbury, where he is the first Democratic mayor in 22 years. He has outraised his opponent, Republican city council member Emile Buzaid, by a margin of nearly 6 to 1.

Danburys progress, he said, has been accomplished largely on a bipartisan basis at a time of partisan clashes in Washington, D.C.

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Its people, not politics, Alves told The Courant. People dont see a Democrat pothole or a Republican pothole. In Danbury, were filing our potholes. Were paving more roads than have ever been paved.

An internal campaign poll, he said, showed Trump with an approval rating of only 41% in Danbury. He predicted that Democrats and unaffiliated voters would be energized by Saturdays No Kings rallies around the state, prompting that energy to spill over into voting.

Regarding Protos expectation that Trump will not be a major factor in local races, Alves said, I think thats called wishful thinking.

After publicly announcing that he is battling an aggressive form of lymphoma, Alves has been undergoing cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City while serving as mayor, running for reelection, and heading the state party.

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In Bristol, Republican Mayor Jeff Caggiano is facing former Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu in a closely watched rematch of their 2021 race in a community where the two major political parties have gone back and forth in holding the mayors office.

In New Britain, there is an open seat for mayor for the first time in more than a decade as six-term mayor Erin Stewart is not seeking reelection. Instead, Stewart is running for governor in a potential Republican primary against state Sen. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich. The winner would then run against the winner of a Democratic battle between Gov. Ned Lamont and state Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden. State Rep. Bobby Sanchez, who has served for 16 years in Hartford, is facing Republican city council member Sharon Beloin-Saavedra in the battle to replace Stewart.

That seat has been blue before, and we can make it blue again, Alves said.

Voting starting soon

After a change in state law, residents will now have 14 days of early voting before Election Day.

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The voting starts on Monday, Oct. 20 and includes Saturdays and Sundays until election day. In previous years, state officials said that turnout on Saturdays and Sundays was low because many voters did not realize that there was early voting on those days.

The voting runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 12 of the 14 days before being extended from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 30.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, the states chief elections official, said voters will be making key decisions at the ballot box.

Early voting gives everyone more flexibility to participate  and this years two-week period allows people to cast their ballot on two weekends, which many voters told us they needed, Thomas said. No matter when you cast your ballot, these elections let us have our say on issues that really shape our daily lives from property taxes and public works to school programs and conservation. Every vote matters, and taking part is the best way to make your voice heard in your community.

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com
Donald Trumps lead negotiator has been pushing Volodymyr Zelensky to hand over the entire Donetsk region to Russia in order to end the war in Ukraine, it has emerged.

Steve Witkoff, who has met with Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, five times this year, told the Ukrainian delegation visiting the White House last Friday to surrender the territory its forces control.

It is one of the key demands made by Putin, who made clear in a phone call with Mr Trump last week that he still wants Ukraine to give up the stretch of land as a precondition for peace, The Washington Post reported.

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However, the surrender of Donetsk is a red line for Ukraine, which has long refused to cede the territory, which Russia has failed to capture despite fighting since 2014.

Kyiv still holds about a quarter of Donetsk province. The land makes up part of the so-called fortress belt, a string of heavily defended towns that blocks Russia from making rapid westward advances towards the capital.

In a meeting at the Oval Office, Mr Witkoff, whose official title is special envoy to the Middle East, noted that most of the population in Donetsk grew up speaking Russian, two senior officials familiar with the conversation told The Washington Post.

Credit: Reuters

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The claim echoes Russian propaganda that has attempted to justify Putins invasion. While eastern Ukraine was historically more pro-Moscow, sympathies have shifted over the course of the war, and many now reject their Russian heritage.

Mr Trump, who has called on both sides to stop the killing and make a deal, has agreed to meet Putin in Hungary within a fortnight.

But the Russian presidents continued insistence on the surrender of Donetsk suggests that a fundamental obstacle towards a ceasefire deal remains.

In the call with Mr Trump, Putin said Russia could cede parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces currently occupied by his forces.

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However, a senior European diplomat told The Washington Post that Ukraine would never agree to such a trade.

Its like selling them [Russia] their own leg in exchange for nothing, they said.

Putin and Mr Trump held talks over the war in Alaska in August - Kremlin Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images

Mr Zelensky had hoped that his visit to the White House would lead to the delivery of US-made Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

But Mr Trump made it clear he was not considering supplying the long-range munitions, which would bring Moscow in range and apply further military pressure on Putin, CNN reported.

On Saturday, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, said the visit had not gone as Zelensky hoped.

The Ukrainian president told Mr Trump he was ready to join talks with Russia in Budapest during their meeting.

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We spoke about it. They will discuss with Putin, Mr Zelensky told NBC on Sunday. My opinion, if we really want just and lasting peace, we need both sides.

Pressed on the matter, he added: I said to the president, Im ready.

Mr Zelensky also urged the US president to apply even more pressure to Putin than he did to Hamas during Middle East peace talks

Asked if Mr Trump should get tough with Putin after brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, the Ukrainian leader said: Yes, and even more because Putin is something similar, but more strong than Hamas. The war is bigger, and he is the second [biggest] army in the world.

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He added: And thats why more pressure.

Mr Trump has swung between Russian and Ukrainian positions during his efforts to secure a peace deal, with phone calls from Putin often preceding a reversion to a more pro-Moscow stance.

However, the president has provided US intelligence to help Ukraine in its campaign targeting Russian energy facilities, the Financial Times reported last week.

Kyivs deep strikes have sent energy prices spiralling inside Russia, causing long queues at petrol stations and forcing Moscow to import fuel.

On Saturday, Ukrainian drones struck the Orenburg gas plant in Russia, one of the largest in the world, as well as the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in the Samara region. Both plants are located nearly 1,000km from the Ukrainian border.

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On Sunday, Mr Zelensky sought to remind the world  and the White House  who was to blame for the three-and-a-half-year war in a post on social media.

We agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, looked for opportunities for peace, and repeatedly offered the world ways to stop the strikes in the sky, on land and at sea, he wrote on X. But it is Russia that continually obstructs this process the war continues only because Moscow does not want it to end.

Ukraine has never sought war. We agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, looked for opportunities for peace, and repeatedly offered the world ways to stop the strikes in the sky, on land, and at sea. But it is Russia that continually obstructs this process  manipulating, dragging pic.twitter.com/HFohIv84fZ  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) October 19, 2025

The Ukrainian president has been left in a difficult position by the latest twist in Mr Trumps position, said Sergey Radchenko, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.

He wrote on X: Kyiv is in a bind here. If Trump concludes that a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas is the only thing that is blocking an everlasting peace a la Gaza, hell lean on Zelensky to do it, and Zelensky will have few options.

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Prof Radchenko added that while the Ukrainian leader would appeal to European leaders, their influence over Mr Trump may not be sufficient to rule out a peace that will likely leave Ukraine truncated and exposed but also divide and humiliate Europe.

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President Donald Trump announced Sunday he would end all US payments and subsidies to Colombia, marking a dramatic escalation in his back-and-forth with the countrys president, Gustavo Petro.

Trump said in a post to social media that Petro does nothing to stop the production of drugs in his country, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America.

As of today, these payments, or any other form of payment, or subsidies, will no longer be made to Colombia, the president said in all caps.

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The two leaders have clashed on the issues of migration and drug trafficking, especially as the US conducts strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, but Sundays announcement intensified the friction with new financial stakes.

The US has provided about $210 million in assistance to Colombia this fiscal year, including about $31 million in agricultural support, according to data from the US Department of State. It was not immediately clear which payments Trump was referring to Sunday, but the US is by far the largest funder of Colombias security, providing billions of dollars every year. The Andean country had previously been Washingtons most reliable ally in South America on national security and defense.

Trump warned Petro that he better close up these killing fields, referring to areas where drugs are produced, or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

Trumps comments come after his administration said last month that Colombia had failed demonstrably in its obligations to fight drug trafficking but that the US would continue to provide funding to the country. Colombia is the worlds leading producer of cocaine, accounting for almost two-thirds of total production, according to the United Nations Office for Drug and Crime.

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Trump and Petro have sparred for months, most recently as Petro accused the US of murdering an innocent Colombian national during one of the Trump administrations strikes in the Caribbean. Last month, the US revoked Petros visa after he publicly called on American soldiers to disobey Trump during a visit to the United Nations General Assembly.

The escalation also comes as the US has taken aim at what it says is illegal drug trafficking in the Caribbean with a series of military strikes on vessels.

On Sunday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the US conducted a strike Friday on a boat that American intelligence officials believed had substantial amounts of narcotics on board. Hegseth said the vessel was affiliated with a Colombian terrorist organization and that all three men aboard were killed.

That marked the seventh known strike, and came days after another strike on an alleged drug boat that CNN reported appeared to be the first time an attack did not kill everyone on board. Trump announced Saturday that the two survivors of that strike would be returned to their home countries of Ecuador and Colombia.

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Trump on Sunday attacked Petro in personal terms, describing him as an illegal drug leader with a fresh mouth.

Petro responded to Trump later Sunday, and while he did not address the financial implications of a freeze of US assistance, he criticized the US president, invoking his countrys heralded Nobel Prize-winning author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

You are rude and ignorant toward Colombia. Read, as your charge daffaires in Colombia did, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and I assure you, you will learn something about solitude, Petro said in a post to social media.

The 1967 novel chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional Colombian town.

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Petro continued, I dont do business like you do  I am a socialist. I believe in solidarity, the common good, and the shared resources of humanity, the greatest of all: life, now endangered by your oil. If Im not a businessman, then I am even less a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart.

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President Donald Trump has taken his weird obsession with artificial intelligence to another disgusting height  this time in response to the millions of protesters who decried the Trump administrations policies in No Kings ralliesacross the U.S. on Saturday.

In a late Saturday post, Trump shared a bizarre AI-generated video of himself wearing a crown and piloting a fighter jet with King Trump written on it. In the clip set to the tune of Kenny Loggins Danger Zone, a doctored Trump then dropped a whopping load of what appeared to be feces on protesters down below in the streets of Times Square in New York City.

In a separate post, an AI-generated Trump wearing a crown and robe pulls out a sword as the words hail to the king play in the background. A slew of his left-wing political foes, including former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi then bow to him. The video was originally shared by Vice President JD Vance in a BlueSky post Saturday.

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Trump took his taunting a step further on Saturday with a post from the White House that juxtaposed an image of Trump and Vance sporting crowns alongside a depiction of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer donning sombreros.

Were built different, the White House captioned the post.

Politics: Donald Trump's 'Gross' Remark About Karoline Leavitt Is Condemned Online

The White House didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Meanwhile, many GOP leaders have labeled the protests as Hate America rallies while other Congressional republicans have blamed the protests for the ongoing government shutdown.

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Millions of people attended the second round of more than 2,700 pro-democracy No Kings rallies across majority states on Saturday. The protests came as Trumps decision to deploy National Guard troops and immigration agents to cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., faced widespread backlash.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
President Donald Trump strongly suggested that he was preparing to use the Insurrection Act to crack down on dissent nationwide in an interview Sunday while warning that National Guard deployments would take place in San Francisco next.

He spoke in a pre-recorded discussion that aired Sunday on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo about using the power of the federal government to militarize the National Guard in states where he and his team claim that Democratic officials are refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement and crime-fighting efforts, including the White Houses mass deportation campaign.

During the conversation, he falsely asserted that nearly half of all U.S. presidents have invoked the act. Fifteen U.S. presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act (out of 45 men to hold the position in total).

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Dont forget, and I havent used it, but dont forget: I can use the Insurrection Act. 50 percent of the presidents, almost, have used that. And that's unquestioned power, the president told Bartiromo, before making a somewhat garbled point about Democratic state officials: I choose not to. Id rather do this [without invoking it]. But Im met constantly by fake politicians, politicians that think that they  you know, its not a part of the radical left movement to have safety.

He also confirmed that he was imminently planning to send National Guard troops to San Francisco, while describing himself as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.

Donald Trump said that crime in San Francisco was out of control, even though it's at a 20-year-low overall (AFP via Getty Images)

San Francisco was truly one of the great cities of the world, and then 15 years ago, it went wrong. It went woke, said the president. But were going to go to San Francisco, and were going to make it great.

The city, which is experiencing a 20-year low in its overall crime rate, has areas where crime and issues including drug use and homelessness are persistent problems such as the famous Tenderloin district. In 2023, according to city statistics, the Tenderloin district averaged more than four calls reporting violent crimes per day. Rates of violent and non-violent crime have fallen in the district, but still remain higher than in surrounding areas for the most part.

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By sending troops to San Francisco, Trump would once again be putting himself in direct conflict with Gavin Newsom, Californias Democratic governor. Newsom, who is a leading possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, challenged the president in the courts after Trump used National Guard forces to protect ICE agents and detention centers in Los Angeles earlier this year.

California will resist any effort by Donald Trump to militarize another American city for his own vanity and deranged fantasies, a spokesperson for the governor told Politico in a statement. California doesnt want or need the National Guard to police its streets. In this state, we take care of our own communitiesunlike Trump who cant even pay the soldiers under his command.

Gavin Newsom halted Trumps use of the National Guard in Los Angeles earlier this year (AP)

The White House and Department of Justice have battled state leaders in the courts over the efforts to expand Trumps National Guard deployments. The president deployed troops to Memphis with the support of the states Republican governor, and has battled with Democratic leaders in Illinois and Oregon over sending troops to Chicago and Portland.

A senior Border Patrol official tweeted that criminal organizations were allegedly plotting to kidnap and kill law enforcement officers in cities like Chicago, while Attorney General Pam Bondi told a Senate panel earlier this month that the deployments were necessary to protect ICE facilities.

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San Franciscos mayor hasnt issued a statement directly responding to the presidents threats, but on Saturday released a video message thanking thousands of city residents who hit the streets as part of nationwide No Kings protests against the president.

Millions in cities and towns in every state turned out on Saturday for the demonstrations, which come after months of the Trump administrations threats to federalize U.S. cities and the growing presence of ICE agents and raids in communities across the country. White House officials cast the demonstrators as far-left radicals and terrorists ahead of Saturdays events. No major acts of violence were reported, despite the massive numbers protesting around the U.S.

The president trolled protesters on Sunday with another AI-generated video depicting him in a fighter jet dropping excrement on crowds in Times Square.
President Trump has once again been indecisive, or ambiguous at best, when it comes to trying to stop the killing in Ukraine by not committing US Tomahawk missiles to the fight.

Or is this some monumental bluff to lead Vladimir Putin into a false sense of security ahead of their meeting in Budapest?

The reaction of all the Russian bots and Putins useful idiots in the West to the potential of Tomahawk cruise missiles being aimed at Russia shows how devastating these missiles could be, psychologically at least.

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They bring virtually every strategic Russian military site, including the Kremlin, into range as well as the opportunity to completely destroy the Russian oil industry  which would bankrupt the economy and perhaps end Putins reign as a Tsarist-like emperor.

Whatever guff people read on social media from so-called Russian facing military experts, the Russian military knows that most of the Tomahawks would reach their intended targets. Russian air defence in Iran could not lay a finger on them when they helped destroy the Ayatollahs nuclear programme.

Importantly, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of allowing Tomahawks to fly out of Ukraine in future, and we know that US intelligence is still flowing freely, allowing Ukraine to obliterate an increasing number of refineries in Russia.

Much has been made of the symbolism on display at the Trump-Zelensky meeting on Friday, and most especially of the Russian flag tie, or in my opinion a tie containing the colours of the Russian flag, of secretary of war Pete Hegseth. This could be seen as a nod to the Kremlin, or I hope a distraction to the Russians, with them all focusing on the tie rather than what Trump said, or more importantly the messages he is sending  make peace now or else.

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Trump subsequently told both sides to make peace now and freeze the front lines as they are. But he also knows this is impossible for both warring leaders.

Putins minimalist aim is to subjugate Ukraine, and his maximalist one is to return to the borders of the Soviet Union: this is what he based his special Military Operation on  if he stops now, he knows his regime is finished.

Putin wants all of Donetsk, according to US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Zelensky cannot agree to that as it would open the road to Kyiv, which undoubtedly Putin would take.

It is not just Ukraine at stake this time in Budapest. The German security services have just issued a 10-point briefing of what they believe are the current Russian objectives: number one is to undermine Nato. The last time the US and Russia met in Budapest in 1994, they sealed Ukraines fate of today by taking away their nuclear weapons and then, with the UK, reneged on guarantees of security.

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If this does not bite Trumps conscience, Keir Starmer must step up and be ready to lead Europe to oppose Russian expansion.

I have been one of Trumps fiercest critics in the past, but I applaud him for the remarkable rabbit he pulled out of his jesters hat for peace in the Middle East.

Let us all hope that the US President who turns up in Budapest is the mercurial deal maker rather than the bumptious orator. And that he does not leave Hungary without agreeing to a just peace for Ukraine.

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Donald Trump awarded another government post to a supporter of his 2024 presidential campaign with the announcement that a Detroit pot shop magnate would be his administrations new special envoy to Iraq.

The appointment of Mark Savaya, a Michigan-based businessman and Instagram influencer who has been photographed with the president numerous times, was announced on the presidents Truth Social page.

Im pleased to announce Mark Savaya will serve as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq, Trump wrote Sunday. Marks deep understanding of the Iraq-U.S. relationship, and his connections in the region, will help advance the interests of the American people.

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Trump added of Savaya: Mark was a key player in my campaign in Michigan, where he, and others, helped secure a record vote with Muslim Americans. Congratulations, Mark!

Savaya, according to his LinkedIn page, has no government experience at the local, state or federal level. Hes a business owner in the area around Detroit, where he founded a chain of marijuana dispensaries called Leaf and Bud, known locally for an aggressive billboard marketing campaign along the citys iconic 8 Mile Road that led city leaders to pass an ordinance restricting such ads.

Mark Savaya, Donald Trump's new special envoy to Iraq, poses with Trump in a picture (Instagram - Mark Savaya)

According to a Reddit thread, two of Savayas Leaf and Bud locations have closed since January and the companys website now lists just three brick-and-mortar locations remaining

The site also appears to have been updated to remove references to Savaya, including The Mark Savaya Collection  a hand-picked selection of THC products curated by the founder himself. Reviews mentioning Savaya were still visible on the site as of Sunday, including one noting that a picture of Savaya shaking Rudy Giulianis hand was present in one store location.

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The Independent reached out to Leaf and Bud on Sunday afternoon to confirm Savayas current role with the company. He was previously identified as a visionary behind the dispensary chain on the businesss website.

I am deeply humbled, honored and grateful to President Donald J. Trump for appointing me as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq, Savaya wrote on Instagram Sunday afternoon.

I am committed to strengthening the U.S.Iraq partnership under President Trumps leadership and guidance. Thank you, Mr. President, he wrote.

According to one local news site, Savayas company previously funded billboards along 8 Mile Road that read: Come get it. Free weed.

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Trump, by comparison, is known to be personally opposed to drug use, but has softened his stance in recent years. He supported Floridas ballot measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana in 2024. At the same time, he was calling for executions of drug traffickers on the campaign trail; in 2019, he praised China for using capital punishment in some severe drug-related cases.

Since returning to office in January, the president has also launched a series of military strikes targeting vessels it claims are ferrying drugs to the United States in the Caribbean. A wide range of critics across the political spectrum have decried the strikes as illegal under U.S. and international law.
Photo by: Presidential Office of Ukraine/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky were relatively cordial at a luncheon meeting in front of reporters Friday, but the goodwill reportedly devolved into a shouting match when the two leaders disappeared behind closed doors.

The Financial Times reported Sunday that Trump warned the Ukrainian president to accept Russias terms for ending the war lest Russian leader Vladimir Putin destroy Ukraine.

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The meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents descended many times into a shouting match, with Trump cursing all the time, people familiar with the matter said, according to the report.

Trump, in addition, reportedly insisted that Zelensky surrender the entire Donbas region to Russia, a point pushed by Putin during a White House call the day before. Putin reportedly told Trump on Thursday that he would forfeit some small areas of the two southern frontline regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in exchange for it.

During Fridays meeting, Trump appeared to have adopted many of Putins talking points verbatim, even when they contradicted his own recent statements about Russias weaknesses, said European officials briefed on the meeting, the report said, continuing:

According to a European official with knowledge of the meeting, Trump told Zelenskyy that Putin had told him the conflict was a special operation, not even a war, adding that the Ukrainian leader needed to cut a deal or face destruction. The official said that Trump told Zelenskyy he was losing the war, warning: If [Putin] wants it, he will destroy you. At one point in the meeting, the US president threw Ukraines maps of the battlefield to one side, the official familiar with the encounter said. According to the official, Trump said he was sick of seeing the map of the frontline of Ukraine again and again.

Zelensky said in a statement Sunday that decisive steps are needed from the United States, Europe, the G20 and G7 countries to end the war.

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Trump told Fox Newss Maria Bartiromo Sunday that Putin was going to take something from Ukraine. I mean they fought  he has a lot of propertyhes won certain property.

Trump would not commit to sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as requested by Zelensky, he told Bartiromo, because, We need them for ourselves, too.

Read The Financial Times article here.

The post Trump Reportedly Berated Zelensky in Closed-Door Shouting Match  Warned Ukrainian Leader Putin Will Destroy You first appeared on Mediaite.
President Donald Trump said the two survivors from a U.S. strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea suspected of carrying drugs are being sent back to their home countries.

"The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their Countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution," Trump posted on his social media platform on Saturday afternoon.

Trump said the vessel that was stuck was a submarine and said U.S. intelligence indicated it was carrying fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.

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At least 2 survivors of US attack on alleged drug smugglers in American custody

It was the sixth strike on a vessel in the Caribbean since the Trump administration ramped up operations there over the summer, which it says is necessary to stem the tide of illicit drugs coming into the U.S.

Repatriating the alleged drug traffickers avoids what could have been a messy legal battle for the administration and one that could have challenged Trumps war against the cartels. Under the law, unarmed combatants held in military custody are allowed to protest their detention in court.

Trump has insisted that he has the legal authority to use lethal military force against drug cartels -- as opposed to relying on law enforcement to interdict drugs -- because he says the cartels fall into the same category as terrorist organizations that pose an imminent threat to the United States.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over lunch in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, October 17, 2025.

Admiral overseeing operations in Caribbean Sea stepping down, Hegseth announces

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In a legal defense provided to Congress, Trump told lawmakers that the U.S. is in an " armed conflict " with the cartels and that drug smugglers are "unarmed combatants."

Some legal experts have said such an argument is unlikely to hold up in court. However, it was unclear who would challenge Trumps rationale in defense of the drug cartels, with few lawmakers speaking out against it and Trump continuing to expand military operations in the region in recent weeks.

The existence of survivors of the latest military strike could have forced the matter to go before a judge had either of the two survivors protested their status as "unlawful combatants."

B-52s fly off coast of Venezuela in show of force by Trump

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Sending the survivors to other countries essentially keeps the matter out of the court system.

Trump's moves in the Caribbean have ratcheted up tensions in the region, most notably with the Venezuelan government, whose leader the U.S. does not consider legitimate. Earlier this week, Trump threatened to attack inside Venezuela, confirmed ongoing covert operations inside the country and ordered B-52 bombers off Venezuela's coast.
Donald Trump told a Fox anchor that he expected Ukraine to make territorial concessions in any peace agreement his administration could potentially orchestrate between Kyiv and Moscow to bring the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine to an end.

In an interview that aired on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, the U.S. president indicated that under the terms of a deal authored by the White House, Russia would likely be allowed to retain territory it has occupied since February of 2022.

Trump spoke with Russias Vladimir Putin by phone for two hours on Thursday, then met the following day with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House where all public signs of the tension between the two men which had erupted at a meeting this spring had vanished. Privately, however, the Financial Times reported on Sunday that the conversation between Trump and Zelensky repeatedly devolved into a shouting match with the U.S. president warning his counterpart that Russia would destroy his country if he didnt accept territorial concessions.

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On Sunday, Bartiromo asked Trump whether hed gotten a sense from Putin during that conversation that he was open to ending this war without taking significant property from Ukraine?

Cutting in, Trump responded, I did, I did. But his answer shifted as the Fox host finished her question and asked whether Putin would return Ukrainian territory.

Donald Trump told Fox News that Ukraine would likely need to recognize Russian territorial gains in a ceasefire (Sunday Morning Futures)

Well, he's gonna take something. I mean, they fought and, he, uh, he has a lot of property. I mean, you know ... he's won certain property, Trump said, before sarcastically quipping: You know, were the only country that goes in, wins a war and then leaves.

This is a sharp departure from the aggressive rhetoric the U.S. president was pushing in late September, when he was urging Ukraine to continue fighting until it had regained all of its lost territory. Ukraine hasnt signalled a willingness to recognize Russian claims to the Crimean and Donbas regions, including the cities of Donetsk and Mariupol.

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As peace talks with Russia stalled over the summer, Trump hardened his stance against Moscow and seemed to be coming around to an assumption that many in Washingtons foreign policy establishment have held since 2022  that Vladimir Putin isnt interested in peace without significant further Ukrainian concessions beyond what has played out on the battlefield. In the past week, however, Trump has renewed his efforts aimed at securing a peace agreement as he has become emboldened by the shaky truce struck by the White House between Israel on Gaza. On Sunday, that ceasefire seemed to be wavering as both sides traded accusations of violations.

In September, Trump wrote that Ukraine could take back their country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that! in a Truth Social posting. In other statements, he signaled interest in mounting further pressure on Moscow, including through a congressional sanctions package or the sale of further arms such as Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.

The Tomahawk, much sought after by Mr Zelensky, has a range of about 1,600km (995 miles) but experts warned that it could take years to provide the equipment and training necessary for Ukraine to use them effectively. The Ukrainian leader made the request to Trump during his visit to the White House on Friday; Zelensky sees further U.S. military aid including the delivery of new weapons systems as the most effective course of action for putting pressure on Russia to return to the negotiating table.

Yeah, I might tell him [Putin], if the war is not settled, we may very well do it. We may not, but we may do it, the president said earlier in October. Do they want to have Tomahawks going in their direction? I dont think so.

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He backed off that latter idea after threats from Russia and his conversation with Putin on Thursday, and with his latest statement will likely leave many in Washington wondering whether his position truly evolved at all. Putin called the issue a red line for U.S.-Russia relations, while his close ally Aleksandr Lukashenko, president of Belarus, warned it would risk nuclear war in Europe.

After his conversation with the Russian leader Trump also agreed to meet with Putin in Budapest on an undisclosed upcoming date.
President Donald Trump attempted to lower the temperature in the U.S.-China trade war as both sides wrangle over tariffs and export controls.

In an interview with Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures, he also mixed in some flattery for Chinese President Xi Jinping while still airing some grievances.

Im not looking to destroy China, Trump said.

Earlier this month, he announced an additional 100% tariff and software restrictions on China, which has a stranglehold on the worlds supply of rare earths and imposed tighter export controls that threaten a wide range of industries.

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Now theyve forced me to charge them what is the equivalent of 155% to 157%, Trump told Fox.

His tone contrasts with more ominous rhetoric in August, when he said the U.S. holds the upper hand versus China.

They have some cards. We have incredible cards. But I dont want to play those cards. If I did, that would destroy China, Trump told reporters, adding, Im not going to play those cards.

In fact, analysts have noted other ways that the U.S. could target Chinas economy beyond tariffs. In a recent note, Capital Economics pointed to the commercial aviation supply chain, software exports, and U.S. dominance of global financial infrastructure, among other things.

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Markets have been whipsawed by the latest round of escalation and de-escalation in the U.S.-China trade war. After stocks tumbled when Trump announced the new 100% tariff, they rebounded sharply after he said, Dont worry about China and vowed that everything will be fine.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng this week to continue talks ahead of a meeting between Trump and Xi at the end of this month on the sidelines of a regional economic summit in South Korea.

In Trumps latest Fox interview, he said China is always looking for an edge and has ripped off our country for years. He also reiterated that triple-digit tariffs on China arent sustainable and touted his positive relationship with Xi.

I get along great with him. Hes a very strong leader, a very, you know, amazing man, he added. And you look at what hes done and  his life is an amazing story. Its a story for a great movie. I think were going to be fine with China, but we have to have a fair deal.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
President Donald Trump lambasted Colombian President Gustavo Petro as a fresh mouth unpopular politician who is also an illegal drug leader in a scathing tirade on Truth Social on Sunday morning.

The president also said the U.S. would be ending all subsidies to the Latin American nation, effective immediately, before threatening Petro he better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

Trump was referring to fields in Colombia where heroin and cocaine stem from. Those fields, he said, produce a massive amount of drugs that ultimately cause death, destruction, and havoc in the U.S.

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President Gustavo Petro, of Colombia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Colombia, Trump posted. It has become the biggest business in Colombia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America.

He continued in all caps: AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER ME MADE TO COLOMBIA.

Trump added Petro is a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth towards America.

The acid-tongued  or acid-fingered, in this case  post from President Trump came the morning after Petro accused the U.S. of murdering Colombian fisherman last week.

Screenshot

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Trump said that is nonsense and that two men killed were narcoterrorists who were traveling in a drug carrying submarine. The president said it was a great honor to strike the submarine, while also sharing footage of the strike on Truth Social on Saturday. Two other men traveling aboard the sub were picked up by the U.S. Coast Guard and treated for injuries, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Petro, in an X post a few hours after Trumps post on Sunday, said his country has never been rude to the US, but that Trump was being rude and ignorant toward Colombia. He also said he was a socialist  not a merchant or, even worse, a drug trafficker.

The post Trump Slams Fresh Mouth Colombian Prez as Illegal Drug Leader, Cancels US Subsidies first appeared on Mediaite.
President Trump and the White House are increasingly sidelining Congress during the government shutdown, escalating a trend of an emboldened executive branch during Trumps second term.

Since the shutdown began, the administration has canceled or frozen previously approved funding for projects in blue states; threatened to withhold back pay for furloughed workers; carried out additional strikes on Venezuelan drug boats while providing limited information to lawmakers; and reappropriated funds from tariffs that were imposed without congressional approval.

The White House has also in recent days laid off thousands of workers and threatened to eliminate certain programs amid the shutdown.

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Trump earlier in his term used a pocket rescission to unilaterally claw back billions of dollars in previously approved spending, and he has imposed sweeping tariffs that have prompted pushback from some lawmakers who argue he is overstepping his authority.

Republican-led congressional majorities have been almost entirely deferential to Trump in the process, giving the president carte blanche to carry out his agenda with little resistance.

This is a trend thats been true with both Democratic and Republican presidents and congressional majorities, and this administration  is willing to take it to the next degree, said Casey Burgat, director of the legislative affairs program at George Washington University.

Presidents are mostly as powerful as their Congress allows them to be, and right now we have a Congress that seems willing to let this president escalate what weve seen across administrations, Burgat said.

Tariffs

Trump has pressed ahead with imposing widespread tariffs on imports, despite protests from some in Congress that he is exceeding his presidential authority.

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The White House has argued that Trump has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Trump has imposed tariffs on dozens of countries, as well as specific goods, by citing national security concerns.

But critics have argued that tariffs amount to a tax on American consumers and that the presidents use of them violates Congresss role to levy taxes and control spending.

Tariffs have been a rare area where senators have attempted to rein in Trumps actions. An August Senate vote to scrap Trumps wide-ranging tariffs on dozens of countries narrowly failed.

Now its up to the Supreme Court to determine whether the tariffs can proceed, or if they will be unwound. Trump told reporters Wednesday that he may attend arguments in the case at the Supreme Court.

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If we dont have the use of tariffs, we have no national security. This country will have no financial security.  Thats why I think Im gonna go to the Supreme Court to watch it, Trump said.

Reappropriating and clawing back funds

Trump has trampled over Congresss traditional power of the purse in other ways beyond tariffs, including in recent days as the government shutdown threatened pay for military members and funding for certain programs.

The administration has announced it is canceling green energy projects and freezing previously approved funds for transportation projects in Democrat-led cities and states. The stated rationale is that those projects no longer comply with executive orders Trump issued around diversity initiatives, nor do they align with his agenda.

Trump just before the shutdown deployed a rarely used measure known as a pocket rescission to unilaterally cut roughly $5 billion in congressionally approved funding. The cuts, which sparked bipartisan criticism, mostly targeted State Department funding for programs officials said did not align with Trumps agenda.

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More recently, Trump has sought to move around funding to pay for other things, raising questions about his authority to repurpose congressionally approved money without approval from lawmakers.

The White House said Trump would use money brought in from tariffs, which were imposed without congressional approval or input, to cover a funding shortfall for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly known as WIC.

The president also signed an order directing the Pentagon to use funds for other purposes, namely research and development funding, to pay members of the military who otherwise would have missed a paycheck because of the government shutdown.

The Democrats shut down the federal government and are holding the American people hostage to give illegal aliens taxpayer benefits, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social platform X. So President Trump took action by using tariff revenue to fund the women, infants, and children program and his Commander in Chief authority to ensure our troops get paid.

Venezuelan boat strikes

Trump has also brushed off questions about congressional approval when it comes to military strikes.

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Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have announced five strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea in recent months, with the latest coming this past Tuesday. The strikes have killed 27 people in total, according to administration officials.

Earlier this month, the president informed Congress that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with drug cartels characterized as terrorist groups by the administration.

Democrats have objected to the strikes, arguing Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally carry out the strikes under his Article II authority. A resolution to halt the strikes, led by Sens. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), failed in a 48-51 vote earlier this month.

They are given information that they were loaded up with drugs, Trump said Wednesday when asked about congressional pushback. And thats the thing that matters. When theyre loaded up with drugs, theyre fair game.

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Trump on Wednesday also explained why he has not allowed the Coast Guard to stop suspected drug boats, which it has the authority to do.

It never worked when you did it in a very politically correct manner, Trump said. The boats get hit and you see that fentanyl all over the ocean.

Presidents have for years been expanding their war powers, carrying out strikes without first gaining congressional approval. But the Venezuela strikes have raised additional legal questions about whether they violate international law, and whether it opens up a slippery slope for future military action on the seas.

Layoffs, back pay and eliminating programs

Trump has utilized the shutdown as an impetus to dramatically shrink the size of the federal government, with officials suggesting the final total of those dismissed could top 10,000.

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While laying off federal employees is not something that requires congressional approval, the administration has still ignored calls from some in Congress to refrain from doing so. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was among the lawmakers who warned that the widespread layoffs could negatively impact services their constituents rely on.

The White House has also floated that furloughed workers may not get back pay for time away from the job during the shutdown. While many lawmakers have noted that would violate a law passed at the end of the last shutdown in 2019, some top Republicans have suggested the administration may have an argument.

Trump has also threatened to eliminate government programs that he determines Democrats like. The president said he would release a list of Democratic programs that would be targeted, while promising Republican programs would be unaffected.

The Democrats are getting killed in the shutdown, because were closing up programs that are Democrat programs that were opposed to, Trump said Tuesday. And theyre never going to come back, in many cases.

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Lawmakers have contended that shuttering certain government agencies, such as the Education Department or the U.S. Agency for International Development, require congressional approval. But that has not stopped Trump from pushing forward with efforts to gut those agencies anyway.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Donald Trump and his top officials have repeatedly promised to tap the billions of dollars collected from their historic tariff hikes for key priorities like troop pay, nutrition assistance and farmer bailouts. Thats not how it works.

The administration has brought in about $200 billion in tariff revenue so far this year, cash the president and members of his Cabinet have boasted is a sign their tariff hikes are succeeding  and have suggested they can now use at their discretion.

Were going to take some of that tariff money that we made, were going to give it to our farmers, who are, for a little while, going to be hurt until the tariffs kick in to their benefit, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office last month. So were going to make sure that our farmers are in great shape, because were taking in a lot of money.

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The reality, however, is that the White House has extremely limited power to direct those funds without congressional direction, since revenue generated by the federal government flows into the Treasury and Congress decides how that money gets doled out. While the president has tested the bounds of the executive branchs power over spending by freezing, shifting and canceling billions of dollars in other cash Congress has already approved, administration officials have thus far struggled to find ways to use the tariff revenue as Trump and his officials have promised.

The Constitution clearly provides the legislative branch the authority to levy tariffs and taxes, and to spend and appropriate money, said Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican and a top appropriator. So while Im certainly interested in the White House and President Trumps suggestions, theres the necessity of Congress acting to implement that suggestion, if thats the conclusion of Congress.

Contrary to the claims of Trump, Vice President JD Vance and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in recent weeks, the presidents top trade official has acknowledged the conundrum.

I mean, listen, when the tariff money comes in, it goes to the Treasury of the United States. And Congress has to tell it  has to authorize it and appropriate it  right? U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in remarks at The Economic Club of New York earlier this month.

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It's not, like, Jamieson's tariffs that he gets to pay out, Greer continued. That would be really nice.

So while Vance said Sunday that the administration would use tariff revenue to pay military salaries during the shutdown, the Office of Management and Budget says troops have been paid by tapping military research and development funding.

The money the Trump administration is using to fund nutrition assistance to low-income moms and babies during the shutdown is not a product of Trumps new tariffs either, despite Leavitts statement earlier this month that it would be funded by income from new Section 232 tariffs i.e. duties on specific industries like copper, automobiles, steel and aluminum.

Instead, the administration is providing a lifeline for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known commonly as WIC, by pulling money from an account that funds things like school breakfast and lunch programs. Some of the money in that nutrition account comes from import revenue from prior years, as authorized by a 90-year-old law, along with other funding Congress provides each year.

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The most glaring unfulfilled promise to tap tariff revenue involves aid for farmers whose workforces and incomes have been decimated by the one-two punch of Trumps immigration crackdown and trade wars.

China, U.S. agricultures top export market in recent years, has stopped purchasing soybeans and other row crops since the trade war between the two countries escalated in May, leaving harests piling up and farmers panicking.

Farmers need help. All of our farmers do, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said in an interview Thursday. We should divert tariff revenue.  We oughta spend, you know, $20 billion or something on farmers."

Thats roughly how much the Agriculture Department paid out to farmers hurt by Trumps trade war with China in his first term. But the USDA fund the administration tapped in 2020 is now running low.

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Republican appropriators on Capitol Hill and USDA officials have scrambled to figure out how they could use tariff revenues for farmers. Some Republicans on Capitol Hill are privately warning, however, that trying to pass a bill to that end would give Democrats an opportunity to make their own demands or shut down the plans entirely. And some lawmakers have acknowledged that the administration could attempt to spend the money anyway.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), gave a definitive yes when asked if Congress would have to authorize the use of tariff funds.

That doesnt mean the presidents not going to do it and then sort out the process later, Kennedy added. I mean, you see what I see. And I see what you see.

The administration still hasnt offered agriculture groups any details on what an aid package would look like and whether they can actually use tariff funds for the bailout. Theyre instead preparing money from an internal USDA emergency fund, contrary to what the president teased. But that process has been delayed by the ongoing government shutdown, the administration has said.

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"They're finding that they're constrained by the law and the Constitution, Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, the Senate's next Democratic whip. They're learning that just declaring something to be the case doesn't make it true."

Even if the White House finds ways to move the tariff funds to bankroll its agenda, there are limits to how far Trump officials can stretch those dollars. U.S. tariff revenue has increased substantially as a result of Trumps soaring rates on imports from around the world, but it still only makes up about 4 percent of the $4.6 trillion the U.S. government has collected so far this year, mostly through taxes on income, Social Security and Medicaid.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projected that tariff revenue will reduce the U.S. budget deficit by $4 trillion if the duties are left in place until 2035. The $4 trillion figure includes $3.3 trillion in revenue, as well as $700 billion in savings on federal interest payments, and would potentially wipe out any increases to the federal debt from the GOP tax and spending package Trump signed into law in July.

The basic core thing is tariff money is not different from other sorts of money, said Ed Gresser, a former assistant U.S. Trade Representative who now serves as a director at the Progressive Policy Institute. And relative to these other sorts of money, its small. Its costly to the public, but it hasnt changed the governments fiscal position at all.

Grace Yarrow, Doug Palmer, Ari Hawkins and Marcia Brown contributed to this report.
Donald Trump has hit back after more than seven million people turned out to protest his administration by shading the intelligence of his female opponents in the Democratic Party.

The Democrats are kamikazes right now, they are kamikaze pilots, the president, who spent Saturday night posting AI videos of himself as a fighter pilot dumping mounds of feces on his detractors, told Fox News Sunday.

I looked at [Texas Representative] Jasmine Crockett, shes a very low IQ person. Shes polling ok in the Democratic Party at the moment, I cant even believe it.

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In almost the same breath, the president also took shots at her Democratic House colleague in New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

AOC is I watched her the other day, its like, you gotta be kidding, he said. This is not going to make our country great.

Trump blasted Democratic opponents Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over what he perceives as their lack of intelligence. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Setting aside the long-standing accusations of misogyny against the only U.S. president ever found civilly liable for sexual assaultand who was once caught on tape boasting that it was acceptable to grab women by the genitalsTrump has been fixated on proving his own intelligence since he first announced his candidacy back in 2016.

AOC was one among a number of Democratic Party officials to participate in Saturday's

On various occasions over the years, hes described himself as a very stable genius, by far stabler and more geniuser than any of them, the smartest person in the room and like, really smart, while hurling insults at his detractors like dumb as a rock, incompetent and stupid, total moron and stupid bastard.

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That fixation has very often also extended to the question of IQ testing, with Trump boasting in only April of this year that White House doctors had never before seen a president get every answer right on their cognitive test.

His assertions on that front are squarely at odds with mounting concerns over outward signs of cognitive decline from the 79-year-old, who will become the oldest president in history if he serves his second term in full, which in the past few weeks alone have included boasting of ending a conflict between Albania and Azerbaijantwo countries more than 1,000 miles apart that have never, in fact, been at war.
Donald Trump demanded that Ukraine submit to Vladimir Putins peace terms or face destruction in an angry meeting at the White House last week, it has emerged.

The US president, who spoke with his Russian counterpart shortly before hosting Volodymyr Zelensky, warned that Putin would destroy Ukraine unless a peace deal was in place.

Shouting and swearing, Mr Trump threw aside Ukrainian maps of the battlefield and pressured Mr Zelensky to surrender the Donetsk region to Russia.

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But he went on to deny the reports overnight and called for a ceasefire along the current front line.

Putin is demanding the withdrawal of Ukraines army from the crucial eastern territory as a precondition for peace.

However, the surrender of Donetsk is a red line for Ukraine, which has long refused to cede the territory, which Russia has failed to capture despite fighting since 2014.

Kyiv still holds about a quarter of Donetsk province. The land makes up part of the so-called fortress belt, a string of heavily defended towns that blocks Russia from making rapid westward advances towards the capital.

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In the White House meeting, Mr Trump echoed Putins talking points, despite them contradicting his own recent assessment that Moscow was a paper tiger, European officials briefed on the meeting told the Financial Times.

Mr Trump is said to have echoed Vladimir Putins talking points during the meeting with Mr Zelensky - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

The US president told Mr Zelensky he was losing the war and said: If [Putin] wants, he will destroy you.

He was supported by Steve Witkoff, his envoy, who was among those most aggressively urging Ukraine to give up Donetsk, claiming that the region  as well as Luhansk  has a significant Russian-speaking population.

On his return to Washington on Sunday, Mr Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that the two sides should just stop at the lines where they are, the battle lines.

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He denied that the meeting with Mr Zelensky descended into a shouting match, describing it as cordial.

We think that what they should do is just stop at the lines where they are, the battle lines, he said. The rest is very tough to negotiate if youre going to say, you take this, we take that.

Asked if he had told the Ukrainian president that Kyiv must cede the entire Donbas region, Mr Trump said no. Let it be cut the way it is. Its cut up right now. I think 78 per cent of the land is already taken by Russia.

You leave it the way it is right now. They can...negotiate something later on down the line, he added.

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A source told Reuters that Mr Trump came up with the proposal after Mr Zelensky said during the meeting that he would not voluntarily cede any territory to Moscow.

Mr Trump is keen to secure another peace deal following the success of his intervention in the war between Israel and Hamas.

In recent months, he has swung between Russian and Ukrainian positions, often cooling on sanctions or further military pressure on Moscow after phone calls with Putin.

He told Mr Zelensky at the United Nations last month that Ukraine was in a position to win the war and dismissed Moscow as a paper tiger before his phone call with Putin on Oct 16.

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At the White House, Mr Zelensky held his ground and refused to cut a deal that would leave Ukraine badly exposed. But the Ukrainian president left in a bitter mood, dashed in his hopes that Mr Trump would authorise deliveries of long-range Tomahawk missiles.

On Saturday, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, said the visit had not gone as Zelensky hoped.

b'

'

On Sunday, Mr Zelensky told NBC News that I dont know the dialogue between President [Trump] and Putin, adding only that he believed Tomahawks could pressurise Moscow into serious peace negotiations.

But JD Vance, the US vice-president, said Mr Trump was yet to make a decision about providing Tomahawks to Ukraine.

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The president right now is certainly hearing that request from the Ukrainians, Mr Vance said, adding: He has not yet made the decision to give Tomahawks to Ukraine.

Asked whether Mr Trump needed to get tougher on Putin, following his decision to turn the screws on Israel and Hamas, Mr Zelensky said: Yes because Putin is something similar but more strong than Hamas. Its more bigger war and he is the second [largest] army in the world.

He denied that Russia was winning the war and said that Putin was after more than just a further tranche of territory, in remarks that appeared to reflect his discussion with Mr Trump.

This is not about territory for Putin

Russias army now [is] in a weak position, he said, with 1.3 million Russian servicemen reportedly killed or wounded and just 1 per cent of Ukrainian land captured since near the start of the war.

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And really I dont understand why the leader of the country which has the biggest territory in the world needs some more kilometres  thats why I think that this war is not about the land and not about territory for him. Its about our sovereignty and about our independence.

Mr Trump is set to meet Putin in Budapest within the next fortnight in an attempt to make progress on a peace deal.

On Monday, Mr Zelensky said he was ready to join the meeting if invited.

During their phone call, Putin told Mr Trump he was willing to cede small parts of the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions under Russias control in exchange for the rest of the Donbas. Moscow has struggled to control the territory and made almost no progress on the southern frontline since 2022.

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A European diplomat told the Washington Post that Ukraine would never accept such a deal. Its like selling them [Russia] their own leg in exchange for nothing, they said.

On Sunday, Mr Zelensky said he told Mr Trump he was ready and willing to attend the Budapest summit, but cast doubt on whether Putin was seriously prepared to make peace.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
By Gram Slattery and Tom Balmforth

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to give up swaths of territory to Russia during a tense meeting on Friday that left the Ukrainian delegation disappointed, according to two people briefed on the discussion.

Trump also declined to provide Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine's use, and mused about giving security guarantees to both Kyiv and Moscow, comments that the Ukrainian delegation found confusing, added the two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss a private meeting.

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After his meeting with Zelenskiy, Trump publicly called for a ceasefire on the current frontlines, a position that the Ukrainian president then embraced in comments to reporters. A third person said Trump came up with that proposal during the meeting after Zelenskiy said he would not voluntarily cede any territory to Moscow.

Still, the meeting was a clear disappointment for Zelenskiy, who had hoped to convince Trump to supply his government with long-range Tomahawk missiles capable of hitting deep inside Russia.

Elements of the talks were first reported by The Financial Times on Sunday.

In recent weeks, there had been indications Trump was deprioritizing efforts to force a deal on Kyiv and Moscow, in favor of throwing his full support behind the Ukrainians.

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But the Friday meeting indicates that Trump may revert to mediating a deal. U.S. officials repeatedly brought up the possibility of a territorial swap between Ukraine and Russia  an idea that Trump had embraced earlier in the year  and the U.S. president said a quick agreement was essential, the sources said.

"It was pretty bad," one of the sources said. "The message was, 'Your country will freeze, and your country will be destroyed'" if Ukraine doesn't make a deal with Russia.

Trump resorted to profanity several times throughout the meeting, the source said.

Two sources were left with the impression that Trump was influenced by a Thursday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During that call, The Washington Post reported that Putin proposed a territorial swap in which Ukraine would cede the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in return for small parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

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One of the sources said that U.S. officials proposed precisely that swap to Zelenskiy on Friday. But Ukrainians see major strategic value in the portion of Donetsk and Luhansk that they still hold  they believe giving up that territory would make the rest of Ukraine much more vulnerable to Russian offensives, the person said.

"We will give nothing to the aggressor, and we will forget nothing," Zelenskiy said during his nightly video address on Sunday. "We clearly see that this Russia is a long-term threat."

On Thursday, before meeting Zelenskiy, Trump said he would soon meet Putin in Budapest. A Kremlin aide said shortly after that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would speak in the coming days to prepare for the summit.

The White House and the Ukrainian president's office did not respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery in Washington and Tom Balmforth in London, Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; editing by Philippa Fletcher and Diane Craft)
By Gram Slattery and Tom Balmforth

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to give up swaths of territory to Russia during a tense meeting on Friday that left the Ukrainian delegation disappointed, according to two people briefed on the discussion.

Trump also declined to provide Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine's use, and mused about giving security guarantees to both Kyiv and Moscow, comments that the Ukrainian delegation found confusing, added the two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss a private conversation.

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After his meeting with Zelenskiy, Trump publicly called for a ceasefire on the current frontlines, a position that the Ukrainian president then embraced in comments to reporters. A third person said Trump came up with that proposal during the meeting after Zelenskiy said he would not voluntarily cede any territory to Moscow.

"The meeting ended with (Trump's) decision to make a 'deal where we are, on the demarcation line,'" the third source said.

Overall, while not a disaster for the Ukrainians, the discussion was a clear disappointment for Zelenskiy, who had hoped to convince Trump to supply his government with long-range Tomahawk missiles capable of hitting deep inside Russia.

The White House and the Ukrainian president's office did not respond to a request for comment. Elements of the talks were first reported by The Financial Times on Sunday.

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In recent weeks, there had been indications Trump was deprioritizing efforts to force a deal on Kyiv and Moscow, in favor of throwing his full support behind the Ukrainians. After meeting with Zelenskiy at the UN General Assembly in September, for instance, Trump speculated that Ukraine could take back all of the territory it had lost to Russia, a possibility even Kyiv sees as remote.

But the Friday meeting indicates that Trump may once again be pushing for a deal as quickly as possible, even if it is on terms that are unpalatable for Kyiv.

U.S. officials repeatedly brought up the possibility of a territorial swap between Ukraine and Russia  an idea that Trump had embraced earlier in the year  and the U.S. president said during the Friday meeting that a quick agreement was essential, the sources said.

SWAYED BY PUTIN?

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"It was pretty bad," one of the sources said of the meeting. "The message was, 'Your country will freeze, and your country will be destroyed'" if Ukraine doesn't make a deal with Russia.

A separate source denied that Trump said Ukraine would be "destroyed."

Both sources said, however, that Trump resorted to profanity several times.

Two sources had the impression that Trump was influenced by a Thursday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During that call, according to The Washington Post, Putin proposed a territorial swap in which Ukraine would cede the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in return for small parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

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One of the sources said that U.S. officials proposed precisely that swap to Zelenskiy on Friday.

Ukrainians see major strategic value in the portion of Donetsk and Luhansk that they still hold  they believe giving up that territory would make the rest of Ukraine much more vulnerable to Russian offensives, said one of the people briefed about the meeting. That source argued that giving up western Donetsk and Luhansk would amount to an act of "suicide."

Two of the sources said U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was among those who most aggressively urged the Ukrainians to agree to Russia's swap proposal. Witkoff mentioned that Donetsk and Luhansk have significant Russian-speaking populations, one of the sources said, a point he has made publicly before.

On Thursday, before meeting Zelenskiy, Trump said he would soon meet Putin in Budapest. A Kremlin aide said shortly after that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would speak in the coming days to prepare for the summit.

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In the Friday meeting, U.S. officials said Rubio planned to meet with Lavrov next Thursday, one of the sources said. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A previous meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska in August yielded no breakthroughs.

(Reporting by Gram Slattery in Washington and Tom Balmforth in London, Anusha Shah in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Ronald Popeski and Humeyra Pamuk; editing by Philippa Fletcher and Diane Craft)
During his 17 October meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump reportedly pressed him to accept Russia's conditions for ending the war, warning that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had threatened to "destroy" Ukraine if it refused.

Source: Financial Times, citing sources

Quote: "Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Russia's terms for ending its war in a volatile White House meeting on Friday, warning that Vladimir Putin had said he would 'destroy' Ukraine if it did not agree. The meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents descended many times into a 'shouting match', with Trump 'cursing all the time', people familiar with the matter said."

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Details: Although Ukraine eventually convinced Trump to back freezing the current front line, the tense encounter underscored the volatility of his stance on the war and his apparent willingness to accommodate Putin's extreme demands, the FT wrote.

European officials briefed on the meeting said Trump appeared to echo many of Putin's talking points almost verbatim, even when they contradicted his own recent remarks about Russia's weakness.

According to one European official, Trump told Zelenskyy he should make a deal or face destruction, warning him: "If [Putin] wants it, he will destroy you."

At one point, the US president reportedly pushed aside maps of the battlefield, dismissing further discussion of the situation.

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The FT confirmed that during their phone call on Thursday, "Putin made a new offer to Trump on Thursday under which Ukraine would surrender the parts of the eastern Donbas region under its control in exchange for some small areas of the two southern frontline regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia".

The proposal was described as only a minor concession compared to Putin's previous offer during his August meeting with Trump in Alaska, when he suggested freezing the front line elsewhere if Ukraine ceded Donbas.

According to the FT, Trump's aggressive repetition of Putin's rhetoric during the Friday meeting "dashed hopes among many of Ukraine's European allies" that he could be persuaded to strengthen support for Kyiv.

Three other European officials briefed on the White House discussions confirmed that Trump spent much of the meeting lecturing Zelenskyy, reiterating Putin's arguments about the war and urging him to accept the Russian offer.

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One of the officials said Zelenskyy was "very negative" afterward, adding that European leaders were "not optimistic but pragmatic with planning next steps".

Background:

After his 17 October meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia "must stop where they are".

Zelenskyy agreed with Trump, saying: "We have to stop where we are now."

According to media reports, during the meeting Trump indicated that he is not currently considering providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.

As reported by The Washington Post, in his conversation with Trump, Putin demanded full control over Donetsk Oblast to end the war, hinting that he was prepared to concede parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts in return.

Zelenskyy rejected the possibility of transferring any additional non-occupied territories to Russia.

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NICOSIA (Reuters) -A moderate won Turkish Cypriot presidential elections on Sunday, defeating a hardliner in a pivotal vote that could help revive stalled U.N. talks on reunifying divided Cyprus.

Centre-left politician Tufan Erhuman sailed to victory in polls with 62.8% of the vote from just over 218,000 registered voters, defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar on a platform of reinvigorating talks with estranged Greek Cypriots on the future of Cyprus.

Erhuman, a lawyer, has pledged to explore a federal solution  long supported by the United Nations  to end the islands nearly 50-year division.

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Tatar and Turkey, the only country which recognises breakaway North Cyprus, backed a two-state policy, which has been ruled out by Greek Cypriots.

Cyprus was split in 1974 in a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-backed coup, which followed sporadic fighting after the breakdown of a power-sharing administration in 1963. North Cyprus was proclaimed in 1983 and peace talks have been stalled since 2017.

Cypriot President and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Erhuman, saying he was committed to resuming peace talks.

Tatar, who came to power in 2020, received 35.8% of the vote.

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The president of North Cyprus is mandated to represent the Turkish Cypriot community in negotiations with Greek Cypriots, who represent Cyprus in the European Union and have a say in Turkey's aspirations to join the bloc.

Mehmet Ali Talat, Turkish Cypriot leader from 2005 to 2010, said Ankara may adapt its approach to the idea of a two-state deal.

"Can it change? I believe so. It depends on what Turkey can get out of a solution," Talat told the Greek Cypriot Politis newspaper in an interview published on Sunday.

(Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Philippa Fletcher)
Opposition candidate Tufan Erhurman has won the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), decisively defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot High Electoral Council has announced.

Erhurman, chairman of the centre-left Republican Turkish Party (CTP), secured 62.76 percent of the vote, compared with 35.81 percent for Tatar in Sundays election.

There are no losers in this election. We, the Turkish Cypriot people, have won together, Erhurman said after the announcement.

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I will exercise my responsibilities, particularly in matters of foreign policy, in consultation with the Republic of Turkiye. Let no one worry, he added, referring to Ankaras longstanding interest in Northern Cyprus.

Tatar, 65, was supported by the Turkish government and advocates a two-state solution for Cyprus. Erhurman, 55, a lawyer born in Nicosia and educated at the University of Ankara, has said he intends to restart negotiations with Greek Cypriots aimed at a federal reunification of the island. He previously took part in talks under former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat between 2008 and 2010 and served as TRNC prime minister from February 2018 to May 2019.

Northern Cyprus occupies less than a third of the Mediterranean island and is recognised only by Turkiye, which maintains more than 35,000 peacekeepers in the region.

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar casts his ballot at a polling station during the Turkish Cypriot leadership election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on October 19, 2025 [Birol Bebek/AFP]

Divided island

Cyprus was divided in 1974 after a coup in the south aimed at uniting the island with Greece. Turkish Cypriots declared independence in 1983, nine years after Turkiyes military intervention following a brief Greek-backed coup which threatened the islands Turkish community.

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Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but only the Greek Cypriot south  home to the internationally recognised government  enjoys full EU membership benefits. Many Turkish Cypriots hold EU-recognised Cyprus passports while residing in the north.

Greek Cypriots reject the two-state proposal, which they see as incompatible with the United Nations and EU-endorsed framework for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

There are around 218,000 registered voters in Northern Cyprus. Polls closed at 15:00 GMT on Sunday, and vote counting took place under the supervision of the TRNC Supreme Election Board at centres across the territory.

Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Erhurman on his victory, reaffirming his commitment to resuming negotiations with Turkish Cypriot leaders.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also congratulated Erhurman in a post on social media, adding that Turkiye would continue to defend the rights and sovereign interests of the breakaway territory.
NICOSIA (AP)  Hopes for a resumption of long-stalled talks to heal Cyprus decades-old ethnic rift were buoyed Sunday when Turkish Cypriots elected a leader who campaigned on getting back to negotiating a two-zone federation with rival Greek Cypriots after an eight-year stalemate.

Tufan Erhurman, 55, won by a landslide, receiving 62.76% of the vote, against incumbent Ersin Tatars 35.81%, according to unofficial figures broadcast on BRT TV. Nearly 65% of 218,000 registered voters cast ballots. The remaining ballots were split among five other candidates who got very few votes.

At a victory rally in front of jubilant supporters, Erhurman said the election was a victory for all Turkish Cypriots irrespective of party affiliation and noted that any steps forward on reviving Cyprus peace efforts would be in consultation with the Turkish government as has been done in the past.

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Turkish Cypriots turned away from Tatars vision for a two-state deal in Cyprus that Turkey has championed since 2017 when the last major push to resolve the dispute collapsed amid much acrimony.

Erhurman had harshly criticized Tatars reluctance to engage in formal peace talks all through his five-year term as a costly loss of time that has alienated Turkish Cypriots from the European Union and pushed them farther on the international periphery.

Nikos Christodoulides, the island's Greek Cypriot president, said in a congratulatory statement that he looks forward to meeting Erhurman as soon as possible and reiterated his readiness to resume peace talks.

Cyprus was as divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded days after Greek junta-backed supporters of union with Greece mounted a coup. Only Turkey recognizes a 1983 Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the north.

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Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, but only the Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally recognized government is seated, enjoys full benefits. Many Turkish Cypriots hold EU-recognized Cyprus passports but live in the north.

The stakes for a Cyprus peace deal are significant. Peace could expedite the exploitation of sizable natural gas deposits that lie in waters off Cyprus southern coast that could power Egypt and Europe. It would also potentially lift Turkish objections to an electricity cable project that would connect Greece and Cyprus. Israel is said to look favorably on extending that link to its own power grid.

Even though election result bodes well for a U.N.-backed push to restart formal negotiations, significant challenges to reaching a peace deal remain.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made clear in his address to the General Assembly last month that he backs a two-state deal on Cyprus. Congratulating Erhurman for his victory Sunday, Erdogan said Turkey could continue defending the sovereign rights and interests of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots. It's unclear if Erhurman has the clout to deviate from this line given the north's economic and political dependence on Turkey.

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Erhurman has rejected claims that he would seek to abolish Turkeys military intervention rights in place under any peace agreement. Greek Cypriots see any such rights enshrined in a deal as a threat to their own security. Greek Cypriot officials said the dealbreaker in the 2017 talks was Turkeys insistence keeping its right to intervene as well as its troops indefinitely on the island.

While the minority Turkish Cypriots say a Turkish military presence is necessary for their protection, Greek Cypriots interpret this as Ankaras means to assert its control over the entire island.

Erhurman says political equality for Turkish Cypriots is non-negotiable. The obscure term is interpreted differently by either side, but Greek Cypriots say a demand by the minority Turkish Cypriots for veto powers over all decisions taken at the federal level is unfair.

The new Turkish Cypriot leader insists Turkish Cypriots shouldnt bear the brunt of another possible talks failure, alluding to the prospect of the international community engaging directly with the breakaway north, through air connectivity and trade if a new round of negotiations collapse. Greek Cypriots have argued that setting such a condition on the talks would disincentivize any search for a fair deal.
NICOSIA (Reuters) -Voters in breakaway north Cyprus went to the polls on Sunday in a presidential vote seen as a test on whether talks to reunify the divided island can be revived.

Incumbent Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who backs a two-state solution, faces the main centre-left rival Tufan Erhuman, who favours renewed United Nations-sponsored negotiations on a federal settlement with Greek Cypriots.

Tatar's position for a two-state deal has been rejected by Greek Cypriots, while peace talks have been in deadlock since 2017.

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Seven candidates are standing, but polls suggest the race will hinge on Tatar and Erhuman, with a runoff on October 26 if there is no outright winner.

Cyprus was split in 1974 in a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-backed coup, which followed sporadic fighting after the breakdown of a power-sharing administration in 1963.

North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey. Polls opened at 0500 GMT and will close at 1500 GMT, with results expected late on Sunday.

(Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
A deranged upstate man was arrested in New York City Saturday afternoon after allegedly claiming he had firebombs that he planned to use at a No Kings protest to attack federal agents  a bust that comes as some of the anti-Trump rallies around the US spiraled out of control.

David Cox, 54, was hit with terrorism charges after bragging to a stranger at a Kwik Fil gas station in Owego  about 198 miles from the Big Apple  Friday night that he had weapons in his trunk and planned to fight ICE agents at a Manhattan rally, police and sources said.

The innocent bystander then reported the threat to cops after Cox left the gas station.

Thousands protested at massive anti-Trump rallies across the country. REUTERS

The NYPD tracked down the Newark Valley lunatic after his car was flagged by a license plate reader  nabbing him around 2:25 p.m. Saturday as roughly 100,000 people demonstrated in Midtown.

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Police said no firebombs or weapons were found in his vehicle.

He was charged with making a terroristic threat, false report of terrorism and making a threat of mass harm, police said.

Tens of thousands of No Kings protesters flooded Manhattan and cities nationwide hurling profanities and waving vulgar signs on Saturday rallying against President Trump and his policies.

Thousands of protesters fill Times Square during a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in New York. AP

Protestors surround a LAPD vehicle during a No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Toby Canham

Over 100,000 demonstrated in the Big Apple for the No Kings protest. REUTERS

Demonstrators  who called for the president to resign  also slammed US Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents, comparing the federal agency to the KKK.

While no arrests were made in Manhattan, protests in other parts of the country descended into chaos late Saturday  with federal authorities forced to fire tear gas at a rowdy crowd that turned violent in Portland, according to Fox News.

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At least three agitators were detained after an alleged assault at a downtown Portland rally, where unrest at a local immigration detention center has caused chaos since June, according to the Portland Police Bureau, the outlet reported.

Over in Illinois, state police arrested at least four protesters near an ICE facility in Broadview  about 10 miles from Chicago  with shocking footage capturing helmeted demonstrators in gas masks clashing with police after dark, FOX 32 Chicago reported.

In Los Angeles, police ran down protesters flooding the streets, injuring one amid the mayhem, photos showed.
DENVER, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A head-on crash in Lincoln County claimed the lives of two men from Charlotte overnight, troopers say.

Around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, the NC State Highway Patrol was called to investigate a deadly crash on NC 16 South near NC 73 in Denver.

Officials say a 2006 Acura RSX traveling north in the southbound lane crashed head-on into a 2014 Nissan Altima. Both vehicles caught fire due to the impact.

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The driver of the Acura, Rashann Jakeem Curmon, 32, of Charlotte, died at the scene. A child in the vehicle was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Their current condition is unknown at this time.

The driver of the Nissan, Steven J. Sweda, 50, of Charlotte, also died at the scene.

The preliminary investigation does not show that speed or impairment caused the crash. During the on-scene investigation, the roadway was closed in the area for around three hours, but has since reopened.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Two children operating a minibike on a roadway were injured, one critically, when a car struck them Oct. 18 in the Village of Lisbon, according to the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.

Waukesha County dispatchers received a 911 call around 6 p.m. Oct. 18 reporting a vehicle crashed into a minibike.

The sheriff's office said an 11-year-old boy was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Family members took an 8-year-old girl to the hospital for minor injuries.

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The driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old woman, remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, authorities said.

Police consulted with the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office, which will review if charges will be filed against the driver. Details of the possible charges were not specified.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 19 did have any immediate updates on the children's conditions.

The Wisconsin State Patrol, the Lac La Belle and New Berlin Police departments and Pewaukee Fire Department assisted the sheriff's department in responding to the crash.

Can you ride minibikes on roads in Wisconsin? Can kids drive them?

Minibikes are similar to tiny motorcycles, designed for recreational use with a small engine.

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The state Department of Transportation says minibikes, motorbikes, mini motorcycles and pocket rockets "are small but can be powerful."

"They are not intended for operating on roadways and may present safety hazards to the operator and others," according to a DOT webpage.

While the news release did not specify where the crash happened, the DOT also says minibike operators are generally not legally allowed to ride on state highways or the interstate.

The Wisconsin DMV does not regulate, register or issue licenses for minibikes, indicating there's no state law against children operating them. But local ordinances may have other restrictions, the DOT says.

Village ordinance covers minibikes

Lisbon's Code of Ordinances does have a section regulating minibikes that says no one younger than 12 can operate a minibike. The village's rules include say minibikes cannot be operated:

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On the property of another without their consent.

Between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m., within 50 feet of a dwelling.

On the shoulders, or in the drainage ditches, of public streets and highways.

In excess of 25 miles per hour, or the posted speed limit, whichever is less.

With more than one passenger.

Without protective headgear.

On a public street or highway, unless the driver has an operator's license and the vehicle is licensed by, and meets the equipment requirements of, the state.

Who is under 12 years of age.

So as to race the engine, or otherwise cause unnecessary or unusual noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of others.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2 children hurt, 1 critically, after car crashes into their minibike
NJ.com regularly publishes editorials expressing the viewpoints of the organizations leadership. This editorial was authored by Tony Dearing, director of news operations.

Two teen-age girls riding an e-bike are struck and killed by a black Jeep barreling at 70 mph, and authorities say it was no accident. They say the driver deliberately crashed into the girls.

Will the accused, 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro of Garwood, be charged as an adult?

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That shouldnt even be a question. It should be a given.

And while we expect authorities to make the right decision, we find ourselves asking broader questions about who the justice system is designed to protect -- and who it fails -- in a crime of this enormity.

The first failure has already occurred.

Battiloro was no stranger to Maria Niotis, one of the two 17-year-old girls killed in the crash. The other victim was Niotis friend, Isabella Salas, also 17.

The family of Niotis says Battiloro had been relentlessly stalking and threatening their daughter. Neighbors report he parked outside her home for months, refusing to leave. Her mother went to Cranford police to report him three times, according to her grandmother.

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How the Cranford Police Department handled those complaints is unclear, but what little weve learned about its response grows more troubling by the day.

According to an attorney representing the family, Battiloro was responsible for two bogus Swatting incidents at the Niotis home in September, but while Battiloro was spotted at the scene of the second incident and spoken to by police, he was sent home and never charged. Both Cranford Police and the Union County Prosecutors Office have declined comment on that.

And then, on the night of the crash, Battiloro was brought in by police for questioning, but they let him go home, a move thats been questioned by law enforcement officials familiar with the case who say there was ample cause to detain and charge him.

Such kid-glove handling of the accused is mind-boggling, given the enormity of the crime. Why such leniency? Did the suspect receive preferential treatment, and if so, did it have anything to do with him being the son of a retired police officer and the nephew of Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro, who lives in Cranford?

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We are not leveling that accusation. But its a question the families and the community are asking, and rightly so. They deserve an answer.

Nor is it just police who are under scrutiny. The death of these teens underscores a short-coming in the 2024 state law designed to protect victims of cyberstalking or threats.

Behavior of the sort Battirolo is accused of would call for a restraining order -- except the state doesnt allow that.

Under the New Jersey Victims Assistance and Survivor Protection Act, minors under 18 cannot file for a restraining order, and one cannot be issued against a person who is under 18.

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That legal gap means teens like Niotis have no access to formal protection, even after her family reported the stalking behavior.

Would a legal restraining order have ended the alleged harassment? Well never know.

But what this tragedy teaches us is that a 16- or 17-year-old needs the same legal protection from stalking, sexual violence and cyber harassment that New Jersey grants to victims 18 or older.

A social movement is afoot to lower the requirement in state law to the age of 15. A brother and sister who live in Cranford are pushing that effort via a petition on Change.org.

We support this initiative and urge lawmakers in Trenton to act on it.

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Meanwhile, something more is owed to the families, the community and the memory of Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas in the wake of this unthinkable tragedy.

The death of these girls has been devastating, and a recent memorial service brought an outpouring of emotion. The Rev. Tom Rice spoke of the event as a time to share the awful grief we feel at the unjust and untimely loss of Isabella and Maria, but also to share the care we have for their families and for our community.

The family and the community are in mourning, and they deserve to see the full weight of the legal system brought to bear, and in a way that allows scrutiny and accountability. That can only happen if Battiloro is tried as an adult.

The case is currently in juvenile court, with the suspect facing two counts of first-degree murder. But were this matter to be heard in the juvenile system, that would be a further cruelty that no family or community deserves to be dragged through.

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For juveniles, all proceedings and court records are cloaked in secrecy. And should the result be a conviction, the lenience in sentencing might be fitting for other, lesser crimes that juveniles commit, but not for the heinousness of this offense.

Prosecutors can ask to move the case to adult court, and would likely succeed. That would be the appropriate outcome, especially given that the suspect is about to turn 18. That would make him an adult, being tried in adult court, and it shouldnt be any other way.

Our position is not driven by a sense of vengeance, but purely by a desire for openness and for what best serves the public interest.

In such a high-profile case, for the public to have confidence in the legal system, it needs to see how justice is conducted. So accountability is essential.

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Ultimately, the questions in this case are ones of fairness. We respect the rights of the accused, but victims and their families have rights too.

Looking at everything thats transpired so far, we cannot say the families or the community have been served well by the legal system.

That can best be addressed by giving New Jersey teens better protection against stalking, bullying or threatening behavior, and by adjudicating this atrocious act in adult court.

A rigorous, independent investigation into the Cranford Police Departments handling of the case is a must, as well.

The families and the community are waiting and watching. So are we.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Maj. Yaniv Kula and St.-Sgt. Itay Yavetz fell in the southern Gaza Strip, and a third soldier was injured in the same incident.

The IDF announced on Sunday that Major Yaniv Kula and Staff-Sergeant Itay Yavetz were killed in battle while fighting in theGaza Strip.

Major Kula, 26, from Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut, served as company commander in the 932nd Battalion, Nahal Brigade.

Staff Sergeant Yavetz, 21, also from Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut, served in the Erez program in the 932nd Battalion, Nahal Brigade.

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Both soldiers fell in Rafah, in southern Gaza.

The 188th Armored Brigade operates in Gaza's Khan Yunis. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

Hamas broke ceasefire with Israel

This comes afterHamas broke the ceasefire agreement with Israel by firing anti-tank missiles and gunfire toward Israeli soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since ordered a "forceful response" on the terror group, including the closure of all crossings into Gaza and the halt of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

A third soldier was seriously wounded in the same incident and was taken to a hospital for immediate treatment.

Netanyahu sent his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. "On behalf of the entire people of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the Nahal Brigade soldiers  Maj. Yaniv Kula and Staff-Sgt. Itay Ya'avetz, of blessed memory  who fell in the difficult incident in Rafah," he said.

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"I also send wishes for a speedy recovery to our wounded in that incident. Yaniv and Itay fought valiantly against the Hamas murderers to protect the security of Israel.

Their courage and heroism will be cherished in our hearts forever. May their memory be for a blessing."

According to the IDF's tally, the deaths of Major Kula and Staff Sergeant Yavetz raise the total of soldiers killed on or since October 7, 2023, to 918.

Some 470 of this number were killed since the start of the military's ground operations in the Strip on October 27, 2023.




San Antonio police have arrested two men who fled a double shooting downtown that left one man dead and another injured.

The men, in their early 20s, were part of a group of people who fled from police by car early Saturday morning, according to a preliminary police report.

Using a police helicopter, officers tracked the car, which crashed near Burnet and Onslow streets. Multiple people exited the vehicle and fled on foot, the police report said.

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Officers were able to establish a perimeter around the area and apprehend two men. A firearm was also recovered, police said. The investigation is ongoing.

ALSO READ: SAPD: Drunken driver causes 'serious collision,' injuring woman and child

The police chase happened after officers first responded to a shooting in progress around 4 a.m. near East Commerce Street and Alamo Plaza, where they found a man with a fatal gunshot wound. EMS pronounced the man dead at the scene, police said.

The officers were then called nearby to respond to a second gunshot victim in the parking lot of the Denny's restaurant near Bowie and East Commerce streets.

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"When officers arrived at the Denny's, witnesses pointed to a group of persons approaching a parked Nissan Altima," the police report said.

The witnesses told officers the group was coming from the area of the shooting. The group matched the description of the suspects from the shooting scene, the report said. Officers called out, but the group did not stop.

"The suspects entered the Nissan Altima as the officers were approaching and fled in the vehicle," police said.

ALSO READ: SAPD: Officer shoots suspect who fired at police during burglary call

The deceased man, 27, has not been positively identified, so the next of kin has not been notified, police said.

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The second gunshot victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center.

This article originally published at Two men arrested after fleeing fatal shooting downtown, evading police.
Two men charged in connection with shooting of 28-year-old woman in Hyannis

Two men are facing charges in connection with the shooting of a 28-year-old woman early Saturday morning.

Evan Araujo, 18, and Jacob Winbush, 19, were taken into custody after an hours-long standoff.

According to police, the shooting occurred around 4:16 a.m. at 174 Main Street in Hyannis. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, a 28-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the chest.

She was initially treated at Cape Cod Hospital before being airlifted to a Boston hospital, where she is expected to survive.

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Araujo and Winbush face multiple charges, including assault to murder, armed with a firearm, and assault and battery with a firearm. Araujo is being held without bail due to a probation violation, while Winbushs bail is set at $100,000 cash.

A preliminary investigation appears that this was not a random act.

Both Araujo and Winbush are scheduled to appear in Barnstable District Court on Monday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW




HARTFORD - Two people were killed in a shooting that broke out sometime Sunday morning at a Franklin Avenue address, police said.

City police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said the call came in around 5 a.m. Sunday morning. At the scene, police found a man and woman, both in their 30s, dead in the residence's stairwell.

Police provided no further information on the shooting as of 9:30 a.m.

This article originally published at Two people killed in Hartford shooting at Franklin Avenue home on Sunday, police say.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  Two women are behind bars after allegedly beating another woman with a hammer and a bat earlier this month in St. Louis County.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Maycee Hogan and Angelina Accardi each with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in connection with the attack. Hogan also faces a third-degree charge.

The charges stem from an attack on Oct. 12 at an undisclosed location in St. Louis County.

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Estranged husband accused of setting wifes STL apartment on fire

According to probable cause statements obtained by FOX 2, Accardi reportedly struck the victim multiple times with a hammer. When the victim tried to grab a bat to defend herself, Hogan reportedly took it and hit with it while the hammer attack continued.

A witness who tried to intervene was also struck with a bat, per the probable cause statement.

Investigators have not disclosed what may have led up to the attack and whether the victim and suspects knew each other.

Warrants were served for Hogan and Accardis arrests this week and both await preliminary hearings on Nov. 10, according to online Missouri court records.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Sunday that the United States conducted a strike against a seventh boat Friday as the Trump administration ramps up its war on alleged drug smuggling.

Hegseth said in a statement on social media that the strike was conducted at the direction of the president on a vessel allegedly affiliated with Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, a militant political group in Colombia that has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States for decades.

"The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route, and was transporting substantial amounts of narcotics," Hegseth said.

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"There were three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel during the strike -- which was conducted in international waters. All three terrorists were killed, and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike."

Hegseth shared video of the strike, which showed the boat getting hit and erupting into smoke and flame.

With the three latest deaths, the U.S. has killed at least 32 people in strikes on alleged drug boats -- mostly against vessels off the coast of Venezuela.

The strikes have raised concerns of escalating conflict leading to war with Venezuela, according to reports.

The Trump administration has been increasing the presence of U.S. troops in the Caribbean as he considers military action inside Venezuela, while Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has started to mobilize volunteer militias.

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"We are certainly looking at land now, because we've got the sea very well under control," Trump told reporters Wednesday.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., filed a bipartisan bill Friday that aims to prevent the Trump administration from entering a full-throated war with Venezuela. Critics of the Trump administration's actions have expressed that only Congress can declare war.

"They had a very hard time explaining to us ... the legal rationale for doing this and the constitutionality of doing it," Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation."

"The brief we got had a tremendous number of holes in it, and they had to go round and around to give us the legal rationale for doing this."
As the trade war between the U.S. and China reignites, the Department of Transportation is considering banning Chinese airlines that fly through Russian airspace. While this might just be another bargaining chip in negotations between the two countries, the stated intention is to reduce the competitive gap that Russia has inadvertently created between American and Chinese planes. The Kremlin closed off its skies to Western aircraft after sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine; thus, flights from the U.S. have to take a longer route to reach China. Russia doesn't restrict Chinese flights, however, giving those airlines shorter flight times and attracting more passengers.

As reported by Reuters, this all gets a bit squirrely, since some Chinese flights already can't use Russian airspace if they want to land in America. The longest non-stop flight in the world right now only wins that title because of this exact reason. The context here is that, in 2023, DOT cut a deal with these airlines that allowed them to operate more frequently on the condition that the new flights avoided Russia. But those already running could keep flying where they'd always flown. It's those latter ones that are potentially on the chopping block.

Read more: These Are The Best Engines Of All Time, According To You

Turbulence from America to China

A Xianmen Airlines 787 Dreamliner lifts off - James D. Morgan/Getty Images

These are two pretty big countries with the largest economies in the world. You might think that flights between them would be common. You'd be wrong: flights between North America and China are actually the least flown of all regions, and it's by design. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were around 150 such flights per week; during lockdown, DOT restricted that to just 35, only opened them back up to 50 in 2024. This is policy, not coincidence.

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So it's already pretty tough to be an airline that wants to fly these routes. Making American planes fly longer paths, while (some) Chinese planes don't have to, has obviously put the former in a bind. The extra flight time comes with more penalties than just driving passengers away: it also means those planes have to reduce weight, meaning either ticket or luggage restrictions. So as you might expect, the Chinese carriers are arguing that this new rule shouldn't be implemented, while United Airlines is actually arguing that more foreign airlines should be subject to the new rule. Imagine that!

This could all just be saber-rattling as the trade war heats back up again, and it's possible this proposed rule will never be implemented. Then again, Russia could always just stop invading Ukraine and re-open its skies to the West. Really, that's the best option.

Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on Jalopnik.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers in the southern city of Rafah, killing two and wounding another, according to the IDF. The incident marked the most serious escalation since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect earlier this month, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

IDF Confirms Soldiers Killed in Rafah

The IDF announced that it will begin re-enforcing the Gaza ceasefire on Sunday night after it carried out a series of strikes against Hamas targets in southern Gaza in response to the terror group violating the ceasefire agreement on Sunday, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The IDF said the attack occurred when Hamas fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on Israeli soldiers. Two soldiers  Maj. Yaniv Kula and St.-Sgt. Itay Yavetz  were killed, and another was seriously wounded, according to the IDF.

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An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas violated the ceasefire, not us. Israel wants to maintain the ceasefire and uphold the aid deliveries.

Israeli Response

Following the attack, the IDF said it launched a series of strikes on Hamas positions in southern Gaza and other areas. The military said it targeted weapons storage sites, firing posts, and terrorist infrastructure, adding that six kilometers of Hamas tunnels were dismantled using 120 munitions.

The IDF released aerial footage showing militants approaching Israeli troops behind the so-called yellow line before being struck. According to the military, its actions were in line with the ceasefire agreement because the terrorists were struck after crossing the yellow line.

Israel also closed the Rafah border crossing and suspended humanitarian aid shipments following the Hamas attack. According to an official government statement,

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed that the Rafah border crossing will not open until further notice. Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with the manner in which Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed upon framework.

Axios reported that an Israeli official said aid deliveries were expected to resume Monday morning local time.

Casualties in Gaza

The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 23 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli strikes. Hamass armed wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed that several of its members  including field commander Yahya al-Mabhouh  were among the dead, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Hamas Denies Responsibility

Hamass military wing denied involvement in the Rafah incident, telling Axios: We are not aware of any incidents or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, because these are zones under Israeli control, and contact has been severed with our groups that remained there.

U.S. Coordination and Diplomacy

According to Axios, Israel informed the United States of its planned strikes in advance through the U.S. command center that oversees the ceasefire.

Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a call with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and other officials to discuss next steps, a U.S. official told the outlet.

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The U.S. official said Washington urged Israel to respond proportionately but show restraint, adding that the administrations focus was on isolating Hamas for its violations and actions and moving fast towards creating an alternative for Hamas in Gaza, rather than resuming the war.

American officials described the ceasefire as a major diplomatic achievement for President Trump. One U.S. official told Axios: The next 30 days are going to be critical. We are now in charge of whats going on in Gaza when it comes to the implementation of the deal. We are going to be calling the shots.

Vice President Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner are scheduled to arrive in Israel this week to oversee implementation of the next phase of the Gaza peace deal, including humanitarian-aid regulation, stabilization efforts, and plans for a New Rafah project under non-Hamas governance, Axios reported.

Ceasefire Re-Enforced

By Sunday night, about ten hours after the fighting began, the IDF said that in accordance with the directive of the political leadership, and following a significant series of strikes, it had renewed adherence to the ceasefire after its violation by Hamas.

The IDF will continue to enforce the ceasefire agreement and will respond forcefully to any violation of the agreement, the military said in its statement.
The No Kings protest Saturday in Fort Worth brought out dozens of veterans who said they are against people violating the Constitution for which they fought.

For the second time this year, hundreds of thousands of people attended similar protests across the country. In Fort Worth, some 6,500 people attended the march around downtown and speeches at Burk Burnett Park.

They came dressed in Army uniforms, veterans hats and pins to highlight their service and why they felt it was important to be seen protesting alongside their neighbors.

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Harold Parkey, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971, said he didnt see his service at the time as a positive contribution to society.

I believe in the struggle of peoples to self-direct their governments, and thats what that was about, and the U.S. was on the wrong side in that struggle, Parkey said.

He said that protests like Saturdays are what the military is about and why his father fought in World War II. Parkey said he didnt expect that at age 76 he would have to be at a protest fighting for the same thing.

Fascism is something that has become real, Parkey said. Its something that if were going to preserve our Constitution and our way of government, were now going to have to struggle for it.

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Brian Kimes, who served 21 years in the Army, said he came out to advocate for veterans healthcare, SNAP benefits and for soldiers to get paid during the government shutdown that started Oct. 1.

Kimes said he isnt a fan of all the government services being cut and the impact on other Americans.

He served all over the world, including time in Europe, South Korea and two combat tours in Iraq. Kimes said he also feels there is a war looming with Venezuela, and he isnt happy about that.

I spent 21 years fighting for my country, Kimes said. To me right now, this is my best way to give back, instead of sitting at home watching it all unfold on my TV screen, so I get a chance to give back to my community.

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Brittany Underkofler, who was injured in Iraq 16 years ago when she was deployed as a military police officer, said she spent time there teaching riot control tactics to Iraqis so they could have safe elections.

That was 16 years ago, and now Im just seeing all these troops being misused against their own citizens, Underkofler said. We make an oath to the Constitution and to our citizens of this country, and thats not whats happening. Were having our troops misused against us.

Between chants of, This is what democracy looks like, Underkofler said she is disappointed because this is not the country she fought for and served.

I dont care what your citizenship status is, youre entitled to due process, Underkofler said. When weve got a president thats ending protections, constitutional rights for so many across the board, with what? A signing of an executive order. No, thats not OK. We dont have a (expletive) king.
Power restriction schedules for industrial consumers across all regions of Ukraine will be in effect from 06:00 to 22:00 on 20 October.

Source: Ukrenergo press service

Details: The company said the restrictions are being introduced due to the aftermath of recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

In Chernihiv Oblast, the local electricity operator is currently applying hourly power cuts for households.

"The situation in the energy system may change. Follow updates from your regional electricity providers," the statement reads.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
With the situation in Ukraine so dire for so long, the Grand Kyiv Ballet didnt want to add to the sadness. So when they dance Swan Lake on Oct. 25 at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven and at the Warner Theatre in Torrington on Oct. 29, Tchaikovskys ballet will have a happy ending. Thats right, the swan doesnt perish.

The dance companys artistic director Oleksandr Stoianov calls the happier ending a present for Ukrainians who live in the United States. We want audiences to associate our country not just with a war but with good emotions.

The choice is neither sacrilege nor unprecedented. Twists on the tragic ending of Swan Lake, in which its cursed lovers unite in the afterlife or otherwise rise to dance again have been around for ages. Upbeat twists on famous tragedies extend beyond ballet  there are alternate versions of Romeo & Juliet that extend back to that plays earliest days.

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Grand Kyiv Ballet has also tweaked its production of Giselle (which was performed in Newtown on Oct. 17) so that it emphasizes the sunrise at the end of the dance rather than the characters spirits returning to their graves.

Stoianov has also made sure that there are several bright, colorful and comic ballets in the Grand Kyiv repertoire alongside Swan Lake and Giselle, including Bolero, Don Quixote and the childrens stories Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Sleeping Beauty.

We have to bring just good emotions. We must bring our art and our energy, Stoianov said.

The Ukrainian dancers choose to spread joy and cheer in the face of heartbreak and adversity, but they are among those suffering. Most are unable to return to their homeland and families.

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Not everybody gets home. We cant come to Ukraine now, Stoianov said. We have two bases: Poland, close to the Ukraine border, and in the U.S. in Washington State.

Stoianov now lives in Seattle. He founded the Grand Kyiv Ballet 11 years ago. Last year, he retired from dancing due to an injury but before that he was not only creating the productions but starring in some of them.

Many but not all of the Grand Kyiv Ballet dancers come from Ukraine, Grand Kyiv Ballet oversees three separate companies that crisscross the U.S. and the world.

Stoianov is excited to play the Shubert Theatre and the Warner Theatre, two grand old Connecticut theaters with big stages ideal for ballet. In Ukraine we have old classic theaters like that. Its what the company is used to.

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All the Grand Kyiv Ballet productions have universally recognized classical ballet styles but are also infused with classical and contemporary Ukrainian dance techniques. Stoianov said his production of The Snow Queen is 50/50 classical and modern.

We were on tour when the war started, Stoianov said. Our families are now safe in other countries.

The company has not been performing in Ukraine since the war began. Before the war, there had been a lot of tours in small cities there, and we would like to bring our company back when we can, Stoianov said.

For now, Grand Kyiv Ballet is bringing in its dances throughout the U.S., making a point of including cities that wouldnt ordinarily be getting visits by international dance companies.

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We try to show ballet in small cities, Stoianov said. Everybody should see beautiful art.

The Grand Kyiv Ballets production of Swan Lake will be performed on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven ($59.50-$129.70; shubert.com) and Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Warner Theatres Oneglia Auditorium, 68 Main St., Torrington ($60-$83; warnertheatre.org).
Ukraine does not plan to surrender any unoccupied territories to Russia as part of peace agreement to end the full-scale war, President Volodymyr Zelensky told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview broadcast on Oct. 19.

The comments come shortly after Zelensky's latest White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who called on Russia and Ukraine to end the war immediately "at the battle line."

"I understand that we have to finish this war ... from the place where soldiers stay, from the contact line, as I understood correctly," Zelensky told NBC's Kristen Welker, on the same day as his meeting with Trump.

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"If we want to stop this war and to go to peace negotiations, urgently and in a diplomatic way, we need to stay where we stay, not to give something additional to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin because he wants because's he's a terrorist."

In a Truth Social post published directly after his conversation with Zelensky, Trump wrote that Kyiv and Moscow should make a deal "with the property lines being defined by war and guts."

The Washington Post later reported, citing two senior U.S. officials, that Putin has demanded that Ukraine hand over full control of Donetsk Oblast to Russia as a condition for ending the war.

A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent)

Zelensky also said any peace negotiations must take place during a ceasefire.

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"Not under missiles, not under drones," he said.

Russia has dramatically intensified large-scale aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities in 2025. The uptick in mass strikes coincides with Trump's return to office, but Zelensky attributed the increase to Russia's expanded production capablitiles and assistance from allies such as North Korea, China, and Iran, rather than changes in the White House.

The escalating aerial campaigns are also a response to Russia's battlefield losses, Zelensky said.

"On the battlefield (Putin's) not winning, that's why he really escalates air strikes," Zelensky said, adding that the Kremlin hopes to cause an "energy disaster" in Ukraine by targeting critical infrastructure ahead of winter.

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Russia's reliance on combined missile and drone strikes highlights Ukraine's need for long-range weapons and stronger air defenses, Zelensky said. While Russia attacks Ukraine with long-range missiles, including some provided by North Korea, Ukraine relies on its domestically produced drones to hit Russian military targets.

U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles would help Ukraine level the playing field, Zelensky said.

Trump did not greenlight Tomahawks for Kyiv during the Oct. 17 meeting, which Zelensky called a "disappointment."

"It's good that President Trump didn't say no  but for today didn't say yes," Zelensky said said. He added that he "counts on continuation of this dialogue" with Trump.

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Trump plans to hold a bilateral summit with Putin in Budapest in the coming weeks. Zelensky has not been invited to participate in the talks. Speaking to NBC, Zelensky said he was "ready" for any format of peace talks with Putin and Trump.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
This was Ukraine war latest for Oct. 18. Read our Oct. 20 edition of Ukraine war latest here.

Key developments on Oct. 18-19:

Putin seeks full control of Donetsk Oblast as key to any deal with Ukraine, WP reports

Ukraine peace deal should give no unoccupied lands to 'terrorist' Putin, Zelensky tells NBC

European leaders push for Ukraine peace plan after disappointing Washington meetings

Russia hits Kharkiv Oblast with new rocket-powered guided bomb for first time

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Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that Ukraine hand over full control of Donetsk Oblast to Russia as a condition for ending the war during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, The Washington Post reported on Oct. 18, citing two senior U.S. officials.

According to the report, Putin indicated he was willing to give up parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, both partially occupied by Russian forces, in exchange for complete control over Donetsk.

Some White House officials described the proposal as "progress," while a senior European diplomat cautioned that Ukraine would likely view the proposal in a very different light.

"It's like selling them their own leg in exchange for nothing," the diplomat said.

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Trump has not publicly addressed the Kremlins demand but, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, urged both sides to "stop the killing and make a deal."

This development marks a shift from Putin's earlier position in April, when he rejected a U.S. proposal to freeze hostilities along current front lines and instead insisted that any peace deal must grant Russia full control over Crimea plus the full four regions that are partially occupied now: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Putin and Trump are expected to continue discussions at a planned summit in Hungary, which is set to take place in the coming weeks.

Read also: No, Russian soldiers in Ukraine are not being forced to fight against their will

Ukraine peace deal should give no unoccupied lands to 'terrorist' Putin, Zelensky tells NBC

Ukraine does not plan to surrender any unoccupied territories to Russia as part of peace agreement to end the full-scale war Zelensky told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview broadcast on Oct. 19.

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The comments come shortly after Zelensky's latest White House meeting with Trump, who called on Russia and Ukraine to end the war immediately "at the battle line."

"I understand that we have to finish this war ... from the place where soldiers stay, from the contact line, as I understood correctly," Zelensky told NBC's Kristen Welker, on the same day as his meeting with Trump.

"If we want to stop this war and to go to peace negotiations, urgently and in a diplomatic way, we need to stay where we stay, not to give something additional to Putin because he wants because's he's a terrorist."

In a Truth Social post published directly after his conversation with Zelensky, Trump wrote that Kyiv and Moscow should make a deal "with the property lines being defined by war and guts."

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The Washington Post later reported, citing two senior U.S. officials, that Putin has demanded that Ukraine hand over full control of Donetsk Oblast to Russia as a condition for ending the war.

A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent)

Zelensky also said any peace negotiations must take place during a ceasefire.

"Not under missiles, not under drones," he said.

Russia has dramatically intensified large-scale aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities in 2025. The uptick in mass strikes coincides with Trump's return to office, but Zelensky attributed the increase to Russia's expanded production capablitiles and assistance from allies such as North Korea, China, and Iran, rather than changes in the White House.

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The escalating aerial campaigns are also a response to Russia's battlefield losses, Zelensky said.

"On the battlefield (Putin's) not winning, that's why he really escalates air strikes," Zelensky said, adding that the Kremlin hopes to cause an "energy disaster" in Ukraine by targeting critical infrastructure ahead of winter.

European leaders push for Ukraine peace plan after disappointing Washington meetings

Following high-level talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Washington this week, European leaders are renewing calls for a peace plan to end Russia's invasion, after an apparent shift in U.S. support for Kyiv.

"Following his meeting with President (Donald) Trump, we have coordinated and will accompany the next steps. What Ukraine needs now is a peace plan," Merz wrote on X.

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Merz also reportedly said that the meeting had not gone as Zelensky had hoped, according to German media outlet n-tv.

The statements come after an intense week of diplomacy culminating in a planned bilateral meeting between Trump and Putin, and the failure of a Ukrainian delegation to clinch U.S. approval to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The Ukrainian team had been hoping to capitalize on improved relations. President Trump has grown increasingly frustrated in recent months by Putins refusal to end the war against Ukraine.

The delivery of Tomahawks, which can strike targets between 1,600 and 2,500 kilometers (1,0001,600 miles) away, would dramatically alter Ukraine's long-range strike capability.

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Using domestically manufactured drones, Ukraine has conducted repeated long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries in a bid to put economic pressure on the Kremlin.

But before the closed-door meeting started, Trump told reporters that the U.S. needed to maintain its own supply of the missiles. He did, however, signal openness to a weapons deal with Kyiv that could involve U.S.-made missiles and Ukrainian drones.

Russia has repeatedly warned that the U.S. supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine would represent a new stage of escalation.

The meeting  the sixth since Trump's return to office  came one day after a phone call between Trump and Putin, during which the leaders agreed to meet in Budapest in the next two weeks.

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Several European leaders held a conference call with Zelensky after the closed-door meeting, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

According to an Axios source who was on the call, Starmer suggested teaming up with the U.S. to shape a Ukraine peace plan inspired by Trumps Gaza proposal.

NATO chief Mark Rutte then pushed for European security advisers to hold a rapid follow-up meeting over the weekend, Axios reported.

Read also: Question of self-preservation  Baltic states move to curb Moscows sway over their Russian speakers

Russia hits Kharkiv Oblast with new rocket-powered guided bomb for first time

Russian forces carried out their first guided bomb strike on the city of Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast on Oct. 18, according to the regional prosecutors office.

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The attack took place at around 5:40 p.m. local time, hitting a residential neighborhood and damaging homes and outbuildings. Authorities initially reported six injuries, and later clarified the number to five. All victims are receiving medical treatment.

Investigators said the weapon was launched from Russian-occupied territory.

Authorities identified the weapon as a new rocket-powered guided aerial bomb, the UMPB-5R, capable of flying about 130 kilometers. Prosecutors said Russia used this type of bomb against Lozova for the first time. They also launched a pretrial investigation into possible war crimes.

The strike comes just two days after Mykolaiv authorities reported that Russian forces had used guided aerial bombs against their city for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion. On Oct. 16, two bombs hit the outskirts of Mykolaiv, regional governor Vitalii Kim said.

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Kharkiv Oblast and its capital have faced relentless Russian attacks for more than two years, since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. In recent months, strikes on the citys densely populated areas have intensified.

On Oct. 13, Russia attacked Kharkiv with KAB guided bombs, damaging a hospital and injuring at least six people. At the time of the attack, more than 100 patients were in the hospital, Oleksiy Dotsenko, director of the facility's surgical department, said in a comment to Suspilne Kharkiv.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Read also: Russia keeps hitting Ukraines training centers  and Ukraine doesnt have an answer





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MOSCOW (Reuters) -Ukrainian drones attacked the Orenburg gas processing plant, the world's largest facility of its kind, and damaged part of it but no employees were hurt in the attack, the region's governor said on Sunday.

The governor, Yevgeny Solntsev, said on his official Telegram channel that the drone strike had caused a fire to break out at a workshop at the plant which emergency services were working to put out.

It is the first time that the plant, part of the Orenburg gas chemical complex, which includes Gazprom's production and processing facilities in the Orenburg region with an annual capacity of 45 billion cubic metres of gas, has been reported to have been hit.

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The plant processes gas condensate from the Orenburg oil and gas condensate field, as well as from Kazakhstan's Karachaganak field.

Separately, the governor of Russia's Samara region, Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, said on social media that air defences had been in action overnight against Ukrainian drones and that the local airport and mobile internet services had been temporarily suspended.

Ukraine has previously tried to strike an oil refinery in the Samara region.

Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement that its air defence forces had shot down 45 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 12 over the Samara region, 11 over the Saratov region, and one over the Orenburg region.

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There was no immediate comment from Ukraine which has stepped up its attacks on Russian refineries and other energy facilities since August to try to disrupt petrol supplies and deprive Moscow of funding.

(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Andrew Osborn)
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Ukrainian drones attacked a gas plant in Russia's Orenburg region, the local governor said on Sunday, causing a fire to break out at a workshop which emergency services were working to put out.

The governor, Yevgeny Solntsev, said on his official Telegram channel that none of the plant's employees were hurt in the attack which left the plant partially damaged.

Solntsev said earlier this month that Ukrainian drones had tried to attack an unnamed industrial facility in the Russian city of Orsk near the border with Kazakhstan.

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Unverified video posted to Telegram at the time showed an object smashing into a facility identified as the Orsknefteorgsintez oil refinery in Orsk.

Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian refineries and other energy facilities since August to try to disrupt petrol supplies and deprive Moscow of funding.

(Reporting by ReutersEditing by Andrew Osborn)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine's long-range capabilities are increasing both in range and in accuracy of strikes on military and strategic targets in Russia.

Source: Zelenskyy's address on 19 October

Details: The head of state stressed that nearly every day or every other day, Russian oil refineries are being struck, which he believes is working to "bring Russia back to reality".

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Quote: "...We also spoke with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, including about our long-range capabilities. There has been an increase both in the range and in the accuracy of our long-range sanctions against Russia. Practically every day or two, Russian oil refineries are being hit. And this contributes to bringing Russia back to reality."

More details: Zelenskyy thanked the military and Ukraine's partners for their joint efforts in strengthening the country's defence and technological capabilities.

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LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's Prince Andrew asked police in 2011 to dig up personal information about Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused him of sexually abusing her as a teenager, a British newspaper reported on Sunday, days after the royal gave up his Duke of York title.

London's Metropolitan Police said it was "actively looking" into the allegations in the Mail on Sunday report. Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles, said on Friday he would no longer use his title following years of criticism about his behaviour and connections to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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He said the accusations - which he has repeatedly denied - were a distraction from the work of the king and the royals.

Sunday's report, however, suggests the move has failed to contain the scandal.

Andrew, 65, stepped down from a roving UK trade ambassador role in 2011, before quitting all royal duties in 2019 and then was stripped of his military links and royal patronages in 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

That year, he settled a lawsuit brought by Giuffre, who died by suicide in April, which accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager. Andrew has always denied her account, which has returned to prominence with the release of her memoir.

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The report in the Mail on Sunday said Andrew had asked one of his personal protection officers to dig up information about his accuser, citing an email sent by Andrew to Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary at the time.

Andrew said he had given police her date of birth and social security number, adding that he believed she had a criminal record in the United States, according to the email quoted by the Mail on Sunday.

Giuffre's family told the newspaper she did not have a criminal record.

There is no suggestion the officer complied, the Mail on Sunday said.

"We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made," a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said.

British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told the BBC the new allegations were "deeply concerning".

(Reporting by Paul Sandle;Editing by Helen Popper)
By Alexander Cornwell

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - British anti-immigration campaigner Tommy Robinson said he believes the Reform UK party is poised to win Britain's next general election, even as he questioned the credibility of its leader, Nigel Farage.

Addressing an audience in Tel Aviv on Saturday, Robinson, who rose to prominence in Britain more than a decade ago by organising protests against Islam, was met with a standing ovation before a two-hour speech criticising immigration, the media and the British government.

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"I think Reform will win the next election," he said of the populist right-wing party that holds just five of the 650 seats in Britain's parliament but is leading in public opinion polls.

'WE HAVE TO PUSH NIGEL FARAGE'

Robinson's prediction for the general election, to be held by 2029, drew loud applause. But he also told the audience, which included members of Israel's government, that he doubted Farage would be a "great friend of Israel".

"He is the best we have. But I think we have to push Nigel Farage," he said. "Nigel will go whichever way the wind flows."

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Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said he did not want to get into a "slagging match" but then cited past comments by Farage, who helped champion Britain's exit from the European Union, warning against politically alienating Britain's Muslim community.

"How do you not alienate the Islamic community? You're going to have to throw the Jews under the bus," Robinson said, before repeating that he expected Reform would win the next election.

"But if you've got a leader already putting up the white flag to a hostile community, then it doesn't bear much hope in Nigel Farage unless he's pushed and forced by public opinion."

Farage and Reform UK did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours.

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Immigration has become one of Britain's most contentious political issues, overshadowing concerns about the faltering economy. Farage has pledged to make it harder for foreign nationals to move to the country, while the Labour government has unveiled measures aimed at tightening migration rules.

Robinson in September organised a nationalist rally in London that attracted more than 100,000 people, with some demonstrators carrying signs with anti-immigration slogans.

HECKLER ATTACKED, REMOVED FROM SPEECH VENUE

In Tel Aviv, Robinson said that, like "every single Western nation", Israel was being "flooded with migration", referring to thousands of Sudanese and Eritrean asylum seekers in the country.

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He criticised the British government's recent decision to recognise the State of Palestine and spoke about his admiration for Israelis as he stood in front of a backdrop featuring the UK's Union Jack and an Israeli flag.

Shortly after he began speaking, a man interrupted, shouting that Robinson was a racist. Several people in the audience attacked the heckler as security removed him from the venue, with some following the man outside, punching and kicking him.

The event otherwise passed without incident as Robinson spoke to an audience that frequently applauded and cheered, at times chanting "Tommy, Tommy Robinson".

He also criticised Qatar, which has been a frequent target of criticism by the Israeli government but is a close U.S. ally and has mediated between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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Organisers had said more than 1,000 people were expected to attend the event with Robinson, who thanked the Israeli government for inviting him to Israel.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews, an organisation representing the Jewish community in the UK, has criticised the Israeli government's decision to invite Robinson, who it has described as "a thug who represents the very worst of Britain".

On Saturday, Robinson dismissed the group as not being representative of Britain's Jewish community. He described himself as a journalist and said it was wrong to call him far-right, citing his support for Israel.

Robinson went on trial in Britain last week, accused of refusing to give police his phone PIN when stopped under counter-terrorism laws. He has called the trial "absolute state persecution" and said billionaire Elon Musk was funding his defence.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by William Mallard)
A United Airlines flight diverted to Salt Lake City last week after the pilots discovered a crack in one of the layers of the windshield, and a weather balloon may have been what caused the crack, according to the company that owns the balloon.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the incident, told CBS News Sunday that the windscreen of United Flight 1093, which was en route Thursday from Denver to Los Angeles, was being sent to its laboratory for examination.

The multilayer windshield is designed to continue to function in case one of the layers is damaged, according to officials.

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NTSB Investigators are trying to determine if something struck the windshield of the Boeing 737 mid-flight and if so, what that object was. As part of the investigation, the NTSB was to speak to the pilots about what they saw and review any available flight voice and data recorder details.

In a social media post late Monday, John Dean, CEO and co-founder of Palo Alto, California-based WindBorne Systems, said he believes it was one of the company's weather balloons that struck the aircraft's windshield.

"I think this was a WindBorne balloon," he said. "We learned about UA1093 and the potential that it was related to one of our balloons at 11pm PT on Sunday and immediately looked into it. At 6am PT, we sent our preliminary investigation to both NTSB and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), and are working with both of them to investigate further."

Yes, I think this was a WindBorne balloon. We learned about UA1093 and the potential that it was related to one of our balloons at 11pm PT on Sunday and immediately looked into it. At 6am PT, we sent our preliminary investigation to both NTSB and FAA, and are working with both of https://t.co/TDtyt08fMe  John Dean (@johndeanl) October 21, 2025

Dean said WindBorne "operates a constellation of long duration lightweight weather balloons to improve weather forecast, with much of our data going to both US and international governments. ... We haven't yet received any operational guidance. Regardless, we just deployed a software change to minimize time at active flight levels and are manually checking it" with all the company's airborne ballons.

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There were 134 passengers on the flight and six crew members, according to United. The airline said the plane landed safely in Salt Lake City, and another aircraft transferred the passengers to Los Angeles.

Much of the NTSB and FAA communications staff are furloughed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Eye Opener: Police arrest a man with an assault rifle at Atlanta's airport

Potential shooting plot at Atlanta airport thwarted, police say

Portland resident says ICE agents entered home without a warrant
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating its fourth homicide in less than 24 hours after someone was killed in the parking lot of Coyote Joes in west Charlotte early Sunday morning.

According to CMPD, around 1:25 a.m., off-duty officers working in the 4600 block of Wilkinson Blvd. responded to the sound of shots fired in the parking lot. The officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Medic.

Police identified the victim as 41-year-old Jason Lamar Neal. A Queen City News photojournalist who went to the scene said it was in the parking lot of Coyote Joes.

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His wife, Carrie Neal, has started an online fundraiser to help support her and her children.

This has been a particularly, and tragically, violent weekend in Charlotte with four homicides in less than four hours. Thats four victims, thats four families who are grieving, Major Dave Johnson with CMPD said. Know that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is working hard in every one of these cases to bring closure and bring justice to these families that are hurting and grieving this weekend over senseless, unnecessary violence. We wont rest and we wont stop until we find justice for these families and these victims.

Following the shooting, police arrested 44-year-old Andre Tyrell Walker in connection with the deadly shooting. Hes being held in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, charged with murder and trafficking cocaine, according to the sheriffs office website.

The investigation into the deadly shooting remains active and ongoing.

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The start to the violent weekend came early Saturday morning when officers responded to a deadly assault from blunt force trauma after an altercation on the 1300 block of Wembley Drive.

Then, around 5 p.m. on Saturday, CMPD said they were investigating two fatal shootings. One on the 5600 block of North Graham Street in north Charlotte and the other on the 100 block of Park Fairfax Drive in west Charlotte.

Last week, CMPD announced homicides were down about 25 percent this year compared to last year. Violence prevention advocates said a weekend like this shows too many people arent thinking of the consequences of their actions, and something has to change.

Weve been too silent for too long, said the Rev. James Barnett with Stop the Killing Crusade. We keep losing people and nothing seems to upset us, and thats what bothers me, the silence in the community.

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Jack Logan with Put Down the Guns Now Young People, believes simply talking to people, especially strangers, can make a difference.

Bring that smile because so many people are troubled and theyre looking for that L-O-V-E, he said.

Anyone with information in any of these cases can call a CMPD detective at 704-432-8477 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Democratic leaders he will invoke the Insurrection Act and tap into unquestioned power, if Dems continue pushing back on his use of the National Guard to fight crime and his use of ICE and Border Patrol agents to deport illegal immigrants.

The president told Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo, during an interview on Sunday Morning Futures, that he would prefer not to use the act. But if politicians like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) keep verbally and legally battling him on his mission to reduce crime and illegal immigration, he will have no choice.

Dont forget, I can use the Insurrection Act. Fifty percent of the presidents almost have used that. And thats unquestioned power, Trump said. I choose not to, Id rather do this. But Im met constantly by fake politicians  politicians who think, its not like part of the radical-left movement to have safety. These cities have to be safe.

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He continued: Our cities that are Democrat-run  exclusively, just about  are unsafe cities. Theyre a disaster.

The presidents 50% claim is not correct  it has been used by 15 presidents (out of 45) and has been invoked 30 times. The act is usually invoked in response to civil unrest, rebellions, and other crises.

It was most recently used by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when he federalized the California National Guard and sent federal troops to Los Angeles to stop rioting, following the acquittal of police officers in the Rodney King case.

Trumps comment on Sunday comes a few weeks after NBC reported Trump was seriously considering invoking the act to more easily deploy National Guard troops to major cities.

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The presidents consideration comes as he has deployed thousands of National Guard troops to cities like Chicago in recent months. Those moves have been met with major pushback from Democratic politicians like Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D), who both sued the president earlier this month to stop him from deploying troops.

Pritzker has also accused Trump of inciting Chicago residents to violence against federal agents on multiple occasions.

Trump, during his interview on Sunday, called Pritzker a dope and said he should be begging for troops to come to Chicago.

In other major news from Trumps interview with Bartiromo, he said trade negotiations with China are going fine and that he still plans on meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping early next month. The president also took a moment to bash Richard Nixon, saying the ex-president unleashed China on the world and created a very strong adversary when he established relations with Chinas communist government back in 1972.

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You can watch his answer about the Insurrection Act above, via Fox News.

The post Unquestioned Power: Trump Warns Fake Dems Hell Use Insurrection Act to Counter ICE Resistance first appeared on Mediaite.
A new recall covers three 16-oz Wawa drinks in four different states due to possible foreign object contamination.

The items include Strawberry Lemonade, Strawberry Milk, and Whole Milk.

The recall was issued due to concerns about a potential foreign object in the bottles.

If Wawa runs your life, you should do a quick refrigerator sweep. A limited batch of pint-size bottlesmade by Wawas beverage facility in Media, PAhas been pulled across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland over concerns about a potential foreign object in the bottles. The FDA classifies it as a Class II recall, which means any health effects are expected to be temporary or reversible, but still, dont chance it.

The three items to look for are 16-oz plastic bottles stored refrigerated:

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Strawberry Lemonade 16oz pint with a code date 11/07/25 and UPC: 007626191018982

Strawberry Milk (lowfat) 16oz pint with a code date 10/06/25 and UPC: 00726191015134

Whole Milk (HVD) 16oz pint with a code date 10/09/25 and UPC: 00726191014403

Each has a unique UPC on the label, so if your bottle matches the product, size, and date above, treat it as part of the recall. Luckily, no other Wawa drinks seem to have been affected at this time.

As for what to do, there's an obvious move: dont drink it. Instead, toss it or take it back to Wawa for a refund. The FDA hasnt specified what the foreign object is, only that it triggered the precaution. Wawa has notified all stores and distributors, as the total impacted is roughly 3,000 units.

We love a Wawa run as much as the next hoagie hero, but safety firstthen coffee.

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Watermelon may be the fruit we associate most with summer picnics in the park. The sweet and juicy red fruit is cool and refreshing on a hot day, cut into big slices and eagerly grasped with both hands as you bite in. But there's one small U.S. city where it's technically illegal to enjoy that rite of summer. Eating watermelon in a public park is against the law in Beech Grove, Indiana  although good luck trying to find anyone who's been nabbed for it.

The ban on watermelon in any of the city of 15,000 residents' four public parks was put in place because the discarded rinds were causing a sticky mess in park garbage receptacles by poking holes in the plastic bag liners. (Instead of throwing watermelon rinds out, they can be turned into the perfect summer candy, or added to a classic side dish.) Station WRTV in nearby Indianapolis cited Beech Grove city board members as saying in 2017 that the law had existed for years, while noting city officials had trouble finding it in the books. However, like many other quirky laws across the country, some of which are old ordinances that were just never repealed, the ban isn't enforced.

While Indiana isn't the sunny U.S. state that produces the most watermelon, the fruit that Beech Grove bars from its parks is an important part of the economy in the state, which is the fifth-largest producer in the country. Some 70% of Indiana's watermelon is grown in Knox County, just over two hours from the city.

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Read more: 11 Tried-And-True Regional Food Classics In The United States

More strange laws about watermelon and other foods

Close-up of eaten watermelon rinds jumbled together - Oleksiichik/Shutterstock

Oddly enough, Beech Grove isn't the only place that legally restricts where you can eat watermelon. In Spartanburg, South Carolina, you can't eat the melon in the Magnolia Street Cemetery. The ban was put in place because train travelers making connections at a nearby station were buying watermelon from a seller and eating it in the cemetery while they waited. When they left, they would leave the rinds and seeds on the ground around the headstones. Not only was that bad on its own, but the ordinance was also intended to prevent watermelon vines from growing in the cemetery from the seeds.

Watermelon is illegal across the board in the Brazilian city of Rio Claro, where, according to the law, you're not supposed to eat or sell it. The 1894 ordinance was instituted when little was known about how yellow fever spread, and it was thought watermelon might be involved. We know now mosquitoes are responsible, not watermelon, but the law everyone ignores officially still exists, as it was never removed from the books.

There are weird laws about eating other foods across the U.S., too. For instance, it's illegal to eat peanuts in church in Boston, and given the noise and mess of unshelled peanuts, it's really not that unreasonable. New Jerseyans are legally barred from slurping soup in a public place, a pretty tough one to enforce. Then there's a law in Marion, Ohio, that doesn't seem like it would have too many violators: People are banned from eating donuts while walking backward.

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For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!

Read the original article on The Takeout.
Hamas has rejected a statement from the United States State Department in which it cited credible reports indicating the Palestinian group would imminently violate the ceasefire deal with Israel.

In a statement on Sunday, Hamas said the US allegations were false and fully align with the misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations crimes and organised aggression against the Palestinians in Gaza.

The US State Department had claimed that Hamas is planning an attack against civilians in Gaza in grave violation of the ceasefire and called on the mediating nations to demand that the group uphold its obligations under the US-backed peace deal.

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In a statement late on Saturday, the State Department said it had obtained credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire, it said, without giving specific details on the planned attack.

The United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza. This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation  Department of State (@StateDept) October 18, 2025

Hamas called on the US to stop repeating the [Israeli] occupations misleading narrative and to focus on curbing its repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The facts on the ground reveal the exact opposite, as the occupation authorities are the ones who formed, armed, and funded criminal gangs that carried out killings, kidnappings, theft of aid trucks, and assaults against Palestinian civilians. They have openly admitted their crimes through media and video clips, confirming the occupations involvement in spreading chaos and disrupting security, it said.

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Hamas said its police forces in Gaza, with broad popular and community support, are fulfilling their national duty in pursuing these gangs and holding them accountable according to clear legal mechanisms, to protect citizens and preserve public and private property.

Attempt to stoke civil conflict

Palestine scholar and Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani described the US State Department warning as mind-boggling.

I think this is really an attempt to stoke civil conflict within the Gaza Strip  to achieve what so far Israel has failed to achieve, Rabbani said.

The Dutch-Palestinian analyst pointed out that Israel has already attempted to wreak havoc in Gaza by joining forces with armed gangs and collaborator militias who act as Israeli proxies in the war-torn enclave.

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To suggest that this is in any way the United States coming to the defence of those whose genocide it has unconditionally supported for two entire years just boggles the mind and defies the imagination, Rabbani said.





Hamas and Israel have been trading blame over violations of the US-mediated ceasefire since it came into force last week, threatening the success of the week-old deal.

Gershon Baskin, an American-Israeli analyst, told Al Jazeera that throughout the history of agreements between Palestinians and Israelis, all of them have been breached one way or another.

If the Americans are serious that they want this to work, they have to be engaged every single day and several times a day to make sure the steps agreed on are carried out on the ground, he said.

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The Gaza Government Media Office said on Saturday that it had counted almost 50 Israeli violations of the peace deal, resulting in 38 Palestinian deaths and 143 injuries since the ceasefire took hold.

It called Israels actions flagrant and clear violations of the ceasefire decision and the rules of international humanitarian law.





According to the office, Israeli forces in Gaza fired directly at and bombed civilians, attacks that reflected Israels continued aggressive approach despite the declaration of a ceasefire.

Israel has also been accused of failing to comply with the ceasefire deal by continuing to block efforts to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

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The opening of Rafah has been called for in order to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip and to allow Palestinians to travel abroad.

Amid growing frustration with Israels refusal to open the Rafah crossing, Rawhi Fattouh, the president of the Palestinian National Council  the Palestine Liberation Organizations legislative body  urged the international community on Saturday to deploy international forces in Gaza to protect Palestinians and ensure the ceasefire deal is implemented.
North Dakota farmers have had a hard go at it this year due to severe weather events, including tornadoes and flooding.

What's happening?

According to InForum, tornadoes, straight-line winds, heavy rain, and frost all contributed to major crop damage for farmers across North Dakota during the 2025 growing season. This left many with steep revenue losses.

"Honestly, it's just sad. It's ... it's kind of depressing," Tony Richards, treasurer and director of the North Harvest Bean Growers Association, told the news outlet. Richards was one of many farmers who lost crops by the acre this summer.

Why is severe weather concerning farmers?

Farmers have always dealt with nature's fury. However, the overheating of our planet is driving more unpredictable weather patterns that are pushing many food producers to the brink. This includes longer and more severe heat waves, droughts, and flooding in many areas.

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According to Carbon Brief, the most frequent types of extreme weather that destroyed crops in 2023-2024 were rain and floods, followed by drought and heat. One crop that has been impacted by drought and heat recently is the olive, which has driven shortages of olive oil along with major price spikes for consumers.

In addition to weather challenges, a trade war between the United States and China is making crop prices unstable, further affecting revenue for farmers, InForum added.

What's being done about severe weather and crops?

Researchers are developing new varieties of crops that are more resistant to disease and severe weather. This is one way science is helping to ensure that communities across the globe have access to the nutrition they need in the face of warming global temperatures.

For instance, super potatoes may be coming to a plate near you soon. Scientists at McGill University in Montreal are working on developing different varieties of these tubers that can withstand different climate-related challenges.

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Other innovative climate-hardy crops under development include drought-proof melons and heat-tolerant apples.

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(Reuters) -U.S. forces attacked a drug-smuggling vessel on Friday and killed three people, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, alleging that the boat was affiliated to a Colombian guerrilla group.

"The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route, and was transporting substantial amounts of narcotics," he said in a post on X.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Nia Williams)
The Nature Conservancy has reached a historic deal to buy four hydropower dams on the Kennebec River in Maine, a move that it says will help bring balance to a vital ecosystem.

The environmental group plans to remove the structures and restore the waterway for native sea-run fish such as American shad, river herring, and Atlantic salmon. Dam owner Brookfield Renewable will continue to operate the dams as TNC undergoes a process to decommission them, per Maine Public. This could take up to a decade.

According to TNC, the Kennebec River and its tributaries host 20 hydroelectric dams, which have severely impacted salmon.

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"Despite having some of the best Atlantic salmon spawning habitat in the country, the Kennebec's run of salmon has dropped from hundreds of thousands each year to nearly zero," TNC says on its website. "Science and nature are telling us that we're asking too much of the Kennebec. The river is out of balance."

These dams have also changed the way that sediment is carried downstream, and they impact birds and other wildlife that depend on a natural river flow, according to John Burrows, vice president of operations for the Atlantic Salmon Federation.

"Once dams were constructed and the river became a series of really slow moving deep impoundments, it really just changed everything about the ecosystem," he told Maine Public.

This project is part of a larger movement in the U.S. and elsewhere to remove dams from rivers and other waterways. For instance, Ohio plans to remove a dam on one of the state's creeks, saying the plan will improve water quality and biodiversity.

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In the Pacific Northwest, conservationists are already seeing the impacts of the largest dam removal project in history on the Klamath River. They say that the removal reaped almost instantaneous results, as salmon have returned to an area of the river that they have not swam for almost a century.

Meanwhile, TNC said that the Kennebec project has the potential to reconnect over 800 miles of river and stream habitat, making it one of the largest river restoration efforts in the nation.

"Through thoughtful collaboration, it can be done in a way that provides economic benefits to towns along the river, from municipal revenue to local jobs, while supporting ecological benefits to fish populations and the communities that depend on them along the river and in the Gulf of Maine," the organization said.

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The United States is prepared to supply European countries with "as much gas and oil as is needed" to replace Europe's dependence on Russian energy imports, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed in his evening address on Oct. 19.

"There should be zero Russian energy resources in Europe, and the signals from America are clear now - they are ready to supply Europe with as much gas and oil as is needed to replace Russian supplies," Zelensky said.

Zelensky's comments come as European allies, in recent months, began pushing for stricter measures against Russian energy, particularly after former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sept. 13 that Washington would impose sanctions on Russia if all NATO members halted imports of Russian oil.

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While neither Trump nor the White House have publicly commented on any details to supply Europe with additional oil and gas, the U.S. president did meet with European leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September in an attempt to persuade them to stop buying Russian oil and gas.

On Oct. 8, EU ambassadors agreed on a plan to phase out Russian gas and oil by 2028, despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia who still rely heavily on Russian energy imports. The draft legislation was initially set to be put to a vote during a meeting scheduled for Oct. 20.

"In our region there is the necessary infrastructure, there is the necessary potential that can help Europes energy independence much more," Zelensky said, adding that Kyiv has made proposal to the U.S. on the development of gas infrastructure, nuclear generation, and other "projects."

Zelensky did not offer specifics on the proposed projects and the Trump administration has not shared any details on the conversations being held.

The largest importers of Russian fossil fuels in August 2025. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

The comments from the Ukrainian president comes just days Zelensky held his sixth meeting with Trump in the White House on Oct. 17.

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Slovakia and Hungary have previously said they will not bow to pressure from Trump to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas unless the European Union secures sufficient alternative energy supplies.

Read also: Ukraine confirms drone strike on Crimea oil depot, releases footage

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Credit: X / WhiteHouse

The United States plans to repatriate two alleged drug traffickers to their home countries after they survived a military strike on their vessel.

The Trump administration is expected to return the two men to Colombia and Ecuador after they were rescued from a narco-submarine in the Caribbean on Thursday.

The strike was the latest in a string of controversial attacks on small craft accused of transporting illegal drugs in the waters off Venezuela in recent weeks.

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The men were being returned to their home countries for detention and prosecution, Donald Trump said.

Their repatriation will fuel further questions about the identity of those on board and the legality of the strikes, which have killed some 27 people.

Mr Trump has so far defended the attacks as countering narco-terrorists and members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organisation.

Credit: X/@WhiteHouse

The president has repeatedly accused Venezuela of being a hub for the trafficking of fentanyl to the US.

In October, he declared the US was in an armed conflict with drug cartels to legitimise military strikes on drug boats.

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On Friday, the president said that Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan leader, had made sweeping concessions to the US after Mr Trump said he was considering ground strikes against Venezuela.

Military escalation

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Mr Trump said: He has offered everything, youre right. You know why? Because he doesnt want to f--- around with the United States.

In a significant escalation, the US military carried out a provocative military training exercise 90 miles off the coast of Venezuela this week.

It was reported that at least two B-52 bombers flew from Louisiana and spent several hours in international airspace near the country on Wednesday.

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The president has also said he secretly authorised the CIA to spy on Venezuela.

The decree would allow American agents to carry out lethal operations in the country and the Caribbean as part of a possible effort to overthrow Mr Maduro.

The US is ramping up pressure on Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro - Jesus Vargas

The attack on the submersible last week was the sixth by the US military since Sept 2.

Unclassified footage of the strike published by the president on social media showed a submarine sailing through waters before it was struck by a missile.

It was my great honour to destroy a very large drug-carrying submarine that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narco-trafficking transit route, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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US Intelligence confirmed this vessel was loaded up with mostly fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics. There were four known narco-terrorists on board the vessel. Two of the terrorists were killed.

At least 25,000 Americans would die if I allowed this submarine to come ashore.

The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution.

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(Reuters) -U.S. forces attacked a vessel associated with a Colombian leftist rebel group, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday, the same day President Donald Trump called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader" and said payments to the South American nation would cease.

Hegseth wrote on X that the Pentagon had destroyed a vessel and killed three people on Friday "in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility," which includes the Caribbean.

He said the ship was affiliated with the leftist rebel group National Liberation Army and was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, without offering evidence to back the claim.

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It was the latest in a series of U.S. strikes in the Caribbean on vessels that the Trump administration says were transporting drugs.

The Pentagon said it had nothing to add beyond Hegseth's initial post.

The Colombian embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The post from Hegseth came hours after Trump accused Petro on social media of "strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs." The United States will stop large-scale payments and subsidies to Colombia, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc," Trump wrote.

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Reuters could not immediately establish which payments Trump was referring to. Colombia was once among the largest recipients of U.S. aid in the Western Hemisphere, but the flow of money was suddenly curtailed this year by the shuttering of USAID, the U.S. government's humanitarian assistance arm.

The U.S. State Department referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a query.

Relations between Bogota and Washington have frayed since Trump returned to office in January. Last month the United States revoked Petro's visa after he joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey Trump's orders.

The U.S. administration's deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean have also outraged Colombians. Many legal experts and human rights activists have condemned the extraordinary series of military actions, with Amnesty International describing it as murder on the high seas.

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Earlier this month, Petro said one of the strikes hit a Colombian vessel, an allegation the Trump administration denied.

Colombia is fighting its own longstanding drug problems. Last year, Petro pledged to tame coca-growing regions in the country with massive social and military intervention, but the strategy has brought little success.

In September, Trump designated countries such as Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia and Venezuela among those the United States believes to have "failed demonstrably" in upholding counternarcotics agreements during the past year.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Raphael Satter; Editing by Nia Williams and Sergio Non)
By David Ljunggren and Raphael Satter

(Reuters) -U.S. forces attacked a vessel associated with a Colombian leftist rebel group, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, the same day President Donald Trump called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an "illegal drug leader" and said payments to the South American nation would cease.

Trump's comments marked a new low in relations between Bogota and Washington, which have frayed since Trump returned to office in January and since his administration launched a series of strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean.

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Hegseth wrote on X that the Pentagon had destroyed a vessel and killed three people on Friday "in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility," which includes the Caribbean.

He said the ship was affiliated with the leftist rebel group National Liberation Army and was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, without offering evidence to back the claim.

The Pentagon said it had nothing to add beyond Hegseth's initial post.

COLOMBIA CONDEMNS TRUMP'S REMARKS

Colombia's Foreign Ministry condemned Trump's remarks as offensive and a direct threat to its sovereignty, and vowed to seek international support in defense of Petro and the country's autonomy.

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"These accusations represent an extremely serious act and undermine the dignity of the president of Colombians," it said in a statement.

The post from Hegseth came hours after Trump lambasted Petro on social media and said the United States would stop large-scale payments and subsidies to Colombia.

"President Gustavo Petro, of Colombia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Colombia," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc," Trump wrote.

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Reuters could not immediately establish which payments Trump was referring to. Colombia was once among the largest recipients of U.S. aid in the Western Hemisphere, but the flow of money was suddenly curtailed this year by the shuttering of USAID, the U.S. government's humanitarian assistance arm.

The U.S. State Department referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a query.

FRAUGHT RELATIONS

Last month the United States revoked Petro's visa after he joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey Trump's orders.

The U.S. administration's deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean have also outraged Colombians. Many legal experts and human rights activists have condemned the extraordinary series of military actions, with Amnesty International describing it as murder on the high seas.

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Earlier this month, Petro said one of the strikes hit a Colombian vessel, an allegation the Trump administration denied.

Petro condemned the most recent bombing, saying the boat belonged to a "humble family", not the National Liberation Army. He also hit back at Trump's remarks.

"Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the United States... but you are rude and ignorant to Colombia," Petro responded on X. "Since I am not a businessman, I am even less a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart."

Colombia is fighting its own longstanding drug problems. Last year, Petro pledged to tame coca-growing regions in the country with massive social and military intervention, but the strategy has brought little success.

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In September, Trump designated countries such as Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia and Venezuela among those the United States believes to have "failed demonstrably" in upholding counternarcotics agreements during the past year.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Raphael Satter; Additional reporting by Sarah Kinosian in Mexico City; Editing by Nia Williams and Sergio Non)
Vice President JD Vance celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps on Saturday at a California event that drew some pushback from Gov. Gavin Newsom over a live artillery demonstration.

The Camp Pendleton demonstration, which the Marines called the largest in a decade in the continental US, involved fighter jets, helicopters, Navy vessels and live fire from a towed howitzer.

Newsom closed a section of Interstate 5 in Southern California due to extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers, including sudden unexpected and loud explosions.

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Firing live rounds over a busy highway isnt just wrong  its dangerous, Newsom, a Democrat who has frequently sparred with the Trump administration, said in a statement.

Vances office disputed the claim that the demonstration was dangerous. William Martin, Vances communications director, said in a statement to CNN that the Marine Corps deemed the demonstration an established and safe practice and part of routine training at Camp Pendleton.

If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead, Martin said. It would come as no surprise that he would stoop so low considering his pathetic track record of failure as governor.

In remarks from Camp Pendleton, Vance  the first Marine to serve as vice president  spoke of his time in the military, saying, I would not be here today, I would not be the vice president of the United States, I would not be the man I am today were it not for those four years that I served in the Marine Corps.

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Vance enlisted in the military after high school, spending four years in the Marines and serving a tour in Iraq in 2005 as a combat correspondent.

Marines listen to Vice President JD Vance speak at the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California, on Saturday. - Mike Blake/Reuters

In his remarks, he also focused on the Trump administrations campaign against woke aspects of the military. It is not our diversity that makes us stronger, Vance said. It is our common purpose, it is our common mission and it is the fact that every single person here bleeds Marine Corps green.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who took the podium before Vance, made a similar argument.

I look out at this crowd, I see a lot of different types of faces. The truth is your diversity is not your strength. Never has been, Hegseth said. Your strength is in your unity of purpose.

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Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, the Pentagon has cracked down on diversity initiatives and rolled back efforts made over the last decade attempting to eradicate toxic culture in the military.

During Saturdays celebration, Vance also delivered a message from the president, acknowledging the weekslong government shutdown but placing blame on Democrats  particularly, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

I bring greetings today from our commander in chief, Donald J. Trump, and he wanted me to tell each and every single one of you that hes proud of you, that he loves you and that despite the Schumer shutdown, he is going to do everything he can to make sure you get paid exactly as you deserve, Vance said.

As CNN has reported, as thousands of federal workers remain furloughed or are working without pay, the Department of Defense is continuing to pay troops by using unobligated research development testing and evaluation funds.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Oct. 19 (UPI) -- As protesters marched against the Trump administration on Saturday, Vice President JD Vance took the stage at an event and live artillery demonstration at Camp Pendleton in California, honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The spectacle was criticized as a "dangerous" show of force by the state's governor, Gavin Newsom.

"Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn't just wrong -- it's dangerous. Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn't strength -- it's reckless, it's disrespectful, and it's beneath the office he holds," Newsom said in a statement. "Law and order? This is chaos and confusion."

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Vance, a former Marine who served in Iraq, delivered a speech in which he attacked Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown and previous diversity initiatives in the military.

He also promised that service members would be paid during the shutdown as hundreds of thousands of other federal workers go without paychecks.

"I know we're here to talk about the Marine Corps. But I have got to get just a little political," Vance said during his speech. "Because congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paycheck."

The demonstration was reported to have been the largest in the United States in a decade and showcased fighter jets, the Naval fleet and live fire from M777 howitzers over a major interstate freeway.

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Newsom's office said in the statement that California officials were recently notified that the White House intended to fire live artillery rounds but were assured on Thursday by Marine Corps officials that they would not be fired over Interstate 5.

"That afternoon, the federal government also directed cancellation of train services, which run parallel to the I-5, on Saturday between Orange County-San Diego County," Newsom's office said in the statement.

"Late on Friday, the state then received notice from event organizers asking for CalTrans signage to be posted along the I-5 freeway that would read: 'Overhead fire in progress.'"

Newsom's office said California officials then asked the federal government for additional details about the event and were told that the live fire activities would take place.

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His office said he closed the freeway to traffic during the demonstration.

"If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead," William Martin, Vance's communications director, told CNN. "It would come as no surprise that he would stoop so low, considering his pathetic track record of failure as governor."
CAMP PENDLETON, California  JD Vance delivered a pep talk to the Marine Corps amid a massive display of military firepower Saturday that prompted California authorities to shut down one of the busiest stretches of highway in the nation.

The vice president made no mention of the No Kings protests that erupted around the nation that same day, including one that drew tens of thousands of people to nearby San Diego, and avoided politics except for a swipe at Democrats over the shutdown and at diversity initiatives.

When officials try to shift focus, to mandating diversity quotas, where they try to inject partisan politics into the American armed forces, they impede the Marine Corps' ability to do its best work, Vance told several thousand troops gathered to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps. That's why the Secretary of war, and the President of the United States, have stood so firmly against that crap.

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The event, a full-throated love letter to the Marine Corps, featured a rare display of military might  a mock amphibious assault on a beach just north of San Diego that involved aircraft, ships and live howitzer fire that prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to close busy Interstate 5, the main artery of Southern California.

Newsom, a frequent critic of the administration and a likely presidential contender in 2028, said in a statement that the prospect of 155-millimeter howitzer projectiles soaring over the highway from the beach could distract drivers on the busy stretch of highway and pose a safety hazard. He also suggested Trump had scheduled the event to intimidate opponents.

Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isnt strength  its reckless, its disrespectful, and its beneath the office he holds, the governor said. Law and order? This is chaos and confusion.

The military exercise unfolded in dramatic fashion, with 1,300 Marines and 4,000 sailors taking part from ships just off the coast under a dazzling sun. Troops made their way to land by parachute, as part of underwater teams and on board amphibious landing craft  backed by screeching fighter jets and other aircraft.

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Both Vance, a former Marine who served as a public affairs officer in Iraq, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth celebrated the show of force and praised the gathered troops for their service to the country and for adhering to standards they argue have eroded in the quest for diversity under previous administrations.

The vice president reminded the troops that President Donald Trump found a way to at least temporarily see that they are paid during the shutdown.

Ive got to get just a little political because congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paycheck, he told the crowd.
Suzanne Barker Griffith has been running a one-person crusade in our area trying to stop a proposed rate increase for Kentucky Power Company. KPC has a rate request pending before the states Public Service Commission.

KPC is seeking a 14.9% increase for residential users and 13-15% for industrial users. KPC says the increase is needed due to declining population and lack of industrial growth in the 20-county area it serves in eastern Kentucky.

Delivering electricity or and other utilities in eastern Kentucky is a capital and labor-intensive task. The terrain in this part of the country is challenging for any utility.

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Theres no question the 20-county area has lost both population and economic growth for many years. Projections going forward dont paint a picture of growth in the immediate future. Declining population as well as declining commerce is the top problem for our region.

Griffith, who is also a Boyd County Justice of the Peace, is a frequent attendee at local government meetings speaking out on this issue. You cant help but admire her persistence in trying to gain support for her cause. This type of grassroots effort is what causes political leaders to move on a position.

Local politicians dont have the final say on a regulated utility rate request. The Public Service Commission does. Members of the PSC are appointed by the governor and require state senate confirmation. The chairman of the PSC lives in Letcher County, which is served by Kentucky Power.

The 20-county area is impacted by poverty, and some of the poorest counties in America are in eastern Kentucky. The state attorney general may intervene on behalf of ratepayers to oppose the proposed increase. Kentucky AG Russell Coleman has intervened on behalf of the people.

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We predict what will happen is what usually happens. The PSC will not grant the entire rate increase but a smaller rate increase is likely to be granted to take effect in 2026.

Kentucky Power tried to sell off its service area to another company, but the sale never happened. KPC is part of America Electric Power in Columbus which has operations in several states.

If a sale ever occurs, it could cause rates to increase even more. The acquiring company would want to amortize its cost of the purchase. Eastern Kentucky politicians are going to have to aggressively recruit businesses east of I-75. The days of coal being king are dead or dying a death in front of the same political leaders.
Volunteers with Georgias Own Credit Union partnered with Habitat for Humanity on Saturday to build homes in four Georgia cities.

Fifty volunteers from Georgias Own kicked off a six-day build in Southwest Atlanta, working on two homesites, including a reconstructed house and a new build.

Georgias Own Credit Union also donated $25,000 to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to further support its mission.

In addition to the efforts in Atlanta, Georgias Own volunteers participated in various activities across the state. In Albany, volunteers focused on painting the interiors of two new homes. In Augusta, a team helped raise money through a Habitat ReStore, while in Camden County, volunteers did yard work and staffed a block party to welcome a new Habitat homeowner to the neighborhood.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Overall, Georgias Own committed $35,000 to this statewide effort, demonstrating its dedication to community service and support for Habitat for Humanitys vision of building homes for those in need.

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Through these initiatives, Georgias Own Credit Union and Habitat for Humanity continue to make a significant impact in Georgia, helping to build over 100 homes annually.

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KILLEEN (FOX 44)  Central Texas voters had a chance to meet and hear directly from candidates seeking statewide office in Texas during a forum held on Saturday, October 18, in Killeen.

The event, hosted by the Bell County Coalition of Black Democrats (BCCBD) and Killeen Democrats, offered a platform for residents to engage in an open discussion about key issues affecting local families, veterans, and small businesses.

The forum took place at the Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 9191 on Zephyr Road. Community leaders moderated the program, which focused on state-level races and the highly-contested Congressional District 31 race.

Candidates Attending Included:

Representative Vicki Goodwin, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas

Joe Jaworski, candidate for Attorney General of Texas

Clayton Tucker, candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Darlene Byrne, candidate for Chief Justice of the Texas Third Court of Appeals

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The event also featured a number of candidates running for Congressional District 31, including Justin Early, Brian Trautner, and Stuart Whitlow.

The forum, which ran from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., was open to the public and well-attended by residents interested in learning more about the candidates and their platforms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Thousands of Marines gathered at Camp Pendleton on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps with a spectacular show of strength and pride  joined by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

The celebration featured live demonstrations of military power, including amphibious landings and helicopter assaults, honoring more than two centuries of Marine Corps history and service.

PHOTOS: Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrated at Camp Pendleton

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Its a tremendous thank you for your service as the Marine Corps recognizes 250 years of fighting for our freedom, said former Marine Jasmine Laburn, who served six years at Camp Pendleton. The camaraderie  I still feel it, even though its been so many years.

Marine veteran Ron Cabrera said the milestone reflects the lifelong bond among Marines. There is no such thing as a former Marine, he said. Youre once and always a Marine. Earning that title at 18 was phenomenal.

JD Vances ties to San Diego explained ahead of Camp Pendleton visit

Lieutenant Kagan Dunlap said the event was about honoring that shared legacy. They deserve to be known for the hard work that they put in and the history they carry, he said. We want to celebrate the 250th of the Marine Corps together.

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Vance, a Marine veteran himself, praised the Corps role in shaping his life and leadership. I would not be the Vice President of the United States of America  I would not be the man I am today  were it not for those four years I served in the Marine Corps, he said.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, second right in front, second lady Usha Vance, left, and their three children are greeted upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) U.S. Vice President JD Vance carries his daughter as he and his son Ewan step off of Air Force Two upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance, second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance, standing second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance, second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance, center right, greets Marines during a demonstration to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Vice President JD Vance, from right, and second lady Usha Vance greet Marines during a demonstration to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Vice President JD Vance, left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance, from right, and second lady Usha Vance participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance, second left, and second lady Usha Vance, right, participate in a briefing during an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of the Marine Corps 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras/Pool Photo via AP) Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif., Saturday, Oct 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Vice President JD Vance, right, and second lady Usha Vance, second left, watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Marines perform in a demonstration with hovercraft and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Vice President JD Vance, from top right, and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Vice President JD Vance, from third left, and second lady Usha Vance watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Vice President JD Vance, center left, and second lady Usha Vance, center right, watch a demonstration by Marines during activities to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Marines perform a demonstration as Vice President JD Vance, not pictured, watches to mark the upcoming Marine Corps 250th anniversary Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Hegseth also commended the Marines for their commitment and courage. United States Marines, hoorah, he said. You are set apart for a distinct purpose. You destroy the enemy for a living.

As the celebration concluded, Dunlap reflected on what unites Marines past and present. No matter what job youve got, where youre from, or what you look like, you can be proud that you were willing to sacrifice part of your life to serve the United States in the Marine Corps.

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The Corps, founded in 1775, continues to symbolize strength, discipline and devotion  qualities on full display at Camp Pendletons 250th anniversary celebration.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Hundreds of people lined Valley Mills Drive between New Road and Waco Drive on Saturday morning for the No Kings Day rally  part of a nationwide day of protest calling for limits on presidential power and a return to what demonstrators described as constitutional balance.

The stretch of roadway, often referred to locally as Freedom Corner, was awash in yellow  the movements signature color  as participants waved American flags, held handmade signs and chanted No kings! and One nation, not one ruler!

The event was one of thousands organized across the country, each intended to send a unified message against what supporters view as authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration.

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In Waco, the tone remained peaceful. Police maintained a light presence while drivers slowed to honk or film the crowd. Families with children, military veterans, retirees and students stood side by side, many saying they were drawn out by concerns about protecting democracy and the rule of law.

By late morning, the group began to disperse quietly, waving flags as passing cars continued to sound their horns. For a few hours on Valley Mills Drive, Freedom Corner lived up to its name  a sea of yellow and red, white and blue reminding anyone passing by that in Waco, free speech still draws a crowd.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
The Berks County sheriffs department is seeking the following fugitives:

Sergio Caicedo-Ramirez

 Sergio Caicedo-Ramirez, 40, whose last known address was in the 800 block of Kenhorst Boulevard, Reading, is wanted on charges of indecent assault on a person less than 13 years of age, indecent exposure and endangering the welfare of children.

Detectives in the Berks County district attorneys office said that between July 24, 2016, and March 23, 2023, Caicedo-Ramirez sexually assaulted a juvenile on multiple occasions.

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He is described as 5 feet 8 inches and 180 pounds.

Yony Sena Sanchez

 Yony Sena Sanchez, 37, whose last known address was in the 700 block of Pear Street, Reading, is wanted on charges of aggravated assault and possessing an instrument of crime.

Police said Sanchez broke into someones bedroom and attacked him with a machete, cutting and bruising the victims leg. The defendants wife stopped the attack, and Sanchez fled after police were called.

He is described as 6 feet 1 inch and 200 pounds.

Anyone with information about these fugitives is urged to contact the warrants division of the sheriffs department at 610-478-6390. Find the complete list of Berks Countys most wanted at berkspa.gov/departments/sheriff/most-wanted.
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  As the No Kings protests kicked off in our area and across the United States of America, there was an incident in Wilkes-Barre that led to police taking one man into custody.

Officials have not been able to confirm the nature of the incident; however, witnesses claim a man in a red Jeep with Trump flags pointed a gun Saturday afternoon.

Police could be seen in a video shared with 28/22 News frisking the man before taking him into custody.

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Authorities could also be seen in the video towing the Jeep away from the scene.

LCCC keeps fall feeling going with Alumni Craft Fair

Its unknown at this time the mans identity or if hell be facing charges in relation to the incident.

28/22 News reached out to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department for details on this incident, and so far, has not heard back.

Details are limited at this time, and 28/22 News will provide updates as new information is made available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
(Texas Scorecard)  As Corpus Christis reservoirs plunge to historic lows, city leaders are mired in political infighting over failed desalination plans, accusations of corruption, and mounting pressure from industry giants that say they cannot scale back water usage.

Corpus Christi is currently in stage 3 water restrictions, with Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir at a combined 12 percent storage level.

The next stage of the drought contingency plan, a Level 1 Water Emergency, requires large-volume and industrial users to curtail water consumption.

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Bob Paulison, executive director of the Coastal Bend Industry Association, told KRIS 6 News that some plants may have to shut down right away during a Level 1 Water Emergency. The industrial sector doesnt have the ability to scale back for water restrictions, he continued.

In a report published by the City of Corpus Christi earlier this year, over $57.4 billion has been invested across the metropolitan statistical area in the past decade. The Port of Corpus Christi is the worlds third-largest export port for crude oil and contributed $113 billion to gross domestic product and about 864,000 direct and indirect jobs to the Texas economy in 2024.

On October 3, the Corpus Christi City Council held a meeting to discuss water supply projects.

District 3 Councilman Eric Cantu claimed a former contractor for the Inner Harbor desalination project told him that some past politicians were on the take.

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Cantu then addressed the mayor, You were against Inner Harbor when it was $309 million, and now its $1.2 billionand you want us to say yes to that? You said no back then.

Corpus Christi officially scrapped a contract for the desalination project late last week, according to a local news outlet.

City Manager Peter Zanoni told the Caller Times that city officials submitted a letter to the Texas Water Development Board on Monday, asking if the loans granted for the desalination plant could be repurposed to a different water supply project.

If you have information about Texas water management, partner with us to ensure transparency. Email our tipline at scorecardtips@protonmail.com.
A pastor in the north suburbs is facing sexual misconduct allegations, the Chicago Archdiocese announced Saturday.

Father Xamie Reyes of the Little Flower Parish in Waukegan is stepping away from ministry during an investigation into accusations of grooming and sexual misconduct involving seminarians, Cardinal Blase Cupich said in a letter to the parish.

"The allegations do not involve children and youth, but they do involve seminarians. This is a very serious matter. Father Reyes will live away from the parish pending the outcome of an investigation into these charges," Cupich's letter read in part. "I know that this is unsettling news, but I take seriously the responsibility to ensure those serving you are fit for ministry and that all are kept safe. I do appreciate your patience as we work to evaluate thoroughly these allegations. Only by doing so can we remain true to our promise to keep everyone safe."

SEE ALSO | Priest from Mexico accused of sexual abuse of minor while visiting Chicago, Archdiocese says

No further information was immediately available.


Archie Collins went to sleep the night of the raid like he often does: on the floor and hungry. He was up on the fifth floor of the five-story brick building at 7500 S. South Shore Drive, in Apartment 502. He had no gas for his stove. No electricity, except for that provided by an extension cord from a neighboring unit. The U.S. Postal Service stopped delivering mail long ago.

He didnt hear the approaching helicopters. He didnt see their spotlights shining through the windows, or hear the snipers land atop the roof, ready to take aim. He didnt feel the presence of the federal agents, from ICE and the FBI, until they were at his door. He awoke only when they kicked it down. When they were upon him.

What happened in his building in the early-morning hours of Sept. 30 has become perhaps the most astonishing moment in a month of astonishing moments surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in and around Chicago since the start of the Department of Homeland Securitys so-called Operation Midway Blitz. A military-style deportation crackdown made for cameras and funded by taxpayers, the mission was announced on Sept. 8 with promises to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in the city.

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In the five weeks since, more than 1,500 people have been arrested, according to an ICE spokesperson. Protesters and agents have clashed outside an ICE detention facility in Broadview, where residents have become familiar with the burning sensation of tear gas on their skin. A single father with no known history of violence was fatally shot by an ICE agent who said the man was trying to run him over. The sight of agents chasing people and loading them into unmarked vehicles has become common throughout Chicago.

With no immediate regard for citizenship or legal status, the agents have repeatedly detained people first and sought information about them later. Its a scene that has played out repeatedly since early September in small-scale street stops, on courthouse steps, outside hardware stores and, infamously, inside a neglected apartment building at 7500 S. South Shore Drive.

Inside the 130-unit mid-rise, hastily nailed wooden boards now cover entrances where those who were detained used to live. During the raid, agents broke down doors and smashed windows. They forced residents outside and bound some of their hands with zip-ties. They corralled them into rented box trucks, while ignoring their cries of being fellow Americans.

In what appears to have been a warrantless operation in a largely Black community, the federal government has provided no public accounting of how many people were detained, who remains in custody and what happened to the children who were living in the building before the blitz but havent been seen by residents since that night. As a result, the distrust and anger has only deepened in a neighborhood already living with the generational trauma inflicted by police brutality.

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Paul Gowder, a Northwestern University professor with expertise in constitutional law, described the raid as a mind-blowing violation of the Fourth Amendment. He considered the military-style siege of the building to be likely one of the most unconstitutional things the federal government has ever done.

The whole point of our system of warrants for searches, due process rights to defend yourself in court, and so forth, is that we dont actually know that somebodys a criminal, Gowder said. We dont actually know that somebodys apartment building or somebodys individual apartment is a crime area, unless a court has said so.

You cant just start with, Oh, you know theres crime, therefore we can do whatever we want.

No public criminal charges have been filed against anyone in connection with the raid as of Friday, either in U.S. District Court or in Cook County. A federal law enforcement source said no cases had even been sent for referral by the agencies involved, which would be the first step in pursuing a federal criminal charge.

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The Tribune has been able to confirm the identity of only one immigrant taken into custody by federal agents that night: a 41-year-old pizza delivery man whose family said he first came to the United States from Mexico when he was 10 years old. Currently in a Kentucky jail, he has no apparent criminal history.

While DHS has said the raid was the result of federal criminal warrants, none have been made publicly available. In fact, in a video released by the Chicago Police Department on Friday, a federal agent confirmed he didnt know about a warrant involving one U.S. citizen until after the man had been detained.

By the time Midway Blitz arrived at his door, Collins had already had enough. Hed grown tired of living without reliable power and without gas, tired of living in a place he described as infested, man with rats and roaches, termites.

Everything, you understand?

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And then came the influx of migrants, he said, and the further neglect of a building already in disrepair and, eventually, the sound of helicopters he didnt register until the agents were already inside, yelling. Even before the night they came through his door, we were already living (expletive) up, Collins said.

Now, when those people came, they made it even worse.

Two days after the raid, DHS featured it in a slickly produced video on social media. The clip begins with the sound of the helicopters. The spotlights dance on the side of the building. Instrumental music  a song titled Elysia and described as serious, tense, uplifting in an online catalog  begins to play.

The agents hold guns and wear tactical gear while they climb a ladder into the building. It looks like a scene from a movie as they apprehend people and lead some into vans. Along with the video is a message from DHS: Darkness is no longer your ally. it says. We will find you.

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In the video, the building at 7500 S. South Shore Drive appears as though its part of a set. In reality its a place of despair and neglect, one the Postal Service has deemed too hazardous or unsafe to provide service, according to a spokesperson. One that has failed city inspections seven times in the past year, and where a legal fight has led to its foreclosure.

Now Collins and his neighbors, the ones left, are trying to make sense of what happened  how migrants, many of them Venezuelan, couldve been placed there only to be targeted.

What was the purpose of having them here, just to come and take them back? Collins asked.

A prisoner housing area

It was a little after 2 a.m. on Sept. 30 when agents crashed through Collins door, he said. They led him outside and placed his hands in zip ties. He turned to notice the sidewalks full of people, some only partially clothed. He waited for a while on a bus, which the federal agents referred to as a prisoner housing area.

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He kept saying, Im a citizen of the United States. He kept saying, Im not who youre looking for.

They was really trying to come and get the Venezuelans, Collins said, referencing the migrants who had moved into the building, many of them fleeing whatever terrors they faced in their homeland only to end up in another untenable situation in Chicago. But I dont understand this.  They dont know the difference between American citizens and Venezuelans?

Authorities have disclosed the name of only one person taken into custody that night. Records show Nathan Howard, 47, was handed over to Chicago police after federal agents discovered he had an outstanding warrant for missing a court date in a drug-related criminal case.

In a video recording released by the Chicago Police Department on Friday, a Chicago police officer asked about the circumstances surrounding Howards apprehension. A board patrol agent  identified as the arresting officer  acknowledges that no one knew about the warrant until after Howard was detained.

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Just tell me who handcuffed em and what time frame, the Chicago police officer says in the video.

Everybody was detained by the special ops guys and brought here to a prisoner housing area, the agent replies. I took his information, I determined he was a U.S. citizen, I ran his info, and he has a bench warrant.

As he pleaded his case in the so-called prisoner housing area, Collins said, the agents hear you, but they dont hear you.

His account is typical among those who experienced the raid or witnessed it. Across the street, Tyrone Billups, who had come to the neighborhood to visit family, heard the helicopters and then watched while federal agents descended on ropes, as if something from video games or movies, he said. Then he heard the unmistakable boom of the flash-bangs.

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Dewayne Jackson, who has lived in the building for two years, could still see the rush of the army people, as he put it, a week later. He vividly recalled the agents forcing everyone out of the building in the dark of night, refusing to give them time to gather their things or even get dressed.

All the males  and then the females and the kids, he said. A lot of people aint have no clothes on.

It was, he said, like something from TV, the agents with glow sticks, and all type of (expletive).

Samantha Stamps, another resident, said she watched the raid from her fourth-floor window. She witnessed agents leading zip-tied people to separate buses: one for migrants and one for Black people.

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Cassandra Murray was not among those forced outside, but she watched everything in disbelief, she said, from the entryway of her fourth-floor apartment. Armed men told her to remain inside, so she looked on as they entered units that Murray said were occupied by squatters and forcibly removed them.

I felt sorry for them because they had absolutely nowhere else to go, she said.

When Venezuelans started moving into the building in 2023, she said they were normal neighbors but left garbage in the hallways and didnt clean up enough. The building had become overrun with rodents. Murrays complaints to building management went unanswered, she said, so she used a translator app on her phone to communicate with the migrants:

I love all of yall, but if we live together we have to clean up after ourselves, the message said.

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And things got a little better. For a while, at least.

Since the raid more than two weeks ago, Murray has moved out. Others cant. At least one of her former neighbors, a 45-year-old woman who asked to remain unidentified, said shes close to leaving. Shed been out seeing friends when she returned home to the sights and sounds of the raid. She estimated that five children were among those zip-tied, alongside roughly 30 adults.

Another witness, Ebony Sweets Watson, 31, said she watched while agents separated men from women and children, zip-tied their hands, and loaded them into Budget rental trucks.

Imagine somebody coming in the middle of the night, taking your kids away from you, zip-tying them, and you have no idea where theyre going, whats going to happen to them, you dont know if youll ever see them again especially if those kids are U.S. citizens and youre not, said Watson, who volunteers with COFI, a Chicago-based organization that helps empower Black and Latina mothers.

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The Tribune spoke with four South Shore residents who said they saw children zip-tied that night, but has not seen any pictures or videos to independently confirm those recollections. The Department of Homeland Security has denied on social media that it restrained children that night, but the agency did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story.

About a week after the raid, the halls and stairwells smelled like rotting garbage and urine. Itd been like that for a long time. What was new was that remnants of the 37 people ICE apprehended littered the halls. There were new diapers. An old pizza box. A hot pink Huffy bike with training wheels.

Collins didnt have much before that night, and now he doesnt have a door, either. As a man who often never knows where his next meal will come from, he constantly worries someone might come in and steal the canned food he receives from a nearby church.

Hostile theater

The buildings exterior tells a story of neglect and abuse, of a place that was forgotten  until the night the helicopters descended  in a neighborhood of contrasts. In the days after the raid, broken and twisted blinds lined open windows. Others had extension cords hanging out of them. Side doors hung open. Dirt and grime lined the hall just past the front entryway.

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Out front, a sign advertised newly renovated apartments for rent. Ones with elevator access, despite the broken elevators, and stainless steel appliances, despite the lack of working utilities and an integrated security system, despite the absence of any security.

There was history here, at least, in South Shore. A strong sense of place and enduring community pride.

Kanye West grew up just half a mile south. Michelle Obamas childhood home stands about a mile away off of Euclid Avenue, where she and Barack Obama lived, briefly, after they were married. Jesse Jackson lived for a long time in South Shores Jackson Park Highlands, an enclave of stately residences also once home to Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers.

Decades ago, the Thunderbird Motel stood atop the land now occupied by the building at 7500 S. South Shore Drive, near the corner with East 75th Street. The motel lured visitors with an inviting roadside sign  the kind that wouldve been fitting on the old Route 66  and its close proximity to Rainbow Beach. In time, though, 75th Street in South Shore morphed into a place to fear.

That quadrant of South Shore had this nickname that people in the neighborhood do not like, and I understand why they dont like it, said Carlo Rotella, an English professor at Boston College who grew up in South Shore. That nickname: Terror Town, which became synonymous with gang violence and crime, and representative of the plight of parts of the South Side.

Rotella grew up in the 1960s and 70s in South Shore and visited often in recent years while working on a book, The World Is Always Coming to an End, about his old neighborhood. It has taken many forms, from its origins with German truck farmers and English railroad workers and its transformation to an Irish neighborhood, then Jewish, before the white flight of the 1950s and 60s. In Boston, Rotella followed the news of the ICE raid back home and had one thought:

People in South Shore have felt starved for the attention of government, of anyone in power, for decades, he said. It seems like an especially cruel irony that, when such attention finally comes, it takes the form of hostile theater  making a spectacle out of beating up on poor people.

In the hours after the raid, a DHS statement described it as an enforcement operation meant to target a location known to be frequented by Tren de Aragua members and their associates. Tren de Aragua is a gang known for its origins in a Venezuelan prison. President Donald Trump declared it a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year, reflecting his administrations emphasis on deporting its members in the United States.

In the aftermath of the raid, though, its unclear how many  if any  of the 37 people ICE detained were gang members or associates. The Trump administration is often quick to celebrate the capture of the worst of the worst, as it has described them, by releasing mugshots and purported criminal records of those detained. That fanfare has been noticeably missing, however, from all its news releases related to the raid at 7500 S. South Shore Drive.

Mark Fleming, associate director of federal litigation for the National Immigrant Justice Center, said the absence of answers from the federal government in the wake of the raid has cast even more doubt on the constitutionality of the operation. The Department of Homeland Security has done little, he said, to prove its vague representations that the raid was tied to intelligence about Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua gang members living in the South Shore building.

They have not demonstrated what their evidence is for any claim about Tren de Aragua, Fleming said. We have no criminal warrant, we have no people presented in criminal court. We have very vague claims that they had intelligence that TDA members or associates spent time at that building, yet they have not produced a shred of evidence of that.

Whats also unclear is how and why the building became a landing place for so many migrants in the first place. Starting in 2022, more than 50,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, arrived in Chicago on buses sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. After spending months in cramped city shelters, many of the asylum-seekers eventually settled in apartments on the South and West sides.

The rent was cheaper in those areas, some migrants said then, and landlords more likely to participate in the states short-term rental assistance program. The state often paid above market rate for units in neighborhoods considered among the citys most violent. The program, though, did not thoroughly vet buildings or landlords, and so some migrants landed in places that seemed unlivable.

One woman, in a Morgan Park bungalow, lived amid a crumbling ceiling and wet floors. Another, in South Shore, lived in an apartment infested by bedbugs. State records indicate that the building at 7500 S. South Shore Drive took part in the migrant housing program. Gradually, residents there noticed more and more migrants.

After a while, you see them so much, and then its like, were friendly, said Dewayne Jackson, one of the buildings residents.

Jackson walked along East 75th Street days after the raid alongside a friend, who also lives in the building. They watched while a crew of workers cleared debris out of a back exit and thought about the night when many of their neighbors disappeared.

He and others in the neighborhood, in the building and out, were still trying to understand the mechanics of it all. The ones most well-versed in the recent history wondered how it made sense for Abbott to send busloads of migrants to Chicago and for those migrants to wind up in inhospitable places throughout the city, only for the federal government to come for them.

And now Abbott, too, has supported the Texas National Guards deployment to Illinois.

This is the arsonist who also sells insurance who also has a fire department, said U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, who represents part of the citys South Side and the south suburbs.

Congressman Jackson lives not far from 7500 S. South Shore Drive. In the early-morning hours of Sept. 30, he said, his phone started ringing. A neighbor whos a military veteran later told him the sounds of the helicopters triggered his post-traumatic stress disorder. It was as if an invasion was starting.

A vulnerable building

The federal forces arrived past midnight on Sept. 30, the dark of a Monday night stretching into Tuesday morning. The agents  from ICE, the FBI, U.S. Customs, Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives  were dressed as though they were Call of Duty soldiers, said Tyrone Billups, the witness across the street.

Those who arrived came prepared for battle. As if going to war. It looked that night along South Shore Drive as though Trump was serious when he suggested that American cities could serve as training grounds for soldiers.

What the federal agents found, though, was a building as vulnerable as any in the city. A building that is basically 7-Eleven, said one resident, Darren Hightower, because you can come any time you want, in and out of unlocked entrances. Living in the building is like being held hostage, Hightower said. You want to go, but you cant go.

Its disgusting day after day and it seems to only get worse day after day. This is before and after the migrants, since everybody wants to blame the migrants, he said.

Jonah Karsh, a community organizer with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization, first visited the building last year after receiving word that residents had gone weeks without cooking gas.

From day one, the conditions in the building were deplorable, said Karsh, who made at least seven trips to 7500 S. South Shore Drive in an attempt to organize residents to take action. This is the worst condition of any building that Ive seen.

The buildings recent history conveys a story of failed policies and oversight that have left some of the citys most forgotten in even more precarious positions. The recent legal history surrounding 7500 S. South Shore Drive is messy, and has been since the Wisconsin-based investor Trinity Flood purchased the property, along with two others in the neighborhood, in 2020.

Not long after, Flood sued the previous building owners, alleging they had misled her about its condition and that she was unaware the building required 24-hour armed security at a cost of $15,000 per month. That lawsuit was settled in 2023 but the property has gone into foreclosure, with Wells Fargo alleging its owed more than $27.5 million.

Flood, the owner, didnt return multiple phone calls seeking comment. After the building failed an inspection earlier this year, the city filed a lawsuit against its owners in Cook County Circuit Court, records show.

At 7500 S. South Shore, the trickle-down effect of the buildings neglect resulted in the loss of security and the gradual erosion of basic services. Somewhere along the way, routine maintenance stopped, Hightower said. Service calls went unanswered. Loitering increased, along with the migrant population. Hightower came to believe that gang members were among some of the buildings residents, but he never saw anyone interfering with the maintenance or operation.

On the narrative that gang members were running the building, that is false, he said.

In June, though, a killing in the building underscored its danger and became a political opportunity. It happened in Apartment 300, where a man named Gregori Arias was fatally shot. Three months later, police arrested Jose Coronado-Meza, 25, and charged him with first-degree murder. On Sept. 22, ICE sent out a press release about Coronado-Meza, identifying him as a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela charged with a brutal, execution-style murder.

The statement blamed Coronado-Mezas presence in Chicago on the Biden administration. ICE announced it lodged an arrest detainer with the Cook County Jail to ensure he is not released into American neighborhoods.

Eight days later, in the middle of the night, agents arrived at Coronado-Mezas old apartment building.

Pepes story

At the building, there are mementos of the departed and no way to know where anyone was taken. It is as if theyve vanished, leaving behind traces of lives interrupted. After masked agents took pizza delivery man Jose Miguel Lopez away, almost two weeks passed before family members heard from him, and when they did, the conversation lasted four minutes.

Lopez, known as Pepe to family, was born in Mexico and first came to the United States when he was 10. He skipped his delivery shift the night of the raid because of the immigration enforcement action throughout the city.

He was in his apartment with his girlfriend when agents grabbed him. In a video from that night, she can heard saying, I love you, Pepe, as they load him into a box truck.

His family knew nothing about his whereabouts for nearly a fortnight. Then at last came a quick phone call.

At least now we know he is alive, said his cousin Jose Luis Lopez, who said Pepe had been pressured by agents to sign a voluntary departure form. For now, Pepe is detained at the Hopkins County Jail in Kentucky, about 330 miles south of his old home in South Shore.

Family members insist Pepe has no ties to criminal activity or any affiliation with a gang. A Tribune search found no criminal charges in his name, and his cousin described him as a hardworking man. The building is full of stories like Pepes, but most of them come without names or personal details.

Nothing is known about most of their whereabouts. Little remains of what they left behind. Ana Gil, the co-founder of the Venezuelan Alliance of Illinois, has sought answers but no one has been able to confirm who was arrested or where they were taken, she said. Theyve spoken to surrounding schools and churches. They cant even locate the name of a single missing child.

These people fled political persecution and authoritarianism, she said. Now they are being persecuted here. In South Shore, those taken have practically disappeared.

That building will have a memory

Felipe Dominguez arrived at 7500 S. South Shore Drive on a recent Monday morning and walked into the entryway filled with grime. He ignored the trash everywhere, and the smell, as he walked up the stairs toward Apartment 411.

By then, politicians and legal experts were trying to make sense of the raid, but from a distance that provided a measure of comfort. Gowder, the constitutional law professor at Northwestern University, questioned how federal agents couldve raided an entire apartment building, and forced their way into units, without warrants.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a Democrat whose district includes the apartment building, said shes received no details and is left wondering whether there actually is evidence of gang activity in the building. She said agents had no regard for human dignity or due process and likened their actions to gestapo tactics.

We need to get answers. I mean how many times are they going to do that, she said. Im sure it will only be done in certain parts of the city  maybe South, maybe West sides  but theyre not going to do that all over. Theyre not going to do that in communities where the income is higher, Ill put it like that.

Cassio Mendoza, a spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson, called the raid a social media stunt for Trump to point to in his ongoing war on Chicago. And Rep. Jackson, who lives near 75th and South Shore Drive, predicted the raid will leave one more layer of scar tissue that will require healing in a place where theres already so much of it.

That building will have a memory, he said. The neighborhood will have a memory.

Back in the building, Dominguez climbed the stairs and made his way to the fourth floor. He walked past a childs teddy bear, legs crossed and facing up, next to an empty beer bottle, and past the abandoned pink bike with training wheels at the end of a hallway littered with what remained from the people whod been taken away.

Dominguez, himself, had been sent to the building to collect things his ex-girlfriend left there. Her name was Maria, he said, and shed been rounded up in the raid. Where was she, now?

I dont know, really, he said in broken English. When he arrived at Apartment 411 he found a wooden board where the door used to be, and a large plastic trash can filled with what he presumed to be her things. None of it was worth sifting through. Dominguez, 73, identified as Mexican but said hed been an American citizen for 59 years. His ex-girlfriend was not.

Shed wound up in this place through happenstance, in a (expletive) apartment, he said in Spanish, and there was no trace of what little money hed been told to look for. There was no way to get inside her old apartment, and Dominguez stared at the wooden board for a few moments, and then the trash can, before concluding that whatever she had was now gone.

And so he turned around and walked back down the dimly lit stairs, past the teddy bear and the bike again. And even though he and his ex-girlfriend were no longer together, he said he still loved her. He felt a responsibility to try to find her belongings and felt badly that he could not. Outside, a few residents wandered in and out. Most did not want to talk about what they experienced.

The ones who did described similar scenes of fear and could recount the flash bangs and helicopters and the barking of agents that looked more like soldiers. Archie Collins described all of those things and more.

And he, too, questioned the point of it all.

I thought this was the United States of America, he said.

Story reported by Andrew Carter, Camron Hardy, Rebecca Johnson, Caroline Kubzansky, Jason Meisner, Antonio Perez, Dan Petrella, Gregory Royal Pratt, Laura Rodriguez Presa, Sam Charles and Jake Sheridan. Written by Andrew Carter.
Recently elected Writers Guild of America West President Michele Mulroney delivered a rousing speech at the No Kings protest in Los Angeles, decrying President Donald Trump and his administrations recent actions curtailing Hollywood writers freedom of expression, specifically via the targeting of late-night shows.

Im here today representing our union, the Writers Guild of America West, and its 11,000 film, television, and news writers, Mulroney began. As writers, our currency is words and stories. The freedom to express ourselves is a fundamental American right and the very core of our democracy. And its under attack by this administration. They are using every tool in their arsenal to silence voices of dissent.

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She continued, These past few months we have seen direct attacks on Writers Guild members who use their platforms to criticize or question this administration. In July, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was abruptly canceled after Colbert made comments about Paramounts settlement with Trump. Then, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended in September over a monologue that was lightly critical of Trumps followers. Shortly after Kimmels suspension, the President of the United States openly called for the cancellation of two more Writers Guild members: Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon.

These late-night shows not only provide hundreds of good union jobs, and much-needed laughs in these troubled times; they entertain and inform audiences all over the country, Mulroney added. They do far more than just tell jokes, they tell truth. And its clear that some people cant handle the truth.

In continuing, Mulroney singled out how the issue doesnt just pertain to Tinseltown: This isnt just about Hollywood. This is about our fundamental right as human beings to disagree with those in power. To debate, to reason, to interrogate ideas. This is one of the foundations of a civil society.

Mulroney also highlighted the existence of a free, independent media where facts can be reported without repercussions as one of the key tenets of a democratic populace. But we currently find ourselves in an era of consolidated media where an increasingly small number of gatekeepers control what we get to watch on television. Weve all heard the FCC claim that the public interest is best served by permitting free expression of views, yet FCC Chairman Brendan Carr does not hesitate to support attacks on those who challenge the Administrations narrative.

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She continued, Make no mistake: Mega corporations pushed for a pro-business administration that would allow them to consolidate their control over media at the cost of free speech. Instead of diversity of expression, we have the administration using media behemoths to impose a single, uncontested narrative and perpetrate acts of blatant political censorship.

In concluding her speech, Mulroney stated that the WGA will not stand by and let these attacks go unaddressed.

The Writers Guild stands here today, with all of you, to say loudly and proudly that we will speak our minds, write our truths, tell our stories, and fight like hell for free speech and an independent media. When our voices are strong and clear, when our words are powerful, we cannot be silenced. Weve learned time and again that when we fight? We win! she said, leading a chant of When we fight! We win!

In preparation for No Kings today, the WGA West Instagram account posted photos of members coming together to make signs.

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Millions have taken to the streets across the nation in support of the second round of No Kings protests. Prominent Hollywood celebrities, like Glenn Close, Spike Lee and Jean Smart, have voiced their resounding support for the countrywide day of dissent.

In addition to Mulroney, well-known figures across politics and media took to stages in various cities to address constituents who had turned up to demonstrate. In Washington, D.C., Bernie Sanders, Bill Nye and journalist Mehdi Hasan issued warnings against the countrys creep into fascism.

Katie Campione contributed to this report.

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Barbara Starr, former Pentagon correspondent, and Nancy Youssef, staff writer at The Atlantic, join The Weekend: Primetime to discuss the impact of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new press restrictions at the Pentagon and what they means for journalists and the public. "There was no security breach by anybody in the press corps that led to these changes," Youssef says. "In fact, the biggest security breach that has happened is by Hegseth himself."
NEED TO KNOW

Alex Murdaugh is serving two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years behind bars at a maximum-security prison in South Carolina

The former attorney was convicted of killing his wife and son and 22 financial crimes

His story was adapted for the Hulu limited series, Murdaugh: Death in the Family, which premiered on Oct. 15

Alex Murdaugh was a well-known attorney in South Carolina from one of the state's most prominent legal families.

However, he had to answer for his secretive, crime-ridden ways after he was charged with killing his wife and college sweetheart, Margaret Maggie Murdaugh, and son Paul Terry Murdaugh. On June 7, 2021, Alex called 911 and claimed that he had found Maggie and Paul shot to death near the dog kennels on one of their expansive properties.

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Although Alex initially claimed that he had not visited that part of the property that night, he was later placed at the scene of the crime around the time they died. He has denied any involvement in the murders but was convicted of both in March 2023.

During his highly publicized trial, prosecutors alleged that he killed his wife and son to cover up his financial crimes, which included stealing an alleged $12 million from his clients and firm, per NPR. Prosecutors claimed that he needed the money to maintain his opioid addiction and luxurious habits, per The Washington Post.

Alex was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the murders of Maggie and Paul. He received an additional 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to 22 financial crimes.

Alex's crimes, trial and conviction were adapted for the Hulu limited series, Murdaugh: Death in the Family, which premiered on Oct. 15. His story was also covered in the Netflix true crime docuseries, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal, in 2023.

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Here's everything to know about Alex Murdaugh's crimes and where he is now, four years after he murdered his wife and son.

Who is Alex Murdaugh?

The Murdaugh Family in June 2020.

Alex is a former prominent attorney from the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, along with his powerful Murdaugh family, who dominated the legal landscape in the southern part of the state for 100 years. In fact, the five-county district became known as "Murdaugh Country" due to three family members who consecutively served as solicitor for the states 14th Judicial Circuit from 1920 to 2006.

Each Murdaugh who served was in charge of prosecuting all criminal cases in the state's 14th circuit district, overseeing Allendale, Colleton, Hampton, Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Randolph Murdaugh Sr. founded a one-man law firm in 1910 in Hampton (about 65 miles inland from Charleston), which later evolved into the Murdaugh family law firm. Three generations of the family have practiced law in the county since.

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As for the double murder, agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division responded to a 911 call saying that two people were dead near some dog kennels at the family's isolated Islandton home in Colleton County. They were found dead on the 1,770-acre property, where the family has a hunting lodge, the Associated Press, The Island Packet and WSAV reported at the time.

Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh

The Murdaugh family also had a home in Hampton, where the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division opened an investigation into the 2018 death of the Murdaughs' housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died after what was purported at the time to be a trip-and-fall accident.

On Oct. 14, 2021, Alex was arrested and charged with misappropriating insurance settlement funds in the wrongful death suit that followed the mysterious death. This case numbered among the 22 financial crimes Alex pleaded guilty to.

What was Alex Murdaugh charged with?

Mic Smith/AP/Shutterstock Alex Murdaugh walks into his bond hearing, in Varnville, S.C., in September 2021.

Alex's attorneys issued a statement on Sept. 15, 2021, saying they learned of a warrant for his arrest and that he planned to voluntarily surrender to authorities. The next day, Alex turned himself in to the Hampton County Law Enforcement Center and was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and filing a false police report.

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Later, agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement took Alex into custody on Oct. 14, 2021. He was arrested and charged with misappropriating insurance settlement funds in the wrongful death suit that followed the trip and fall death of housekeeper Satterfield.

Alex was then held at the Richland County Detention Center with a bond set at $7 million, one of the highest bonds in state history. Then, in July 2022, he was arrested again on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

When did Alex Murdaugh's trial begin?

Grace Beahm Alford/The Post And Courier via AP Alex Murdaugh during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse on Jan. 27, 2023.

Alex's trial was held at the Colleton County Courthouse in South Carolina. It began on Jan. 23, 2023, with closing arguments wrapping up on March 1, 2023, per CNN.

On Feb. 23, Alex took the stand in his own defense during his weeks-long murder trial. Prosecutors revealed evidence that seemingly proved Alex repeatedly lied about his whereabouts on the day his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, were killed.

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Prior to the trial, he maintained that he hadn't been with Paul and Maggie at the family's dog kennels, where the pair was found slain. But on the stand, he admitted that he had been at the kennels.

"I lied about being down there, and I'm so sorry that I did," Alex said.

What was Alex Murdaugh's verdict?

Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool Alex Murdaugh at a jury-tampering hearing at the Richland County Judicial Center on Jan. 29, 2024. Alex Murdaugh at a jury-tampering hearing at the Richland County Judicial Center on Jan. 29, 2024.

On March 2, 2023, Alex was found guilty of the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before delivering the verdict.

He was also found guilty of two counts of possession of a weapon in the commission of a crime, per the New York Post and CNN.

What is Alex Murdaugh's sentence?

Joshua Boucher/Pool/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Alex Murdaugh speaks with his legal team before he is sentenced on March 3, 2023 at the Colleton County Courthouse. Alex Murdaugh speaks with his legal team before he is sentenced on March 3, 2023 at the Colleton County Courthouse.

The day after he was found guilty of the murders of his wife and son, Alex returned to court for his sentencing, where he received two life sentences in prison, which will run consecutively.

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In addition to facing the murder charges, Alex also had to stand trial for his 22 financial crimes. He was convicted of all charges, including bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. He was later sentenced to 40 years behind bars for his financial crimes.

Where is Alex Murdaugh now?

Courtesy of Netflix Alex Murdaugh in 'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal'. Alex Murdaugh in 'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal'.

Alex is currently serving his two consecutive life sentences and 40 years at a maximum-security prison in South Carolina. Due to the high-profile nature of his case, his exact prison location has not been publicized.

However, after his conviction, Alex was moved to a statewide protective custody unit within the prison, a state Department of Corrections spokesperson told CBS News in April 2023.

Alex and his family have drawn nationwide media attention after his case was highlighted in the popular podcast, Murdaugh Murders, hosted by Liz Farrell and Mandy Matney. His story has also been told in the Netflix docuseries Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal and the Hulu adaptation Murdaugh: Death in the Family.

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Alex has an ongoing appeal in his case due to allegations of jury tampering, per CNN. Becky Hill, the clerk in his trial, was charged with misconduct and perjury in May 2025, according to The New York Times, but she has denied the charges, per Count On News 2.

Read the original article on People
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is under scrutiny for two separate incidents that critics say highlight a juvenile streak in administration communications.

In a Fox News interview about the White Houses response to the rise of New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, Leavitt broadly characterized Democrats main constituency made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals, remarks that drew immediate pushback. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the comments unacceptable and dangerous, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said they erode trust and civility in public discourse.

Leavitt: The Democrat Partys main constituency is made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens, and violent criminals. pic.twitter.com/IcJwhYYV5x  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 16, 2025

Later in the week, during a White House press briefing, Leavitt fielded a question from HuffPost about President Trumps upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Attempting humor, she responded with a your mom quip alongside National Security Council Senior Director Stephen Cheung. Media critics described the joke as juvenile and noted it undercuts the professionalism expected from a press secretary.

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Observers note that the pair of incidents  partisan accusations on Fox and middle-school-style humor in the briefing room  have reinforced concerns about the tone of official White House communications. MSNBCs Rachel Maddow called Leavitts Fox comments a deplorable moment, highlighting how senior officials words can quickly dominate headlines and social media.

Leavitt has not issued further clarification, leaving critics and political opponents to question whether the White House is prioritizing viral soundbites over substantive messaging.

The post White House continues to sink to new Mean Girl levels appeared first on Salon.com.
President Donald Trumps White House is already the second most-blocked account on Bluesky, just days after joining the platform. The only account ahead of it on the block list? It belongs to Vice President JD Vance.

The White House joined Bluesky on Friday evening, and less than 48 hours later, it has been blocked by more than 92,000 users, according to VQV, an app that tracks Bluesky stats. Vance has racked up 166,000 blocks since joining the platform in June.

That means at this rate, the White House will leapfrog the vice president for the infamous, or venerable, depending on who you ask, position of being the most-blocked account on Bluesky.

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The platform has become a go-to social media safe space for liberals who did not want to use X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, following the 2024 election. Bluesky was dubbed Blue Heaven by some members of The Resistance to Donald Trump, and many journalists and media pundits migrated over to the app and ditched X.

Former MSNBC host Joy Reid and ex-CNN star Don Lemon were two of the more prominent media figures who joined Blue Sky after the election, with Reid saying she could not stand the abuse she was getting on Musks app.

Whats up, Bluesky? We thought you mightve missed some of our greatest hits, so we put this together for you, the White House shared in its debut Bluesky post.

The post included a 52 second video of some of President Trumps greatest hits since returning to office in January, including framing a picture of ex-President Joe Bidens autopen and, of course, putting a digital sombrero on House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

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The most followed Bluesky accounts, if you are wondering:

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) with 2.17 million followers Shark Tank star and former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with 1.49 million followers Star Wars star Mark Hamill with 1.31 million followers

The post The White House Joins BlueSky and Instantly Becomes the 2nd-Most Blocked Account  After JD Vance first appeared on Mediaite.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Floridas new super speeder law, intended to slow dangerous drivers, has demonstrated that some lead-footed motorists ought to practice their excuses.

Like the guy driving 100-mph-plus through Orange County to make it to a birthday party on time, or the woman who hit 113 on State Road 417 because she was in a hurry to pick up her dog. Then theres the Apopka man who said he didnt realize he was going 119 mph because  wait for it  his speedometer was broken.

The law mandates a court appearance and allows officers to jail speeders rather than send them on their way with a ticket.

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A lot of people we pull over are just in shock, said Trooper Migdalisis Garcia, spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol unit headquartered in Orlando that is responsible for motor safety on Interstate 4, Floridas Turnpike and other state roads in six counties.

Most accused offenders expected a fine, not handcuffs, she said. Some are like, Wait. What? Im going to jail now?'

Since the law went into effect July 1, nearly 100 motorists have been booked into the Orange County jail on the more punitive charge, dangerous excessive speeding, for driving 100 mph or faster and in a manner alleged to be reckless or threaten the safety of others.

Thats usually tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic and failing to signal a lane change, a review of arrest reports shows.

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Under the new law, anyone convicted of excessive speeding for the first time would be required to pay a $500 fine and/or spend up to 30 days in jail. A second-time offender would have to pay double the fine and/or spend up to 90 days in jail. If violators are convicted a second time within five years, their license would be revoked for 180 days and possibly as long as a year.

Many cited in Orange County are fighting the charge.

Its my first time ever in trouble, said Ethan McArthur, 19. It was stupid but my driving records clean. Shouldnt that matter?

He said prosecutors are demanding he serve no less than 10 days behind bars.

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It seems excessive. There are people who get caught selling drugs who dont go to jail, McArthur said.

A pool equipment salesman in Polk County, McArthur was arrested in August after an Orange County deputy in an unmarked Dodge Charger used radar to gauge the speed of the vehicle McArthur was driving  also a Charger  at 112 mph in afternoon traffic on State Road 408.

McArthur said he was hurrying to a birthday party and didnt want to be late. He said he was unaware of the new law.

The deputy alleged McArthur made rapid and jerky lane changes, cut in front of other vehicles and zipped past a broken down semi at the side of the toll road without slowing. The arrest report noted that two vehicles honked while passing the deputys traffic stop.

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This usually communicates appreciation from other vehicles for enforcing stopping action, the report said.

McArthur said he doubts he was traveling as fast as the deputy alleged.

And those people honking were actually my friends driving by and laughing that I got pulled over, he said.

Although Florida courts have held that excessive speed, by itself, does not constitute reckless driving, excessive speed is a contributing factor in about one of every four traffic fatalities nationwide, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

In 2023, the most recent year for complete state data, the agency reported 38,861 crashes on Florida highways that were categorized as caused by or related to speeding or aggressive driving, resulting in 437 deaths and more than 1,200 incapacitating injuries.

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Highway speeds of 100 mph or faster are just fatal speeds, said Garcia, the FHP spokesperson. Theres no room for error.

She said many people offer weak excuses or none at all.

Some had babies in their vehicles.

A 31-year-old man, accused of driving 111 mph, said he was just trying to get home after drinking a couple of tequila and pineapples at a company outing with an open bar and spending much of the night walking around Disney Springs playing Pokemon.

A 28-year-old Orlando man who whizzed away from a pack of cars at a traffic signal on South Orange Blossom nearly reached triple-digit speeds before a sheriffs deputy pulled him. He insisted he wasnt drag racing  only trying to avoid the speeding car behind him.

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Arresting officers, typically driving unmarked vehicles, often had difficulty catching up to speeders, arrest reports show. A 25-year-old driver who was clocked at 120 mph on I-4 near Lake Mary said he thought the arresting trooper in a marked cruiser was trying to race him.

Garcia said she believes the new law is making a difference, though it may still be too soon to know for sure.

People still speed, but hopefully theyre starting to understand there are serious consequences for it, she said. Before when speeding resulted in just getting a citation, offenders didnt necessarily understand their risks. They maybe thought, Oh, its just a little financial burden,  she said. But now that people are being arrested, vehicles towed and impounded, thats hopefully changing.
Cinnamon, the star of pillowy cinnamon rolls and anything apple-based, seems like an innocent spice, but it can potentially be lethal. It has a distinct bold flavor that's both hard to explain and to replicate, but there's one ingredient that has nothing to do with taste  lead. Apparently some ground cinnamon products in the U.S. have been found to contain the heavy metal.

The discovery started with apple sauce in 2023 when hundreds of lead poisoning cases were reported, linking back to Schnucks, Weis, and WanaBana pureed apple pouches. After extensive testing, the Food and Drug Administration identified cinnamon as the culprit, as it introduced dangerous amounts of heavy metals. In the spring of 2024, the FDA informed the public of the lead-laced cinnamon products, continuously adding brands to its "do not buy" list. By then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had been notified of over 500 cases of confirmed or probable lead poisoning. The source of the contaminant was worrisome for consumers, begging the question, how does this happen?

Being a naturally occurring metal, lead can sneak into a variety of crops, whether through soil, water, or grinding equipment. Construction sites and mining regions are likely sources of lead contamination, as the toxin can migrate into nearby waters that feed the evergreen cinnamon trees, ultimately seeping into the bark. But there's another way it can get in, too.

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Read more: 10 Foods Gordon Ramsay Doesn't Touch

What are the sources of lead contamination?

Cinnamon bark being dried out - dintadonna/Shutterstock

If it hasn't ended up in cinnamon from environmental sources, lead could be intentionally added to cinnamon. Lead-based dyes have been reportedly used in the past to give spices a more vibrant color. That skeezy tactic is one of the FDA's theories behind the contamination.

After the 2024 recall of contaminated cinnamon products, the Food and Drug Administration set out to find the underlying source of the toxin. But as symptoms can be delayed, identifying the origin can be very challenging. However, in June of that year, the FDA traced the contaminated products back to the Ecuadorian distributor Negasmart. The supplier obtained Sri Lankan cinnamon sticks from manufacturer Carlos Aguilera, which were reportedly lead-free when they were shipped out, but the lead was apparent after processing.

The fact that the pureed apple products were marketed to kids makes the issue even more serious. Anyone is susceptible to lead poisoning, but children can absorb up to four or five times the amount of lead that adults would from just a single dose. Ultimately, 12 brands joined the recall list, presenting high concentrations of lead in their cinnamon products. The locations of these goods stretched across the U.S., in 44 states from coast to coast.

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If you're concerned, the best bet is to keep an eye on the regularly updated FDA health-alert page about which cinnamon products should be avoided.

Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.




SpaceX is transforming a remote corner of South Texas, fervently erecting tiny homes, cavernous rocket-building facilities and employee amenities. Yet this rapid growth has been restricted around a key piece of infrastructure.

The company's launch pad cannot get much bigger without destroying wetlands.

Historically, SpaceX has offset its wetlands destruction, with roughly 5 acres approved to date, by donating land to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. But it's seeking a new approach. SpaceX is hoping to preserve one piece of land that can be tapped again - and again - as it develops the world's most powerful rocket outside of Brownsville.

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ELON MUSK: New maps show Elon Musk's expanding Texas empire, property by property

Pressure is mounting to finish this rocket. Starship is crucial for helping NASA astronauts return to the moon, and Congress wants to get there before China.

But environmental groups worry about giving SpaceX too much room to grow.

Stephanie Bilodeau, a coastal bird biologist, carries her spotting scope through mudflats near the SpaceX launch facility on Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Starbase, Texas. (Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer)





"It is a down payment on further wetland destruction," said Jim Chapman, a board member with environmental group Save RGV.

Stephanie Bilodeau, a coastal bird biologist, checks a nest camera on mudflats near the Starship launch pad being built by SpaceX on Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Starbase, Texas. (Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer)





SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.

Coastal saltwater wetlands cannot be destroyed without approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and its "no net loss" policy requires that companies offset their destruction by creating, enhancing or protecting other wetlands.

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They can also buy credits from a mitigation bank.

A mitigation bank is not a financial institution. It's property that is protected from development and generates credits that are sold to companies or projects needing to offset their environmental footprint. These properties are often enhanced or restored.

SpaceX wants to create the Rockhands Mitigation Bank near South Bay - roughly 2 to 3 miles from the launch pad, as the bird flies - to offset a proposed launch site expansion that would destroy 8.5 acres of emergent wetlands and 9.65 acres of wind-tidal flats. Its mitigation bank could also generate credits for future SpaceX expansions.

The proposed mitigation bank is different from the land swap deal that SpaceX backed out of last year. The bank would conserve 1,050 acres. Most of this land, 952 acres, would consist of wind-tidal flats. The Texas coast does not have any other mitigation banks with wind-tidal flats, according to the Army Corps.

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This could explain why SpaceX wants to create a mitigation bank, said Jim Blackburn, a Rice University professor in the practice of environmental law. Companies are supposed to buy credits that correlate with the habitats they're destroying.

"There's nothing about this that is outlandish or outrageous," said Blackburn, who previously taught wetlands regulation to Army Corps personnel. "It's maybe a little unusual to have the applicant do their own mitigation bank. Usually it's a third party, just because most companies don't want to fool with it."

5 acres

In the past decade, SpaceX has received permission to fill roughly 5 acres of wetlands in South Texas, according to public records shared with the Houston Chronicle.

Its development plans have fluctuated over the years. And at one point, SpaceX filled 0.04 acres of wetlands without Army Corps permission, later restoring or requesting the proper approval.

Debris sits in a wildlife habitat ahead of a planned SpaceX launch Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at a SpaceX facility in Starbase, Texas. (Jon Shapley/Staff photographer)





This year's proposed expansion is the company's second attempt at developing a significantly larger launch site. A previous effort in 2021 was opposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which worried about disrupting the area's unique ecosystem and claimed that SpaceX did not submit an adequate mitigation plan.

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SpaceX has previously offset its wetlands destruction by donating about 80 acres to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

TPWD: Nearly 500 acres of South Texas land meant for a new park is in limbo after failed SpaceX land swap

Environmental experts said the Army Corps prefers that companies offset their destruction by creating or improving wetlands. But SpaceX is again focusing on preservation with its mitigation bank.

"Preservation may be appropriate when restoring, enhancing or establishing wetlands may not be practicable," SpaceX argued in its mitigation bank prospectus filed with the Army Corps.

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It claimed the preservation-only approach was appropriate due to the land's biologic and aquatic importance, limited research around wind-tidal flats restoration and potential development interests.

The Army Corps is currently reviewing SpaceX's proposed mitigation bank and launch pad expansion. A spokesman said the agency makes mitigation decisions on a case-by-case basis.

But approving a preservation-only mitigation bank would ultimately leave South Texas with fewer wetlands, said Rusty Feagin, a professor of coastal ecology and engineering at Texas A&M University. It does not offset SpaceX destruction by creating new wetlands or enhancing diminished wetlands.

"How am I, as a member of the public, going to get the benefits that the mitigation bank wetlands afford to us, such as more fish or carbon sequestration or birds," he asked in an email, " if they just preserve what is already there? And then they get to destroy over at the launch pad?

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"It does not meet the no net loss' policy," Feagin continued. "The public ledger is negative; the private one is positive."

Overlooked wetlands

The area surrounding SpaceX is not a classic wetland.

Wind-tidal flats can have very little vegetation. They can be dry and cracked much of the time. But then, wind or seasonal tides will push water over the flats to flood the area.

This alternating pattern of dry and wet enables a blue-green algae to grow. And this algae supports invertebrates that are crucial for hungry shorebirds, including the threatened piping plover, said Jennifer Beseres Pollack, endowed chair at the Harte Research Institute that studies the Gulf at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

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SpaceX evaluated more than 650 nearby parcels to find an area where it could restore or enhance wind-tidal flats, according to its mitigation bank prospectus. It didn't find any land where this would be "technically or logistically" feasible.

"Little is known about tidal flat enhancement and restoration activities, and wind-tidal flat restoration or enhancement projects have been difficult to successfully implement," SpaceX said in its prospectus, citing the EPA.

LIFTOFF: SpaceX Starship sprinkled South Texas with mystery material. Here's what it was.

Pollack said wind-tidal flats are often overlooked. Scientists and public records use a variety of terms - wind-tidal flats, mudflats, salt flats, sabkha and algal flats - to describe these areas because there isn't a standardized classification or framework for managing them.

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It can take decades for wind-tidal flats to recover from damage, Pollack said, and restoration methods are relatively underdeveloped compared to other wetlands.

The Super Heavy rocket pushes the Starship spacecraft on its inaugural flight test on Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Starbase, Texas. (Jon Shapley/Staff photographer)





Pollack co-leads a research project to characterize and restore wind-tidal flats along the Texas coast. The team is experimenting with several restoration approaches, including stabilizing the elevation, adding nutrients and cultivating the blue-green algae.

SpaceX is funding restoration research done by the Harte Research Institute, but Pollack said it does not have a formal collaboration and is not receiving funding from SpaceX regarding its mitigation bank.

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The Rockhands Mitigation Bank could potentially be used for research, SpaceX said in its prospectus.

Feagin also has a student who is studying wind-tidal flat restoration, and he challenged SpaceX's claims that these flats are difficult to restore.

Data from his student's work show that elevation is a key factor in their restoration. They need to be created 2 to 6 inches higher than the average high-tide level.

"Simply put some sediment at the correct elevation and voila," he said in an email. "It is probably the easiest system in the coastal zone to restore, but we just have not really tried it. Someone has to be first. Why not a futuristic company, wouldn't that fit right in with who they want to be?"

Future development

SpaceX is also arguing that a preservation-only mitigation bank would be appropriate because the area is at risk of being developed.

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Its prospectus said there has been "substantial natural gas exploration" near the site. And the land is surrounded by the Port of Brownsville and the growing city of Starbase.

ZONING: Starbase approved new zoning rules. Here's how it could affect land not owned by SpaceX.

"The site constitutes one of the last remaining large, privately owned tracts of land in the South Bay wind-tidal flat complex," according to its mitigation bank prospectus.

But Chapman, with Save RGV, said SpaceX is the area's main developer. It's the reason Starbase exists. And the land purchased for its mitigation bank has a 140-foot corridor that won't be conserved because Starbase - which SpaceX has tapped to oversee the conservation of its mitigation bank - will need it for utilities.

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"It's the fox guarding the henhouse," Chapman said. "SpaceX's interest is expanding Starbase."

This article originally published at Why SpaceX wants to bank' wetlands to expand its launch pad in South Texas.
Oct. 18TAOS  With freezing temperatures returning to parts of New Mexico, residents living near the state's five national forests might see more than the usual cold-weather haze emitted by kivas and wood-burning stoves as the U.S. Forest Service resumes wildfire mitigation projects this fall.

Work began this past week in the Carson National Forest north of Taos in San Cristobal, where fire crews initiated the Kiowa-San Cristobal Prescribed Fires.

The project includes a total of 1,778 acres of pile and jackpot burning  two methods forest managers use to reduce high concentrations of dead and downed debris that can fuel catastrophic wildfires.

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On Oct. 14, fire personnel burned wood piles left over from 182 acres of forest thinning and local firewood collection by Taos County residents, who have one of the highest per capita rates in the U.S. for burning wood as their primary heat source, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Carson National Forest crews returned the following day to begin the jackpot burn along N.M. 522 near the communities of Arroyo Hondo, San Cristobal, Turley Mill and Gallina Canyon, where plumes of white smoke were still visible Friday afternoon.

Carson National Forest Public Affairs Officer Zachary Behrens confirmed the burns in the Carson this week.

While he said communications from the Forest Service "could be limited" due to "the lapse in appropriations," he did not respond to a question about whether other treatment projects could be disrupted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

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A total of 29,178 acres are scheduled for fire mitigation projects through the spring in the Carson National Forest alone, with crews in the state's four other national forests  Santa Fe, Cibola, Gila and Lincoln  also scheduled for treatments starting this fall.

Roughly 853 acres in the Jemez Ranger District of Santa Fe National Forest north of Jemez Springs could also be treated with prescribed fire starting Tuesday as part of the Southwest Jemez Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project, which is "designed to increase the landscape's resilience to severe wildfire and other large-scale disturbances."

A total of 399 acres in the Espanola Ranger District of Santa Fe National Forest are also scheduled for treatments on Borrego Mesa, 4 miles south of Truchas.

In Lincoln National Forest, 2 acres of piles are set to be ignited in the Smokey Bear Ranger District on Oct. 21.

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Other projects are tentatively scheduled through the spring in the following areas:

Cibola National Forest

Monighan Prescribed Fire: 3,907 acres in the Mount Taylor Ranger District

Black Mesa Prescribed Fire: 11,506 acres in the Black Mesa Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project

Ranch Supply Prescribed Fire: 2,890 acres near Point of Rock Canyon

Durfee Bolander Prescribed Fire: 998 acres of broadcast burning in the vicinity of Morine Canyon

Hop Patterson Prescribed Fire: 704 acres of broadcast and pile burning 3 miles south of Magdalena

Espinosa Prescribed Fire: 2,012 acres of broadcast burning in Espinosa-Barranco Wildlife Improvement Project in the Manzano Mountains 8 miles northwest of Mountainair

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Thunderbird-Barranco Prescribed Fire: 972 acres of broadcast burning located north of the Espinosa Prescribed Fire and south of FSR 275 in the Manzano Mountains, approximately 8 miles northwest of the town of Mountainair

Red Canyon Campground Prescribed Pile Burn: 48 acres of piles in the Hazard Tree Mitigation Project located adjacent to Upper Red Canyon Campground in the Manzano Mountains, approximately 12 miles northwest of the town of Mountainair

David Canyon Prescribed Fire: 285 acres of broadcast burning in the David Canyon area, in the Manzanita Mountains; David Canyon is west of N.M. 337 and west of the Mars Court trailhead

Kiowa & Rita Blanca National Grasslands: 3,000 acres of multiple units of prescribed fire broadcast burning across the district

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Gila National Forest

An unspecified number of acres in the Silver City Ranger District, including Little Walnut slash piles near Feeley Subdivision, Gomez Peak Trail System and Wagon Wheel Subdivision, roughly 7 miles north of Silver City

All fire mitigation work requires personnel meet a new set of criteria enacted by the Forest Service in 2022 after a Forest Service prescribed burn and pile burn in Santa Fe National Forest merged to form the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire. The blaze went on to destroy 341,471 acres in San Miguel, Mora and Taos counties in northern New Mexico, the largest wildfire in state history.

The Forest Service halted all prescribed burns following the massive blaze before issuing the new, more rigorous requirements, which include a multi-step evaluation process of burning conditions. The process includes a review of wind and relative humidity levels every 24 hours, as well as improved communication with local stakeholders and a minimum number of firefighting personnel within 30 minutes of the burn area.

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"In 2022, the Forest Service completed a comprehensive national prescribed fire program review that identifies immediate and longer-term actions for using prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risk to communities and restore ecosystems," according to the Forest Service. "Based on the review, the Forest Service has changed how it plans and implements prescribed fire."

Wildfire experts say controlled burns remain critical to rectify decades of forest management policy that allowed fire fuels to become more dense while the risk of wildfire increases across the Western U.S. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 40,000 wildfires have burned just shy of 4 million acres this year in the U.S.

Updates on scheduling can be found at fs.usda.gov/fs-tags/new-mexico. More information on active fires and air quality in New Mexico can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov/ and fire.airnow.gov/#7.46/36.383/-105.583.
Wilson Community Library is seeking its first increase in town funding in a decade.

Itll be up to voters whether to raise the Town of Wilsons annual payment to the library to $134,343 from just under $100,000 currently. The question is posed on the 2025 general election ballot, following the library boards success in gathering enough signatures on a petition to obtain a ballot line.

On the librarys website, a message from the board of trustees and library staff suggests the increase would have minimal impact on town taxpayers but a big impact on the library.

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Based on the townwide average property value, currently the average homeowner contributes an estimated $35 annually (to the librarys operating fund). That number would rise to approximately $47. Bottom line  its a dollar a month increase. However, this $1 a month would allow us to continue to provide an excellent resource for the Wilson community and to continue to grow and develop into an even better library, the message states.

The proposed increase in the towns annual payment, $34,800, is a huge amount for us that will make a real difference, library director Meghan Brauer said.

Since 2015, when Wilson voters approved a proposition to provide the library with $99,513 fixed, annual funding from the town, the library has doubled in size  thanks to a state grant that covered the cost of expansion and renovations  and become a hub with community meeting spaces, student tutoring rooms and year-round programming for children and adults. That increased capacity brings increased operating expenses, Brauer said, and staying within the librarys budget means limiting acquisitions and programs.

The librarys 2025 operating budget is $121,700. In addition to the town funding, $7,000 comes from Niagara County and the balance is covered by grants, donations and Friends of the Wilson Community Library. Thats the amount that keeps the lights on and the staff in place, Brauer said.

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With an increased operating budget, the library would add programming, especially for young children, and a part-time staff member to support programs, Brauer said. It would also invest more in features such as Hoopla, the streaming platform that allows library card holders to borrow digital books, movies, music, magazines and the like. Nioga Library System used to cover Hoopla subscription fees for member libraries, and now it doesnt, Brauer said. WCL budgeted a certain amount for Hoopla in 2025 and as of September, 92% of the allocated funds were spent, due to its increasing popularity among patrons.

Ahead of the election, Friends of the Wilson Community Library has undertaken a vote yes campaign for the proposition. According to Friends member Marge Clark, the retired library director who helped lead the 2015 fixed-funding effort, the campaign reiterates the library boards key points: while operating costs naturally rise from year to year, the towns payment has remained the same the past 10 years, and today WCL is busier than ever; its community meeting spaces and student tutoring rooms are consistently occupied, and in 2024 the library circulated more than 22,000 physical items and offered more than 200 programs for all ages.

Its crazy busy  Things are happening, Clark said. Thats thanks to Brauers ability to pinch a penny while meeting community needs, she added.

Clark said the 2015 library budget proposition came about as the library board sought consistent funding that would not be subject to the whims of the town and village boards.

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The library used to receive funding from both municipalities on an annual basis and the amounts never went up, they went down, a lot. At the point where the librarys financial situation was desperate, she said, the board decided to exercise an option in New York State Library Law to take its case for funding directly to town taxpayers via ballot proposition.

Winning the public vote for fixed town funding was a game changer for the library, Clark said, but fixed means fixed, as in, the amount stays the same year after year. The funding cant be taken away, but it can only be increased through a new ballot measure, she said.
After the week we just had, some of us could really use a drink.

Apparently, the residents of territorial Tucson were no different.

Well over 200 saloons came and went in the Old Pueblo during the half-century leading up to statehood in 1912 and statewide prohibition in 1915, according to a new book on the subject.

At the peak of the early booze business, sometime around 1890, Tucson was home to more than 30 drinking establishments, serving a population of fewer than 8,000 residents.

The reason there were so many bars in Tucson is there werent a lot of things to do for single men, said Homer Thiel, a historical archaeologist with the Tucson-based consulting firm Desert Archaeology.

Thiel has just authored a comprehensive history of local watering holes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Territorial Saloons of Tucson spans the period from March 1856, when the Mexican military withdrew from post-Gadsden Purchase Arizona, to Jan. 1, 1915, the start of the states 18-year ban on alcohol.

Thiel uses census records, newspaper accounts and other source material from that time to chronicle 247 different saloons.

He said none of those businesses survived Prohibition, and the buildings that once housed them are long gone, too  lost to newer construction and urban renewal in what is now downtown Tucson.

Digging for clues

The idea for the book sprang from a 2005 archaeological dig Thiel took part in at the site of the Cactus Saloon, which operated from 1884 to 1910 across Toole Avenue from the Southern Pacific Railroad depot.

The city of Tucson hired Desert Archaeology to excavate the property before an underground parking garage was built there. But it wasnt exactly glamorous work. Nearly all of the historic clues Thiel and company found were unearthed from outhouse pits where the saloon and its customers used to dump their trash more than a century ago.

Artifacts included various alcoholic beverage bottles, shot glasses, beer steins, fragments of an embossed Anheuser-Busch mirror and pieces of window glass with hand-painted lettering that once spelled words like food and saloon.

Based on makers marks and the types of glass used, most of the items tossed in the trash pits dated to between the 1880s and early 1900s.

Thiel said the Cactus Saloon was one of several watering holes and other businesses positioned near the tracks to take advantage of the arrival of the railroad in 1880. People passing through town could get off the train to get a meal, a haircut or a drink before returning to the station.

Old photos of the Cactus show a jaguar pelt draped over a picture hanging above the bar. Apparently, customers could also have their shoes shined there, Thiel said, because we found lots of shoe-shine bottles.

To help inform the archaeological dig, he poured over microfilm of old Tucson newspapers to learn more about the Cactus Saloon and other establishments from territorial times.

He started to expand on that research years later during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was stuck at home and looking for something to do. You can only put together so many puzzles, Thiel said.

Boom and backlash

The resulting book features a detailed look at what saloons of the era looked like and a short history of alcohol consumption in Tucson, from Oodham ceremonial wine made with the fermented syrup of saguaro fruit to the sacramental wine kept by Catholic priests and the bottles of liquor hoarded by soldiers at the Presidio.

The book also includes biographies of 74 saloon proprietors and employees whose stories Thiel was able to piece together from public records, newspaper archives and at least one surviving diary.

The 1860 federal census counted just two brewers and no saloonkeepers or bartenders in Tucson. The first evidence Thiel can find of a saloon operating here comes in the form of an 1865 ledger from proprietor Solomon Warner, who reported charging 25 cents for a drink or a cigar, 50 cents for a game of billiards, and between $3 and $6 for a bottle of liquor or champagne.

By 1869, a few other Tucson saloons had begun to advertise in The Weekly Arizonian newspaper.

Any type of alcohol that wasnt made here had to be brought in on freight wagons until 1880, when the arrival of the railroad made life far easier for saloon operators.

City directory listings from 1883 show 54 Tucsonans employed at saloons or in other liquor industry jobs. According to Thiel, that number increased to 66 in 1897 and topped out at 164 in 1899.

As the bar business grew more competitive, establishments sought to lure in customers by offering free food with the purchase of a beer or other drink. At Thanksgiving, some places would give away a whole dinner with all the fixings in hopes of selling more drinks, Thiel said.

Meanwhile, a backlash was building. Starting in the late 1870s, some civic leaders began trying to rein in Tucsons saloon culture and tame the communitys rough-and-tumble image. New ordinances were gradually enacted restricting hours of operation, barring loitering and alcohol consumption by children under the age of 16 and outlawing gambling and prostitution at drinking establishments. Saloons were even prohibited from staging musical performances featuring women.

Eventually, under the guise of widening Congress Street, the city razed the bars and brothels in an area known as the Wedge, at the present-day location of Veinte de Agosto Park, home of Tucsons infamous Pancho Villa statue.

But enforcement of the new rules proved to be disturbingly selective at times, Thiel said. In the early 1900s, for example, authorities conducted frequent raids at the Arcade Social Club, an unlicensed drinking establishment that was for a time the only club in Tucson catering almost exclusively to Black people.

End of an era

The growing temperance movement in the young state of Arizona ultimately led to a 1914 ballot question aimed at prohibiting alcohol statewide. Though Pima County voters soundly rejected the measure, it passed anyway thanks to heavy support in  you guessed it  Maricopa County.

Several local saloons marked their final hours in a wet jurisdiction with elaborate farewell parties on Dec. 31, 1914. According to a report in the Tucson Citizen, a restaurant and bar called Rossis at the corner of Congress and Stone Avenue brought in cabaret dancers from San Francisco to perform while the patrons drank the place dry.

That was the last day alcohol could be legally sold in Arizona, so thats where Thiels historical pub crawl ends.

Lecture and book signing Historical archaeologist Homer Thiel will give a talk and sign copies of his new research book "Saloons of Tucson, Arizona Territory" at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Monsoon Room at JoJos Restaurant, 201 N. Court Ave. Admission is $10 per person. To register, go to the Tucson Presidio Museum website at tucsonpresidio.com/civicrm/event/info/. The museum at 196 N. Court Ave. also has the new book for sale for $35, plus an additional $5 for shipping if necessary.

But as extensive as his 374-page volume is, he said dozens of territorial-era drinking establishments did not make it into the book  places largely lost to history because they were overlooked in their own time by the communitys English-language newspapers of the day.

I am really interested in the Mexican-owned bars, Thiel said, but there doesnt seem to be much surviving documentation of them.

Some evidence suggests there might have been just as many cantinas operating in Barrio Libre as there were white-owned saloons elsewhere in Tucson. All Thiel could find, though, were brief references to such businesses in a few surviving Spanish-language newspaper clippings.

This is as much as I could possibly do, he said.
Former AT&T model and spokesperson Milana Vayntrub has raised over $500,000 for charities just by sharing flirty pictures. On Monday, December 8, Vayntrub, 38, said she had a crazy idea for an experiment following the Los Angeles fires that took place in January. I saw that what people really needed was some cash. So I
NEED TO KNOW

A woman allegedly bought knives at a Marshalls in New Jersey and then used one of them to stab a fellow shopper

Amber Johnson, 25, allegedly got angry because she felt the other shopper was taking too long at the checkout counter

She is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault

A dispute between two Marshalls customers ended violently.

Police arrested Amber Johnson, 25, after she allegedly bought a set of knives at a Marshalls in Kearny, N.J. and then used one to stab another woman in the parking lot on Oct. 11, per ABC 7 and Cleveland 19.

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Johnson was allegedly angry that the woman was taking too long at the checkout counter and threatened to harm her. She then allegedly purchased the knives and chased the other woman in the parking lot as she headed to her car with her family. Johnson allegedly then stabbed her several times, according to Kearny Police, per the outlets.

Authorities stated that Johnson was ultimately found hiding in the Marshalls bathroom after the alleged attack, and a bloody knife was found on a nearby changing station, according to ABC 7 and Cleveland 19.

Johnson faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, per the outlets, which reported that the injured shopper was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is under investigation.

Getty Marshalls Marshalls

PEOPLE reached out to the Kearny Police Department and Marshalls for comment on Saturday, Oct. 18, but did not receive immediate responses.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In a statement provided to ABC 7, a spokesperson from Marshalls said they are aware of the incident that occurred in the parking lot outside of our store last week.

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At Marshalls, the safety and security of our Associates and customers is important to us, and were grateful for the swift response of the Kearny Police Department, the spokesperson added.

Read the original article on People
Womens healthcare in the UK is stuck in the 1990s, the Governments womens health tsar has warned.

Dame Lesley Regan, Englands ambassador for womens health, said women and girls had been let down by successive governments failure to take their health seriously.

She said Britain had become complacent about womens health, calling it a really sad state of affairs, adding that red tape was blocking progress and pledged to speed up access to new treatments, tests and technology.

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Speaking at the Womens Health Week Europe conference in London, she said she was frequently asked if current statistics about womens health and access to care in the UK were from 1995, not 2025.

Dame Lesley, who is also a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Imperial College London, said: This is a really sad state of affairs. Weve got so complacent about the importance of womens health that weve really let girls and women down.

Dame Lesley Regan has said successive governments have let down women and girls

She told investors and femtech brands attending the conference she planned to create a bright yellow front door to help new womens health advancements get through NHS and government red tape.

She cited figures showing women suffered disproportionately from conditions like osteoporosis, frailty in old age and dementia.

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More than 600,000 women are on the NHS hospital waiting list for gynaecology treatment and the gender health gap costs the UK economy 36bn a year, mainly in lost productivity from women who are unable to work because they are unable to access treatment.

The Dame announced plans for an open-door policy to make it easier for new womens health treatments, tests and technology to become available on the NHS.

Dame Lesley said she was really frustrated that developers of new treatments, tests and technology aimed at improving womens healthcare often got pushback when they approached the Government or were blocked by complex bureaucracy from making their products available to women via the NHS.

She also said the advice hub manned by civil servants would help companies understand which hoops they needed to jump through to get into NHS systems. She insisted it would not be a way for companies to bypass regulation but would stop bureaucracy blocking good ideas.

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Dame Lesley added: At the moment, the system says no or it says we dont do it that way  its not engaging. We cant afford to loss these generous offers of help and turn people with good ideas away.

Commenting on the open-door policy, Anna OSullivan, representing the organisation FemTech UK, said: Its encouraging to see [Dame Lesley] recognise the need for a clearer and more connected pathway for womens health innovation.

We know that founders spend huge amounts of time and energy just trying to navigate the system  thats time that could be spent building solutions to improve womens lives.

But this progress must come with prioritisation of womens health within the NHS innovation agenda. Without dedicated support and funding, even the best front-door risks leading nowhere. With sustained investment and focus, the UK can turn its world-class ideas in womens health into impact for millions of women.

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Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, was criticised earlier this year after he dropped plans to roll out womens health hubs from his 10-Year Plan for the NHS.

It has since emerged these may be incorporated into so-called Neighbourhood Health hubs, which could allow patients to access several different health services in one place.

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ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  The West Virginia State Police (WVSP) Elkins Detachment is asking the public for help in identifying a woman who was found dead on a Randolph County road.

According to a release sent out by the WVSP, at roughly 2 a.m. Saturday morning a driver traveling on Back Road in the area of Mill Creek stopped to called Randolph County 911 and report that they had struck what they believed was a deer lying in the roadway.

When first responders arrived it was discovered that it was not a deer in the road but an adult female who was deceased.

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WVDoHS announces SNAP benefits delayed due to government shutdown

Despite investigating, officials have not been able to identify the victim. Her body was taken to the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy and identification.

Those with information on the woman or the incident can contact the WVSP Elkins Detachment by calling 304-637-0200.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
CHEYENNE  The Wyoming Legislatures Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee voted to sponsor a controversial bill aimed at protecting the autonomy and mission of Wyomings pregnancy centers, setting up a likely highly contested debate during the upcoming budget session.

The bill, titled Wyoming Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression (CARE) Act, passed the committee Thursday by a vote of 10-2. The legislation seeks to shield nonprofit pregnancy centers, which sometimes counsel against abortion, from being targeted by state or local governmental entities based on their ethics.

The core of the proposed statute prohibits the state or any political subdivision  including counties and cities  from enacting laws, ordinances or policies that would interfere with a pregnancy centers mission.

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Specifically, the bill states that governmental entities shall not require a pregnancy center to offer or perform abortions, provide abortion-inducing drugs or contraception, or refer or counsel a person in favor of abortion. The bill also prohibits interference with a centers staffing or hiring decisions if the individual does not affirm the centers ethics or agree to comply with its operating procedures.

Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper (2025)

Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper

Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, raised questions about the bills origin, asking if it was a national bill that has been copied. An LSO staff member acknowledged the bill was likely introduced in several different states, though Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, who is also current chairwoman of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, the far-right group of state lawmakers, later said she had drafted it with LSO staff before she brought the legislation to the 2025 legislative session.

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Denise Burke, senior counsel for the Christian legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, said that since the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision in 2022, at least 21 states have introduced measures attacking pregnancy centers autonomy, and five have enacted such measures.

This bill prevents (pregnancy centers) from being singled out by censorship or discriminatory treatment simply because of their pro-life ethics and practices, she said.

Opposition to the bill

Public testimony highlighted sharp divisions over the necessity and wisdom of the legislation.

Opponents argued the bill grants special protection to organizations that are often medically unregulated. Britt Borrell, executive director of WYO United, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for access to reproductive health care in Wyoming, criticized the name CARE Act as shady.

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This bill in no way promotes care for pregnant women and girls. In fact, it aims to shield unregulated pregnancy centers from oversight, she said. To be clear, these centers are not licensed health care providers, they are not required to be staffed by licensed medical professionals, nor are they required to provide accurate and comprehensive medical information to people seeking their services.

She also pointed out that because these centers are unregulated, they do not have to adhere to federal HIPAA standards, meaning sensitive private information could potentially be shared with faith groups or law enforcement.

Emma Laurent, from Sheridan, spoke against the measure, calling the centers fake clinics.

I urge you to stop spending your energy on the theory of the sanctity of life and actually support increasing practical solutions, such as expanding birthing centers and attracting obstetricians to the state to take care of Wyoming women and the tangible health and any subsequent children they choose to have, she said.

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Another opponent, 19-year-old Albany County School District 1 board member Sophia Gomelsky, speaking on her own behalf, said legislation like this elevates ideology over science, discouraging youth who value autonomy from staying in Wyoming.

Thats not free speech, thats medical deception, and this Legislature should be in no business of protecting it, she said.

Cheyenne attorney Linda Burt argued the bill is unnecessary, citing a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling protecting nonprofits free speech rights against being forced to provide abortion information.

Exempting any kind of nonprofit corporation  which is what this is  is providing special legislation for one kind of nonprofit corporation. It opens up a door for everybody to ask for special protections, she said.

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Concerns about the political timing were also voiced by committee members. Scott inquired whether there was an immediate crisis necessitating the bill now, rather than waiting for a general session, noting the measure is likely to be highly controversial and time-consuming during the already tight budget session.

Burke said the bill is proactive, anticipating future government interference.

Support for the bill

Supporters strongly defended the professionalism and transparency of Wyomings pregnancy centers.

Valerie Berry, executive director of LifeChoice Pregnancy Care Center in Cheyenne, directly addressed claims of being unlicensed or unregulated. She stated her center is a medical clinic licensed through the state, staffed by a medical director with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine degree, a volunteer retired OB/GYN once per week, a family nurse practitioner and two registered nurses.

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LifeChoice

Valerie Berry, executive director of LifeChoice Pregnancy Care Center, is photographed April 24 in Cheyenne. "We are here to care for them, but they have full autonomy," Berry said.

To say that we are not a medical clinic, its not true, she said.

Berry noted that there are many couples in Wyoming who would love to adopt, but do not have the option for that because of abortion.

Charla Ricciardi, a former Wyoming Department of Health official, joined the LifeChoice team around six years ago. She said the center is HIPAA compliant, and that all ultrasounds are performed by certified registered nurses and reviewed by their medical director. She confirmed that the center offers services including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and parenting classes free of charge.

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Despite concerns over the necessity and timeliness of the bill, it still advanced and will be heard in February when the budget session kicks off.

Before the vote, Scott expressed concerns about the political and constitutional controversies surrounding the bill, saying it may not make it through the budget session. Sen. Gary Crum, R-Laramie, expressed similar concerns.

Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, said this bill doesnt protect anyone from anything because there is no threat of what it is attempting to protect.

Joel Guggenmos, R-Riverton and Mike Yin, D-Jackson

Reps. Joel Guggenmos, R-Riverton, left, and Mike Yin, D-Jackson, listen during the Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee meeting at the Capitol on Thursday. The committee met about maternity care, emergency medical services, naturopaths, public assistance programs and hospital bankruptcy, among other topics.

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I dont understand the usage of the bill, except for it to be a tool to be used during campaign seasons where its going to be, Oh, this person voted against abortion. Oh, this voted person voted for abortion. So, Im really frustrated that were even spending time on the bill, he said.

Scott and Yin cast the only votes in opposition.
Yemens Houthi authorities have detained about two dozen United Nations employees after raiding another UN-run facility in the capital Sanaa, the UN has confirmed.

Jean Alam, spokesperson for the UNs resident coordinator in Yemen, said staff were detained inside the compound in the citys Hada district on Sunday.

Those held include at least five Yemeni employees and 15 international personnel. A further 11 UN staff were briefly questioned and later released.

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Alam said the UN is in direct contact with the Houthis and other relevant actors to resolve this serious situation as swiftly as possible, end the detention of all personnel, and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa.

A separate UN official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Houthi forces confiscated all communication equipment inside the facility, including computers, phones and servers.

The staff reportedly belong to several UN agencies, among them the World Food Programme (WFP), the childrens agency UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The incident follows a sustained crackdown by the Houthis on the UN and other international aid organisations operating in territory under their control, including Sanaa, the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, and Saada province in the north.

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According to UN figures, more than 50 staff members have now been detained.





Houthis claim UN staff are spying for Israel

The Houthis have repeatedly accused detained UN staff and employees of foreign NGOs and embassies of espionage on behalf of the United States and Israel, allegations that the UN has denied.

In reaction to previous detentions, the UN suspended operations in Saada earlier this year and relocated its top humanitarian coordinator in Yemen from Sanaa to Aden, the seat of the internationally recognised government.

In a statement on Saturday, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned: We will continue to call for an end to the arbitrary detention of 53 of our colleagues.

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Dujarric was responding to a televised address by Houthi leader Abdelmalek al-Houthi, who claimed his group had dismantled one of the most dangerous spy cells, alleging it was linked to humanitarian organisations such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF. Dujarric said the accusations were dangerous and unacceptable.

Saturdays raid comes amid a sharp escalation in detentions. Since August 31, 2025, alone, at least 21 UN personnel have been arrested, alongside 23 current and former employees of international NGOs, the UN said.

Ten years of conflict have left Yemen, already one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, facing what the UN describes as one of the gravest humanitarian crises globally, with millions reliant on aid for survival.




CAIRO (AP)  Iranian-backed Houthi rebels detained two dozen U.N. employees Sunday, a day after they raided another U.N. facility in the capital Sanaa, a U.N. official said.

Jean Alam, a spokesman for the U.N. resident coordinator for Yemen, told The Associated Press that the U.N. staffers were detained inside the facility in Sanaas southwestern neighborhood of Hada.

He said those detained Sunday include five Yemenis and 15 international staff. He said the rebels released another 11 U.N. staffers after questioning.

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He said the U.N. was contact with the Houthis and other parties to to resolve this serious situation as swiftly as possible, end the detention of all personnel, and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa.

A second U.N. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the raid, said the rebels confiscated all communications equipment from the facility, including phones, servers and computers.

The official said the detained employees belong to multiple U.N. agencies including the World Food Program, UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The Houthis have launched a long-running crackdown against the U.N. and other international organizations working in rebel-held areas in Yemen including Sanaa, the coastal city of Hodeida and the rebel stronghold in Sadaa province in northern Yemen.

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Dozens of people, including over 50 U.N. staffers, have been detained so far. A World Food Program worker died in detention earlier this year in Sadaa.

The rebels have repeatedly alleged without evidence that the detained U.N. staffers and those working with other international groups and foreign embassies were spies. The U.N. fiercely denied the accusations.

The crackdown forced the U.N. to suspend its operations in Saada province in northern Yemen following the detention of eight staffers in January. The U.N. also relocated its top humanitarian coordinator in Yemen from Sanaa to the coastal city of Aden, which serves as seat for the internationally recognized government.
Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.) said Sunday that President Trumps commuting the sentence of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) was the wrong decision.

I do not agree with the commutation. I think it was a wrong decision, primarily because this is somebody who stole [hundreds of thousands] of dollars from his donors, Malliotakis said on CNNs State of the Union. He defrauded the public and his voters.

The president commuted the former congressmans seven-year prison sentence on Friday. Santos, 37, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in August 2024, and he reported to a New Jersey prison in July.

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During an interview with CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday, Santos said he has been humbled by his time in prison and expressed a desire to reform the criminal justice system.

In a statement he posted to the social platform X later in the morning, Santos claimed it is unfair for those in the media to ask his former peers in the House or Senate about Trump commuting his sentence.

I take full responsibility for addressing inquiries related to my situation. I am currently in a period of reflection and healing, and if part of that process means facing tough questions from the media, I am willing, ready, and able to do so, he said.

Santos was expelled from the House in December 2023, after less than a year in the lower chamber, amid the initial allegations. Malliotakis was one of 311 House members to vote for his expulsion.

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Malliotakis, who noted that Santoss seven-year sentence was harsh, called for her former colleague to back up his words with actions.

I wish him well, I hope he does good and I hope he sticks to his word that hes a renewed person, Malliotakis said.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  In honor of Hispanic Heritage, Youngstown City Schools put on a quinceanera celebration Saturday evening at East High School.

The princesses exchanged their shoes for slippers and were crowned with tiaras. The quinceanera represents a transition to young adulthood.

Its an event Youngstown City Schools has put on for years as a way to celebrate Hispanic culture and share it with the entire community.

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Its extremely important and relevant today. With the world we live in today, its important that we all see each other as human. We have to celebrate our differences and weaknesses, and this is a perfect way, said Monica Jones, principal of Youngstown Rayen Early College.

This years theme was Alice in Wonderland.

Wilson Corbisello contributed to this report.

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Rickell Howard Smith is helping the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati return to its roots: housing.

In May, she opened a new regional shelter in Avondale for survivors fleeing from domestic violence  a major milestone for the 157-year-old organization and one of the many reasons Smith was named as one of The Enquirer's 2025 Women of the Year.

Complete with full-scale apartments or havens as staff calls them, a medical center and a state-of-the-art playground, the building is more than a temporary shelter. Its a calming, bright place thats safe and secure for people experiencing one of the scariest yet most courageous transitions of their lives.

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Its also a place that Smith, a child survivor of domestic violence, once needed herself.

This probably is one of the proudest moments of my entire career, that I was put in a position to do this project, something so critical for the community, she said. But more than anything else, I got to build something that the smaller version of me wanted.

The shelter, known as the Francie Garber Pepper House of Healing, was crafted on the principles of trauma-informed design  spacious and warm with an emphasis natural light and privacy. So its also equally as healing for YWCA staff, Smith explained.

This building makes a huge difference through their eyes, she said. They really own it and know that theyre now in a better position to serve.

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The shelter comes nearly a century after the regional YWCA opened its first-ever development, an affordable housing tower for women on Walnut Street where its offices are now located. Decades later, the YWCA hosts a transitional housing program and continues to expand services in underserved rural areas.

Smith wants the organization to be part of the solution to address the regions affordable housing crisis, too, so people coming out of shelters have a permanent place to call their next home.

To do that, it will take strategic thinking and making connections, two skills Smith has grown throughout her career as a lawyer and advocate for civil rights, justice and fairness  particularly on behalf of children and families. From her early days as a Legal Aid attorney working on eviction and housing discrimination cases to eventually serving as a prison litigator and a director at the Childrens Law Center, Smith has always tackled systemic issues.

One thing I figured out about myself early on is that I am meant and built to be a person to address the hard stuff, she said. Ive never really gravitated toward solving the easy problem.

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According to Jackie Reau, Smith's Women of the Year nominator and CEO of Game Day Communications, Smith is building a legacy of systems change" through her work.

Her long-term vision is to make Greater Cincinnati a place where women and families are safe, economically empowered, and represented in leadership, she added. Rickells impact spans the structural and the deeply human.

About the honoree

Birthplace: Mount AuburnCurrent residence: RoselawnFamily: Kenyatta, Justin and Camille Education: Walnut Hills High School, Howard University, B.B.A., Temple University, J.D.Occupation: President and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati

What she says

What inspires you to give back?I know that my purpose is to make people, places and things better than I found them. My passion and desire is to help people to improve their position in life. Now, I try to do that in ways that actually leverages my skill set.

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What need in the community would you like to see addressed?Two things come to mind for me: The first is affordable housing. This is Cincinnati. This is supposed to be a place where you can have the American dream. The other piece is support for children. Our young people in this city are an asset and were just not leveraging them in the way that we could. The more we include young people at the table when decisions are going to be made, the more ownership they take. This is their city just as much as its ours.

Who most influenced or inspired you to care about others?I come from a long line of women that just took care of their communities. For example, my grandmother, from as far back as I can remember, always had people living in her home because they were unhoused. She would open up her doors as a temporary place so people could get on their feet. This was embedded in who I am.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 2025 Women of the Year honoree Rickell Howard Smith builds healing
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview that aired Sunday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid that [the] United States will deliver us Tomahawks.

I knew about the Tomahawks, its very sensitive for Russians, Zelensky told NBC Newss Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. Theyre afraid that [the] United States can deliver Ukraine  I think that Putin [is] afraid that [the] United States will deliver us Tomahawks.

During a White House meeting with Zelensky on Friday, President Trump said it was not easy for the U.S. to hand over long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.

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Its not easy for us to give  youre talking about massive numbers of very powerful weapons, the president said.

So, thats one of the things well be talking about hopefully, they wont need it, hopefully, well be able to get the war over with, without thinking about Tomahawks, he added.

The potential shipment of Tomahawk missiles has become a notable point of discussion recently following Trumps floating the idea.

Are you disappointed that President Trumps answer wasnt yes on Tomahawks? Welker asked Zelensky.

Of course I want, and of course we want. And, of course, we understand how we can use it. And to my mind, it can pressure on Russia and push Putin to negotiations, from my side, the Ukrainian president responded.

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Zelensky on Friday noted that his military doesnt use just Tomahawks and suggested Ukraine could give thousands of its drones to the U.S. in return for the missiles.

You dont use just Tomahawks, he said. If you want to target a military goal, you need thousands of drones. It goes together with such missiles. Ukraine has such thousands of our production drones, but we dont have Tomahawks. Thats why we need Tomahawks.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is finalising an important agreement with its partners on weapons and defence technologies and has instructed diplomats to prepare a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.

Source: Zelenskyy's address on 19 October

Quote: "We are working with partners in Europe to expand the PURL initiative and to increase purchases of US-made weaponry, particularly air defence systems and certain long-range strike capabilities of ours. Next week we will speak with partners in Europe about new contributions to the PURL initiative.

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We are also preparing very important agreements with several countries on weapons and defence technologies. Our capabilities will be broadened. The Office team is currently finalising an agreement we have been working on for several months."

Details: Zelenskyy added that he has tasked Ukrainian diplomats with preparing a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in the near future and has already discussed it with several leaders.

"We in Europe need common and strong positions. And we will have them," he said.

The president noted that he is in contact with European leaders almost daily to develop a united position on applying the right kind of pressure on Russia.

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Quote: "We will grant the aggressor no gifts and forget nothing. We clearly see: this Russia is a long-term threat. Therefore, in Europe, we need long-term cooperation and tangible results  both in the short term and with a forward-looking perspective  so that people can live."

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russia is not currently winning the war against Ukraine and is paying a high price for its minor advances.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with NBC News

Quote: "Well, we are not losing this war, and Putin is not winning. And really, his army now is in a weak position. I think so, because really from the beginning of this war, they have occupied 1% of our land, but they've spent 1,300,000 people [to do that] and I think this is a high price for such land.

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On the battlefield, he [Putin  ed.] is not winning. That's why he really escalates airstrikes."

Details: The interviewer showed Zelenskyy a chart of Russian air attacks on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, noting that since January this year, when Donald Trump became US President, the strikes have significantly intensified.

Quote: "It's not about President Trump. Because they increased their capabilities, because they put more money into their own production, because North Korea began to help them, because machine tools came from China for production, because the Iranians gave licences for these drones. A lot of different reasons why he [Putin  ed.] increased [strikes]. But all this shows that he doesn't want to stop this war."

More details: Zelenskyy also said that Trump should apply stronger pressure on Putin than he did on Hamas to end the war in the Middle East.

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"Yes, and even more, because Putin is something similar but stronger than Hamas. It's a bigger war, and he has the second army in the world. And that's why more pressure [is needed  ed.]," he said.

Background: According to estimates by British outlet The Economist, if Russia maintains its current rate of advance, they could occupy all of Ukraine's Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts by June 2030, and it would take another 103 years to capture the entire country.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out giving up any additional unoccupied territories to Russia and expressed his readiness to join the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Budapest.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with NBC News, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda and European Pravda

Quote: "If we want to stop this war and go to peace negotiations urgently, and in a diplomatic way, we need to stay where we stay and not give something additional [territories  ed.] to Putin because he wants [it]."

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Details: The president called Putin a terrorist but confirmed he was ready to meet him face to face.

"If we really want to have a just and lasting peace, we need both sides of this tragedy... How can there be any deals about us without us?" he added.

When asked whether he intended to go to Budapest, Zelenskyy said he had told Trump that he was ready.

He stated that it is necessary to start any format of negotiations  bilateral or trilateral.

"Peace talks have to be [held  ed.] in a quiet situation. Not under missiles. Not under drones," Zelenskyy added.

Background:

According to The Washington Post, during his conversation with Trump, Putin demanded full control over Donetsk Oblast to end the war, hinting that he might concede parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts in return.

Trump spoke with Putin on 16 October for the first time in nearly two months and later announced plans for their meeting in Budapest. It would be Putin's first appearance in the capital of an EU member state since the start of the full-scale invasion, requiring him to fly through the airspace of other EU countries.

Putin's potential trip to Budapest is complicated by the risks involved in crossing European airspace.

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Questen Inghram is a Murrow News Fellow at the Yakima Herald-Republic whose beat focuses on government in Central Washington communities. Email qinghram@yakimaherald.com or call 509-577-7674.

This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, email news@yakimaherald.com.
A property tax increase that would provide $6 million in revenue for the City of Yakimas beleaguered general fund will be considered by city voters on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Proponents of the levy, labeled Proposition 1 on ballots mailed this week to Yakima voters, argue the tax increase would support public safety, parks and other community programs  city services that would be cut severely without the infusion of additional revenue.

Yakima is facing a budget shortfall that puts essential services at risk, notes a statement favoring the levy prepared by Elmer Bud Backer, David Elofson and Lisa Wallace. Proposition 1 provides the funding needed to keep Yakima safe, clean and thriving.

Opponents of the levy argue the tax hikes would further burden Yakima families, seniors and small businesses, and targeted budget cuts and streamlined city operations are a better solution to the problem.

The real issue isnt tax revenue, its unaffordable budgets filled with wasteful spending, notes a statement against the levy prepared by Gunnar Berg, Dana Johnson and Cameron Weber. Reject this levy to demand accountability and a balanced budget.

Divided city council placed levy on ballot

Arguments from the two committees, which appear in the voters guide mailed to Yakima residents, mirror the debate between City Council members in the months before their July 24 vote to place the $6 million tax levy on the ballot.

The referendum was prompted by a projected $9 million deficit in next years general fund, which pays for police and fire protection, streets and sidewalks, parks and other related services.

Before voting 4-3 in favor of putting the tax levy on the ballot, council members approved $3 million in cuts to general fund budget items, with the remaining $6 million in potential cuts postponed until voter consider the tax increase.

Mayor Patricia Byers and council members Janice Deccio, Rick Glenn and Danny Herrera voted in favor of letting voters weigh in, with council members Reedy Berg, Matt Brown and Leo Roy opposed.

The $6 million levy amount would add 50 cents in taxes per $1,000 of assessed property value for Yakima property owners, generating $6,043,000 per year, according to data supplied by Finance Director Craig Warner.

It would increase the tax levy rate from $1.84 per $1,000 of assessed value to $2.46. The latter rate would be the baseline property tax rate going forward, Warner said.

Due to a 2001 statewide referendum, all future city property tax increases would be limited to 1% unless voters are asked again to raise the levy lid imposed by state law.

For the owner of an average Yakima home valued at $356,395, the additional tax would be $14.90 per month and $178.80 per year. The owner of a $600,000 home would pay $25.08 more per month and $300.96 per year.

A council-appointed citizens committee looking into the citys budget woes determined that city voters have not approved a tax levy increase since 1984.

The most recent attempt was in February 2020, when Yakima voters turned down a property tax increase that would have generated $3 million. The tally was 8,665 no votes, or 63%, to 5,108 yes votes (37%).

Cuts that will happen, no matter what

The roughly $3 million in cuts  needed regardless of whether voters approve the $6 million in additional revenue  largely avoided police and fire personnel, which residents valued highly in public surveys conducted earlier this year about the citys budget.

Cutbacks were spread across five departments mostly funded by the citys general fund: Public works ($877,500), parks and recreation ($649,917), public safety ($605,217), City Hall ($576,473) and economic development ($291,404).

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Among the more controversial budget cuts was the councils July 24 decision to close Franklin Park pool, which has some significant repair work looming in 2027, during the 2026 summer season. Warner estimated closing the pool one year earlier would save the city $167,000.

The council added $50,000 reductions to the budgets of Lions Pool, an indoor facility open year-round, and the Harman and Washington Fruit Company community centers. These savings could be realized by a combination of increased fees, reduced hours or fewer programs.

Additional cuts if levy doesn't pass

If the tax levy is not approved, most of the $6 million in additional budget cuts would come from eliminating public safety positions and the resulting reductions in Yakima Police Department and Yakima Fire Department service.

The YPD crime analysis staff, property crimes unit, gang unit and narcotics unit would be eliminated, and the departments traffic enforcement unit would see its funding reduced by $160,000, city officials have said.

There also would be $162,000 in animal control and parking enforcement budget cuts, along with $50,000 trimmed from the YPD and YFD training budgets.

The fire department would lose 12 employees, prompting the closure of Fire Station 92 in the West Valley.

From public works, the Clean City Program would have $185,000 in cuts, and the parks and recreation department would see popular facilities such as Lions Pool, the Harman Center and the Washington Fruit Company Center close.

Further arguments for and against

The pro referendum committee notes that the 2001 statewide referendum has capped property tax increases at 1% for the past 24 years  far below the rising costs of public safety, parks and other community programs.

The city has already made deep cuts, the pro committee argues in its voters guide statement.

Without this levy, we face fewer police officers and firefighters, slower emergency response times and reduced services we all rely on, including community pools and senior centers.

The committee against the tax levy notes that many homeowners will have to pay $200 to $500 more in taxes each year. It also notes that Washingtons 9 cents per gallon gas tax hike and many other statewide taxes and fee increases already stress the finances of the majority of Yakima families.

Yakima has over 250 city employees compensated over $150,000 per year, while the median household income is around $60,000, the anti-referendum committee notes.

In a rebuttal, the pro-referendum panel stated the majority of households will pay less than $20 a month to fund essential services like police, fire and emergency response.

Claims of waste are vastly overblown and ignore years of responsible city management, the pro-tax levy group notes. Rejecting the levy wont fix state taxes, it will only hurt our community.

The anti-tax levy panel states that other viable budget-balancing options are available.

Yakima can optimize existing funds by streamlining operations, reducing administrative overhead, negotiating better contracts and making targeted cuts to non-essential areas, the committee states. This approach prioritizes police, fire, parks and community programs without imposing a burdensome property tax increase on families.
Diane Keaton takes the stage during the 46th AFI Life Achievement Award gala ceremony honoring George Clooney on June 7, 2018, in Los Angeles. Keaton died earlier this month at age 79. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / The Associated Press)
Jason M. Blazakis, a professor of practice at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, was director of the State Departments Counterterrorism Finance and Designations Office in the Bureau of Counterterrorism from 2008 to 2018.
The measures under consideration include the suspension of the trade chapter of the EU-Israel association agreement, which would withdraw preferential access for Israeli goods to European markets. The EU, Israel's largest trading partner, accounted for nearly a third of the country's international trade in goods last year.
President Trump celebrated a successful military strike that destroyed a drug-carrying submarine loaded with fentanyl in the Caribbean.
The US State Department issued a stern warning to Hamas, citing "credible intelligence" of a planned attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, which would be a "grave violation" of the ceasefire.
KANAZAWA  Vietnamese artist Le Huu Hieu has been honoured with the title 'Pioneering Artist on the UNESCO Heritage Journey 2025' by the Federation of UNESCO Associations in Viet Nam and the Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan.

Hieu attended the international conference titled 'Cultural Industry - A Strategic Driver in Sustainable Development' and the 81st anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Union of UNESCO Associations on October 17.

The organising committee emphasised that honouring Le Huu Hieu with this title, highlights the role of artists as cultural custodians, contributing to UNESCOs 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Global Creative Industry Strategy.

The award honours individuals, artists and cultural practitioners, who have made significant contributions to preserving, promoting and sharing cultural values. It also affirms the social mission of art - to nurture collective memory, preserve identity and foster creativity rooted in heritage.

"For me, the best way to preserve culture is to let it grow," Hieu said.

"Nearly 20 years of research into archaeology and regional cultural traits, combined with artistic exploration, have given me invaluable insights.

"The more cultural and historical data I gather, the better my work becomes. Its like a trees roots reaching for water; when nourished, it naturally blooms.

"The art I pursue is just that, natural growth, roots seeking water, flowers blooming in their time."

Hieu also expressed deep admiration for the vast cultural legacy inherited from past generations.

He added: "In recent years, Ive seen many, from artists and artisans to cultural enthusiasts, dedicating themselves to elevating and celebrating these values.

"I hope that after the 50th Anniversary Exhibition, there will be even larger and more elaborate projects to continue elevating Viet Nams cultural heritage."

Earlier, on April 19, artist Le Huu Hieu unveiled his large-scale installation 'From the Victory of Bach ang to the Great Victory of April 30, 1975' on Nguyen Hue Walking Street in HCM.

The event was part of the national celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and Reunification.

With towering sculptures reaching several metres high, the exhibition made a powerful impression and contributed to Le Huu Hieu being honoured with the title 'Pioneering Artist on the UNESCO Heritage Journey 2025.'

In this body of work, Le Huu Hieu employed a symbolic, stylised approach to portray the silent heroes behind Viet Nams victories.

The figures are minimalist yet strong, resembling tree trunks rising from the motherland, symbolising the nations enduring vitality. Traditional materials such as jackfruit wood, rope, coconut fibre, jute and silk are artfully combined, evoking the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese spirit.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the 'Guardian Spirit', distilled from Vietnamese folk beliefs, representing faith and the yearning for peace. Amid the shimmering lacquered surfaces and engraved verses from Tran Hung aos Proclamation to the Generals, visitors can deeply feel the heroic spirit of Bach ang and a profound gratitude to their ancestors.

Le Huu Hieu, born in 1982, Ha Tinh Province, is a painter and visual artist with a background in architecture and archaeological research.

He held his solo exhibition Mac (2014) at the Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum, participated in the National Fine Arts Exhibition (2015) at the Viet Nam National Exhibition Centre and showcased his works at the Spectrum  Miami Art Fair 2016, as part of Contemporary Art Projects USA, a leading contemporary art programme in the United States.

In 2017, he presented his works in the Trio exhibition at the Viet Nam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies and represented Viet Nam at the 11th Florence Biennale at Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy.

In 2021, he held his solo exhibition Soul Energy in Italy.  VNS
Phu Quoc fish sauce has long been a symbol of Viet Nams rich culinary heritage.

Made from fresh anchovies and sea salt, fermented in wooden barrels for over a year, it embodies both craftsmanship and patience.

After receiving the European Unions Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, the sauce has gained global prestige while facing new challenges to maintain its authenticity.

Viet Nam News spoke with Ho Kim Lien, former chairwoman of the Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Association and Chairwoman of Khai Hoan Trading JSC, about how the traditional craft is evolving for the modern era.

How did EU recognition change things?

The EUs PGI status marked a milestone in our history. It placed Phu Quoc fish sauce among the worlds most respected traditional condiments, alongside Italian olive oil and French cheese.

This certification doesnt only protect our brand from imitationit affirms our unique identity in the global market.

Since receiving this recognition, domestic consumers have become more aware of what constitutes genuine Phu Quoc fish sauce.

They understand that authenticity comes from natural fermentation in wooden barrels, not industrial additives or artificial colourants.

Abroad, the product is now perceived as a premium condiment rather than a niche Asian ingredient.

We have also seen a positive impact on tourism. Visitors from home and abroad come to see the barrel houses, observe the fermentation process, and experience the aroma and taste firsthand.

This interaction helps tell the story of our heritage and strengthens our brand through cultural appreciation.

What are the biggest challenges today?

Our greatest challenge is unfair competition. Industrial fish sauce can be mass-produced within weeks and sold cheaply, while fake products misuse the name Phu Quoc without authorisation.

These counterfeit products confuse consumers and erode trust.

Traditional producers face higher costs because our process is slow and labour-intensive.

We use only anchovies caught in local waters and sea salt from the Central region, fermenting them naturally for 12 to 15 months.

Every barrel requires careful attention and expertise.

While this method ensures superior quality, it limits production volume and makes it harder to compete in a market driven by price rather than authenticity.

However, we believe tradition is our pride and identity. Compromising on quality would mean betraying the generations who built this craft.

What makes Phu Quoc fish sauce unique is not just its flavourits the patience and integrity behind it.

How difficult is it to export to markets like Europe, the US, or Japan?

Its a long and demanding journey. Each country imposes its own food safety and labelling standards.

For fermented products like fish sauce, these requirements are particularly strictcovering microbial safety, residue levels, packaging, and even traceability.

To meet these requirements, we must invest in modern facilities and technologies.

At Khai Hoan, weve installed stainless steel filtering systems, modern bottling lines, and international-standard testing labs.

We also apply HACCP and other quality control systems to ensure compliance.

Yet, these investments are costly for small producers.

Many family-run workshops cannot afford the required upgrades, and must therefore depend on support from associations or government programmes.

This is why state assistanceboth technical and financialis vital if we want more producers to reach export markets.

Do high traditional costs threaten small producers?

Yes, sustainability is a major concern. The traditional process depends on naturefresh anchovies, sea salt, the islands humidity, and the wooden barrels made from local timber.

Any disruption, such as poor fishing seasons or rising material costs, directly affects production.

Small producers often face the temptation to shorten fermentation time or use substitutes to reduce costs. But doing so would mean losing the very soul of the craft.

We at Khai Hoan choose to stay true to the traditional method, even if its more expensive, because thats what makes our fish sauce distinct and deserving of the EUs recognition.

We need a balance: innovation that supports efficiency without replacing tradition.

New technologies can help with hygiene, bottling, and traceability while preserving the natural process.

What policies could further support the industry?

The Government has been very supportive, but more targeted and long-term mechanisms are needed.

Phu Quoc fish sauce should be treated as a national heritage product, deserving special policies in raw material conservation, brand protection, and export promotion.

I believe there should be a Centre for Research and Conservation of Anchovies and Phu Quoc Fish Sauce, along with a Heritage Museum dedicated to our craft.

These would serve not only as archives of traditional knowledge but also as educational and tourism hubs.

Moreover, financial incentives, technical training, and easier access to credit would help small producers modernise responsiblyadopting better production and marketing tools without losing traditional values.

How is climate change affecting the industry?

Climate change has become a serious threat. Rising sea temperatures and changing marine ecosystems have sharply reduced anchovy populationsthe very foundation of our production.

Without anchovies, we cannot make true Phu Quoc fish sauce.

The decline in anchovy catches has led to higher costs and lower output.

The same goes for salt, as unpredictable weather affects both quality and supply.

Protecting our marine ecosystem, therefore, must become a central part of the industrys development strategy.

Preserving the environment means preserving the essence of our heritage.

We are encouraging fishermen to follow sustainable practices and advocating for stricter controls on overfishing.

If we lose our natural resources, no amount of modern technology can replace them.

What does the future hold for Phu Quoc fish sauce?

The future lies in balancebetween tradition and innovation, between heritage and market demand.

We need to invest in storytelling, branding, and cultural tourism so that each bottle carries not only a product but also a story.

With the collective effort of producers, policymakers, and consumers, Phu Quoc fish sauce can continue to shine as both a national treasure and a symbol of Viet Nams culinary excellence.

Each drop of this amber-coloured sauce reflects generations of patience, craftsmanship, and pride.

For us, those values are priceless  just like the taste that has made Phu Quoc fish sauce famous around the world. VNS
HA NOI  Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung has congratulated the UK's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on assuming her new important position.

During their phone conversation on Saturday evening, Acting Minister Trung expressed his pleasure at the effective cooperation results achieved between the two countries in all fields recently.

He affirmed that Viet Nam always values and desires to promote further the strategic partnership with the UK  Viet Nams most important partner in Europe.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the UK highly values strengthening friendly relations and cooperation with Viet Nam.

She expressed her confidence that with the cooperation of Acting Minister Trung, the foreign ministries of both countries will continue to play a good coordinating role, promoting cooperation in all areas to elevate bilateral relations.

Cooper affirmed that the UK Foreign Ministry would continue close cooperation, efficiently carrying out delegation exchanges, high-level contacts between the two countries and between their ministries and sectors.

Highly appreciating the positive developments of the Viet Nam-UK strategic partnership recently, Acting Minister Trung and Foreign Secretary Cooper agreed on the need to timely review cooperation aspects, strengthen coordinating roles and closely follow action plans implementing the strategic partnership framework.

They also wanted to push forward cooperation agreements between both sides, negotiate and sign new cooperation documents, and create a favourable legal framework to further enhance cooperation across fields.

The work aims to advance bilateral relations to a new phase, meeting the expectations of both peoples for peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and worldwide.

On this occasion, Acting Minister Trung warmly invited her to visit Viet Nam at a suitable time. Secretary Cooper expressed her wish to soon meet Acting Minister Trung in person to discuss topics of mutual interest.  VNS
QUANG NINH  Amid the ongoing Industrial Revolution 4.0 and national digital transformation, Viet Nam is gradually realising the goal of social equity and protecting the legitimate rights of all citizens, especially the poor and vulnerable groups.

The legal aid mobile application  an activity implemented within the framework of the project 'Enhancing legal aid for the poor and vulnerable groups' funded by the World Bank through the Japan Social Development Fund - is seen as one such positive initiative.

It promises to be a stepping stone in the process of digitising access to free legal aid services, bringing justice closer to those in need of legal assistance.

A workshop was recently organised by the Department of Law Dissemination, Education and Legal Aid (now called Department in short) under the Ministry of Justice in the northern province of Quang Ninh to gather feedback on developing a legal aid application on mobile phones, aiming to provide an additional tool to support access to legal aid for vulnerable people.

The event was attended by delegates from State legal aid centres including legal aid officers, information technology (IT) staff and some collaborators from different provinces such as Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Vinh Long, Phu Tho, Hung Yen and Bac Ninh.

This is a follow-up to the initial workshop held in the central city of Hue in early this month.

In her opening remarks, To Thi Thu Ha, deputy director of the department, emphasised the importance of digital transformation in legal aid.

She said this is not just a trend, but also an urgent requirement to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, ensure equal access opportunities to state legal aid services and maximise the protection of people's rights, especially vulnerable groups.

This mobile application is not just a reference tool but a digital bridge to bring free legal services to people in remote and difficult-to-access areas where direct access faces many obstacles.

The core objective of the application is to provide a comprehensive access tool that allows users to search for news and legal documents related to legal aid, and to access, receive and process legal aid requests from the public.

This helps them quickly access and timely resolve legal aid needs, thereby improving the quality and prompt delivery of free services.

The application will be piloted in two provinces, ien Bien and Lao Cai.

After the pilot phase, the app quality and effectiveness will be assessed so that its implementation expansion to other provinces and cities if suitable and feasible will be considered.

At the workshop, IT experts from the UPNEXT Technology Joint Stock Company presented the basic research findings on the necessity and feasibility of developing the app, including technical solutions, technology used and key features.

Delegates were able to directly experience the trial version, gaining a full and concrete understanding of the app in practice.

The research content and trial version have been promptly refined in collaboration with the department, based on feedback from delegates at the first workshop held in Hue City.

Delegates, including legal aid officers and IT staff from legal aid centres, expressed their joy at, and highly appreciated, the app's practicality and usefulness.

They confirmed that this app was the digital key to breaking down psychological, geographical and economic barriers, enabling vulnerable groups to truly access justice.

Delegates especially emphasised their hope that the application will soon be deeply connected with the Legal Aid Information System being developed by the department, creating a synchronised and efficient data network.

The app, along with features that connect to specialised databases for beneficiary verification, will help shorten administrative procedures.

Speakers also proposed adding functions to better accommodate diverse users, particularly special legal aid beneficiaries such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, who need the most support.

These features must ensure authenticity and personal information security.

Delegates expressed the wish for the application to be completed soon with official versions available on CH Play (Android) and App Store (iOS), enabling both citizens and legal aid providers to experience the application fully and seamlessly.

Concluding the workshop, Deputy Director Ha reaffirmed the commitment of the central legal aid authority.

The Department will closely cooperate with the UPNEXT Technology Joint Stock Company to finalise the application based on the maximum incorporation of feedback from delegates, she said.

The ultimate goal is for people, especially legal aid beneficiaries, to access free services as easily and quickly as possible, laying the foundation for new advances in applying information technology and digital transformation in legal aid to strive for the goal of leaving no one behind in accessing the law and legal aid.  VNS
LAO CAI  Two foreign tourists who entered the Hoang Lien National Park illegally and got lost in the protected forest area have been successfully rescued by the park management board, in coordination with the Ta Van Commune Police.

Previously, at around 7pm on Friday, after receiving report from local residents about tourists lost in the forest, the task force of the Hoang Lien Forest Protection Division joined hands with the Ta Van Commune Police to implement a rescue plan.

They defined that the tourists got lost in the sub-area 278 in Sin Chai Village.

The authorities found M. Carina and H. Florian, with Austrian nationals, visiting the protected forest area without permission from the forest owner.

The tourists could not present legal documents related to tourism activities in the forest.

During their movement in the forest, they were slightly injured and could not leave the area on their own.

The search team of ten people made lots of efforts to reach the tourists. By more than 11pm the same day, the task force reached the tourists, provided first aid and safely escorted them out.

Competent units gave education and reminded the tourists about their violations of the law on tourism and forest protection, and handled the case according to current regulations.  VNS
CAN THO  Can Tho City should maximise its unique potential and competitive advantages to create new development space worthy of its role as a growth pole of the Cuu Long (Mekong) delta region, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh as he met with voters in Can Tho City on Sunday, ahead of the upcoming National Assembly session.

The voters, who are also ward and commune-level leaders of Can Tho, noted that after more than three months of implementing the two-tier local government model, the local administrative systems have seen efficient operation, meeting the needs of both citizens and businesses.

However, several shortcomings remain, especially in terms of guidance and implementation.

Nguyen Van Ngan, chairman of the Phu Loc Commune Peoples Committee, pointed out that the two-tier administrative model and the expansion of commune-level administrative units have led to an increased workload in document authentication, causing overload in areas with large populations. He suggested delegating authorisation power to alleviate the burden.

Trinh Thi Bao Khuyen, secretary of the ai Hai Commune Party Committee, stated that the large volume of tasks, combined with limited staff capacity and recently issued sectoral regulations, has caused confusion at the grassroots level.

She called for clearer guidance on power decentralisation and delegation, simplification of administrative procedures, and clarification of the functions, duties and authority of commune-level agencies.

Bui Van Kiet, chairman of the Cai Khe Ward Peoples Committee, recommended that revisions to the current Land Law must clearly stipulate procedures for land-use extensions, adjustments to land-use duration, and detailed construction planning for annual rental land.

Recognising the efforts of local authorities, PM Chinh urged Can Tho and the entire country to exert maximum effort to achieve the ambitious national goals for both this year and the 2021-25 term.

In addition to implementing the new local government model and improving administrative procedures, Can Tho should also enhance its internal structures and address shortages in capacity to build a capable and dedicated civil service.

With a vision of becoming a modern hub for industry, agriculture, services, logistics, education and healthcare, the city should maximise resources and aim for double-digit growth in 2025 and complete all targets set for the 2021-25 term.

Local authorities must continue to look into restructuring the economy and identifying key sectors that both possess comparative advantages and generate high added value, and prioritising them in attracting investment and developing appropriate growth policies and mechanisms.

PM Chinh urged Can Tho to effectively implement new strategic resolutions issued by the Politburo, strengthen science and technology research, and apply innovation to socio-economic management to enhance the citys competitiveness.

He also called for mobilising all resources for infrastructure development, particularly in transportation and digital transformation, and to accelerate major projects such as the Can Tho Oncology Hospital, and routes connecting Can Tho to HCM City and the southernmost Ca Mau Province such as the Chau ocCan ThoSoc Trang Expressway and the National Highway 91.

The PM further instructed the city to make breakthroughs in human resource development, ensure social welfare, strengthen resource management, disaster prevention and climate adaptation.

Can Tho must also effectively implement the one-million-hectare sustainable, low-carbon, high-quality rice cultivation project in alignment with green growth.

Situated at the heart of the Mekong Delta, the city must ensure national defence, security and social order, improve citizen engagement, strengthen Party building and internal capacity, and continue its fight against corruption, wastefulness and vested interests.

Addressing specific concerns raised by voters regarding the two-tier governance model, land policies, national target programmes and administrative decentralisation, PM Chinh affirmed that most of these issues are already being actively handled by the Government and relevant ministries, and that necessary revisions and improvements are underway.

On the same day, the Government leader also visited a social housing development project in the city and the public service centre in Hung Phu Ward.  VNS
SEOUL  A total of 64 Republic of Korea's citizens who had been held in Cambodia for alleged involvement in cyber scam operations arrived at Incheon International Airport on Saturday morning.

All suspects were immediately arrested on board the Korean Air chartered flight, as Korean law applies within a national carrier.

Upon arrival, the detainees, most wearing caps and masks, were handcuffed and transferred to the police stations with jurisdiction over their cases, including 45 to the South Chungcheong Police Agency and 15 to North Gyeonggi Agency.

Around 190 police officers were mobilised at the airport for the escort operation. The suspects, avoiding reporters questions, kept their heads down as they boarded 23 police vans headed to their respective investigation units.

The mass repatriation followed widespread public anger here over a college student's death in Cambodia in August.

Authorities believe he was deceived by a Cambodian criminal organisation into traveling there for work, then held captive, tortured, and killed.  THE KOREA HERALD/ANN
UK minister derails hopes of Wales receiving 4.6bn owed from HS2

A UK Government minister who said something is amiss with Wales missing out on HS2 funding has confirmed the nation will not receive a multi-billion-pound windfall.

Peter Hendy, UK minister of state for rail, gave evidence to the Senedds infrastructure committee rowing back on his previous position on HS2.

Carolyn Thomas pointed to 2022 comments from Jo Stevens, now the Welsh secretary in the UK cabinet, who said it was illogical to designate HS2 as a Wales and England project and estimated Wales was owed 4.6bn in consequential funding.

The Labour Senedd member also raised Lord Hendys 2023 comments that something is amiss with the way the Barnett funding formula is applied to HS2.

Lord Hendy replied: At the time I made my previous comments, I wasnt a minister in the government  now I am and the whole way in which the Barnett formula and Barnett consequentials work is about the devolution statement and a matter for wider government.

The facts havent changed

Appearing to read from a script, the life peer added: Heavy rail is reserved in Wales, so that any heavy rail scheme the department delivers should always be classified as England and Wales when the formula is applied, which includes HS2.

And thats different from Scotland and Northern Ireland where heavy rail is devolved and, therefore, they do get Barnett-based funding.

Lord Hendy told the committee this is consistent with funding arrangements for all the other policy areas reserved in Wales but devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

He said: The context of everybodys remarks on this was the previous UK Government had not in fact given enhancement spending in Wales in any meaningful way and this one is.

He would not comment on changes to the Barnett formula but clarified none are proposed.

Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymrus deputy leader in the Senedd, said: You said your previous comments on HS2 were made before you were a minister. We appreciate that  the facts havent changed though, have they?

Fair and reasonable

Lord Hendy replied: Its very possible to interpret the Barnett formula as people have in your position as being disadvantageous. I think whats changed is that this government has decided to commit a very significant amount of money to rail enhancements in Wales.

Pressed further, he added: Im a realist and pragmatist, reiterating claims of a change in context since 2023 with UK ministers announcing significant investments in Wales.

Asked whether Wales has received fair and reasonable investment in rail infrastructure, Lord Hendy said: This government recognises that railways in Wales have recently, historically, seen very low levels of enhancement spending.

Thats why weve worked really hard with the current Welsh Government to put that right.

The politician argued the UK spending review and 10-year infrastructure strategy recognise Wales long-term rail infrastructure needs, with at least 445m earmarked.

Lord Hendy, who chaired Network Rail for nine years, claimed: I dont think weve seen anything like the commitment to railway infrastructure investment in the spending review.

Injustice

Llyr Gruffydd, who chairs the infrastructure committee, asked: Do you understand peoples frustrations in Wales that they feel that theres an injustice here? Because, obviously, they see consequential money going to other parts of the UK.

Mr Gruffydd contrasted the 445m commitment with funding provided to regions of England which firmly tells us were pretty much bottom of the table.

Lord Hendy recognised frustrations but said: Until recently, Wales got virtually no railway enhancement spending, now it is  so, I think thats a significant improvement.

Pressed about the 445m commitment being spread over a decade, the transport executive said the funding will cover new stations in south Wales and more services in north Wales. He stressed the fund is not constraining and it will be at least 445m.

He told the committee: I think that actually  out of a relatively limited total pot for England and Wales which is related to the state of the economy the government inherited when it took over a year ago last July  I believe this is a significant settlement.

Asked whether the investment is enough to address historic underfunding of Wales railway infrastructure, Lord Hendy replied: You have to start somewhere.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Wales lagging behind rest of UK on stroke care

Wales ranks 21st out of 26 high-income countries for stroke outcomes, lagging significantly behind the rest of the UK, a surgeon-turned-Senedd member has warned.

Altaf Hussain blamed the poor performance on the Welsh Governments failure to run a national Act FAST awareness-raising campaign in recent years.

The Conservative, who chairs the Senedds cross-party group on stroke, relayed the story of Fran  a survivor who did not recognise the signs she was experiencing a stroke.

Dr Hussain said: Fran told us that had she recognised the signs and symptoms of stroke, she would have sought help sooner, got treatment sooner and recovered sooner.

As it stands, Fran and so many people like her receive treatment too late and are left with lifelong disabilities. This is why the Act FAST/Cam NESA campaigns are so vital.

One of Wales biggest killers

Dr Hussain, a retired consultant orthopaedic surgeon, criticised a lack of will from Public Health Wales to implement campaigns which have proved successful over the border.

Leading a short debate in the Senedd on October 15, he pointed to huge clinical support and clinical need for a renewed Welsh awareness campaign.

He said: The FAST campaign supports prevention messaging by educating the public about the warning signs, which can lead to earlier detection and management of underlying risk.

One of the UKs leading stroke consultants told Dr Hussain he would absolutely support a renewed focus in Wales, stating public awareness is an absolute must.

The Tory warned stroke is one of Wales biggest killers, costing the health service 220m a year, with an estimated economic impact of 1.6bn a year.

We cant afford to do nothing

He told the Senedd: We cant afford to do nothing. Not only will thousands of people continue to die, but the cost to the economy could rise to 2.8bn by 2035.

Dr Hussain compared the average time it takes for a stroke patient to get to hospital in Wales (six hours, 41 minutes) versus England (around four hours).

He said Wales sits 21st out of 26 high-income countries, with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 13th, asking: Why are we doing so much worse?

Janet Finch-Saunders, a fellow Tory, said one of her Aberconwy constituents  in her late 80s  waited nearly five hours for an ambulance to arrive after a suspected stroke.

She asked: What happened to the one hour golden rule?

Labours Mike Hedges made the point that a stroke can happen at any age, sharing the story of his Swansea neighbour  a woman in her early 30s who had a stroke.

Wales is leading the way

Jeremy Miles, Wales health secretary, disputed the Conservatives claim that no campaign exists, pointing to stroke awareness materials in surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies.

Mr Miles argued Wales has led the way on stroke treatment, with technology advances such as the use of AI in stroke centres to speed up accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The health secretary told the Senedd that Wales was the first country to use both AI and pre-hospital video triage together to improve patient outcomes.

He defended regional stroke centres and pointed to evidence that centralising specialist services is the best way of ensuring that your constituents and mine survive stroke.

Mr Miles committed to reviewing the situation, stating he has asked his officials to provide advice on the practicalities of running the Act FAST campaign in Wales again.

By Ella Groves
Thousands took to the streets of downtown Reno on Saturday for the No Kings march.

Indivisible Northern Nevada is hosting the event in Reno and Take Action Northern Nevada held a protest in Carson City.

Protests and marches also happened in various cities across the nation.
Body camera footage that shows the Special Operations and Response Team conducting a training exercise within the Dona Ana County Detention Center. Source: American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Dona Ana County Detention Center alleging violent operations occurred at the facility  including excessive force and pointing a Taser at inmates genitals.

According to the lawsuit filed in 3rd Judicial District Court, the detention facility, which can house nearly 900 inmates, allowed a group of security officers to conduct training operations against inmates.

The security officers, called the Special Operations and Response Team (SORT), are described as a group of corrections officers trained to handle high-risk situations including riots, evacuations and other situations that fall outside the abilities of regular officers, according to the lawsuit. SORT has been operating at the jail since 2019.

SORT officers are comprised of Dona Ana County corrections officers and are not certified law enforcement officers, according to the lawsuit. Private company Tactical and Operations Group of the United States provides training for the officers.

Dona Ana County declined to comment on the suit and said they are representing themselves in court, according to county spokesperson Ariana Parra.

The lawsuit states that SORT officers would point a Taser at inmates genitals during strip searches. Officers would tell inmates that if they made any sudden movements or were in possession of contraband, the Taser would be used on them.

A screenshot from body camera footage that shows the Special Operations and Response Team conducting a training exercise within the Dona Ana County Detention Center. Source: American Civil Liberties Union

Many of the inmates at the facility are state and federal pretrial detainees, meaning that they have not been convicted of a crime and are awaiting a trial. Inmates are often transferred to another facility if they are convicted and handed a prison sentence.

These unwarranted and abusive operations at the Dona Ana County Detention Center do nothing to further security or safety and egregiously violate the rights of the people housed within the detention center, the lawsuit states.

The allegations stem from 2023-2025, when six inmates who are now plaintiffs in the lawsuit said they experienced SORT training operations that were unjustified violence, according to the lawsuit. SORT has conducted 112 training operations since January 2023, the lawsuit states.

Some of the exercises have been conducted by trainee officers as part of a training before the officers are officially graduated, said ACLU lawyer Lalita Moskowitz.

Ad

One of the plaintiffs, Jonathan Silva, said on Nov. 6, 2024, SORT officers entered his cell and deployed a flash bang near his head. Silva, who has 75% hearing loss and wears hearing aids, said his right hearing aid broke because of the noise from the blast, according to the lawsuit.

The facility did not repair Silvas hearing aid for several months. When SORT officers conducted another training, Silva could not hear instructions from the officers and the officers used a Taser on him, the lawsuit alleges.

Another plaintiff, Mario Carrasco, who is still detained at the detention facility, said he has seen and experienced SORT officers point a Taser at his and his cellmates faces during operations, the lawsuit states.

Carrasco said jail officers have retaliated against him for speaking with his lawyers and helping Spanish-speaking inmates in the jail. Carrasco alleged that officers purposefully put (him) in a position to be attacked by a group of nine or ten other detainees, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that many of the former inmates said they struggle with PTSD, nightmares and have been prescribed medication as a result of the training exercises.

Plaintiffs are seeking an end to all training exercises within the detention center and financial compensation, according to Moskowitz. The inmates have also submitted a petition to the U.S. Marshals Service to investigate operations within the jail.

We are also suing for injunctive relief and for declaratory relief, which would mean that a court would declare that this behavior is unconstitutional and make that ruling specifically, not just as to our plaintiffs, but sort of in general, Moskowitz said.
The recently concluded annual high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York showcased American power in a changed international environment. A fractured international system did not find any substitute for U.S. leadership in identifying a shared view of the worlds ills nor a common vision for finding solutions. President Donald Trumps pronouncement to the world: Your countries are going to hell, was certainly a departure from past presidential addresses. His address focused on the ills of illegal migration and the ongoing wars. Other leaders focused on ongoing wars and the need for resolution. Neither the possible role of the United Nations nor means of making that role an effective one were discussed.

Over the past eight decades, the international system evolved under U.S. leadership. American power was used in setting up multilateral institutions even as the rivalry with the former Soviet Union created the East-West divide. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the U.S. was the sole hegemonic power with a series of allies who partnered in common enterprises. Presidents of both major parties referred to the U.S. as the indispensable nation. The burden of that position increased with time, and Washington, D.C., grew weary of its global responsibilities. The American electorate grew disenchanted with commitments and treasure committed to distant lands when domestic needs remained unfulfilled.

Trump made burden sharing by U.S. allies a rallying cry. America first meant that foreign entanglements were to be eschewed. Shared interests meant shared expenses. From NATO to bilateral relations, Washington made it clear that old assumptions of American burden-carrying would no longer apply, leading other nations to openly talk about a post-American world for multilateral relations.

In the Trump administration, the commitment to a powerful U.S. military remains firm, and the newly renamed Defense Department to the Department of War is meant to reflect war readiness and maintenance of U.S. military supremacy. The president will decide where and when American prowess will be employed. As the newly concluded agreement for Middle East peace demonstrates, other countries will likely carry the burden of military deployment to Gaza as a stabilization force. But all recognize that Trumps oversight of events underpins any chance of success in bringing peace to the region.

Already, the cluster of nations present for the summit in Sharm al Sheikh on Oct. 13 is a departure from past peace processes. Attendees in the new effort at Israeli Palestinian peace represent some key Arab countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, major European nations, the oil rich Gulf states, Turkey and Pakistan. The table in 2025 is larger than that for the Madrid Peace Conference of 1991 or the Oslo Accords signed in 1993. Some of the Arab states of previous time  Syria, Lebanon  are absent at Sharm El Sheikh. Missing from the signing ceremony was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, citing observance of a Jewish holiday as the reason.

It is worth noting that U.S. stewardship of the peace agreement and its expected implementation by several countries is occurring at the very time that traditional alliances have been downplayed by Washington. American troops are neither promised nor expected in the stabilization force to be deployed in Gaza. Presumably, neither is American treasure.

In changing the dynamic of the broader Middle East, the above model steps away from that prevailing in the aftermath of World War II where the Marshall Plan underwrote European recovery just as the presence of American troops in Europe and elsewhere provided security.

The task ahead for the U.S. president is ambitious and unique. He has stopped the fighting and offered a vision of a Gaza rising from the ashes! It is a huge endeavor and will likely require his involvement in cajoling the warring parties to a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a vexing problem for the past 70-plus years.

The advisory role of the U.S. should not be underestimated, even with no boots on the ground. In forging agreements for Israeli withdrawal and the disarming of Hamas, monitoring the implementation of agreements with a high level of confidence will be key. Only then will any peace agreement get traction on the ground.

Here, New Mexicos Sandia National Labs Cooperative Monitoring Center can play an important role. With its decades of experience in confidence-building measures in the conflict-prone Middle East and between India and Pakistan, this unique Sandia institution can offer tested ideas for peacebuilding and needs to be brought to the attention of those relevant in Washington.
Noemi Alvarez, a teacher at the Early Learning Center at Kaune in Santa Fe, plays with Oscar Walter, 3, during a recent afternoon. Some child care centers are still weighing whether to opt in to the requirements to receive an enhanced reimbursement rate under a new state universal child care initiative.

Jacob Vigil

New Mexico has been on a mission to recognize early childhood education and care for what it is: a public good that is essential to families, communities and our economy.

In 2022, New Mexico voters overwhelmingly affirmed this mission by passing a constitutional amendment for early childhood funding. Now, were setting our sights even higher. Because of over a decade of advocacy from families, organizers, educators and community leaders, with bold leadership from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state Legislature, well be the first state in the nation to offer free child care to all families, regardless of income.

This proposal will bring generational economic relief to thousands of New Mexico families and improve wages for our early childhood educators, who are the backbone of our states child care system. Bold investments in our families and children pay back dividends, but its important we iron out the details with input from providers, educators, families and our communities. We commend the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) for proposing increased reimbursement rates for providers who pay their workers a more livable wage. This is a values-driven use of our state budget during a time when federal support programs for families and children are under attack, but its only a temporary fix.

In partnership with stakeholders from across the state, the ECECD developed a comprehensive wage and career ladder, which would establish a robust wage scale that increases early childhood workers wages based on their level of experience and education. This plan will ensure our state retains and attracts more high-quality workers and meets the current and future needs of New Mexicos families and children. The best part is, it already has the support of child care business owners, workers and advocates.

A recent child care gap analysis found a shortfall of almost 14,000 child care slots in 2024, with the most significant gaps in Lea, Eddy, Santa Fe, Sandoval and Bernalillo counties. In November, as free child care eligibility expands, we can expect to see the demand for slots rise even more. The ECECDs strategy to increase supply through home-based providers and incentivizing higher wages is the right way to go. A comprehensive wage and career ladder will ensure that those gains can be retained and grow in the future.

While New Mexico builds out child care capacity, we must also make sure that our families with the greatest need come first. When free child care was expanded to include New Mexico families at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, there were fewer child care slots utilized by those with the lowest household income. When the state removes income requirements next month, it must keep a close eye on enrollment data so that those with the most need are not left behind.

To ensure quality care for all families, the providers who make it possible must have the resources and support to provide safe and healthy environments, along with competitive wages to attract and keep skilled educators. We strongly support the ECECDs strategy for recruiting and supporting smaller, home-based providers. This will be especially critical in rural and tribal communities, where they are often the backbone of care. Our vision in New Mexico is clear: universal, affordable, high-quality child care for all families; well-paid educators; and a system grounded in equity and justice. Now, we all have a role to play in making sure the system delivers on its promise for families, providers, and most of all, for our children.
This is a guest opinion column

My daughter Frances calls me at least once a week to tell me, Theres a dog on the side of the road without a collar. Hes so skinny, or Theres two dogs with five puppies. What do I do?

Shes a senior at The University of Montevallo, majoring in social work, and often sees a stray animal or what may be a pet on the loose on her way to someones farm to feed their horses while theyre out of town.

You cant rescue all of them, I say half-heartedly. She calls me later to tell me the shelters are full, but she took pictures of the dog family and posted them on a neighborhood Facebook page. After researching this article, I now know the next time she calls, the best course of action is to call animal control, even though that, Ive learned, comes with potential complications.

Wendy Montealegre, founder of Tails from Alabama, has been rescuing dogs for over decade. She recently posted pictures of about sixty dogs and puppies her rescue shipped out of state to new homes. She ended her post saying that although she was grateful these dogs didnt suffer a cruel end, she knew countless more in Alabama would.

I could send out 60 dogs every hour and it would be a drop in the bucket, Montealegre says.

Her words came to mind when I read a 2024 article titled, Alabama is one of the nations most dog-friendly states, studies show, I ran across. We have dog parks, and people own multiple dogs, according to the piece. Theres even Doodah Day, a longstanding festival and celebration of dogs. But reading the article, I couldnt ignore the disconnect: Alabama loves dogs in theory, but we kill healthy dogs and euthanize sick or dangerous dogs by the thousands each year.

The deeper I dug, the clearer it became that Alabamas welfare crisis is less about our love of dogs, but more about infrastructure. Most Alabama shelters are overcrowded and lack the necessary resources and appropriate programs to reduce the kill rate. Animal welfare advocates attribute this to a failure to adopt proven programs that have been known and available for two decades, most of which require no additional spending. Even the states stronger laws regarding animal protection are inconsistently enforced due to varying local practices and inadequate oversight. Add to that backyard breeding, dogs left tethered without proper shelter, food and water, and dogs attacking peoplesix fatal maulings have occurred this yearand the picture darkens.

The truth behind Francess call is a system stretched to the breaking point. With 76 shelters, Alabama ranks 8th in the nation for the highest kill rate for dogs and cats, according to Lisa Barrett of Best Friends, an organization working to shift shelters from a high-kill environment to life-saving programs. She says the state lags a decade behind others in terms of animal welfare but hopes to help change the culture and practices by providing tailored support for shelters. This can include training in intake, foster care, medical procedures and community engagement.

Municipal and nonprofit animal shelters are required to report their intake and outtake, outcomes, sterilization and costs, according to the Alabama Census Reporting Act enacted in 2015. This information can help shelters evaluate their programs and develop more effective strategies to improve the lives of animals and their communities. But many shelters are either unaware of the monthly reporting law or simply do not comply since theres no enforcement mechanism. In many states, the Department of Agriculture supervises subjects related to companion animals; however, Alabama doesnt have an agency that oversees shelters, rescues, breeders or companion animals in any capacityonly livestock.

Every county is also required to maintain a suitable pound and impounding officer, which may be a deputy or a civilian employed by another county department.

Every city with 5,000 or more residents must also maintain a pound or pay a pro rata share toward the county pound. Out of the states 67 counties, which have been legally required to provide a pound and impounding officer since 1939, 16 still lack one. Additionally, 30 reported having no animal control officers, according to Kristin Yarbrough, who shares independent, extensive research about Alabamas legal and enforcement issues on the website, AlabamaAnimalAdvocates.com. A dogs fate then often depends on the county where its found.

Dustin Dutton became an animal control 0fficer (ACO) in Cherokee County fifteen years ago after serving as a corrections officer. I began my career with a set of truck keys, a few traps and a control pole, he says. He quickly learned animal control is often an unknown and overlooked area of public safety.

After some experiences that shook him, he asked Sheriff Jeff Shaver for help and was supported in his continuing education and training. Today, in addition to being an ACO, he serves as a trainer and consultant with Humane Law In-Service Training. He also speaks at various conferences for animal control and law enforcement.

Dutton believes ACOs should be the voice for the voiceless, but he also believes the voices of animal control officers also need to be heard. At the end of the day, were no longer dog catchers. We are an essential part of the public safety and deserve the recognition and the resources to do our job effectively.

Duttons story highlights both the promises and the problems in Alabama: dedicated officers in a fragmented system. Across Alabama, the patchwork of enforcement throughout different jurisdictions leaves many animals vulnerable. Each agencys response to animal control reflects the beliefs and priorities of the officers and their superiors, whether they view animals as valued pets and lives to be protected, or nuisances to be managed. In counties lacking animal control, unclear jurisdictional responsibilities among county commissions, sheriffs, and police contribute to a confusing and uneven enforcement environment.

Some protections, like the Dogs Running at Large Law, exist only on paper until counties choose to adopt them. As it stands now, of the 67 counties in Alabama, 18 have adopted the containment law, eight counties state that they enforce the law despite a lack of legal authority, and about 75% of the counties have not adopted the law, according to Yarbroughs research.

At the same time, the lack of enforcement of the Dogs Running at Large Law is inconsistent with Emilys Law, the statewide dangerous dog law that applies to all counties. Unlike counties, which need a statewide amendment to pass laws, cities can create laws, and some have enacted more progressive animal welfare ordinances. Both Huntsville and Birmingham have passed local anti-tethering laws despite the lack of a statewide law.

Animal control officers exist because of the Rabies Code, but they do not have the authority to enforce it. Enforcement responsibilities fall solely under the jurisdiction of the Rabies Officer (who has to be a licensed veterinarian), Dutton says, and they often arent trained on animal cruelty laws. Dog fighting, classified as a felony, is an example. It can be treated as any other criminal investigation, though in this case, the evidence is living and breathing. When enforcement doesnt appear to be happening, its often due to limited resources, lack of education or general disinterest. Passing the new law wont necessarily change that, Dutton says.

To strengthen enforcement, Dutton and others argue, Alabama needs better training. A step forward would be for the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission to develop a curriculum to educate officers on the very laws they are expected to enforce, Dutton says. In a perfect world, every animal control officer would also be a law enforcement officer and vice versa, he says. He also reminds us, theres a link between child abuse and animal abuse. Theres a link between child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence.

If the system is flawed, so too are the politics behind it. Many in the animal advocacy community believe politicians have failed to pass appropriate legislation, and influential lobbyists representing ALFA and the American Kennel Association have too much of a stronghold on their representatives, blocking animal welfare progress. They point to the fact it took over a decade to pass the Pet Protection Act, which made animal cruelty a felony with fines up to $15,000 and a potential ten-year prison sentence per animal.

Despite these challenges, many animal advocates believe animal problems are, in fact, people problems, so the solution lies not in vilifying the public or punishing people for mistakes, but in helping them make better choices to reduce the number of animals entering shelters. Animal shelter reform advocates also dispute the common perception that healthy and treatable animals die in shelters due to pet overpopulation, explaining that this is instead the result of shelter overpopulation created by failure of shelters to adopt proven programs to limit intake and move animals through the system quickly.

Many programs that work implemented at several Alabama animal shelters include returning lost pets directly to owners when possible, helping people keep their pets through resource counseling, using trap-neuter-return (TNR) for community cats instead of euthanasia, placing animals in foster homes and making shelters places more of help and answers than of judgment and hostility toward the public being served. Less than 1 million animals die in animal shelters nationally (down from 16 to 17 million a few decades ago), and many more millions of people acquire a pet every year from some source. That means this is a market share issue to encourage more people to adopt, including people in BIPOC communities. According to James Evans, CEO of Companion Animals for Reform and Equity, a 3% increase in the adoption of shelter animals among people of color would provide 2 million pets with loving homes.

Animal advocates agree there needs to be more low-cost spay and neuter clinics since so few exist in the state, and more affordable microchipping and vaccination programs are needed. Due to Alabama Veterinary Board regulations, shelters are prohibited from hiring their own veterinarians or setting up mobile clinics, which drives up the cost of spaying and neutering. But spaying and neutering isnt only a matter of regulations, cost and access. Cultural beliefs also play a role when many pet owners believe that spaying and neutering goes against God and nature.

To solve the animal welfare crisis, Alabama must address accountability, education, and understaffed rural shelters. Laws need consistent reinforcement, and we need low-cost veterinary programs, improved law enforcement training, and an awareness that fosters a culture of care and responsibility.

Owning a dog is a privilege, not a right, Dutton says, a reminder to the state, communities and individuals of the responsibility we must all embrace.

Lanier Isom, of Birmingham, is co-author of Lilly Ledbetters memoir Grace and Grit: How I Won My Fight at Goodyear and Beyond.
Stillman College graduation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Data shows about 67% of Alabama college students have a positive return on investment from their degree. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com) Ben Flanagan

Are Alabama college students getting their moneys worth from a degree? A recent study shows a majority are getting a good return on investment, according to the Associated Press.

About 67% of Alabama college students earn enough money within 10 years to cover the cost of their education, according to a study by the Strada Education Foundation.

Nationwide, about 70% of students receive a positive return on investment from their college degrees. The ROI varies state by state. Washington, D.C. students have the highest positive ROI with 82% while only 53% of North Dakota students earned enough to pay off their degree within a decade.

Students are becoming more aware of the times when college doesnt pay off, Preston Cooper, who has studied college ROI at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank told the Associated Press. Its front of mind for universities today in a way that it was not necessarily 15, 20 years ago.

The study is based on a sample of 2,757 Alabama students and assumes federal funding fully covered their tuition. When broken down by bachelors versus associates degrees, the percentage is the same. Salaries are compared to those with high school diplomas, with a margin of error is 2%.

Alabama Commission on Higher Education executive director Jim Purcell said their data aligns closely with national findings in that many students are seeing positive earnings outcomes within a decade of graduation, regardless of whether they pursue an associate or bachelors degree.

Five years after graduation, 2017 bachelors degree recipients employed in Alabama were earning $59,178 on average, according to a 2024 employment outcomes report from ACHE. Associate degree recipients earned an average of $46,676.

Purcell said that ACHEs priority is ensuring that Alabama students see a strong return on their educational investment.

He said the data underscore the value of higher education in Alabama and highlight the importance of aligning academic programs with the states workforce needs to maximize student success.

Depending on the college or university, Alabama tuition has remained flat or increased as high as 7% since 2024, according to data collected by ACHE. With rising tuition costs plus sweeping changes within the Department of Education, the ROI metric may become more important for families.

This story included reporting from Collin Binkley with the Associated Press.
Thirteen days before Halloween, downtown Mobile swarmed with inflatable unicorns, Martians, pandas, zombies and even the Cookie Monster.

Behind these festive costumes, however, was a serious message. The large crowd gathered Saturday afternoon for Mobiles latest No Kings protest was part of a nationwide movement opposing the administration of President Donald Trump.

Im a baby because we have a billionaire baby in the White House, said Christian Hawkins, 44, of Mobile, who came dressed in a giant inflatable baby suit.

Other costumes nodded to protests in Portland, Oregon, where demonstrators were filmed in full-body inflatables while federal agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), patrolled city streets.

This is to show that were being peaceful, Hawkins said. This is supposed to be a fun celebration even though we are celebrating our democracy that is being stolen from us.

More than 2,600 No Kings rallies were held nationwide Saturday. In Alabama, protesters turned out in Birmingham, Huntsville, Auburn, Montgomery, Florence, Fairhope and other cities.

Mobiles event, held late in the afternoon, encouraged attendees to wear Halloween costumes.

Aiden Rain, 20, of Mobile came dressed as a zombie after attending the Fairhope rally earlier in the day.

This affects us greatly, said Rain, who identifies as LGBTQ. My friends and I needed to be here.

The protest marked the third major mobilization since Trump returned to the White House in January. It also drew sharper criticism from Republican leaders than earlier events.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the protests a Hate America rally. In Alabama, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt linked the demonstrations to far-left groups, while the federal government remains shut down.

Cathy Porter, 68, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, attended the Mobile rally while visiting her ailing brother. She dismissed Johnsons remarks.

Mike Johnson is just a puppet, she said. What he says doesnt even register with me.

Maura Mandyck, an organizer with Indivisible Mobile  which hosted the rally  had stronger words for Republican leadership.

I actually never minded being called a radical left lunatic, Mandyck said to a crowd in Mardi Gras Park. But being called the enemy from within is an offensive and dangerous escalation of rhetoric.

She said the movement continues to grow because many Americans believe Trumps second-term agenda is extreme  citing immigration crackdowns, the deployment of federal forces in U.S. cities, cuts to health care and the expansion of federal surveillance powers.

Mandyck rejected claims that demonstrators were being paid.

More and more people are joining the movement, she said. We have to show our representatives that they cannot support the Trump administration. The people dont support it.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., speaks in the Oval Office of the White House as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and President Donald Trump listen, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., recently went on CNNs State of the Union and praised President Donald Trump on his immigration crackdown, despite not being asked.

I am focused on what President Trump is focused on and that is making sure the government gets back up and running and certainly look forward to making that happen soon, Britt said on CNN after being asked about the commutation of former U.S. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., federal prison sentence.

In April, Santos was sentenced to more than seven years in prison after admitting to deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people to make donations to his campaign. As part of the sentence, Santos was ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $373,749.97 and $205,002.97, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Santos pleaded guilty to defrauding donors and constituents of hundreds of thousands of dollars, money that he will no longer be required to pay back because of Trumps commutation, CNN journalist Dana Bash told Britt.

Bash then asked Britt if she thought the commutation was acceptable.

President Trump has the opportunity and the ability to do this, she responded after praising Trump for other unrelated aspects of his presidency and criticizing Democrats.

I find it interesting though that we see more people focused on him, on Congressman Santos, than we did on Abrego Garcia, who actually, as we well know, trafficked humans across our country has been accused of everything from beating his wife, to being a member of a gang, and yet we see Democrats focused on this man.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El-Salvadorian native, was wrongfully deported earlier this year and has since been brought back to the U.S. and is being moved in and out of detention centers, according to reports from AP News.

His case is often brought up in regards to Trumps immigration crackdown.

Regarding Santos commutation, Britt had little to say.

Ill let Santos speak for himself when he comes on your program next. What I appreciate is President Trumps commitment to the American people. Look, we saw obviously disarray under President Biden, Britt said.

President Trump is actually making good on his promises to secure our border, to actually make sure our economy starts working for American people, and were also seeing him bring peace abroad.
Verijet, a private luxury jet airline, filed for bankruptcy in Floridas Southern District Court weeks after the death of founder Richard Kane and multiple lawsuits.

Verijet is over $38.7 million in debt and all operations and flights are cancelled, according to reports from Forbes. The airline filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, meaning the company will be liquidated.

Verijet launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They only did short-distance flights within the U.S. until 2023 when the airline started flying internationally. That year, Verijet ranked as the 13th-largest U.S. private jet operator.

Verijets revenue primarily came from jet cards, which are prepaid flight hours sold to individuals and businesses, according to Forbes.

The bankruptcy filing shows that Verijet had only $2.5 million in assets and more than $38.7 million in debt.

In November 2024, a customer sued the airline after buying a 50-hour jet card for $147,812, accusing the company of numerous delays, cancelled flights and countless excuses. In April 2025, another customer won a $328,000 suit for flights that were never delivered, according to reports from Financial Express.

Verijet is not the only airline experiencing financial trouble.

Multiple airlines have gone bankrupt this year including Spirit, which filed in August for the second time.

Spirit airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy which allows companies to restructure and continue operating.
This is an opinion column

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Sometimes you have to take a chance. Do the unexpected. Be different.

Birmingham has always been risk-averse. But there comes a time when we have to say enough is enough.

Those of you who come downtown regularly may have noticed new signs indicating payment for on-street parking will soon be required 24 hours a day. Were shooting ourselves in the foot.

Golden Age we left behind

Growing up on Birminghams Southside, I witnessed downtowns glory days. My father owned a retail store there, and I spent countless hours wandering bustling streets filled with families shopping at Lovemans and Pizitz, catching movies at downtown theaters, and dining at Joy Youngs. The streets were packed, especially during Christmas season, with shoppers enjoying the decorated windows.

Back then, downtown was our citys beating heart.

The great abandonment

When shopping centers sprouted in the suburbs, retail fled downtown. Birminghams response was puzzling. In the 1970s, we embarked on a beautification campaign that proved to be a well-intentioned disaster. Planters appeared on 2nd and 3rd Avenue North. Green spaces bloomed along 19th Street and 20th Street became Birmingham Green.

While aesthetically pleasing, they came at a devastating costparking spaces disappeared. Downtown retailers struggled as customers couldnt find places to park. Meanwhile, the bus system began its slow decline. Much of that greenery has since been removed, but the damage was done. Parking in downtown Birmingham became a chronic headache that persists today.

Learning from our competition

Walking the Jemison Trail in Mountain Brook recently, a friend told me: I never go downtown. Parking is a pain in the

This sentiment is Birminghams biggest obstacleand our greatest opportunity.

Every time I visit Mountain Brook or Homewood, Im reminded of what were up against. Mountain Brook offers three to four hours of free parking. Homewood provides free parking too. Both cities offer angle parking, creating more spaces while eliminating parallel parking anxiety.

These suburban competitors understand something fundamental: eliminating parking stress encourages people to stay longer, shop more, and return frequently.

Chattanooga gets it. They offer free electric shuttle service downtown with the first hour of parking free in their garages.

The irony? At a recent downtown parking planning meeting in Birmingham, I had to email the organizer to ask where I should park. If people attending a meeting about parking solutions cant easily figure out where to park, how can we expect casual visitors to navigate the system?

Economic reality

Critics worry that free parking means lost revenue. This thinking misses the bigger picture entirely. A vibrant downtown with thriving retail generates far more tax revenue than parking meters ever could.

When people park easily and affordably, they stay downtown longer, visit multiple businesses, return more frequently, bring friends and family, and attend more events. Each behavior generates sales tax revenue and supports local jobs.

The math is simple: Would you rather collect $2 per hour from parking meters or generate hundreds of dollars in sales tax from shoppers who actually want to come downtown?

Bold proposal: Two hours of free parking

Birmingham should implement two hours of free on-street parking throughout downtown north of the railroad tracks. Theres ample parking there, but its not perceived that way.

Its not necessary to include Southside around UAB, where traffic now exceeds pre-COVID levels. But lets give downtown north the boost it needs. While downtown activity is increasing, it hasnt reached pre-COVID numbers.

The solution requires coordination between three entities: the City of Birmingham (on-street parking), the Birmingham Parking Authority (public parking decks), and the Birmingham Transit Authority (public transportation). Require long-term parkers like employees to use parking decks, implement free shuttles so visitors can park anywhere and ride to their destination, and strictly enforce time limits.

The revenue lost from parking fees would be offset by increased economic activity. More importantly, it would signal that Birmingham is serious about making downtown accessible again.

This is Birminghams moment

Downtown Birmingham isnt just competing with other citiesits competing with its own suburbs. And the suburbs have one glaring competitive advantage: free parking.

This is our moment to show that sometimes the best way forward isnt repeating what failed in the past. Other cities charge for parking because thats what theyve always done. But Birmingham has a chance to be different, to be the city that prioritizes accessibility over revenue extraction.

When you face serious competition, you must take chances. When others zig, you must zag.

Free parking isnt just about convenienceits about removing barriers that keep people away from our downtown businesses, restaurants, and cultural venues. Its about making downtown Birmingham a destination people choose rather than avoid.

The suburbs figured this out long ago. Its time downtown caught up.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@comebacktown.com
The pilot and two occupants of a plane carrying an Alabama family are dead after it crashed in the Montana wilderness, according to the county sheriff and social media reports.

Monte Sano Baptist Church in Huntsville was urging community members to pray for the safe return of Huntsville pilot Mark Anderson and his daughters, Lainey and Ellie, who went missing while flying to Polson, Montana.

Mark is an experienced pilot, and were holding onto hope that he made a safe landing in a remote area, the church wrote in a Facebook post Saturday afternoon. Weather complicated and delayed rescue efforts, but search teams are back out this morning.

On Friday afternoon, the Powell County, Montana Sheriffs Office received a report of a possible downed aircraft, the department posted on Facebook.

The last known position was in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Northern Powell County. Air resources were deployed from Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls and continued to search until around midnight, that post stated.

The plane was located at 11:30 MT, according to the church.

Members of the Powell County Coroners Office, Missoula County Search and Rescue with assistance from the Montana DNRC arrived on scene, the sheriffs office posted.

The pilot and two other occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, the post stated.

AL.com reached out to the Montana Highway Patrol, the Lake County Sheriffs Office and the Powell County Sheriffs Office.

We know that it is a very remote area and will take time. Our prayer is for the complete safety of Mark, Lainey and Ellie as well as their dog Stella, the church posted.

Pray for their safety, that they are unharmed, for Misty (wife and mother), their family and friends as we all wait. We would also like to pray for the search team as they continue their rescue. We trust in Gods protection and are asking for a miracle.

The Powell County Sheriffs Office turned the investigation over to the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of the crash.
This is a guest opinion column

Theres a side of motherhood that most people never see. One that doesnt begin with baby showers or nursery colors, but with blood tests, injections, and whispered prayers in sterile rooms. Its where hope and heartbreak sit side by side, and where faith becomes more than a word. It becomes a lifeline.

My husband and Is path to parenthood was long and heavy. We went through multiple rounds of IUI and had three IVF transfers canceled because your body isnt ready. Each time, I told myself to stay hopeful. Each time, I had to find the strength to start again. IVF tests every part of you  your body, your patience, your marriage, and your faith.

Its physically and emotionally draining, and the financial cost is staggering. Ill never forget sitting in the blood draw waiting room one morning beside a woman who broke down in tears.

She looked at me and said quietly, We cant afford to do this. Her pain stayed with me.

Because I knew even with all the science and faith in the world sometimes the cost becomes too heavy to carry. I was scared. I hadnt worried about the cost. I was a state employee. I had good insurance. Surely, she was mistaken. She was not. Insurance did not pay. I remember writing the check for our IVF feeling dirty and shameful. Was I buying a child or was I buying the hope for a child?

My IVF journey taught me that faith isnt believing everything will turn out exactly as you hoped. Its believing that even in the heartbreak, Gods hand is still steady. When I finally heard the words Youre pregnant, I was overwhelmed with joy and fear. After so many losses, its hard to let yourself celebrate. You pray through every appointment, every heartbeat, every day.

You live in constant gratitude and constant worry, hoping your body will carry this miracle all the way home.

God answered my prayers. Twice. Two beautiful children conceived via IVF. Both miracles in every sense of the word. Every time I look at them, I see grace in the struggle and purpose in the pain. I know with all my heart that not every familys story ends the way mine did. Some are still waiting. Some never receive the miracle they prayed for. To those families: I see you. I carry you with me. Your courage, your love, and your faith are no less than mine. You are part of this story too. You are a reminder that strength can exist even in heartbreak, and that Gods goodness doesnt disappear in the waiting. To every woman walking this road: you are not broken. You are not alone. And you are loved by a God who still does miracles, sometimes through medicine, sometimes through mercy, and always through His perfect timing.

Thats why making sure life-changing medications and treatments are affordable and the opportunity to purchase coverage as a stand-alone benefit is so important. No family should have to choose between hope and financial survival. President Trumps initiative to make IVF medications more affordable is a vital step forward for countless families who face impossible costs. Crucial fertility drugs being available at steep discounts, orders directing federal agencies to aggressively reduce out-of-pocket and insurance costs for IVF, remove regulatory burdens, and expand access across the country is a lifeline, telling families that face infertility that theyre not forgotten in the struggle to build their families. From thousands of families across the nation like mine, thank you, President Trump and Senator Britt, for your work.

As your Attorney General, I will fight to ensure IVF remains available and protected for Alabama families who dream of becoming parents. Having walked that road myself, I know the pain, the prayers, and the hope that come with every step. Families facing infertility deserve leaders who stand with them, not bureaucrats and politicians who stand in their way.

Pamela Casey was elected District Attorney of Blount County in 2010. From 2007-2011, she served as an Assistant Attorney General. She is a candidate for Attorney General in 2026.
Sven Helbigs Requiem A performed at Dresden Kreuzkirche in February 2025 - Oliver Killig

Sven Helbig is one of the most innovative musical exports to come out of Germany since Kraftwerk. A self-taught composer and producer, he is just as happy writing for the Vienna Symphony Orchestra as he is working with the Pet Shop Boys, Snoop Dogg or Rammstein.

Yet, when I met him in September, this much-celebrated and versatile star of modern classical music seemed a little tense. He was preparing for the UK premiere of his latest piece, Requiem A, which was performed in London earlier this month.

Helbigs apprehension stemmed not from doubts about his work. It had, after all, already received glowing international praise, including from this paper, whose reviewers were impressed by its strange otherworldly atmosphere.

But there was no telling how it would sound and feel in a London setting. Requiem A is a very personal piece for Helbig, while also steeped in the rich musical traditions of his adopted hometown of Dresden.

Requiem A was first performed in Dresdens Kreuzkirche church this February, exactly 80 years after the citys destruction by British and American firebombing at the end of the Second World War. In writing music to commemorate this event, which is still marked by the city every year, Helbig told me he knows he is stepping into a minefield of contested memory politics and into a line of requiems, that means a lot to the people of Dresden. He felt his music had to work in this context while still being inventive.

February 1945: High-angle view of the bombed remains of Dresden after Allied bombings - Hulton Archive/Getty Images

This music  80 years of requiems, motets and berceuses forged in the aftermath of Dresdens fiery destruction  is what I had come to Germany to explore for a BBC Radio 3 Sunday Feature that will be broadcast tonight. I found out quickly that while Helbigs piece strikes a hopeful tone  the letter A in his title standing for Anfang, German for Beginning  the earliest musical responses to the bombing were much darker.

The first major piece was composed by Rudolf Mauersberger, the longstanding director or cantor of the Kreuzchor, the world-famous boys choir of the Kreuzkirche. He was in Dresden when the bombs came down on February 13 1945. After the first waves had passed and he dragged himself from the smouldering ruins, he found his flat, his church and his city destroyed. He would soon learn that eleven of his choirboys had perished too. Having never married or had children, they were like sons to him.

Distraught and badly injured, he fled the city on foot before the morning raid, making his way to his home village of Mauersberg, deep in the Ore Mountains of Saxony. Its chocolate-box houses and cobbled streets must have seemed absurdly pristine, but neighbours told him they had seen the fiery orange glow of Dresden burning in the night sky. Mauersbergers mother barely recognised him  his eyebrows singed, his clothes covered in soot and perforated by burn marks.

He was also still partially paralysed from a shock wave that had hit him. For a man who lived in music, there was only one way to process what had happened. He sat down at his old piano and began to compose.

A deeply religious man, steeped in Protestant traditions and running a church choir, he wrote a motet, a short piece of choral music, called Wie liegt die Stadt so wust (How desolate lies the city). He did not use his own words but turned to the lamentations of Jeremiah, an Old Testament text that reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem.

It was first performed on August 4 1945 in the ruins of the burnt-out Kreuzkirche for an audience of thousands of Dresdeners. During my visit to Dresden, I spoke with Peter Franke, a former choirboy who attended this performance as an 8-year-old holding his fathers hand.

He had lost his grandmother in the flames and recalled it as a deeply moving experience, suddenly, to walk into a church like this and to know that eleven of the Kreuzchor boys had died in the boarding school.

Mauersbergers motet is performed to this day, but it is not without controversy. For one thing, the choirmaster managed to stay at the helm of the church choir from 1930 to 1971. In other words, through three very different regimes: the dying Weimar Republic, the Nazi Era and East German socialism. While his choir boys have always maintained that he was loyal only to them and to the church, he did make many political compromises in his time, including joining the Nazi Party in 1933.

The music itself has also come under intense criticism. Under the immediate impression of the death and loss he had just witnessed in Dresden, Mauersberger selected parts of the lamentations that deal exclusively with distress and suffering rather than with concepts of sin or cause. As Dresdens memory politics became increasingly contested  both before and after reunification  some no longer see Mauersbergers motet as appropriate. The idea of Dresden as an unqualified victim city sits uncomfortably with many in light of how Nazified the city was in the 1930s and 40s.

Future generations of composers moved on from Mauersbergers pure lamentation. Some wrote deeply personal music  like the Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who in 1960 wrote his Eighth String Quartet on a bench in a spa town outside of Dresden, lamenting his own sorrows more than those of the destroyed city he had visited.

Others moved on to themes of first of warning and pacifism and then to reconciliation. Especially after reunification, when much of Dresden was thoroughly rebuilt, including its iconic Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady, the story of war in Europe seemed a fading memory, just like the ruins that had vanished from the heart of Dresden.

Helbig now writes music for a new age of anxiety. An East German in his mid-fifties, he once believed, like many of his generation, that the fall of the Iron Curtain marked the end of history and the end of wars. I mean, it felt so good after the Berlin Wall came down. Everything moved in the right direction, he told me in Dresden. Now, the war in Ukraine, the war in Gaza When you turn on the TV, its everywhere. How can this be?

As a younger man, Helbig had often dismissed the stories of his grandfather, who was sent to war at age 17. Now I can imagine. I have a daughter, he said, real urgency in his eyes. She is 15. Can you imagine? You have to go to the war, and then you see all your friends die.

The daily spectacle of conflict on our TVs and on our smartphones was the impetus for Helbig to join the line of composers reflecting on the destruction of Dresden in music written for contemporary audiences.

Like Mauersberger, Helbig allows the pain of war to infuse his notes. But while Requiem A accepts Dresdens trauma, it seeks to move on from it. It is a Requiem for the Living, as Helbig puts it. He neednt have worried. In a new age of war, his message of hope, energy and comfort resonated with his London audience as much as it had in Dresden.
The proposed Chinese embassy near Tower Bridge has attracted fierce opposition because of security, human rights and planning concerns. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

Approving a Chinese super-embassy in east London could be unlawful if ministers gave Beijing assurances about the project in advance, one of the UKs top planning lawyers has concluded.

If Keir Starmer or his team made promises to the Chinese government about the embassy, it could constitute actual or apparent predetermination of the planning application, according to the legal opinion by Lord Banner.

The opinion, seen by the Guardian, was commissioned by a group of residents opposed to the proposed Chinese embassy near Tower Bridge, which has attracted fierce opposition because of security, human rights and planning concerns.

Ministers are now under pressure to clarify whether they privately assured Chinese officials that they would progress the application after it had stalled under the Conservatives.

China reapplied for planning permission weeks after Labour took power last year, and Xi Jinping raised the matter directly with Starmer in their first call in August 2024.

Starmer then told the Chinese president on the margins of the G20 summit in November 2024: You raised the Chinese embassy building in London when we spoke on the telephone. We have since taken action by calling in that application.

Opponents of the proposed complex, which would span across 20,000 sq metres to become the biggest embassy in Europe, are preparing to seek a judicial review of the decision if it is approved. Mark Nygate, the treasurer of the Royal Mint Court Residents Association, said they were raising the funds to challenge it.

The matter is quasi-judicial, meaning the minister responsible for it  currently the housing secretary, Steve Reed  must make his decision objectively under the law and with an open mind.

In his opinion, Banner stressed that for now there has been no disclosure or formal evidence as to whether any assurances have been given or what the nature of such assurances were.

But he wrote that if the prime minister had made a promise to Beijing, for example, that would be seen by the fair-minded and informed observer to generate a real possibility or real risk that the secretary of state (at least if he was aware of the promise) had a closed mind on the basis that collective cabinet responsibility required him to uphold the prime ministers promise.

He said it was of critical importance that any relevant written evidence, including any records indicating that assurances were given, must be preserved by the government, which will be obliged to disclose them if there is a judicial review. Reeds department was contacted for comment.

Last week China expressed grave concern and strong dissatisfaction after ministers delayed their decision over the embassy until 10 December. It said the government had shown disregard for contractual spirit, acting in bad faith and without integrity.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said China had acted with the utmost sincerity and patience over the matter and the UK should immediately fulfil its obligations and honour its commitments, otherwise the British side shall bear all consequences.

Downing Street said it did not recognise any claims of commitments or assurances over the embassy application on Friday.

Luke de Pulford, executive director of the Inter-parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac), said: Lord Banner has laid down a marker. If the rumours are proven true and unlawful assurances were given to Beijing, the government could face a catastrophic judicial review, where all the details would be laid bare.

On Sunday the government categorically denied any political interference in the decision to drop charges against two men, including a former parliamentary researcher, accused of spying for China.

A government spokesperson said there was absolutely no political interference with the evidence provided in this case and denied reports that Matthew Collins, the official who drafted the evidence, privately acknowledged it was influenced by political considerations. This is categorically untrue, they said.

The Sunday Times reported that Christopher Berry, one of the two men who had been charged with espionage, was carrying 4,000 in cash when he was stopped by police under terrorism laws after flying into Heathrow from China in February 2023. Both Berry and his co-accused, Christopher Cash, deny wrongdoing.

A Metropolitan police spokesperson said at the time: A man in his 30s was subject to a stop at Heathrow airport on 2 February 2023 under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. He was not arrested and enquiries continued.
Ruben Amorim will always have Anfield. A reign that has brought many a historic low finally has the right kind of landmark result. As Manchester United belatedly recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time under the Portuguese, they triumphed on Liverpools home turf for the first time in almost a decade. Louis van Gaal, the previous United manager to take three points here, was sacked four months later, so this is no guarantee that Amorim will get three years, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants, but both the result and the manner of it felt genuinely auspicious.

And so it was Arne Slot who was left to contemplate a slump of unexpectedly seismic proportions and who was swathed in unflattering statistics. This is the first Liverpool side since 2014 to lose four matches in a row, which is not a good look for a team that underwent a 450m makeover. They were beaten at Anfield in the Premier League for the first time in 13 months. Late goals have been a story of Liverpools season, but now they rue them. They have started to concede early on, too. They did both: behind after 62 seconds to Bryan Mbeumo, they were beaten by Harry Maguires 84th-minute decider.

So Maguire, who almost got a winner at Anfield in January, mustered one nine months later. The centre-backs late heroics have been one of the most uplifting features of Amorims tenure. Another has been Uniteds ability to prove inspired underdogs and raise their game against the best. United have won too few games under the Portuguese, but they have now beaten Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and, including a penalty shootout, Arsenal.

Arguably, this was the best of the lot. I think that was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United, said Amorim. He also delivered a self-deprecating aside. I dont have many wins in Manchester, he said.

Nor, arguably, has he had enough occasions when he got both team selection and tactics right, but he did; indeed, Maguire was recalled and named player of the match. Amorims blueprint worked brilliantly, with United defiantly defending deep and counter-attacking with pace and incision. His side had character, too: six minutes after conceding an equaliser to Cody Gakpo, and when they could have been overwhelmed by waves of Liverpool attacks, United instead seized victory. Their chest-bumping celebrations spoke to how much it meant. The sight of Matheus Cunha, who had run many a mile, sinking to the sodden turf in exhaustion, was a sign of how much they had given. If you have the spirit, you can win any game, said Amorim. It was why his side merited their triumph.

Bryan Mbeumo slotted Manchester United into the lead just one minute into the game (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Liverpools slant was different. If they come with a low block playing so many long balls the last thing you would want is to go 1-0 down, said Slot. If you had told me we would create eight, nine or 10 chances, I would say that is not possible. Cody Gakpo struck the woodwork three times, equalised once and should have done again, somehow heading wide after 87 minutes.

But United had a cohesion that Liverpool lacked. They were too disjointed. And if there was something compelling in the sight of them going for all-out attack, Slot overloading with forwards, perhaps that meant they had too few defensively-minded personnel left on the pitch. So when Bruno Fernandes hoisted a cross to the far post, Maguire could leap behind Ibrahima Konate to head in. It was a magnificent moment for a much-maligned figure. He is a great example with everything he has been through, said Amorim. Maguire is, among other things, an honest talker. His response to eventually getting consecutive victories was instructive. It's not a stat that we should even be speaking about because it is an embarrassing stat to have, he said.

Cody Gakpo hit the post three times as Liverpool pushed to equalise (Getty Images)

Gakpo then levelled the match in the 78th minute (Reuters)

Maguire was central, in more ways than one, the rock at the heart of the rearguard. Amorims 3-4-3 was more of a 5-4-1, but it gave United scope to break. He dropped his target man, Benjamin Sesko, but the elusive Cunha prospered as a false nine in a fluid forward line. Diogo Dalot was deployed on the left of the defence and excelled against Mohamed Salah, who, two fine passes to Gakpo apart, was ineffective. But the bold selection was picking Amad Diallo at right wing-back: if that gamble was a reason why Gakpo, his immediate opponent, was so prominent, he gave Milos Kerkez the left-back his latest torrid afternoon. Amad was the provider when Fernandes almost doubled Uniteds lead and when Mbeumo put them ahead, barely a minute into proceedings. Kerkez had afforded Amad too much room. Liverpool were aggrieved that Alexis Mac Allister, inadvertently caught by Virgil van Dijk, was down, requiring four stitches and a bandage. That is not an excuse for conceding the goal, Slot nevertheless admitted.

While his side had a chaotic air at the back, Mason Mount also had two opportunities to put United two up. Liverpool had Gakpo, the lowest profile of their forwards and the most menacing. His curler rebounded back off the post, his cross deflected off Fernandes, clipped the bar, his shot arrowed into the upright. He levelled with a tap-in from a centre from Federico Chiesa, again a catalytic substitute.

Harry Maguire headed in the late goal to win the game (Getty Images)

The players signed to be Liverpools talismanic figures were quieter. Florian Wirtz spent the first hour on the bench. Alexander Isak started, finally recorded a shot on target in the Premier League for Liverpool, but did not get a goal as Senne Lammens saved it well. In just his second outing for United, the Belgian showed a presence, an authority. He was really important, added Amorim. But two shots on the post can change the narrative.

It was a way in which he talked down the triumph and dampened expectations. Forget about top four, top six, said Amorim. What we need to do is try to win three games in a row. And the aim for Liverpool is to not lose five in a row.
Karl Burke is looking forward to campaigning Convergent at the highest level next season after he signed off his three-year-old campaign with victory in the Prix du Conseil de Paris.

Winner of his first two starts before finishing third behind subsequent dual Derby winner Lambourn in the Chester Vase, Convergent was then narrowly denied in the German Derby before bouncing back to winning ways in a Group Three on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown.

The Fascinating Rock colt had his sights raised to Group Two level at ParisLongchamp and after travelling strongly into the straight in the hands of Clifford Lee, he kicked up a gear racing inside the final furlong to pick up the previously unbeaten Yellow Jersey and the globetrotting Dubai Honour.

It's another high-profile success for the @karl_burke and @CliffordleexLee team as Convergent swoops late to land the Group Two Prix du Conseil de Paris!  pic.twitter.com/ckOrQKJ5y3  At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 19, 2025

Burke said: Hes a really good horse and thats the first time Ive seen him really settle, which I was delighted with, because I was bit worried we might have to go forward if he was keen and make the running which wouldnt have been ideal I dont think. He doesnt do a lot when he gets to the front.

Hes very much a horse we had in mind for his four-year-old career  I think he can make up into a Group One horse next season.

He was very unlucky not to win the German Derby, that said if hed won that we probably wouldnt have gone there today as wed have been keeping him in Group One races.

Its a great result for the owner-breeders (Newtown Anner Stud) and I thought Cliff gave him a very intelligent ride.

Therell be a lot of good races to go for with that type of horse next year.

Oisin Murphy with his jockeys championship trophy at Ascot (Steven Paston/PA)

There was further success for the raiding party in the Prix Casimir Delamarre, with Rainbows Edge carrying the royal silks of the King and Queen to Listed honours.

Having been placed at this level three times this season, John and Thady Gosdens filly made very yard of the running under the newly-crowned five-times champion jockey Oisin Murphy, who told Sky Sports Racing: Thady and I spoke this morning, we thought she probably had the best form in the race so wed try to keep it simple and John thought the same.

She ought to win one of these and Im pleased she got the job done today. Obviously its a privilege riding in these colours and its a nice victory at Longchamp.
Ruben Dias believes Erling Haaland has the same mindset as Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to scoring goals.

The prolific Haaland struck twice more to fire Manchester City to a 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

It took the Norwegians tally for the season for club and country to a staggering 23 goals from just 13 appearances.

Ruben Dias (right) can see similarities between Erling Haaland and his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo (left) (Peter Byrne/PA)

He has failed to score in only one of those games and has now struck in 11 in succession.

Overall, the 25-year-old has netted 138 in 155 appearances for City, 96 in the Premier League from 105 outings.

City defender Dias has no doubt Haaland has the same hunger for goals as five-time Ballon dOr winner Ronaldo, his Portugal international team-mate.

Thats a good reflection of his state of mind, (its) very similar, said Dias. At the end of the day, everyone wants to score, but both of them have this ability to just keep on scoring.

Everyone has their own special ability  and they score goals. Were just happy that Erling is in this moment and we want him to continue.

We want to keep pushing him because we want him to break records that have not been beaten before.

But, as a team, we want to play at a level we have not reached before, so we want to keep on improving.

Dias hopes there is much more to come from Haaland (Steven Paston/PA)

Haalands double came in the space of five minutes either side of the hour-mark, finally breaking the resolve of a well-organised Everton side.

He now has 11 goals in the league from eight games this term, but as he bagged a record 36 in his first season at the club, Dias is hesitant to say he is in the form of his life.

Dias said: Erling has beaten the Premier League goals record before, so better than ever? I dont really know. Hes always been brilliant and on a very special level.

Haaland had been having a quiet game until he broke the deadlock by burying a header from a Nico OReilly cross. His second came from a Savinho lay-off soon after.

Everton defender James Tarkowski said: I think, first half, we managed him pretty well.

Hes not someone whos always involved in build-up play and sort of linking, he just wants to be in the area to score goals.

First half, I dont remember him having too many chances, if any. But, as a world-class striker like he is, if he just gets one chance it goes in.
Former Real Madrid and Everton winger Royston Drenthe has suffered a stroke, an organisation he now represents has said.

The 38-year-old ex-Netherlands international is currently being treated in hospital after being admitted on Friday.

The news was announced by FC de Rebellen, a business entity which boasts a roster of former professionals available for clubs or associations to book as a team to play against or for speaking engagements.

A statement read: Last Friday, Royston Drenthe suffered a stroke.

Drenthe is currently receiving good care and is in good hands. The team and those involved hope for a speedy recovery.

Drenthe began his professional career with Feyenoord before moving to Real Madrid, with whom he won LaLiga, in 2007.

Everyone at Everton wishes Royston Drenthe a full and speedy return to full health after reports hes been taken to hospital.  pic.twitter.com/CK7kXKs8uW  Everton (@Everton) October 19, 2025

He had a loan spell with Everton in 2011-12 and other clubs included Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.

A statement from Everton on X read: Everyone at Everton wishes Royston Drenthe a full and speedy return to full health after reports hes been taken to hospital.
Adolf Silva has provided a positive update on his condition after his terrifying crash at Red Bull Rampage.

The freestyle rider was airlifted to hospital after his heavy fall near Zion National Park, Utah, which saw him tumble violently downhill during his second run at the event.

A failed double backflip saw the Spaniard land on his head and roll down the rock face before the crowd surrounded him as he was loaded onto a stretcher before a rescue helicopter airlifted him to hospital.

But despite suffering a lower back injury, Silva, who is affectionately known as Loco, Spanish for crazy, is in good spirit, having posted an update from his hospital bed in St George, Utah.

After this first day in the hospital I want to thank everyone for their thoughts overnight, he said. I do have a lower back injury and my focus is on my recovery.

Its great to have my family here and feel all the support from all of you guys.

There was a break in the competition following Silvas accident before the remaining riders resumed their second runs, but another punishing fall occurred on Sunday when Emil Johansson was also airlifted to the St George hospital, approximately 40 miles away.

The Swedish rider crashed down a sheer cliff face after attempting a tailwhip early in his run. The competition was paused again for medical crews to extricate him from an inaccessible position on the ridge line.

Johansson wrote on social media on Monday: I suffered a big dislocation of my right hip that they managed to pop back in at the hospital... but will most likely need to get surgery on it to clean the socket up from pieces of bone. Besides that I am pretty much unscratched!

The competition is famous for its unforgiving terrain and the extreme difficulty of the riders tricks and jumps.
George Santos on 25 April 2025. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

The disgraced former US congressman George Santos said on Sunday that his prison sentence had been disproportionate, but that he had been served a very large slice of humble pie, while lashing out at his critics in his first interview since Donald Trump commuted his sentence.

Speaking to Dana Bash on CNNs State of the Union, Santos said he was all politicked out, and called for his former campaign staffer, Sam Miele, to also receive a commutation.

This isnt about  glitter, stars and glam or going back to Congress, he said. This is a very personal journey and road for me ahead.

Related: Disgraced former congressman George Santos released from prison in New Jersey

Trump announced on Friday that he had commuted the sentence for Santos, who was meant to serve more than seven years in federal prison in New Jersey after a whirlwind political career tainted by serial fabrications and fraudulent scheming.

I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY, Trump said in a lengthy Truth Social post. Good luck George, have a great life!

Santos, who pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was less than three months into serving time before he was released. He said Trumps decision to commute his sentence came as a surprise.

I had no expectations, I wasnt even aware until I learned it off of the chyron of mainstream media inside of the prison myself, he said. Other inmates saw it and called me over.

Bash pressed Santos on whether he had received favorable treatment as a loyal ally of the president.

Theres a lot of people who were upset with President Biden who pardoned his entire family before he left office in an unprecedented move, Santos quipped back. Pardon me if Im not paying too much attention to the pearl-clutching of the outrage of my critics.

Trump has issued several pardons and commutations during his second term so far, beginning with the full, complete and unconditional presidential pardons for about 1,500 people who were involved in the January 6 attack on Congress.

In February, he pardoned former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption based crimes, including trying to sell a US Senate seat vacated by former President Barack Obama.

As part of his plea deal, Santos had agreed to pay nearly $375,000 in restitution and $205,000 in forfeiture. When asked on State of the Union if he was planning on paying back the restitution, he said if it is required of me by the law.

Ive been out of prison for two days. I agreed to come here to speak with you candidly and openly and not to obfuscate, he said, visibly frustrated. If its required of me by the law, yes. If its not, then no. I will do whatever the law requires me to do.

In a separate appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend earlier on Sunday, Santos said he no longer had to pay restitution and thanked Trump, praising him for having such an amazing will for second chances.

Back on CNN, he went on to say he was confident that if President Trump had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics. Thats just the reality of our country.
William Haggas is unsure what the future holds for Economics after he finished down the field on his belated return to action in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The Night Of Thunder colt enjoyed an excellent three-year-old campaign, with a scintillating Dante success followed by a Group Two win in France and a Group One breakthrough in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

However, he was found to have bled from the nose when sixth in last seasons Champion Stakes and following 12 months off the track, he could only finish eighth in this years renewal.

The stewards report after Saturdays race said: Following the race, the veterinary officer reported that Economics, unplaced, had bled from the nose.

Haggas had previously raised the possibility of Economics competing in Bahrain during the winter, but all plans are now on hold pending discussions with owner Isa Salman Al Khalifa.

Speaking on Racing TVs Luck on Sunday programme, Haggas said: It was a hard ask for him and it was probably my fault for throwing him in the deep end, but Ive been very happy with him and his condition was good.

He was just a bit fresh beforehand and in the race at the beginning and he stayed on OK.

We had a momentous season last year really and to win the Bahrain (sponsored) Champion Stakes in Ireland was absolutely fantastic, so we had a golden moment.

Hes a seriously good horse, he really is, and we were so lucky to have him and he came from nowhere as a two-year-old, he just looked like a big, backward horse and then he really sprouted wings.

We have a terrific team and everyone put their heart and soul into him. It took a long time and a lot of patient effort from everyone.

Hes a really good horse and I dont think youve seen the best of him either.

On what is next on the agenda for Economics, the trainer added: Well see. I havent spoken to His Highness Sheikh Isa at length at all, just briefly.

He couldnt make it yesterday. I will be talking to him in the next few days and well make a plan thereafter.
San Basilio de Palenque celebrates its heritage in murals around the town. Photograph: Ever Mercado/The Guardian

The Caribbean Colombian village that proudly calls itself the first free Black territory in the Americas is on the verge of freeing itself once again  not from the Spanish crown, as it did in the early 18th century, but from local government control.

Just over 300 years after Spain recognised San Basilio de Palenque as a slavery-free territory, residents of the community, just 30 miles away from the touristic hub of Cartagena, are set to vote on finally becoming an independent town.

Young people rehearse their musical performance for the night of the Drum festival in San Basilio de Palenque

Ronny Farley, 13, a member of the group Son Caliente, practices for his performance at the Drum festival

Youth groups and folkloric group performs at the Drum festival

The town is the most famous Colombian palenque  the name given to communities formed by formerly enslaved people who escaped bondage  and is home to about 4,000 residents.

Despite its historical significance  recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005  Palenque is at the moment no more than a division of another municipality, Mahates.

The town even has its own language, Palenquero, a mix of Spanish, Portuguese and African Bantu languages such as Kikongo and Kimbundu.

Those who speak only Portuguese, Spanish or central African languages cant understand Palenquero because its a unique language that mixes all of them, said Manuel Perez Salinas, 50, director of San Basilio de Palenques Drum and Cultural Expressions festival, which held its 40th edition last weekend.

Manuel Perez Salinas explains a phrase in the Palenquero language

But even as the village edges closer to its second independence, there is a sharp contrast between its cultural and historic significance and the profound lack of basic public services such as running water and sanitation.

Through the heart of the district, only a handful of streets are paved, and empty lots serve as improvised rubbish dumps. The dirt roads, often occupied by chickens  sometimes perched on a rooftop  and piglets, contrast with the vibrant colours of the house facades, many of which are adorned with astonishing murals depicting local historical figures.

Around San Basilio, there is graffiti depicting Afro-descendant people with words or phrases in the Palenquero language

On 30 November a referendum asking whether residents agree to becoming a town is expected to win broad approval from its inhabitants, who largely see administrative and budgetary autonomy as a way to improve the community.

But there is also some apprehension, as the change would lead the centuries-old community to face unprecedented challenges, such as holding its first-ever mayoral election.

Becoming a city is something positive because it will bring more autonomy to the people, but it could also divide the community, said Bernardino Perez, 25, a community narrator who produces videos about Palenquero culture. Like all his siblings, he was also given an African name by his father: Ashanty.

Bernardino Perez, also known as Ashanty, is 25 years old and is a community communicator and narrator from San Basilio de Palenque

As a community, were trying to talk things through to avoid divisions, but its almost impossible not to have differing opinions because we still dont have a clear idea of how the new municipality will work, said Perez.

It remains unclear what form its new political organisation will take in the village, which is now headed by a council-led community board.

Next months referendum is one of the final steps in that process, but there is still no indication of when the city will hold its first local elections.

We also still dont know, for instance, what will happen to our ancestral justice system, said Perez, referring to the Guardia Cimarrona, an unarmed guard made up of community members responsible for social order, conflict mediation and security, as there is no police station or battalion in the village.

Young people practise traditional dances from the community. These musical styles and dances have their roots in African rhythms

Cimarron was the term used by Spanish colonisers to refer to enslaved and formerly enslaved people who rebelled and fled to form palenques.

With its strategic location on the Caribbean, Cartagena was one of the main ports for goods and enslaved Africans under the Spanish crown in the Americas.

The historic center of Cartagena is only 30 miles away.

In the early 17th century, a group of enslaved people led by Benkos Bioho, believed to have been born in Guinea-Bissau, escaped inland and founded one of the first versions of San Basilio de Palenque, which would not be officially recognised by the Spanish crown until more than a century later, through an agreement in 1713.

The name, in reference to Basil of Caesarea, came soon after. To this day, Palenqueros refer to the village either as San Basilio de Palenque, Palenque de San Basilio or simply Palenque, although there is a growing movement to call it Palenque de Benkos: not after a white saint, but a Black leader.

Benkos was our liberator and one of the greatest figures in Black history  not only in Colombia, but in the world, said Salinas, who last weekend delivered his opening speech at the drum festival just metres from a statue of Benkos in the central square.

The town was founded in 1603 by enslaved people who fled Cartagena and settled in this inaccessible region. The main leader of this rebellion was Benkos Bioho

The commemorative plaque on the statue of Benkos Bioho

Just below the statue lies a clear symbol of Mahates city halls neglect of its soon-to-be former district: the story of Benkos inscribed on the stone is barely legible because roughly one-sixth of the plaque has broken off.

For historian and writer Javier Ortiz Cassiani, author of a book on Afro-Colombian history, although there is little historical documentation about Benkos, he became a mythical figure and a symbol that evokes not only Palenques memory of resistance, but that of Black resistance across the Colombian Caribbean and throughout what is today the Republic of Colombia.

The historian also notes that the title the first free Black territory in the Americas is still disputed and is likewise claimed by Yanga, in Mexico, also founded by formerly enslaved people and which, chronologically, was recognised by the Spanish crown earlier than Palenque, in the 17th century.

Javier Ortiz Cassiani, 54 years old, is a historian, university professor, writer and columnist

The construction of Palenque as the first free territory is political and stems much more from a memory of resistance than from empirical evidence, said Cassiani. In the end, the struggle to recover and affirm that history is one of reclaiming humanity. The logic of enslavement was dehumanisation, so the fight has always been to regain that humanity, he added.

That effort has also involved the recovery of Palenques own language.

It is said that the Palenquero language emerged as a kind of secret code through which the cimarrones discussed escape plans and devised military strategies to resist attacks from colonial forces.

Most recently, however, the language came under a different threat.

Due to a lack of opportunities, many residents had to leave the village in search of work in other cities, where they faced discrimination for speaking their native tongue. People said we spoke a broken form of Spanish, said philologist and Palenquero teacher Regina Miranda Reyes, 59. We were discriminated against for having a language of African ancestry, but we never gave up speaking it, she said.

Regina Miranda Reyes is a cultural leader and one of the founders of the Drum festival. She offers guided tours at the Museum of Drums and Palenque Cultural Expressions

Regina Miranda shows a book of Afro-inspired poems related to San Basilio de Palenque

At the end of the 1990s, Palenquero was included in the village school curriculum, and today it is estimated that more than half the population speaks it. On a walk through the village streets, one hears both Palenquero and Spanish. Part of that revival, especially among young people, is also attributed to the local rap group Kombilesa Mi, which performs in Palenquero.

Our culture, which goes beyond the language itself, had been fading, but theres been a great effort to reclaim it through tradition and oral history, and weve been seeking it from our grandparents, said Lauriana Hernandez Perez, 50, who was born and raised in San Basilio de Palenque but now lives in Cartagena, where she runs a shop selling African clothing.

Two women pose in front of their stall displaying products from their local business.

Products for sale are related to African elements, figures, symbols or representations that speak of ancestors

The diaspora in search of opportunity is still common  its most visible expression may be the dozens of Palenquera women, dressed in bright gowns and headwraps, balancing baskets of fruit on their heads as they pose for photos with tourists in Cartagena  and it will be one of many challenges awaiting the new citys first mayor.

Currently an impoverished district, Palenque will, like any Colombian municipality, receive direct transfers from the federal government, though the amount remains uncertain. The new administration may also have to begin collecting local taxes to address the shortage of public services.

Andreus Manuel Valdes Torre, 46, a community leader of San Basilio de Palenque, in a Palenquero language workshop

Obviously, there will be challenges, said community leader Andreus Manuel Valdes Torre, 46. But were trying to educate, train and prepare people to face those challenges as best as possible, without physical, verbal or social conflict.

We hope it will become a model municipality for all of Colombia  and, why not, for the Americas as well, he added.
Human remains discovered during search for Kada Scott are believed to belong to missing Philadelphia woman

A desperate search for a missing Philadelphia woman has taken a heartbreaking turn after human remains were discovered Saturday.

The grim discovery was made behind an abandoned school near Awbury Arboretum, where police had been scouring the area for 23-year-old Kada Scott, who vanished on October 4.

On Sunday, a rapid DNA test found a 99.9 percent match between DNA reportedly recovered from the scene and DNA samples collected from Scott's parents, FOX29 reported, strongly indicating that the remains are that of Scott.

Investigators returned to the site around 10 a.m. Saturday after receiving a very specific anonymous tip overnight, according to First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford.

The remains, believed to be those of a female, were found buried in a shallow grave in a heavily wooded section of the property, WPVI reported.

Kada Scott was last seen on October 4, clocking in for her overnight shift at an assisted living facility in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia (Philadelphia Police Department)

By late afternoon, they had been removed from the scene and turned over to the citys Medical Examiners Office to confirm the identity. Stanford said police have been in contact with Scotts family.

We have been in communication with her family as to this process and in the fact that we have recovered a human being, he said.

Scott was last seen October 4 clocking in for her overnight shift at an assisted living facility in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Her family expected her to be home the next morning. But she never made it.

Investigators say she was not at work for very long that night before she left the facility. However, there were no surveillance cameras in the parking lot, they said.

When Scott did not return home that morning, her parents called the senior living facility and got what they called conflicting reports about her whereabouts.

Her parents met police in the parking lot where they found her car. Her phone, iPad, keys, and other belongings were not inside the vehicle, WPVI reported.

On Wednesday, police arrested 21-year-old Keon King in connection with Scotts abduction. He also faces another kidnapping charge in what investigators described as a disturbing pattern.

Mr. King is the last person, we believe, to be in contact with her and that he was in contact with her when she went offline, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski said at a press conference earlier this week.

Investigators are still working to determine how King and Scott knew each other, though they believe the two had crossed paths in the days leading up to her disappearance.

Before she vanished, Scott had reportedly told people she was being harassed, though it remains unclear if King was the person she was referring to. King is being held on $2.5 million bail.

Keon King has been charged in connection to Kada Scotts abduction (Philadelphia Police Department)

As the search for Scott continued through the week and tips flooded in, investigators were led to the Awbury Arboretum in East Germantown October 10.

Police searched the 55-acre property believed to be on of the last places her phone pinged before it was deactivated. But no evidence was uncovered in the search.

Then on October 15, investigators found a car they believe is connected to the disappearance: a 1999 metallic gold Toyota Camry with heavy front-end damage and tinted windows.

The vehicle was found in the parking lot of the Gypsy Lane Condos in East Falls after a tip came in around 3:10 p.m. It matched the description and license plate number, MSX0797, released earlier in the day. Sources told reporters the car belonged to King, whose family lives nearby.

We believe she may have been in that vehicle, Toczylowski said.

Surveillance footage shows the driver arriving and leaving the property within about 35 minutes, though police havent confirmed who was behind the wheel. Police say the vehicle was seen in several parts of the city before it was found Wednesday.

Hours before the cars discovery, another tip led police to search Ada H. Lewis Middle School, an abandoned building near the Awbury Arboretum.

There, investigators uncovered key physical evidence during the search  including Scotts debit card and a phone case, WPVI reported.

On October 15, investigators found a car they believe is connected to the disappearance (Philadelphia Police Department)

During a press conference Friday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner addressed Kings arrest and additional charges he faces in what prosecutors call a similar case from earlier this year  one in which another woman was allegedly kidnapped and strangled but survived.

Those charges were dropped when the victim didnt show up in court, but prosecutors plan to refile them.

In that case, prosecutors said King threw [the victim] in her car, assaulted her and eventually let her out.

Krasner admitted Friday that his office should have handled that case differently.

We could have done better in that, he said. A really sophisticated approach to the case would have been to try to put it all in with video evidence.

Part of that incident was captured in a viral video showing King peering through and knocking on windows as someone inside yelled for help and told others to call police. Krasner said the victim feared testifying because King was out on bail.

The reason they had to worry he was going to come out of the same door they went in the courthouse right after they testified against him is because he was on bail, said Krasner.

King posted 10 percent of a $200,000 bail in that kidnapping arrest.

Human remains were found on Saturday during a search for missing Kada Scott (GoFundMe)

When asked why prosecutors didnt push for higher bail, Krasner said appealing overnight can be difficult.

You have the option of trying to do what is often a midnight or three oclock in the morning telephonic appeal to a municipal court judge, he said. The unfortunate reality of this is that some, but not all of these judges, dont want you calling them in the middle of the night. And if you do, they lower the bail. They dont raise it, they dont leave it. They lower it. So it is always a complex, strategic decision.

But Marty ORourke, spokesperson for the courts, sharply disputed the district attorneys statements, calling them appallingly disrespectful and an attempt to scapegoat for his mishandling of the case.

The DA would know that court staff is on call 24/7 and prepared at any hour to address emergency Court matters, ORourke said.

In light of this truth, the DAs comments are appallingly disrespectful and a sad attempt on his part to find a scapegoat for his own failings on this matter, he said.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker offered prayers and support to Scotts family with a statement on Facebook.

There are no words that I can employ to remove the unimaginable pain and turmoil that the family of Kada Scott is experiencing with the tragic loss of their beloved daughter, sister, and loved one, she wrote. The City of Philadelphia is here to support them in any way that we can. We will continue to stay by their side.
An Israeli strike targeted a building in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees on Sunday - EYAD BABA/AFP

Israel has insisted that it is committed to a ceasefire in Gaza despite launching a wave of missile attacks and temporarily shutting off aid to the enclave.

Fears had been raised that the fragile peace plan would collapse after Hamas fighters killed two IDF soldiers in Rafah, prompting Israel to retaliate with air strikes across the Strip.

The terrorist group was accused of blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement by firing RPGs and sniper rounds at Israeli troops.

Israel responded by raining missiles down on Rafah, Nuseirat, Beit Lahia and Khan Younis, killing at least 33 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, issued an order to halt all aid into Gaza until further notice but cancelled it hours later after pressure from the United States. Deliveries were expected to resume on Monday morning.

On Sunday night, it appeared that Israel had been pulled back from the brink, as the IDF said it had stopped the bombing and begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire, in line with the terms of the agreement.

Israel Katz, Israels defence minister, said he instructed the IDF to act forcefully against Hamas targets in Gaza.

He said: Hamas will learn the hard way that the IDF is determined to protect its soldiers and prevent any harm to them. If the message is not understood, the intensity of the reactions will increase.

Israel notified the US in advance of the strikes through the American command centre that oversees the ceasefire, Axios reported.

US officials said the response must focus on isolating Hamas fighters, instead of recommencing the war. Israel was advised to respond proportionately but show restraint.

This week, JD Vance, the US vice-president, is expected to lead a delegation including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Israel in the hope of implementing phase two of the peace deal, sources said.

Blatant violation of ceasefire agreement

On Sunday night, the IDF said: Over the past few hours, in response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today [Sunday], the IDF struck dozens of Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip.

The targets struck included weapons storage facilities, infrastructure used for terrorist activity, firing posts, terrorist cells and additional terrorist infrastructure sites.

The IDF also struck and dismantled six kilometres of underground terrorist infrastructure, using over 120 munitions. The underground site was used by the terrorist organisation to advance attacks against the State of Israel.

The IDF will continue to respond firmly and will operate to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel.

Since the peace deal came into effect on Oct 10, hundreds of lorries carrying aid had been allowed to enter Gaza each day. A famine was confirmed in the territory by UN-backed experts in August because of a previous blockade on aid deliveries.

Prime minister told to resume full combat

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hardline security minister, issued a statement shortly after the attack, calling on Mr Netanyahu to order the IDF to fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force.

He added: The false illusions that Hamas will change its ways, or even adhere to the agreement it signed, are proving, as expected, to be dangerous to our security. The Nazi terrorist organisation must be completely destroyed  and the sooner, the better.

The IDF claims there have been several violations of the ceasefire in the past week, with Palestinians crossing the yellow line that marks the area to which Israeli soldiers have withdrawn as part of the first phase of Donald Trumps 20-point plan.

Gazas Hamas-run health ministry agency said at least 33 people were killed across the territory in the attacks - Eyad Baba/AFP

On Friday, its officials said: Several terrorists were identified exiting a tunnel shaft in the Khan Yunis area and approaching IDF troops operating in the area, causing an imminent threat to them. The terrorists were struck, in accordance with the agreement.

The IDF also identified several terrorists who opened fire toward Israeli troops in the area after exiting a tunnel shaft in the Rafah region.

The US state department said on Saturday that it had informed Qatar, Egypt and Turkey about credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms, a statement from the department said.

Hamas described the claims as false allegations that fully align with misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations organised crimes and aggression against our people.

The terror group said its police service in Gaza was fulfilling their national duty to crack down on gangs supported by Israel and hold them accountable according to clear legal mechanisms, in order to protect citizens and safeguard public and private property.

Hamas has carried out executions against collaborators in Gaza in recent weeks, as well as subjecting Palestinians accused of stealing aid to public beatings.

Local Gazans have reported widespread attacks against civilians and clans, including members of the Dogmush family, since the ceasefire was agreed.
Israel has said it has begun resuming enforcement of the Gaza ceasefire after a wave of strikes on the enclave, having claimed the peace agreement was violated by Hamas.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) struck Gaza and said it was halting aid into the enclave on Sunday in response to attacks on its forces that killed two soldiers, in the most serious test yet of this month's US-brokered ceasefire.

Aid into Gaza was set to resume on Monday following US pressure, an Israeli security source said, shortly after Israel announced the halt in supplies in response to what it said was a "blatant" violation by Hamas of the truce.

Residents in Gaza and local health authorities said that Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the enclave killed at least 26 people, including at least one woman and a child.

The IDF said it struck dozens of Hamas terror targets across Gaza, hitting targets such as weapons storage facilities, firing posts and terrorist cells.

It added that it had also dismantled 6km of underground terrorist infrastructure used for attacks on Israel following Hamas blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential compound housing employees of the Palestine Media Production Company in Zawaida in the central Gaza strip (REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Israel on Monday, an Israeli official and a US official said.

The IDF had vowed to respond firmly after claiming militants in the southern area of Rafah had launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its soldiers.

It said earlier in Sunday that its troops were dismantling terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area in line with the ceasefire agreement when they came under fire. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Hamas armed wing said on Sunday that it was unaware of any incidents or clashes in Gaza and reiterated its commitment to all that has been agreed upon, including a ceasefire in all areas of Gaza.

Hamas said in a statement: We affirm our full commitment to implementing everything that was agreed upon, foremost among which is the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip. We are unaware of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as these are red zones under the control of the occupation.

A displaced Palestinian boy carries a box of emergency supplies (AFP via Getty Images)

Contact with our remaining groups there has been cut off since the resumption of war in March of this year. We have no information as to whether they have been martyred or are still alive since that date.

Therefore, we have no connection to any events taking place in those areas, and we cannot communicate with any of our fighters there, if any of them are still alive.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his military to "act forcefully against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip".

It comes just days after Hamas and Israel agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, which was expected to lead to a pause in Israels bombardment and the release of the remaining hostages.

Over two years since the brutal and bloody conflict erupted, many Palestinians and Israelis expressed relief that this may mark the first steps toward a long-term peace.

According to US President Donald Trump, who has claimed credit for brokering the agreement, this is a historic and unprecedented event that will lead to strong, durable, and everlasting peace in the region.

But, according to reports, Israels bombardment of Gaza has continued. Since Trump's ceasefire plan came into effect, 35 people have been killed, 146 injured and the bodies of 414 deceased people have been recovered, the ministry says.
Israel launched a wave of deadly strikes and temporarily shut off aid in Gaza on Sunday, as the US-brokered ceasefire came under severe pressure.

The IDF said in a statement that terrorists had fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire that killed two Israeli troops working in Rafah on Sunday.

Retaliatory Israeli strikes killed at least 45 people in Gaza, according to local residents and health authorities.

A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire negotiations said "round-the-clock" contacts were underway to de-escalate the situation. Donald Trumps envoys to Israel, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are reportedly already on their way to Israel to try and shore up the ceasefire.

Hamass armed wing said that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement in all of Gaza, adding that it was unaware of clashes in Rafah and that it had not been in contact with groups there since March.

Displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza (AP)

An Israeli security official had said that the transfer of aid into Gaza had been halted following what he described as Hamas' blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

But, after US pressure, another Israeli security official said that aid would resume on Monday.

Palestinians in Gaza heard explosions and gunfire in Rafah and witnesses also reported heavy gunfire from Israeli tanks in the eastern town of Abassan near Khan Younis, also in southern Gaza.

Israels hawkish far-right minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called on Netanyahu to order the IDF to fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force.

The false illusions that Hamas will change its ways, or even adhere to the agreement it signed, are proving, as expected, to be dangerous to our security, he wrote on X (Twitter). The Nazi terrorist organization must be completely destroyedand the sooner, the better.

Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed: War!

The government media office in Gaza said on Saturday that Israel had committed 47 violations after the ceasefire deal, leaving 38 dead and 143 wounded.

In a separate incident on Friday, operatives were said to have emerged from a tunnel in the Rafah area and opened fire on Israeli forces, according to the IDF. There were no reported injuries.

FILE: Buildings destroyed during Israeli ground and air operations in the northern Gaza Strip (AP)

Hamas on Sunday rejected a statement from the US state department citing credible reports that the Palestinian group would imminently violate the ceasefire deal with Israel. Hamas said the allegations were false.

The Hamas Movement rejects the allegations mentioned in the statement issued by the US state department and categorically denies the claims directed against it regarding an imminent attack or a violation of the ceasefire agreement, it said.

These false allegations fully align with misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations organised crimes and aggression against our people.

Hamas accused Israel of forming, arming and funding criminal gangs that it said had carried out killings, kidnappings, theft of aid trucks, and robberies against Palestinian civilians.

The state department assessed in a short statement that Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza, adding: Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.

Donald Trump has threatened to disarm Hamas if it refused to do so voluntarily, after saying he was unbothered by Hamas killing members of very bad gangs in Gaza earlier in the week.

The ceasefire has been further strained by Hamass delayed return of hostages to Israel and Israels decision to keep the Rafah crossing shut to humanitarian aid.

Israel has threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice. Netanyahus office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfils its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

Hamas has returned all 20 live hostages and 12 of the deceased, but said the process needs effort and special equipment to recover corpses buried under rubble.

Trucks lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip on 16 October (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

Israel identified the body of a deceased hostage on Sunday morning, after Hamas handed over two bodies of what the militant group said were deceased hostages to the Red Cross late on Saturday night.

Benjamin Netanyahu said the body was identified as Ronen Engel. The second body is still undergoing identification at Israels National Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Engel, 54, was killed during the October 7 attack on kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border. His wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.

The IDF said on Sunday that another deceased hostage had been identified as Suntaya Akrasi.

Akrasti, a 30-year-old Thai citizen, was also killed during the October 7 attack, and his body was taken into Gaza. His body was taken from the orchards of kibbutz Beeri, the IDF said.
A Jewish lawyer wearing a Star of David was arrested after police claimed the symbol antagonised pro-Palestine protesters.

Footage obtained by the Telegraph shows a detective appearing to accuse the man of wearing the symbol in a way that could cause offence and potentially be antagonising in close proximity to protesters.

The officers have noted in their statement that they believe that because the Star of David was out and present to people, which may take either offence to the presence of it, they felt that was antagonising the situation, the detective says.

I think thats, with respect, appalling and shows a complete ignorance on behalf of those officers, the lawyer responds.

The Star of David was displayed on a silver chain around his neck.

The man, in his 40s, was arrested at around 7pm on August 29 during a pro-Palestine demonstration outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington, central London.

He maintains that he was acting as an independent legal observer, monitoring the protest for any unlawful behaviour by demonstrators and scrutinising the conduct of police.

The arrest reportedly followed accusations from officers that he was antagonising protesters.

"It is outrageous that police should claim wearing a star of David somehow antagonises people," the man told The Telegraph.

When it was first raised in the police interview, it rang alarm bells for me immediately. Police crossed the line.

He was taken to Hammersmith police station for questioning and released at 4:30am the following morning.

The Metropolitan Police have denied that the man's arrest was related to the Star of David, stating he was detained for allegedly repeatedly breaching an order intended to keep opposing protest groups apart.

According to police, he came very close to pro-Palestine protesters on multiple occasions, and his behaviour allegedly went beyond observing to provoking.

As a result, they classified him as actively participating as a protester, which made him subject to the conditions of the Public Order Act.

Posting on X, the force said: "We understand the concerns raised, but the claim this man was arrested for wearing a star of David necklace is not true."He was arrested for allegedly repeatedly breaching Public Order Act conditions that were in place to keep opposing protest groups apart.

"The conditions required protesters from the pro-Israel group Stop The Hate to remain in one area with protesters from the pro-Palestinian group Ijan required to remain in a separate area.

"The man told officers he was acting as an independent legal observer but his actions are alleged to have breached the conditions in place, and to have gone beyond observing in an independent and neutral way to provoking and, as such, actively participating as a protester.

"Over the course of an hour, the man is alleged to have continuously approached the area allocated to Ijan, getting very close to protesters to film them and provoking a reaction."Officers had to intervene at least four times to ask the man to return to the Stop the Hate area as required by the conditions.

"When he failed to do so after multiple warnings, he was arrested. "He was released on bail and the investigation continues.

"The clipped footage released, in which officers question the man's status and actions as an independent legal observer, is six minutes of an hour-long interview.

"We can fully appreciate why this clip in isolation causes concern and we are continuing to review and work with communities to understand the concerns they have voiced."
The King has hailed the work of Kews Millennium Seed Bank on a podcast episode 25 years after it opened with the aim of combatting climate change and biodiversity loss.

Sitting down to record a podcast with actress Cate Blanchett, Charles said the Millennium Seed Bank, at Kews wild botanic garden Wakehurst in Sussex, is wonderful, but says the process needs to be sped up.

The Kings chat with Blanchett  Kew Gardens ambassador for Wakehurst  and Kew seed scientist Dr Elinor Breman, took place in the private gardens of Windsor Castle on a sunny July afternoon.

Cate Blanchett at Wakehurst (Tom Munro/PA)

Since its launch in 2000, nearly 2.5 billion seeds from more than 40,000 species have been carefully cleaned, dried and stored in walk-in freezers at minus 20C in Wakehurst.

Charles, who said he was very proud to be a patron of Kew, said on the podcast: I think its wonderful what the seed bank is doing, but weve got to speed up the process.

During the conversation, Blanchett said: The only frustration for me about inaction on climate change is that theres so many extraordinary initiatives right there ready to be scaled up.

Theres a willingness there, but theres just not the direction of the funds.

Charles replied: And theres that lack of awareness too, as you were saying, about the actual detail of all these things.

The entrance to Wakehurst Millennium Seed Bank (Jim Holden/RBG Kew/PA)

In what is the Kings second-ever podcast recording, the trio discussed the seed bank and its origins, its achievements in the past 25 years as well as ongoing work around the world today, including in Australia and South Africa.

Dr Breman brought plants, seeds and conservation test kits to show Charles and they spoke about the future potential for the project.

Charles opened the Millennium Seed Bank in 2000 and has taken an active interest in its progress since, returning to visit in 2019.

The podcast episode which launches Kews fourth Unearthed series is released on October 20 and will be followed by a three-part series looking at the past, present and future of the Millennium Seed Bank.

The King became a one-off disc jockey in March after he was left surprised and delighted to be asked by Apple Music to showcase 17 of his favourite songs by artists including Jools Holland, Michael Buble and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to mark Commonwealth Day.
US Marines perform an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton in California on Saturday. Photograph: Oliver Contreras/AFP/Getty Images

The California governor, Gavin Newsom, has accused Donald Trump of putting his ego over responsibility over a military showcase that involved firing live artillery shells over a major highway in the states south.

Newsom said safety concerns over the event forced state officials to close a portion of the busy Interstate 5 near the US Marine Camp Pendleton base on Saturday.

The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety, the Democratic governor said in a statement. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isnt just wrong  its dangerous. Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isnt strength  its reckless, its disrespectful, and its beneath the office he holds.

Related: Millions across all 50 US states march in No Kings protests against Trump

In an earlier post on X, Newsom had condemned the event as an absurd show of force and totally uncalled for.

US Marine officials said there was nothing unsafe about the exercise at Camp Pendleton, where firing artillery is a routine occurrence, and that it was unnecessary to disrupt traffic on Interstate 5, which is the main highway along the Pacific coast between San Diego and Los Angeles.

The California Highway Patrol said in a statement the military event would involve live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway and made the call to temporarily close a portion of the freeway due to the safety risk and distractions to drivers.

The event celebrated the US marines 250th anniversary and included a live-fire amphibious capabilities demonstration at Red Beach in Oceanside in north-western San Diego county.

Vice-President JD Vance, a former enlisted marine who served in Iraq, spoke at the event that was attended by thousands of marines, sailors, veterans and families, while defense secretary Pete Hegseth also delivered remarks.

The capabilities demonstration will feature integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land and sea, the Marines statement said.

The dispute underscored the growing tensions between Trump and the California governor, who has frequently called out decisions by the presidents administration.

Earlier in October, the navy hosted the president aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia to celebrate the same military anniversary. Trump turned that event into a political rally.

Saturdays military event coincided with No Kings rallies and marches held across the US, including several locations in California, aligning behind a message that the nations slide into authoritarian rule under Trump needs to stop.

Newsom cautioned those participating in the rallies: I urge our nation to use this weekends No Kings marches as a declaration of independence against the tyranny and lawlessness currently running this country. Use your voice. ACT PEACEFULLY. Protect yourself and your community. THERE ARE NO KINGS IN THE UNITED STATES.

In a statement to the New York Times, a spokesperson for Vance, William Martin, said Newsom was misleading the public about the safety risk for Saturdays event. He said it was routine training. If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our armed forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead, Martin said.

Matt Rocco, the spokesperson for Californias transportation department, said: This is all because of the White House-directed military event, that for the safety of the public, we need to shut down the freeway since theyre sending live ordnances over the freeway.

Rocco said the Interstate 5 closure could cost up to another two hours of trip time for those commuting between San Diego and Los Angeles. The freeway carries 80,000 travelers and $94m in freight through the corridor daily, according to the governors office. Passenger rail services running parallel to the Interstate 5 were also canceled for the afternoon.

 The subheading of this article was amended on 19 October 2025. An earlier version said Interstate 55 was closed on Saturday; this should have said Interstate 5.
Max Verstappen continued his march into the Formula One championship battle by cruising to victory at the United States Grand Prix.

The lights-to-flag win completed a perfect weekend in Austin for the resurgent Red Bull driver after he also won Saturdays sprint from pole.

Lando Norris sealed second after winning a race-long tussle with Charles Leclerc in the closing stages as the British driver reduced McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastris championship lead to 14 points after the Australian finished only fifth.

What a drive from Max Verstappen!  Let's take a look at our points finishers #F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/A7tdqZAKcT  Formula 1 (@F1) October 19, 2025

Verstappens 33 points from the weekend mean he has reduced his own deficit to Piastri to 40 points  from 63  following the costly collision during the sprint which dumped both McLarens out.

The Red Bull driver declared his bid for a fifth straight title over before the summer break, but he has slashed the gap to Piastri from 104 points after Zandvoort five races ago.

That race was the last win for the previously-dominant McLaren pair as a genuine three-way title scrap has emerged, with five rounds remaining and 141 points left to fight for.

Piastri will have the most to ponder ahead of Mexico next weekend, having been beaten by both Norris and Verstappen in each of the last four races.

Leclerc claimed third with Lewis Hamilton fourth on an improved day for Ferrari as George Russell finished sixth for Mercedes.

Leclerc was a thorn in Norris side (Nick Didlick/AP)

Norris chances of threatening Verstappen at the Circuit of the Americas were dashed as he was undone by the fast-starting Leclerc, the only one of the top 15 to begin on soft tyres.

The Ferrari driver used his extra grip to charge round the outside of turn one and past Norris on the inside at turn two as Piastri gained a place from sixth and Hamilton jumped to fourth, with Russell slipping two places from fourth.

Russell attempted to hit back at Piastri but was thwarted as Norris battle to get past Leclerc allowed Verstappen to pull clear out front.

Norris attacked Leclerc at turn 12 on lap three and four but could find no way through. It was a dream scenario for Verstappen, who had a three-second lead by lap five.

Norris bided his time before launching another sustained attack on Leclerc on lap 15, but the Monegasques resolute defence continued to ruin the British drivers hopes of victory, now over seven seconds behind Verstappen.

Norris finally got the move done on Leclerc on lap 21 but had another concern as he was shown a black-and-white flag for track limits, meaning one more would result in a penalty.

Piastri pitted after lap 30, with Norris in two laps later only to emerge once again behind Leclerc after a sluggish stop.

Norris complained that his used set of soft tyres had gone with 16 laps still to go and he dropped away behind Leclerc.

His race engineer told him to cool the tyres before attacking again and he did just that, hunting down Leclerc and getting through at turn 12 with five laps remaining.

Piastri was off the pace all weekend and that did not change in the closing stages as the title leader trudged home in fifth.
The Metropolitan Police is denying arresting a Jewish lawyer for wearing a Star of David necklace at a pro-Palestine protest.

Instead, the force said the man, aged in his 40s. was detained for breaching laws to keep protest groups apart.

The man was arrested outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington, central London, on 29 August, according to The Telegraph.

In police interview footage, a detective said to the suspect that he had worn the Star of David to cause offence, the newspaper reported.

The man also told The Telegraph that he had been acting as an independent legal observer to monitor the event for unlawful behaviour by the protesters and to examine the actions taken by police.

The man, who was held for nearly 10 hours, said: It is outrageous that police should claim wearing a star of David somehow antagonises people.

When it was first raised in the police interview, it rang alarm bells for me immediately.

We have responded to allegations we arrested a man at a protest in August for wearing a star of David necklace.



This is not true. The wider context is set out below. pic.twitter.com/W5HXoRtZKC  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 19, 2025

The man said the police crossed the line.

They (the police) are trying to criminalise the wearing of a Star of David.

They said I was antagonising and agitating pro-Palestine protesters with my Star of David.

In an environment of antisemitism, I will not be cowed by this.

I will carry on wearing it.

The Met said in a statement that the man was arrested for allegedly repeatedly breaching conditions set under the Public Order Act to keep opposing protest groups apart.

Pro-Palestine protests have been held in many locations across the UK (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Posting on X, the force said: We understand the concerns raised, but the claim this man was arrested for wearing a star of David necklace is not true.

He was arrested for allegedly repeatedly breaching Public Order Act conditions that were in place to keep opposing protest groups apart.

The conditions required protesters from the pro-Israel group Stop The Hate to remain in one area with protesters from the pro-Palestinian group Ijan required to remain in a separate area.

The man told officers he was acting as an independent legal observer but his actions are alleged to have breached the conditions in place, and to have gone beyond observing in an independent and neutral way to provoking and, as such, actively participating as a protester.

Over the course of an hour, the man is alleged to have continuously approached the area allocated to Ijan, getting very close to protesters to film them and provoking a reaction.

Officers had to intervene at least four times to ask the man to return to the Stop the Hate area as required by the conditions.

When he failed to do so after multiple warnings, he was arrested.

He was released on bail and the investigation continues.

The clipped footage released, in which officers question the mans status and actions as an independent legal observer, is six minutes of an hour-long interview.

We can fully appreciate why this clip in isolation causes concern and we are continuing to review and work with communities to understand the concerns they have voiced.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (PA Wire)

Reform has been accused of importing divisive and dangerous ideas from Maga politics in the US after a right-wing theologian who opposes abortion in all cases joined the party as Nigel Farages adviser.

Cambridge University professor James Orr, who heads the Centre for a Better Britain think tank, is an influential figure in Donald Trumps administration and is admired by vice-president JD Vance.

His arrival comes soon after the defection from the Tories of right-wing MP Danny Kruger, who holds similar views to Professor Orr.

James Orr (BBC)

Over the summer both Professor Orr and Mr Kruger visited Mr Vance while he was in the UK ahead of them joining Reform.

Professor Orr has also described asylum seekers as invaders in a provocative piece.

The move comes after Sir Keir Starmer described Reforms migrant plans as racist and immoral during the Labour Party conference in September.

Labour led condemnations of Reform accepting Professor Orr into their ranks.

A Labour spokesperson said: "Reform's embrace of figures like James Orr tells you everything you need to know about the direction their party is taking. His opposition to abortion even in cases of rape and his description of asylum seekers as 'invaders' are extreme even by the standards of contemporary right-wing politics.

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper warned: "This appointment confirms what we've always known: Reform UK is just a British franchise of Donald Trump's Maga movement.

By appointing Orr, Farage is clearly trying to import the same divisive and dangerous ideas that underpin the Trump administration.

We can all see what is happening in Trump's America. We cannot stand by and let this become Farages Britain.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: Reform UKs decision to welcome James Orr as a senior advisor to Nigel Farage is further evidence that Farage is embracing dangerous and divisive right wing ideology.

By choosing someone close to JD Vance to be by his side - someone who describes asylum seekers as invaders and someone who is anti abortion - he is signalling that Reform UK have nothing to offer but fuel for divisive, inflammatory politics.

Orrs Reform linked think tank The Centre for Better Britain has embraced Trumpian policies in cutting state services, reducing NHS funding and blaming migrants.

Reform has denied that the party is moving towards an anti-abortion stance. It is understood that his decision to formally join Reform is to help the party bring in elite talent.

But Professor Orr, who has been behind the National Conservatism conferences, was described as a brilliant academic, theologian, thinker by Reforms head of policy Zia Yusuf.

Mr Yusuf announced the associate professor of the history of religion at Cambridge had joined Reform in a post on social media site X.

The senior Reform figure added: "He has been a bastion of common sense and patriotism at Cambridge University.

"He has become a close friend, and is someone who I believe will have a pivotal role in shaping the future of this country."

He continued: "James is now a senior member of our team, a senior adviser to Nigel Farage and he will bring even more talented patriots to the Reform family."

Though not a well-known public figure, Professor Orr has been influential on the philosophy of the Trump administration.

Vice-president Vance once described him as his "British sherpa".

The Independent has approached Reform for comment.
Nigel Farage with his partner Laure Ferrari, who said the investigation was the result of fake accusations - Steve Finn

Nigel Farages partner has allegedly been caught up in an investigation into allegations of fraud at a Eurosceptic group she ran in Brussels.

Laure Ferrari served as executive director of the Institute for Direct Democracy in Europe (IDDE), a think tank, until it was forced into liquidation.

The European Commission anti-fraud unit has spent years investigating the organisation and a connected parliamentary group, of which Ukip was the biggest party, before handing the case on to local law enforcement.

Chamber 69 of the tribunal de premiere instance, a Brussels court specialising in financial crime, is due to hand down its judgment on Nov 5, the Times reports.

Ann Lukowiak, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor, said it would be a final judgment where appeal will be possible.

She would not say which individuals were under investigation, or what sanctions were being proposed, citing confidentiality.

Ms Ferrari said the investigation was the result of a politically biased part of the European parliament and fake accusations leaked by a hostile MEP.

Serious irregularities led to inquiry

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Mr Farages part. The Reform UK leader was an MEP between 1999 and 2020.

The investigation relates to a time when Ms Ferrari was officially registered as the day-to-day manager of the group, according to corporate filings seen by the Times.

The newspaper reports that as a result of auditors reports, and a referral by EU parliamentary authorities, the European Commissions anti-fraud office, Olaf, launched an investigation.

The IDDE was forced into liquidation in 2017, but inquiries continued into serious irregularities.

Ms Ferraris job is said to have made her the day-to-day manager of the Institute for Direct Democracy in Europe - Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP

In December 2019, unbeknown to the public, Olaf completed its work and submitted a judicial recommendation to Belgian law enforcement.

The anti-fraud inquiries also looked at the Alliance for Direct Democracy in Europe (ADDE), a political party based in Brussels and composed of Eurosceptic MEPs.

Its director was Roger Helmer, a Ukip representative who later resigned his seat amid a separate inquiry into misuse of public funds.

Last week, an Olaf spokesman said that its inquiries, launched in 2016, concerned [ADDE] and the sister entity [IDDE] and concluded in 2019, at which point it felt able to produce a judicial recommendation.

The case files were passed to the authorities in Belgium. As the nation state where both groups were registered, it was responsible for any follow-up action.

Green politician leaked false allegations

A spokesman for Ms Ferrari told the Times: Just after the Brexit referendum in 2016, a series of Eurosceptic parties, such as the ADDE, came under the fire of the political body of the European Parliament, also known as the Bureau of the European Parliament.

This is the body that decides the amount of annual funds given to such parties.

One of its members, a Green MEP, leaked fake accusations of misuse of funds to the Dutch press. Olaf had a duty to investigate, which led the ADDE to be referred to a criminal court.

The case was later dismissed and the EU Court of Justice annulled a reimbursement of funds that the European Parliament wanted to claim from the ADDE.

The spokesman added: The IDDE was never referred to the criminal court.
Nothing has changed since Brexit  weve been sold down the river, say Britains exasperated fishermen

For Martin Gilbert, fishing has been his lifeblood since the day he was born. Now aged 62, he first began working in the Cornish sea when he was seven years old, and has spent the last five decades braving all weathers to capture crabs and shellfish.

Yet he is among a growing number of disillusioned fishermen who feel they have been sold down the river by successive governments after securing their vote for Brexit.

Sir Keir Starmer hailed his reset deal with the EU in May as a win-win for both parties, which would allow British travellers to use passport e-gates and farmers would get easier access to trade on the continent.

In return, European fishing trawlers have been granted another 12 years of access to British waters, in a move that was described by the Scottish Fishermens Federation as a horror show.

Large French fishing vessels often operate between six and 12 miles off the Cornish coast (PA)

Its very disappointing, Mr Gilbert told The Independent. We were promised to get our own little island, and as far as Im aware, its still an absolute nightmare for merchants to sell abroad due to paperwork, inspections and stamp approvals. Its too much hassle, and now only 50 per cent of the fish we produce goes abroad.

Meanwhile, weve got French and Belgian trawlers fishing within the six- to 12-mile limit, which causes so much damage to our fishing fleet. They have no regard for anyone but themselves, Ive lost tens of thousands of pounds worth of gear over the last 30 years.

Upon laying his crab pots, which cost around 100 a piece, Mr Gilbert and other fishermen on Englands south coast will contact the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, which uses WhatsApp and live maps of marine traffic to contact EU vessels to inform them where the pots have been anchored.

Five years ago, he was left devastated after a French vessel destroyed 15,000 of equipment in one night, after claiming they ignored his readings as to the locations of 200 crab pots.

Martin Gilbert lost 15,000 overnight after a French vessel destroyed his crab pots (PA)

It is a common issue facing British fishermen, who are struggling to compete with the larger EU fishing vessels, which can measure up to 100 metres in length, compared to the 10-metre vessels setting off from Cornwall.

Once a month, well lose 10 to 15 crab pots, Mr Gilbert added. One fisherman previously said he spent 60,000 to 70,000 each year on new pots and ropes after his gear was continually damaged.

Fishing had formed an integral part of the 2016 Leave campaign, with politicians such as Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson pledging that Britain would regain control of its waters.

Nine out of 10 fishermen said they intended to vote Brexit, with many attracted to the promise that European trawlers would be pushed beyond the 12-mile exclusion zone.

Marc Evans, the chief executive of charity Fishermens Mission, said: If you go back to the campaigning days of Brexit, the fishing community, without a shadow of a doubt, got a disproportionately powerful voice.

Getting UK territorial water was a bit like the 360m NHS figure [on the Vote Leave bus]  the reality was that it wasnt exactly true. Nothing has changed  fishermen are still in direct competition with the French, Dutch and Spanish, the waters are being overfished and their quota is being suppressed.

Other challenges are also facing the industry, including an influx of octopus preying on shellfish, a naturally occurring algae bloom that has affected the northeast coast, as well as the rising costs of marine fuel and essential safety gear.

Keir Starmer announced a reset deal with the EU in May which granted their fishing vessels another 12 years access to British waters (Getty)

Speaking of the deal in May, Mike Cohen of the National Federation of Fishermen said: It was a blow. Not only did we not get anything, but the little bit we got from Brexit, we lost.

Recruitment has also become a tricky area for the fishing industry, with fewer young people seeking a life at sea.

The issues include an ageing workforce, a lot of businesses being single-handedly run, and the costs and risks feel very high for people wanting to enter the industry, Mr Cohen added.

Recruitment is hard, given that you have to stay in education until youre 18 and you dont have any fishing apprenticeships. At an age when youre able to go to sea, you might have spent two years learning another trade.

As a result, mental health issues have become more prominent as many fishermen consider leaving the industry and giving up their businesses, which may have been in the family for generations.

Even myself, its caused a lot of issues such as anxiety, Mr Gilbert said. Half of the people I know probably suffer from some mental health problem.

Im a fisherman through and through; its all Ive ever known. I certainly push for more days at sea, go further afield and through more weather in the last two years than I used to to try and make a living.

Its long, strenuous hours, most days I work 12 to 14 hours. On Tuesday, I did 12 hours at sea, and I had to do a market run with the fish. I started at 3am, came home at 7.30pm and went back out to sea at 3.45am.

Mr Gilbert said he is fortunate that both his sons have followed in his footsteps and are both fishermen, with his grandchildren also enjoying their time at sea.

My sons are in it for the long run, he said. There are a couple of people I know who have given up and said enough is enough, theres too much paperwork and bureaucracy and regulation  Im getting that way inclined.

I enjoy the job tremendously, its just hard work.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "We value the hard work and dedication of all those working in our vital fishing industry.

We have announced the 360m fishing and coastal growth fund to support the next generation of fishers and will work with the industry to target investment where it matters most.

This government is working with the fishing industry to promote British seafood and ensure we fish sustainably so the sector can thrive for generations to come.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
The Dayton resident had evidently paid to attend the four-day conference. Photograph: Boris Roessler/EPA

An Ohio man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly stormed a stage at a Wikipedia conference in New York City with a gun  as well as a sign declaring himself a non-offending pedophile  and threatened to kill himself.

Connor Weston, 27, was reportedly tackled by organizers of WikiConference North America 2025, thwarting tragedy, before police said officers booked him on counts of criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.

The Dayton resident had evidently paid to attend the four-day conference when he disrupted its opening ceremony at 9am Friday in Manhattans Civic Hall. He jumped on to a stage at the venue, pointed a gun at his head and the ceiling, and expressed a desire to take his life while a sign draped around his neck declared him to be an anti-contact non-offending pedophile, police and multiple media reports said.

According to the New York Times, conference safety team member Richard Knipel rushed the stage and clutched Weston from behind amid the chaos.

The Times wrote that another conference safety team member, Andrew Lih, soon went up to help Knipel.

I grabbed his arm, Lih told the outlet. He was still clutching his gun pretty hard. I pried his fingers away from it, removed it from his hands and put it down.

A police spokesperson said that officers took Weston into custody after receiving multiple 911 calls. There were no injuries reported.

The Times reported that conference attenders thanked Knipel by lavishing him with Barnstars, which are Wikipedias official tokens of appreciation.

The chief of the non-profit group that runs Wikipedia, Maryana Iskander, reportedly told the crowd that Knipel and Lih have been very busy. I thank them for saving my life, she added.

Knipel works for City University of New York, tasked with making its research more publicly accessible while contributing to Wikipedia and sites that are related to the famed online encyclopedia curated in real time by volunteers. Cuny in March referred to Knipel on its website as its first Wikemedian-in-residence, saying his job is funded by philanthropic funding from Craigslist founder Craig Newmark.

Meanwhile, the Times described Lih as a digital strategist who works with museums and libraries.

Wikipedia canceled the rest of the conferences events Friday. The gathering resumed Saturday.

Friday was apparently not the first time Weston had publicly labeled himself an anti contact, non offending pedophile. A social media video circulated in July shows a man providing Westons name, age and home town; applying that term to himself; and saying he can choose not to harm minors  but cant choose to stop being attracted to them.

The man in the clip matched the likeness of Weston as seen in a photo taken Friday while police put him in the back of a patrol car after his arrest. In both Fridays photo and the earlier video, he had the same anti-contact non-offending pedophile sign.

As NBC News noted, Johns Hopkins University defines non-offending pedophiles as a unique population of individuals who experience sexual interest in children, but despite common misperceptions, have neither had sexual contact with a child nor have accessed illegal child sexual exploitation material.

Wikipedia has a rule indefinitely blocking and banning from the platform any editors who identify themselves as pedophiles.
Its the greatest privilege to be asked to do this. But also, woe betide anyone who gets it wrong

Jessica Swale laughs nervously as she says this. Tom Fletcher is smiling  or is it grimacing? Both creatives boast stellar credentials: Swale is an Olivier Award-winning playwright, filmmaker and director; Fletcher, the frontman of Noughties pop-rock band McFly, a coach on The Voice and a bestselling childrens author. Still, the pair look suitably daunted when contemplating the pressure theyre under to deliver with their latest project: Paddington the Musical, arriving in the West End next month.

It is, undeniably, a tall order. With his signature red hat, royal blue duffle coat and obsession with all things marmalade, the beloved bear is more than the sum of his adorable parts  hes officially achieved national treasure status, a British icon on a par with David Attenborough and Big Ben. In the past decade, the cub has transcended his roots as the humble creation of childrens author Michael Bond thanks to three eponymous films, which have introduced the Peruvian expats unique brand of chaotic charm and unerring kindness to a whole new audience. An association with the late Queen Elizabeth II, both during her Jubilee celebrations and then at her passing, further catapulted Paddington into the stratosphere.

He represents so many more things than any other fictional character I can think of, says Swale, who has inked the script for the new musical. We both felt like this was the most exciting thing  and also a mega responsibility.

Five years after Fletcher got the call asking if hed be interested in writing the productions music and lyrics, he still looks stunned. I didnt know I was even being considered for anything like this, he says. I immediately said, Yes, absolutely. Even while I was on the phone, I started writing a song in my head!

A song that now opens Act Two. So far, only one of the 18 original tracks has been released. With its waves of crashing emotion and characteristic key change, The Explorer and the Bear feels like a classic musical theatre piece, but the soundtrack is more eclectic than youd think, says Fletcher, reflecting Londons diversity. The melodies and lyrics for Hungarian immigrant Mr Gruber, for example, are influenced by the characters distinct cultural heritage.

While it was perhaps inevitable that one of the UKs most famous exports would get the musical treatment  following in the footsteps of other family favourites such as Matilda  Swale and Fletchers particular involvement feels far from preordained. After all, neither has done a musical before.

Theyre not total newbs, of course. Known for her big-hearted, big cast shows with lots of comedy, Swale has written plays with music for years, such as her Olivier Award-winning Nell Gwynn. And this might be Fletchers first composition for a full-on musical, but its certainly not his first rodeo. Of his 30 chart-topping childrens books, The Christmasaurus, The Creakers and Space Band have all been published alongside companion soundtrack albums by Fletcher, while his popular picture book series Whos in Your Book? and The Dinosaur that Pooped (the latter co-created with bandmate Dougie Poynter) have been adapted into touring stage productions featuring his music.

Paddington the Musical brings together a mix of familiar and brand new characters (Jay Brooks)

And theres a kind of genius to hiring people who arent weighed down by preconceptions of what a musical should be. Its meant that weve been able to be a bit more chaotic and Paddington-ish about it  turning up with a suitcase full of ideas and our own different experiences, and then smashing them together in a way that maybe you wouldnt do if youd written loads of musicals before, says Swale. Being a little bit naive about the process means you follow your instincts more, agrees Fletcher.

The purveyor of pop songs can trace his love of performance firmly back to theatrical roots. For a lot of people, it will probably seem a bit of an odd choice that the guy from McFly is being trusted with this musical, he acknowledges, but musical theatre has been my whole life. Since the age of nine, he attended theatre school and never, ever imagined winding up in a band. I always thought I would end up in musicals, or doing something with musical theatre. It feels like coming back home in a weird way.

Swale and Fletcher joined powerhouse theatre director Luke Sheppard, whose credits include the revamped Starlight Express, In the Heights and & Juliet, and together the trio were given a surprising amount of creative freedom. There was a huge amount of trust in us three, says Fletcher. And being left alone to tell a story that we wanted to come up with was amazing. It wasnt just show producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley who gave them free rein, but StudioCanal, which produced the films, and Michael Bonds estate  a miraculous thing indeed, with a legacy as protected as Paddingtons.

I always thought I would end up doing something with musical theatre. It feels like coming back home

Tom Fletcher, music and lyrics

The upshot is that, although the musical is inspired by the 2014 film, what audiences will see on stage is something completely new. It may loosely follow the narrative of the first Paddington movie  a Peruvian cub arrives in London, finds sanctuary with the Brown family and gets into all sorts of accidental mayhem before a run-in with a vengeful villain  but theres plenty of fresh material.

Some characters are entirely new, including Grant (Tarinn Callender) and Lady Sloane (Amy Booth-Steel), while others are hugely beefed up from having relatively small roles in the film, such as Mr Curry (Tom Edden). And even those were intimately acquainted with wont be altogether familiar; the musicals Henry Brown is not quite the same as Hugh Bonnevilles iteration. Thats one of the fun challenges, says Swale. Those characters are so well known  youve got to be a bit brave to allow space to make them someone slightly new.

Being granted that freedom was essential, Swale divulges. After all, we dont necessarily need another Paddington: There are the very best films that have ever been made. There are beautiful books. If we were going to use a musical just to rehash something thats already been done, I dont think any of us would have been interested  and it wouldnt be good.

Instead, the team asked what theatre would bring to the story. The answer? The magic of the audience being in one room together, sharing a vivid, highly theatrical, one-time experience. Weve thrown everything that weve got at making sure that this is faithful to Paddington in terms of the elements that people love, but also brings a lot of new material to the party, adds Swale.

The three Paddington films have proven a smash hit for StudioCanal (StudioCanal)

These grand sentiments aside, the creative team are remarkably cagey about certain aspects of the show. Namely, one crucial cast member. While most of the actors have been announced, including the legendary Bonnie Langford as Mrs Bird, one character is yet to be unveiled: Paddington Bear himself. Hes shrouded in mystery, with the only hint at his potential mechanics being the fact that there is a (currently anonymous) bear designer and bear creative team mentioned on the cast list.

Fletcher remains predictably tight-lipped but assures me that audience members are in for a real treat. The most magical thing Ive ever experienced in any show is seeing Paddington when he walks out on stage, he says. People arent ready for it  even just talking about it makes me emotional Swale, meanwhile, was the most starstruck Ive ever been in my entire life when she met the bear for the first time.

Their emotional reactions are telling; Paddington has always represented more than just a cute bear. He is, rather, the quintessential outsider seeking friendship; a migrant, alone and far from home, who comes to England on a boat in the hope that British people will look after him. Back when Bond was writing his tale in 1958, Paddington symbolised the children who had been sent away as evacuees during the Second World War. All these years later, its message remains just as poignant at a time when conflict and climate disaster continue to displace millions.

Weve been able to be a bit more chaotic and Paddington-ish about it  turning up with a suitcase full of ideas

Jessica Swale, playwright

It was important to Swale that the musical tackle those challenging themes without taking a political sledgehammer to them. They wanted to allow the audience to make their own connections. The idea of bringing someone into your home who doesnt have a home is a very loaded question for a lot of people now, she says. But the central theme of the show is that, despite the fact that politics can be complicated, kindness is never complicated. Fletcher nods in agreement. The message evolved into kindness, he says. That is at the core of all the Paddington stories. Its been amazing that our journey as writers led us to discover that.

Most stories follow a flawed protagonist on a journey that fundamentally changes them. Whats special about Paddington is that he never changes  everyone else does instead, becoming better versions of themselves purely through encountering him. Including, as it turns out, Swale and Fletcher. Thats been our journey as well, she says, And its been reflected by the nature of our working relationships  these are big subjects to tackle, but we always had to remember to be really kind to each other.

Audience members might just find the magic works on them, too, predicts Fletcher. It sounds so cheesy, but when the show finishes, youre left with this warmth, he says. You really do see the world through marmalade-tinted goggles.

Previews for Paddington the Musical start from 1 November at Londons Savoy Theatre
Pete Hegseth wearing the tie that has caused much controversy - AFP/Tom Brenner

A diplomatic spat has broken out after Pete Hegseth was accused of wearing a pro-Russian tie to meet Volodymyr Zelensky.

The US secretary of war wore a white, blue and red striped tie during the Ukrainian presidents visit to the White House on Friday, leading to observations that he was matching the Russian flag.

Tass, the Russian state-owned news agency, said Mr Hegseth stood out from his colleagues by wearing a tie in the colours of the Russian tricolor.

Hegseths tie, featuring bold white, blue, and red stripes arranged in the same order as on the Russian national flag, stood out among the otherwise restrained attire of the US delegation, it wrote.

While the United States own flag includes the same colours, the sequence and design made the choice particularly striking. Trump and the other officials opted for plain, solid-colored ties.

Kirill Dmitriev, Putins economic envoy, stoked controversy further by sharing an image of Mr Hegseths tie captioned with the Russian flag  widely interpreted as tacit approval.

Ron Filipkowski, the editor of Meidas Touch, a Left-wing media company, wrote on X: Looks like the Russians like his Russia tie. Its not red-white-blue either. Its red-blue-white. Like the Russian flag. For a meeting with Zelensky.

However, JD Vance, the US vice-president, attempted to quell the speculation, responding on the same social media platform: Or maybe he was wearing the colours of America.

It was noted that Mr Hegseth did have an American flag pocket square in his suit jacket.

The sartorial choice was made amid fears Mr Trumps position on Ukraine has shifted after he delayed providing Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia.

Instead, Steve Witkoff, the US presidents lead negotiator, pushed Mr Zelensky to hand over the entire Donetsk region to Russia in order to end the war in Ukraine, it has emerged.

On Saturday, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, said the visit had not gone as Zelensky hoped.

Mr Hegseth is known for his bold fashion choices, usually featuring the US flag. He has previously been seen wearing socks sewn with the stars and stripes and proudly shows off the flag emblazoned on the lining of his suit jackets. He has not responded to the controversy over his tie.

In the past Mr Hegseth has used his clothes to display the US flag - Getty Images/John Lamparski

Gary Kasparov, the Russian chess grandmaster and staunch critic of the Kremlin, wrote on X: The problem with the Trump administration isnt their Russian ties, but their ties with Russia.

Mr Hegseth has previously called for Ukraine to accept losing territory to end the war.

However, during a meeting with European leaders last week, he warned that the US will impose costs on Russia if it does not seek to end the war, in his strongest criticism yet of Moscow.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

THREE cheeky Harare couples where on Saturday caught red-handed engaging in sex in their parked cars in broad day light at a Cleveland Dam.Cleveland Dam is popular for out-door activities and visitors are charged for entry.One of partners, Brain Makuwara aged 23 and Shamiso Punungwe aged 22 told H-Metro it was their first time to engage in sex in a car as they had no cash to book a lodge.Their car has tints. But they were caught with no clothes on."I decided to have quality time with my fiancA in my car. I used condoms since I am still to pay lobola for her," said Brian.Brain told the publication he realised his "mistake" and apologised for engaging in sex at that place and promise not to do it again.Shamiso said she lives with her sister who does not approve of her engaging in sex with Brian.She said she could not control her hormones."I am gainfully employed but I could not use it to book lodges and I was not planning to engage in sex with him only that failed to control my feelings,' she said.According to the publication , another sex made couple jumped behind the steering wheel before speeding off undressed after realising they have been spotted.
Sanchini Thompson, 27, was stabbed to death in Lewisham (Met Police)

A devoted father who was stabbed to death in southeast London has been named and pictured for the first time.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to reports of a stabbing on Rushey Green, Catford, just after 3am on Wednesday.

When they arrived, officers found 27-year-old Sanchini Thompson with stab wounds.

The father-of-one was rushed to hospital by ambulance where he later died.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Mr Thompson died from a stab wound to the chest.

His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.

A murder investigation was launched on Wednesday, with detectives from the Mets specialist crime command leading the case.

No arrests have been made at this stage and detectives are keeping an open mind as to the motive and circumstances, Met Police said.

Paying tribute to Sanchini on Sunday, his family described him as a devoted father, a cherished friend, and the heartbeat of his family, whose presence brightened every room he entered.

In loving memory of a son, a father, and a cherished friend, our hearts are heavy as we remember a man whose presence brightened every room he entered, the tribute read.

At just 27, he was already a pillar of kindness, a devoted father to his beloved four-year-old daughter, and the heartbeat of his family. He gave freely of himself sharing his time, his laughter, to bring joy to others, always prioritising the happiness and well-being of those around him.

His generosity knew no bounds, and his compassion touched friends, neighbours, and strangers alike. Words cannot fully capture the depth of our gratitude for him and the impact of his kindness on our lives. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain with us in the love he shared and the memories we will carry forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, leading the investigation, said: We are all thinking of Sanchinis loved ones at this heart-breaking time. Id also like to echo previous thanks to residents, who have been incredibly patient while we conducted initial enquiries.

Knife crime has no place on our streets, and myself and the team of dedicated detectives are working round the clock to ensure we find those responsible for this heinous crime.

If you have any information about the incident, contact police on 101 stating 635/15Oct. You can also speak with independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
David Gilmour has said nothing could ever make him reunite with Pink Floyd bandmate Roger Waters.

The guitarist has unequivocally shut down any suggestion the pair would put their differences aside and perform again.

Gilmour and Waters have been feuding for decades since the latter quit the Another Brick in the Wall group in 1985  and in 2024, the pair sold their rights to Sony Music for more than half a billion dollars.

In a new interview, when asked what would have to happen for him to consider sharing a stage with Waters in the future, Gilmour told The Telegraph: Nothing. There is no possible way that I would do that.

Previously, Gilmour hit out at Waters, claiming he supported genocidal and autocratic dictators like Putin  and in 2023, Gilmours wife, the lyricist Polly Samson, accused Waters of being antisemitic to his rotten core.

Waters responded on his official account, saying he was aware of the incendiary and wildly inaccurate comments made about him on Twitter by Polly Samson, which he refutes entirely.

In the new interview, Samson said she spoke out against Waters as she did not want there to be any confusion as to which Pink Floyd member she was married to.

David Gilmour and wife Polly Samson (Getty Images)

If they knew youre married to someone from Pink Floyd, half the time people were giving me quite strange looks and it was really uncomfortable and I just wanted to draw a line and make it clear that these were not views held by me or the person I was married to, she said.

In 2024, Pink Floyd sold their music rights, as well as their name-and-likeness rights, in one of the largest music deals in history.

The groups iconic artwork, mostly created by the British design company Hipgnosis, which adorned albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and Animals, were said to be part of the deal.

Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters (PA Archive)

Gilmour said the deal stemmed from a desire to be rid of the decision making and the arguments that are involved with keeping it going.

He added that the sale was less about a financial standpoint and more about getting out of the mud bath that it has been for quite a while.
Putin may have signalled to Trump hes ready for Ukraine deal according to exiled Russian oligarch

Former Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky believes that President Vladimir Putin has signalled to US President Donald Trump that he is prepared to strike a deal on Ukraine.

According to Khodorkovsky, speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, (October 19) such a settlement would likely involve Moscow gaining full control of the Donbas region, including areas it has not yet occupied.

He warned that the Kremlin might use such a deal to further destabilise the rest of Ukraine.
James Orr aims to build a network of elite defectors for Reform - Geoff Pugh

Nigel Farage has appointed a Cambridge University theologian with strong links to the White House as a senior adviser.

James Orr, an associate professor of religion at the faculty of divinity, will be tasked with boosting Reform UKs acquisition of talent, The Telegraph can reveal.

A close ally of JD Vance, Donald Trumps vice-president, whom he hosted in his Cambridgeshire home this August, Mr Orr will be responsible for building networks of elite defectors from academia, business and law, to create what he says will be a party of second chances.

He will also be entrusted with perhaps Reforms greatest challenges: helping to select would-be MPs as well as translating surging public support into actual votes.

Could James Orr be the answer to Nigel Farages prayers? - Peter Nicholls/Getty

Mr Farage told The Telegraph that James Orr is dedicated to the mission we have at hand both in his heart and in his head. I am pleased to welcome him to the team.

Speaking in an interview from Reforms London HQ, Mr Orr said that Left and Right is over and must be replaced with the politics of national self-interest.

Mr Orrs role is deliberately imprecise, in order to give him the flexibility to cultivate the networks Reform hopes to attract into the party and eventually into government.

The Telegraph asked him if he was concerned Reform would struggle with the same vetting issues that plagued Dominic Cummings, who after calling for weirdos and misfits in Boris Johnsons cabinet saw the first of his new class of advisers pushed out of Westminster over comments made several years before his hiring.

Mr Orr is unambiguous about the need to defend talented individuals.

Reforms attitude to cancel culture is informed by the experience of its party leader, who has faced relentless personal criticism throughout his long political career.

I think we should be a party of second chances. We know what its like. Were going to support them, he said.

JD Vance and Donald Trump. The US vice-president is admired by Mr Orr - Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Its a commitment to political loyalty shared by his friend Mr Vance, who refused to condemn a leaked group chat where Young Republicans swapped offensive jokes this week.

I admire what the vice-president has done, and I think hes shown spine and not gone along with the standard playbook young people make mistakes, he said.

This unambiguous commitment may help Reform coax publicity-shy fellow travellers.

Mr Orr describes a Catch-22 where elite would-be defectors express their desire to help but hold back because you havent got enough people on board.

He said he knows that he needs those potential allies to defect to Reform soon to prove to others they have enough good people in the party.

Theres a cordon sanitaire around the party which is around every populist party surging in Europe at the moment, whether its Chega, RN, Vox, the AfD.

Although Britain is no longer Europes laggard in the populist stakes, Reforms electoral surge has yet to be replicated amongst those at the top of their fields.

In his role at Cambridge, Mr Orr claims to have met hundreds of highly able students he thinks would make suitable allies.

It will be his job to discover how these individuals can be recruited into the party at scale, a task that will be made easier by elite defections such as that of Charles Trevelyan, who shockingly switched his allegiances from the Liberals to Labour in 1918 to join a start-up working class populist party.

Unsurprisingly, Mr Orr compares the blue-blooded Trevelyan to recent Tory defector MP Danny Kruger.

Mr Orr sees the breakthrough of Reform as rooted in history, comparing it to the moment where the old Liberal party was forever destroyed by Ramsay MacDonalds Labour in the 1920s.

We should be a party of second chances, says James Orr - Geoff Pugh

Is the fragile minority Labour government of 1924, quickly thrown out of power by the Conservatives, really a good model for Reform?

He concedes that it took Labour several years after the collapse to fully prepare itself for government, but underlines that the early defectors who paid a high reputational cost eventually looked prescient, unlike their complacent Liberal counterparts.

With his penchant for tweed and habit of quoting from the writings of Edmund Burke, Mr Orr looks entirely the part of a Tory Oxbridge don.

Has he ever been a Conservative? At 18, he gave his first vote to the party  in the disastrous 1997 election. It was more of an anti-Blair vote, laughs Mr Orr.

He did join the party but sporadic support in the following years ended after he cut up his membership card  something he did together with his daughter  after Theresa Mays Brexit betrayal.

He sees the referendum result as having destroyed the old politics, and it is evident how central the Leave cause was to his thinking: Mr Orr describes himself as being the only openly out Brexiteer at Oxford University during this period, despite knowing a handful of academics who had secretly voted to leave.

Mr Orr, who is in his 40s, has little time for those he deems as boomer conservatives, people who enjoy obsessing over faraway conflicts they have very little influence over.

He identifies friction between those who believed they held a monopoly on Right-leaning politics, and younger, more radical upstarts  the zoomer Right  who want rapid action to arrest national decline.

He looks up to Mr Farage, describing him as having more political experience than the entire Cabinet.

But he rejects suggestions that Reform is a hollow vessel for Mr Farages prime ministerial ambitions.

The campaigning success of the party comes from a trickle-down structure from questioning what Mr Farage would do, akin to Tories asking what Thatcher would do when she was prime minister.

If there is criticism in the grassroots, Mr Orr claims it is over the perception that Mr Farage is not radical enough.

Mr Orr addressed the Reform conference and cut a rather different figure from those speaking on the main stage.

At a packed-out fringe event, he discussed whether the country was ready for the party to form a government while referring to Aristotelian ethics.

We need posh as well as bosh, says James Orr - Geoff Pugh

Having never attended a party conference before, what did he make of it?

The ratio of business suits to shell suits was marvellous. There were very few lobbyists, very few so-called experts.

You would see an old farmer in a Barbour jacket talking to a tattooed 17-year-old Millwall supporter about how theyre going to save the country. What other party has managed to achieve that in living memory?

Reform wants to bring the country together. We need posh as well as bosh.

The bosh is in reference to the catchphrase of Tom Skinner, the former Apprentice contestant who found fame online for posting photographs of ludicrously large portions of food eaten at the crack of dawn, alongside endearing stories about his family and working life.

Like him, Skinner has gone on a political journey, meeting with Mr Vance and speaking at the Now and England Conference (partly organised by Mr Orr) alongside Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, and Mr Kruger.

Working classes saved this country

The condescension towards the partys supporters makes his blood boil.

He says: Its the English working classes who saved this country so many times over the years they saved it in 1940 when they swung behind Churchill against appeasement, they saved it in 1979 when they supported Thatcher, and they saved it in 2016 when they came out in their millions to vote for Brexit.

Does Britain need a revolution? Mr Orr is careful.

What the party seeks to achieve is a restoration, attempting to restore the roots of a nation that were cut away by Tony Blairs constitutional changes, he says.

Mr Farage will do things that the establishment views as radical and extreme, but it will all be in service of a return to the fruits of a functioning society, he adds.

There is a brief pause. Perhaps a better way of putting it is just reform.
A project to upgrade showers at HMP Wandsworth in south London will cost taxpayers 7.8m (PA)

Taxpayers are footing the bill for eyewatering and grossly inflated repair costs at prisons across the country as the government scrambles to keep overcrowded jails running after decades of neglect, The Independent can reveal.

Private contracting costs for basic upgrades are out of control, the Prison Officers Association (POA) has warned, describing the situation as a public disgrace that is failing to deliver value for money.

Meanwhile, prison conditions are worse than ever, with a soaring maintenance backlog approaching 2bn, having doubled from 2020 to 2024. Some prisons are so dire that in 2023, a German court refused to extradite a criminal to Britain due to fears over inhumane conditions.

A quarter of prisoners in England and Wales are locked in jails which are not fire safe, while hundreds are held in cells without toilets and forced to defecate in buckets and bags if there arent enough staff to let them out to use the toilet overnight.

Labour MP Kim Johnson said: The taxpayer has been paying twice over: first for underinvestment and bad contracts, then for the premium of reactive maintenance and emergency measures.

It is feared hundreds of millions have been spent on exorbitant private sector contracts dished out by the Ministry of Justice, whose procurement has been slammed as reactive and expensive by the public spending watchdog.

An investigation by The Independent has uncovered tens of millions worth of spiralling costs for simple repairs and evidence of a sector in chaos, including:

A project to upgrade 50 showers at HMP Wandsworth, estimated to cost 13m. The MoJ later said the price came out lower than forecast at 7.8m (6.5m plus VAT), the equivalent of 156,000 per shower

A new 12m healthcare centre not in use three years after its scheduled opening date due to fire door issues, unfinished cabling and problems with an air conditioning unit

196m worth of upgrades at HMP Liverpool, HMP Birmingham and HMP Guys Marsh left in limbo after the building firm collapsed

Temporary boilers in use for seven years at HMP Lincoln, which the prisons inspector warned cost more than a permanent replacement

It comes as it emerged the MoJ has a two-year backlog of unpublished spending transparency data - worth an estimated 11billion of public money, according to analysts Tussell. The MoJ insists all spending is accounted for in annual accounts.

Steve Gillan, general secretary of the POA, said: If the general public knew the charges for basic things to be done... its eyewatering, and at the end of the day, they are the taxpayers paying for it.

It is not value for money, and its an absolute disgrace that taxpayers are footing these bills, which are out of control. No one seems to be very transparent about whats going on.

Prison officers claim the privatisation of prison maintenance has been an utter disaster (PA)

The union, which represents 32,000 prison staff, insists the Conservative governments decision to privatise all prison maintenance in 2015 was an utter disaster as prisons descended into further disrepair.

Basic prison maintenance contracts were awarded to two firms, although one collapsed three years later, while larger upgrade and infrastructure projects are put out to tender.

More than 4,100 cells have been lost to dilapidation since 2010, despite an overcrowding crisis that means every cell is needed.

Offset against the 6,500 new prison places completed by 2024  way below the governments target of 20,000  this means the net number of available cells has only increased by 1,005 places.

The cost per place to protect a cell from being lost to disrepair is between 8,600 and 12,700, the prison service estimates, compared to around 220,000 to build a cell at a new prison. HMP Millsike, a 1,500-cell category C prison in East Yorkshire which opened in March, cost an estimated 400m.

The POA has been lobbying Labour to make good on its manifesto commitment to usher in the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation and bring works back in-house, but fears the government is set to continue the private sector model.

When you report a problem, it can be anything from six weeks to two months until the very basic stuff is fixed, Mr Gillan said. When I used to work on the landing at Chelmsford, you used to phone up the works department, take round a little slip and it would be done the same day.

Squalid cells

When a local pressure group began to investigate conditions inside overcrowded HMP Wandsworth, which was subject to an urgent notification last year after inspectors found prisoners were spending 22 hours a day in squalid cells, they were met with resistance when they raised questions over the sky-high cost of upgrades.

They also questioned why a newly constructed 12m healthcare centre at the south London Victorian prison was not in use three years after its scheduled opening date of October 2021.

The Independent Monitoring Board had also demanded answers over its opening date in its last two annual reports and criticised the project as a major failure of procurement because it has no residential beds, despite totally inadequate provision at the prison.

Inspectors issued an urgent notification over conditions at HMP Wandsworth last year (Getty)

In response to a freedom of information request, the prison service revealed the delays were caused by fire door issues, cabling and telecommunications issues, and problems with the air conditioning unit in the pharmacy. It said the centre, which cost 12.48m (10.4m plus VAT), was finally in use in March this year.

156,000 for one shower

It also emerged that a proposed 13m project to upgrade a shower block will replace just 50 showers and take almost five years. This later came out lower than forecast at 7.8m (6.5m plus VAT), the MoJ said, which is the equivalent of 156,000 per shower.

When the Wandsworth Prison Improvement Campaign pressed for more information, it was told that the prison services do not have the capacity to respond to your latest set of questions.

The letter, dated April 2025, from Ian Blakeman, a director at His Majestys Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) London, concluded: We do not consider that there is benefit to HMP Wandsworth or the prisoners detained there in continuing this correspondence.

Tom Wheatley, the chair of the Prison Governors Association, said privatisation has been incredibly frustrating for governors who are no longer able to commission repairs.

When I was first a prison governor, the maintenance staff were employees in my direct management, he said. I felt in control of that stuff.

Abandoned plans

Now, governors are at the mercy of their MoJ landlords, while private contractors charge a premium for the inconvenience of working in a prison environment. Some have got so fed up that they have started their own initiatives, using prisoners to carry out repairs.

David Lammy was appointed as justice secretary in a cabinet reshuffle in September (PA)

When he was running HMP Wakefield from 2018 to 2024, Mr Wheatley was left staggered after learning that replacing a single shower in a supervision unit would cost more than 40,000.

He explained: Contractors in that environment need to be security cleared to a really high standard.

We then place lots of restrictions around when they can come in and out, and how long it takes for them to come in and out. They have to be supervised all the time, and then theres periods of the day where we dont let them work.

The contractor then thinks, in order to do this bit of work at the prison, instead of this being a job thats going to take two blokes two days, its now going to take two blokes six days. And during those six days, you are going to have to turn down other work. So thats why its so expensive.

It also has major implications when private firms go bust. The government was forced to step in and launch a corporate-style Government Facilities Services Limited (GFSL) when the firm tasked with maintaining prisons across southern England, Carillion, failed in 2018.

A 56m scheme to upgrade HMP Liverpool has been left an abandoned building site after contractors ISG collapsed last year. The building firm was one of the governments biggest contractors for upgrades and prison expansion, leaving many projects in limbo.

Work has only recently resumed with replacement builders at HMP Birmingham, where ISG was refurbishing 300 cells at a cost of 61m, The Independent understands. The full cost to the government of the firms collapse is not yet known.

It will also delay efforts to bring 23,000 occupied cells that do not meet fire safety standards up to code by the end of 2027, leaving them at risk of enforcement action by the Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate.

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said some temporary fixes in are an enormous waste of money (PA)

Rats and cockroaches

Prisons inspector Charlie Taylor said he regularly sees prisons with costly temporary fixes that are an enormous waste of money, while many are held in squalid conditions inside rat- and cockroach-infested jails.

You often see places with temporary buildings, temporary kitchens, he told The Independent.

Very often the prison service is spending more money on hiring kit like generator sets or fridges and things like that than it would by just going out and buying the damn things. Thats just astonishing because its an enormous waste of money.

In a recent inspection of HMP Lincoln, he called for urgent investment to replace the temporary heating system, which was not fit for purpose.

He said long delays with getting a new boiler meant the prison had relied for seven years on a temporary solution that had cost far more than getting a replacement.

However, in its response, the government said the boiler would not be upgraded until pipe replacement works to tackle the risk from Legionella bacteria had been completed, which could take until 2028. In 2017, an inmate died after contracting legionnaires disease at the prison.

Something has gone badly wrong

Ms Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, is backing the POAs calls to bring back maintenance in-house. She fears privatisation and neglect have left taxpayers footing the bill for hundreds of millions in avoidable costs.

It is abundantly clear that the system is not delivering value for money, she told The Independent. When basic works like Wandsworths 13m shower refurbishment are scheduled to take five years, something has gone badly wrong with scoping, procurement and delivery.

It is the exact kind of opaque, delay-ridden contracting that breeds mistrust within the system.

Kim Johnson MP warned that taxpayers have been paying twice over, following the privatisation of prison maintenance (House of Commons)

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) concluded in January that prison funding had failed to keep pace with policy, which has seen more people jailed for longer, leading to reactive solutions which represent poor value for money.

This includes a focus on building new places urgently at increased costs and contingency measures, including hiring police cells at nearly five times the average daily cost of a prison place.

HMPPS spent 70m on the emergency measure, known as Operation Safeguard, between February 2023 and September 2024, but cells were only occupied roughly 4 per cent of the time, the report said.

An MoJ spokesperson said: This government inherited a prison system in crisis  with crumbling infrastructure, dangerous prisons and hard-working staff under immense pressure.

That is why we are focusing efforts on building 14,000 new prison places  with 2,500 already complete  and have announced a 500m investment into long-term prison and probation maintenance so that we always have the cells we need.

A 2023 assessment identified that outsourcing prison maintenance contracts to expert private companies would deliver the best value for the taxpayer.
Colombian president, Gustavo Petro. Photograph: Mauricio Duenas Castaneda/EPA

Donald Trump on Sunday accused Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, of being an illegal drug dealer and threatened to immediately cut US funding to the country, as a Republican senator said the US would soon announce major tariffs on the country.

It comes after the US defense secretary confirmed in a social media post an attack on a vessel associated with a Colombian leftist rebel group. Pete Hegseth said three terrorists were killed in the operation, which was conducted in international waters.

These cartels are the Al Qaeda of the western hemisphere, Hegseth said. The United States military will treat these organizations like the terrorists they are  they will be hunted, and killed.

In a post on his Truth Social platform just hours earlier, Trump had blamed Petro for encouraging the mass production of illegal drugs, saying the leftwing leader does nothing to stop it, despite large-scale payments and subsidies from the US.

Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, Trump wrote, or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

Related: US military to move survivors of strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean to nearby countries

The remarks come after Petro said the US committed murder following a strike on an alleged drug boat in Colombian territorial waters in September, adding we await explanations from the US government.

The victim of the strike was identified by Petro as Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian fisherman from the coastal town of Santa Marta. He was allegedly killed when US forces fired at his boat on 15 September.

Carranza had no ties to the drug trade and his daily activity was fishing, Petro wrote. The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal up due to an engine failure.

The threat to cut off aid marks the latest point of tension between the two nations, despite historically Colombia being one of the USs closest allies in Latin America.

Late on Sunday the Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the president, said Trump would soon announce major tariffs on the country. Colombian imports to the US are currently hit with a 10% tariff, the baseline level Trump has imposed on many countries.

Trump has continued to justify the necessity for the ongoing boat attacks, despite his administration offering little information about the vessels or the identities of those on board.

On Thursday, the US moved to send two survivors of the most recent strike  the sixth since early September  overseas instead of seeking long-term military detention for them.

The two surviving terrorists are being returned to their Countries of origin, Ecuador and Colombia, for detention and prosecution, Trump said.

The strike targeted a semi-submersible vessel which the president said was loaded up with mostly Fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics. Two crew members were killed and experts said the decision to repatriate the survivors meant the US military would avoid complex legal questions surrounding the detention of suspected drug traffickers. This was the first recorded instance of there being survivors, an official told NBC.

It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route, Trump posted in the aftermath of the attack.

So far, at least 29 people have been killed in strikes the administration upholds are targeting drug traffickers, raising alarm among some legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, who question whether they adhere to the laws of war.

Currently, the US is building up a prominent military presence in the Caribbean and bordering coastlines, one that includes guided missile destroyers, F-35 jets, and the authorization of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

Colombia is the recipient of the largest amount of US aid to any country in Latin America and former president Joe Biden designated the nation as a major non-Nato ally in 2022. While Congress allocated $377.5m for foreign assistance for the country in 2024 with similar projections for 2025, there were restrictions put in place out of concern for Petros policies and his efforts to counteract the drug trade.

In September, the Trump administration asserted that Colombia was failing to cooperate in the drug war, adding them to a list of other nations for the first time in almost 30 years.

More recently, they said they would revoke Petros visa while he was in New York for the UN general assembly after his reckless actions at a pro-Palestine protest. Petro had urged US soldiers to disobey Trumps order, and not point their rifles at humanity.

In reaction to Trumps most recent accusations and funding cuts, Petro responded in a post on X saying: I respect the history, culture, and people of the USA. They are not my enemies, nor do I feel them as such.

He added at the end: The problem is with Trump, not with the USA.
President Donald Trump strongly suggested that he was preparing to use the Insurrection Act to crack down on dissent nationwide in an interview Sunday while warning that National Guard deployments would take place in San Francisco next.

He spoke in a pre-recorded discussion that aired Sunday on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo about using the power of the federal government to militarize the National Guard in states where he and his team claim that Democratic officials are refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement and crime-fighting efforts, including the White Houses mass deportation campaign.

During the conversation, he falsely asserted that nearly half of all U.S. presidents have invoked the act. Fifteen U.S. presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act (out of 45 men to hold the position in total).

Dont forget, and I havent used it, but dont forget: I can use the Insurrection Act. 50 percent of the presidents, almost, have used that. And that's unquestioned power, the president told Bartiromo, before making a somewhat garbled point about Democratic state officials: I choose not to. Id rather do this [without invoking it]. But Im met constantly by fake politicians, politicians that think that they  you know, its not a part of the radical left movement to have safety.

He also confirmed that he was imminently planning to send National Guard troops to San Francisco, while describing himself as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.

Donald Trump said that crime in San Francisco was out of control, even though it's at a 20-year-low overall (AFP via Getty Images)

San Francisco was truly one of the great cities of the world, and then 15 years ago, it went wrong. It went woke, said the president. But were going to go to San Francisco, and were going to make it great.

The city, which is experiencing a 20-year low in its overall crime rate, has areas where crime and issues including drug use and homelessness are persistent problems such as the famous Tenderloin district. In 2023, according to city statistics, the Tenderloin district averaged more than four calls reporting violent crimes per day. Rates of violent and non-violent crime have fallen in the district, but still remain higher than in surrounding areas for the most part.

By sending troops to San Francisco, Trump would once again be putting himself in direct conflict with Gavin Newsom, Californias Democratic governor. Newsom, who is a leading possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, challenged the president in the courts after Trump used National Guard forces to protect ICE agents and detention centers in Los Angeles earlier this year.

California will resist any effort by Donald Trump to militarize another American city for his own vanity and deranged fantasies, a spokesperson for the governor told Politico in a statement. California doesnt want or need the National Guard to police its streets. In this state, we take care of our own communitiesunlike Trump who cant even pay the soldiers under his command.

Gavin Newsom halted Trumps use of the National Guard in Los Angeles earlier this year (AP)

The White House and Department of Justice have battled state leaders in the courts over the efforts to expand Trumps National Guard deployments. The president deployed troops to Memphis with the support of the states Republican governor, and has battled with Democratic leaders in Illinois and Oregon over sending troops to Chicago and Portland.

A senior Border Patrol official tweeted that criminal organizations were allegedly plotting to kidnap and kill law enforcement officers in cities like Chicago, while Attorney General Pam Bondi told a Senate panel earlier this month that the deployments were necessary to protect ICE facilities.

San Franciscos mayor hasnt issued a statement directly responding to the presidents threats, but on Saturday released a video message thanking thousands of city residents who hit the streets as part of nationwide No Kings protests against the president.

Millions in cities and towns in every state turned out on Saturday for the demonstrations, which come after months of the Trump administrations threats to federalize U.S. cities and the growing presence of ICE agents and raids in communities across the country. White House officials cast the demonstrators as far-left radicals and terrorists ahead of Saturdays events. No major acts of violence were reported, despite the massive numbers protesting around the U.S.

The president trolled protesters on Sunday with another AI-generated video depicting him in a fighter jet dropping excrement on crowds in Times Square.
An angry Donald Trump is said to have thrown aside Ukrainian battlefield maps and pressured Volodymyr Zelensky to give up territory - AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump demanded that Ukraine submit to Vladimir Putins peace terms or face destruction in an angry meeting at the White House last week, it has emerged.

The US president, who spoke with his Russian counterpart shortly before hosting Volodymyr Zelensky, warned that Putin would destroy Ukraine unless a peace deal was in place.

Shouting and swearing, Mr Trump threw aside Ukrainian maps of the battlefield and pressured Mr Zelensky to surrender the Donetsk region to Russia.

But he went on to deny the reports overnight and called for a ceasefire along the current front line.

Putin is demanding the withdrawal of Ukraines army from the crucial eastern territory as a precondition for peace.

However, the surrender of Donetsk is a red line for Ukraine, which has long refused to cede the territory, which Russia has failed to capture despite fighting since 2014.

Kyiv still holds about a quarter of Donetsk province. The land makes up part of the so-called fortress belt, a string of heavily defended towns that blocks Russia from making rapid westward advances towards the capital.

In the White House meeting, Mr Trump echoed Putins talking points, despite them contradicting his own recent assessment that Moscow was a paper tiger, European officials briefed on the meeting told the Financial Times.

Mr Trump is said to have echoed Vladimir Putins talking points during the meeting with Mr Zelensky - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

The US president told Mr Zelensky he was losing the war and said: If [Putin] wants, he will destroy you.

He was supported by Steve Witkoff, his envoy, who was among those most aggressively urging Ukraine to give up Donetsk, claiming that the region  as well as Luhansk  has a significant Russian-speaking population.

On his return to Washington on Sunday, Mr Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that the two sides should just stop at the lines where they are, the battle lines.

He denied that the meeting with Mr Zelensky descended into a shouting match, describing it as cordial.

We think that what they should do is just stop at the lines where they are, the battle lines, he said. The rest is very tough to negotiate if youre going to say, you take this, we take that.

Asked if he had told the Ukrainian president that Kyiv must cede the entire Donbas region, Mr Trump said no. Let it be cut the way it is. Its cut up right now. I think 78 per cent of the land is already taken by Russia.

You leave it the way it is right now. They can...negotiate something later on down the line, he added.

A source told Reuters that Mr Trump came up with the proposal after Mr Zelensky said during the meeting that he would not voluntarily cede any territory to Moscow.

Mr Trump is keen to secure another peace deal following the success of his intervention in the war between Israel and Hamas.

In recent months, he has swung between Russian and Ukrainian positions, often cooling on sanctions or further military pressure on Moscow after phone calls with Putin.

He told Mr Zelensky at the United Nations last month that Ukraine was in a position to win the war and dismissed Moscow as a paper tiger before his phone call with Putin on Oct 16.

At the White House, Mr Zelensky held his ground and refused to cut a deal that would leave Ukraine badly exposed. But the Ukrainian president left in a bitter mood, dashed in his hopes that Mr Trump would authorise deliveries of long-range Tomahawk missiles.

On Saturday, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, said the visit had not gone as Zelensky hoped.

b'

'

On Sunday, Mr Zelensky told NBC News that I dont know the dialogue between President [Trump] and Putin, adding only that he believed Tomahawks could pressurise Moscow into serious peace negotiations.

But JD Vance, the US vice-president, said Mr Trump was yet to make a decision about providing Tomahawks to Ukraine.

The president right now is certainly hearing that request from the Ukrainians, Mr Vance said, adding: He has not yet made the decision to give Tomahawks to Ukraine.

Asked whether Mr Trump needed to get tougher on Putin, following his decision to turn the screws on Israel and Hamas, Mr Zelensky said: Yes because Putin is something similar but more strong than Hamas. Its more bigger war and he is the second [largest] army in the world.

He denied that Russia was winning the war and said that Putin was after more than just a further tranche of territory, in remarks that appeared to reflect his discussion with Mr Trump.

This is not about territory for Putin

Russias army now [is] in a weak position, he said, with 1.3 million Russian servicemen reportedly killed or wounded and just 1 per cent of Ukrainian land captured since near the start of the war.

And really I dont understand why the leader of the country which has the biggest territory in the world needs some more kilometres  thats why I think that this war is not about the land and not about territory for him. Its about our sovereignty and about our independence.

Mr Trump is set to meet Putin in Budapest within the next fortnight in an attempt to make progress on a peace deal.

On Monday, Mr Zelensky said he was ready to join the meeting if invited.

During their phone call, Putin told Mr Trump he was willing to cede small parts of the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions under Russias control in exchange for the rest of the Donbas. Moscow has struggled to control the territory and made almost no progress on the southern frontline since 2022.

A European diplomat told the Washington Post that Ukraine would never accept such a deal. Its like selling them [Russia] their own leg in exchange for nothing, they said.

On Sunday, Mr Zelensky said he told Mr Trump he was ready and willing to attend the Budapest summit, but cast doubt on whether Putin was seriously prepared to make peace.
View from a fjord cruise from Bergen (Visit Bergen)

Cool-cations became a major travel trend for 2025. Global warming is turning sunlounger escapes into roasting trays, so breezier destinations are on the rise. Scandinavia tops the list: just a few hours flight from London, it offers some of the worlds best cities and stunning scenery.

In Norways chic capital, Oslo, and the pastel-hued second city, Bergen, my family and I found the summer climate to be perfect. T-shirt and shorts weather, but it was never too steamy to trek a mountain trail, stroll Bryggens medieval wharf, or cruise the fjords. For our three children (aged 10, eight, and five), the two cities felt like one enormous playground  not least because Norway has trains with entire carriages devoted to soft play.

Beachside Bergen (Visit Bergen)

Our trip began in Bergen. It happens to be the wettest city in Europe, but we were lucky to only need our hoods up for one day. We hid from the rain in two top-tier museums. First up was VilVite Science Centre, a hands-on paradise for kids.

Upside-down bike tracks, AI games and shows kept us entertained for hours. Nearby, Bergenhus lesser-known Technisk Museum had a mix of vintage trams, cars, and retro memorabilia lovingly curated by enthusiastic volunteers. At the print shop, our kids created Bergen posters using lithographs and bound their own books  better than any souvenir shop knickknack  and we caught an original 1950s tram back to the city centre.

In a city surrounded by peaks, it was only right to climb one. Mount Flyen (320m) is the most family-friendly. The sensible thing is to take the Flibanen funicular to the top, and hike down through pictureque streets. We did the opposite: sweating up a seriously steep forest hike.

Our kids forgave us at the mountaintop: not because of the stunning views  though my daughter did lap up the ice cream sign  but the troll trail, the zip-wire filled natural playground, and tame goats to pet.

Bryggen by night (Visit Bryggen)

We stayed at Hotel Norge, next to the flower-filled Festplassen park and Lille Lungegardsvann lake. Its design-led interiors featured Eames-style rocking chairs, black metal accents, and spacious rooms. Highlights included the outstanding breakfast, mixing Scandi favourites (perfectly seedy fresh loaves and fruit, yogurts, cinnamon buns, apple cake and pickled veg) with the usual egg, pancakes and croissant hits.

The sleek basement spa, with pool, sauna, and steam room) offered a lovely break from the bustle, though its 12 per visit (kids are free, but only allowed from 8 to 10am).

A bedroom at Hotel Norge (Hotel Norge)

Wanting to be even more immersed in water, we booked a fjord cruise. The shortest we could find, given our five-year-old, but it was still three-and-a-half-hours. I was nervous: past boat trips have ended in mutiny from our younger crew members. But family-run Fjordcharter gave us a great trip. The spotless, comfy catamaran had cheap waffles and a friendly guide whose commentary kept us all interested.

On rainy days, you can hold out a cup and drink from a waterfall on the cruise  but ours was in dazzling sunshine, so we instead drank in the breathtaking fjord views.

Floybanen funicular (Handout)

A word of warning: Norway is pricey. Meals out cost more than in London, so we headed to the student-y side of town for value. Kafe Spesial served tasty shakshuka, Ramen Ki Dama dished up great noodles, and our favourite stop was the unbeatable ice creams at Hallaisen: cinnamon bun and sour cream berry flavours were astonishingly good. Our splurge dinner at Cafe Norge also featured excellent candy beet salad and smoked cod.

To move onto Oslo, we opted for the seven-hour Vy train journey rather than a 50-minute flight. Thats where we discovered a family carriage devoted entirely to soft play. The kids loved it, burning off enough energy from bouncing to flop into the two overhead beds in our family carriage and actually sleep for a chunk of the journey. Bliss.

Soft play on board (Lucy Tobin)

Norways capital is another family-friendly delight. We saw Munchs Scream and Yayoi Kusamas Pillars at the National Museum, then inspired the kids at the Nobel Peace Centre next door. We rolled down hills at the Vigeland Sculpture Park, which hosts more than 300 of the artists installations, including a 20m monolith carved from a single block of granite.

Vigeland sculpture park (Lucy Tobin)

Across town, we all ran on the roof of the National Opera building, curled up in the knockout library next door, and ate our way around the world at the Mathallen food hall in boho neighbourhood, Grunerlokka. Our favourite meal, though, was at the yellow house on Sagene  Folkvang, a bistro in a quiet neighbourhood with absurdly delicious dishes including baked cod, duck cassoulet and cured trout.

Dinner at Folkvang (Lucy Tobin)

We based ourselves at the Grand Hotel, Oslos grande dame. Our junior suite had bunk beds for the kids, dark wood floors, and cloud-soft linen. Art is everywhere: Tracey Emins neon The Scream glows in the lobby bar, and the breakfast room is dominated by Oer Krohgs painting of regulars like Ibsen. Appropriately for a hotel founded by a pastry chef, the homemade Nordic cinnamon granola at breakfast was unforgettable. The hotel also hosts the Nobel Peace Prize banquet every year, after the torchlit procession through the city.

Grand Hotel Oslo (Scandic hotels)

When we werent exploring, we unwound in the Artesia spa, with its pool, infrared cabins and skyline views from the loungers. Perfect after a day roaming this compact, walkable city: the the Grand is ideally positioned opposite the Stortinget, or parliament, the National Theatre and posh department stores.

Kids see Norway as a playground (Lucy Tobin)

With fabulous skyline views from the loungers, we all agreed that Bergens fjords and Oslos culture-packed streets made Norway the perfect family adventure. In a warming world, this destination encapsulates cool.
Opinion / Columnist

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga failed to vote for himself during the passage of Resolution Number 1 and Section 6 of ZANU PF's constitution on Friday, 17 October 2025. His inability to stand for what he believed in crushed the last vestiges of his ambition to assume the highest civil servant post in the land. His feeble persona was exposed - nationally and internationally. His failure to strategize at district and cell levels sealed his downfall. He thought being a "Generali" was enough.Culturally, he believed that by not raising his hand - "mugoti unopihwa anyerere" - he was acting nobly. That adage has expired. Even one raised hand would have shown courage, honour, and dignity. His speech had moments of honesty, with well-thought paragraphs that resonated. But it wasn't enough.From the start of the Mutare Congress, Chiwenga should have been proactive. He was complacent. His military acumen failed him. Mobilizing structures requires language fluency and emotional connection. He lacked the leadership skills to articulate what the masses needed to hear.In Dotido and Mhondoro, communication differs - even within Shona. Marrying a Ndebele woman is not enough. People want to see and hear who Chiwenga is. Because of the baggage he carries, he failed to appear in Matabeleland - where his leadership was most needed.He didn't need to talk much - just implement projects. One school is not enough. Had he pushed for the completion of the Matabeleland Water Project, the region might have forgiven past atrocities. We would have said: uyazama.Chiwenga's poor communication skills are masked by his military background. He was one of the architects of the 2017 coup. He believes his speech - raising the constitution and claiming legality - was sufficient. But it was a coup, not a constitutional transition.Now that he's failed to rise at Mutare, he should bow out gracefully. Mnangagwa beat him with experience. Mistakes were made - irreversible ones. Social media is merciless. It reminds us that Chiwenga declined power handed to him by Mugabe. He didn't realize that Mugabe knew Mnangagwa like the back of his hand.Spilled milk cannot be recovered. Crying over it is futile. We live in the present. It takes courage to bow out - for the sake of dignity.Chiwenga has survived unimaginable situations. Many commanders have died mysteriously. He should count his blessings. The universe is sending messages - but politics is noisy. He may not hear them.Speculatively, the pain inside his home is immense. But he's too busy to notice the trauma around his children. Children obey - they don't cry when hurt by authority.Chiwenga needs quiet. Time to reflect. Is power worth chasing? What if he turned to farming - for personal peace? Revisiting his shadows, especially at his age, could be healing. The genocide atrocities must be addressed - personally and nationally. Can he still champion truth and reconciliation?He could help relocate street children. Zimbabwe has thousands living rough in a resource-rich but unforgiving country. Serving the lowest in society doesn't require presidency.With his wife Miniyothando, he could rehabilitate women trapped in prostitution - now rebranded as "pleasure managers." It's illegal, dangerous, and tied to the spread of STDs and HIV/AIDS. Chiwenga could transform lives.This is my humble advice:Mukoma Constantine, Soko, Chihwamba makwakwa Mukono we Tsoko; matambanadzo musiya ndaita.Let go. If you master the wisdom of letting go, you will have mastered life itself. Take it or leave it.
Roger Preston: he also served in East Africa, the Far East and Germany

Brigadier Roger Preston, who has died aged 89, had a distinguished career spanning more than three decades of active service across East Africa, the Far East, Germany and Northern Ireland.

Preston undertook seven tours of duty in Northern Ireland with three regiments  the Royal Green Jackets, the Light Infantry, and later as commanding officer of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR). He had several narrow escapes: on one occasion he returned in a Land Rover riddled with Armalite fire from IRA gunmen.

He emerged unscathed only because the vehicles battery beneath his seat stopped the rounds intended for him. On another occasion he had to be evacuated from South Armagh after an emergency mayday helicopter landing was forced by damaged rotor arms.

Preston and his men on patrol in Northern Ireland in the 1980s

Roger St Clair Preston was born near Malton on October 24 1935 into a Yorkshire landowning family. He was educated at Eton and, after attending RMA Sandhurst, in 1955 he was commissioned into the 1st Battalion The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

His early service took him to the Aberdares Forest in Kenya towards the end of the Mau Mau uprising, then to Cyprus to search for terrorists and guard police stations. In Malaya, the Battalion joined the 28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade at Terendak, near Malacca. When there was an insurrection in Brunei, the Battalion formed part of a peace-keeping force.

Preston once persuaded some friendly tribesmen to take him and a few fellow subalterns on a days game-shooting in the jungle. The expedition required stalking barefoot through thick undergrowth  and to the surprise and irritation of their hosts, it was a task for which he and his brother officers were wholly unsuited.

After a year at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, and then at the MoD, in 1969 he commanded a company of 1 Royal Green Jackets (RGJ) in Co Fermanagh and then Belfast. In Celle, West Germany, they were training for converting to a mechanised role.

Preston with a briefing group: he was known for his impish sense of humour

Preston commanded 2nd Battalion Light Infantry at Ballykinler, Co Down, from 1976 to 1979. He was the commander of the Ulster Defence Regiment from 1984 to 1986 and played a leading role in dealing with the surge in terrorist activity by loyalist paramilitaries following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985.

He earned widespread respect for his efforts to recruit more Catholic soldiers to the UDR and make the unique regiment (comprised of 11 battalions permanently stationed in the Province) more representative of the community it served. Appointed OBE in 1979, he was advanced to CBE in 1986.

Preston had an impish sense of humour. Impatient with a subalterns appearance, on one of the dinner nights he arranged for the mess corporal to tidy him up. An unruly flop of blond hair was removed with due ceremony and a pair of long scissors and presented to the young officer, With Major Prestons compliments!

Preston: he undertook seven tours of duty in Northern Ireland

Some years later, he was in command during an exercise when he was reprimanded by a visiting brigadier for the variety of uniforms being worn by his officers. For all I care, grumbled the brigadier, they could be wearing pink pyjamas as long as they match. Preston could hardly wait to invite him to a mess party where he was greeted by a room full of officers all dressed in identical pink pyjamas.

He retired from the Army in 1986 and became a director of the British Heart Foundation and the Council for the Protection of Rural England. With the help of his devoted wife, Polly, he also ran a travel business. He remained active in local church affairs and regimental life as Honorary Colonel of 8th (Yorkshire) Battalion Light Infantry and Chairman of the Regimental Association.

A keen conservationist, he was proud to receive the Purdey Award for Game and Conservation in 2006.

Brigadier Roger Preston married, in 1964, Polly Marriott, who survives him with their daughter and two sons.

Brig Roger Preston, born October 24 1935, died October 5 2025
Charlie Kirk debated with George Abaraonye at the Oxford Union last May - Oxford Union

Charlie Kirks allies have threatened to lead a boycott of the Oxford Union unless its president-elect resigns.

The historic debating society has been engulfed in a free speech row after The Telegraph revealed in September that George Abaraonye, its incoming president, shared messages in which he appeared to celebrate the shooting in September of Kirk, a US conservative influencer.

The final-year philosophy, politics and economics student at University College, Oxford, sent texts to a chat group including one saying: Charlie Kirk got shot, lets f------ go, a common celebratory phrase among Gen Z.

Another message, believed to be sent from his Instagram account, said: Charlie Kirk got shot loool  an exaggeration of the abbreviation laughing out loud.

Former colleagues of Kirk have now warned they will rally US politicians to boycott the Oxford Union if Mr Abaraonye is not ejected.

A vote took place on Saturday on whether to oust the student over his remarks, but the results had not been published by Sunday night. Sources suggested the process was delayed by identity checks on proxy votes submitted by alumni.

The President-elect of the Oxford Union publicly cheered the death of Charlie.



Tomorrow there will be a vote of "no-confidence" for him.



We must not allow our higher institutions to allow people like this to be in positions of authority.@OxfordUnion



LISTEN HERE: pic.twitter.com/1gMY22H9qN  Mikey McCoy (@Michael_McCoyy) October 17, 2025

Speaking during an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show podcast on Friday, Kirks allies claimed that failure to remove Mr Abaraonye would signal to the world that the Oxford Union has chosen ideology over integrity.

Mikey McCoy, Kirks former chief of staff and a senior official at his Turning Point USA conservative group, read out an open letter to the Oxford Union signed by him and two close friends of Kirk.

It accused the Oxford Union of presiding over a moral decline to become a place where presidents of the union publicly celebrate the assassination of a political opponent.

Mr McCoy noted that Kirk had debated Mr Abaraonye in the Oxford Union chamber about gender norms and toxic masculinity months before his death.

George Abaraonye, seen larking about on social media, is sorry about his remarks

The letter claimed that if Saturdays vote ended up vindicating the student, Kirks allies would personally contact every American political speaker who has ever graced the unions chamber and urge them never again to lend their name, time or reputation to that institution that has betrayed its founding ideals.

If this vote fails, the Oxford Union will have proven that it is no longer the last bastion of free speech, but has instead become a place of destructive conversation, corrosive not only to society but to the human spirit, soul and conscience, it added.

Past Oxford Union speakers include Nancy Pelosi, the former US house speaker, Steve Bannon, Donald Trumps former adviser, and a host of ex-US presidents such as Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton.

Charlie Kirk Show figures such as Mikey McCoy threatened to push a Oxford Union boycott if the president-elect isnt ousted

Kirk was a crucial ally of Mr Trump and the president remains close to his Turning Point USA political movement.

It means the groups boycott threat could significantly dent the Oxford Unions hopes of recruiting speakers close to the current White House administration.

The Telegraph revealed over the weekend that dozens of scheduled speakers have already pulled out and a 500,000 donation has been put on hold amid the current unrest.

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Oxford Union officials are understood to have had to pull in large favours to recruit speakers such as Mike Pence, Mr Trumps former vice-president, for this terms speakers list  but it is unclear if the comments made on The Charlie Kirk Show could affect his scheduled appearance.

Candace Owens, a conservative American commentator and close friend of Kirks, is understood to be among those to have dropped out in recent weeks because of Mr Abaraonyes remarks.

Sources at the debating society said they feared that speakers withdrawing and donations drying up could push the Oxford Union to the brink.

Mr Abaraonye has apologised for his remarks and retracted them, but critics claim his refusal to step away has only fanned the flames of widespread outrage.

The student took the unusual step of triggering a no-confidence motion in himself on Monday, which forced the vote on his future that took place on Saturday.

He told The Telegraph it was part of an attempt to reclaim a process of true accountability and drive the debate over his future back into our chambers, a space built for free speech.

The University College student has also criticised the violent and extreme rhetoric that has flooded social media in the aftermath of his comments about Kirk, which he said had included racist remarks and threats towards his family.

Toby Young, the director of the Free Speech Union, is among those to have defended the student, claiming that Mr Abaraonye should not be penalised by the Oxford Union or the university for saying something offensive but perfectly lawful. Thats free speech.

The Oxford Union has condemned Mr Abaraonyes remarks and said it was dealing with the matter under its disciplinary procedures.

Both the debating society and Mr Abaraonye were approached for comment.
Iris Murdoch is best known for her novels, The Sea, The Sea and Under The Net - Sophie Bassouls

Hidden poems written by Dame Iris Murdoch have revealed her bisexual love life for the first time.

Hundreds of secret poems, which are due to be published next month, detail the late Booker Prize-winning authors sexual desire for women and very private life.

The poems, discovered in the authors Oxford home, were handwritten in 10 notebooks found in a dusty trunk.

Murdoch was a novelist and philosopher best known for her novels, The Sea, The Sea; The Black Prince; and Under The Net.

Whilst Murdochs bisexuality and polyamory had been revealed in her biographies and the publication of her letters, it was never explored in her published works.

The poems were discovered after Miles Leeson, the director of the Iris Murdoch Research Centre, was invited to explore the former home of the Irish writer, where everything was left in situ.

He told The Telegraph: We spotted this chest in the corner of the attic covered in dust and mouse droppings. We opened it up and it was absolutely chock-a-block-a with old bits of paper, letters and photos. And at the bottom were these journals. We opened them up and there were all these handwritten poems.

We expected to find the ones that had been published but never dreamed that wed find hundreds more.

I remember sitting back, and I think I swore, I cant remember. I was kind of shocked. Delighted as well.

Hundreds of secret poems were discovered in Murdochs Oxford home - Miles Leeson

Written between 1930 and 1990, the poems explore Murdochs sexuality and polyamorous lifestyle, Mr Leeson said.

Although the revelation of her bisexuality wasnt a surprise, Mr Leeson said the poems very personally explored it for the first time and included a lot of reflection on her interior life.

He said: Shes exploring her emotions, the pain and regret of relationships. Relationships done and not done.

Murdoch had three or four relationships alongside her marriage to John Bayley, the literary critic, Mr Leeson said.

The poems, dedicated to various people in her life, describe her relationships with figures including Brigid Brophy, the novelist who was Murdochs lover for around 10 years; Elizabeth Anscombe, a philosopher who she was half in love with; and Julian Chrysostomides, her student.

Miles Leeson said the poems were found in a chest in the attic - Miles Leeson

In a poem dedicated to Chrysostomides, she wrote: Unspoken love has made us discontent look into my heart,/ You who love me and do not know I know.

The poems also explore her male lovers, such as Elias Canetti, the Nobel Prize winning writer, and William Wallace Robson, her former fiancee, and themes of nature, travel and animal life.

On why the poems were never published in her lifetime, Mr Leeson said Murdoch was worried about her very private life being discovered.

He said: She was a very popular and best selling author. She didnt think that these poems had a particular quality to them or were valuable in any way. She doubted the quality of her poems.

Maybe she was a little worried that if some of these got out with the dedications then people might put two and two together and realise that she had this very private life away from the public view of her.

The full collection, Poems From An Attic, will be released on Nov 6.
Three Labour police and crime commissioners have published a pro-immigration fact sheet that says migrants contribute more to the economy than they take out.

The PCCs of Durham, Northumbria and Cleveland have joined up with pro-migrant group The North East Migration Partnership (NEMP) to produce the leaflet, which will be distributed to community centres and libraries across the three regions.

The NEMP says on its website that it provides support to migrants and helps make sure the region can benefit from migration.

The NEMP says on its website that it provides support to migrants - Ben Stansall/AFP

The Migrant Myth Busters leaflet claims to take common myths about new arrivals and dispel them.

The two-page document features nine myths, including that migrants drain our public resources.

Quite the opposite, the leaflet claims, suggesting that migrants coming to the UK will contribute more than the average British citizen.

It reads: The Office of Budget Responsibility estimates that the average migrant, who moves to this country at the age of 25 and lives until 80, will contribute 341,000 to public finances over the course of their lives. Thats more than a British citizen contributes on average.

Last year, the OBR found low-wage migrants cost taxpayers more than 150,000 each by the time they hit state pension age, and cost the Government more than they paid in from the moment they arrived.

The leaflet also suggests that there is no evidence that migrants bring crime to our streets.

Only 12 per cent of prisoners are immigrants, the leaflet states, which reflects the percentage of migrants in the population.

In fact, various studies have found that neither asylum seekers nor other types of migrants could be linked to significant changes in violent crime, it added.

One study found that there could be a link between waves of immigration and falling crime rates.

In August, The Telegraph revealed that at least 200 people living in asylum seeker hotels have been charged with criminal offences this year.

Court records show that 211 people living in hotels, which are used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers, have been charged with a combined 425 offences.

Of these,109 were violent offences and 44 were sexual offences, including four counts of alleged rape. There were also 63 theft-related offences.

Last week it was revealed an Egyptian migrant described as a serious criminal and a danger to the community won his appeal to stay in the UK.

The man, in his early 20s, won an asylum claim on human rights grounds, despite having committed 19 crimes since arriving in the UK nine years ago.

Another myth dispelled by the pro-migrant leaflet is that All migrants are given preferential access to social housing.

It is just not true, the PCCs claim. Migrants are less likely to get social housing than people born in the UK, they add.

This is due to many councils now having local connection rules. Migrants are less likely to live in social housing, less likely to live in affordable rented homes or have access to help to buy schemes than people born here.

Earlier this year, Telegraph analysis of census data found that nearly half of all social housing in London, 48 per cent, is occupied by foreign-born heads of households, costing Britain around 3.6 billion a year.

The leaflet said that a study found a possible link between waves of immigration and falling crime rates - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The leaflet also states that migrants are actually less likely to claim welfare benefits than UK born individuals.

Most know nothing about welfare benefits before they arrive. As a result, they have no expectation that they will receive financial support, it adds.

In May it was found that benefit claims made by refugee households increased by 33 per cent in a year.

Government figures showed that the amount of Universal Credit paid to households with at least one claimant who is a refugee rose to 1.1bn in 2024, an increase of a third from 828m in 2023.

The leaflet also contains a language guide on the distinction between the terms migrant, asylum seeker and refugee.

Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, said: We know that misinformation fuels fear and can lead to hate crime. This initiative is about stopping harmful narratives in their tracks and promoting compassion and truth across our region.

Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth added: Time and time again online and in the media were all being fed harmful myths.

All this incorrect information isnt just misinforming us, its dividing us too. We came together on this project because we all want to set the record straight  replace the fiction with the facts  and hate with understanding.

Matt Storey, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, said: We must do all we can to get the reality of the situation regarding immigration into the public domain and challenge those divisive voices.

Durham, Northumbria and Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioners have been contacted for comment.
John Healey, the Defence Secretary, was due to announce the new powers in a speech on Monday - Leon Neal/Leon Neal

Troops will be given new powers to shoot down drones threatening UK military bases, John Healey will announce on Monday.

The Defence Secretary is expected to unveil his vision on how to protect the nations most critical military bases in response to a growing threat posed by Russia.

Insiders hope the plans will cut red tape surrounding how the military can react to drone sightings, allowing for more decisive action by soldiers to shoot them down with rifles and other technology.

Last year, a series of mystery drone sightings at four British airbases used by United States forces  RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk; RAF Feltwell in Norfolk; and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire  prompted alarm and the deployment of 60 British troops to defend them.

RAF Lakenheath was one of four UK airbases that reported mystery drone sightings last year - Mark Kerrison/Getty Images

Although the new powers will initially apply only at military sites, a source told The Telegraph the Government was not ruling out working to extend those powers to other import sites like airports.

We will always do whats needed to keep the British people safe, and as we speak, we are developing new powers  to be put into law through our Armed Forces Bill  to shoot down unidentified drones over UK military sites, Mr Healey is expected to say.

Currently, troops can use specialist counter-drone equipment which can track incoming drones, hijack the signal, and forcibly divert them . It can also disrupt GPS signal.

However, the proposal would give soldiers or Ministry of Defence Police a kinetic option to shoot them on site, albeit only in extreme circumstances.

It is not clear how soon these new powers would come into effect. However, defence chiefs are increasingly concerned about the risk of drone incursions into UK airspace, as well as cyber-attacks by states such as China and Russia.

There has been a series of incursions across Europe, including 19 Russian drones flying into Polish airspace last month, while other unmanned aircraft have been sighted in Denmark, Norway and Germany.

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The Defence Secretary will warn of a growing drone threat from hostile states. Nowhere is this clearer than in Ukraine, into which waves of unmanned attack craft are launched almost daily.

According to Britains latest defence intelligence assessment, due to be published on Monday, Russia has increased its use of drones to blitz Ukraine, despite continuing peace talk efforts led by Donald Trump, the US President.

In September alone, Russia launched around 5,500 one-way attack drones into Ukraine. More than a thousand were fired in August. So far in October, more than 3,000 have been launched.

Threat is growing across Europe

Mr Healey will explain how this is part of wider growing Russian aggression across Europe: Last month, we saw 19 drones cross the Polish border. Days later, Russian jets violated Estonias airspace, while at the same time, Russia mounted a concerted campaign to subvert Moldovas election, he will say, during a speech at the Lord Mayor of Londons Defence and Security Lecture on Monday.

The Defence Secretary will warn the UK is not immune from these threats. Here at home, we continue to defend ourselves daily from threats reaching from the seabed to cyberspace, he will say.

Russia has the capacity to produce about 2,700 Shahed-type kamikaze drones every month, Ukrainian military intelligence has warned.

The unmanned aircraft, packed with explosive warheads, have caused devastation across Ukraine, destroying buildings and killing dozens of people.

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At least 214 civilians were killed and almost 1,000 injured in Ukraine in September as a result of Vladimir Putins drone assaults, the United Nations said last week.

Russia can also build more than a million smaller, remote-controlled drones used to attack soldiers on the front line each year.

Britain deployed counter-drone specialists from the RAF Regiment to Denmark earlier this month, in response to the drone attacks observed at its main airport and regional airports, Mr Healey previously said.

UK to send military experts to Moldova

More British military drone experts are set to deploy to Moldova later this month to help scope requirements for Moldovas armed forces in counter-drone tactics, the Ministry of Defence said.

Last Wednesday, Mr Healey said the UK was seeking to ramp up our response to Russias aggression. At a Nato meeting in Brussels, Mr Healey announced the extension of the UKs contribution to Natos Eastern Sentry mission, with RAF jets flying air-defence missions over Poland until the end of the year.

In the Strategic Defence Review, published in June, up to 1bn of new funding was pledged to homeland air and missile defence and the creation of a new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to defend Britain from cyber attacks.

A further 4bn will be invested into the militarys autonomous systems this parliament.
Tom Kelley Archive/Getty Images

Long before cheap flights and smartphone maps, Americans turned to cars for adventure and escape. This story revisists our colelctive love affair with the open road, from dusty early-20th century highways to wood-panelled station wagons and beyond.

Spanning decades of snapshots, these vintage photos capture the excitement, improvistation and comunnity of road-tripping across generations, remind us why hittting the road remians a rite of passage. Whether you gre up playing license-plate games in the back seat or simply long to see a quieter American, these photos will take you back.

Road Trip, 1908

Library of Congress

This photo depicts Alice H. Ramsey, the first woman to drive the entire length of the United States from coast to coast. The 22-year-old made the 3,800-mile trek from Manhattan to San Francisco in 1909, driving a Maxwell DA shown here. Chrysler was formed out of the ailing Maxwell Motor Co. in 1925.

Tampa, 1925

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

While one might picture destinations such as Miami and Orlando when thinking of popular Florida vacation spots, Tampa has been a longtime tourist hub for sun-seeking vacationers. This 1925 photo depicts a packed crowd of cars, trolleys, and tourists along the citys Lafayette Street Bridge over the Hillsborough River.

Hollywoodland, 1925

MPI/Getty Images

Yes, the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles didnt always spell out the words Hollywood. Erected as a billboard for a residential development project in 1923, the sign originally spelled out Hollywoodland. It was changed to its current, shortened version in 1949. The iconic sign and enduring movie industry symbol is currently 350 feet long with 45-foot-high capital letters.

Soboba Hot Springs, circa 1925

Keystone/Getty Images

It may not be as famous or glamorous as nearby Palm Springs, but the town of Soboba Hot Springs in the San Jacinto Mountains of Californias Riverside County has long welcomed visitors to its unique environment. This now-defunct tourist resort from circa 1925 featured rooms inspired by Native American architectural styles.

San Francisco Beach, 1928

General Photographic Agency/Getty Images

Packed beaches are nothing new, as this photo taken at a San Francisco beach from 1928 shows. Although with so many cars looking alike, one cant help but wonder how people were able to tell which car was theirs after they were done soaking up the sun on the beach.

Packing for the Trip, 1940s

FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

This is how you packed for a trip in the 1940s. Stylish luggage? Check. Suit and hat? Check. Cigarette in mouth as you load the trunk of the car? Obviously.

Miami Beach, late 1940s

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Art Deco is an integral part of Miami culture and history, so much so that even its parks department facilities were built with its architectural flourishes. This gorgeous parks department facility was erected on a public beach in the 1940s, and looks more like a mansion than your typical government building.

Checking the Map, circa 1950

FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Before GPS and Google Maps, the only navigation tool available to the common traveler was the good old-fashioned paper kind. And, as anyone who has ever used one knows, the slightly accusatory phrase do you know where youre going? often accompanies the unfurling of a map. This couple seems to have avoided a classic fight over directions (at least so far).

Chandelier Tree, circa 1950

Archive Photos/Getty Images

Youre not alone in having that photo of your car driving through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, California. Home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, the town is surrounded by forest and is serviced by the Redwood Highway in Mendocino County. At 315 feet high and 21 feet in diameter, the Chandelier Tree is thought to be up to 2,400 years old.

Miami Beach, 1954

Pictorial Parade/Getty Images

If you think todays traffic on Collins Avenue in South Beach is bad, take some small comfort in knowing this is not a unique problem in the history of the Magic City. This 1954 photo was taken in February, at the height of snowbird season, at the intersection of Lincoln and Washington in Miami Beach.

Esso Station, circa 1955

FPG/Getty Images

Decked out in full uniform, including cowboy boots and captains hats, filling up a tank of gas used to come with a side of style. These female gas station attendants are shown working at an Esso station, which was a phonetic trading name used by Standard Oil (from pronouncing the S and O in Standard Oil) in the U.S. until 1966.

Las Vegas, 1955

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The Strip wasnt always the center of action in Las Vegas. Fremont Street was once the king of Sin City, shown here as cars drive past the clubs and casinos lining its main drag in 1955. Today, the historic district buzzes with life thanks to the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall, which is packed with attractions.

Flying A Service Station, 1955

FPG/Staff/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Typically painted in a slick white coat with red trim, Flying A service stations were once commonplace across the U.S. This man is showing off the full Flying A uniform and seems quite happy to be doing so. In 1966, Phillips Petroleum rebranded a number of Flying A stations as Phillips 66.

Southampton, circa 1955

Evans/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Weary New Yorkers have been retreating to the Hamptons for summer vacations for generations. Taken at Southampton, the largest and oldest community in the Hamptons, this photo, taken circa 1955, depicts a trio of surfers being pulled along the beach by an all-terrain vehicle as onlookers cheer.

Amoco Station, 1958

FPG/Getty Images

This vintage Chrysler is getting filled up by a petrol pump attendant in 1958 at an Amoco station. A descendant of Standard Oil, Amoco was a pioneer in the drive-through filling station until it went defunct in 1998, merging with BP. In recent years, the Amoco name has been making a comeback; BP has introduced more than 100 new Amoco stations across the U.S.

Niagara Falls, circa 1960

Harvey Meston/Staff/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Still in operation today, the Maid of the Mist is a popular tourist vessel that has been shuttling travelers across Niagara Falls since 1846. Before the Mist took its maiden voyage, rowboats transported passengers across the Niagara River. Today, the boat carries up to 600 passengers and has carried everyone from Jimmy Carter to Princess Diana.

Sleeping Beauty Castle, circa 1960

Keystone/Getty Images

Everyone recognizes the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, the focal point of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Opened in 1955 as the happiest place on Earth, the park attracted 18.7 million visitors in 2019.

A Day on the Lake, 1962

Tom Kelley Archive/Getty Images

Nothing compares to a relaxing day on the lake, a quintessential summer vacation activity since vacations were invented. This photo depicts an active family of canoers, kayakers, fishers, and picnickers ready to get in a full day of recreation on the lake as dad helps unload the 1962 Studebaker Lark Daytona Wagonaire.

Pikes Peak, circa 1962

Harvey Meston/Getty Images

Known as Americas Mountain, Colorados Pikes Peak is a longtime tourist destination near Colorado Springs. As one of 54 mountains in the state that rise above 14,000 feet (known as fourteeners), Pikes Peak is also home to the unique Pikes Peak Highway, which allows visitors to drive all the way to the summit.

Station Wagon, 1966

Long before it was popularized by the Griswold family in the classic Vacation film franchise, the station wagon has been moving families packed up for a holiday from coast to coast. This photo depicts a 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 station wagon ready to hit the road. Aside from being a not-so-great 1990 movie starring Andrew Dice Clay, the Ford Fairlane was sold in North America from 1955 to 1970.

South Lake Tahoe, 1974

Frederic Lewis/Getty Images

Lake Tahoe has been welcoming visitors to its shimmering mountain-rimmed shores since gambling first arrived in 1944, and it hasnt looked back. This photo depicts traffic to South Lake Tahoe in 1974, with the now-defunct Cabana Motel in the background. Today, around 3 million people visit Lake Tahoe annually.

Wigwam Village Motel, 1977

Library of Congress

This iconic motel in Rialto, California, is one of dozens of classic old motels that can still be found to this day, dotted along Route 66, Americas most famous road trip throughout history. Also known as the Mother Road or Will Rogers Highway, Route 66 extends 2,448 miles from downtown Chicago to Santa Monica, California. The storied cross-country roadway was first established in 1926.

New Jersey Boardwalk, 1978

Library of Congress

This classic vacation scene depicts a lazy summer day spent between a father and son strolling the New Jersey boardwalk in Keansburg with plenty of opportunities for treats in the background, including hamburgers, hams, and, of course, frozen malteds. One look at dads vintage plaid pants and you know its the 70s.

New York City, 1979

Frances M. Ginter/Getty Images

This photo depicts a street scene from Midtown Manhattan looking toward Times Square in 1979. With a preponderance of Taxi Driver-era yellow cabs, clearly this was taken before the invention of Uber. In 2019, New York City welcomed a record 65.2 million visitors, 51.6 million of whom were domestic travelers.

Disney World, 1979

Central Press/Getty Images

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. Covering a massive 25,000 acres across four theme parks, the Magic Kingdoms Space Mountain remains an iconic destination in the annals of American summer vacation history. Odds are, youve been there.

Santa Monica Pier, 1979

Library of Congress

An enduring symbol of the American summer vacation, Californias Santa Monica Pier first opened to the public in 1909. Designated a Santa Monica Historic Landmark in 1976, the pier contains the famous Pacific Park amusement park, an aquarium, a video arcade, and other attractions. The pier is also the western terminus of Route 66.

San Francisco, 1980s

Library of Congress

This Library of Congress image depicts the driver of an F-Line trolley posing in front of his car at the end of the line in San Franciscos Castro District. San Franciscos first electric streetcar line opened in 1892, with more than 26 million people visiting the Golden Gate City in 2019.

Fish Inn, 1987

Library of Congress

Weird roadside attractions have always been a crucial calling card of the American road trip. This uniquely shaped motel, once known as the Fish Inn, welcomed visitors along Route 10 in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, from 1932 to 1996. Today, Coeur dAlene is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Idaho. Maybe the fish had something to do with it.

More Beloved Americana and Nostalgia From Cheapism.com
From a man dressed in an inflatable squirrel costume shouting Trump is nuts! to a handmade sign that read Proud anti-fascist, organizers estimated more than 1,000 people marched and chanted through downtown Valparaiso Saturday for a No Kings protest.

The No Kings protest in Valparaiso was part of roughly 2,500 similar demonstrations against the Trump administration planned across the country and globe.

Participants, many of whom took part in a similar, smaller protest in June, said the larger crowd and higher energy could be attributed to the growing displeasure over the actions of President Donald Trump in the ensuing months, including an immigration crackdown, tariffs and climbing prices, and attacks on Trumps perceived enemies.

Increasing concerns about our democracy and whats at stake transcend political affiliation, and I think were at a juncture I havent seen in my lifetime, said Valparaiso attorney Don Evans, who attended the protest with his wife, Kathy.

He participated in the June No Kings protest in Michigan City but said Saturdays event had more urgency.

The undermining of key institutions of democracy has progressed and is very disturbing, he said, noting the gutting of healthcare, the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Developments assistance around the globe, and Trumps use of the Attorney Generals Office against his perceived enemies.

Attempts by the Trump administration to equate demonstrations with terrorism, Evans said, are particularly disturbing, and incongruent with our Constitutions founding principles.

The large crowd could be attributed to the growing number of people since Junes protest who oppose the Trump administrations actions, Deb McLeod, one of the protests organizers, said.

We have more Republicans, we have more veterans, we have more conservatives. We have more people who realize we have no due process, she said. We are so much stronger now than we were then.

The protests in the Chicago area were expected to draw significant crowds as pushback against the presidents recent immigration crackdown in the Chicago area, Operation Midway Blitz, which includes Lake County in Indiana, and a bid to federalize National Guard troops.

Northwest Indiana has seen a surge of immigration arrests in recent weeks as part of that action, pushing the leaders of local communities, including Hammond, Gary and East Chicago, to publicly declare that immigration authorities are not welcome to use city property as staging areas.

Protesters in Valparaiso started in front of City Hall on Lincolnway with call and response chants of Show me what democracy looks like and This is what democracy looks like. Many people carried No Kings signs provided by organizers.

With a contingent of Valparaiso Police officers and Porter County Sheriffs Department deputies on hand, the large crowd followed police instructions to cross streets only in the crosswalk when they had the light to do so.

The protesters headed east to the front of the Porter County Courthouse, where the bulk of the crowd congregated, and then looped around the courthouse square and back to City Hall.

Many passing drivers honked in support of the protest, generating cheers and whoops, though at least one driver shouted Go, Trump! and another waved Trump and Confederate flags from his pickup truck.

A handful of people also gathered in support of Trump, including Ted Coules, who wore a black T-shirt that said Support ICE and walked through the crowd, recording his interactions with protesters.

Coules, who grew up in Valparaiso, said he was not with a particular group and was not affiliated with another man wearing a black T-shirt with the message Wokeness breeds weakness, though they had similar microphone setups and appeared to be doing the same thing.

I just wanted to come out here today and have a conversation and determine the veracity of their conclusions based on whats going on in the world, Coules said.

Inflatable costumes of all sorts, from dinosaurs to lobsters, also dotted the crowd. One woman, who lives in Valparaiso but declined to give her name, wore a Tyrannosaurus rex costume. Though shes been to other protests, this was her first one as a dinosaur.

Protesters in Portland, Oregon, who have been sporting similar outfits, inspired her costume because the getups make violence (against protesters) look ridiculous, and it is.

She is concerned about the economy and tariffs, Trumps ongoing executive orders, and the militarization of immigration authorities. Our country was founded on immigration. This is a Gestapo tactic, she said.

Even the Orville Redenbacher statue, sitting on a park bench in Central Park Plaza, seemed to take part, with a sign that said Resisting kings since 1776 hanging off of his leg.

Alan Spaeth and his husband Eddie passed out yellow No Kings flags with rainbow markings. The two live in Chicago, where Alan owns a small business, and have a place in Beverly Shores but decided their presence would have more impact in Valparaiso than it would at Chicagos No Kings protest.

I grew up in rural Michigan and this is where people need to speak up, Alan Spaeth said of smaller communities.

Pat DaVaney of Liberty Township said Saturdays protest was the biggest rally in Valparaiso since she started attending them earlier this year.

I think its everything hes taking away from people, she said of Trump. Hes gone after the economy, hes gone after immigrants. Hes gone rogue. Every day you think hes reached his limit and he comes up with something else, and now its no vaccines for kids.

alavalley@chicagotribune.com
EPCOT Japan World Showcase

Walking around EPCOT's World Showcase can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. With limited shade along the path, it's a good thing there's a lesser-known dining spot that offers the perfect place for guests to cool off and escape the heat.

Keep reading to learn more about the hidden air-conditioned room at EPCOT that we stumbled upon during our latest visit. At Mickey Visit, we bring you all the most helpful Disney planning tips.

READ MORE  11 Unwritten Rules of the Disney Parks You Really Need to Follow

This Dining Room Is Often Overlooked

If you've ever explored EPCOT's 305-acre park, especially the 1.2 mile loop that connects the eleven countries of World Showcase, you know how intense the Florida heat can get. You've probably found yourself wishing for an easily accessible air-conditioned spot to sit down and cool off.

The dining room we are about to share is easy to miss, as it's tucked away in EPCOT's Mexico pavilion area, surrounded by plenty of other attention-grabbing spots like the margarita stands and the main pavilion itself.

La Cantina de San Angel Offers Secret Spot

You've most likely walked right past this secret air-conditioned dining room at one of the most popular World Showcase pavilions.

The Mexico pavilion is home to La Cantina de San Angel, a quick-service restaurant with great food, impeccable views, and an air-conditioned seating area with little crowds. The air-conditioned space is actually the La Hacienda de San Angel sit-down restaurant in the evenings. During the day, this space serves as an extended indoor seating for the quick service restaurant.

Where to Find La Cantina de San Angel

La Cantina de San Angel is located directly across from the Mexico Pavilion temple and offers an outdoor seating space accompanied by an indoor area for parkgoers to relax and cool off while enjoying a bite to eat.

What many visitors don't know is that the indoor seating area available for the quick service restaurant during lunch time is just behind the double doors adjacent to the outdoor seating area.

Seating With a View of EPCOT

The view from both the outdoor and indoor seating areas overlooks World Showcase Lagoon and serves as a quiet area away from the crowds of the park.

The indoor dining space has tables and booths, making this area a dining space for both parties of one and larger groups as well.

There Are Also Indoor Restrooms

The La Hacienda de San Angel space also has quiet restrooms, further making the area a helpful escape from the hustle and bustle of the park.

It's important to note that quick service seating availability in the indoor seating area is only available until 2:15pm daily. This isn't a hard 2:15pm stop for patrons enjoying the amenities of the indoor seating area, but the restaurant staff will begin preparation around that time to turn the area into the La Hacienda de San Angel dining space for dinner each evening.

Affordable Food Options

The kids' meal, served with tacos, chips, and nacho cheese on the side, plus a chocolate milk and cutie, makes La Cantina de San Angel a prime location for adults and families to find some relaxation away from the sun.

Some of the main features of the dining at La Cantina de San Angel are the Mexican bowls and fully loaded nachos. You can't go wrong with either option (along with the various other Mexican options offered from the menu).

Just Beyond the Double Doors

If you are looking for a relaxing area away from the crowds and some time away from the sun (and let's be honest, EPCOT is not known for its ample amounts of shade), check out La Cantina de San Angel. Note the sign above stating only open until 2:25 pm.

Check out our further list of quiet places to escape the crowds at Walt Disney World that you should explore on your next trip.

READ MORE  Hidden Secrets of the Disney World Hotels You Haven't Heard Of

Disney World hotels

I love exploring the different hotels at Disney World. Each hotel has so much detail that I always catch something new every time I revisit them. However, each hotel also has its own stories and secrets that, once you learn them, may change your whole perspective on Disney's attention to detail. Let's go over the top hidden secrets of the Disney World hotels.

READ MORE -Don't Pack These Items For Your Disney Trip. They Can Cause Headaches and Some Are Banned.

Disney items

When it's time to pack for your Disney vacation, it's important to keep in mind that certain items are not allowed on property. Even though Disneyland and Walt Disney World both have their own set of property rules, it can sometimes be unclear what exactly is allowed and what's not. There are many items that are completely banned, while others only have certain stipulations that need to be followed. These are the Disney items you shouldn't pack for your trip.

The post This EPCOT Secret Air-Conditioned Dining Room is a Great Escape From the Heat appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips.
People gather to view the coffin of Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his funeral service at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, in Kisumu County, Kenya, October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

People gather to view the coffin of Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his funeral service at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, in Kisumu County, Kenya, October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

KISUMU (Reuters) -Dozens of mourners were injured on Saturday at a memorial service for Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga as crowds swelled, with some in critical condition taken to a nearby hospital, a Kenyan Red Cross official told Reuters.

A Reuters witness saw injured people receiving treatment at the scene in the city of Kisumu in western Kenya, the political heartland of Odinga's Luo tribe. The Standard newspaper had said on X that hundreds had been injured.

Two people were killed and more than 160 others were injured at Odinga's state funeral in Nairobi on Friday, aid group Doctors Without Borders said.

Odinga, a major figure for decades in Kenyan politics who was once a political prisoner and ran unsuccessfully for president five times, died on Wednesday aged 80 in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

He commanded a passionate following in the East African nation and a public viewing of his body on Thursday turned deadly when officers opened fire to disperse huge crowds after they breached a gate at a stadium hosting the ceremony. Three people were killed, according to the police.

His body was flown from Nairobi to Kisumu on Saturday for a final public viewing.

Large crowds of people could be seen crying, waving Kenyan flags and at one point pushing one another in a scuffle at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

A road procession had been planned from Kisumu to his Bondo homestead, but following the incident, his body will instead be flown to Bondo, the Standard newspaper said.

(Reporting by Humphrey Malalo in Nairobi and Monicah Mwangi in Kisumu; Writing by Portia Crowe; Editing by Jan Harvey and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
An elderly man fatally shot his 93-year-old wife in the head before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide inside a senior group home in Arizona, police said.

An elderly man fatally shot his 93-year-old wife in the head before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide inside a senior group home in Arizona, police said.

Jerome Woolums, 92, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head  and still clutching the gun  after allegedly shooting his longtime spouse, Katharine, in their bedroom at a Mesa assisted living facility around 4 a.m. Thursday, according to the Mesa Police Department, Fox10 Phoenix reported.

Jerome and Katharine Woolums were found with gunshot wounds to the head at 4 a.m. on Thursday, police said.

Police said the husband-turned-gunman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Katharine still had a pulse amid the carnage and was rushed to a local hospital, where she later died.

Police said the husband was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and still clutching the gun.

We are looking at this as a murder-suicide, a police spokesperson told The Arizona Republic.

At this stage of the investigation, evidence indicates Jerome shot his wife, Katharine, before taking his own life.

Authorities said the slain couple, whod been married for several years, were living at the unidentified senior home near Alma School Road and Mendoza Avenue while receiving ongoing medical care.

A motive behind the deadly shooting remains under investigation. Eduardo Barraza  stock.adobe.com

A motive behind the deadly shooting remains under investigation.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
/

by

Source -

All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
Thousands of Alaskans wont be able to return home for at least 18 months after Typhoon Halong slammed remote villages along the states western coast, destroying the areas infrastructure, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy warned in a letter to President Donald Trump.

Dunleavy, a Republican, asked the White House in the letter Oct. 17 for a major disaster declaration that would allow federal funding for whats expected to be a monthslong recovery from the storm.

Remnants of the typhoon, which originated in the northern Philippine Sea, brought 100 mph winds and damaging storm surges, with water levels reaching 8 feet above high tide in western Alaska beginning Oct. 8.

More: Hundreds airlifted out of Alaskan villages ravaged by ex-typhoon

Alaska National Guard conducts airlift rescues in villages devastated by Typhoon Halong Alaska Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III aircrew, assigned to the 176th Wing, evacuate approximately 300 displaced western Alaska residents from Bethel, Alaska, following Typhoon Halong, Oct. 15, 2025. This photo was altered by source for privacy purposes by blurring out faces.

The storm pushed homes off their foundations, destroyed roads and downed communications lines in some of the most rural areas of the state, including the Alaska Native Villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. The communities have a combined population of about 1,150.

Rebuilding will be long and arduous. Alaskas emergency management agency estimated that 90% of structures in Kipnuk were lost in the storm, and a third were destroyed in Kwingillingok. Those and other nearby communities were still struggling with power outages and a lack of clean water.

It is anticipated that more than 1,500 Alaskans will be evacuated to our major cities, many of whom will not be able to return to their communities and homes for upwards of 18 months, Dunleavy wrote.

As crews worked to clear out debris and get supplies to the remote region, theyll be forced in a few short weeks to contend with Alaskas bitter winter weather, including cold temperatures and possibly icy conditions.

Dunleavy suggested in his letter that some damaged communities will not be viable to support winter occupancy in the harsh Arctic climate.

Alaska Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski urged Trump to approve Dunleavys disaster request in a separate letter Oct. 17.

With winter fast approaching, and transportation and broadband connectivity limited, there is an urgent need for federal aid to repair housing, restore utilities, and secure heating fuel before severe winter conditions set in, they said.

USA TODAY reached out to the White House for comment.

The Alaska National Guard flew more than 600 people out of the battered region. Residents whose homes were destroyed were evacuated to Bethel, the largest city in western Alaska. But shelters quickly filled, and hundreds of people had to be moved elsewhere. Survivors were taken to shelters in Anchorage and other cities that avoided the worst from the storm.

One woman in Kwigillingok died in the storm, and two people were still missing, the states emergency management agency said Oct. 15.

Contributing: Christopher Cann and Jeannine Santucci

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alaska residents displaced by typhoon won't return home for 18 months
Spains southeast coast, near Alicante, features a little island called Nueva Tabarca. Its only about a mile long and a quarter-mile wide. Around 50 people live here year-round, and if you visit outside the busy summer months, youll likely see more cats than humans. Thats not an exaggeration.

A 2023 study found twice as many cats as people. Its a peaceful, sunlit island where cats rule the streets and introverts can finally breathe. The place feels calm even when ferries bring day-trippers from the mainland. The cats nap on doorsteps, stretch across cobblestones, and watch the occasional tourist wander by. When the crowds leave, Tabarca returns to its natural state of peace and quiet.

History Written in Stone and Sea Air

Image via Canva/Luna Marina

Nueva Tabarcas roots stretch back to a wild chapter of Mediterranean history. In the 1700s, coral fishers from the original Tabarka, an island off Tunisia, were taken captive by Ottoman forces. The survivors were resettled by the Spanish crown on this flat, barren rock once called Illa Plana. They renamed it Nueva Tabarca, built it with precision, and surrounded it with walls to keep out pirates. You can still see the grid layout and old fortress that guarded the tiny settlement centuries ago.

Today, two-thirds of the island, declared in 1986, is protected as Spains first marine reserve. The rest hold whitewashed homes, small restaurants, and a few family-run businesses that open mostly during summer. Despite the limited tourism, theres a growing push to preserve its architecture and improve services for locals, especially since winter isolation can make everyday life tough.

The Cat Connection

Tabarcas love for cats mirrors another Mediterranean islands story: Cyprus, where the cat population is almost equal to its human one. Cats are woven into Cypruss identity, dating back 9,500 years when archaeologists found one buried beside a human. Legend even says Saint Helen brought boatloads of cats to fight a snake invasion in the 4th century. Today, they roam Cypriot parks, restaurants, and ruins.

Both Tabarca and Cyprus are trying to manage their feline populations through sterilization programs. Cyprus recently tripled its government funding to 300,000 euros to expand neutering efforts. Locals and conservationists argue that the aim is to have an organized plan. On Tabarca, though smaller and less crowded, the problem is less urgent, as cats seem part of the islands peaceful soul rather than a crisis.
EVANSVILLE  Throngs of demonstrators crowded sidewalks near the federal building in Downtown Evansville on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump's administration as so-called "No Kings" demonstrations gripped cities and towns nationwide.

By 1:30 p.m., about a half-hour after the planned start time, sign-carrying protesters packed both sides of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as many chanted and directed criticism  and insults  at the president.

The protest in Evansville was one of more than 2,500 such demonstrations planned for Saturday nationwide under the "No Kings" banner  a slogan organizers said highlights what they view as attempts by Trump and his allies to concentrate unprecedented power in the executive branch.

According to reporting by the IndyStar, thousands gathered at a "No Kings" protest outside the Indiana Statehouse on Saturday. Dozens of other Indiana cities, including Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Muncie and South Bend, hosted similar protests.

In nearby Boonville, a city of fewer than 7,000 and the seat of Warrick County, more than 100 people attended an anti-Trump demonstration, according to attendee Bob Canada, a local attorney who said an organizer took a hand count throughout the day.

Live Coverage: Protesters stage 'No Kings' rallies in cities and towns from coast-to-coast

Among the attendees perched along MLK Jr. Boulevard in Evansville on Saturday was Bart Heath, who said he felt a calling to voice his opposition to the Trump adminstration's ongoing military buildup and lethal strikes off the coast of Venezuela, an operation the government says is targeting narcotics traffickers.

Amid an escalating campaign against Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. military at Trump's direction has struck a half dozen boats, killing at least 27 people, that were alleged to have been transporting narcotics to the United States.

"I'm unhappy with the way things are going," Heath said. "I think our country needs to stay out of war... It's a miasma of concerns. I'm not a fan of either party."

A local progressive activist group, Evansville Resistance, organized the protest and shortly after 1 p.m. began hosting public speakers outside the Winfield K. Denton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.

Craig Hames, clad in an inflatable animal costume, took to the mic to decry what he described as a "broken system." He labeled Trump, whom Vanderburgh County voters tapped to be their president last year by more than 10 points, as a "dictator" who was "waging a war against the Constitution."

"He is desperately attempting by any means necessary to hold onto power," Hames told the crowd. "We the people are awake now."

From 2024: Donald Trump three-for-three among Vanderburgh County voters

Demonstrators who spoke to the Courier & Press pointed to a mix of issues when asked why they decided to protest in opposition to the president. Some faulted Republicans and Democrats alike for stoking division. Many bemoaned the rising cost of living and the Trump administration's mass deportation effort.

"This is Evansville; it's not Chicago or a very blue place," said one young protester who wore a face mask and asked not to be named out of fear that publicly opposing the Trump administration could throw his college scholarship into jeapordy. "But people are starting to realize it's not a left-versus-right thing. They've taken a class war and turned it into a social war."

As 18-year-old Gillian Brownwolfe protested outside the federal building Saturday afternoon, she lamented Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s disputed pronouncements on autism, which the one-time Democrat and longtime vaccine skeptic recently linked to circumcision by way of the painkiller Tylenol, a ubiquitous medication Kennedy and Trump have claimed could be a driver of a rise in autism diagnoses.

"He doesn't believe in vaccines despite being our health secretary," Brownwolfe said of Kennedy. "That's just terrifying for so many reasons. His obsession with autism is deeply disturbing considering most of the people in my family, including myself, have autism."

Brownwolfe said she also had deep concerns about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics and what she viewed as the Republican Party's demonisation of LGBTQ people.

"I've had friends move to other states because it's just dangerous to be queer here," Brownwolfe said. "I don't wear anything with a rainbow or bisexual flag on it out in public because I see so many people wearing MAGA hats and I don't want to be hate crimed."

Demonstrators opposed to President Donald Trump's administration face off with a counter protestor during a "No Kings" event in Downtown Evansville on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Hadlee Libbert, another young demonstrator, put her motivations for protesting simply enough, saying she was there to "fight against the fascist regime, pretty much."

Trump administration officials and Republican leaders had warned of ties between "No Kings" protesters and domestic terrorists ahead of Saturday's rallies, which saw demonstrators filling city blocks in the nation's major metros, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C., alongside mid-size cities and small towns.

In the run up to the planned protests, the administration cast the president's opponents and Democrats in stark terms.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News that Democrats' main consitituency was "made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the No Kings protests were part of antifa," referring to the "antifascist" movement which the Trump administration recently classified as a "domestic terrorist organization."

House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted that a planned "No Kings" protest on the National Lawn in Washington D.C. would be a "hate America" protest made up of "the pro-Hamas wing" and "antifa people."

Last week, the Courier & Press brought those warnings of ties between "No Kings" organizers and extremist groups to an FBI-Indianapolis spokesperson and the Evansville Police Department.

EPD spokeswoman Sgt. Anna Gray said Thursday that while officers were monitoring the potential protests they were "not aware of any threats of violence in Evansville" or "the presence of any 'antifa' groups."

A remotely operated EPD "Guardian" surevillance unit, a trailer-hitched metal box affixed with cameras and networking equipment, could be seen along MLK Jr. Boulevard on Saturday, but there did not appear to be any sizeable law enforcement presence at the Evansville "No Kings" protest.

Requests for information to the FBI-Indianapolis spokesperson netted an unsigned response stating that due to the government shutdown, the agency could not respond to media inquiries beyond those pertaining to national security, violations of federal law and essential public safety functions.

At the corner of Vine Street, a small-but-dedicated group of counter protesters stoked anger from a portion of Evansville's anti-Trump demonstrators  who vastly outnumbered the counter protesters on Saturday  and engaged in occasional verbal back-and-forths. The exchanges remained peaceful.

Among the pro-Trump crowd was Donna Feagley, who said she could not understand why Americans felt the need to protest against a so-called "king."

"They're mistaken when they say Trump is king," Feggley declared as anti-Trump protesters walked by, some directing obscenities toward her and the other counter protesters. "He is not king. There is only one king, and that's Jesus Christ."

Demonstrators show their support for President Donald Trump as large crowds descended on Evansville to oppose the president's policies on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, as part of nationwide "No Kings" protests.

Alongside Feggley stood Brian Pease, who also supports the president and held a sign that read, "No Kings but the King of Kings  Jesus Christ." Pease cited the September killing of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk as evidence that Republicans were under threat.

"They holler, they scream at us, they give us the finger," Pease said, pointing across MLK Jr. Boulevard toward the anti-Trump demonstrators. "There's a lack of civility. That's the biggest problem."

Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman Kyhle Moers, when asked last week what he thought of plans to stage a "No Kings" protest in Evansville, said he questioned whether public, anti-Trump demonstrations had real potential to move the needle in heavily pro-Trump Southern Indiana.

"Its a poor imitation of whats being done at the national level," Moers said of local anti-Trump protests. "People dont want that in-your-face confrontation. Theres diminishing returns about how far you can take that messaging here.

Previously: Anti-Trump protests haven't translated into new voters in Evansville, but stay tuned

Earlier on Saturday, the progressive group Indivisible Evansville held a civics-focused workshop at McCollough Public Library led by University of Evansville professor Valerie Stein. It was standing-room only.

Wendy Bredhold, Indivisible Evansville's director, said the group opted to hold a community-building event in support of the "No Kings" campaign rather than a protest in an effort to build sustainable, enduring support for progressive activism.

The crowds in downtown began to thin out around 4 p.m. By that point, several anti-Trump demonstrators could be seen talking amicably with a few of their pro-Trump counterparts on Vine Street about the Israel-Gaza conflict, healthcare, patriotism and shared concerns for the future of the country.

This article was updated Saturday evening.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: No Kings protests in Evansville and Indiana decry Trump administration
Andrew Zaborowski  Instagram/phillyblkpride

A Pennsylvania state trooper fired after arresting Philadelphias LGBT Affairs executive director and her husband on the Schuylkill Expressway is suing the agency, alleging he was targeted because he is white and male, according to newly filed court documents.

Andrew Zaborowski, a former trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), filed the complaint in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Oct. 14, claiming his dismissal was rooted in racial and gender discrimination.

The lawsuit stems from a March 2, 2024, traffic stop that went viral after video circulated of Celena Morrison-McLean and her husband, Darius McLean, being arrested along I-76 in Philadelphia.

According to the complaint, Zaborowski pulled over Morrison-McLeans Infiniti for vehicle violations before Darius McLean pulled up behind in another car. Zaborowski says both were combative, resisted arrest, and later falsely accused him of racial profiling.

The incident, partly recorded by Morrison-McLean, showed her yelling I work for the mayor! and accusing the trooper of being aggressive. Both were arrested on charges including resisting arrest and obstruction, though the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office has not made a charging decision pending investigation.

Celena Morrison-McLean

Zaborowski alleges that despite following procedure, he was fired without a hearing on May 10, 2024. He claims PSP leadership gave preferential treatment to Black troopers while unfairly scrutinizing and ultimately terminating him because of his race and gender.

The suit accuses the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PSP Colonel Christopher L. Paris of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and federal civil rights statutes. Zaborowski is seeking back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as reinstatement.

In August, the couple filed a lawsuit in Common Pleas Court accusing state police of negligent hiring, retention, and supervision, and naming Zaborowski for assault, false imprisonment, and battery.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker previously called the video very concerning but declined further comment until investigations are complete.

Earlier today, a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper executed a car stop on the Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia, reportedly for a Motor Vehicle Code violation. Celena Morrison, the Citys executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, was in the vehicle that was stopped.  Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) March 2, 2024

The Pennsylvania State Police have not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

In 2023, "Andrew M. Zaborowski received the Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe Leadership Award for exemplifying the qualities of leadership," according to a previously press release by PSP.

A fundraiser for Zaborowski was launched in 2024 after he was fired. It had a $10,000 goal, and as of Sunday, Oct. 19, it had raised $7,175.
Armed with power tools, a crane lift and a plan straight out of a heist movie, four thieves broke into the Louvre on Sunday and made off with royal jewels once worn by Frances queens and empresses, officials told NBC News.

The group used power tools to shatter display cases, threatened guards and fled on scooters  leaving behind a trail of clues, including Empress Eugenies crown, apparently dropped during the escape.

The Ministry of Culture confirmed the jewels stolen include a necklace and a pair of earrings from the Marie-Louise collection; a necklace, earrings and tiara from from the Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense collection; and a brooch, bodice bow and a tiara from the collection of Empress Eugenie. Investigators said they found two of the stolen pieces, including Eugenies crown, near the scene, suggesting the thieves lost them while fleeing.

A brazen daytime heist

The break-in happened at around 9:30 a.m. local time as the museum was opening, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told radio station France Inter. Two people, with their faces concealed, used power tools to break into the Galerie dApollon through a window, the prosecutor's office said. The crew had brought a crane lift mounted on a truck and appeared to have scouted the location in advance.

Nunez said the experienced thieves broke into the gallery with a disc cutter. The stolen jewels had been kept behind glass inside the gallery, he added. The daring morning heist, which lasted just seven minutes, forced the museum to close for the day, officials said.

The break-in triggered alarms on the exterior of the window of the Galerie dApollon and on the two high-security display cabinets targeted by the thieves inside the gallery, the Ministry of Culture in Paris said Sunday, describing the brazen theft as particularly rapid and brutal.

Five museum workers were in the room and adjacent rooms and immediately contacted police, the culture ministry said.

The thieves targeted two glass display cabinets housing priceless jewels and threatened guards, who evacuated the premises, the prosecutors office said.

The Ministry of Culture credited the quick-thinking employees and their calls to police with prompting the thieves to flee, leaving behind their equipment and some of the stolen items.

Before fleeing the scene, the thieves allegedly attempted to set fire to the crane lift they had used, the prosecutor's office said. A museum worker thwarted that attempt, the culture ministry said.

An image from the scene showed what appeared to be a furniture elevator propped up against a balcony, with police gathered nearby to cordon off the area.

Police officers stand next to a furniture elevator used by thieves to enter the Louvre on Sunday. (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images)

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati said earlier on X that no injuries were reported.

A recent string of heists

The Galerie dApollon  or Apollo Gallery  is home to many of Frances crown jewels and historic diamonds. It also features hard-stone vessels collected by French kings, including jade and rock crystal, according to the Louvres website.

Nunez said the museum was evacuated mainly to preserve evidence and clues so that investigators could work undisturbed.

I expect we will very soon find the thieves and jewels, he added.

An investigation into organized theft and criminal conspiracy to commit crime has been launched by the Paris public prosecutors office, a source inside the office told NBC News.

Tourists and visitors walk in front of the Louvre after the museum was closed following the robbery Sunday. (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images)

Video posted on X this morning and verified by NBC News showed crowds of people leaving the museum.

My first visit to the Louvre Museum ended with not seeing a single artwork, one user posted alongside video of people exiting the Louvre.

The theft is just the latest in a wave of heists hitting cultural institutions across France.

Thieves broke into the National Museum of Natural History in Paris last month and made off with samples of raw gold worth about $700,000, officials said.

The Louvre, the worlds most visited museum, hosts millennia of civilizations greatest treasures. Its most famous work of art is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, a 16th-century portrait that depicts an Italian noblewoman with a mysterious smile.

Its rare for the Louvre to close its doors.

It has happened during war, during the Covid-19 pandemic and in a handful of strikes.

The museum was shut down in June by its own striking staff, who said the facility was crumbling under the weight of mass tourism.
Mainers critical of the policies of the Trump administration rallied in Portland's Deering Oaks Park for a national day of No Kings protests on Oct. 18, 2025. Organizers estimate nearly 6000 were in attendance in Portland with thousands more across the state. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Exactly 250 years to the day after the British attacked what is now Portland, Maine, during the Revolutionary War, thousands gathered in the city and across the state to declare the same thing Americans had been fighting for then: no kings.

This was the overarching rallying cry of the more than 30 demonstrations across the state and more than 2,600 across the country known as No Kings day in response to what a broad coalition of liberal advocacy organizations say is the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, which they have doubled down on since June.

Saturday marked the second nationwide protest organized under this name. The first, on June 14, coincided with President Donald Trumps massive military parade on his 79th birthday. This time the demonstrations occurred against the backdrop of a federal government shutdown with no end in sight and as Trump threatens to deploy more federal troops on American cities.

In Portland, participation nearly doubled, with about 3,000 turning out in June and nearly 6,000 on Saturday. New attendees said they decided to show up because they feel the country has reached an untenable state, but speeches at the protests showed continued hope for change.

Wearing a t-shirt that read Facism is bad -history, Katya Fromuth, a high school senior from Yarmouth, told the crowd gathered in Portlands Deering Oaks Park that she started a youth organizing effort yesterday from her kitchen.

Its called the Franklin Project, named after Ben Franklins reply when asked if the country was a republic or a monarchy: A democracy  if you can keep it.

Mainers critical of the policies of the Trump administration rallied in Portland's Deering Oaks Park for a national day of No Kings protests on Oct. 18, 2025. Organizers estimate nearly 6000 were in attendance in Portland with thousands more across the state. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers critical of the policies of the Trump administration rallied in Portland's Deering Oaks Park for a national day of No Kings protests on Oct. 18, 2025. Organizers estimate nearly 6000 were in attendance in Portland with thousands more across the state. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers critical of the policies of the Trump administration rallied in Portland's Deering Oaks Park for a national day of No Kings protests on Oct. 18, 2025. Organizers estimate nearly 6000 were in attendance in Portland with thousands more across the state. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Mainers critical of the policies of the Trump administration rallied in Portland's Deering Oaks Park for a national day of No Kings protests on Oct. 18, 2025. Organizers estimate nearly 6000 were in attendance in Portland with thousands more across the state. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Thousands of Mainers, many in costume, rallied in Bangor's Broadway Park for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

Thousands of Mainers, many in costume, rallied in Bangor's Broadway Park for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

Thousands of Mainers, many in costume, rallied in Bangor's Broadway Park for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

Thousands of Mainers, many in costume, rallied in Bangor's Broadway Park for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

Jordan Wood, who is running as a Democrat for U.S. Senate in 2026, was among the roughly 300 protesters who rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 people rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 people rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 protesters rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. Amy Thurlow of Saco, dressed like a frog, said she was expressing solidarity with the inflatables in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Rep. Lori Gramlich (D-Old Orchard Beach) was among the roughly 300 protesters who rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. Speaking of ICE raids, she told the crowd: "This is not law enforcement. Its fear enforcement and its state sponsored trauma." (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) was among the roughly 300 protesters who rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 protesters rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 protesters rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 protesters rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. Eighty-four-year-old Jo Darling, who lives in Old Orchard Beach, attended with her daughter and granddaughter. She said she's here "to save our democracy." (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Roughly 300 protesters rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was among the roughly 300 protesters who rallied in Saco, Maine for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

What Mainers are saying

Many participants said this type of demonstration was important to help them not feel alone in their fear and anger.

I think protesting is one very important part of that resistance because its visible, said Madeline Jones of Portland, and because so much of what Trump is doing to us feels so isolating.

Others said this form of political action is helpful  even to those who dont attend.

Erin Houghton of Cumberland, 48, and her daughter Penny Houghton, 15, attended the Portland protest together.

I think we have a lot of privilege, which makes it even more important that we stand up and stand out publicly for other people who may not be able to, Erin Houghton said, and that includes people with disabilities, for whom there are major barriers to standing up at a protest, literally and figuratively, as well as people who could be taken [by immigration authorities].

Linda Davis, who was visiting Portland from Boston, said attending a protest is a relatively easy, low-lift effort, but then it gives other people who are maybe more willing to do the scary things, such as higher education institutions refusing to comply with executive overreach, it gives them that that support to do that.

Many had concerns about the future of education.

Holding an American flag and wearing a shirt that read protect banned books, Dawnelle Sullivan, who traveled from Monmouth for Portlands protest, works in special education and is concerned about the Trump administrations attempt to gut the special education office. I need to protect those kids, she said.

Ann Weber of Portland, sporting a Columbia University hat and Harvard sweatshirt, said shes concerned about the future of higher education.

Her youngest son attends Harvard and her older son attends Columbia, both institutions Trump has battled. And her other son works as a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, awaiting federal funding for cancer research, which overall has seen cuts under the Trump administration.

Her husband Bill Weber, who worked as an environmental engineer for 43 years, is part of a group trying to establish a climate action plan in Portland. He said, Im afraid municipal leaders will use Trump as an excuse to not do anything.

An anti-ICE message

The Trump administrations immigration policies were a focus for many at the first No Kings day in June and again on Saturday, as sweeping and aggressive immigration raids continue.

Vanessa, who declined to share her last name, is a teacher at Portland High School. She was brought to tears when explaining how she and her colleagues have had to think about how to protect their students if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents ever enter their school. In September, a parent was detained by ICE after dropping off their child at a Portland elementary school.

As participants and speakers in Portland raised alarm about ICE raids, others gathered in Wells outside the towns police station for a recurring protest of their local authorities agreement with federal immigration officials.

Thousands of Mainers, many in costume, rallied in Bangors Broadway Park for the No Kings day of action on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

I am hopeful that the many standouts in small towns and larger cities will show that there is strong resistance across Maine and across the country to the current policies of the current administration, said Peg Duddy, who attended the protest in Wells and is a part of the core group thats been calling for an end to the contract. We are standing together to help save our democracy.

Wells Police Department remains the only agency in the state to enter an agreement under the 287(g) program, which permits local officers to arrest people on immigration violations, an authority otherwise reserved for federal agents. The department is continuing what Police Chief JoAnn Putnam has described as a wait-and-see approach to credentialing its officers under the program in light of the pending state legislation that would ban such agreements.

In Bangor, where roughly 2,000 people gathered Saturday, state Rep. Amy Roeder called on Gov. Janet Mills to sign that legislation and urged all Mainers to not accept the Trump administrations immigration policies as the status quo.

Dont sleep while democracy dies, Roeder said.

Local and national candidates stand out

Speaking in Portland, Democratic U.S. Rep. Chelli Pingree of Maine condemned recent comments made by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, who said No Kings day was a hate America rally.

Pingree told the crowd theyre doing the most American of things: protesting the government.

She encouraged continued protesting but said only Congress, by taking back the power of the purse, can stop the illegal actions of the president.

In November 2026, Pingree said, we need a brand new Congress.

The demonstration in Portland featured speeches from numerous candidates for local and federal offices, including several Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate  David Costello, Jordan Wood, Tucker Favreau  who showed a united front in saying theyre running to stop Trumps assault on democracy, though each pitching themselves as the best fit for the job.

Gubernatorial candidates also took the stage, including Hannah Pingree, daughter of Chelli Pingree. She said, Governors are really leading the way.

Former Senate President Troy Jackson, who is also running for governor, spoke in Bangor and Portland.

Where once they sought to be kings and emperors, they now seek to be presidents, senators and authoritarians and dictators, Jackson said in Bangor. And where once their armies came from conscription, they now come from Wall Street, Silicon Valley and hedge funds, or worse, the misuse of our nations armed forces and National Guard.

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a candidate for governor, spoke about when she removed Trump from the ballot in 2023 after a citizen challenged his candidacy under the U.S. Constitution because of his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Doing the right thing even when it is hard is what we must do, Bellows said, and this is the secret of righteous resistance.

More recently, Bellows twice refused to share sensitive voter information with the Trump administration and was sued over it.

What Ive learned unfortunately over the years is that lack of courage is contagious, Bellows said. Someone makes a decision based on fear, they get rewarded for it. Another person or institution catches the disease. But heres another secret: courage is contagious.

The two statewide referendums were also highlighted in speeches, with proponents calling for attendees to vote yes on Question 2 (to create a red flag law) and opponents of Question 1 (which seeks to make changes to election procedures) urging people to vote no.

Eesha Pendharkar contributed reporting to this story.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
By David Lawder, David Milliken and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -International finance chiefs are returning home with a measure of relief over the surprising resilience of the global economy to the cascade of policy shocks through the first nine months of Donald Trump's second U.S. presidency but also drained by seemingly never-ending uncertainty over what lies ahead.

When finance ministers and central bankers gathered in Washington in April for the first of the twice-yearly meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, the anxiety over Trump's just-unveiled "Liberation Day" tariffs was palpable. Six months on at the just-concluded October meetings, that had been replaced by fatigue and wariness that the policy landscape is never fully settled.

"It's been just absolutely exhausting since Liberation Day as a policymaker, trying to make sense and then actually make policy and communicate to the public about this," Bank of Thailand Deputy Governor Piti Disyatat said. "So the uncertainty has been very difficult."

"The global economy appears to be more resilient than we thought several months ago. But there's no room for complacency given various types of uncertainty," said a Japanese delegation official who participated in talks in Washington. "There was a great degree of discussion over uncertainties."

A week of fractious back-and-forth between the U.S. and China drove the point home as Trump responded to new export controls on rare earth minerals from Beijing with the re-imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese exports to the U.S.

The re-escalation of tensions between the world's two largest economies sharpened the focus among the hundreds of policymakers taking part in the meetings, amid growing momentum for new trade arrangements outside the U.S.-China orbit.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said she had rarely seen as much constructive engagement at the semi-annual meetings of finance officials and central bankers.

"It may be because uncertainty is so high that there is no space for theatricals," Georgieva told a banking conference on Saturday. "It may be because now many countries realize that what they took for granted - international cooperation that helps us do better - we should not take for granted."

Strengthening regional, bilateral ties

Georgieva and World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told participants it was promising that U.S.-China tensions - however intense - had not blown up into a wider trade war, and noted that many countries were in fact seeking to deepen bilateral and regional ties.

New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Reuters she expected that trend to gain momentum against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

She said it was notable that the European Union was now looking to link up with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade deal between 11 member countries.

"All of those trade relationships are very strong, and the messages that we're having from our partners is that they wish to continue to build on them and expand them, rather than go the other way," she told Reuters in an interview.

Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation, told Saturday's event that increased regional cooperation was a "fallout" of global developments, but would remain important going forward.

Reforms needed everywhere

The situation also focused attention on strains in the global economy, including persistent and "excessive" external balances, near-record debt levels, growing worries about the non-bank sector and disruption from artificial intelligence technologies.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said frank discussion was needed, given the international community's past failure to identify - and halt - the subprime mortgage developments that triggered the global financial crisis of 2007-2009.

Transparency was critical in an opaque world with tight cross-links between banking, insurance and private finance.

"Its our duty to lift the lid and see whats going on," Bailey said at an event hosted by the Group of Thirty on Saturday. Weve obviously had a few events that are going on at the moment where we are having to ask the question, are these one-offs or is it the canary in the coal mine?"

Georgieva underscored her concern about "stretched valuations," following the IMF's warning on Tuesday that markets are too comfortable with risks, including trade wars, geopolitical tensions and yawning government deficits, which heightened the risk of a "disorderly" market correction.

The IMF chief said she ended the week with a long list of to-do's, including reviews of how the IMF conducts its surveillance of countries' economies and assesses their debt levels, while Okonjo-Iweala underscored the urgency for WTO reforms.

"We need to diversify trade," WTO's Okonjo-Iweala said, noting that global trade had clearly helped many countries, even if results had been uneven, leaving other countries behind.

"We need to fix parts of it that don't work," she said. "We need to re-imagine globalization. We cannot have what we had in the past," she said.

Climate risks mounting

Climate change posed perhaps the biggest risk, officials agreed, despite Trump's recent comments at the United Nations, calling it a "con job."

The issue bubbled up during a meeting of the IMF steering committee on Friday, where South African central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago told officials that climate risk was indisputably a macro-critical issue with huge implications for insurance, economic fundamentals and financial stability.

"In trade negotiations, you can walk away ... and you can find another trading partner," Kganyago told the G30 conference. "With climate, when you walk away from the negotiations, the whole planet gets warm and we will all suffer."

(Reporting By Karin Strohecker, Leika Kihara, Andrea Shalal, David Lawder and David Milliken; Writing by Dan Burns and Andrea Shalal;Editing by Nick Zieminski)
provincial park Mira Miller

I'm a Quebec local, and I only recently visited our Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the first time.

The drive to the area from Montreal was scenic, and we enjoyed exploring the shoreline.

This region is absolutely worth visiting, though you may want to pack a rain jacket and boots.

As a city dweller living in Montreal, I know there's still so much of Quebec that I have yet to explore.

My French-Canadian home province is roughly three times the size of France and has over a dozen regions. This summer, I checked a new one off my list: Bas-Saint-Laurent.

My partner's brother and his wife, who was born in the maritime region, travel there every summer with their young daughter. This year, they invited us to tag along and discover its beauty for ourselves.

Even our drive to the region felt incredibly scenic.

Mira Miller

To reach this region, my partner and I drove 400 miles outside the city along the south shore of the lower Saint Lawrence River, nicknamed "Bas-du-Fleuve."

It's in this area that the river widens into a gulf that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The water is vast  a mix of fresh and saltwater  and breathtakingly beautiful.

The drive from Montreal to Bas-du-Fleuve takes roughly six hours if you go straight and take the largest highway.

It's a little longer if you opt for the slower, more scenic route and make stops along the way like we did. Trust me, it's worth it.

The drive gets especially pretty after Quebec City, where the views of the water begin.

The area is known for its fresh fish, local meats and cheeses (hello, cheese curds), and craft beer. So, we made stops at Tete d'Allumette, a microbrewery with a beautiful terrace overlooking the river, a smoked fish store called Marche Des Trois Fumoirs, and a specialty cheese store called Fromagerie des Basques to stock up on local goodies.

We eventually arrived at Motel de la Mer, which looks out at the river, where we all stayed in an apartment-style accommodation.

We found plenty to do in the area.

Submarine Mira Miller

Our first morning in Bas-Saint-Laurent was rainy, so we toured the Onondaga, a 295-foot submarine that traversed the North Atlantic from 1967 to 2000. It's also the first publicly accessible submarine in Canada.

We also stopped next door to visit the Empress of Ireland Museum, an exhibition about the greatest maritime tragedy in Canadian history.

Then, we met up with the rest of the gang for brunch in downtown Rimouski, the biggest city in the area. We filled up on eggs, crepes, bacon, and good coffee before walking around the city center and popping into cute local shops.

It was especially wonderful to walk along the shore.

Mira Miller

Later that afternoon, at low tide, we walked along the nearby shore, taking in the views as we looked for interesting rocks and shells.

When the tide is low in this region, parts of the shoreline become exposed, and you can actually see and explore the sea floor.

When the tide rises again, that same shoreline is resubmerged. There are different high and low tides each day, and their timing and height vary.

We also enjoyed having fresh seafood.

We loved eating Fresh seafood with a Quebecois twist. Mira Miller

That evening, we picked up dinner from a casse-croute, a locally used term for a small, casual establishment that serves comfort food.

I had a lobster roll and fries while my partner had a lobster poutine.

We were highly impressed with the quantity and freshness of the seafood.

The nearby provincial park is beautiful  but beware of the fickle weather.

provincial park Mira Miller

The following day, we headed out to Parc national du Bic, a beautiful provincial park nearby. We had a picnic and then started walking along the shoreline before turning onto one of the many hiking trails in the woods.

The weather started off gray and cloudy, but eventually turned to heavy rainstorms that left us quite wet. We laughed it off and still had a good time.

This region regularly experiences rainfall (in part due to the St. Lawrence's oceanic influence), so be sure to pack a great rain jacket and boots if you plan to visit.

We also experienced the area's famous sunsets.

Mira Miller

The spectacular sunsets alone are reason enough to visit Bas-du-Fleuve.

Some even refer to the region as "the capital of sunsets" for its western-facing vantage point combined with the beauty of the river, which makes for stunning sundown sights most days.

The location of our motel provided us with a great view of the sun setting over the water as it dipped below the horizon, lighting up the sky.

There's so much beauty to be seen in Quebec.

provincial park Mira Miller

My stay in Bas-Saint-Laurent was rainy (of course, the sun came out and stayed out as soon as we left), but also incredibly memorable.

It showed me how much beauty there is to explore in this giant province I call home  and it made me want to share what I saw with others.

Though Montreal and Quebec City may seem like the obvious choices when traveling to this part of Canada (for good reason), you may also want to consider venturing beyond the big cities to witness what this one-of-a-kind region has to offer.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Trump administration insists it holds the upper hand as trade friction with Beijing has reignited over its sweeping rare-earths export controls.

While President Donald Trumps initial response was to announce an additional 100% tariff and software restrictions on China, which controls more than 90% of the worlds processed rare earths and rare earth magnets, he previously has alluded to harsher measures that could come into play.

But the U.S. has Monopoly positions also, much stronger and more far reaching than Chinas, he warned in a Truth Social post before his tariff move. I have just not chosen to use them, there was never a reason for me to do so  UNTIL NOW!

Trump has since toned down his rhetoric and even acknowledged that his planned tariffs are not sustainable, while Wall Street has dismissed his threats as an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations and another opportunity for the TACO trade.

At the same time, the White House has said a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is still going to happen at months end on the sidelines of a regional economic conference in South Korea.

Still, Chinas rare earth restrictions stunned some obverses, who have said they could forbid any country on Earth from participating in the modern economy, given how critical the minerals are to a vast array of technologies.

On closer inspection, Capital Economics said Beijings policy is actually narrower in scope than initially feared. But China economics head Julian Evans-Pritchard and China economist Leah Fahy said in a note Monday that China is also looking to boost its negotiating position and was probably frustrated that the U.S. didnt seem interested in rolling back its tariffs further.

Whatever the motivation, Chinas recent actions were a bit of a gamble and there is a risk that they could backfire, they wrote.

They also listed ways that the U.S. could ramp up its retaliation and cause even more disruption to Chinas economy.

For example, the U.S. could leverage its control of much of the commercial aviation supply chain by blocking exports of critical componentsor even entire aircraft.

In addition, about 90% of the laptops and PCs in China still use the Windows operating system, according to Capital Economics. Trump could force Microsoft to halt sales and updates in China, eventually resulting in security holes going unfixed.

There are domestic alternatives, but the experience of Huawei suggests that such a switch would reduce the global appeal of Chinese-branded mobile devices, Evans-Pritchard and Fahy said. Perhaps of greatest concern for China is the software used in advanced manufacturing  Western companies control over 70% of the Chinese market for chip design software, for example.

Meanwhile, Trump could deal another severe blow to Chinese tech companies and manufacturers via expanded export controls. Thats because China still relies heavily on chips and chipmaking tools made by the U.S. and its allies, despite the most advanced technologies already falling under strict export limits.

And then theres U.S. dominance of global finance and its infrastructure. Trump could sanction more Chinese firms by freezing their dollar-denominated assets and limiting access to the SWIFT payment system, Evans-Pritchard and Fahy pointed out.

Washington could also force allies to hit China with their own trade restrictions, denying exporters the ability to offset reduced shipments to the U.S. and further isolating China from advanced economies. In fact, Mexico has already proposed tariffs of up to 50% on certain products from China and several other Asian nations.

Hawkish advisors on both sides of the Pacific will undoubtedly be using the current spat as an opportunity to try to lock in deeper US-China decoupling, Capital Economics said. At best, we may return to the uneasy trade truce that had held up until now. At worst, China may find itself cut off from Western markets and technology to an even greater degree than it is today.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Getty Police tape (stock image)

NEED TO KNOW

A former womens wrestling referee died in a bear attack

The body of Katsumi Sasazaki, 60, was found on the bank of a river on Friday, Oct. 17, after he was reported missing the previous day

Sasazaki had been cleaning an outdoor bath area when the attack occurred

A former womens wrestling referee died in a tragic bear attack.

Rescue workers found the mutilated body of Katsumi Sasazaki, 60, in a wooded area in Kitakami, a city in northeastern Japan, on Friday, Oct. 17, per Japanese national news outlet Asahi Shimbum.

Sasazaki, who was a recently retired referee for the Japanese womens wrestling league Dream Star Fighting Marigold, was working at his job at a local hot spring inn when the attack occurred, per the outlet.

Sasazakis manager noticed he was missing the morning of Thursday, Oct 16, and called the local Kitakami Police around 11:15 a.m. local time that day, according to Asahi Shimbum. Police found blood and what appeared to be bear fur in the outdoor area where Sasazaki had been cleaning, per both Asahi Shimbum and NHK World Japan.

Police, along with a local hunting association and city officials, initiated a search for the man, but were forced to suspend it after only half an hour due to inclement weather. They ultimately found Sasazakis body the following morning at approximately 9 a.m. on the bank of a nearby river about 164 feet from the inn, per Asahi Shimbum.

Authorities shot and killed an adult male Asiatic black bear near where the body was found, according to the outlet.



DEA / C.DANI / I.JESKE/De Agostini via Getty Asiatic black bear (stock image)

PEOPLE reached out to Japans National Police Agency for comment on Saturday, Oct. 18, but did not receive an immediate response.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Rossy Ogawa, owner of Dream Star Fighting Marigold wrestling league, paid tribute to Sasazaki in a post on X, noting that Sasazaki was a father to two young daughters.



Tragic news has come in that the body of Katsumi Sasazaki, who was attacked by a bear and went missing at a hot spring facility in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture, has been found, Ogawa began his post.

Sasazakis final referee appearance was in the Marigold ring. A junior from All Japan Womens Pro-Wrestling, he was reserved but dedicated to his work, and he leaves behind two young daughters, he continued. Such an end is unthinkable, and all I can say is that its deeply regrettable and heartbreaking.

I pray for his soul to rest in peace, Ogawa said at the end of his statement.



Read the original article on People
19 October 2025 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

In the heart of the South Caucasus, a new chapter is being written, one not of conflict, but of construction, cooperation, and collective hope. Garabagh, once the epicenter of geopolitical tension, is now emerging as a symbol of resilience and rebirth. Azerbaijans unwavering commitment to rebuilding its liberated territories has not only inspired its own citizens but has also captured the attention of the international community. From Tehran to Tokyo, from Ankara to Berlin, nations and investors are looking toward Garabagh with renewed interest and purpose.

At the III Azerbaijan National Urban Planning Forum (NUFA3), held in October 2025, a powerful message echoed through the halls: Garabagh is open for partnership. Among the most notable voices was that of Yaghoub Houshyar, the mayor of Irans historic city of Tabriz. His statement was clear and confident  Tabrizi businessmen are eager to participate in the reconstruction and development of Garabagh. Coordination is already underway, he said, and future involvement will only expand. It is natural for Tabrizi entrepreneurs to engage in Garabaghs revitalization, especially in education and infrastructure projects, and this is supported at the state level.

This declaration is more than a diplomatic gesture. It is a reflection of the deep cultural and historical ties between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran, particularly the Azerbaijani population of Tabriz. But more importantly, it signals a broader trend: Garabagh is becoming a magnet for international investment and collaboration.

Since the liberation of Garabagh and surrounding districts in 2020, Azerbaijan has embarked on one of the most ambitious reconstruction efforts in modern history. Roads, schools, hospitals, and smart villages are being built from the ground up. The government has prioritized sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity  ensuring that the region not only recovers but thrives. This vision has resonated globally.

Countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have expressed interest in contributing to Garabaghs development. Turkish companies have already played a leading role in infrastructure projects. From Far East to America firms are offering expertise in cultural restoration, exploring smart city solutions, and eyeing opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and energy.

Why this surge of interest? Because Garabagh represents more than just a reconstruction zone  it is a gateway to regional stability and economic integration. Investors see a rare opportunity to be part of a transformative journey, one that blends profit with purpose. Governments recognize that supporting Garabaghs revival is a pathway to deeper diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan, a country that has proven itself as a reliable partner and rising regional power.

Moreover, Azerbaijans transparent and investor-friendly policies have made engagement in Garabagh both feasible and attractive. The state offers guarantees, incentives, and streamlined procedures for foreign entities. The emphasis on public-private partnerships ensures that development is not only state-driven but also market-responsive.

The involvement of Tabrizi businessmen is particularly symbolic. It reflects a grassroots desire for cross-border cooperation and people-to-people connectivity. As Mayor Houshyar rightly noted, this collaboration will bring cities and nations closer together. It is a model of how economic engagement can foster cultural understanding and mutual respect.

But the story does not end with Iran. Delegations from Central Asia, the Balkans, and even Latin America have visited Garabagh in recent months. They come not just to observe, but to explore, to propose, and to commit. The regions potential  in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and tourism  is vast and largely untapped. With peace restored and infrastructure expanding, Garabagh is poised to become a hub of innovation and prosperity.

Azerbaijans leadership deserves credit for turning a post-conflict landscape into a canvas of opportunity. The strategic vision laid out by President Ilham Aliyev has guided this transformation with clarity and conviction. By prioritizing reconstruction, inclusivity, and international cooperation, Azerbaijan has sent a powerful message: Garabagh is not a closed chapter, but an open invitation.

In a world often divided by borders and ideologies, Garabagh stands as a testament to what unity and vision can achieve. It is a place where history meets hope, where nations converge not to compete, but to collaborate. And as more countries and investors join this journey, the regions future grows brighter.

Garabagh is rising  not just from the ashes of war, but into the light of global partnership. The world is watching, and more importantly, the world is participating.
19 October 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

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From January to September 2025, Azerbaijan exported approximately 714,300 tons of crude oil and petroleum products derived from bituminous materials to Portugal, with a total value of $385.1 million USD, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

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19 October 2025 15:47 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

During his visit to the United States, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, took part in the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Governors' Meeting for member countries, held on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, Azernews reports, citing the minister's official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Jabbarov noted that the meeting, chaired by IsDB Group President Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, served as a valuable platform for exchanging views on sustainable and inclusive development priorities with fellow representatives from member states.

The discussions also focused on preparations for Azerbaijan to host the IsDB Groups Annual Meeting in 2026, as well as enhancing cooperation with Islamic financial institutions in support of broader development goals.
19 October 2025 10:33 (UTC+04:00)

As part of the events marking the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty" in Azerbaijan, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Bulgaria and the Azerbaijan Language and Culture Center at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, established in collaboration with Baku Slavic University, jointly organized the opening of an exhibition titled Azerbaijan on the Path to Sovereign Statehood. The event took place in the university's main foyer, Azernews reports.

The exhibition showcases the history of modern Azerbaijani statehood, the exceptional contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev, the legacy of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the countrys foreign policy and legal system, as well as the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. Books and photographs illustrating these themes were presented.

The event was attended by diplomats from various embassies in Bulgaria, faculty and students of Sofia University, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora, media representatives, and other guests.

Director of the Azerbaijan Center at Sofia University, Sofiya Shikayeva-Mitreska, emphasized that the exhibition is not only a historical retrospective but also a platform for reflection on the foundations of statehood, law, and national identity. She highlighted that the concept of sovereignty holds profound meaning for the Azerbaijani people, symbolizing a centuries-long struggle for independence, freedom, and recognition.

She noted that the roots of modern Azerbaijani statehood go back to the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, which laid the groundwork for parliamentarism and civil rights. Following the restoration of independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has steadily strengthened its sovereignty, with the adoption of the 1995 Constitution laying the foundation for a democratic and legal state.

Azerbaijan stands as a model for upholding statehood principles and respecting national values, while also advancing international cooperation and dialogue. The partnership between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria holds a special place in this context. The two nations are connected by deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties. More than 30 years of diplomatic relations have now evolved into a strategic partnership, she added.

Charge dAffaires of Azerbaijan in Bulgaria, Chingiz Garibli, highlighted in his speech that the 1995 Constitution, prepared under the leadership of President Heydar Aliyev, was a turning point in Azerbaijans history. It established a strong legal framework for governance and enshrined the protection of human rights, independence, and national sovereignty.

He noted that 2025 has been declared the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty" in Azerbaijan, marking two key milestones: the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijans victory in the 2020 Garabagh War  a victory that led to the full restoration of national sovereignty under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Garibli emphasized the importance of this commemorative year in instilling a spirit of independence and sovereignty in the younger generation and promoting respect for the legal foundations of Azerbaijani statehood.

The event concluded with a traditional Azerbaijani dance performance and a reception, presented by Yoanna Yordanova, a student specializing in Turkic studies and learning the Azerbaijani language.

The exhibition, dedicated to Azerbaijans journey toward sovereign statehood, will remain open at Sofia University for one week, offering students, academics, and visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Azerbaijans path to independence.
19 October 2025 11:22 (UTC+04:00)

In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of vehicles on Azerbaijani roads emitting excessive pollutants from their exhaust systems. According to estimates, approximately 88% of all air pollutants in the country originate from motor vehicle emissions. In addition to harming air quality, poorly maintained vehicles often contribute to traffic congestion and serious road accidents.

As Azernews reports, the Main State Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, has announced a "Clean Air" month-long campaign running from October 20 to November 20, 2025, across the country. The initiative aims to implement preventive measures to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles.

In this context, driversas well as individuals and companies involved in passenger and freight transportationare strongly advised to ensure that the fuel and exhaust systems of their vehicles are in proper working condition.

Authorities remind the public that operating or authorizing the use of vehicles that emit pollutants above the legally permitted levels constitutes an environmental violation. Individuals and legal entities found in breach will be held legally accountable in accordance with current environmental and traffic legislation.
Photo: Gretos Skaraitienes / BNS nuotr.

In an interview with the Lithuanian publication BNS, Ukrainian MP and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko said that US President Donald Trump has trump cards that he can use to force Vladimir Putin to end the war.

What does Putin want? Putin is trying to show his international victory, but this is impossible. He wants to remove the US from the Ukrainian issue so that America becomes inactive in this process, Poroshenko explains.

He is convinced that after the success of the peace process in Gaza, Trump is determined to make progress on the war in Ukraine.

"Trump has so-called trump cards that can put pressure on Putin. What are they? First, Tomahawk missiles, which the US could transfer to Ukraine. Second, a new wave of air defence systems from the US. Third, new F-16 fighter jets. Also, financial assistance. And another trump card is sanctions. All these tools are ways to pressure Putin to stop the war. I am confident that Trump will take advantage of these opportunities. He understands that Putin has no choice but to stop the war," Poroshenko said.

He believes that even Trump's announcement that he is ready to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles is already a very positive sign, as he had not promised this before.

According to the political force's website, Poroshenko took part in the Political Assembly of the European People's Party in Vilnius, of which Eurosolidarity is an associate member. During his speech, the politician called on partners to accelerate the transition of the economy to a military footing, to use Ukraine's experience in repelling aggression and to learn to live without Russian oil and gas.
19 October 2025 16:21 (UTC+04:00)

A delegation from the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology has visited the First Hospital of Tsinghua University  one of Chinas most prestigious medical institutions, Azernews reports.

The hospitals president, Professor Zhang Mingkui, highlighted Tsinghua Universitys strong position among the worlds top 20 universities, its leading role in medical education, advanced technological capabilities, and international academic cooperation platforms.

Director of the hospitals Heart Center, Professor Wang Lianyi, delivered a presentation on the centers clinical focus areas, scientific priorities, and international research programs. He spoke about the latest achievements in cardiac surgery, cardiovascular imaging technologies, and translational research, emphasizing real opportunities for joint scientific projects.

Professor Gulnaz Dadashova, Director of the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology, and the institutes senior researcher, PhD in Medicine Vusal Hajiyev, gave detailed presentations on the current state of cardiology in Azerbaijan, the scientific and practical outcomes of recent healthcare reforms, and the countrys ongoing innovative medical initiatives.

Professor Dadashova outlined the institutes activities, scientific departments, research directions, and international cooperation priorities. She emphasized that joint projects with advanced countries like China could make a significant contribution to the training of young cardiologists and surgeons, as well as to translational science and technological knowledge exchange.

Vusal Hajiyev shared Azerbaijans experience in developing national programs for cardiac surgery and heart failure, highlighting the implementation of advanced procedures such as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), and hybrid revascularization surgeries.

The Azerbaijani delegation also discussed recent changes in the national healthcare system, including the introduction of mandatory health insurance and the expansion of cardiology services in regional hospitals. Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan aims to become a regional hub in this field and an active partner in international scientific collaboration.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on potential joint research in areas such as heart failure, revascularization technologies, regenerative therapies, and the use of artificial intelligence in cardiology. They also discussed opportunities for clinical training exchanges, joint PhD programs, scientific conferences, and collaborative publications.

Concluding with a Q&A session, the meeting reaffirmed both sides commitment to long-term cooperation. The parties agreed to plan joint research projects, researcher exchanges, and mutual participation in international initiatives in the near future.

The visit marks an important step toward deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the fields of cardiology research and clinical medical education.
20 October 2025 00:48 (UTC+04:00)

Ahead of the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, images of the Azerbaijani flag have appeared on street media screens in Astana, Azernews reports, citing Zakon.kz.

A video featuring Azerbaijani flags displayed on the streets of Astana was released by the press service of Akorda on October 19. The footage shows illuminated LED screens with the Azerbaijani tricolour lighting up the citys main avenues in the evening.

Earlier, it was reported that, at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan on October 2021, 2025.

During the visit, high-level talks will be held.

In addition, the two heads of state will take part in a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council and the KazakhstanAzerbaijan Business Forum.

It is worth noting that just recently, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Azerbaijan. On October 6, he arrived in Gabala, and on October 7, the president took part in the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States.
19 October 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

China and the United States agreed Saturday to conduct another round of trade negotiations in the coming week, as the worlds two biggest economies seek to avoid another damaging tit-for-tat tariff battle, Azernews reports, citing Arab News.

Beijing last week announced sweeping controls on the critical rare earths industry, prompting US President Donald Trump to threaten 100 percent tariffs on imports from China in retaliation.

Trump had also threatened to cancel his expected meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

In the latest indication of efforts to resolve their dispute, Chinese state media reported that Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges during a Saturday morning call, and that both sides agreed to hold a new round of trade talks as soon as possible.

On social media, Bessent described the discussions as frank and detailed, and said they would meet in-person next week to continue our discussions.

Bessent had previously accused China of seeking to harm the rest of the world by tightening restrictions rare earths, which are critical to everything from smartphones to guided missiles.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participated in the call, according to the report by Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

Hours before the call, Fox News released excerpts of an interview with Trump in which he said that he would meet Xi at the APEC summit after all.

Coordinated response

The high-level video call came as Washington worked to rally Group of Seven finance ministers in response to the latest Chinese export controls.

For now, the G7 ministers have agreed to coordinate a short-term response and diversify suppliers, the EUs economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters in Washington.

Speaking after the grouping met this week, Dombrovskis noted the vast majority of rare earth supplies come from China, meaning that diversification could take years.

We agreed, both bilaterally with the US and at the G7 level, to coordinate our approach, he said on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Banks fall meetings.

Countries would also exchange information on their contacts with Chinese counterparts as they work out short-term solutions, he added.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil told journalists he hopes that Trump and Xis meeting can help to resolve much of the US-China trade conflict.

We have made it clear within the G7 that we do not agree with Chinas approach, he added, referring to the group of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva also expressed hope Friday for an agreement between the countries to cool tensions.

The US-China trade war reignited this year as Trump promised sweeping tariffs on imports soon after returning to office.

At one point, US-China tariffs escalated to triple-digit levels, effectively halting some trade as businesses waited for a resolution.

The two countries have since lowered their respective levies but their truce has remained shaky.
19 October 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Presidential elections are being held today in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), with voters heading to the polls for the first round of voting, Azernews reports, citing Haber Global.

According to information, polls opened at 8:00 AM and will remain open until 6:00 PM local time.

A total of 777 polling stations have been set up across the TRNC, where 218,313 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots. To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must secure an absolute majoritythat is, more than 50% of the valid votes.

If no candidate achieves this threshold, the top two candidates will proceed to a runoff election held within seven days. The candidate who receives the most votes in the second round will be declared the next President of the TRNC.

This year, seven candidates are contesting the election, five of whom are running as independents. Among them is the incumbent president, Ersin Tatar, who is seeking re-election as an independent candidate.
19 October 2025 13:21 (UTC+04:00)

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to implement an immediate ceasefire following diplomatic talks held in Doha, Qatar, Azernews reports, citing the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the negotiations, both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire, the official statement read.

The agreement was signed by the defense ministers of both countries  Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid of Afghanistan and Khawaja Asif of Pakistan  along with representatives from Qatar and Turkiye, who acted as mediators.

The delegations from both Pakistan and Afghanistan also agreed to hold further consultations in the coming days to ensure the full implementation and maintenance of the ceasefire.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated in recent months, particularly along the border regions, prompting concerns over security, migration, and cross-border militant activity. The involvement of Qatar and Turkiye reflects increasing regional efforts to de-escalate and stabilize the situation through diplomatic channels.
19 October 2025 17:22 (UTC+04:00)

Germanys Federal Foreign Office has recalled its Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, for consultations, Azernews reports, citing the ministry's post on X.

The statement said that Ambassador Fischer was called back to Berlin to hold consultations and discuss the next steps in Germanys relations with Georgia.

It was also noted that the situation in Georgia will be added to the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
19 October 2025 18:50 (UTC+04:00)

Ukraine has no intention of ceding any of its territory to Russia, and Kyiv, together with its allies, will continue to increase pressure on Moscow to achieve a just peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Zelensky emphasized the need for long-term cooperation and tangible results from Europe in both the short and long term.

We will give nothing to Russia, and we will not forget anything, because we clearly see that Russia represents a long-term threat, Zelensky stated.
19 October 2025 20:21 (UTC+04:00)

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained 14 participants of a protest held in Tbilisi yesterday for obstructing traffic, Azernews reports.

Among those detained are Vakho Sanaya, a journalist from the opposition Formula TV channel, and Lasha Chkhartishvili, a member of the Labour Party. Administrative proceedings are underway against the remaining 13 individuals.

The ministry stated that although the number of protesters was small, they blocked Rustaveli Avenue, one of Tbilisis main thoroughfares.
19 October 2025 20:50 (UTC+04:00)

South Korean authorities have taken a North Korean soldier into custody after he crossed the inter-Korean border, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap News Agency.

The soldier crossed the border in a central area, where South Korean forces monitored his movements and provided him assistance. Authorities are currently investigating his motives.

The JCS noted that no unusual activity was detected by North Korean soldiers during the incident.

Officials added that this is the third defector to cross into South Korea since President Yoon Suk-Yeol took office in June, but the first military personnel to defect since August 2024.
19 October 2025 22:23 (UTC+04:00)

Chinas Ministry of State Security has accused US intelligence agencies of stealing classified information and attempting to breach the networks of the National Time Service Center (NTSC), Azernews reports, citing the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

According to the report, the cyberattacks could have disrupted the normal operations of the center. Located in Xian, Shaanxi Province, and affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the NTSC is responsible for transmitting the countrys official time standards.

Chinas counterintelligence agency stated that the US National Security Agency began stealing sensitive information in March 2022. In April 2023, US intelligence reportedly used stolen passwords to access the centers computer systems and study its networks.

The attacks allegedly involved virtual servers located in the US, Europe, and Asia. Chinese state security authorities have gathered evidence and instructed the NTSC to investigate the breaches, halt the attacks, and strengthen its cybersecurity protocols.
On October 16, Kyiv hosted the 11th Kyiv International Economic Forum under the topic Ukraine 2.0: The Power of People. The event brought together over 1,000 participants  government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, business leaders and top managers of leading companies, entrepreneurs, investors, civil society and experts.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in 15 panel discussions featuring over 100 speakers from Ukraine and abroad. The conversations focused on how to sustain economic growth amid a prolonged war and global transformation  maintaining macroeconomic stability and competitiveness, attracting investment, integrating into global supply chains, developing industry and technology, and strengthening energy resilience. A particular focus was placed on the role of people in the countrys transformation  their leadership, entrepreneurship and ability to make decisions that shape the course of economic change.

The Forum was opened by Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, who addressed the participants in a recorded video message.

The war has forced around 10 million Ukrainians to leave their homes. Direct damages amount to USD 176 billion and economic losses reach USD 589 billion. Despite these challenges, we see the economy growing. Ukrainian businesses have endured, adapted and continue to develop. They keep operating during blackouts and amid disrupted logistics. This flexibility and creativity are our key competitive advantages, said Oleksii Sobolev.

The Minister added that the government is working to create favorable conditions for business development  ensuring access to finance through EU and international bank programs, supporting industry and processing, developing industrial parks, stimulating investment in strategic sectors, reducing risks for investors, and continuing deregulation.

At the heart of all changes are people. This years Forum has once again proven the enormous potential Ukrainians possess. Despite living in a state of total crisis for almost four years, we continue to stay in the country, invest in the economy, and take responsibility. The future of our nation depends on joint action and trust between business, government and society. The most important thing is to create opportunities that allow people to plan their future and live with dignity here, in Ukraine, emphasized Vasyl Khmelnytskyi, initiator of the Forum and founder of UFuture holding company.

Summarizing the Forum, Yuriy Pyvovarov, CEO of KIEF, noted that one of the key issues discussed was security  as no one knows when the war will end, the question of economic resilience is becoming increasingly critical.

Ukraine 2.0 is not about returning to the past but about building a new country  with an innovative economy, a capable security and defense system, a genuine partnership between business and government, and an education system that develops professionals essential for economic growth. We can already see these changes taking shape  in government decisions, in business actions, and in the growing readiness to take responsibility. The future is not something to wait for  its something to create, and thats exactly what Ukrainians are doing today, said Yuriy Pyvovarov.

Traditionally, the Kyiv International Economic Forum brings the business community together around meaningful social initiatives.

This year, KIEF raised UAH 3 million, which will be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Soborna Ukraina Charitable Foundation, supporting families of fallen defenders.

Title Partners: Mastercard, AEQUO, UFuture, Work.ua.

Partners: Sense Bank, EFI Group, umgi, MHP, FUIB, DTEK, PrivatBank, NEQSOL Holding, Biopharma, Kyivstar, INTERPIPE, Biosphere Corporation, Ajax Systems, CEO Club Ukraine, OKKO, GORO Development, Done, Metinvest, Balex.

Program Partner: The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (ACC).

Business expert: Forbes Ukraine.

Title Media Partners: 1+1 media, Starlight Media.

Media Partners: Kyiv Post, LIGA.net, The Kyiv Independent, , Tvoe Misto, RBC-Ukraine, Mind.ua, Delo.ua, , Interfax-Ukraine, TAVR Media, Huxley, finance.ua, .

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20 October 2025 01:32 (UTC+04:00)

Germany has recalled its ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, for consultations following what Berlin described as increasingly sharp rhetoric from Tbilisi toward the European Union and German representatives.

Azernews reports that in a brief statement, the German Foreign Ministry said:

For months, the Georgian leadership has been waging a campaign against the EU, Germany, and the ambassador personally. This is why we have taken this decision.

The recall, announced over the weekend, reflects a recent cooling in diplomatic relations between the two countries but does not amount to a formal downgrading of ties. Officials in Berlin described the move as a temporary measure intended for internal discussions and assessment.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a formal response to Germanys decision. However, relations between the two governments have been under strain since September, when Tbilisi accused Ambassador Fischer of interfering in internal affairs. Berlin rejected the accusation as baseless and reaffirmed its respect for Georgias sovereignty.

The situation is expected to be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, where ministers will review recent developments in Georgia and the broader South Caucasus region.

Despite recent diplomatic tensions, both Berlin and Tbilisi have emphasized their commitment to maintaining dialogue. Germany remains one of Georgias key European partners, providing development assistance, investment support, and backing for ongoing reforms.

Observers note that such recalls are not uncommon in diplomacy and often serve as a means of consultation rather than confrontation.
The prominent journalist Ed Moloney has died, his family has said.

Mr Moloney passed away in New York City on Friday, where he had been living and working, after a brief illness. He was 77.

The award-winning journalist, author and film-maker was best known for his coverage of the Troubles, and the activities of the Provisional IRA.

He was the director of Boston College's Belfast Project, which collected oral interviews with republican and loyalist militants who had been active during the Troubles.

Journalist Ed Moloney in 2018. Niall Carson/PA Wire

News Catch Up - Sunday 19 October

The 2010 book Voices from the Grave featured some of these interviews, notably with republican Brendan Hughes, who discussed his time during the Troubles with Gerry Adams, and the leading unionist David Ervine.

In 2018, Mr Moloney co-wrote and co-produced the award-winning documentary I, Dolours, which told the story of IRA member and hunger striker Dolours Price.

Seamus Dooley, assistant general secretary of the National Union of Journalists in Ireland, said: Ed Moloney was one of the most consequential journalists of his generation. He had an unyielding commitment to shining a light into the darkest corners of Northern Ireland's troubled history.
Homeowners in a Newcastle cul-de-sac have been trapped by rising some of the worst flooding there in living memory.

Severe flooding has hit parts of Northern Ireland today after hours of heavy rain.

Some people in Co Down have been unable to leave their homes after a deluge. Locals say it is the worst they have seen in 40 years.

One said three days worth of rain had fallen in a matter of hours.

Earlier, a yellow weather warning for rain had been extended to 3pm on Sunday.

Flooding in Co Down has residents unable to leave homes

In Co Down, people living in Newcastle have been using sandbags to protect their homes after flooding.

Photographs from the scene show roads turned into streams of water.

Naomi Scullin-Ayoub, whose family has lived in Slievemoyne Park in the Co Down seaside town for over 40 years, described it as the worst flooding we have ever experienced.

She explained that a speed bump installed over a decade ago traps water in the area, and that blocked drains, which are rarely cleared, have made the problem worse.

The mother of two said she became increasingly worried on Sunday that trapped water from rainfall and high tides could flood her home and nearby properties.

When the water comes down from the Mourne Mountains, it travels down the Tullybrannigan Road and were at the bottom of that.

They put in a speed bump over 10 years ago and it acts as a plug. When water comes in, it has nowhere to go.

On top of that, they dont clean our drains frequently enough, and so our park just gets flooded all the time. We have to go through this issue constantly.

Parts of Newcastle are almost completely submerged

The resident added: At 9am, I phoned Floodline and was told someone was en route. I contacted them multiple times since, and nobody has arrived to help yet.

The water is literally centimetres from entering our properties. My neighbour went out in wadders, and the water level is just below his waist height. It is so high.

"Its like a river with nowhere to go, waiting for the next rainfall or high tide to come in, and at least four or five homes will be flooded. I dont know what to do, we are at a loose end.

Weve lived in this property for over 40 years. We have been flooded and out of this property twice. The difference is, when those floods damaged our family home, that water went away in the past, but this water has nowhere to go.

Residents reportedly call every year requesting that the drains be cleared, but authorities have taken no action so far this year.

If the drains were cleared, our house could be saved. We are trapped in our property. Its a few millimetres from our door. We have a floodgate which we got as a precautionary measure, but very soon it will be useless.

I have two small children, aged two and three and I have two dogs. I cant let the pets outside because sewage water is surrounding our home. Nobody is doing anything; I am so frustrated."

The scene in Newcastle after flooding

Willie Clarke described "a river running down the roads" after heavy rain on the Mourne Mountains on Sunday.

He said neighbours on Tullybrannigan Road and nearby streets were out from the early hours armed with shovels and sandbags, working to keep the floodwater away from people's homes, and described their efforts as "really amazing".

The Sinn Fein councillor said he was aware of two flooded homes.

The Tullybrannigan road was closed on Sunday, and the PSNI urged caution in the area.

Posting on Facebook they said: "Our partner agencies are working hard to look after the road and local residents so please do not make any unnecessary journeys to the area as this causes more water movement making it a harder job and more dangerous for those working!"

Mr Clarke said that when the water swept down from the mountains it brought with it debris which blocked drains, causing "more havoc", but said the low tide helped the rainwater disperse.

Flooding in Newcastle, Co Down. (Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye)

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said the flooding was caused by "surface water run-off from the Mourne Mountains" after heavy overnight rain, adding that there were no reports of rivers causing flooding.

They said more than 900 sandbags were used and their teams cleared the roads of debris, which included large stones.

They said their staff had been "on standby all weekend following the Met Office weather warning issued".

Samuel Guist, who lives in the Tullybrannigan Road area, said the weather was causing chaos.

"One of my neighbours who has lived here for 40 years said he has never seen anything like it," he told the BBC.

Flooding on Sunningdale Drove off the Tullyhbrannigan Road in Newcastle, Co Down. (Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye)

Sam Anderson from the Newcastle Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) said residents have been left helpless despite repeated calls for action on flood prevention.

Residents arent shocked at all at this flooding, as we are always on high alert when there is a heavy rain and particularly a weather warning," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"Although this is a yellow warning, about three days worth of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours.

Everybody is watching the drains around them, and some residents have desperately needed sandbags to protect their properties.

Today, our residents are worried. Over the past two years since the last major flooding, their mental health has been significantly affected, and even light rain now causes major anxiety for some.

Flooding on Sunningdale Drove off the Tullyhbrannigan Road in Newcastle, Co Down. (Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye)

Alliance Party councillor Jill Truesdale and described seeing the water "funnelling down the mountain".

"I've never seen so much debris come down before, it's quite frightening," she told BBC News NI.

She and her family are now unable to leave their house due to the flooding.

"It looks as if we are going to be [trapped] for a while because there's also a high tide so we won't be leaving, it's not worth the risk," she added.

Flooding on Sunningdale Drove off the Tullyhbrannigan Road in Newcastle, Co Down. (Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye)

The Met Office had predicted that heavy rain will spread across the whole of the region before gradually clearing to the east on Sunday.

Downpours were due to be heaviest in the southeast, with 20-30 mm expected to accumulate widely.

Over the Mournes, 60-100mm were expected to build up much of this falling in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Met Office added the weather warning will impact on travel.

The Met Office advised people to check if their property could be at risk of flooding.

Travellers should avoid delays by checking road conditions and bus and train timetables, it said.
Two senior DUP and SDLP figures have engaged in a war of words over voting rights for NI citizens in the Irish presidential election, with the deputy First Minister accusing Stormonts Opposition leader of a petty and personal attack.
Image of John and the drunken man who had just kicked him.

A popular Belfast busker has spoken of his disappointment at the deterioration in Belfast city centre after he was assaulted while performing.

John Garrity, who is from Trillick in Co Tyrone, said it is six years to the day that he moved to Belfast.

It was an anniversary he wanted to celebrate by posting to his followers online, but Saturdays events spoilt the occasion.

The city centre is a pure dump, he told the Belfast Telegraph, I dont blame people for not going into it any more.

Commenting on the attack, he said: It went on for about a half hour or more.

Everything was going grand, I was out for a couple of hours. I was over talking to people who would stop with me all the time to chat about music or where Im playing.

A visibly intoxicated man then grabbed the microphone. I took it back off him, because I have a rule with my mic that its only me who uses it because you never know whether someone might grab it and say something provocative; make sectarian or racist remarks.

People from all backgrounds use and commute through the city centre, its a shared space.

When the attacker was then asked to step away he became very hostile, took his jacket off and put his fists up.

Singer John Garrity.

John explained that he has always been taught to show restraint, to keep my hands in my pockets no matter how many clouts you get.

The man punched John on the side of the head, he explained, then pushed him.

The musician attempted to laugh it off and didnt want children who were watching to witness a fight.

In order to diffuse the situation, John walked away to speak to individuals he knows again.

The drunk man left but returned ten minutes later, when he charged towards John and hit the bottom of my chin. He was also kicked a number of times.

John backed away as he knew the man was heavily intoxicated and didnt want to get involved.

Image of John and the drunken man who had just kicked him.

Watch: Call for vigilance after first confirmed sightings of Asian hornets in NI

Since the incident John has received hundreds and hundreds of messages from well-wishers.

He was however forthright when it comes to his views on Belfast city centre and how it has deteriorated since he first moved six years ago.

Belfast city centre is done,  John said. There are no police about the city centre, nobody to turn to.

Security on doors can only do so much. This sort of anti-social behaviour is ongoing in the city centre.

Theres been an unbelievable decline. Its sad. The Belfast I moved to years ago is unrecognisable; totally different. No police, no support.

He posted online after the incident questioning whether it is time to start hitting back?

The busker can only recall one other occasion did he encounter physical violence and that involved two homeless men.

Preparing to perform again on Saturday night, John said he was left feeling like a zombie with lots of thoughts running through his mind about the assault.

While troubled by the incident, he says Belfast is a place he enjoys and with the support he has received just wants to get on with it.

Belfast area Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham has said that as a victim-focused Police Service, the PSNI has engaged with Mr Garrity concerning this matter and provided appropriate advice.

"Our investigation is ongoing at this time, with a number of enquiries to be completed in due course, a statement added.

As such, we would appeal to anyone who was in the Donegall Place area yesterday afternoon around 3pm and noticed an assault towards a busker by another man, to get in touch with police on 101, with any information that could help our investigation, quoting reference number 908 18/10/25

Our officers provide a visible policing presence in Belfast City Centre. We meet regularly with partner agencies, local representatives and members of the community and we remain committed to working alongside them to address any problems that may arise, including anti-social behaviour and drugs criminality.

We constantly monitor crime trends and deploy our resources to the areas of greatest need and vulnerability and regularly run targeted policing operations, working alongside partners, to address community concerns.

Police will robustly address any criminal activity and welcome the opportunity to engage with those who wish to tackle criminality in the local community.

I would encourage anyone affected by any criminal activity to contact police in order to enable us to take action.

Any incident can be reported on the non-emergency number 101.

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Israel struck targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday after it said its troops came under fire from Hamas militants, in the first major test of a US-brokered ceasefire meant to halt more than two years of war.

Members of the Palestinian group used an RPG and Israel responded with airstrikes and artillery, the military said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with Israels security heads and directed the military to take strong action against any ceasefire violations, but did not threaten to return to war.

Hamas said that it was not connected to any clashes in Rafah in Southern Gaza.

The strikes came as Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight, and the Palestinian group said talks to launch the second phase of ceasefire negotiations have begun.

Mr Netanyahus office said the bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father-of-three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed at Kibbutz Beeri.

Both were believed to have been killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, and their bodies were taken to Gaza.

Mr Engels wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.

Ronen Engel was killed during the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border (Hostages Family Forum via AP)

Meanwhile, Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice.

The statement by Mr Netanyahus office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfils its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

In the past week, Hamas has handed over the remains of 13 bodies, 12 of which have been identified as hostages. Israel said one of the bodies released did not belong to a hostage.

Israel has released 150 bodies of Palestinians back to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday, according to the Gaza health ministry, part of the Hamas-run government. Israel has neither identified the bodies nor said how they died.

Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker, was killed at Kibbutz Beeri (Hostages Family Forum via AP)

The ministry has posted photos of dozens of bodies on its website to help families and relatives attempting to locate their loved ones, but the bodies were decomposed, blackened and some were missing limbs and teeth. Only 25 bodies have been identified, the health ministry said.

After Israel and Hamas exchanged 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, the handover of the remains of deceased hostages and prisoners remains a major issue in the first stage of the ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump.

A major scale-up of aid, including the opening of the Rafah border crossing, for humanitarian aid and people entering or leaving Gaza, is the other central issue.

The next stages of the ceasefire will focus on disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from additional areas it controls in Gaza, and future governance of the devastated territory.

The Israeli military said on Sunday that militants shot at troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in the Israeli-controlled areas, according to the agreed-upon ceasefire lines. No injuries were reported.

A senior Hamas official denied that Hamas was involved.

Hamas and Israel have each accused each other of violating the fragile ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Hamas says that talks with mediators to start the second phase of the ceasefire have begun.

Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesman, said in a statement late on Saturday that the second phase of negotiations requires national consensus.

He also said Hamas has begun discussions to solidify its positions, without providing further details.

According to Mr Trumps plan, the negotiations will include disarming Hamas and the establishment of an internationally backed authority to run the embattled Gaza Strip.

Mr Kassem reiterated that the group would not be part of the ruling authority in a post-war Gaza. Hamas-run government bodies in the Gaza Strip were running day-to-day affairs to avoid a power void, he said.

Hamas said it needs special equipment to locate the bodies of additional hostages (Jehad Alshrafi/AP)

Government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the vacuum is very dangerous, and this will continue until an administrative committee is formed and agreed upon by all Palestinian factions, he said.

Mr Kassem called for a Community Support Committee, a body of Palestinian technocrats, to run the day-to-day affairs, to be established promptly.

Israel did not open the Rafah border crossing on Sunday, in an attempt to pressure Hamas to return more hostages bodies.

Hamas says it needs special equipment to locate the bodies of additional hostages, but Israel believes Hamas has access to more bodies than it has returned.

The Rafah crossing was the only one not controlled by Israel before the war. It has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side.

A fully reopened crossing would make it easier for Palestinians to seek medical treatment, travel or visit family in Egypt, home to tens of thousands of Palestinians.

A woman grieves over the coffin of her son, a hostage who was killed and whose body was returned from Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authoritys interior ministry in Ramallah announced procedures for Palestinians wishing to leave or enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing. For those who want to leave Gaza, Palestinian embassy staff from Cairo will be at the crossing to issue temporary travel documents that allow entry into Egypt. Palestinians who wish to enter the Gaza Strip will need to apply at the embassy in Cairo for relevant entry documents.

The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government in the territory. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by UN agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the attack that sparked the war.

The group rejected on Sunday a claim by the US state department that said it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by Hamas against residents of Gaza.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts, the US state department said in a statement on Saturday.

Mourners gather around the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire after crossing the ceasefire line, according to the Hamas-run civil defence (Yousef Al Zanoun/AP)

Hamas called the claim false allegations, and accused Israel of supporting armed groups operating in Israeli-controlled areas.

Hamas urged the US administration to pressure Israel to stop supporting the gangs and providing them a safe haven.

Hamas-led fighters clashed with at least two armed groups in eastern Gaza City that the group alleges are involved in looting aid and collaborating with Israel. They executed a handful of suspects in public, in widely condemned street killings.

The interior ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, says its forces were working to restore law and order across areas Israels military withdrew from following the ceasefire.
The Council of the European Union will hold a meeting of foreign ministers on the theme Interregional Security and Connectivity, Azernews reports.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are expected to attend. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have also been invited to take part.

The meeting, scheduled for October 20 in Luxembourg, will address a wide range of topics, including a new sanctions package against Moscow, the RussiaUkraine war, the strategic importance of the Black Sea, the situation in the Middle East, and the evolving geopolitical and security dynamics in the region.
The 40-millimetre PanoMaticLunar Anniversary Edition was released as part of the celebration of 180 years of Glashutte watchmaking tradition. On September 26, it was precisely 180 years ago that the Dresden court watchmaker Johann Friedrich Gutkaes provided the necessary funds securing the continuation of watchmaking in Glashutte.

With an asymmetric setup, the moon phase is placed to the right, and hours and minutes to the left, with an overlapping small seconds dial, time is read via white gold hands filled in with Super-LumiNova. Around four oclock you also have the brands signature large panorama date provided by two circling discs.
Mums the word for Katherine Devlin when it comes to landing roles.

The actor calls in her mother to help her audition for parts, including her breakout role as police officer Annie Conlon in Blue Lights.
Authorities easing Halloween mask killer medic back into society ahead of full release

A doctor who murdered his mum with a chisel while wearing a Halloween mask is back walking the streets.

Sunday Life pictured Declan Dr Death ONeill  who worked at the City Hospital in Belfast  enjoying a stroll as he prepares to be fully released from jail.
TV personality Fred Sirieix has joined forces once again with leading Northern Ireland-based TV production company Waddell Media for a new four-part series.

Renowned for decades of experience in some of the finest and most successful hotels and restaurants, Fred takes on his toughest challenge yet: turning around the UKs most troubled hospitality venues for Freds Hotel Fixers (Channel 4).
Man who fought Irish State to reveal name of Belfast priest who raped him sues religious order

Victim says he wants legal action to represent progress

Ali Bracken Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 08:00

A man who was raped as a boy by a Belfast priest and fought the Irish State to have his abusers name revealed is now suing a religious order.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
From left to right, Sophia, Megan, Daniela, Lara Raj, Yoonchae, and Manon of Katseye perform at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7 in Elmont, New York.

Nothing the six members of this group do is by chance. Their dances go viral, their campaigns keep growing, and each member has a personality linked to a charm that can be bought by their fans, the Eyekons

This moment makes it all worth it. This isnt the typical opening line of an award acceptance speech  but then, neither is the story of the person saying it. Lara Raj, 19, was chosen from 120,000 applicants to become one of six members of Katseye, an unprecedented experiment in the music industry. The group was designed to export the methodologies of Korean pop, or K-pop, to the rest of the world.

And it seems to be working: a few weeks ago, they won their first award, the Video Music Awards for Push Performance of the Year. The rest of Katseyes acceptance speech also provides insight into the phenomenon: Thanks to our Chairman Bang for being our visionary leader. The group finished by saying thank you in two more languages: Filipino and Tamil.

The fact that the group speaks different languages is no accident. Nothing in Katseye is. Neither the countless commercial campaigns  like the one they led this summer for GAP  nor the TikTok dances that accompany, and sometimes overshadow, viral tracks like Gabriela. Everything has been meticulously studied for years by dozens of executives, led by a single figure: Bang Si-hyuk, the visionary leader mentioned in the speech. Bang is the founder and chairman of the South Korean label Hybe, responsible for the success of bands like BTS. He began as an amateur musician and is now considered by Forbes one of South Koreas richest men, with an estimated fortune of $2.4 billion.

In 2021, with K-pop on the verge of conquering the international market thanks to groups like Blackpink, Bang decided it was time to export the unique universe surrounding this phenomenon to other countries. In an interview with The New Yorker, he compared creating K-pop groups to an act of engineering and admitted that he spent months studying audience dynamics and reactions using a method very similar to that of an AI.

On the left, John Janick, CEO of Geffen Records, and Bang Si-Hyuk (right), founder of Hybe, pose with the members of Katseye, in November 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Christopher Polk (Billboard via Getty Images)

To create Katseye, Bang relied on two key pillars: first, an international partner  after months of negotiations, he signed a deal with Geffen, one of Universals labels; and second, almost equally important, a reality show. In Korea, reality shows are crucial for cultivating a loyal audience that follows and participates in forming the groups as they face various talent challenges (shooting a music video, recreating choreography, etc.).

After a massive casting that included more than 120,000 applicants from around the world (reaching every continent was vital to achieve the ideal of a global group), 20 contestants were selected to take part in Dream Academy, a reality show first broadcast on YouTube. Once it ended, it was turned into the Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: Katseye. The main controversy was that the contestants were not initially told they were part of a reality show.

They spent a full year in Los Angeles training in K-pop disciplines, thinking it was just a standard group audition. The K-pop methodology is about [perfecting your] singing and dancing performance, everything to make for a great performance; and also synchronization for the choreography, Yoonchae, one of the six final members, told InStyle months later.

Once they had mastered the rules, they learned they were actually part of a reality show, where they would compete against each other to win the publics favor. From then on, they faced challenges judged in categories as subjective as attitude or star quality. Contestants who failed to gain public support were eliminated.

Finally, in November 2023, the definitive members were chosen: Sophia, a 22-year-old Filipino, became the group leader; Daniela, a 21-year-old American of Latino origin, was named the main dancer; Lara, a 19-year-old American of Indian descent, became the lead vocalist; Manon, a 23-year-old Swiss with a Ghanaian father, was chosen as the visual center, the most charismatic with the strongest stage presence, often positioned at the center of choreographies; Megan, a 19-year-old Hawaiian American, was designated the all-rounder, the most versatile; and Yoonchae, a 19-year-old South Korean, became the maknae, or youngest member of the group.

Throughout the entire process, audience participation via Weverse was crucial. This app  part social network, part e-commerce platform, and part fan forum  was created in 2019 by Hybe to strengthen the bond between K-pop fans and their idols, away from the toxicity of much of the internet.

Artists who use the platform feel safer than when theyre thrown into that wild, wild social-media world, one of the platforms managers told The New Yorker. Through Weverse, fans voted for their favorites and now receive daily notifications, from private messages from Katseye wishing them well to announcements about upcoming concerts. This is also how the label revealed the official name for the fan community: Eyekons.

From left to right, Katseye members Lara Raj, Megan, Manon, Sophia, Daniela, and Yoonchae on the red carpet at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Kevin Mazur (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV)

Since then, captivating those Eyekons with their own symbolism and universe has become the groups top priority. To achieve this, Katseye has turned to Humberto Leon, the creative director formerly in charge of the brand Kenzo.

Whether its if the girls can paint their nails this color or whats the music video for their launch, Im involved in every single aspect of it, Leon told NME.

Unlike the creative directors of other stars, he oversees every detail of Katseye. Weve tried to embed the way the girls dress with a little bit of their background, for sure, without it being heavy-handed or tokenizing them, he explained months ago to the Los Angeles Times.

Leon unifies the group under the Y2K style, or early 2000s fashion, evoking icons like Shakira or Milla Jovovich through low-rise pants and crop tops. Still, every look includes distinctive details designed to delight the fans.

In K-pop jargon, these details are called charms  traits representing each members unique character, depicted with different icons. For Katseye, for example: a key for Laras empathy, a shield for Danielas courage, and an anchor for Sophias stability. These details are key to identifying with the public, but above all for merchandising. Because much of the furor they cause is due to their commercial collaborations.

In every campaign, each member of Katseye chooses a product that matches her personality, continuing to cultivate their bond with the Eyekons. In just a year, Katseye have partnered with brands such as Monster High (dolls), Glossier (makeup), Pandora (jewelry), and Fendi (luxury). However, their most significant collaboration was with the U.S. brand GAP, which propelled them to global recognition.

The ad caused a frenzy for offering an interracial take on classic American jeans. Many saw it as a response to the controversy over American Eagles jeans ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. It also drew attention for the polished K-popstyle choreography accompanying the song Milkshake by Kelis.

It may seem surprising that Katseye rose to fame performing a song that isnt theirs, but this is precisely their focus. Their two EPs, SIS (Soft is Strong) last year and Beautiful Chaos three months ago, feature long lists of composers and producers, with none of the Katseye members credited. The groups specialty  and what they were trained for during the competition  is performing others songs on stage, delivering charisma and meticulously crafted choreography. These dance routines, endlessly repeated on social media, have helped them perform on stages worldwide, and in November, they are set to embark on their first full tour across the United States.

Following the success of this first experiment, Hybe and Geffen have just announced a new four-member group. Three of the members will be former contestants who didnt make it to the final lineup of Katseye, and the fourth will be chosen through a new reality show, this time focusing exclusively on Japanese participants. The idea is for the groups to interact and collaborate  a full K-pop multiverse, coming soon on TikTok.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Crispina ffrench, co-owner of The Dolphin Studio, has been helping to make its silkscreen print calendars since she was a child. Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, the effort is still homegrown and all in the family.
A new bill filed by state Rep. John Barrett and state Sen. Paul Mark would exempt small districts like Hancock  which lack their own middle or high schools  from paying costly tuition for school choice students who continue on to other districts, potentially allowing Hancock Elementary to reopen to out-of-district families.
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The German social scientist proposes that employees themselves organize their work environment because they are the ones who know it best

The organization of work influences peoples ability to live together and shapes citizens perception of society. In a world constantly changing due to new technologies, German philosopher and social scientist Lisa Herzog asks what it means to act ethically while working as just one part of public or private organizations. Standing at the intersection of political philosophy and economic thought, Herzog has studied various free-market thinkers (from Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel to Adam Smith) and analyzed the ethics of the financial sector. She has also done fieldwork, which is rare for a philosopher. She is interested in the relationship between ideas and real life.

In her work, Herzog proposes that employees themselves should organize their work environment because they know it best. She advocates for making paid work more democratic at a time when education, training, or motivation no longer guarantee a decent job or salary. And she addresses the fear many have of being controlled or pushed around by algorithms designed to maximize efficiency.

Herzog studied at the universities of Munich and Oxford, and in 2019 she began teaching at the Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands. Speaking to EL PAIS via videoconference, she advocates not only for institutional reforms. Above all, she believes in the transformative power of workers when they move forward together.

Question. You advocate for teamwork, has that skill been lost?

Answer. Work is the primary factor of social cohesion in modern society. But we continue to suffer from the rhetoric of recent decades, which is based on individualism and focused on success, on having a career and advancing alone. Modern management and administration theories dont emphasize teamwork. On the contrary, people are encouraged to compete for promotion, bonuses, and so on. And thats a divisive strategy. The idea that we can progress together, collectively, seems to be admitting defeat. At the same time, there are attempts to organize something together, although it doesnt quite translate into a stable partnership.

Q. In many jobs, you have to meet with others, but there never seems to be enough time.

A. Work is what brings people together, but daily tasks no longer allow for lunch or a quick chat after a meeting. Theres no time for other things, and the time you have is incredibly politically valuable. Theres a teamwork dimension, and we have to fight for shorter hours  or for not having to be available outside of work hours. Putting all of this on the table can help.

Q. Does that tension a result of the broken promise that you can earn a decent salary by working hard?

A. The connection between economics and politics is inevitable. People working together creates the potential for community. In the past, employees never left the company. Today, there is fragmentation, and the challenge is to organize ourselves together, something that usually happens in times of crisis, when its too late. Im not saying that unions alone are the answer. The democratization of work stems from our unity; I dont think well be replaced by robots. We need to analyze working conditions and ask ourselves how they can improve.

Q. Doesnt it seem sad that were talking about work in these terms?

A. It is sad to see the erosion of the achievements of the labor movement of the past. It would be good if work werent as absorbing as it is today. There would be time for life. In sectors like caregiving, the human factor is vital. In others, reducing the physical burden with technology will be good. Giving workers a voice is a moral imperative.

Q. How can workplace collaboration have influence in an era of fast-paced technology?

A. Many workers will be able to use these technologies to make their lives easier, while for others it will be an imposition. Most companies wont be open to employee voices, but theres a kind of grandiose technological illusion that everything can be done by algorithms. Humans will always be needed. An example of this is the Hollywood screenwriters, even though they are a privileged group. With their unions strike [in 2023], they tried to resist artificial intelligence. Whats coming our way isnt an automatic force of nature.

Q. Has the work environment changed that much due to digital challenges?

A. We need to critically ask ourselves what problem the new technology were receiving is going to solve. And this can only be done politically. We shouldnt use innovations just because they exist, and what I see is a lack of dialogue between different sectors of society. But regulating new technologies is a political issue, and the EU has its role in that. Although its true that lobbyists sometimes appear on regulatory committees, and that corrupts democracy.

Q. Why do we trust machines?

A. They can perform their function reliably, but they dont have a moral component. We all use airplanes or computers. Its different from trusting another person. Perhaps Im overly optimistic in thinking that machines can be used appropriately. What we can ask ourselves is what new technologies add to our lives. Or are they just trying to make us consume more? All in all, humans have been adapting to machines throughout history.

Q. You have a lot of faith in people.

A. Yes and no. We are easily corrupted when we have power, and we must always ask ourselves who has that power and how it can be controlled. I see our dark side. By working together, there are ways to hold each other accountable that bring out the best in us.

Q. And the fear of the future driven by unstoppable technological advances?

A. We need to talk about what we fear: losing our jobs, our salaries, our identity as workers... lets think strategically. Reducing the workday thanks to new technologies  while maintaining salaries  would free up peoples energy and bring about changes that cant be planned.

Q. Let me change the subject. Is it true that far-right parties in Europe or the U.S. are popular?

A. They present themselves as parties of the people, and they often pretend theyre not part of the elite and that theyre going to restore good working conditions to ordinary people. But if you look at whos in leadership positions, theyre usually very rich. And what they actually do for working people is very little. I hope people will eventually see through these lies and stop believing these narratives. But that requires a credible alternative from the left.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Stormonts Economy Minister is facing a legal challenge over her bid to exclude Northern Ireland from any involvement in trade talks between the UK and Israel.

The legal threat to Sinn Feins Caoimhe Archibald also challenges her decision to instruct officials in Invest NI, Stormonts business support agency, not to provide financial assistance to any companies arming Israel.

The pre-action protocol letter has been issued by pro-union think tank Unionist Voice Policy Studies (UVPS).

The group says that as international trade policy is not a devolved issue, Ms Archibald has no authority to act on the matter.

The decision of the Minister for Economy to purport to exclude Northern Ireland from the sovereign Government's trade talks with Israel is plainly unlawful Unionist Voice Policy Studies

It comes after Ms Archibald made a written statement to the Assembly on Thursday after commissioning a review to establish if businesses in receipt of Invest NI grant funding had links to Israeli arms.

Ms Archibald said Invest NI had provided an assurance that it does not support projects that manufacture arms or their components for supply to Israel.

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The minister announced a series of additional measures she said would eliminate any risk of public funds being used to support the manufacture of arms or components that are used for genocide.

The steps included a commitment that her department will not engage in the British Governments trade talks with Israel while it continues to illegally occupy and impose apartheid on Palestine.

The minister said her department would also be asking for confirmation from companies seeking Invest NI support that they are not manufacturing arms or components for countries committing genocide.

The DUP has already launched a move in the Assembly to have the matter referred to the wider Stormont Executive for discussion.

TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister has submitted a request for an urgent debate on the issue in the House of Commons.

Under Stormont rules, ministers are obliged to refer matters deemed significant and controversial to the whole powersharing Executive for a collective decision, rather than acting unilaterally.

A pre-action protocol is the first step required to challenge a ministers decision in the courts.

Jamie Bryson (PA)

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is a director of Unionist Voice Policy Studies.

In a statement, UVPS said: The decision of the Minister for Economy to purport to exclude Northern Ireland from the sovereign Governments trade talks with Israel is plainly unlawful.

It is firstly significant and controversial, and therefore should have been referred to the Executive; but secondly, the minister is purporting to act in a non-devolved area, therefore is plainly far beyond her functions and responsibilities.

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The minister further stated Invest NI shall not engage in projects with any company that manufactures arms for Israel.

This amounts to clear discrimination on the ground of political opinion against any business who supports Israel and either for that reason, or simply as a business decision, lawfully manufactures arms or components thereof for sale to Israel.

We have consistently challenged what we see as unlawful acts of Executive ministers, and this in our view is the latest example of a Sinn Fein minister acting far beyond their lawful powers, and most importantly acting without recourse to the Executive and thus in defiance of the principles of powersharing.

Mr Bryson is taking legal action against Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins over a decision to install Irish language signs in Belfasts Grand Central Station.

The Department for the Economy has been approached for comment.
Israel identified the remains of two hostages on Sunday after Hamas handed over their bodies to the Red Cross on Saturday, as the Palestinian group said talks to launch the second phase of ceasefire negotiations had begun.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said the bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father-of-three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker killed at Kibbutz Beeri.

Both were believed to have been killed during the October 7 attack and their bodies were taken to Gaza.



Ronen Engel was killed during the October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border (Hostages Family Forum via AP)

Mr Engels wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.

Meanwhile, Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice.

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The statement by Mr Netanyahus office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfilled its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

Hamas has handed over the remains of 13 identified hostages, 12 of which have been identified as hostages. Israel said one of the bodies released did not belong to a hostage.



People take part in a rally demanding the returning of the bodies of hostages at a plaza known as hostages square, in Tel Aviv, Israel (Francisco Seco/AP)

The handover of remains is among key points  along with aid deliveries into Gaza and the devastated territorys future  in the ceasefire process meant to end two years of war.

The Rafah crossing is the only one that was not controlled by Israel before the war. It has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side.

A fully reopened crossing would make it easier for Palestinians to seek medical treatment, travel or visit family in Egypt, home to tens of thousands of Palestinians.

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authoritys interior ministry in Ramallah announced procedures for Palestinians wishing to leave or enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing. For Palestinians who want to leave Gaza, Palestinian embassy staff from Cairo will be at the crossing to issue temporary travel documents that allow entry into Egypt. Palestinians who wish to enter the Gaza Strip will need to apply at the embassy in Cairo for relevant entry documents.

Government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the vacuum is very dangerous, and this will continue until an administrative committee is formed and agreed upon by all Palestinian factions Hazem Kassem, spokesman for Hamas

Israels war in Gaza has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government in the territory. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by UN agencies and many independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross.

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Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the attack on southern Israel that sparked the war.

Israel said on Sunday that Hamas militants shot at troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in the Israeli-controlled areas, according to the agreed-upon ceasefire lines. No injuries were reported. Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating the fragile ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Hamas said discussions were under way with mediators on arrangements for launching negotiations on the second phase of the Trump plan to end the war in Gaza.



Mr Netanyahus office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfilled its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages (Francisco Seco/AP)

Hazem Kassem, a spokesman for Hamas, said in a statement late on Saturday that the second phase negotiations require national consensus.

He said Hamas had begun discussions to solidify their positions on the issues but did not provide further details.

According to Mr Trumps plan, the second phase of negotiations include disarming Hamas and the establishment of an international-backed authority to run the embattled Gaza Strip.

Mr Kassem reiterated that the group would not be part of the ruling authority in a post-war Gaza. Hamas-run government bodies in the Gaza Strip are running day-to-day affairs to avoid a power vacuum, he said.

Government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the vacuum is very dangerous, and this will continue until an administrative committee is formed and agreed upon by all Palestinian factions, he said.

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Mr Kassem called for a prompt establishment of the Community Support Committee, a body of Palestinian technocrats, to run the day-to-day affairs.



Mourners gather around the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire after crossing the ceasefire line, according to the Hamas-run civil defence (Yousef Al Zanoun/AP)

Hamas rejected on Sunday a claim by the US state department that said it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by the group against residents of Gaza.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts, it said in a statement.

Hamas called the claim false allegations, and accused Israel of supporting armed groups operating in Israeli-controlled areas. Hamas urged the US administration to pressure Israel to stop supporting the gangs and providing them a safe haven.

Hamas-led fighters clashed with at least two armed groups in eastern Gaza City that Hamas alleges are involved in looting aid and collaborating with Israel. They executed a handful of suspects in public, in widely condemned street killings.

The interior ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, says its forces were working to restore law and order across areas Israels military withdrew from following the ceasefire.
President Donald Trump has said he would slash US funding to Colombia because the countrys leader does nothing to stop drug production, in what is the latest sign of friction between Washington and one of its closest allies in Latin America.

In a social media post, Mr Trump referred to Colombian President Gustavo Petro as an illegal drug leader who is low-rated and very unpopular.

He warned that Mr Petro better close-up drug operations or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

Mr Trump, while at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro is strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields across Colombia, which the Republican president spelt as Columbia.



US President Donald Trump made his comments in a social media post (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large-scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long-term rip off of America, Mr Trump said.

AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE TO COLUMBIA, Mr Trump said.

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He also said Mr Petro had a fresh mouth toward America.

Earlier on Sunday, Mr Petro accused the US government of assassination and demanded answers after the latest American strike in Caribbean waters.

The US said on Saturday that it was repatriating to Colombia and Ecuador two survivors from that attack, the sixth since early September.

At least 29 people have been killed in strikes that the US has said are targeting alleged drug traffickers.

US government officials have committed murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters Colombian President Gustavo Petro

In September, the Trump administration accused Colombia of failing to co-operate in the drugs war, although at the time, Washington issued a waiver of sanctions that would have triggered aid cuts.

Colombia is the worlds largest exporter of cocaine, and the cultivation of the critical ingredient of coca leaves reached an all-time high last year, according to the United Nations.

More recently, the US state department said it would revoke Mr Petros visa while he was in New York for the UN General Assembly because of his participation in a protest where he called on American soldiers to stop following Mr Trumps commands.

I ask all the soldiers of the United States army, dont point your rifles against humanity and disobey the orders of Trump, Mr Petro said.

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Mr Petro said a Colombian man was killed in a September 16 strike and identified him as Alejandro Carranza, a fisherman from the coastal town of Santa Marta.

He said that Mr Carranza had no ties to drug trafficking and that his boat was malfunctioning when it was hit.

US government officials have committed murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters, Mr Petro wrote on X.

The Colombian boat was adrift and had a distress signal on, with one engine up.

We await explanations from the US government.

The United States has invaded our national territory, fired a missile to kill a humble fisherman, and destroyed his family, his children This is Bolivar's homeland, and they are murdering his children with bombs Colombian President Gustavo Petro

Mr Petro said that he had alerted the attorney generals office and demanded that it act immediately to initiate legal proceedings internationally and in US courts.

He continued to post a flurry of messages into early Sunday about the killing.

The United States has invaded our national territory, fired a missile to kill a humble fisherman, and destroyed his family, his children.

This is Bolivars homeland, and they are murdering his children with bombs, Mr Petro wrote.

Meanwhile, Noticias Caracol, a Colombian news programme, reported that the man injured in the most recent strike was hospitalised after he was repatriated and remained in a serious condition.

It quoted Colombian interior minister Armando Benedetti as saying that the Colombian will be prosecuted, he will be received  forgive the harsh expression  as a criminal, because so far what is known is that he was carrying a boat full of cocaine, which in our country is a crime, and despite the fact that it was in international waters, his repatriation will be as if he were being prosecuted in the United States.

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Mr Petro said the man had been aboard a narco submarine.

Ecuadors ministry of the interior confirmed in a statement sent to The Associated Press on Sunday that the US had repatriated an Ecuadorian man injured in the most recent strike.

Officials identified him as Andres Fernando Tufino Chila and said a doctor found him to be in good health.

The ministry noted that two prosecutors met with Mr Tufino Chila and determined he had not committed any crimes within the countrys borders and that there was no evidence to the contrary.
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BusinessMarketsRare earths Opinion Trump beating China on rare earths is easier than you think

David Fickling October 19, 2025  12:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 31 View all comments

Given the ability of the words rare earths to bring the leadership of the worlds largest economy to its knees, its tempting to think that establishing a supply chain to produce the minerals outside of China is a challenge on the scale of putting a man on the moon. In fact, thats a vast overestimate. Only a tiny amount of government spending is needed to bulletproof most of the worlds supplies of the elements, essential for high-strength magnets used in military aircraft and munitions as well as electric cars and wind turbines. Its probably in the order of a single White House ballroom ($US200 million) or, among Silicon Valleys hyperscalers, six hours of spending on AI data centres ($US350 million). By some measures, governments might even turn a profit on the transaction. China knows that its dominance of rare earths, and rare earth magnets in particular, gives it tremendous leverage over the US. Bloomberg Whats been missing until very recently is sustained attention and follow-through from officials in Europe and the US. Beijings latest export controls appear to have changed that for good. In thinking that rare earths were a geopolitical weapon equal to developed democracies hold over the semiconductor supply chain, China has vastly overplayed its hand.

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Thats because minerals processing is not rocket science. Nor is it the 3-nanometer chip design enabled by extreme-ultraviolet-lithography machines  a true moonshot innovation thats involved decades, and tens of billions of dollars, of research and development (each machine costs $US400 million). Related Article Opinion

Critical minerals In the rare earth dispute between US and China, Australia may be the winner Peter Hartcher Political and international editor Almost every mined element in common use is extracted by the same basic set of processes (grinding, roasting, leaching, separating) at sites where engineering expertise is typically more focused on minimising costs and safety hazards, rather than fundamental challenges of physics or chemistry. Chinas dominance of rare-earth production probably gives it a technological edge, a minimal advantage in this industry and one thats easily erased. Consider Lynas Rare Earths. Some 15 years ago, the miner was among the first beneficiaries of the current era of resource nationalism, when China cut off supplies of rare earths to Japan in a standoff over disputed islands northeast of Taiwan.

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Tokyos response was swift. In partnership with Japanese trading house Sojitz, its mineral-security agency JOGMEC provided Lynas with $US250 million of discounted funding in 2011 to help advance its plans to mine rare earths in Australia, process them in Malaysia and distribute them via Sojitz. In 2023, another $200 million was added to start production of so-called heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium, the main focus of Chinas threatened export controls. For Japan, that far-sighted injection of capital has turned rare earths into a mostly solved problem. Thanks to its secure supply of raw materials, the country now has about three-quarters of the worlds rare-earth magnet production capacity outside China. Assume that each dollar of government funding can mobilise $4 of private money, and the whole program has probably cost $90 million or so from the public purse  about 0.01 per cent of annual budget spending for Tokyo. Amanda Lacaze, chief executive officer of Lynas Rare Earths, at the companys processing plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Bloomberg Japan isnt alone. In Californias Mojave Desert, the Mountain Pass mine was for decades the worlds biggest producer of the elements. It was also in the market for cheap finance in the early 2010s. Unlike Lynas, it was turned down for a government loan in the US and financed itself with junk bonds instead, just before a surge in Chinese supplies crashed prices and sent it careening into bankruptcy. Revived under current owner MP Materials Corp., it stayed on stronger footing by holding net cash to protect itself from downturns in the market. Thanks to rising concerns in Washington, this year it extracted $550 million in loans and equity from the US government, along with purchase and price guarantees, to advance its heavy rare earths plans.

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In Australia, Iluka Resources  mainly known for producing the titanium oxide pigment used in white paint and toothpaste  noticed there was money to be made from its waste dumps. By reprocessing its discarded tailings, it could turn itself into yet another rare-earths producer, and even have capacity to purify other companies ore. With $1.65 billion in government loans, its aiming for first production in 2027. By acting as banker, Canberra should get back hundreds of millions more than it put in. Barring default, the loans priced at 3 per cent above benchmark short-term rates should net the government a handsome profit. Related Article Opinion

Gina Rinehart Profit trumps ideology: Gina Rinehart is printing money on her green bet Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Its common to argue that handling of the low-level radioactive thorium and uranium waste that commonly occurs alongside rare earths is a prohibitively difficult problem in environmentally minded democracies. Not so: MP Materials and Iluka plan to handle their tailings on site, in dumps protected from groundwater intrusion and dust release. Similar waste is a common byproduct of the phosphate fertiliser industry. These facilities, and others scrounging around for a few hundred million in concessional loans, are together more than capable of meeting the worlds needs for rare earths, even if Beijing were to employ the nuclear option of an all-out embargo. The current US war on wind energy and electric vehicles  the biggest consumers of rare-earth magnets  makes it far more costly to support this supply chain, but even now its not impossible.

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China may have the biggest reserves, but gained its current dominant producer status only by presenting itself as the cheapest and most stable source of long-term supplies. The geopolitical sabre-rattling of recent months appears to have permanently immolated that reputation, as dozens of rival miners and processors step up to take its place. As long as developed democracies dont forget the lesson of this moment, Beijing will come to regret thinking that it could ever hold the world to ransom over a pile of dirt. Bloomberg L.P.
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NationalCBD McGorry steps down from Celtic Club to make way for new generation Gemma Grant and Kishor Napier-Raman October 20, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Melbournes Celtic Club is no stranger to internal governance issues. And it appears there might be more instability ahead for the countrys oldest Irish club. President Patrick McGorry, a celebrated psychiatrist and 2010 Australian of the Year, has decided not to recontest the top job at the upcoming elections on October 28. Celtic Club president Patrick McGorry. Jason South Didnt Freud say something about the Irish being impervious to psychoanalysis? Actually  that was just Matt Damons character in The Departed. When contacted by CBD, McGorry said he still intended to sit on the board, and hoped that his stepping down would make way for the new guard.

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Our whole plan has been to regenerate and rejuvenate the club. Im probably one of the older members. Its time to pass the baton onto a younger president, he said. Back in 2016, the club sold its long-held Queen Street headquarters to Malaysian-backed developer Belulah for $25.6 million. Since then, theyve bought a South Melbourne venue which theyre now also looking to offload, and settled into a rental on Sydney Road in Brunswick. There are still some people grieving for Queen Street, but honestly, its a very small minority, McGorry said, pointing to a failed attempt to overthrow the board earlier this year. Names on ballot for the upcoming election, according to papers seen by CBD, include University of Melbourne professor Ronan McDonald, ex-Age journalist Seamus Bradley and former Merri-bek mayor John Kavanagh.

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But as one member pointed out to us, theres some dissatisfaction with the current election processes. With voting scheduled to take place before the release of financial results and subsequent annual general meeting, people are relying on speculation, Chinese Whispers and vague rumours, they said. Watch this space. Optus outsourcing woes We turn now to Optus, currently top of the table for Australias most embattled company, that is until Qantas finds a new way to screw over customers. Optus chief executive Stephen Rue and the companys communications chief, Felicity Ross. Dominic Lorrimer The troubled telco suffered a Triple Zero outage last month which was linked to three deaths. Somehow, chief executive Stephen Rue is still standing, despite a similar outage just weeks later. Rue is relatively new in the job, and is surely all too aware that his predecessor, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, departed after presiding over a cyberattack and nationwide outage in successive years.

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As Rue dodged calls for his head, and Optus began an all-too-familiar campaign of public self-flagellation, the blame shifted toward the telcos habit of outsourcing call centre jobs to India and the Philippines. Related Article CBD Want to eat like a PM? Start with the kingfish dish While the company insisted that human error, rather than outsourcing was to blame, a call centre in Chennai, India was involved in handling the fallout from the botched firewall update that caused the September outage. Everyone from the union to former competition czar Allan Fels has argued that Optus culture of cutting costs by shifting jobs to foreign call centres has been responsible for the telcos woes. The Chennai centre came out of a 2018 deal with Finnish company Nokia (remember them?) and led to the axing of local jobs. All this makes an August Ask us Anything article on the telcos website, in which outsourcing expert Josh Walther provided advice to businesses looking to offshore jobs, all the more awkward.

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Buyer beware. Just like anything in life, if it sounds too cheap to be true, it probably is, was among the pearls of wisdom Walther offered up. An Optus spokesperson told CBD the company provided insights on a range of matters of importance to businesses it partnered with. Josh Walther is an external, independent expert on outsourcing who has provided his views as part of a series Optus launched to provide insights to business owners who have asked questions about a particular issue, an Optus spokesperson told CBD. The experts consulted are not Optus employees, and their views are their own.

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Ta ta Tarascio After more than five decades at the helm of one of Australias biggest private property companies, Salta founder Sam Tarascio snr is hanging up the hard hat. And at the ripe old age of 81. We at CBD think thats a pretty solid innings. Salta founder Sam Tarascio snr (left) and his son, Sam Tarascio jnr. Salta  which has built everything from apartment buildings to shopping centres to sprawling industrial complexes and docks  was established in the 1970s by Italian-born Tarascio. More recently, theyve dedicated millions to the burgeoning build-to-rent sector.

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Tarascio snr will stay with the company and take on the role of non-executive founding director, with his son Sam Tarascio jnr already acting as managing director. But the lineage doesnt stop there. One of Sam snrs grandkids is even working at the company  which Salta proudly spruiked in an Instagram post from August. We wonder what retirement plans will be on the horizon? Currently ranked 93rd on the AFR Rich List with an estimated wealth of $1.75 billion, were sure Tarascio will be having a fine time indeed. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalNSWICAC ICAC to be given expanded powers to use illegally recorded conversations Michaela Whitbourn October 20, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The NSW government is set to give the corruption watchdog expanded powers to use secret recordings of conversations that were made illegally by third parties, in a move likely to raise the ire of the opposition. The Independent Commission Against Corruption sought, and was granted, special powers in 2023 that exempted it temporarily from restrictions on possessing and using unlawful recordings of private conversations made by others. An arrest warrant was issued for Jean Nassif in June 2023. Instagram The watchdog would not reveal publicly why it sought the powers, but the request was made during its long-running investigation into Sydney property developer Jean Nassifs links to Liberal Party figures and to councils. It raises the prospect that secret recordings will feature in a future public inquiry into those alleged dealings. That inquiry has yet to be announced by the ICAC.

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Nassifs construction company Toplace, which he ran before fleeing to Lebanon as his empire collapsed in December 2022, owes creditors billions. An arrest warrant was issued for Nassif in June 2023 over an alleged bank fraud. The ICACs special powers are set to expire on June 30, 2026, but the Minns government will introduce laws in Parliament on Tuesday to make those changes permanent. NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley says the laws have been carefully designed to aid investigations. Sitthixay Ditthavong Attorney-General Michael Daley said: This reform has been carefully designed to aid investigations into suspected criminal or corrupt conduct while maintaining important privacy considerations. The NSW government will allow investigative agencies to obtain and rely on evidence of criminal or corrupt conduct that would otherwise be unlawful.

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These changes will [also] mean someone who comes into the possession of an audio or visual recording that has been obtained unlawfully will not face prosecution if they provide it promptly to authorities in the public interest. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman described the temporary changes in 2023 as a reckless and outlandish power-grab. NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman voiced concern about the laws in 2023. Janie Barrett Under the NSW Surveillance Devices Act, it is an offence to use a listening device such as a phone app to record a private conversation. The maximum penalty is an $11,000 fine or five years imprisonment, or both. There are exceptions, including if the parties to the conversation consent to being recorded or it is reasonably necessary for the protection of the lawful interests of a party to the conversation.

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The ICAC needed special powers to use recordings it believed may have been unlawfully made because it is also an offence for a person to possess a recording of a private conversation, or to publish or communicate it, if it came to their knowledge as a result of a breach of the law. Related Article Exclusive

Crime $2 billion and counting: More headaches looming for fugitive developer Jean Nassif After NSW Labor won the state election in 2023, the ICAC asked for the expanded powers and the Minns government made the change in regulations with an expiry date. It is now set to introduce laws that would make that exemption permanent for the ICAC and other investigative agencies. The changes would also allow a person who came into the possession of an unlawful recording to pass it on to authorities without facing prosecution themselves for possessing it.

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The government said the proposed reforms would introduce a public interest exception so individuals or organisations who come into possession of unlawfully made surveillance recordings, but were not involved in making them, can share them with investigative agencies without fear of prosecution, provided they act promptly. It would also allow bodies such as the ICAC to receive and rely on evidence that it would otherwise be impossible for them to use. The changes followed extensive consultation with investigative agencies, legal experts and privacy bodies, and will bring NSW into line with other states, the government said. Recording someone without consent or committing offences such as trespass will remain illegal under these changes. While the ICAC would not reveal in 2023 why it required the additional powers relating to potentially unlawful recordings, sources with knowledge of the matter have since told The Sydney Morning Herald that its investigation focuses on suspicions that Nassif used surveillance devices to illegally record conversations.

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Investigators suspect the failed businessman attempted to use these recordings to obtain favourable development outcomes from councils and other officials. Editor's pick Note From The Editor The ICAC blockbuster is back NSW Liberal MP Ray Williams in parliament in 2022 said he had heard allegations that senior members of his party had been paid significant funds in order to arrange to put new councillors on The Hills Shire Council who would support development applications for Nassifs company. Those claims led to a NSW upper house inquiry chaired by Greens MP Sue Higginson. This has been an extraordinary inquiry  not so much for the information that has come to light  but for the gaping hole in evidence left by key witnesses who have gone to great lengths to avoid scrutiny, Higginson said in the foreword to the March 2023 report.

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With Kate McClymont and Alexandra Smith Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaEducation The entrepreneurial VCE subject enjoying a boom in student enrolments Caroline Schelle October 20, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Budding entrepreneurs and students seeking a more practical pathway have driven a surge in enrolments for business management and cemented it as one of the top subjects for year 12s. Thats according to figures from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, which organises the states VCE exams. Business management teacher James Henderson with year 12 students Matilda Bailye (left) and Tom Hutcheon at Tintern Grammar. Eddie Jim Business management was the seventh-most popular subject in 2021 with 14,142 students enrolled, but last year it jumped to fourth place with 16,147 enrolments. However, because an English subject is mandatory, business management is consistently the top subject among students.

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More than 500 schools offer business management as a VCE subject and teachers expect its growth to continue. James Henderson, who teaches business management at Tintern Grammar in Ringwood East, said it easily became one of the most popular subjects for senior students. It was a general knowledge subject with practical, hands-on skills that let participants tap into their own experiences working in casual and part-time jobs, Henderson said. Business management is not a prerequisite for any tertiary courses that Im aware of, theyre not doing it to tick a box. Theyre doing it out of a like a legitimate interest in business, he said.

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Henderson encouraged students to start a business or a side hustle, and said they didnt need to wait to have a degree, or five years experience to have a go. Related Article Education VCE maths exams should ban calculators, return to pen and paper for better results Its absolutely OK not to perfect the first time around with your first business  [it] may not end up being your career, but its a great learning experience, he said. Were encouraging students to branch out, take calculated risks, find out what legal requirements are needed for young people to start a business, and we look at entrepreneurs who have done it. One of the younger students in Tinterns business management had successfully started his own tailoring business, Henderson said.

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Were equipping students to follow their passions with the business skills they might need to turn that into reality, he said. But there is a downside with the popular subjects, Henderson said. Were equipping students to follow their passions with the business skills they might need to turn that into reality. James Henderson, business management teacher With such a huge amount of competition  it means it is more difficult to stand out during assessment, particularly the exam, he said. To counter that, students focused on what they could do to stand out, such as using the correct terminology and being creative, within the exams guidelines.

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Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president Colin Axup. Joe Armao Other subjects which have become more popular with VCE students include heath and human development, which has increased nearly 10 per cent in enrolment numbers. It was the fifth-most popular subject in 2024, and sixth-most popular in 2021. Physical education also jumped a place, as 11,454 young people studied it for VCE last year, compared to 10,260 in 2021. However, some subjects have declined in student enrolments between 2021 and 2024, among them maths methods, biology and chemistry. Many students look to their university prerequisites when making their decision on what subjects to study, according to the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals.

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Another factor was whether the subject was something a student was interested in, association president Colin Axup said. Related Article Education The unpopular VCE subjects that could face the axe The third factor is whether the subject would take a student down a pathway they were interested it, he said. Axup was surprised there was a drop in maths methods enrolments, but said it was not a concern so long as there was not a significant decrease. Mellita Jones, an education academic with the Australian Catholic University, said teachers were well aware of the drop in students studying science subjects at senior level.

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Were not engaging students in science learning that is relevant to them, said Jones, a former science teacher. Students who dont have a positive experience of a subject when it is compulsory in earlier years were unlikely to choose it as an elective, Jones said. There were also too many teachers who werent subject experts in the field, which created a vicious spiral where students disengaged. That then means were not attracting teachers who have science background knowledge, and then ultimately we have a shortage of teachers who can teach these subjects, she said. It was critical to make the curriculum relevant for younger students, Jones said, and include issues that were relevant, such as climate change.

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Related Article Selective schools Victorias select-entry schools are in demand, but experts warn against their expansion With 116 subjects, Victoria has one of the largest offerings in the country for its VCE students. The states exam board said its broad subject choice opened pathways to university, TAFE or vocational and educational training courses as well as traineeships, apprenticeships and direct employment. Students are encouraged to choose VCE subjects that suit their individual interests and abilities, and the opportunities these can lead to after finishing school, an authority spokesperson said. There was also strong growth in the VCE vocational major, with completions doubling from 6500 in 2023 to 11,000 eligible students this year. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Security guards patrolling housing estates in the booming outer west at night will arm soon as burglaries, carjackings and machete attacks soar.

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In this special series, The Age focuses on Melbournes western suburbs to see how life could improve in Australias fastest-growing region. See all stories .

Private security guards patrolling housing estates in Melbournes outer west will start carrying guns before the end of the year as they face an unprecedented wave of violent home invasions, carjackings and machete attacks. Torched stolen cars, high-speed chases, machete slashings and bloodied streets have become all too frequent in the citys booming western fringe, where police are often stretched thin, and youth gangs are going to war. The escalation to firearms is because of whats coming our way and the threats against our safety, against my team, said Grant Burton, the owner of security company YPG Risk, whose night patrols are funded by housing estate residents. We have to ensure that our staff go home to their families. We are all residents of the west, he said. We have no option but to go from baton to firearm. Early this month, youths driving a stolen car rammed one of the companys vehicles in Manor Lakes, injuring the guard inside. Burton says staff regularly receive death threats from gang members and increasingly confront offenders armed with machetes and knives. In the past, Burton has needed stitches after his face was slashed with knuckle dusters. Hes also had a bottle smashed over his head.

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Under current regulations, security guards are not allowed to carry controlled weapons such as capsicum spray or Tasers, but they can apply for a gun licence under strict conditions. The Age is strengthening its focus on Melbournes booming west with a special series examining the positives and challenges the region faces. Later this week, our reporters will moderate a West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliances (WoMEDA) summit to discuss a vision for the western suburbs success. A dumping ground for hotties For the past three years, residents and developers of housing estates in Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Mambourin have paid Burtons business to conduct security patrols over concerns about rising crime and police response times. Wyndham and Maribyrnong councils have also hired guards. Security guard Grant Burton checks an abandoned car in Manor Lakes during a night patrol. Alex Coppel Earlier this month, this masthead spent more than six hours on a night patrol with Burton. As he drove through the rabbit warren of residential streets, he responded to alerts of youth gang members driving around in a stolen SUV and an attempted break-in at a construction site. The police helicopter hovered above the area for part of the night, but there were no marked police cars in sight.

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These boys will definitely be on the prowl tonight if they are in hotties, Burton said. Hottie is underworld slang for a stolen car used by crooks to commit serious crimes, such as aggravated burglaries, firebombings or drive-by shootings. Burton said Manor Lakes, where new residential estates sit next to empty blocks and construction sites, had become a dumping ground for the coveted underworld commodity. The first arrest of the night came after 3am, when Burton stopped a motorbike rider carrying a drill and bolt cutters. He was on bail after being caught driving a stolen car. Youre carrying burglary tools, mate. No honest person walks the streets of this area with a drill and bolt cutters in their bike, Burton told the man as he waited for the police to arrive. Burton said the number of areas looking to hire private security had exploded. His company has received requests from estates in Truganina, Point Cook, Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing, as well as communities as far away as Pakenham, Cranbourne and Rosebud. His guards are the closest it gets to police without going through the Victoria Police academy. They carry bulletproof vests, batons, handcuffs and body-worn cameras. Their vehicles are fitted with licence plate readers that can tap into the states stolen car database.

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Every night, were attending to no less than 15 phone calls across our cars, and theyre all genuine calls, Burton said. Im not sure where the solution lies, but Victoria Police arent at fault. They cant attend every call when youve got how many residents in the western corridor calling one police station in Werribee? Data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows serious crimes such as assaults and home invasions have soared in almost all parts of the west. In Wyndham, the number of recorded thefts rose by almost 44 per cent in the year to June 2025. A record 2300 home invasions also occurred, compared with 1551 the previous year. The number of under-age offenders in Wyndham has almost doubled since electronic records began in 2016, with more than 1100 children charged in the past year, compared with 586 nine years ago. In Melton, that number has grown by 73 per cent.

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Its a revolving door of crime, Burton said. Were seeing kids under 14-15 breaking into cars and climbing peoples backyard fences, and committing burglaries and home invasions, and being in stolen cars every single day of the week. Police say many youth gangs are based in the west, particularly in Wyndham and Brimbank, although new gangs are also rising in the south-east. Dau Akueng, 15 (left), and Chol Achiek, 12, were attacked and killed in Cobblebank last month. In the year to the end of September, police arrested 494 youth gang members a combined 1595 times across Melbourne and laid more than 4600 charges. Investigators are actively monitoring 622 youth gang members. Of those, 67 were arrested more than 10 times. In July, Manor Lakes College was sent into lockdown after a group of alleged offenders armed with machetes crashed a stolen Porsche into a nearby oval and stormed the schools grounds. In early September, Chol Achiek, 12, and Dau Akueng, 15, were killed in an ambush in Cobblebank. Five boys and three men have been charged with murder.

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Its the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation. Last July, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth acknowledged an open secret: drones have revolutionized not only the military industry, but also the face of warfare in the 21st century. Ukraine, making a virtue of necessity, has turned these unmanned aircraft into the keystone of its defense against the Russian invasion. And now its Moscow that has perfected these devices to counter Kyiv and to harass NATO by flying over the airspace of some of its member states, such as Poland.

At stake is not only military supremacy, but also billions of dollars. Dozens of startups want their share of a very juicy pie. The technological component of drones is key  the presence of artificial intelligence is increasingly dominant  and these startups are managing to lower prices and successfully compete against the giants of the arms industry. David is beginning to overshadow Goliath, and this has not gone unnoticed by investors. This is the only way to explain why the American drone manufacturer Anduril, founded in 2017, acquired a valuation of more than $30 billion in its latest funding round, or why Europe already has three unicorns (companies valued at over $1 billion) in this field: the German firms Quantum Systems and Helsing, and the Portuguese company Teketer.

Traditional defense companies are trying to contain the push from new players while muddying the waters. They claim drones fly too low and too slowly, while questioning the valuations some startups are achieving and suggesting the obsolescence of these devices. [Drone warfare] has transformed the nature of war: a world where cheap drones can destroy ultra-expensive ships and planes changes the power dynamics and economics of combat, British consultant and journalist Gillian Tett noted a few weeks ago in the Financial Times to explain the heavyweights discomfort.

Geopolitical tensions are playing into the hands of drone manufacturers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 2 billion investment in the Ukrainian army on September 29. Whats unique about this sum is that it will be earmarked for the acquisition and development of military drones. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the defending forces have sought to compensate for their numerical inferiority in military equipment and troops through the use of remote-controlled vehicles.

Ukraine manufactured two million drones in 2024, a number that will double by 2025, estimates Manuel Rodriguez Cerezo, director of weapons and ammunition at Spanish defense industry company Indra; everything has arisen from the needs imposed by the war. Manufacturing speed is key: a corvette can take between three and five years to build.

Russia  having lost strategic weapons to Ukraine and under pressure from an economy whose frame is beginning to creak under the weight of the war effort and international sanctions  has also begun to opt for low-cost remote-controlled vehicles, whether manufactured in-house or purchased from third countries, such as China (the worlds largest manufacturer) or Iran.

Many of these vehicles are not only used against Ukraine, but have also been harassing the borders of European Union countries and threatening critical infrastructure, such as submarine cables. Therefore, Europe has already made it a top priority to create an anti-drone wall on its borders, for which 6 billion will be allocated, in collaboration with Ukraine, which tests all types of these technologies on a daily basis and in combat.

Growth

In 2024, EU Member States defense spending increased for the tenth consecutive year, reaching 343 billion ($399 billion). In 2025, it is estimated it will reach 381 billion ($443 billion). This is also reflected in the capitalization of European companies in the sector, whose market value doubled between 2020 and 2024. At the latest edition of Feindef, the international defense fair held in Madrid, there was exponential growth in companies that, to a greater or lesser extent, manufacture or market military or dual-use drones.

But not all of them embrace the revolution represented by unmanned vehicles with the same enthusiasm. Armin Papperger, CEO of the German defense giant Rheinmetall, warned against the drone bubble in statements to The Wall Street Journal from the International Defense and Security Equipment Show in London, held last September. The German executive believes that the evolution of anti-aircraft systems and technologies that allow for the neutralization of swarms of these devices will cause them to lose their strategic (and market) value in the near future, although it is the case that Papperger was selling his Skynex anti-drone cannon system, which has been successfully tested in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during the delivery of 20 drones in Kyiv, September 25. Andrew Kravchenko (Global Images Ukraine / Getty Images)

No one is clear about what an anti-drone wall should look like, explains Miguel Tejeiro, director of innovation at TRC, a Spanish company that manufactures drone detection and neutralization equipment. Neutralizing a traditional drone, which is basically an airplane, isnt the same as neutralizing medium-sized drones like the Shahed (of Iranian origin and now manufactured in Russia) or small drones, which can cost 300 or less and to which you can attach an explosive charge that neutralizes equipment worth millions of euros. Its estimated that each time Israel uses the system known as the Iron Dome, it spends around 1 billion per activation. Does it make sense to use missiles that cost 1 million each to stop swarms of drones that cost 50,000?

Manuel Martin, director of defense at Arquimea, a company that manufactures marine drones like the S-Wise submarine, also present at the London fair, doesnt share Pappergers skepticism. The change in the market has been very abrupt; demand has multiplied by 100 in three years. Meeting this demand has allowed economies of scale and automation to reach an industry where it wasnt so common. Until now. Before, they could order one drone a year; now they can order one thousand to be delivered in six months, explains Martin. Weve had to double our capacity; increase our staff, adapt our facilities, and weve robotized some of our processes, he adds.

This sudden interest in the mass acquisition of drones has caught many of the sectors major companies off guard, accustomed to projects that could take decades to develop and were designed to last up to 40 years, such as fighter jets, naval vessels, or the first drones; large aircraft like the Reaper or Predator, designed to be reused and operate from conventional airstrips. To use a simile, the manufacture of a modern military vehicle is very similar to that of a luxury car: they are assembled almost by hand by highly specialized personnel, involve enormous design work, and offer the customer unique materials and features. Medium and small drones, however, can be manufactured on assembly lines, use technology that is accessible to almost everyone, and offer a better starting point for small and medium-sized companies, which also have greater flexibility to adapt to changes, even switching from producing civilian-use aircraft to those for military use at low costs.

In defense, more than 95% of companies are SMEs, explains Rafael Garcia, director of operations at the Etrair Group. This boom has led to the emergence of new players in the sector, but its also necessary that what we offer has a solid foundation and reliable technology, especially with regard to systems that use artificial intelligence and reduce dependence on third parties. To achieve this, Garcia believes, the ideal scenario would be for large defense companies to partner with SMEs.

While these alliances are emerging, large companies are buying up smaller ones. For example, in July, Indra acquired Aertec DAS, a veteran Spanish drone production company that is now part of the multinationals weapons and ammunition division. Its director, Manuel Rodriguez Cerezo, believes that, although the war in Ukraine has accelerated innovation in unmanned vehicles on scales never seen before, using great doses of imagination, changes in defense are slow and must be carried out prudently. Thus, Indra, in addition to continuing to produce Aertecs Tarsis drones, has opted for the Valero system, based on medium-sized multifunction aerial drones, which can be used both for swarm attacks and for operating with a fighter jet. Rodriguez Cerezo doesnt see the drone bubble that the Rheinmetall CEO warned about. Theyre here to stay, even if they dont necessarily end up being used like they are in Ukraine. But we can learn a lot from what theyre doing, such as avoiding interceptions or developing navigation systems that dont rely on satellites.

What all the companies surveyed do agree on is that Spanish industry is ready to meet demand. And its also prepared to win contracts from companies in countries that have previously dominated the market, such as the U.S. and Israel. Not only are we prepared, but we can also be proud as a country, Martin emphasizes.

If everything on the supply side seems more or less ready to keep pace with the drone revolution, can the demand side do the same? When states are the buyers, money is not usually an issue, but the pace is dictated by general budgets, plans that must be drawn up and approved by committees, contracts and acquisitions regulated by law, and a bureaucracy that is as necessary as it is complicated. And also by each countrys own defense doctrine. Changes in doctrine, however urgent, cannot be improvised, and new developments are gradually permeating, explains David Ayala, general director of EINSA, which has developed a 100% Spanish all-terrain ground drone, which is being tested by the Spanish Legions Experimental Brigade.

While the Legion is performing testing, the Defense Ministry has launched 31 Special Modernization Plans (SMPs) totaling 36 billion, of which 10.47 billion will be invested this year. These SMPs are designed to update many traditional systems, such as self-propelled artillery and air transport, but there is also room for unmanned vehicles and the artificial intelligence systems that control them.

Very long cycles

Our regulatory framework and the European one are very good because they establish quality requirements and foundations that offer many guarantees, but they can be somewhat rigid in circumstances like the current ones, notes Miguel Tejeiro. For Manuel Rodriguez, the development cycles set by the Defense Ministry could be shortened, but he believes the industry must also do its part to achieve this. I dont think were slow in Spain, affirms Manuel Martin, what happens is that the threat is still very far away and we continue at the pace of peacetime. And the truth is that the European allies have yet to agree on what the anti-drone wall on the borders with Russia should look like, nor on how to establish a Drone Alliance with Ukraine, which is more than willing to share knowledge in exchange for aid.

Some military personnel, such as Army Brigadier General and director of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE), Victor Mario Bados, offer an even more negative assessment. At a luncheon to which he was invited by the Madrid Family Business Association (ADEFAM), he gave his audience the following assessment: Military capability is not improvised, and in Europe we lack some fundamental elements such as command and control, electronic warfare, drones, and satellites. We are paying the dividends of peace, he said. Europe has not been decisive with Putin, whom we have been unable to deter, hence the conflict resulting from the failure of deterrence. He added that politically, Europe is going through a difficult time, and Moscow knows it.

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Updated NationalWAWA election Reynolds lands top job in Perth as WA councils face election shake-up despite low voter turnout Hannah Murphy and Holly Thompson Updated October 20, 2025  2:02pm ,first published October 19, 2025  11:26am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

There have been several notable shake-ups in the aftermath of the weekends local government elections, despite turnout dropping to 30 per cent  attributed to voter fatigue after West Australians went to the polls for the third time this year. The declining numbers could mean the state government enforces compulsory voting for future local government elections. Bruce Reynolds (centre) with his team (L-R) Steven Wellard, Susanna Panaia, Elle Hashemi, Lisa Ma and Liam Gobbert ahead of the election. Instagram/@cr_bruce_reynolds Despite the low turnout, those who did vote threw their support behind new candidates. Bruce Reynolds, who had been the acting lord mayor in the City of Perth after Basil Zempilas turned his eye to state politics, was officially elected to the role on the weekend.

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The WA Electoral Commission formally advised of his victory on Sunday morning, with his term set to expire in October 2027. Reynolds is also the immediate past president of the Perth Liberal branch, but resigned from the role when he became deputy lord mayor. He said he believed the role should be apolitical, and he beat out fellow councillor Catherine Lezer and Labor-aligned restaurateur Clyde Bevan for the job. Reynolds was not the only notable result, with Lisa Ma elected to the Perth council at just 18 years old. Ma said that it was important to have someone in government who could connect policies to young people living in the electorate.

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Meanwhile in the City of Fremantle, incumbent Hannah Fitzhardinge has been dethroned after five years as the port citys mayor. She was pipped at the post by former east ward councillor Ben Lawver, with the close count decided on preferences and officially announced late on Sunday evening. City of Fremantle councillor-turned-mayor Ben Lawver. Mark Naglazas In a statement, Lawver, a former Maritime Union of Australia WA branch official, said he was extremely humbled and honoured to have been elected. Our grassroots campaign involved hundreds of people from across our port city, he said.

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This amalgamation of creativity and leg work, combined with so much love, is the starting point for our positive movement for a better Freo. Related Article Exclusive

Local government Liberal legacies, Labor loyalties and lone wolves: The factions in the race for Perth lord mayor Further south, the City of Rockinghams first popularly elected mayor Deb Hamblin was ousted by councillor Lorna Buchan, who was previously the citys deputy mayor. And in the City of Joondalup, former federal Liberal-turned-independent Ian Goodenough ran for the top job, after Albert Jacob - himself a former state Liberal MP  announced he would not be re-contesting the mayoral role. Goodenough was ousted from federal parliament after losing a preselection contest for his federal seat of Moore, and subsequently turned his eye to local government.

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However, it was former councillor Daniel Kingston who prevailed in the end, rising to the top of the field which also included his former council colleague Christine Hamilton-Prime. The City of Stirling was one council that recorded little change. Six councillors have returned to their seats, but in the Inglewood Ward, small business owner and lawyer Daniela Ion won a close contest on preferences over incumbent David Lagan, who had held his seat since 2011. Mayor Mark Irwin said the community needs people who are willing to step up and lead. The councillors will be sworn in at a special meeting at the city on Thursday, when a new deputy mayor will also be elected. Trumps tilt in WAs South West falls flat

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Meanwhile in the states regions, ratepayers the Shire of Harvey did not elect controversial candidate Austin Aussie Trump  formerly known as Ben Dawkins  to council. In his candidate profile, Trump had urged voters drain the swamp, echoing US President Donald Trumps catchphrase from his first election in 2016. Instead, Harveys four council spots have been filled by Craig Carbone, Wendy Dickinson, Karen McCarthy and Laurie Morley. In Bayswater, Big Dons Smoked Meats founder Donovan MacDonald has been elected as a councillor in the West Ward. MacDonald announced he would run in June and said he had considered running at the election two years ago after butting heads with the council, but things had been good since then.

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Related Article AUKUS Freo goes nuclear: Whats behind the port citys anti-AUKUS sentiment? However, the latest dispute over temporary toilets  which MacDonald said came out of the blue and impacted the security of his business  spurred him to take the plunge. I appreciate the support from voters, who clearly prioritised independents in several races across the city. Ill have a lot to learn, starting with the deputy mayor vote and agenda meeting next week, he wrote on Facebook. But Im very excited to continue being a Baysie booster both as local business and from the council. Up north, Peter McCumstie has again been appointed as the Derby West Kimberley shire president, once again taking the helm of the embattled council.

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The shire was thrown into disarray earlier this year following a mass resignation of councillors, leading the government to appoint a commissioner to oversee the council. McCumstie has served on the Shire of Derby West Kimberley council as both the deputy shire president and shire president in the last five years. In the Shire of Coolgardie, locals watched the outcome of the election closely after WAs local government minister Hannah Beazley decided just last week not to suspend the council over concerns regarding its debt. Paul Wilcox, Anthony Ball, Tammee Keast and Julie-Ann Williams have joined the council, with the Shire president and deputy to be decided on Tuesday during a special council meeting. Meanwhile in the embattled City of Nedlands, voters will have to wait to have their say after ongoing questions about the councils leadership delayed the election until March next year.

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Mayor Fiona Argyle was famously sacked from the job earlier this year, giving a bizarre radio interview where she said a mass exodus from her council that led the state government to tip it into administration was a good day. Similar scenes are playing out in the Town of Port Hedland, who will also have to wait to go to the polls until March next year after the council was placed in the hands of commissioners following the resignation of former mayor Peter Carter. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Key points Barnaby Joyce confirmed speaking to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson over the weekend after reports of advanced defection talks surfaced.

The 58-year-old Member for New England dodged repeated questions on Monday, insisting nothing with One Nation was locked in yet.

Multiple sources indicated a plan for Joyce to eventually run for a Senate seat with One Nation and eventually take over as the minor partys leader.

Moderate Liberals have hailed Barnaby Joyces planned departure from the Coalition after blaming the former Nationals leaders brand of populist politics for costing them votes in an election where many lost their seats. This masthead revealed last week that Joyce was in advanced talks with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, and the New England MP has since confirmed he would not contest his seat at the election due in 2028, paving the way for him to run for the minor party in the Senate. Barnaby Joyce and Liberal Andrew Hastie in parliament in September. Alex Ellinghausen Jason Falinski, a former Liberal MP for Mackellar on Sydneys northern beaches, said it would be positive for the Liberals if Joyce were to represent One Nation. He costs us votes in 2022, said Falinski, who lost his seat in that election to pro-climate action independent Sophie Scamps and who also served as a Liberal Party NSW state president.

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Wipeout Revealed: the letter that Scott Morrison ignored that foresaw the teal wave During the 2022 campaign, Joyce featured prominently in campaign material used by third-party climate organisations. Tens of thousands of wheelie bin stickers featuring Scott Morrison holding a lump of coal in parliament, while Joyce admired the rock, were sold while prominent Nationals MP Matt Canavan claimed net zero was dead during the campaign. Joyce wrote to branch members on the weekend claiming he had no choice but to stand down at the next election and quit the Nationals partyroom, due to a personality clash with Nationals leader David Littleproud, his relegation from shadow ministry to the far corners of parliaments backbench and his opposition to net zero. The Nationals are reviewing their commitment to net zero emissions but are widely expected to dump their formal support of the target. Joyce dodged questions about his move to One Nation in a round of media interviews on Monday, refusing to rule out the move and describing Hansons party as doing a good job as opposed to the Nationals.

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He said he had spoken to Hanson and declared that, on climate policy, One Nation is not barking mad like others are. Joyce refused to say whether he had spoken to other Nationals MPs about swapping to the minor party. Falinski said Joyce had hurt the Liberals. His constant undermining of net zero ... and some of his media appearances convinced a number of people to not vote for the Liberals, Falinski said. Some of the advertising showing Joyce and Morrison before the 2022 election. Wolter Peeters [Joyce] will appeal to a section of the Australian electorate but its not the part of the electorate that we need to win back. Joyce was Nationals leader when the Coalition, under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, committed to a policy of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, as part of Australias commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

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However, since the Coalitions landslide election loss in May, Joyce has campaigned against climate action and renewable energy. Related Article Analysis

Political leadership His colleagues met at a retreat to plot the future. Barnaby couldnt wait to leave Former Reid MP Fiona Martin, a member of the Liberals diminished moderate faction who lost her seat to Labors Sally Sitou in 2022, said it was insane to fight against net zero. There are so many problems with Labors plan for the transition for them [the Coalition] to focus on, without taking away the aspiration people have for it to work, she said. Former Bennelong MP John Alexander, who retired in 2022 and whose seat of Bennelong was then lost to Labors Jerome Laxale, said the Liberals needed a comprehensive policy response to climate change and not just chase a we are out of Paris headline.

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If youre going to move on from the current policy of net zero by 2050 you have to have that backed up by third-party experts, dont do it just because its a left-wing ideology, he said. Related Article Political advertising Liberal-led council threatens not to collect bins with anti-Morrison stickers Joyce said on 2GB that the issue had been forced on him when this masthead broke the story on Friday afternoon, forcing him to rip the Band-Aid off. Once Im out of the Nationals, Im a free agent. I can do whatever I wish then, he said. Joyce said he retained his membership of the Nationals but gave conflicting answers to Sky News when asked if he would continue to sit in the Nationals party room in parliament.

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I wont be involved with the National party at a political level in Canberra, Joyce said, before adding, I will make my mind up as I go along, leave that one with me. Photo: Matt Golding Littleproud on Monday said he bore no animosity to Joyce but insisted the New England MP must accept the fact he has been shunted to the backbench.



You have to accept the decision of the leader and whos in the shadow cabinet, Littleproud told Sky News. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley confirmed she had spoken with Joyce but would not provide any details of the conversation and said his departure was a matter for the National Party. It was just a check in between two people whove been collegiate over many years, Ley said.

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Exclusive PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Hanson targets Canavan, Price in hopes Joyce will lead defection to One Nation Paul Sakkal Updated October 19, 2025  9:31pm ,first published October 19, 2025  9:50am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Pauline Hanson is targeting several high-profile Coalition MPs to join Barnaby Joyce in what she hopes will be a significant defection to One Nation over net zero and migration. Hanson revealed she had her eyes on not only Joyce, who it was reported on Friday was in advance talks with the Queensland Senator, but Matt Canavan, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Colin Boyce. Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson. Monique Westermann Joyce confirmed on Saturday his intention to split from the Nationals and not stand for his seat of New England at the next election, due by mid-2028, citing a relationship breakdown  but did not address the speculation surrounding Hanson and One Nation. Hanson told this masthead on Sunday that Joyces potential move could spur Coalition MPs concerned about migration and climate change targets to defect with him, citing Canavan, Price and Boyce as options.

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Political leadership Barnaby Joyce in advanced talks with Pauline Hanson to join One Nation I think that if Barnaby does move, itll incentivise some of those others to say this is a movement thats happening and this is what we stand for, she said. Jacinta is on the same page as me. The other one I have a lot of time for is Colin Boyce. Matt Canavan has got a lot of talent  hes great. These are patriotic Australians who are so frustrated with the Coalition and they dont know what to do. One Nation sources and others close to Joyce believe his plan is to join Hansons party in the lower house, where it holds no seats, with a view to eventually leading it from the Senate.

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Lew OBrien, the Queensland Nationals MP and close ally of Joyce, has also threatened to quit the party over net zero, The Australian reported on Sunday. OBrien, Canavan, Price and Boyce were all contacted for comment. Canavan said he was flattered but its the Nats or bust for me  I will always be loyal. Nationals leader David Littleproud, who has butted heads with Joyce for years, said on Sunday that he had not given up hope of convincing the New England MP to stay. He hasnt tendered a resignation from the National Party, Littleproud said on Channel Nines Today. Ive been out of range yesterday but Ill be reaching out and having a conversation and making sure he understands that he, along with the rest of us, will play a very important role in shaping the Coalition and helping the Coalition rebuild.

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As more drama unfolded in the Coalition, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will deliver a second economic vision speech committing to offering tax cuts, without specifying details, at the next election after it controversially blocked Labors proposed cuts in May. Ley will also hint at unwinding the governments pro-union workplace laws that the Dutton opposition left alone. We will act to deliver intergenerational fairness. Millennials and Gen Z are Australias new forgotten generation, she will say at the conservative Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney. Irreparably broken Joyce said in a written statement on Saturday that his relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down.

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I wished I had been given more time to consider this and dont know the motives of those who put the story out there. I am free to now consider all options as to what I do next. Joyces statement did not directly address the prospect of defection, although it did say that continuing to sit in the Nationals party room in Canberra was untenable. Parliament returns in the week starting October 27, and Coalition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam argued the matter must be resolved before then. The flare-up came after weeks of debate over the frontbench departures of Price and Andrew Hastie. Opposition home affairs spokesperson Jonno Duniam. Alex Ellinghausen Duniam told Skys Sunday Agenda: I certainly hope that in reflecting on his time in parliament, which is something that only became possible  as has been pointed out  because of his support from the National Party organisation, that he doesnt walk away from that.

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I think moving to One Nation, you know, while he might be able to continue his time in parliament would be one thing. I think its important to respect those who [brought] you to the dance and in this case, it was the Nats. Michael McCormack, a former Nationals leader who has campaigned with Joyce against net zero, was critical of Joyces moves. You cant just turn your back on the party that gave you the rare privilege of being the deputy prime minister of Australia. He is the only person to have held that job twice, McCormack said, praising Joyces work ethic and passion for politics. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsVictoriaVictorian Parliament Cookie Monster union: How a backroom deal for Victorias upper house got pushed out to 2026 Kieran Rooney and Rachel Eddie October 19, 2025  6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Labors factional bosses have gone from faceless to red-faced after a collapse in backroom negotiations left the party unable to decide on its upper house candidates for next years Victorian election. ALP politicians in Victorias Legislative Council will be waiting until the middle of next year to know where they stand at the November 2026 election after tussling over the partys number-one tickets descended into what has been described by one MP as a total shitshow. The parliament of Victoria from above the members annex. Preselections for lower house seats already held by Victorian Labor closed on Friday, but the question of who will represent the party in the first and second positions for the states upper house will not be decided until the end of May next year. The partys factions have all but signed off on a stability deal outlining the make-up of lower house seats, giving the Socialist Left and the Right, known as Labor Unity, certainty they would each have control of the same electorates they currently do under the partys stability agreement.

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However, the upper house remains a source of contention, with agreement falling apart at the final hurdle and pushing the negotiations out to next year. Related Article Exclusive

ALP Premier faces growing backbench jitters over preselection The party will, for now, keep its focus on the lower house seats it already holds and those it thinks it can flip from the Greens. Victorian Labor preselections are always dramatic and rarely bloodless. The Age has spoken to a dozen Labor sources who wished to remain anonymous so they could be frank about internal issues as the party aligns its teams to seek a historic fourth term.

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They agreed that the haggling for upper house spots had surprised party figures, some of whom described it as the most turbulent in a decade for a chamber of parliament that typically flies beneath the radar. However, one figure disputed that characterisation, and said they had seen it messier. Sources also expect the upper house issue could be referred to Labors national executive to decide, with the last-minute timing a good excuse for the party administration to intervene. Several MPs face uncertain futures until it is resolved. Labor remains ahead in the polls, but the upper house is viewed as a risk and cabinet ministers are among those in perilous positions. All of this has been further complicated by the possible removal of group voting tickets, a long-awaited reform that could be announced as early as December.

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This could have major implications for the make-up of Victorias chamber of review, where MPs are elected across eight regions based on proportional voting. Parties put forward tickets for these regions because voters are allowed to vote for parties such as the ALP or the Liberals rather than individual candidates. This is the most common way to vote in the upper house. Tickets are essentially numbered lists that tell the Victorian Electoral Commission which candidate to allocate their partys votes to. Once the top candidate is elected, votes are allocated to the second and so on. Under current arrangements, Labors Right faction controls the number-one spot on the ticket in six upper house regions, while the Left has two. MPs in this position are all but guaranteed to be elected from Labor because of its significant vote share.

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Labors vote is high enough in Melbourne regions to elect most second-placed candidates, but these positions are riskier and second place is even more perilous in the regions. Suburban Rail Loop Minister Harriet Shing is currently number two in Eastern Victoria. Removing group voting tickets would make second positions safer for both the major parties. Suburban Rail Loop Minister Harriet Shing is currently number two in Eastern Victoria. Joe Armao Facing a likely swing against a third term government, Labors Socialist Left, currently the dominant faction, has used the negotiations to push for more of their MPs to be elevated to number-one positions. After months of haggling, the disparate subfactions of the partys Right were on the cusp of an agreement that would have allowed both sides to hold four number-one spots each, reducing their share by two and allowing both sides to feel vindicated, sources said.

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But this was scuppered at the last minute when the Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers Union (SDA), from Labors Right, sought to elevate Youth Justice Minister Enver Erdogan to number one on the Northern Metro ticket. The last-minute curveball meant the Right was unable to get a deal over the line, pushing the entire upper house preselection process out until next year. Everyone calls the SDA the Cookie Monster because it doesnt matter how much they have, they always want more, one figure told The Age. Its a mess, said another MP on condition of anonymity. A third was more blunt, describing it as a total shitshow.

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Left and Right sources said it would be difficult to accommodate the SDAs wish, given the spot is already occupied by Left politician Sheena Watt, the partys first female Aboriginal MP. Related Article Analysis

Political leadership His colleagues met at a retreat to plot the future. Barnaby couldnt wait to leave Upper house scuttlebutt has also speculated that Water Minister Gayle Tierney would be retiring before the election, which she has since publicly denied, with Tarneit MP Dylan Wight to move to the upper house and Labor figure Jasvinder Sidhu to replace him. Tierneys public denial and the delay of upper house preselection has quashed these rumours for now, with Wight renominating for Tarneit and Sidhu staying out of politics. Under a stability agreement being finalised, Labors warring factions will not challenge each other for seats held by other groupings. Sitting MPs will still need to be endorsed through a local vote of branch members and the Party Office and Selection Committee, but no serious challenges to elected MPs are expected.

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Sorting out the preselections of sitting MPs also gives Victorian Labor an opportunity to bring forward candidates to challenge inner-city green seats. Party figures are optimistic about the ALPs chances in Richmond and Melbourne. At the federal election, Sarah Witty dethroned Greens leader Adam Bandt in the federal seat of Melbourne while Wills, where Labors Peter Khalil withstood a challenge from the Greens, intersects heavily with the Greens seats of Richmond and Brunswick. For those with longer memories, Labors factional dealings before the 2026 election seem like a walk in the park compared with the bloodletting of 2021, when four lower house MPs were not endorsed and four other upper house were MPs pushed to unwinnable positions. But it is cold comfort for those who currently sit in the upper house, who will have to wait until next year to learn their fate. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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PoliticsWAPolitical donations Meet the retired tech millionaire who donated $1.9 million to teals and Greens Hamish Hastie October 20, 2025  12:32am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 2 View all comments

Former tech entrepreneur turned climate campaigner Norman Pater donated more than $1.9 million to teal and Greens campaigns ahead of the state and federal elections including $1 million to Climate 200. The Simon Holmes a Court-founded Climate 200 named Pater as a new donor on the weekend, but the size of his donation was unknown until his election disclosures were made public by the Australian Electoral Commission on Monday. Tech entrepreneur turned climate campaigner Norman Pater. His collective million dollar donations to Climate 200 coupled with other donations to the Greens and teal candidates - as well as $130,000 donated before the March WA election - totals about $1.9 million. This makes him one of the biggest political donors in the country and a far more prolific donor than even the likes of billionaire WA mining magnate Gina Rinehart who donated $500,000 to the Coalition in 2023-24.

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He has vowed to keep supporting climate-focused candidates and campaigns to combat Labors support of the fossil fuel sector. I was motivated to support candidates advocating for urgent climate action, and challenging the lack of ambition from Labor, who continue to support fossil fuel expansion at the expense of local communities and the natural environment, he said. Pater donated $400,000 to the Greens, including $100,000 for the WA Greens state election campaign, and $300,000 to Greens federal election campaigns in WA and Queensland. He also heavily backed Climate 200-backed community independents including Kate Hulett, who nearly unseated Labor assistant minister Josh Wilson in Fremantle. Pater also tipped money into the campaigns of Curtin MP Kate Chaney, Franklin candidate Peter George, and more than $130,000 into Forrest community independent Sue Chapman.

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Political donations Canva co-founder and Greens donor add to Climate 200 fundraising heft Paters wife Gita Sonnenberg joined the Voices for Forrest movement in 2023 that selected Chapman and was her campaign coordinator according her LinkedIn. In his first public commentary about the extraordinary size of his donations, Pater said he was spurred to act because of Labors lack of will to curb fossil fuel projects. The West Australian government seems proud to be leading the only state in the country with rising carbon emissions, thus directly driving the climate crisis through our massive fossil fuel production, he said. Western Australia is also the only state in the country without a legislated emissions reduction target.

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The Albanese government has doubled down on the disastrous climate policies of WA Labor. I believe history will judge the culpable politicians badly. They have all but ensured they will face even more opposition at the next election. Pater said he supported any candidate who would end the collusion between governments and the big end of town. The results in Fremantle at the last election should have put the major parties on notice, he said. Given the scale of community frustration with our government and the major party system, the potential for significant political change is only growing. Pater with wife Gita Sonnenberg.

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Paters total wealth is unknown but he made his money in the tech sector in both South Africa and Australia. He founded Scope Systems in 1994 and was a director of Melbourne-based software company Pronto up until 2012. Pater also founded the Carbon Farming Foundation, which offered carbon farming services until it shut in July. Pater is one of a number of wealthy businesspeople funnelling money into Climate 200. He joined share trader Robert Keldoulis, through his investment firm and 7-Eleven co-founders Beverley and Douglas Barlow family charity Fairground Investments at the top of the list of donors to the movement.

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Fellow West Australian and Canva co-founder and chief operating officer Cliff Obrecht also donated $500,000 to Climate 200 ahead of the election. A total of 33,000 people donated to Climate 200 ahead of the election. The group provides funding and campaign support to community independents that share its states values on climate, integrity and equality. Its support of Chaneys campaign was crucial to her narrow victory over Liberal candidate Tom White in Curtin. The full list of donors over the disclosure threshold for the 2024-25 financial year will be published on Monday by the Australian Electoral Commission. With Natassia Chrysanthos
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WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Two more hostage bodies released as US warns Hamas planning attack on Palestinians Toqa Ezzidin , Sam Mednick and Samy Magdy October 19, 2025  10:20am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Key points Israel says Hamas has handed over two more coffins of deceased hostages from Gaza, increasing the total to 12 bodies returned.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring Hamas to accelerate the return of the remaining dead hostages under the current ceasefire deal.

Israel is keeping the key Rafah crossing closed until further notice, tying its reopening to the completion of the remains handover.

Cairo: Israel says Hamas has handed over two more coffins of deceased hostages from Gaza, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increased pressure on the militant group to return the rest more quickly under their ceasefire. The bodies were in Israel and were being taken to the countrys National Institute of Forensic Medicine. No names were immediately released. Israel announced earlier on Saturday, local time, that Gazas sole crossing with the outside world, Rafah, would stay closed until further notice, and tied it to Hamas release of the remains of the hostages. On Thursday, Israel had said the crossing likely would reopen on Sunday. Palestinians watch members of Hamas searching for bodies of hostages in Khan Younis. AP The latest handover came as the US State Department on Sunday said it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by Hamas against residents of Gaza.

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This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts, the department said in a statement. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms. Related Article Analysis

Israeli-Palestinian conflict Greatest reason Gaza war will not end: Why Hamas isnt going anywhere Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire forged by US President Donald Trump to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas, it said. Hamas has now handed over the remains of 12 of the 28 dead hostages in Gaza, a key step in the week-old ceasefire process meant to end the war. The militant group says devastation and Israeli military control of certain areas of Gaza have slowed the handover. The statement from Netanyahus office on the Rafah crossing came shortly after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt said it would reopen on Monday for people returning to Gaza. Hamas called Netanyahus decision a violation of the ceasefire deal.

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The Rafah crossing has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side. A fully reopened crossing would make it easier for Gazans to seek medical treatment, travel or visit family in Egypt, which is home to tens of thousands of Palestinians. Anxiety on both sides over remains Israel has been returning the bodies of Palestinians with no names, only numbers. Gazas Health Ministry posts photos of them online, hoping families will come forward. People attend a rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday night as families and friends of deceased hostages lobby for the return of their remains. Getty Images Just like they took their captives, we want our captives. Bring me my son, bring all our kids back, said a tearful Iman Sakani, whose son went missing during the war. She was among dozens of anxious Palestinian families waiting at Nasser hospital.

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One woman knelt, crying over a body after identifying it. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel on Saturday returned 15 bodies of Palestinians to Gaza, bringing the total it has returned to 135. Related Article Updated

Israeli-Palestinian conflict US denies Hamas violating deal as it tries to keep fragile peace plan on track Meanwhile, Gazas ruins were being scoured for the dead. Newly recovered bodies brought the Palestinian death toll above 68,000, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Thousands of people are still missing, according to the Red Cross. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. But the ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

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Hamas-led militants killed about 1200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the attack on southern Israel that sparked the war on October 7, 2023. A push for hostages remains Israel also said the remains of a 10th hostage that Hamas handed over on Friday were identified as Eliyahu Margalit. The 76-year-old was abducted from kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 attack. His remains were found after bulldozers ploughed areas in the southern city of Khan Younis. Loading

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Trump has warned that he would give the go-ahead to a resumption of the war by Israel if Hamas doesnt return the remains of all dead hostages. Hamas has said it is committed to the ceasefire deal, but that the retrieval of remains is also hampered by the presence of unexploded ordnance in the territorys vast ruins. The Israeli organisation supporting families of those abducted said it would continue holding weekly rallies in Tel Aviv until all were returned. The bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire after crossing the ceasefire line, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence, are brought to Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. AP We dont want to go back to fighting, God forbid, but this whole ordeal must end, and all the hostages must be returned, said Ifat Calderon, aunt of freed hostage Ofer Calderon.

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Aid remains limited Hamas has urged mediators to increase the flow of aid into Gaza as closures of crossings and Israeli restrictions on aid groups continue. Vast parts of the city are just a wasteland, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said on Saturday while visiting Gaza City, where international food security experts declared famine earlier this year. UN data on Friday showed 339 trucks have been offloaded for distribution in Gaza since the ceasefire began. Under the agreement, about 600 aid trucks per day should be allowed to enter.

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COGAT, the Israeli defence body overseeing aid in Gaza, reported 950 trucks  including commercial trucks and bilateral deliveries  crossing on Thursday and 716 on Wednesday, the UN said. Israel has said it let in enough food and accused Hamas of stealing much of it, which the UN and other aid agencies deny. Hamas accuses Israel of violations Hamas again accused Israel of continuing attacks and violating the ceasefire, asserting that 38 Palestinians had been killed since it began. There was no immediate response from Israel, which still maintains control of about half of Gaza. On Friday, Gazas Civil Defence, the first responders operating under the Hamas-run Interior Ministry, said nine people were killed, including women and children, when their vehicle was hit by Israeli fire in Gaza City. The Civil Defence said the car crossed into an Israeli-controlled area in eastern Gaza.

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Israels army said it saw a suspicious vehicle crossing the so-called yellow line and approaching troops. It said it fired warning shots, but the vehicle continued to approach in a manner that posed an imminent threat. The army said it acted in accordance with the ceasefire. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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WorldNorth AmericaForeign relations Opinion Albaneses meeting with Trump wont define Australias place in the world. Nor should it Nick Bryant Journalist and author October 20, 2025  4:00am

October 20, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 172 View all comments

Stopwatches at the ready. How much face-time will Anthony Albanese be granted by Donald Trump? And how will his long-awaited visit to Washington compare with those of previous prime ministers? When John Howard met Bill Clinton in 1999, he endured the indignity of being left waiting in his limousine because the president was running late. Their discussion barely lasted 30 minutes. When, on the other hand, Howard sat down with George W. Bush for the first time on September 10, 2001  the day before the world changed  their talks, which included a convivial lunch attended by the 41st president, George Herbert Walker Bush, lasted three hours. Howard had flown to Washington to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ANZUS military alliance, a pact that meant a lot to the Bush family. As a naval pilot, Bush Sr. had flown 58 combat missions in the Pacific theatre. This kind of shared history  and crucially the shared values it embodies  means little, if anything, to Donald Trump. Besides, now the focus is AUKUS, which will hang over Australian prime ministers like the sword of Damocles, rather than ANZUS, which served more like a comfort blanket. Australia is arguably more plugged in geopolitically than its one-time colonial overlord. Before venturing on, I realise I am adding to the voluminous column inches already devoted to the episodic saga of Albaneses troubled pilgrimage to Washington, which has been almost John Bunyan-like in intensity. In so doing, I also recognise the danger of falling into the trap of viewing Australias global status solely through the relationship with one individual, the US president. Often it feels as if minutes in the Oval Office have become the foremost barometer of Australian power. As a Briton, though, this is a familiar mentality. Anthony Albanese last visited the Oval Office two years ago and was given a warm welcome by then-president Joe Biden. Alex Ellinghausen

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Westminster is obsessed with the UK-US special relationship. So much so that when the then presidential candidate Joe Biden playfully turned down my request early in 2020 for an interview with the BBC, saying Im Irish, with a leprechaun twinkle, Whitehall went into near-freefall. Installed on the roof of the Foreign Office, I have long suspected, are finely calibrated antennae attuned to detect any deviation in the bilateral relationship. When the BBC rebroadcast that brief exchange, on the weekend Biden celebrated victory over Trump in the 2020 election, it felt like they had been wrenched from their moorings before splashing down somewhere in the Baltic Sea. Post-Brexit, Britain has needed more diplomatic friends, which partly explained the appeal of AUKUS. It gave the UK a chance to re-establish a foothold in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is arguably more plugged in geopolitically than its one-time colonial overlord. The fixation with the US alliance detracts from how its influence has grown over the course of the 21st century as a result of a diplomatic flirtatiousness bordering on the downright promiscuous. Australia belongs to a screenful of geopolitical dating apps: ANZUS, AUKUS, APEC, the G20. The Quad security dialogue with India, Japan and the United States, The Squad, a grouping of Japan, the US and the Philippines, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth. With ASEAN, it now has comprehensive strategic partner status. John Howard and then-president George W. Bush in the Oval Office in 2003. Getty Images

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Since 2022, Australia has regularly attended NATO foreign minister meetings. Albanese attended its leaders summits in Madrid and Vilnius. Since 2019, Australian prime ministers have been regular attendees at G7 summits. Australia, after being such a key founding member, remains a significant player at the United Nations. Presently, after the deep freeze in relations during the Morrison years, it has an improved relationship with Beijing. In this multipolar world, Australian clout needs to be seen in its totality. The preoccupation with the White House presents a tunnel-visioned view and perpetuates a one-track state of mind. This fixation with the US relationship led to AUKUS, and AUKUS imposes limits on Australias wiggle-room in managing relations with Beijing. The unstated predicate of the defence pact, after all, is that US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, and Australia-manufactured subs reliant on US nuclear technology, would be deployed alongside US forces in any future conflict with China. Along with the problems of cost, the reliability of America as an ally, the loss of sovereignty over such a key defence system and the fact the agreement enables the president to renege on the deal, AUKUS undercuts what has been the hallmark of Australian diplomacy for the past 30 years: the dexterity to balance the two key bilateral relationships with Washington and Beijing. Julia Gillard and Barack Obama at the Oval Office in March 2011. Andrew Meares

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Given the more belligerent nature of Xi Jinpings authoritarian leadership and a military build-up resulting in a navy with more vessels than America, that balancing act had become harder to pull off. But the AUKUS pact, which was negotiated in secret by Scott Morrison without meaningful bipartisan dialogue or any public consultation, brought to an end the era of Australias have your cake and eat it doctrine, when successive prime ministers claimed they did not have to choose between these two great powers. If ANZUS is a comfort blanket, AUKUS acts more like a strategic straitjacket. As to the visit itself, a downside with Albanese arriving in Washington so late into Trumps second term is that more than 20 other international leaders have already set the behavioural tone. The diplomatic default is to be supine and sycophantic, which will not go down well at home. Related Article Foreign relations The key card Albanese can play to keep Trump onside in Oval Office The upside is that Trump is still basking in the success of his victory lap around the Middle East. Australias recognition of Palestinian statehood is therefore less of a point of divergence. Even better for Albanese is Chinas announcement this month about new restrictions on its export of rare earth minerals. This is a problem resources-rich Australia has an oven-ready proposal to solve: guaranteed access to a critical minerals stockpile. Anything involving Trump is notoriously hard to predict, but maybe in the future we will dwell not on the time spent between the prime minister and president, or their delay in meeting at the White House, but rather the timeliness of the visit.

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Nick Bryant, a former BBC Washington correspondent, is the author of The Forever War: Americas Unending Conflict With Itself. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
TWO men charged in connection with major firearms offences in Carlow have been denied bail.

John Brannigan (45) of Upper Bason Street, Dublin 8 was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Carlow on 10 October last.

Mark OSullivan (44) of 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry, Co Carlow appeared relating to a total of seven charges before Judge John Cheatle at a special sitting of Wexford District Court today (Sunday) relating to firearms offences.

The charges arose following an ongoing investigation targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Carlow. Gardai searched a number of properties on 16 and 17 October 2025 and seized a viable suspect device, four firearms and suspected cocaine with a street value of 35,000 and cannabis worth 10,000.

Mr OSullivan has been charged that, on 16 October 2025 at 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry, Carlow, he had in his control a complete igniferous pipe bomb, an explosive substance, to wit, an explosive device.

He was further charged with possession of .22 LR Derringer pistol; possession of two rounds of ammunition; and one .22 LRPurple 3D printed gun located within a shed at the rear of property on 16 October 2025. He was also charged that on 17 October 2025 at 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry he had control of a firearm, 3D printed gun, and also a shotgun; also that on 17 October 2025 at 2 Kernanstown, Bennekerry he had under his control a quantity of .22 bullets.

Det Garda Kayleigh Milward gave evidence to the court of arrest, charge and caution.

Det Milward told the court that when the individual charges were put to the accused, he replied: I apologise for my behaviour and to anyone who was in danger.

Solicitor for the accused, Alexander Rafter, told the court that there is an application for bail. Given the seriousness of the offences, prosecuting Sgt Victor Isdell said gardai were objecting to bail.

Det Garda Milward said the accused had a number of previous convictions. Given these previous convictions and the seriousness of the charges, she said gardai were objecting to bail.

Defence solicitor Mr Rafter said that his clients last previous conviction was back in 2021. He is a carer for his mother, who is 85 years of age. Should he be granted bail, he would abide by any restrictions laid down by the court and sign on at Carlow Garda Station. While admitting that his clients history is not good, the solicitor added that there appears to be a good period with an unblemished history.

Judge Cheatle said he would refuse the application for bail, remanding the accused in custody to appear via video link at Carlow District Court on Wednesday next, 22 October.

John Brannigan (45) has been charged that on 16 October 2025 at New Oak Estate, Carlow he had in his possession a firearm, one .22 Derringer pistol. He was further charged that on the same date and place he had in his possession two rounds of ammunition.

Det Garda John Moulton told the court that when the charges were put to the accused, he made no response to each charge.

In making an application for bail, Andrew Bolger BL said that should bail be granted, the accused would comply with all conditions laid down by the court.

Sgt Victor Isdell said gardai were objecting to bail, outlining that the accused had a number of previous convictions and is currently on High Court bail.

Judge Cheatle said he would refuse bail, remanding the accused to appear before Carlow District Court on Wednesday 22 October via video link.

Judge Cheatle granted legal aid in respect of both accused.
Eva Osborne

The members of Kneecap have backed Catherine Connolly in the race for Aras an Uachtarain, telling their Irish fans to "vote Connolly cause we can't".

The Belfast rap trio took to Instagram to post "votail Connolly" with their signature balaclava symbol.

The independent presidential candidate commented under the post saying "GRMMA", an abbreviation for "go raibh mile maith agat", which is the Irish for thank you very much.

She was not the only one to get involved in the comment section.

Irish social media influencer James Kavanagh commented: "Get your voting cards out."

The members of Kneecap cannot vote for Connolly, as voters must be ordinarily resident in Ireland to vote in the presidential election.

On Friday, Stormonts deputy first minister warned that extending voting rights in Irish presidential elections to citizens living in Northern Ireland would be overstepping the mark.

Emma Little-Pengelly said the difference between political reality and political aspiration had to be recognised, as she stressed that Northern Irelands head of state was the King.

Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle ONeill offered an opposing view to her DUP counterpart as Stormonts co-leaders were asked about the issue at a press conference following the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Dublin.

Ms ONeill said it was a huge democratic deficit that she, as an Irish citizen, could run to be president of Ireland but yet could not vote in the elections, as she lives north of the border.
By David Raleigh

Gardai are searching for the driver of a car involved in an alleged hit-and-run, in which a pedestrian was seriously injured, in Co Limerick on Sunday morning.

The injured male was struck by a vehicle at a car park in Castleconnell, around 11am on Sunday.

The injured man was rushed by ambulance from the scene, located about 16km from Limerick city, to University Hospital Limerick, where is was in a serious condition.

The car park, located in the centre of the village, remained sealed off on Sunday as Gardai conducted a technical examination of the scene.

Gardai were harvesting CCTV for nearby businesses and homes.

A major search was continuing Sunday for the vehicle involved and the driver of the car.

Gardai remained at the scene, and several investigating gardai also traveled to UHL, where the injured man was being treated.

An Garda Siochana has been contacted for comment.
By Bairbre Holmes, PA

The Taoiseach has said people who use the tricolour to suggest they alone represent Irishness, dishonour our national flag.

He made the comments as he delivered a rain-soaked speech at Bodenstown Graveyard during Fianna Fails annual commemoration of the 18th-century Irish revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone.

Wolfe Tone led a French military force to Ireland during the 1798 Rebellion and, standing by his grave, the Taoiseach said Tone was celebrated by the generation of idealists who gave us our national flag.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (seventh left) at the annual Fianna Fail Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown (Bairbre Holmes/PA

He said those who try and claim that there is a fixed national identity do not understand Irish history or that our identity has survived because we have been willing to evolve and be more inclusive.

His comments come after a rise in the number of Irish flags being attached to lampposts, railings and street signs over recent months.

Many have been put up by different groups as an expression of pride in national identity, but have been criticised by others who believe the tricolour is being used to intimidate people from migrant backgrounds.

There have been similar disputes in the UK after a campaign dubbed Operation Raise the Colours encouraged Union and St Georges flags to be displayed in public places.
Eva Osborne

Here are the stories making headlines this Sunday.

The Sunday Times leads with Fine Gael entering "damage litigation mode" and hoping for a miracle in the final week of the presidential election campaign to elect Heather Humphreys as president.

The front page of the Sunday Independent also focuses on the race to the Aras, as Humphreys issued a stinging attack on rival Catherine Connolly saying that, in contrast to her opponent, she "never tried to make money out of people's misfortune".

Speaking to the paper, Humphreys pointed to Connolly's past work as a barrister representing banks in repossessing people's homes and said she wants voters to know that one difference between her and Connolly is that she always tried "to keep people in their homes".

Catherine Connolly's former assistant - convicted gun criminal Ursula Ni Shionnain - has refused to say sorry for taking part in the attempted robbery that resulted in her being sentenced to six years in prison, according to The Irish Mail on Sunday.

A woman, alleged on TikTok to be the daredevil cat burglar who climbed across a four-storey balcony balustrade to steal ham and cheese from a neighbour's fridge, has made a formal complaint to gardai after her own front door was kicked in and vandalised, the Sunday World reports.

The Irish Sunday Mirror leads with a teenager being remanded in custody on Saturday charged with the murder of Ukrainian teenager Vadym Davydenko at a Tusla care unit in Donaghmede.

The ESRI chair has warned of added costs and delays after a legal challenge to Dublin's coastal rail line, the Business Post reports.
Two men, both aged in their 40s, who were arrested following garda raids on a number of properties in Carlow on Thursday and Friday have been charged and are due to appear before a special sitting of Wexford District Court tomorrow, Sunday 19 October, at 12 noon.

During the searches, gardai seized a viable suspect device, four firearms and suspected cocaine with a street value of 35,000 and cannabis worth 10,000. Gardai from the Carlow Drugs Unit recovered a firearm and ammunition at a residential property in Carlow town on Thursday 16 October.

In a follow-up search at a residence in Kernanstown on 16 October, gardai discovered a viable improvised explosive device.

A cordon was immediately established by gardai and the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene and removed the device for a controlled explosion to be conducted.

Searches at the two properties continued yesterday, Friday 17 October, with the assistance of the Dog Unit, and gardai seized two 3D-printed firearms, a shotgun and ammunition.

Suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of 35,000 and cannabis with an estimated street value of 10,000 was also recovered.

The gardai say the raids were part of ongoing investigations targeting the sale and supply of drugs and related criminal activity in Carlow.
For the second weekend in a row, the Scots took part in a CCS Tri-Match with Wesleyan and Belhaven. As it did seven days ago at home, Covenant won both matches to extend its win streak to seven games.Game 1 Final: Covenant 3, Belhaven 1Records: Covenant (12-10, 8-2 CCS), Belhaven (9-15, 4-7 CCS)The Scots had no issues in the first two sets, taking those 25-15 and 25-16 respectively. It was the third and fourth sets that were both decided by two points that brought the drama.In set three, Belhaven built a four-point lead that Covenant slowly scraped away at.The Scots later held off two set points, before the Blazers clinched a 27-25 win to keep the match going.Flash forward to set four, it was the same, but with Covenant taking a four-point lead that Belhaven slowly fought its way back from. With the score tied at 24, a kill from Scarlett Martz followed by a Belhaven attack error, gave Covenant the set and the match.The team box score was really close, with Covenant having a 44-41 edge in kills and a 72-68 advantage in digs. The Scots had nine service aces while the Blazers totaled six.For the second match in a row, Cali Sandhoff posted a triple-double. Her stat line was 15 assists, 12 digs, and 11 kills. Delaney Stirm with 10 kills and Amber Snook with 17 assists were also important offensive players for Covenant. Sarah Jennings led Covenant's defense with 18 digs.Covenant is now 9-2 all-time against Belhaven.Game 2 Final: Covenant 3, Wesleyan 0Records: Covenant (13-10, 9-2 CCS), Wesleyan (2-12, 2-9 CCS)In set one, Covenant scored the first seven points, which turned out to be the difference as Covenant won 25-18. The next two sets were more lopsided, with the Scots delivering 25-12 and 25-13 wins to clinch the sweep.The Scots had at least double the amount in several offensive statistical categories than the Wolves, including kills (33-16), service aces (12-6), and assists (29-14).AnaClara Maik had a career day in the win, posting nine kills with a .467 hitting percentage. Jennings once again led the defense with 13 digs.Covenant is now 23-0 all-time against Wesleyan.UP NEXT: Covenant travels to Kentucky on Tuesday to take on Spalding in a nonconference battle.
Home News Christian parents take Sweden to top European court after separation from daughters

Two Christian parents have taken their case against Sweden to the European Court of Human Rights after being separated from their two eldest daughters for more than two years. The couple says the Swedish child protection system wrongfully removed their children and violated their parental rights.

Daniel and Bianca Samson, Romanian citizens who had lived in Sweden for nearly a decade, filed the case this week, according to the human rights group ADF International, which is supporting their case and contends that it raises "serious concerns" about delays, overreach and possible discrimination against Christians in Swedens child welfare system.

The parents say their daughters, ages 10 and 11 at the time, were taken by Swedish social services in December 2022 after one of them falsely reported abuse at school. The child later withdrew the claim, but authorities refused to return the girls.

The incident began when the parents denied their daughters request for a smartphone and makeup, citing her age. The report led to allegations of religious extremism and child abuse. Prosecutors later found no evidence of wrongdoing, and the investigation was closed. However, Swedish authorities continued to keep the girls in state custody, placing them in separate foster homes located far apart.

The family is allowed one supervised visit a month.

Between January and June 2024, the parents completed a state-mandated parenting course, during which two therapists certified their competence. Authorities, however, did not reunite the family.

The children have since been moved through several foster placements, with one reportedly suffering physical and mental health issues and attempting suicide. Their parents say both girls have pleaded to come home, but the state continues to deny reunification.

In legal proceedings, Swedens state lawyer called the family religious extremists, citing their regular church attendance three times a week and their refusal to allow certain clothing or makeup. The parents lawyers argue these are expressions of faith protected under international human rights law. They have cited Articles 8 and 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect family life and religious freedom.

Daniel Samson said they turned to the Strasbourg-based court after every legal path in Sweden failed, including the Supreme Courts decision not to hear their case in March 2025.

We love our children. We trusted Sweden to protect them  and when the truth emerged, we expected our daughters to come home. Yet they remain away from us, and their mental health continues to deteriorate, he said.

The Samsons have also asked to have the children transferred to the foster system in Romania, but that request was denied. The couple has since returned to Romania with their other five children while pursuing the European case.

Despite a full investigation that cleared Mr. and Mrs. Samson of any abuse, Swedish authorities have prolonged this familys suffering and have still not allowed the children to go home, ADF International counsel Robert Morales Sancho said, adding that the "case strikes at the heart of every parents most fundamental right."

"The Samsons are living every parents worst nightmare, having lost their children to the state for nearly three years," he said.

Daniel Samson told European Conservative that the separation has taken a heavy toll. The girls, he said, have been moved between foster families located hundreds of miles apart, sometimes preventing visits for months. He described one daughter as heavily medicated and emotionally withdrawn, saying, The way she looks, shes not looking at you. Shes looking through you.

The couple claim they have complied with every state request. They say officials have ignored those findings and continued to block reunification. You can come visit us daily. I will even allow you to put cameras in all the corners of the house, but please just let them return home, the father reportedly told social workers.

Authorities reportedly confiscated the childrens religious materials, saying biblical audio stories were too violent. ADF International argues that the familys treatment shows an unmistakable element of religious discrimination.

The European Court of Human Rights has found multiple violations in child protection cases involving Norway, Spain and other countries, including rulings that states overstepped their authority by permanently separating families.
Home Opinion 10 reasons why God removes His glory from churches

The tragic declaration in 1 Samuel 4:22  The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured  resonates like a prophetic alarm across generations. The ark, a symbol of Gods manifest presence and covenant with His people, was seized by the Philistines because of Israels rebellion and spiritual negligence. Ichabod, the name given to the child born in that moment of national despair, signified a divine indictment: Gods glory had withdrawn from His people.

What caused such a catastrophic loss? Scripture gives us profound insight, not only in this historical episode but also in other moments when Gods glory departed or was withheld from His people. These patterns offer sobering warnings to the contemporary Church. Below are ten reasons the glory departs from those once chosen by God:

1. The leaders dishonor God by immoral behavior





In 1 Samuel 2 and 3, Elis sons  Hophni and Phinehas  were priests who committed sexual immorality and stole the sacrifices meant for God. These were not minor missteps but egregious sins committed in the holy place. Instead of confronting them with swift correction, Eli tolerated their wickedness. When leaders who are called to be examples of holiness engage in ongoing immorality, they grieve the Holy Spirit and repel the glory. God will not bless what He has clearly condemned.

2. The people accommodate the surrounding culture





In Jeremiah 7:1015, the Lord rebukes His people for profaning the temple while simultaneously practicing idolatry and injustice. They treated Gods house like a talisman while living like the pagans around them. Yahweh then declares He will cast them out of His presence! (Jeremiah 7:15). When the Church adapts to culture rather than transforming it, she forfeits her distinctiveness and the power of divine presence. The glory departs when we choose relevance over reverence.

3. Nepotism trumps biblical order and worship





In 1 Samuel 3 and 4, Elis preference for his sons over Gods righteous standard was a form of nepotism. Despite knowing their sinful behavior, Eli refused to remove them. He allowed family loyalty to override fidelity to Gods law. When churches prioritize relationships, family ties, or political allegiances above the clear instruction of Scripture, they sabotage the order and worship that attracts Gods glory. His presence does not rest where His authority is rejected.

4. The elders live secret lives of idolatry





In Jeremiah 8:1216, God laments that the leaders of Israel are not ashamed of their detestable practices. They proclaim peace while judgment is at the door. These hidden sins among elders and spiritual leaders contaminate the camp and invite judgment. When those tasked with stewarding revival are compromised, their double lives repel the manifest presence of God. Secret sin in high places will always result in Ichabod written over a nation or church.

5. The people no longer grieve over sin





Ezekiel 9:39 depicts Gods glory lifting from the temple because of the widespread sin and apathy of the people. Only a remnant grieves over the abominations committed in the land. When Gods people lose their capacity to weep over what grieves God, they demonstrate a calloused heart. Indifference to sin is often the last step before judgment. Revival tarries not because sin exists  but because there is no grief over it.

6. The people did not welcome Gods visitation





In Luke 19:4144, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because the people did not recognize the time of [their] visitation. Though God incarnate walked among them, they rejected Him. His presence was near, but their hearts were far. Churches today can be so focused on programs and performances that they miss God Himself. When we resist His nearness and quench His Spirit, the glory quietly departseven if the services continue.

7. The Church loses its first love





In Revelation 2:15, Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for its doctrine and perseverance, yet rebukes it for abandoning its first love. Passion for Christ had been replaced by religious duty. The warning is sharp: Repent  or I will come to you and remove your lampstand. The lampstand represented the presence of God among the churches. When love for Jesus no longer fuels our worship, work, and witness, the light begins to fade, and the glory departs.

8. The Church allows heretical teaching





In Revelation 2:1416, the church in Pergamum tolerated the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, both of which led believers into compromise. Doctrinal distortion is not a matter of academic debate  it is a matter of glory. God will not abide in a house where truth is subverted. Heresy opens the door to demonic influence and shuts the door to divine presence. To maintain the glory, we must guard the purity of the gospel.

9. The Church tolerates false prophets





In Revelation 2:20, the Lord confronts the church in Thyatira for tolerating Jezebel, a self-proclaimed prophetess who led Gods servants into sexual immorality and idolatry. This was not mere error; it was rebellion disguised as revelation. When churches exalt charisma over character and permit prophetic personalities to operate without accountability, they grieve the Spirit of truth. The presence of God will not remain where lies are treated as light.

10. The people of God become lukewarm





In Revelation 3:1416, the church in Laodicea is described as neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. The Lords reaction is visceral: I will spit you out of my mouth. Lukewarmness is the state of spiritual apathy where we are too comfortable to repent and too complacent to pursue revival. The glory does not dwell with the indifferent. God desires fervent love, humble dependence, and a burning heart  not a casual acknowledgment of His existence.

Conclusion: Guarding the glory



The glory of God is not automatic. While the indwelling Spirit of God seals believers for salvation, the manifest presence of God  His weighty, holy, convicting glory  can be lifted from churches, movements, and even nations. The biblical history of Israel, along with the warnings of the New Testament, reveals that when sin, compromise, and apathy are tolerated, the glory departs.

However, the good news is that repentance can bring restoration. Joel 2 promises that if we return to the Lord with fasting and weeping, He will be gracious and restore what was lost. When we cleanse the altar, revere His Word, honor His holiness, and love Him above all else, the glory can return.

Ichabod does not have to be the final word. But if we ignore these warnings, it may very well be written over our churches, our cities, and our generation. May we heed the call before the glory lifts  and may we once again become a people of His presence.
Home Opinion 2 countercultural ways to develop courageous faith

Are you craving more courage in your heart? I am. Are you compelled by men and women of courageous faith around us, like Charlie and Erika Kirk? Yes, me too. This past month, I have been challenged afresh to become a believer filled with more courage. And I dont think Im the only one. Charlie Kirks assassination sent a wake-up call to the Church: Are we being courageous for Christ? Are we willing to risk it all for the Gospel?

I have the joy of working every day at Decision Point with some of the most courageous teenagers for Christ. We team up with local churches to empower teens to share the Gospel boldly at their public schools. They are seeing a record number of their classmates come to know Jesus. They are driven by their love for Christ and broken over their lost generation. They simply cant keep quiet about Christ. These teenagers inspire me every day with courage for the Gospel.

What could it look like to cultivate courage in your life? Not the soft, easy, convenient kind that goes with the crowd. Courage comes when we do hard things for Jesus. Speaking Gods truth when its not popular. Its when we share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, not dependent on our personality or self-confidence. Courage for the Gospel demands confidence in our Creator and King, the only One who can save and set people free.

Two countercultural ways you can cultivate courage:

1. Share the Gospel with strangers

If sharing the Gospel with a stranger sounds hard or intimidating  good! That means youre normal. Some say they would rather feed sharks than share the Gospel with a stranger. Lets normalize that feeling of nervousness or fear. We all have experienced it around sharing the Gospel. Therefore, if more courage is going to come, we cant wait for fear to leave. Choose to share the Gospel while afraid.

The Lord is clear in his command for every Christian to share the Gospel (Matt 28:19-20). Notice this command is not based on personality or gifting. Phew! All my introverted friends, you are not left out of this one. All Gods children are called to share the Gospel. The same Holy Spirit that lives in extroverts lives in introverts too. What a kind God we serve to give us all the same Holy Spirit to proclaim the same Gospel to the lost. It really levels the playing field.

We live in a culture where being kind is the most sought-after trait. Its on T-shirts and mugs. Kindness is good. But kindness alone never led someone to a saving faith in Jesus. People must hear the Gospel with their ears, in order to believe in Jesus and be saved (Rom 10:14-15). We also know faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17).

Before we go and share the Gospel with people. Lets define success in evangelism. Obedience is success. We share the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, leaving the results to God. There is great freedom knowing when you get rejected  its success. When someone comes to know Jesus, its success. Why? Because in evangelism, obedience is the win.

If this still sounds crazy to you, let me encourage you that its happening today. See for yourself in this video how teens are starting conversations and sharing the Gospel with people they have not even met before or barely know. If they can do it, we adults can too! You would be surprised how many people are open to talking about God.

What if we normalized starting Gospel conversations with strangers? In the gym, at work, at the park and in coffee shops we go to regularly  all great places to start Gospel conversations. What if we got a few believers together and went to a mall with the purpose of initiating Gospel conversations? I wonder what divine appointments God would already have planned for us.

Lets get practical. Check out this training video on how to share the Gospel. Here are three questions and tips to start a Gospel conversation:

Have you ever heard the gospel before?

Ask someone how their weekend was. Then share about your weekend: We went to church on Sunday and they talked about the Gospel. Have you ever heard the Gospel? If no, ask if you can share it with them. If yes, ask what it is to their understanding, listen and continue the conversation.

Do you know Jesus? " Can I share with you who He is?"

Can I share with you who He is?" Can I pray for you? and after praying for them, ask, Have you ever heard the Gospel before? If no, ask if you can share it with them.

2. Give away Gospel tracts with joy

What is the beauty of a Gospel tract? Let me say it simply  a tract gets to the point, shares the Gospel clearly and completely, not leaving anything out. What a beautiful gift! The whole Gospel with Bible verses clearly explaining Gods gift of salvation available to all who believe.

There is something unique about tracts. You and I can give them to any person as a gift, even if we have a quick interaction with them. Even if I dont have time to have a full Gospel conversation with them, I just put the full Gospel in their hand to read on their own time. Thats such a gift! Lives can be transformed by receiving Gods Word in a Gospel tract. I personally know a fellow missionary, Jason, who got saved because his friend read him a Gospel tract page by page. Another friend of mine received a Gospel tract from a stranger, read it on his own, put his faith in Jesus, and now is faithfully serving as a pastor in the southside of Chicago.

If you have a negative view of tracts, Id love for you to consider this: When you have a Gospel tract that has the Gospel and Gods Word in it, with a heart motivated by the love of Christ, you smile and give that booklet as a gift to a person you just met at the grocery store. Do you think God will be glorified by that? Yes! The answer is yes. Even if the person says, No, I dont want one. Okay, no problem. They turned down your gift; it happens. Its not the persons response that defines success. Obedience to faithfully share Gods Word is success. Dont shun the Gospel tract because you are afraid of what someone may think. Dont dismiss the Gospel tracts as gifts bringing glory to God, just because you have this image in your head of some Christian somewhere doing it in the wrong way. Treat a Gospel tract like it is: a gift containing Gods Word to be given out freely and faithfully. I want to challenge you to try giving out five Gospel tracts as gifts to people you meet or a neighbor who lives near you. Courage grows in our hearts when we share Gods Word with people.

Lets get practical. What does this look like for me, a 31-year-old mom of three young kids, to joyfully give Gospel booklets away?



First, keep Gospel tracts accessible. I have Gospel tracts in my wallet, kids diaper bag and stroller, drawer by my front door and in my car. I want to be ready to give the best gift I have  Gods Word with the people God puts in my path. Order your family Gospel tracts to give away. My favorite Gospel tract is the Jesus Changes Everything booklet.

Second, start by giving one to the cashier at the store: After checking out, I normally smile, give the cashier a Gospel tract, and say, Heres a gift for you. Its a booklet of hope. Feel free to read it on one of your breaks! I have yet to have someone reject the Gospel booklet. They usually smile even bigger, feel noticed and say thank you! Dont stop there, you can give them out to neighbors with a plate of brownies, people you interact with when traveling or running errands.

Lastly, get your kids involved! If you have kids, this can be one of the most fun things to do. I took my kids on the train a few towns over to a special restaurant. When at the train station, I gave my 5-year-old the tract, and we all walked over to a person sitting on the bench waiting for their train. We went up and said, Wed love to just give you this booklet of hope as a gift, to encourage you. Is there any way we can pray for you? My 5-year-old handed the woman the Gospel tract, and we got to pray for her briefly before our train came.

Whether you work in corporate, study at college or work as a stay-at-home mom  may God cultivate courage in your heart. Let us follow Pauls example of wanting to be a courageous Christ follower as he states, ...it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20). Remember, obedience is the win. Lets obey Christs command to share the Gospel, and we will see courage grow.
Home Opinion Zohran Mamdani and the the false hope of socialism rises again

In the city where Wall Street stands as a global monument to enterprise and individual opportunity, nearly half of voters now say they prefer socialism  or at least arent opposed to it. A recent Fox News poll conducted in September found that only 48% of New Yorkers view capitalism favorably, while 41% have a favorable opinion of socialism. Even more alarming, a self-professed democratic socialist, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, holds a commanding 20-point lead in the citys mayoral race, according to a Suffolk University/The Hill survey. It is a telling sign of our times: when people lose faith in Gods providence, they turn to government as their savior.

This revival of socialism in New York was born of a smoldering fire. Its not something spontaneous. As a Princeton undergraduate, future Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan lamented in her 1981 senior thesis that the Socialist Party of New York had exhausted itself forever, leaving radicals marginal and insignificant. She warned that in unity lies their only hope. Decades later, her words sound prophetic. The movement she described as defeated has found new life  not through wisdom gained, but through discontent rekindled.

Many New Yorkers, especially younger ones, feel trapped by economic inequality and rising costs. Housing prices soar, student loans burden them, and wages fail to match the cost of living. Disillusioned with capitalisms perceived failures, they see socialism as the promise of fairness and security. The influence of social media has magnified this appeal. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X overflow with polished messaging that romanticizes equality and portrays capitalism as the root of all covetousness and greed. Hashtags and viral videos have replaced pamphlets and party meetings, spreading socialist ideology at lightning speed.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these trends. When jobs disappeared and health systems faltered, many questioned why the market economy couldnt protect them. Socialism appeared compassionate  the kind of system that would put people before profit. Political figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders have helped make that vision mainstream, casting socialism not as radical but as moral imperative. Their rhetoric about justice and equality resonates deeply with those who feel the system has left them behind.

But socialisms promises come at a very high cost. It always demands greater government control, more regulation, higher taxes, and the redistribution of wealth. These may sound noble, but they actually sap incentive, stifle innovation, and erode personal responsibility. A government powerful enough to guarantee everyones needs is also powerful enough to dictate everyones choices, what jobs they take, what products they buy, and eventually what beliefs they hold. The result is not equality but dependence; not fairness but control  complete control.

New York doesnt have to look far to see the results. In 2014, Bill De Blasio became the citys first openly socialist mayor in generations. Help me tax the wealthy, he urged in a 2021 radio interview on WNYC. Help me redistribute wealth. His rhetoric echoed Karl Marx; his results reflected Venezuela. Businesses fled the city, the middle class was hollowed out, and crime surged. According to RedState (Dec. 23, 2020), moving companies reported that people are fleeing the city in droves. De Blasios experiment in redistribution ended in utter failure, as socialism always does. The result is inevitable.

Now, New York appears ready to double down. Mamdanis platform calls for city-owned grocery stores, rent freezes, landlord restrictions, and free public transportation, all of which are classic socialist policies. Its as if the lessons of history must be repeated until people painfully learn, and then some still wont get it.

Why does socialism always fail? The answer is not merely economic. Its theological. Its religious. It defies one of Gods Ten Commandments: Thou shalt not steal. That commandment affirms the sacred right to private property and the fruit of ones labor. To confiscate wealth under the banner of fairness is to sanctify theft. Mans dominion over his labor is part of being made in the image of God. When the state seizes what belongs to another, it commits legal robbery and desecrates human dignity.

French economist Frederic Bastiat, in his classic 1850 work The Law, called this practice legal plunder. When the law itself commits the act that it is supposed to suppress, Bastiat wrote, this aggression against rights is even worse. When theft becomes policy, justice itself is corrupted. Socialists may claim compassion, but as theologian T. Robert Ingram observed in The World Under Gods Law (1978), it is merely Robin Hoods justice  robbing one group to placate another. Punish productivity, and soon no one produces. Reward envy, and you destroy gratitude.

As Dinesh DSouza quipped in United States of Socialism, another attempt at socialism feels like Elizabeth Taylors eighth marriage, a triumph of hope over experience. Hope is noble, but hope misplaced becomes idolatry. When people look to government for salvation instead of God, they exchange liberty for bondage and abundance for scarcity.

Socialism is not simply a failed economic system. Lets be clear: it is a false gospel. It preaches deliverance through the state instead of redemption through Christ. It replaces the provider with the planner, faith with control, and grace with coercion. No society violating Gods moral law can prosper under His blessing.

The lesson of New York is the lesson of history itself: a nation that forgets Thou shalt not steal will soon forget freedom, too.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio  Youngsters from Independence Middle School have had an unforgettable time exploring the Nations Capital.

The eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., took place earlier this month and was filled with learning, discovery and some fun.

From the moment they arrived, students embraced a full itinerary and represented Independence Middle School with pride, curiosity, and respect, according to a statement from the school.

Highlights of the trip included visits to the Spy Museum, the White House, and a breathtaking night walk of major monuments such as the Pentagon Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Roosevelt Memorial.

Students also explored the Museum of Natural History, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Museum of American History, connecting what theyve learned in the classroom to real-world history.

The group made a powerful stop at Gettysburg and shared a truly moving experience at Arlington National Cemetery, where they had the honor of meeting Veterans from both Vietnam and World War II.

Grade Gatherings encourage teamwork at Independence Middle School Submitted by Independence Local Schools

Celebrating achievement with Grade Gatherings

Students at Independence Middle School celebrated achievements in the first ever Grade Gatherings.

Designed to help strengthen the school community, each grade level created its own ceremony and enjoyed team building exercises to bring the meaning of team to life.

Students were recognized for their academic success, leadership, character, and positive behavior, embodying the Blue Devil values that define the schools culture, according to a school statement.

By celebrating students personal growth, relationships, and sense of belonging, the Grade Gatherings reinforced Independence Middle Schools commitment to developing confident, connected learners.
A peace agreement brokered by President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas appeared to be holding at weeks end. The fighting stopped and Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners were exchanged. Bill Bramhall leads this weeks editorial cartoon gallery with a reality check. A peace dove perched on the rubble of Gaza says, Now for the hard part.

Steve Breen acidly notes that Hamas started the war by invading Israel and yet expects thanks for ending it. Drew Sheneman depicts the peace deal teetering on a Jenga wood block game. Michael Ramirez draws the peace dove as Phoenix rising from the ashes of Gaza. Dana Summers sees Hamas as a fly in the peace ointment. Walt Handelsmans dove asks Trump for some peace at home.

Thats a segue into another common topic: the activities of immigration enforcement authorities in U.S. cities. David Horsey draws White House aid Stephen Miller prepared to call in airstrikes in response to costumed protesters in Portland, Oregon. Nick Anderson jokes that Hamas is ready to broker a peace deal between Trump and the city. Mike Luckovich draws a trick-or-treater being seized by masked ICE agents. Told ya not to go as Dora the Explorer, her pal says.

Other topics in this weeks gallery include nationwide No Kings protests planned for this weekend; the third week of the federal government shutdown; a new media policy at the Pentagon that journalists said violates the First Amendment; and the death of actor Diane Keaton.

Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Columbus-area Republican and biotech multimillionaire, who is the states GOP frontrunner for governor, at the Feb. 24, 2025, rally in New Albany, Ohio, where he launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign. (Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com) Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com

Republicans are virtually certain to nominate Cincinnati-born Vivek Ramaswamy, a business tycoon, as their 2026 candidate for governor of Ohio. Meanwhile, though, theres a possibility Ohios property-tax squeeze on homeowners, which a clueless General Assembly is failing to really address, could badly complicate Ramaswamys probable 2028 quest to succeed President Donald Trump.

Democrats likely 2026 nominee for governor (likely, not certain: Remember, Three Democrats, five opinions) is Dr. Amy Acton, of Bexley, who served in GOP Gov. Mike DeWines Cabinet as state Health director during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. (DeWine cant seek re-election due to term limits.)

If youre an Ohioan who wears a pocket-protector and keeps an HP 12C financial calculator as handy as your iPhone, you might  might  be able to make sense of recent General Assembly show biz to supposedly hold down crushing Ohio property taxes.

Dont bother: The legislatures Republicans got the photo ops they wanted and are returning to their real agenda: Further bloating Ohio fat cats, trying to subordinate women, and demonizing LGBTQ+ Ohioans.

Trouble is, as to property taxes, Ohioans dont have time for complex or complicated -- theyre too busy trying to keep their heads above water. Voters showed that act first, repent later tendency in 1992, when Ohioans, frustrated by Statehouse sleaze, voted for General Assembly term limits  which have led Ohio legislators not to focus on Ohios future, but their own.

Something similar is on Ohios horizon. Backers are circulating petitions to place on November 2026s ballot  at the gubernatorial election  a ballot issue to abolish all real-estate taxes in Ohio and forbid any new ones. That, if Ohioans OKd it, would destroy funding for public schools as well as such vital services as libraries; Children Services Boards; and Boards of Developmental Disabilities.

Given voter rage about real-estate taxes, and General Assembly cluelessness, its more than merely possible the abolish-property-taxes plan could reach Ohios November 2026 ballot: Then, political frustration, state and national, might goad Ohioans into property-tax repeal and banning any future property taxes.

If Ohioans did that, itd create a national news-quake even bigger than 1978s 50-state uproar when California voters OKd Proposition 13, the Jarvis-Gann plan that severely limited property tax increases  but Jarvis-Gann, unlike the Ohio proposal, didnt forbid property taxes altogether.

Ohios gubernatorial election will be on Nov. 3, 2026. If voters OKd a property-tax ban then, it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Ohios next governor  Acton, Ramaswamy, whoever  will be sworn in on Jan. 11, 2027. Then she or he and the legislature must fashion a new two-year Ohio budget by July 1, 2027.

Ramaswamy, 40, is no slouch in the brains department, He was valedictorian of his 2003 class at the Jesuits St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati; earned Ivy League degrees at Harvard (biology) and Yale (law); then made a fortune in bioscience and investing. He knows a thing or two about money.

He also may know a thing or two about Ohio property taxes. According to Franklin County data, the property tax on the Upper Arlington house where Ramaswamy resides is about $49,000 a year (with roughly 70% of that going to Upper Arlingtons public schools).

If Ramaswamys entourage is as brainy as its said to be, itll energetically prepare plans for what a Gov. Ramaswamy would do if voters ban property taxes just six months before he must pass a 2027-29 state budget that would have to fill deep holes in, for example, school funding and other local services. (The same would go for Democrat Acton, but shes not running for president.)

Thomas Suddes

Moreover  as to Ramaswamys White House quest  how would national media assess his management of Ohios budget in what could be a states likely unprecedented attempt to fund local public services without property taxes? If Ramaswamy succeeded, the contrast with congressional incompetence could become a sensational political plus for him.

That is, depending on what happens at the Statehouse, Ohios potential property tax story could make or break Ramaswamys presidential quest. If he and his aides shrewdly frame the issue, Ramaswamy could have a clear path to the White House. If not, well, Upper Arlington is a nice place to live.

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.

To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com

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* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions, comments or corrections regarding this opinion article to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2025 shows a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations.

According to local media, the fire broke out at the cargo village of gate No.8 of the airport at around 2:30 p.m. local time, said Talha Bin Jashim, an official of the Fire Service and Civil Defense.

Mohammad Rafi Al Faruk, a duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence control room, told Xinhua that the fire broke out in the courier service section of the cargo village.

According to the officer, 36 fire-fighting units have been striving to put out the blaze.

The cause of the fire was yet to be determined. 

Firefighters work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Fire-fighting units work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Fire-fighting units work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Firefighters work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Firefighters work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Firefighters work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2025 shows a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Firefighters work to put out a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

Firefighters work near the site of a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 18, 2025. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 18, 2025 shows a massive fire in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A massive fire broke out in the cargo area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka Saturday, forcing a temporary suspension of flight operations. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)
For months, Vipin Raina had been bracing for a stampede of buying from Indian customers loading up on silver to honor the Hindu goddess of wealth.But when it came, he was still blown away. At the start of last week, his company, Indias largest precious metals refinery, ran out of silver stock for the first time in its history.Most people who are dealing silver and silver coins, theyre literally out of stock because silver is not there, said Raina, who is head of trading at MMTC-Pamp India Pvt. This kind of crazy market  where people are buying at these levels  I have not seen in my 27-year career.Within days, the shortages were being felt not just in India, but around the world. Indias festival buyers were joined by international investors and hedge funds piling into precious metals as a bet on the fragility of the US dollar  or simply to follow the markets irrepressible surge higher.By the end of last week, the frenzy had rippled across to the London silver market, where global prices are set and where the worlds biggest banks buy and sell in huge quantities. Now, it had run out of available metal. Traders describe a market that was all but broken, where even large banks stepped back from quoting prices as they fielded repeated calls from clients yelling down the line in frustration and exhaustion. Silver prices ratcheted higher over the following week, on Friday reaching never-before-seen highs above $54 an ounce, before suddenly tumbling as much as 6.7%. For weary traders, the plunge was just the latest indication of the extreme stress being felt across the silver market  the worst crisis it has faced since the Hunt brothers attempted to corner the market 45 years ago.This account of how the silver market broke is based on conversations with more than two dozen traders, bankers, refiners, investors and other market participants, many of whom spoke on condition of anonymity as they werent authorised to speak publicly.Its a story of how a perfect storm of events coincided to drain the silver markets buffer of inventories  including a multi-year solar power boom, a rush to ship metal to the US to beat possible tariffs, a wave of investment in precious metals as part of the so-called debasement trade, and a sudden spike in demand from India.When traders and analysts try to pinpoint the immediate cause of the silver crisis of 2025, they inevitably point to India.During the Diwali holiday season, hundreds of millions of devotees buy billions of rupees worth of jewelry to celebrate the goddess Lakshmi. Asias refineries usually meet this demand, which typically favors gold. But this year, many Indians turned to a different precious metal: silver.The pivot wasnt random. For months, Indias social media stars promoted the idea that after golds record rally, silver was next to soar. The hype began in April, when investment banker and content creator Sarthak Ahuja told his nearly three million followers that silvers 100-to-1 price ratio to gold made it the obvious buy this year. His video went viral during Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day for buying gold  second only to the Dhanteras festival on October 18.Its never been like this before. The demand this time for silver has been humongous, said Amit Mittal, general manager at M.D. Overseas Bullion, a dealer in gold and silver in New Delhi.The premiums for silver in India above global prices, usually no more than about a few cents an ounce, started to rise above $0.50, and then above $1, as supplies ran short.And just as Indian demand was soaring, China  a key source of supply  closed for a week-long holiday. So bullion dealers turned to London.They soon discovered that the citys precious metals vaults were largely sold out. While London vaults underpinning the global market hold more than $36 billion in silver, the majority of it was owned by investors in exchange-traded funds.Demand for silver ETFs has soared in recent months, amid concerns about the stability of the US dollar, a wave of investment thats become known as the debasement trade. Since the start of 2025, ETF investors have hoovered up more than 100 million ounces of silver, according to data compiled by Bloomberg  leaving a dwindling stockpile available to supply the sudden boom in Indian demand.Around two weeks ago, JPMorgan Chase & Co.  the largest precious metals trader and an important bullion supplier to the Indian market  told at least one of its clients that it had no more silver available to deliver to India for the month of October, and the soonest it could offer supplies was in November. A JPMorgan spokesperson declined to comment.As the buying frenzy gathered pace in India, Satish Dondapati was keeping a close eye on supplies. A fund manager at Kotak Asset Management, he runs several precious metals exchange-traded funds, which need physical silver to back the holdings when new investors buy in.Dondapati watched in amazement as the bullion dealers who dominate the Indian market ran out of silver in their vaults, while local premiums kept surging above international silver prices.Eventually, the situation became so severe that Kotak decided to halt new subscriptions to its silver fund. Similar funds run by UTI Asset Management Co. and the State Bank of India also followed suit.Analysts, bullion dealers were all giving bullish calls on silver in Indian media in a way that has not happened in the last 14 years, he said. The FOMO factor has worked.Elsewhere in the country, dealers in Mumbais busiest gold bazaars began charging prices well above international benchmarks, while bidding wars broke out between wealthy buyers who cared more about availability than price.Premiums soared above $5 an ounce, well beyond the normal spread of a few cents. I have been here in this company for the last 28 years and I have never seen these kind of premiums, said M.D. Overseass Mittal.JPMorgans reluctance to ship more silver to India indicated that the strain on supplies was going global.By October 9, with the Dhanteras festival just a week away, the London silver market would be gripped by the biggest squeeze that any of the multiple traders Bloomberg spoke to had seen in their careers.Traders described a growing panic as liquidity dried up. The cost of borrowing silver overnight soared to annualised rates of as high as 200%, according to consultancy Metals Focus. As the big banks that dominate the London market started to step back from the silver market, bid-ask spreads became so wide as to make trading near impossible.One senior banker described how tempers rose as clients who had borrowed silver  typically companies in the physical supply chain, like refiners and dealers  called repeatedly to ask for the latest cost of borrowing. When his bank could no longer offer a price to roll forward its clients loans, some started screaming down the phone lines, he said.In another sign of the disarray in the market, one trader said the big banks were offering such wildly different quotes that he was able to buy from one bank at its ask price and simultaneously sell to another at its bid for an immediate profit  a rare sign of dysfunction in such a large and competitive market.There is more or less little to no liquidity actually available in terms of leases in London, said Robin Kolvenbach, co-CEO of Swiss precious metals refiner Argor-Heraeus. We have basically stopped all silver intake that is not committed contractually.The silver market is known for its wild swings, and on past occasions the market regulators have stepped in. The Hunt brothers attempted corner in 1980 was broken when the main exchanges prevented traders from taking new positions, allowing them only to liquidate.In 1998, after Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Inc. bought the equivalent of about a quarter of the worlds annual mine output and triggered a squeeze in London, the London Bullion Market Association changed its rules to accept metal that would be delivered to a vault within 15 days, rather than the usual five-day window.The LBMA doesnt see the need to take similar action now, because it views the current squeeze as the result of genuinely short supplies of silver, rather than due to logistical bottlenecks as occurred in 1998, according to a person familiar with its thinking.For the past five years, silver demand has outstripped silver supply from mines and recycled metal  in large part thanks to a boom in the solar industry, which uses silver in its photovoltaic cells. Since 2021, demand has outstripped supply by a total of 678 million ounces, according to the Silver Institute, with photovoltaic demand more than doubling over the period. That compares to total inventories in London of around 1.1 billion ounces at the start of 2021.The stress in the silver market has been building since the start of the year, as fears that silver would be ensnared by President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs prompted traders to attempt to front-run any possible levies by shipping more than 200 million ounces of metal into New York warehouses.On top of the tariff drawdowns, more than 100 million ounces of silver flowed into global ETFs in the year through September, as a wave of investment demand for precious metals supercharged a rally that helped drive gold through $4,000 an ounce for the first time in history.Together, the two trends drained Londons reserves, leaving dangerously little metal available to underpin the roughly 250 million ounces of silver that change hands in the London market every day. Based on Metals Focus estimates, by early October the free float of metal not owned by ETFs in the London silver market had dropped to less than 150 million ounces.When prices started spiking higher in early October, one question was on traders minds: How long would it take to get the New York stock back? People familiar with the process say that in ideal circumstances it can take as little as four days to buy up spot silver on Comex, sift through the inventory for metal that is approved for delivery in the London market, load it on a commercial flight, and then unload it and move it into vaults in London.But there can be snags at any point in the chain, with delays at customs sometimes running into weeks. One risk for traders is that they would enter contracts to sell silver in London, and then not be able to get the bullion there in time  leaving themselves exposed to the eye-watering cost of rolling their positions forward.Still, Comex inventories have been drawn down by more than 20 million ounces in the past two weeks  the largest drop in more than 25 years  as traders rushed to solve the squeeze in London. Its been a boon for the logistics firms too, with many jacking up their own prices as the silver market soared, some market participants said.Read more: Silver Traders Rush Bars to London as Historic Squeeze Rocks Market But some traders were reluctant to put the trade on given the possibility that Trump might yet put tariffs on silver as part of an impending package of levies on critical minerals  which could once again send New York prices shooting higher. Throughout the past week, market conditions remained stressed as the global silver market waited to see when sufficient volumes would arrive to bring an end the squeeze.In Toronto, TD Securities analyst Daniel Ghali had been warning for more than a year that the London market was setting itself up for a squeeze. A few days before the squeeze reached its apex, hed sent out a note saying he thought the end was in sight, and advised clients to bet on lower prices.Hed called the peak too early as prices kept ripping higher. But by Friday, the market was once again moving in his favor. Prices plunged more than 5% at the end of the day as signs of improving US-China relations sparked a heavy selloff across precious metal markets. He says there could be further pressure to come as a wave of silver starts to flood in  not just from New York but from as far afield as China.The logistics were a little bit more complex than we initially assumed, Ghali said by phone. We certainly did not expect the scale of the retail-buying bonanza across the globe that ensued, while the London market was getting squeezed.
These punchlines are so funny, youll want to pretend you thought of them

Want to seem like the funniest, most news-savvy member of your Monday morning conference call? Do what the pros do and steal a joke or two from Michael Che and Colin Jost, the SNL guys who get paid to write them for a living.

Here are 10 punchlines from last weeks news you can use to impress your co-workers. Caution: You have to create your own news graphics.

1 Don't Miss John Bolton became the third person on President Trumps enemies list to be indicted. And you know you arent living your life right when you keep an actual list of your enemies. At least thats what my therapist told me. So now shes on the list, too.

2 President Trump criticized Time Magazine for using a bad picture of him on the cover, saying, quote, They disappeared my hair. And I got to agree, that thing do look waxed.

3 Hundreds of people in Portland sent a message to ICE to leave their city by riding their bikes naked through the rain. And youre not going to believe this  it didnt work.

4 President Trump finally released what everyone has been asking him to release: George Santos. The former Republican congressman who had pled guilty to fraud and something called aggravated identity theft  which I think is when you push someone into a closet and switch clothes with them  is now free and will face zero consequences. But Santos says that hes a changed man, and he even released a photo of his new prison body.

5 Advertisement In the clinching game of the NLCS, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pitched six scoreless innings, struck out 10 batters, then hit three home runs. Its a feat previously only accomplished by George Santos.

6 President Trump announced that another alleged drug-smuggling boat from Venezuela has been blown out of the water without warning. And you may not think thats a big deal right now, but one day soon, youll look at yourself in the mirror and realize youre out of cocaine.

7 Retailers are saying that the top kids costumes for Halloween this year are the KPop Demon Hunters, or as its sold at Spirit Halloween: Asian Singing Murderers.

8 Advertisement Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that if President Trump provides Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, he will nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. You know, the prize they give you for selling missiles.

9 Britains Prince Andrew announced that after a discussion with King Charles about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, he will stop using his royal title, Duke of York, and instead will go by the King of Quinceaneras.
BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- How can corruption -- the notorious "cancer" of governance -- be more effectively curbed within and across borders in today's globalized world? What is China doing right in its anti-corruption campaign?

International experts discussed these questions during a session on the role of political parties in modernization and anti-corruption at the Tongzhou Global Development Forum 2025, which concluded Saturday in Beijing.

He Li, deputy secretary of the Party committee and secretary of the commission for discipline inspection of Renmin University of China (RUC), pointed out that corruption is a global governance challenge that every nation faces and must be eradicated as a societal poison, as it could stifle economic progress, distort competition, and weaken the very foundations of governance.

In this regard, China has a deep understanding of how misconduct and corruption are intertwined and interrelated, stemming from the same root, said Fan Jihai, vice president of the China Academy of Discipline Inspection and Supervision.

With this in mind, Fan said China's anti-corruption efforts focus on addressing misconduct early on, particularly by eliminating unnecessary formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance, to prevent them from escalating into corruption.

Since 2012, the CPC has spearheaded an unprecedented anti-corruption campaign. A key highlight is the introduction of a code of conduct, known as the eight-point rules, to improve officials' conduct.

The code later evolved into a consistent, Party-wide measure to curb tendencies that risk alienating the Party from the people.

This anti-corruption storm has swept every corner of public office. Some of the most senior officials have been brought to justice.

Speaking of the crackdown on corruption, Esteves Carlos Hilario, member of the political bureau of the People Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), believed it is a daunting task, not only because combating corruption is inherently complex, but more importantly because "it is a task we carry out by ourselves and has direct consequences on ourselves."

After hearing the heated session, Penildon Silva Filho, a central committee member of the Workers Party of Brazil, told Xinhua that he would like to learn more about China's anti-corruption measures afterward, expressing "congratulations" as he was already amazed by China's commitment and effectiveness in these measures.

Indrananda Abeysekara, chairman of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation, told Xinhua that he believes other developing nations should also draw from China's anti-corruption efforts.

"Most importantly, we must learn how China integrates these efforts into its governance system," said Abeysekara.

The CPC is also at the forefront of international anti-corruption efforts, strengthening cross-border cooperation on fugitive repatriation and corruption governance, said Zhang Xiaomeng, professor at the Discipline Inspection and Supervision School of RUC.

In an era of economic globalization, corruption has increasingly crossed national borders, becoming a distinctly transnational issue.

Guo Weilu, secretary of the CPC Committee at East China University of Political Science and Law, noted that due to differences in legislative concepts and governance experience, countries have varying goals regarding cross-border anti-corruption cooperation.

"Some Western countries have set up cooperation barriers for developing countries in this area and, in some cases, have even become safe havens for corrupt individuals," said Guo.

For years, China has rigorously adhered to the United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention, signing over 170 treaties and agreements with more than 80 countries, expanding its global network for tackling corruption, according to He.

Last year at the third plenary session of the CPC Central Committee, the Party leadership outlined the plan to enact a law against cross-border corruption.

China has been actively participating in building an international anti-corruption governance system and strengthening its cross-border anti-corruption enforcement, remarked Guo. 
How do you go bankrupt? novelist Ernest Hemingway once asked. Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly. Nation states fail the same way. First comes a long economic and social decline  and then a terrifying collapse into chaos.

Britains disintegration is all around us  and appears to be accelerating.

Last week, former No 10 aide Dominic Cummings revealed in chilling detail how our security services have been compromised by Chinese infiltration.

Reams of highly classified information, including top-secret intelligence, defence data and briefings at the highest level, were stolen from government networks. Worse, the reaction from the political class was not to sort out this catastrophe and seek to prevent its recurrence  but instead to try to cover it up, with bullying officials telling ministers it was illegal to speak of it.

Separately, in what is fast growing into one of the most serious political scandals of my lifetime, two British men accused of spying for Beijing will not face prosecution  after what seems to have been grotesquely murky political interference right up to the Prime Minister, who is credibly accused of lying to the House of Commons.

Both cases on their own would speak of a state that was in deep trouble. But the rot at the heart of our body politic goes far deeper.

Again last week, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood frankly admitted that the Government no longer controls who is coming into the country.

The failure to bring order to our borders is eroding trust not just in us as political leaders, but in the credibility of the state itself, she told her European counterparts. In normal times, such a statement would have forced her resignation.

Britains disintegration is all around us  and appears to be accelerating, writes Frank Furedi

The Soviet empire lost its deadly grip in 1989, and then collapsed under the weight of its corruption, internal contradictions and sheer economic insanity

This year alone, more than 36,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats, an increase of about 25 per cent on last year.

And those are only the ones we know about, taking no account of those smuggled into the country in lorries and shipping containers. Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf has calculated that 1.3 million illegal immigrants are at large in Britain  equivalent to a major city. The figure seems reasonable, but the truth is that no one knows.

Legal migration is, of course, also out of control. The last Tory government oversaw the utter collapse of almost any attempt to vet arrivals, with net migration exploding into hundreds of thousands per year  many of whom did not come to work.

Perhaps the most visible symptom of the British states disintegration is dizzying demographic change  driven of course by mass uncontrolled migration. In a single generation, Great Britain has been transformed. More than a quarter of under-18s here have a parent born abroad, and that figure is rising sharply: more than a third of all babies born here now have parents who were born abroad.

Under this and many other pressures, our socialist health service is collapsing. More than 6.25 million people (about 10 per cent of the population) are on NHS waiting lists  and for lengthy periods that would horrify our neighbours, such as France. Accident & Emergency units are like battle zones.

Need more evidence? Let me mention policing. Masked youths on electric bikes criss-cross our cities, delivering drugs unchallenged. Shoplifters have effectively free rein to swagger through stores, taking clothes, alcohol, cosmetics or anything else they want. Phone-snatching is an epidemic  with rates in London tripling in just the four years to 2024.

A house is burgled in Britain every 189 seconds, according to official data, with just 3.5 per cent resulting in a charge, let alone a conviction. The streets reek of cannabis, which remains illegal, although youd never know it.

If the state had given up, and we were no longer paying for it, that would be one thing. But on top of all this, the tax and benefits system now acts as a perverse disincentive to work.

Millions, including countless young people, have given up any idea of getting a job.

Incredibly, some 45 per cent of working-age adults in this country live in households that receive more in benefits than they pay in tax, according to the Office for National Statistics.

That is not economically sustainable. Neither is the national debt. We currently owe 2.9 trillion, with the interest payments alone costing you and me 111 billion a year. The tax burden is at a peacetime high  and Rachel Reeves is poised to raid us all for more.

This year alone, more than 36,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats, an increase of about 25 per cent on last year

Most symbolically of all, perhaps, decades of under-investment in the military means that Britain is essentially unable to defend itself. Our entire Army comprises just 70,000 men and women, a number smaller than the capacity crowd at Wembley stadium.

Last year, junior defence minister and former Royal Marine Al Carns warned that Britain could not fight a war of survival for more than six months before its armed forces would be completely wiped out. This litany of failures would condemn any basket-case country in South America or Africa.

It seems almost incomprehensible that I am describing Britain  a country I love and that has given me and my family so much.

So is our final collapse inevitable? Despite everything, I believe it is not.

After all, this is not the first time during my adult life that Britain has faced economic and social disaster. The grim 1970s, an era of strikes and power cuts, also took us to the brink  until, under Margaret Thatcher, we recovered.

But the work ethic was stronger then. Nor had mass immigration yet turned us, as our globalist Prime Minister was once bold enough to put it, into an island of strangers.

And, yes, the lights are still on. Our supermarket shelves are stacked with food, theres petrol at the pumps, and the police continue to investigate violent street crimes  not least the deadly machete fights that have become a grim feature of some of our more diverse urban areas.

Britain still has brilliant, innovative people determined to avert disaster  even if too many of our brightest and best have sadly packed up and left for overseas. Most decent Britons deplore the rising tide of anti-Semitism  worst by far in Muslim-heavy enclaves such as Birmingham  and the self-indulgent madness of trans ideology, climate hysteria and Gaza fanaticism that has gripped university campuses.

The public is hungry for change: one astonishing poll recently put Labour in fourth place behind the Greens, while another major survey in the Daily Mail predicted a landslide to end all landslides for Nigel Farages upstart Reform at the next election.

Most of all, I believe things can still be turned around because I have seen what a failed state looks like. I lived in Communist Hungary  a truly broken society  until my family fled for the freedom of the West when I was nine.

The Soviet empire lost its deadly grip in 1989, and then collapsed under the weight of its corruption, internal contradictions and sheer economic insanity.

Hungary is now re-emerging as a success story, with a stable economy and GDP per capita  the measure that actually matters  soaring by 44 per cent between 2010 and 2023, while in quasi-socialist Britain it was about half as fast. Neighbouring Poland is booming, too  and within a few short years, by some measures, the average Pole could be richer than the average British citizen.

Disaster is not irreversible  nor is it inevitable.

But, right now, the implosion is happening in slow motion all around us.

And unless it is reversed  fast  the devastation that follows could prove impossible to stop.
SYDNEY, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement on Sunday that more than 5 kg of methylamphetamine and almost 11 kg of cocaine, with an estimated potential combined street value of over 6.3 million Australian dollars (about 4.09 million U.S. dollars), have been seized in the state's southwest.

Officers, who were conducting patrols of the Hay area shortly before 2 p.m. local time on Friday, stopped a black car on the Sturt Highway.

After the 30-year-old male driver got a positive result in a roadside drug test, officers searched the man and found cocaine and cash in his possession. Officers conducted a search of the car and seized the drugs, as well as more than 130,000 Australian dollars in cash, and two mobile phones.

The driver was arrested and was charged with seven offenses. 
The restaurant guide has partnerships with boards across the world

For the past 124 years, the Michelin Guide has wielded massive power and influence over the restaurant world - but foodies are now calling its credibility into question.

Getting a star (or better yet, three) from the revered firm, an expert in the culinary world, is the highest accolade a restaurant can be awarded and chefs dream of them, whether they admit it or not.

But in recent years, the fine dining bible has faced controversy over its once-unimpeachable system for ranking restaurants.

Many have accused it of accepting millions of dollars from tourism boards all over the world, and favouring venues that agree to brand deals. The concerns brought up by critics have been somewhat addressed by Michelin, which maintains that the decision to give stars is a fully independent one.

The guide was first published in France in 1900 and expanded to cover the rest of Europe and the UK over the next century.

In 2005, it came out with its first American guide that ranked restaurants in New York City and several years later, moved on to include Hong Kong and Macau.

In the world of modern dining filled with influencers and TikTok reviewers, however, the guide - initially relying on physical sales of its famous red books - has suffered with costs.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, restaurant critic Andy Hayler said that once the internet began absorbing customers into the digital sphere, sales of physical copies steeply declined.

For the past 124 years, the Michelin Guide has wielded massive power and influence over the restaurant world - but foodies are now calling its credibility into question. Stock image used

A 2011 report by The Financial Times claimed that it was losing more than $24 million a year, with the figure projected to rise to $30 million in 2015.

And in a recent interview, Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, even admitted that continuing to print in 'historical countries' is 'negligible for our economic model'.

But there was a lucrative revenue stream waiting in the wings - partnerships within regional tourism industries eager to promote their countries' restaurants and boost economies.

Over the past decade-and-a-half, boards in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, individual American states, the UAE, Israel, and beyond have commissioned Guides from Michelin, many hoping to inject the brand's prestige into their dining sectors.

The Korea Tourism Organisation reportedly paid more than $1 million to commission the guide over a period of four years. It was released for the first time in Seoul in 2016, with a total of 29 Michelin stars awarded to 24 restaurants.

Elsewhere, CNN reported in 2017 that the Tourism Authority of Thailand allegedly shelled out 144 million Thai baht ($4.4 million) for its partnership with Michelin - resulting in stars being awarded to 17 restaurants.

While the brand does not hide the fact that these partnerships are now a main source of revenue for the guide, most payments remain undisclosed or unconfirmed.

'The key thing is that these partnerships present a potential conflict of interest,' Andy, who became the first person to dine at every single three-star Michelin restaurant in the world by 2018, told the Daily Mail.

Michelin stars have also been awarded to hawker stalls in countries like Singapore - including Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodles (pictured), which was awarded one star in 2016 but has since lost it

Over in Thailand, Raan Jay Fai's eatery in Bangkok, famous for its crab omelet, gained a Michelin star in the 2025 Thailand Michelin Guide

'Michelin has a reputation for independence and honesty, and for not being bought, essentially.

'That's why the guide is so highly regarded. But as soon as you start taking large payments from tourist boards, that barrier starts to break down.

'They're not going to take $2 million from anywhere in the world, and then send inspectors there, stick them in hotels for a few weeks, try all the restaurants and then at the end of the process, go, "Really sorry, thanks for the two million dollars but unfortunately all your restaurants are pretty ordinary, so we're not going to give you any stars".

'These tourism boards are going to want something back for that money. They're going to want a bunch of stars, and then what you find is, mysteriously, that's exactly what happens.'

The same criticism has been levelled at Michelin Guide by Yiting Deng, an academic at the University College London School of Management.

Following the guide's decision to launch a hotel ranking system as well as a wine ranking system as it continues to expand globally, Yiting told The Times: 'If they work too much with governments, travel agencies and other related parties, there will be this question about credibility and how much their decisions are influenced by other parties.'

Chef Thomas Frake, who won MasterChef in 2020, also pointed to how vastly different the judging criteria between countries can appear on the outset.

'There are street food stalls in Vietnam that have one Michelin star, compared to restaurants in centuries-old buildings in London that work with a brigade of chefs,' he said.

'That is confusing for a diner to really understand how that comparison can be made, particularly as most diners expect Michelin starred restaurants to look and feel a certain way.

'But if you know the fundamental criteria for Michelin stars, which are really about the chef and their personality, the consistency and the quality of he ingredients, there's no reason why one chef behind a stall cannot deliver as well as a brigade operating in a restaurant.

'It's about how Michelin shares that knowledge and information, and how they manage the expectations of the diners.'

Others are more sympathetic to the guide's financial dilemmas. It is still a business, after all, said former Michelin Guide inspector Chris Watson - as he defended the guide's decisions.

'The Michelin Guide's contribution to the country's economy is significant. Obviously, they are paid to do it, but they undoubtedly raise the country's profile as a culinary destination and that is very valuable to tourism boards,' he explained.

'I think that Michelin will make their decision on the sophistication of the dining scene [of the respective countries that have approached them] as to whether it will actually ever be able to support a one-star, two-star or even three-star restaurant.'

Meanwhile, Renae Smith, who has worked in global food PR for 13 years, told the Daily Mail: 'Michelin is a business like any other, and producing these guides takes time, resources and money. As long as the editorial standards are upheld and stars can't be bought, I don't see an issue.

'Its not perfect, and I dont think its fully comprehensive, but for elevated dining, Id still rather consult the Michelin Guide than TripAdvisor.'

Julianna Twiggs, who is in charge of the guide's partnerships, revealed that Michelin does not go to every country or city willing to part with millions of dollars for the guide, and not every contract results in a guidebook.

The Straits Times reported that the money paid by tourism boards helps fund the travel costs of Michelin inspectors, who perform a 'culinary audit' to determine how mature the restaurant industry of the destination is.

She insisted that this does not guarantee the partner destination any stars, and Michelin inspectors may instead offer advice to partners who don't qualify.

'It can be a hard pill to swallow, but it's non-negotiable,' she said. 'We have to have partners that see and believe in the value we bring, but are willing to accept our independence.'

Despite the controversy, the Michelin Guide continues to hold significance for chefs, even if a star isn't what they're after.

Thomas, who now runs his own pub, The Silks, in Marlborough, said he is 'certainly not chasing a star', but still holds his cooking to Michelin Guide standards.

'I aspire to the five guiding principles of Michelin, which are quality ingredients, flavours, techniques, personality, and consistency because I care about food, about hospitality, and I like to work with local businesses and local suppliers.

'If a star ever came my way, it would only ever be because of what I believe in and not because I'm trying to achieve a star.'
Beauty expert Elise Wilson says the rise of 'intelligent' anti-ageing is here

Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.

I've always believed that good skin is a mix of genetic luck, a healthy lifestyle and a little helping hand from science.

So, when I heard whispers about a new luxury clinic in Sydney that was turning the cosmetic world on its head taking a distinctly art-meets-anatomy approach to aesthetics, I knew I had to see it for myself.

I have seen many a beauty trend come and go in my time, but it's only lately that I've noticed something much bigger is happening in the world of aesthetics - a real shift in how we define 'looking good'.

Gone are the days when a frozen forehead or over-plumped cheekbones were seen as aspirational. Women (and men) are moving away from that obvious 'filled' look and chasing something softer and much, much more natural.

That's exactly why I found myself at Face Doctors, the CBD clinic everyone's talking about for its doctor-led, beautifully restrained results - and in the chair with its founder, Dr Rafael Mejian.

Dr Raf (as his clients call him) has a background not just in medicine, but also in sculpture - a detail that makes immediate sense when you meet him. His eye for balance is meticulous, and his tone refreshingly honest.

Within minutes of chatting, it's clear he's not here to sell me a syringe full of dreams, but rather educate and recommend the most realistic and results-driven treatments tailored just for me.

This approach was very new to me, but I loved it.

I've seen many a beauty trend come and go in my time, but it's only lately that I have noticed something much bigger is happening in the world of aesthetics - a real shift in how we define 'looking good'

That's exactly why I found myself at Face Doctors, the CBD clinic everyone's talking about for its doctor-led, beautifully restrained results

The consultation that changed how I see my skin

Instead of launching straight into filler talk, Dr Raf begins with data, introducing me to something called Crisalix 3D Modelling, which is an advanced piece of software usually reserved for plastic-surgery simulations.

'Face Doctors is one of the few clinics in Australia to offer Crisalix 3D modelling for volumisation,' he explained.

'Our aim is to have the most detailed, most data-driven aesthetic medical consultations in the country.'

The scan takes just a few minutes, and suddenly I'm staring at a hyper-realistic 3D version of my own face on screen. Every pore, contour and shadow rendered in uncanny detail.

Instead of diving straight into talk of fillers, Face Doctors founder Dr Rafael Mejian (left) begins with data - introducing me to Crisalix 3D Modelling, an advanced software usually reserved for plastic surgery simulations

The scan takes just a few minutes, and suddenly I'm staring at a hyper-realistic 3D version of my own face on screen. Every pore, contour and shadow rendered in uncanny detail

I'll start with a humble brag - my skin texture scored an impressive 90 per cent (!), which is proof that years of diligent skincare (and some laser treatments here and there) are paying off.

But the scan also revealed subtle hollowing in my temples and some early sagging around my jawline and neck. All completely normal for my age, but interesting to see.

'It can help us fine-tune things,' he told me. 'For example, would adding volume to the cheeks here look good, or would it make the temples look deeper? It helps us plan better and patients get a clearer idea of what their investment will achieve.'

The technology can even project how my face might change in 10, 20 or 30 years, which, I'll be honest, was equal parts confronting and empowering.

For me, it reinforced that ageing gracefully isn't about stopping the clock, but more about knowing what's happening beneath the surface so you can work with it.

It also revealed subtle hollowing in my temples and some early sagging around my jawline and neck. All completely normal for my age, but interesting to see. As well as projecting how my face might change in 10, 20 or 30 years - I'll be honest, this was quite confronting

Why fillers are officially 'out'

If you've noticed a wave of celebrities quietly dissolving their fillers, you're right. According to Dr Raf, we've hit a cultural turning point.

He told me that as soon as the Kardashians started dissolving their filler, so did we. But what stuck with me was his reference to the dangerous downsides to overdoing injectables.

'I think that as more people started to get treated, they started to realise that it wasn't a cure-all, and word started to get around of potential downsides to too much volume, such as migration.

'Doctors have also started to speak out about the long-term health consequences of these treatments, with MRI scans showing they can last a lot longer than expected.'

That reality check has pushed patients, practitioners, and now me, toward a more holistic, science-based approach.

'We have a more holistic approach that manages your health internally and your skin health before considering dramatic volumisation,' he said. 'Balance to me defies the approach of adding more volume to lift and hide wrinkles.'

If you've noticed a wave of celebrities quietly dissolving their fillers, you're right. According to Dr Raf, we've hit a cultural turning point. Olivia Culpo (pictured) and Kylie Jenner are just a few celebs that have dissolved their lip and/or cheek fillers in recent years

Doctors have also started to speak out about the long-term health consequences of fillers, with MRI scans showing they can last a lot longer than expected in the body. Pictured: Olivia Culpo after her lip filler was dissolved in 2024

The new era of anti-ageing

When I ask what is 'in' right now in terms of treatments, Dr Raf doesn't hesitate.

'Everyone's face is unique, and so my approach to volume is how do we balance the features of that person so that they are more in harmony,' he explained.

'Using the best devices is a huge deal, and studies show that the right laser or device can actually reverse DNA damage and make your skin genetically younger.'

He often recommends supplements, collagen-stimulating injectables and skin-strengthening treatments that build long-term resilience rather than quick-fix volume.

'Treatments like Rejuran (the one derived from salmon sperm DNA) can be great for the right candidate because they stimulate collagen, make your skin healthier and can give you a glow without changing your facial structure.'

As someone who's been writing about anti-ageing for years, it's refreshing to hear a doctor speak in terms of health rather than fixing flaws.

Dr Raf's philosophy is 'great things take time', which underpins his Advanced Natural Volumisation technique - an approach designed to restore harmony rather than inflate

An artist's approach

Dr Raf's philosophy is 'great things take time', which underpins his Advanced Natural Volumisation technique - an approach designed to restore harmony rather than inflate.

'No area is going to pop out and look obviously treated; everything should blend in a way that you look refreshed, but strangers wouldn't be able to recognise you have had anything done.'

It's subtle, strategic and rooted in anatomical understanding, which is the complete opposite of the 'more is more' mentality that dominated the 2010s.

By the end of my consultation, Dr Raf had summed it up perfectly by reiterating that his patients need to know how things are going to look down the track, not just the day of the treatment. Pictured: Ultraformer (HIFU) lower face and neck treatment

By the end of my consultation, Dr Raf had summed it up perfectly by reiterating that his patients need to know how things are going to look down the track, not just the day of the treatment.

He then treated me with a Ultraformer which is a non-invasive treatment that uses High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to lift and tighten the skin on the lower face and neck - another favourite of his.

Walking out, I felt reassured. The future of beauty, it seems, isn't about chasing someone else's face, it's about fully understanding your own.

Now I have a clear and concise treatment plan tailored to me, I can't wait to see the (very natural) results.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed.
Rachael Wilde and her co-workers were on a long-haul flight when they spotted a married man in the row ahead cheating in plain sight with a stranger he'd just met.

The young entrepreneur and her team were travelling from Sydney to London when they found themselves in an incredibly awkward situation.

What started as a 'wholesome' conversation where the older man shared details about his life - and his wife - quickly escalated into the pair 'openly hooking up' mid-flight.

The man in question was in the middle seat, while the '20-something-year-old' woman was by the window.

'We were so excited to be on the plane, we didn't think anything of it. They were talking and we thought, "Oh that's so nice, these strangers in front of us are talking",' Rachael said in a video.

'He was talking about his wife so he was clearly married.'

As Rachael, Maddie and Lauren sat in the row behind, they overheard everything about the man's life - including his name, occupation, hometown and even where he went to university.

When the lights went out, the girls began to rest their eyes - but were soon woken by the two strangers getting hot and heavy.

Rachael Wilde (left) and her co-workers were on a flight when they caught a married man sitting in the row ahead, cheating in plain sight with another passenger (right)

'It just seemed really wholesome. They started getting drinks, he started ordering lots of gin and tonics. They were getting a little bit more rowdy,' Rachael explained.

'The guy next to them put his earphones on and starts watching a movie. Now it's just the married man and this 20-something-year-old girl chatting.

'I go to sleep... and this is when it happened.'

The co-workers said things took an extremely uncomfortable turn when the girl sitting next to the window needed to go to the bathroom.

'Old mate in the aisle got up and then the one in the middle stayed put,' Lauren said.

'She basically was like "Oh sorry", then straddled him - no joke. She straddled him for three seconds, made eye contact (with him).

'The girl came back (from the toilet) and that's when it all kicked off. The tension was felt on the plane.'

Maddie stood up - pretending to go to the bathroom just to see what was going on in front of them, as the noises had started to sound increasingly intimate.

To her surprise and disbelief, Maddie noticed the two passengers getting a little too comfortable under the blanket - as she looked at her co-workers in shock.

'She asked for the blanket and then I stood up again five minutes later and saw the blanket was over the two of them,' she explained.

'That's when it started getting bad.'

The colleagues were travelling from Sydney to London when they found themselves in an incredibly awkward situation

But it wasn't just the co-workers who noticed the steamy encounter mid-flight.

'When the flight attendant dropped off their drinks towards the end of the flight, she said to them "behave yourselves" so she HAD to know what was going on,' Rachael said.

The co-workers were mortified as they caught the pair getting a little risque.

'We just saw them getting closer. He was leaning over her and she was talking about what was out the window. She was like, "Oh look at the stars... they're so good",' Rachael recalled.

The co-workers said it sounded like things escalated sexually from there.

'We were like, "Oh my god, surely we're hearing things",' Rachael said.

'Then five minutes later, they just lean over and they're hooking up.'

When the plane landed, the trio overheard the woman asking the man, 'Where to next?'

It's unclear what happened between the two strangers but the co-workers were 'traumatised' from what they'd witnessed.

CEO Rachael Wilde (pictured) and her team were travelling to the UK to promote her skincare brand The Breakout Hack

'We literally know everything about him,' Rachael said.

'We know his first name, we know he was there on a business work trip, we know where he's from and what uni he went to.

'Don't know if he's in an open marriage or what's going on. I really hope that's the case because I feel really bad for the wife. It's disgusting behaviour. They sat in front of the wrong girls.

'Still not over it.'

Co-founder and CMO Rachael - who was travelling to the UK with her team to promote her skincare brand The Breakout Hack - filmed their mid-flight reaction, which shows her and the co-workers looking horrified.

The video has been viewed more than 90,000 times, with one joking: 'What kind of upgrade did he get?'

'Might be the guy I went on a date with at the start of the year he worked in [same career] and was married but none of that was on his Hinge profile,' another shared.

'This gave me bad goosebumps,' one revealed.

'I would have pressed that call button so fast and outed them both. Nothing like a little public shaming,' another suggested.

While one added: 'This happened to me, worst flight ever.'
Sarah Ferguson has lost her royal title after her ex-husband Prince Andrew agreed to give up his own on Friday - but insiders claim it 'won't make a difference' to her.

The former Duchess of York, as she has been known for the past 40 years, reportedly seems unfazed by the new change and she is apparently comfortable with her ex husband's decision.

'She will always support her former husband's decisions and do anything for the King. For her this will not make a big difference,' a source told HELLO! Magazine.

The prince's decision was made after strong pressure from King Charles and in discussion with other family members, including Prince William, as heir to the throne, as well as Andrew's other siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

Fergie - who only received her royal title through her marriage in 1986 - will now be known as plain Sarah Ferguson in any official capacities.

Her Duchess of York title was the only connection to the Royal Family Fergie had retained after she divorced Andrew in 1996 and ceased being a Royal Highness.

Despite their divorce, the couple have continued to live together and they will remain at the lavish 30-bedroom Royal Lodge at Windsor despite tonight's announcement.

Andrew will also relinquish his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order and his Order of the Garter.

Sarah Ferguson lost her precious royal title after her ex-husband Prince Andrew agreed to give up his own on Friday. Pictured at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September

However Andrew has retained his title as prince having been born the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

And his and Fergie's children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will also retain their titles thanks to their grandmother.

The former husband and wife will no longer be able to use their titles following intense public scrutiny on the pair regarding their former relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement on the prince's behalf, where he made clear he continued to deny allegations of sexual assault made against him by the late Virginia Giuffre, who he met through paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

But he conceded continued revelations about his dealings with Epstein, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, were a 'distraction' from the good work of the Royal Family.

Fergie's own relationship with Epstein has also come under scrutiny after a newly uncovered email from 2011 revealed that she called the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein a 'supreme friend'.

Since the email, which also included a private apology for Fergie's public rejection of Epstein, was made public multiple charities dropped the duchess as a patron.

This is just the most recent headline grabbing controversy involving the former Duchess of York.

'She will always support her former husband's decisions and do anything for the King. For her this will not make a big difference,' a source told HELLO! Pictured 2016

Perhaps most notoriously she was pictured lying on a sunbed in St Tropez, while Texan millionaire John Bryan kissed and sucked her toes.

The intimate images remain some of the most embarrassing pictures of a royal ever made public.

Last weekend, the MoS exclusively revealed that Andrew had publicly lied when he claimed he never had contact with Epstein again following a 'final' meeting with him in December 2010.

It was also revealed that Andrew met, on at least three occasions, the alleged Chinese spymaster at the centre of the current Whitehall espionage case.

Sources have told the Daily Mail that things came to a head this week after a 'constant drip, drip' of fresh claims, of which the MoS's email revelations proved the 'most significant issue'. The changes will take effect immediately and were decided upon in recognition of the fact that the prince's personal issues continued to be an 'unwelcome distraction' from the work of the wider Royal Family.

However, the King has acknowledged that he cannot legally force Andrew out of his Royal Lodge home and he will continue to remain there so long as he can afford the rent.

The prince has a 100-year-plus private tenancy agreement with the Crown Estate which is said to be 'unaffected' by issues relating to his honours and titles.

The prince's titles, rather than being stripped from him, are 'in abeyance'  they effectively remain 'extant but inactive'.

The prince's decision was made after strong pressure from King Charles and in discussion with other family members, including Prince William, as heir to the throne. Andrew and Charles pictured in September

It is understood that part of the King's thinking was to prevent a waste of parliamentary time formally taking the titles away. Any move to do so would have required an Act of Parliament.

It obtained emails sent 12 weeks after that meeting in which Andrew contacted the sex offender to reassure him, the day after a picture of the prince with Ms Giuffre was published, that 'we are in this together' and would have to 'rise above it'.

Sickeningly, Andrew concluded: 'Otherwise keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!' It was signed 'A, HRH The Duke of York, KG', as a knight of the Order of the Garter.

In a statement, Virginia Giuffre's family members said: 'We, the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, believe that Prince Andrew's decision to give up his titles is vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere. This decisive action is a powerful step forward in our fight to bring Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's child sex-trafficking network to justice.

'Further, we believe it is appropriate for King Charles to remove the title of Prince.

'This moment serves as victory for Virginia, who consistently maintained, 'He knows what happened, I know what happened, and there's only one of us telling the truth, and I know that's me'.

'This is not just a victory for her, but for every single survivor of the horrific crimes perpetrated by Epstein and his co-conspirators.

'The recent release of emails between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, specifically one sent in early 2011, just after a photo of Virginia, Prince Andrew, and Ghislaine Maxwell was published, raises serious questions about the nature of their relationship.

'In that email, Prince Andrew wrote, 'we are in this together,' and 'we'll play more soon,' comments that further validate the truths that Virginia had long spoken about. This evidence starkly contradicts Prince Andrew's claims during his 2018 BBC interview, when he stated he had ceased all contact with Epstein in 2010.

'Epstein pled guilty to soliciting underage prostitution in 2008. These emails not only highlight Prince Andrew's contradictory statements but also suggest a disturbing willingness to deflect from the truth and evade accountability. His actions and words indicate a belief that he could escape the consequences of his associations.

'We hope that the days of impunity for the powerful are over, and protection for predators will no longer be tolerated. We hope a higher standard has been set for our leaders in office in the United States one we will work tirelessly to follow here. It is time for accountability, transparency, and justice for all survivors.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Sarah Ferguson's representatives for comment.
King Charles has been pictured for the first time since it was revealed his brother Prince Andrew will surrender his remaining titles following a fresh string of scandals.

The monarch, 76, was pictured driving to Crathie Kirk for the Sunday morning service near the grounds of Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, the family's Scottish estate.

The King was seen wearing a solemn expression and cut a tense figure following a difficult few days for the royal family.

On Friday, Andrew announced he would no longer be known as the Duke of York and was stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter  the country's most ancient order of chivalry.

It is understood that the decision was made after strong pressure from the King and in discussion with other family members, including Prince William, as heir to the throne, as well as Andrew's other siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

The King is believed to have spoken to his brother by phone from Scotland about the issue and is said to feel 'glad' at the outcome. 'Something had to be done,' a source said.

Andrew will also relinquish his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order but he will remain a prince, having been born the son of Queen Elizabeth.

His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, with whom he will continue to live at the lavish 30-bedroom Royal Lodge at Windsor, will now be known as plain Sarah Ferguson.

It comes as it was revealed that Prince Andrew could become the first royal to be caught up in a criminal probe in more than 20 years after the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was 'actively' probing claims he asked an officer to dig up dirt on his teenage sex accuser.

King Charles has been pictured for the first time since it was revealed his brother Prince Andrew will surrender his remaining titles

An email obtained by The Mail on Sunday exposes how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded Met bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre and passed him her date of birth and confidential social security number.

Astonishingly, Andrew then told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his personal protection officers  part of the Met's elite SO14 Royalty Protection Group  to dig up information about Ms Giuffre.

He emailed Mr Perkins hours before this newspaper first published the infamous picture of the duke with 17-year-old Ms Giuffre, which would ultimately bring about his downfall.

It is not suggested that the officer complied with the prince's request, while Ms Giuffre's family last night said she did not have a criminal record.

Last night, the brother of the late Virginia Giuffre - who claimed she had sex with Andrew in London when she was 17 - called on King Charles to go one step further and strip him of his 'prince' title.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail today: 'When William becomes King, he is likely to pursue a tough policy and we may never see Andrew or Sarah in public again at a royal event.'

There was a sense of relief at Buckingham Palace that the King's brother had finally 'fallen on his sword' after years of pressure to keep a low profile, despite being already being stripped of his HRH title and made to step down from public duties in 2022.

But there was also an air of weariness that the monarchy had been forced to endure another week of deeply damaging headlines at the disgraced duke's hand.

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace on his behalf, Andrew made clear he continued to deny allegations of sexual assault made against him by the late Virginia Giuffre, who he met through paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew and Charles at Westminster Cathedral last month after the Duchess of Kent's funeral

Prince Andrew's statement released by Buckingham Palace

But he conceded continued revelations about his dealings with Epstein, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, were a 'distraction' from the good work of the Royal Family.

He said his decision was prompted by his desire to 'always... put my duty to my family and country first'  echoing his infamous comment that he chose to break off relations with Epstein by flying to New York to tell him the news personally, because he was an 'honourable' man.

In a statement, the family of Ms Giuffre, who took her own life in April, said Andrew's decision was 'vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere'.

They added: 'This moment serves as victory for Virginia, who consistently maintained, 'He knows what happened, I know what happened, and there's only one of us telling the truth, and I know that's me'.'

Last weekend, the MoS exclusively revealed that Andrew had publicly lied when he claimed he never had contact with Epstein again following a 'final' meeting with him in December 2010.

It obtained emails sent 12 weeks after that meeting in which Andrew contacted the sex offender to reassure him, the day after a picture of the prince with Ms Giuffre was published, that 'we are in this together' and would have to 'rise above it'.

Sickeningly, Andrew concluded: 'Otherwise keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!' It was signed 'A, HRH The Duke of York, KG', as a knight of the Order of the Garter.

It was also revealed that Andrew met, on at least three occasions, the alleged Chinese spymaster at the centre of the current Whitehall espionage case.

Sources have told the Daily Mail that things came to a head this week after a 'constant drip, drip' of fresh claims, of which the MoS's email revelations proved the 'most significant issue'. The changes will take effect immediately and were decided upon in recognition of the fact that the prince's personal issues continued to be an 'unwelcome distraction' from the work of the wider Royal Family.

However, the King has acknowledged that he cannot legally force Andrew out of his Royal Lodge home and he will continue to remain there so long as he can afford the rent.

The prince has a 100-year-plus private tenancy agreement with the Crown Estate which is said to be 'unaffected' by issues relating to his honours and titles.

The prince's titles, rather than being stripped from him, are 'in abeyance'  they effectively remain 'extant but inactive'.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September 2025

It is understood that part of the King's thinking was to prevent a waste of parliamentary time formally taking the titles away. Any move to do so would have required an Act of Parliament.

But His Majesty was also very keen to 'protect' Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who remain Her Royal Highnesses as granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth. If their father's titles had been removed, theirs would have been affected too, and Charles was keen to avoid this as he holds them 'in high regard and affection'.

'He wouldn't have wanted to sign off on anything that would impact them,' a source said.

Andrew remains a prince because he is the son of Queen Elizabeth II, according to Letters Patent  a written expression of wishes by a monarch  issued in 1917 by George V, updated by Queen Elizabeth in 2012. A source confirmed: 'The title of duke will not be used and consider in 'abeyance'.

'His HRH title is already inactive. The prince's other titles and honours now join it.'

Notably Andrew formally remains a Counsellor of State: to act on behalf of the King, in 'limited and defined circumstances' should he become incapacitated or is abroad. Prince Harry is another who could theoretically act in such circumstances.

But sources stressed that it was already made clear, via Parliament in 2022, that non-working members of the Royal Family will not be called to serve in this capacity so the position is again inactive and not worth taking up parliamentary time to change.

Sources also confirmed  as previously revealed by the Mail  that Andrew will not join the Royal Family at Christmas at Sandringham ever again, although his daughters are welcome.

A royal source told the Mail: 'There is relief that this is over.'

A source close to Sarah Ferguson said she had always used her maiden name professionally and had 'fallen into line' behind Andrew's decision.

'It won't actually affect her in any way and she remains supportive of him,' they said.

Royal author Andrew Lownie told The Times that Andrew could voluntarily vacate Royal Lodge but that he is likely to stay there 'as long as he can afford to'. Mr Lownie said Andrew pays a peppercorn rent and has spent up to 10million restoring the mansion.

'Besides, Royal Lodge is the last status symbol for a man who has little sense of his own identity beyond once being second in line to the throne,' he added.

The former duke has a 'cast-iron' tenancy agreement until 2078 but there are growing calls for King Charles to kick him out.

After another humiliating week for the House of York, it's understood Andrew cancelled an extravagant birthday party for Fergie at Royal Lodge last Wednesday as the Epstein scandal engulfed the pair yet again.

It has also emerged in recent days that Andrew insisted Ms Giuffre sign a gagging order so he did not embarrass Queen Elizabeth during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The bombshell claim is set to be revealed in Ms Giuffre's tell-all memoir from beyond the grave, which will be published on Tuesday.

She writes: 'I agreed to a one-year gag order, which seemed important to the Prince because it ensured that his mother's Platinum Jubilee would not be tarnished any more than it already had been.'

In a statement, Virginia Giuffre's family members said: 'We, the family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre, believe that Prince Andrew's decision to give up his titles is vindication for our sister and survivors everywhere. This decisive action is a powerful step forward in our fight to bring Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's child sex-trafficking network to justice.

'Further, we believe it is appropriate for King Charles to remove the title of Prince.

'This moment serves as victory for Virginia, who consistently maintained, 'He knows what happened, I know what happened, and there's only one of us telling the truth, and I know that's me'.

'This is not just a victory for her, but for every single survivor of the horrific crimes perpetrated by Epstein and his co-conspirators.

'The recent release of emails between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, specifically one sent in early 2011, just after a photo of Virginia, Prince Andrew, and Ghislaine Maxwell was published, raises serious questions about the nature of their relationship.

'In that email, Prince Andrew wrote, 'we are in this together,' and 'we'll play more soon,' comments that further validate the truths that Virginia had long spoken about. This evidence starkly contradicts Prince Andrew's claims during his 2018 BBC interview, when he stated he had ceased all contact with Epstein in 2010.

'Epstein pled guilty to soliciting underage prostitution in 2008. These emails not only highlight Prince Andrew's contradictory statements but also suggest a disturbing willingness to deflect from the truth and evade accountability. His actions and words indicate a belief that he could escape the consequences of his associations.

'We hope that the days of impunity for the powerful are over, and protection for predators will no longer be tolerated. We hope a higher standard has been set for our leaders in office in the United States one we will work tirelessly to follow here. It is time for accountability, transparency, and justice for all survivors.'

The Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in 1348, is Britain's most senior order of chivalry.

It is an honour known to be highly prized by Andrew, and its removal is a serious blow for him.

The monarch can strip the honour from members of the order, although it is understood that Charles would much prefer his brother to voluntarily relinquish the title.

One of the last people to be removed from the Order of the Garter was Emperor Hirohito of Japan after his country joined the Second World War in 1941.
A new dad who proposed just minutes after his girlfriend gave birth has sparked a fierce debate online about whether or not it was an appropriate moment to get down on one knee.

Illinois-based couple Challis Bell and Denzel Kimbrough welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Ace, earlier this month.

But when Kimbrough decided to use the newborn to propose to Bell moments after his birth, it caused a divide on social media.

Kimbrough had the nurses dress the baby into a onesie that said, 'Mommy, will you marry Daddy?' before giving him to Bell.

A now-viral clip shared by Advocate Christ Medical Center showed the nurses handing Ace dressed in the onesie to the new mom, as Kimbrough got down onto one knee and pulled out a ring.

A shocked Challis laid with her mouth wide open in surprise for a few moments before she said, "Oh my God yes.'

'Moments after the birth of her first son at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Challis received a joyful surprise  a marriage proposal, printed on her babys onesie,' read the caption.

'Challis and Denzel first met more than a decade ago while they were in high school at Mother McAuley and Marist high schools, but they lost touch when Denzels family moved.

A new dad who proposed just minutes after his girlfriend gave birth has sparked a fierce debate online about whether or not it was an appropriate moment to get down on one knee

Illinois-based couple Challis Bell and Denzel Kimbrough welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Ace, earlier this month

'Three years ago, mutual friends put the couple back in touch and they fell in love, eventually preparing for the birth of their son, Ace.

'With some help from the nurses, baby Ace quickly got into his first outfit just after being born, a onesie that said, Mommy, will you marry Daddy?

'The couple said theyre grateful for the team at Christ not only for the excellent labor and delivery care, but for helping with the surprise engagement. Congratulations!'

The video went viral, and while many viewers were in awe of the sweet moment, some claimed Kimbrough didn't choose the best moment to propose.

'This is *really* sweet but don't propose to me after I've just done the hardest physical thing ever,' one user wrote in the comment section.

'I actually dont like this. I think he should have let her have her first moments with her newborn but instead he made it about him. Idk, just not sitting well with me,' agreed another.

'For me, I enjoyed having two separate special moments. These are two very different milestones,' pointed out someone else.

'I'm happy for them. But I know he could've chosen a much better time to propose,' read a fourth comment.

Kimbrough had the nurses dress the baby into a onesie that said, 'Mommy, will you marry Daddy?' before giving him to Bell

A shocked Challis laid with her mouth wide open in surprise for a few moments before she said, "Oh my God yes'

A fifth said, 'As a mother of four, that is the worst time to propose.'

'Yeah sorry but no. Do men even have an idea how we feel after delivery? Not to mention we are swollen, sweaty, often medicated. That ring won't even fit in the finger,' a different user penned.

Some went as far as calling it a 'red flag' and accused Kimbrough of trying to 'make himself the center of attention.'

While chatting with Today about it, the new father, 30, explained, 'It was kind of a random idea, honestly.

'We had talked about getting engaged before our son was born, and one day I thought, "What better place than the delivery room?"'

He also addressed the online criticism, explaining, 'Everybody has their own opinion. I just felt like it was the perfect opportunity for us. I wanted to make that day the best day of her life.'

Bell described the moment as 'perfect,' adding: 'We cant control other peoples opinions, but I'm definitely happy to see that weve gotten more congratulations, blessings, and positivity coming our way than negativity. Everybodys different - were just focused on the love.'
Tons of Stella's famous friends and family members came to support her

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith's daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas' glamorous Spanish wedding was reportedly attended by a slew of stars including Malia and Sasha Obama.

Stella, 29, wed her childhood sweetheart Alex Gruszynski on Saturday at the enchanting Retuerta Le Domaine Abbey, an old monastery that sits on a sprawling wine estate in Valladolid, Spain.

It was certainly a lavish affair, with tons of Stella's famous friends and family members coming to support her.

Michelle and Barack Obama's daughters were reportedly present, as well as Stella's half-sister Dakota Johnson, her movie star grandmother Tippi Hedren, and Sting's producer and director wife Trudie Styler, per Hola! magazine.

The publication reported that the event was shrouded in secrecy, with the couple implementing a strict no phones policy for guests and making staff sign confidentiality agreements.

It was said that roughly 200 to 250 people were in attendance, and the festivities included an 'outdoor cocktail reception, a gala lunch, and a party with an open bar and live performances.'

Photos show Stella and Alex walking hand-in-hand during the wedding, with the bride donning a stunning off-the-shoulder white wedding dress with dramatic, long sleeves that draped to the floor.

Her beau, for his part, looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, which was paired with a white dress shirt and black bowtie for the big day.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith 's daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas' glamorous Spanish wedding was reportedly attended by a slew of stars

Stella, 29, wed her childhood sweetheart Alex Gruszynski at the enchanting Retuerta Le Domaine Abbey, an old monastery that sits on a sprawling wine estate in Valladolid, Spain

At one point, Stella's famous father, who also donned a black tuxedo, could be seen holding up a glass of wine as he proudly celebrated his daughter's special milestone.

Antonio and Melanie welcomed their daughter Stella to the world in 1996 - the same year they tied the knot.

The former couple announced their separation in 2014, with the divorce being finalized the following year.

Melanie was previously married to Don Johnson, whom she shares Dakota, 36, with. She is also mom to son Alexander Bauer, 40, whom she welcomed with ex Steven Bauer.

Despite their divorce, both Antonio and Melanie have remained close over the years.

Stella announced her engagement to Alex, who is the co-founder and CEO of the tech company Nova, in August 2024.

She gave her followers a glimpse at her sparkling diamond engagement ring at the time, gushing, 'I get to hang out with my favorite person on earth forever!'

Her mother Melanie jumped to the comment section to gush, 'I love you both sooooo much! Congratulations again.'

Photos show Stella and Alex walking hand-in-hand during the wedding, with the bride donning a stunning off-the-shoulder white wedding dress with dramatic, long sleeves

Her beau, for his part, looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, which was paired with a white dress shirt and black bowtie for the big day

At one point, Stella's famous father, who also donned a black tuxedo, could be seen holding up a glass of wine as he proudly celebrated his daughter's special milestone

It was reported that the event was shrouded in secrecy, with the couple implementing a strict no phones policy for guests and making staff sign confidentiality agreements

The newlyweds shared a sweet kiss at one point

The actress later uploaded a separate post of her own in celebration of her daughter's engagement and wrote, 'He asked. On bended knee she said yes. Stella and Alex are engaged to be married.'

Melanie continued, 'Their love story began in pre-school! True love, deep love! Congratulations to the beloveds!'

After the engagement was announced, Antonio offered his thoughts on his daughter getting married to People.

'I feel great! She's happy, I'm happy,' The Mask Of Zorro star said in September.

He also had kind words to say about his son-in-law Alex, adding, 'He's awesome. I've known him since he was a little kid.'

It was said that roughly 200 to 250 people were in attendance. Some of the guests are seen

The festivities included an 'outdoor cocktail reception, a gala lunch, and a party with an open bar and live performances,' per Hola! Magazine

Michelle and Barack Obama 's daughters were reportedly present. Malia and Sasha are seen in March 2022

Stella announced her engagement to Alex, who is the co-founder and CEO of the tech company Nova, in August 2024

While chatting with Hola! recently, Antonio could hardly contain his excitement. 'Seeing my daughter dressed as a bride will be one of the most beautiful moments of my life,' he gushed

While chatting with Hola! recently, he could hardly contain his excitement.

'Seeing my daughter dressed as a bride will be one of the most beautiful moments of my life,' he gushed.

'I get to be the father of the bride, and its a role I take on with all the emotion in the world.

'Having her get married in Spain fills me with pride. Shes very Andalusian, very much from Malaga, even if she grew up in the US.

'This is her way of reconnecting with her roots and sharing her homeland with her future husband and his family.'
An epilepsy pill could soon be used to treat obstructive sleep apnoea  a condition which can trigger loud snoring and debilitating broken sleep.

Researchers found that the drug, sultiame  used as an anticonvulsant since the 1950s  reduces the night-time breathing problems that patients suffer and improves sleep quality.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, blocking the airways.

This interrupts normal breathing, with symptoms including loud snoring, noisy and laboured breathing, and times when breathing stops and restarts with gasping or snorting.

During an episode, the lack of oxygen triggers the brain to pull the person out of deep sleep so that their airways reopen.

Sufferers are also more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and lung cancer.

Up to 3.9 million people in the UK are thought to have moderate or severe OSA, though experts say it is under-diagnosed and may affect as many as ten million.

The trial data, published in the medical journal The Lancet, involved 298 patients with moderate to severe sleep apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, blocking the airways. Pictured: Stock image

Researchers found that those given sultiame experienced up to 47 per cent fewer breathing interruptions and better oxygen levels than those on a placebo.

Currently there is no drug licensed for the condition, and patients are often prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)  a machine that delivers air through a mask to keep the airways open at night.

But as many as half of those with OSA struggle to tolerate the masks. Researchers hope the drug could offer an alternative.

We have been working on this for a long time, and the results show sleep apnoea can indeed be influenced pharmacologically, said Professor Jan Hedner from the University of Gothenburg, in Sweden, who was involved in the study.

It feels like a breakthrough, and we now look forward to larger and longer studies to determine whether the effect is sustained over time and whether the treatment is safe for broader patient groups.
Boots is set to offer a slimming jab withdrawal programme in a bid to stop patients piling the weight back on when treatment ends.

Around 2.5million Britons are thought to be having weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro and Ozempic.

But research has long suggested that those who come off the jabs abruptly after hitting their target will put on the pounds again in the form of fat rather than muscle.

In August, new guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence urged the NHS to help people for at least a year with 'structured advice and follow-up support' after they stop the injections.

But the vast majority are paying for them privately, so will not be eligible for NHS support after they have finished their treatment.

Now, Boots Online Doctor has launched its own 12-month programme to combat the issue, the first of its kind.

Free for those who have used the chemist chain's weight-loss service for at least six months, patients will receive 'unlimited' support from clinicians via a secure message platform.

Additional personalised online resources will also be available, including exercise videos and sugggested changes to patients' daily routines as well as to their eating and shopping habits.

Boots Online Doctor has launched its own 12-month programme in a bid to stop patients piling the weight back on when GLP-1 treatment ends

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Free webinars  internet seminars  and podcast episodes will also give advice.

At the end of the year, patients can continue to access all supportive content free of charge.

Dr Sam Wellappili, of the Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment Service, said: 'Not everyone who uses weight loss medicines or are considering this route want to stay on them forever.

'But many worry they'll put weight back on as soon as they stop.

'We know coming off weight loss treatment suddenly, without support, can make it much harder to maintain results, which is why we have designed a programme to give patients the guidance and encouragement they need to help achieve lasting, long-term success.'

Free weigh-ins and advice are also available in store.

It comes as experts have warned the NHS rollout of weight loss jabs has already created a 'two-tier system'.

A report published in May by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change noted that obesity rates are about 15 per cent higher in the most deprived areas compared to the wealthiest.

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Your browser does not support iframes.

Yet because NHS access is limited and private jabs cost hundreds of pounds a month, it is largely the better-off who are getting them.

Like any medication, the jabs can cause side effects that vary in both frequency and severity.

Reported problems include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, stomach pain, headaches and dizziness.

Weight-related illness costs the economy 74billion a year, with people who are overweight at increased risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Two in three Britons are classed as overweight or obese and NHS figures show people now weigh about a stone more than 30 years ago.
The Boundless Deep by Richard Holmes (William Collins 25, 448pp)

I wish the public could compel Alfred by act of Parliament to cut off his beard! These are the words of Emily Tennyson in 1857, clearly disapproving of her husbands abundant facial hair. Yet it is the overflowing beard that largely shapes our image of Tennyson as the official bard of imperialism and the high Victorian era. Richard Holmes, in this new biography, wants to create a fresh portrait of the young Tennyson, before the beard made him a Victorian. He has succeeded triumphantly in doing so.

The scruffy poet laureate, Alfred Tennyson

Tennyson was born in 1809, the middle child in a large family that today would undoubtedly be described as dysfunctional. His father, George, was a clever, scholarly man, disappointed by life as a clergyman in the Lincolnshire village of Somersby.

Frustrated in his ambitions, he turned increasingly to drink and was subject to bouts of overwhelming rage. He once stormed around the house with knife and loaded gun, threatening to kill his son Frederick by stabbing him in the jugular vein and in the heart.

So intense were these rages that the family doctor at one point considered certifying him as insane.

All the children were deeply affected by the atmosphere of simmering violence in the Somersby Rectory. We Tennysons are a black-blooded race, the poet later said.

Alfreds brothers, Holmes notes, showed various degrees of brilliance, eccentricity, hypochondria and mental instability. One exiled himself to Italy, another travelled even further to become a farmer in Tasmania; one became an opium addict; a fourth was committed to Lincoln county lunatic asylum, where he stayed for the rest of his life, another 50 years.

Several of the brothers wrote and published poetry, but it was Alfred who showed the greatest talent from an early age. Tutored by his father in the classics, he could recite odes by the Roman poet Horace at the age of seven. As a teenager he would write reams of his own verse and go shouting them about the fields as I leapt over the hedges.

The beloved friend and muse of Tennyson: Henry Hallam

He went up to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1827, where he kept a pet snake in his rooms (I liked to watch his wonderful sinuosities on the carpet, he wrote) and made a number of close friendships. The most important of these was with Arthur Hallam, son of a well-known historian. The two young men became inseparable companions, travelling abroad together. Hallam, charming and sociable, was a favourite of the entire Tennyson family, soon engaged to Alfreds sister Emily.

For financial reasons, Tennyson left Cambridge without a degree but his first solo collection of poems had already been published. In Somersby, his fathers violent outbursts grew worse. His wife decided it was no longer safe to live with him. She and the younger children left. Perhaps to the relief of the family, George Tennyson died in 1831. After the funeral, Alfred slept in his fathers bed, hoping, he said, to see his ghost and to perhaps to lay it forever. He was disappointed. Doubts about the existence of the afterlife continued to trouble him.

Young Tennyson

An even more devastating death soon occurred. In 1833, Arthur Hallam was staying in Vienna with his father. Henry Hallam left his son reading in their hotel room to go for a walk. When he returned he found Arthur dead, aged 22, of a stroke. The appalling, entirely unexpected death of his closest friend plunged Tennyson into profound grief. It was also the catalyst for some of his finest poetry, the verses that would eventually become the volume In Memoriam. He continued to add to the collection for years. As Holmes points out about some of them, what is exceptional is their intensity. Although there is no evidence that the two men had a sexual relationship, the verses often seem like lovers poems. The often-quoted lines Tis better to have loved and lost/Than never to have loved at all are from In Memoriam.

The loss of Hallam led Tennyson towards reflections that had been troubling him for some time. Unusually amongst poets of his generation, he was extremely well read in subjects such as astronomy, geology and evolutionary studies. Darwins friend T.H. Huxley, grandfather to the novelist Aldous Huxley, was later to call him the only modern poet who has taken the trouble to understand the work and tendency of the men of science.

New discoveries and theories in early 19th-century science, of which Tennyson was aware, had cast doubt on traditional religious belief. In poems later included in In Memoriam, he confronted, in Holmess words, the increasingly remote evidence for a creative God in the natural world. More than any poet of his time, the young Tennyson gave expression to the conflicts and contradictions between science and faith.

The Boundless Deep is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Throughout the decade and a half that followed Hallams death, and, at least in part because of the loss of his friend, Tennyson led a curiously rootless and nomadic life. There were plenty of moments of fun and enjoyment. His powers of mimicry were on display. Alfred amusing us all the time by taking different characters, one of his sisters reported. He made us laugh so much

Yet he began to worry for his own mental health. Secretly, Holmes writes, he feared he was doomed to fall victim to the black blood of the Tennysons. Old friends were concerned. Edward FitzGerald, future translator of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, who had known him since Cambridge days, wondered if he was ruining himself by mismanagement and neglect of all kinds. He must smoke twelve hours out of the twenty-four. Later FitzGerald bemoaned Tennysons hypochondria, claiming he thinks more about his bowels and nerves than about the Laureate wreath he was born to inherit. He was probably right to be exasperated. Despite his anxieties about his health, Tennyson lived to be 83.

In 1850, he did indeed become Poet Laureate. This was his annus mirabilis. In Memoriam was finally published in May. It was a bestseller, with 50,000 copies sold in a matter of months. After a courtship that had lasted years, he married Emily Sellwood in June. Thanks in part to the enthusiasm of Prince Albert for his work, Tennyson was offered the Laureateship in November. The elderly poet Samuel Rogers loaned him the expensive court dress that Wordsworth had previously borrowed for his Laureateship ceremony, although, sadly, the trousers didnt fit.

The process by which the young Tennyson, eccentric product of a chaotic family, was transformed into the bearded patriarch we see in later photographs was almost complete. In this engrossing biography, Richard Holmes charts it with enormous insight and subtlety.
KABUL, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have discovered an amount of ammunition, including 24 anti-personnel mines, over the past three months in eastern Parwan province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

The statement said that police will not allow anyone to possess weapons and ammunition illegally.

Since assuming power in August 2021, the Afghan government has seized weapons and ammunition as part of efforts to stabilize the situation in the country. 
Anti-woke CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss left the 60 Minutes team stunned when she asked them to consider why viewers think their coverage is slanted.

The self-proclaimed centrist, 41, who has made political neutrality a focal point of her plans for the network, hit journalists with the seven-word question during a private Tuesday meeting, The New York Times reported.

'Why does the country think youre biased?' she asked - leaving the staff and stars of the country's top news program baffled and unable to respond.

Weiss's question was awkward, as three anonymous sources told the newspaper.

The 60 Minutes reporters - including standouts Anderson Cooper, who doubles as a long-time CNN anchor, and Lesley Stahl - see themselves as impartial, the insiders said.

They have fiercely rejected the idea perpetuated by Donald Trump and other conservatives that their coverage is left-leaning.

Weiss has already caused a stir in her first two weeks filling the network's top position, in which she vowed to provide news for the American 'mainstream' who have been 'ill-served' by the media.

Her background as a vocal opinion journalist with no previous broadcast experience has made her a controversial pick for editor-in-chief.

Anti-woke CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss (pictured) left the 60 Minutes team stunned when she asked them to consider why viewers think their coverage is slanted

The 60 Minutes team, from left to right: Jon Wertheim, Bill Whitaker, Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega and Anderson Cooper

She co-founded The Free Press, which Paramount Skydance is acquiring, and formerly worked as a NY Times opinion editor, but left the role due to the company's 'illiberal environment' in 2020.

While her official start date at CBS News was October 6, an insider previously told the Daily Mail she had been 'informally consulting' the company for 'a while.'

Her hiring by new Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison, made waves within the CBS newsroom after a tumultuous year.

In October last year, Donald Trump sued the network over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that he claimed was deceptively edited.

Paramount ultimately agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the lawsuit.

That settlement paved the way for the administration's approval of an $8billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount in August.

CBS News - specifically 60 Minutes - was also heavily criticized for its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war.

Network veteran Stahl specifically came under fire over her treatment of a Hamas hostage, with conservatives accusing her of being sympathetic towards the terrorist group in a damning April interview.

Weiss's background as a vocal opinion journalist with no previous broadcast experience has made her a controversial pick for the editor-in-chief role

While her official start date at CBS News was October 6, an insider previously told the Daily Mail she had been 'informally consulting' the company for 'a while' (pictured: The CBS News building in New York City)

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison is the son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison

Stahl was slammed after she asked former hostage Keith Siegel if Hamas terrorists starved him on purpose or if they just did not have any food to hand out.

Seigel, who spent 484 days in captivity, replied: 'No, I think they starved me, and they would often eat in front of me and not offer me food.'

Not long after, 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon both resigned over concerns with the company's direction.

Despite his previous run-ins with CBS, Trump recently told CNN the network will be 'fairer' with Weiss and Ellison in charge. 'CBS has great potential,' he said.
If Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces even a handful of the tax rises rumoured to be under consideration in her November Budget, then the wealthiest families in the country are in for a tough time.

Last years Budget drove many of these families to flee to lower-tax destinations such as Dubai, Monaco and Milan.

So what are they doing this time around to shield their assets from possible tax hikes  and could you learn vital tips from their careful planning?

Here, wealth managers to the rich reveal the moves their clients are making now.

First, a word of warning: no one yet knows what will be in the Budget and many of the following are complex strategies. Speak to an adviser and avoid taking knee-jerk decisions based on speculation  its unlikely to end well.

The trick is to make changes to your personal finances that you will be happy with whether rumoured changes are announced in the Budget or not.

Before you plunge into these complex strategies, start with basic tax efficiency tools

Offloading assets to realise gains earlier

Affluent families are selling assets to crystalise their gains ahead of November 26  but capital gains tax (CGT) is payable when you sell and make a profit on assets such as second homes, investments or belongings such as art.

Last year, the basic and higher rates were hiked from 10 and 20 per cent to 18 and 24 per cent, respectively. Now fears are once again growing that Ms Reeves could tinker with rates to align with income tax or slash the 3,000 CGT-free allowance. So to avoid a second sting, households with large amounts of assets are reviewing whether to realise these gains ahead of the Budget.

Nicholas Nesbitt, a partner at tax firm Forvis Mazars, says: A lot of people intended to do this last year before the Budget and didnt, so now there may be investors looking to take some profit.

But only think about selling your investments and assets if you were planning on doing so at some point anyway. Otherwise, in the event that nothing changes, you may regret selling.

But there is one step that you could take ahead of the Budget that could benefit you whether or not the rules change. You could sell shares with gains under the 3,000 annual tax-free allowance, and then buy them back in a stocks and shares individual savings account (Isa) where future profits and dividends are free from tax.

This is called bed and Isa and your Isa provider can carry it out for you. The repurchase will attract a trading fee and 0.5 pc stamp duty. The amount going into the Isa will count towards your annual Isa allowance of 20,000.

Taking tour tax-free pension lump sum

Advisers report wealthy clients asking about withdrawing the tax-free lump sum from their pensions.

They fear the maximum amount that can be taken tax-free could be slashed from its current level of 268,275.

Mr Nesbitt says his clients who have a tax-free lump sum of at least 150,000 are taking these rumours seriously, explaining: They are telling me, Id be gutted to lose this allowance  paying tax on money outside of a pension is the lesser of two evils. 

He has also seen a surge in doctors  who have more lucrative defined benefit pensions  trying to take their tax-free cash.

Ian Cooke, of wealth manager Quilter Cheviot, says: If individuals are likely to take tax-free cash anyway because they are starting to draw down their pension, or it is part of their gifting strategy to reduce their inheritance tax (IHT)liability, then it can make sense to do that in advance of the Budget.

But he warns you could make a big mistake by predicting what will be in the Chancellors speech, as you will be taking your money out of a tax-free environment into a taxable one.

Rising interest in the more risky investment

Growing numbers of high-net-worth individuals are considering funnelling their money into risky investments that benefit from favourable tax treatment.

Venture capital trusts (VCTs) and enterprise investment schemes (EISs) allow you to invest in early-stage companies.

Because these firms are largely unproven, they are typically risky  some will fail and investors lose their money.

Therefore, there are substantial tax perks for taking the risk. These schemes offer up to 30 per cent income tax relief up front.

Plus, for VCTs, no capital gains tax is due or income tax on dividends up to 200,000.

However, Simon Bashorun of asset manager Rathbones, advises caution, saying: You cant have tax as the only driver for these investments.

Making gifts out of your surplus income

Harry Bell, at financial planners Charles Stanley, is advising clients to take advantage of one of the most generous estate planning methods  making gifts out of surplus income.

IHT is levied at 40 per cent on an estate over a 325,000 threshold. Those who leave their property to direct descendants have an extra 175,00 tax-free allowance.

There is a standard 3,000 annual gifting allowance free of death duties, plus any gift you make is tax-free if you survive for seven years after making it.

But you do not need to worry about a seven-year clock ticking away  or even longer should the Chancellor decide to extend it to ten years, as some experts fear may happen  if you gift out of surplus income.

There are strict rules. Gifts must be made out of income and not existing assets, they must be regular, and they must not affect your standard of living.

But crucially, theres no limit to what you can gift. Keep impeccable records that can be shown to the taxman.

Use trusts for control and more protection

Trusts can help families pass on money free of IHT with more control and protection.

These legal arrangements are a way to make gifts to children and other members of the family to start the seven-year clock, while still retaining some control over the wealth.

And as affluent middle-aged couples are already thinking about succession planning due to Budget death duty rumours, an increasing number are using trusts.

Mr Bashorun says: People are approaching succession planning at an earlier stage than they might do otherwise.

They dont want money just falling into childrens hands. With a trust, you get control of who gets what and when.

But trusts are very complex and can be expensive to set up  you will need an adviser to help you.

Establishing complex investment companies

Using family investment companies (FIC) is the hot topic among affluent families, advisers report.

These are limited companies with the express purpose of managing investments. Not only does it provide a mechanism to gift investments to children while retaining some control, but dividends are also received by the FIC tax free.

Other profits and capital gains are charged at the corporation tax rate of 25 per cent.

But this is useful only for those with ultra-high net worths. For an FIC to be worthwhile, many advisers say you need 2 million in assets, others say at least 5 million.

...But be careful not to lose sight of the basics

Before you plunge into these complex strategies, start with basic tax efficiency tools.

Use your full Isa allowance  which for a family of four, with two children, totals 58,000 a year.

Plus, funnel as much as you can into your pension. You get tax relief on as much as 60,000 every year, or 120,000 for a couple.

Mr Bashorun adds: Do little things regularly. Start paying pension contributions for your children, for example.
Fat cat social housing bosses have raked in huge salaries and bonuses despite their tenants continuing to live in mouldy and badly-maintained homes, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Five of the biggest social landlords  all of which receive tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers cash  are paying their bosses salaries several times higher than what the Prime Minister earns.

The same firms were forced to hand out 1.5 million in compensation to tenants last year after 1,500 complaints of maladministration were upheld by the housing watchdog, many linked to repeated failures to deal with the upkeep of properties housing Britains most vulnerable people.

The controversy comes a week before the introduction of a new law following the death of toddler Awaab Ishak, who suffered a fatal respiratory illness after living in a mouldy flat five years ago.

From October 27, social landlords will be required to fix reported damp and mould within strict, legally-binding timeframes.

It comes a week before the introduction of a new law following the death of toddler Awaab Ishak, who suffered a fatal respiratory illness after living in a mouldy flat five years ago

The housing firms are keen to emphasise social responsibility, claiming most of their profits are ploughed back into the business. But that ethos has not prevented them from paying executives bonuses of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Bosses at one firm, Places for People, which manages or owns 262,000 homes including 70,000 social-rented properties, received 263,000 in bonuses last year, according to its annual report last month.

The windfall was split between chief executive Greg Reed, chief operating officer Scott Black and finance chief Andy Winstanley, and was on top of their basic salaries collectively worth 1.1 million.

The payout came in the year the Housing Ombudsman found 120 failings at Places for People, including 51 for property condition and 40 for complaint-handling, with 89 findings of maladministration, forcing the company to pay out 57,500 in compensation.

Over the past five years, Places for Peoples bosses have received bonuses totalling nearly 1.8 million  with US-born former banker Reed receiving 465,000 in the four years since his appointment.

His basic salary rose 2.7 per cent to 457,000 last year, in line with a rent rise across the social housing sector, topped up by a 108,000 bonus and 9,000 in benefits, netting him more than three times what the Prime Minister earns.

Reed, 55, was UK head of home repair business HomeServe from 2017 to 2020, after spending more than 20 years in banking, including two years as head of credit cards and overdrafts at RBS from 2010 to 2012, soon after it was bailed out in the banking crisis.

Reed lives in a sought-after Edinburgh suburb and social media shows him and his wife on holiday at a mountain holiday resort. In Places for Peoples annual report, Reed declared it existed as a force for good while reporting a 215 million profit. It also received nearly 19 million of taxpayer cash from quango Homes England to build new social housing.

The bumper profit came despite the Housing Ombudsman saying the percentage of complaints leading to maladministration findings against the company last year was 62 per cent. The previous year it was as high as 84 per cent.

Across the sector, this years maladministration findings average 69 per cent for landlords of a similar size to Places for People. But here too big executive pay rises have been announced.

Places for People chief executive Greg Reed has received 574,000

L&Q Group chief executive Fiona Fletcher-Smith received a package totalling 388,000

Clarion handed its boss Clare Miller an 8.5 per cent pay rise taking her to 471,000 a year

Clarion, Britains largest social landlord, which lets 125,000 homes and received 109 million in grant funding last year for affordable housing, handed its boss Clare Miller an 8.5 per cent pay rise taking her to 471,000 a year. This included a 52,000 bonus.

Miller, 62, is an accountant who lives with her husband in a 1 million Islington flat. Her pay award came despite 413 findings of maladministration against the firm by the Ombudsman leading to 253,000 in compensation payouts.

Other big social housing providers to reveal pay rises last year include Peabody Trust. It manages 109,000 homes in and around London, and its boss Ian McDermott saw his pay rise from 375,000 to 388,000, while 356 complaints of maladministration against it were upheld, resulting in 251,000 in compensation being paid.

McDermott, 62, who lives with his wife in a 1.5 million five-bedroom house in Twickenham, South-West London, can be seen on social media enjoying ski trips and going for a 500-a-head cabaret evening on board a luxury train.

Peabody was criticised over the death of Sheila Seleoane, 61, in 2019. Her body lay undiscovered in her flat in Peckham, South London, for over two years despite neighbours complaining of smells.

An independent report said Peabody, which received 20 million of taxpayer grants last year, failed in its stated ambition of being a human and kind landlord.

Another firm, L&Q, which manages 110,000 homes and received a 26 million grant from the Government to build new social housing, saw total executive pay rise from 1.9 million to 2 million.

Chief executive Fiona Fletcher-Smith received a package totalling 388,000, up from 377,000 the previous year. Some 769 maladministration complaints were upheld against it in 2024 resulting in 481,000 of compensation pay.

Fletcher-Smith, 57, has also shown off her wealth, posting pictures from the rooftop bar of a Manhattan hotel last autumn.

And Guinness Partnership, which manages 74,000 homes, again paid 311,000 to its boss Catriona Simons. It had 214 maladministration complaints upheld and paid out 118,000.

Simons, 55, lives with her husband in a smart, semi-detached home in Barnes, South-West London, worth more than 2 million.

Homes England and the Greater London Authority are paying the firm 407 million over four years to build affordable housing.

Labour MP Clive Betts, deputy chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, criticised pay in the sector, calling for the housing regulator to be able to take a view on bonuses at organisations where there were multiple failings.

He said: My view is you should pay a rate for a job and people do their job. If you have a bonus system, you have to have it set up for exceptional performance only.

Places for People said much of its business, including 100 leisure centres, is commercially-run. Reed said his bonus was decided by the pay committee but admitted it was a large amount of money.

Clarion said its bosss wages reflect the responsibilities of running 125,000 homes and providing 1,700 new properties last year.

Chairman Jock Lennox said: We are investing hundreds of millions in maintaining and retrofitting our homes, and support thousands of people into work and training.

A spokesperson for L&Q said: L&Q is a large, complex organisation with a turnover of over 1 billion and we serve around 250,000 residents in 110,000 homes. Executive pay is set by L&Qs governance and remuneration committee following an independent review.

Peabody said its bosss pay was for running a complex not-for-profit housing association and social landlord providing affordable homes to 220,000 residents and care services for 25,000 people.

It said it spent 431million last year looking after and improving residents homes, and hundreds of millions more building new social and affordable housing.

Guinness Partnership was contacted for comment.

Additional reporting: Dan Barker
What really went on inside a newspaper's botched stunt at a Sydney takeaway restaurant can now be revealed for the very first time.

Documents obtained by the Daily Mail expose the high farce behind a Daily Telegraph reporting assignment which sent a Jewish man wearing a Star of David cap and necklace to Newtown's Arab cuisine Cairo Takeaway restaurant.

He was trailed by a camera crew and reporter to capture reactions at a tense time for Jewish and Arab communities becaue of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

But the 'investigation', internally dubbed 'UndercoverJew' by the Daily Telegraph, developed into a saga that blew up in the face of the media outlet.

The focus suddenly switched from any antisemitic behaviour toward the Jewish customer to the behaviour of the reporting team - and made international headlines.

Now the man sent in by the Telegraph, Israeli activist Ofir Birenbaum, is suing Cairo Takeaway, its owner Hesham El Masry and chef Talaat Yehia for defamation.

And Mr Birenbaum's 146-page Statement of Claim lodged in the Federal Court of Australia - obtained by the Daily Mail - reveals the wild scenes that unfolded inside Cairo Takeaway on February 11.

It documents what was allegedly said and done by Mr Birenbaum, along with Cairo staff, and claims that at least one of the Telegraph camera crew became desperate to flee as the confrontation escalated.

The events of the assignment - branded 'Looney Tunes' by Mr Yehia - are at the heart of the defamation case.

It centres on five lengthy Instagram posts which Mr Birenbaum claims defamed him by implying he was engaged in a far-right hate act and behaved aggressively in a manner which threatened and intimidated Cairo's staff.

Ofir Birenbaum outside Cairo Takeaway on the day of the Telegraph's botched sting on the Arabic eatery, over which he is now suing owner Hesham El Masry and chef Talaat Yehia

Restaurant staff film Telegraph reporter Danielle Gusmaroli in a photo filed in the lawsuit as she stands in the Cairo Takeaway doorway. In the lawsuit's Statement of Claim one report alleged she gave back when a server said to her: 'How dare you come into a restaurant intimidating workers'

Gusmaroli, Rohan Kelly and Jeremy Span in Enmore Road as the Tele's planned sting falls apart during which time it has been alleged Kelly got cold feet and was very keen to leave

The Statement of Claim (SOC) says the Instagram posts imply Mr Birenbaum attended Cairo Takeaway with the intent of provoking an antisemitic response or an antisemitic incident from restaurant staff.

It alleges some of the coverage flowing from the UndercoverJew fiasco was disparaging of Mr Birenbaum and contained defamatory imputations.

In particular, an article by Alex McKinnon posted on deepcutnews.com quoting Mr Yehia suggested Mr Birenbaum entered the restaurant with 'hostile intentions'.

It said he 'made a violent and dangerous threat' and wished its customers 'harm and destruction', the document filed to court says.

The SOC also cites Nine News interviews with Mr El Masry and Mr Yehia in February, which it says alleged he 'made baseless accusations of antisemitism against staff at Cairo Takeaway to stir up controversy'.

A report by the Sydney Morning Herald, according to the SOC, carried the defamatory imputation that Mr Birenbaum 'intimidate[d] and victimise[d] Cairo Takeaway staff.'

Since the event, the lawsuit said, Mr Birenbaum's wife had been harassed, he had been shunned and vilified, and subjected to workplace and criminal investigations.

Documents in the claim allege how the assignment unfolded when Mr Birenbaum and the crew of journalist Danielle Gusmaroli, photographer Rohan Kelly and videographer Jeremy Span rolled up outside Cairo Takeaway on the Tuesday morning in question.

Mr Birenbaum, who was wearing a white shirt, a white cap with a blue Star of David and the same symbol in a pendant on a gold chain around his neck, entered the restaurant.

The popular restaurant on Enmore Road, in Sydney's inner west, was targeted by a newspaper in a botched assignment which blew up into international headlines

Cairo Takeaway owner Hesham El Masry (above) is being sued along with his restaurant and chef by the Jewish man who was part of the Tele's failed Middle East sting in February. His lawyers said the case would be staunchly defended

He ordered a hibiscus tea from a female server, made a comment, and then the server walked outside where Gusmaroli and her crew were waiting.

What was said in exchange between him and Cairo staff is at the centre of the court case.

But the alleged confrontation between an overtly Jewish customer and the Arab staff, which the newspaper apparently expected, did not happen.

According to the Instagram posts filed in the defamation suit, Cairo later posted that 'the Daily Telegraph crew seemed to recognise that they were in too deep and tried to pull Birenbaum away.

'He attempted to stand his ground ... (he) was finally pulled away from the scene'.

Cairo staff claimed that once they spotted the newspaper crew outside, they saw photographer Rohan Kelly 'start filming ... every time the conversation got heated. So he was waiting for the moment'.

According to the deepcutnews report, Mr Yehia said the commotion captured the attention of passers-by and people in nearby shops.

Some gave the reporting crew 'a mouthful', with one saying 'get out of our community, you're causing trouble', the report claimed, according to the SOC.

When female cafe worker Sam walked out and was confronted by the news crew, she challenged them and they identified themselves as Telegraph staff.

Sam then turned a camera back on the news crew and the deepcutnews report said she confronted Gusmaroli, saying, 'How dare you come into a restaurant intimidating workers'.

The article said Gusmaroli replied: 'How dare you get appalled by a Jewish man coming into your restaurant.'

Among material filed in Ofir Birenbaum's lawsuit are images filed by Cairo Takeaway of him with a facial mole highlighted in blue along with claims he went undercover to a pro-Palestinian rally

A series of Instagram posts by Cairo Takeaway restaurant form part of the defamation action taken by Ofir Birenbaum following the February incident staged by a newspaper which backfired

Mr Yehia claimed the photographer then began urging the rest of the crew to leave because people were gathering and yelling at them as the situation became heated.

The article quoted Mr Yehia saying: 'I was giving it to the cameraman, telling him, "Youre a grown man, this is what you do for a living? Do you tell your kids you come into peoples workplaces and upset people? You should be ashamed of yourself".

'And he looked a bit ashamed, actually. He looked like "Aw f***, I wish we werent here.

'They left in the same car. All four of them. The two cameramen, the journalist and the Zionist guy.'

Among Mr Birenbaum's court files in his defamation claim are copies of X posts made by Mr Yehia allegedly under a fake online name Abu Omar, including, 'Ofir Birenbaum. I put less mint in your tea because you're a c***'.

He also posted, 'Hey, News Corp, come and get your trash out of our community' and '@DanielleGuss You're all class Habibti. World class journalism ... lurking and intimidating waitresses.'

A series of X posts, including ones about 'the lie of antisemitism which our enemies have been feeding on for decades', the SOC claims, further aggravated the defamation.

They suggested 'Birenbaum is aware of that demonstrate the falsity of (Cairo's) claims that they were not motivated by antisemitism', the claim said.

Cairo Takeaway (left) is now the subject of a defamation suit against it, owner Hesham El Masry and chef Talaat Yehia by prominent Jewish activist Ofir Birenbaum (right)

Cairo Takeaway has severely criticised the Daily Telegraph for the stunt which made international headlines and sparked a backlash against the newspaper in Sydney's inner west

In other Instagram posts included in the court claim, Cairo Takeaway posted an image of Ofir Birenbaum outside the restaurant to highlight a mole on his face which could be used to identify him.

It also published pictures of a man dressed as a pro-Palestinian activist, with the same mole, who had gone undercover to infiltrate a protest.

In posts, the restaurant said online, 'Let's make this mole famous' and 'This dude needs to be visited by the Aussie police. Especially as he made some very serious threats against our staff'.

Cairo also claimed in an Instagram post, that the Telegraph's stunt was 'simply to f*** us over' but conceded in subsequent posts the following week that its initial response had been 'emotional' and they wished to 'clarify' some points.

These Instagram posts formed part of the defamation suit filed in the Federal Court.

In a long series of posts, Cairo Takeaway concedes, 'Mr Birenbaum did not positively make threats against our staff' and that 'we were informed but did not have personal knowledge as to whether Mr Birenbaum was associated with a far-right hate group so we retract that'.

Another post states: 'Our employees accept that they may have been mistaken about Mr Birenbaum saying words to the effect of "I hope your restaurant gets blown up".'

A post in the series says: 'Our restaurant and staff were exposed to an incompetent and outrageous attempted sting by one of the Murdoch press' best purveyors of gutter journalism The Daily Telegraph.

'How The Daily Telegraph could possibly have thought it appropriate - especially in the current climate - to try to provoke antisemitic conduct from our staff by their amateurish trickery is inexplicable.

'That conduct, by a so-called mainstream media outfit was as the ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess described it, "mind-blowingly stupid".'

Law firm Giles George is representing Mr Birenbaum in the case.

Stewart OConnell of OBrien Criminal and Civil Lawyers, acting for the restaurant and respondents, said his clients made extensive and genuine efforts to peacefully settle the matter outside court, and will now staunchly defend the claims.

Following the February incident, Daily Telegraph editor Ben English said it was part of the papers investigation into how the conflict in Gaza was affecting the lives of Jewish people in Sydney, but 'could have been handled better'.

'The Telegraph never intended to provoke an incident at the Cairo Takeaway restaurant ... which was one of multiple venues across Sydney we visited, nor to report that its staff are antisemitic,' he said.
For years, Manchester synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie lay in wait as he viewed terrorist material online, biding his time before he decided to strike.

Earlier this month, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the year for Jews, the 35-year-old attacked Jewish worshippers at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

He stabbed one person to death, and when armed police shot at Al-Shamie, a worshipper who was said to be holding the synagogue doors closed was caught by a stray bullet and also died. Al-Shamie was shot dead.

Before his death, he called 999 and reportedly said: 'I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State.'

The police and MI5 were unable to establish any actual links between al-Shamie and terror groups and instead believe he was a lone wolf who viewed extremist material online.

Security experts have warned about the threat of terrorist literature online that suggests targeting synagogues for years.

In 2015, the Community Security Trust, a charity advising and supporting the UK's Jewish community in matters of antisemitism, extremism and terrorism, told Parliament: 'Since April 2015, Isil-linked Twitter accounts, including those of British foreign fighters, have circulated an English-language jihadist guidebook, How to Survive in the West, that, among other targets, recommends to ''set off car bombs near Synagogues.''

'The damaging impact of a successful mass casualty terrorist attack on UK Jewish communal life would be devastating, and cohesion in British society could be put at risk.'

Today, less than a month after Al-Shamie's horrific attack on a Manchester synagogue 'in the name of Isis,' the Daily Mail can reveal that the same 71-page handbook proposing synagogues as targets, How To Survive In The West, has remained easily accessible for the last decade.

It's been downloaded by a string of UK-based terrorists since 2015, and despite the Mail alerting the security services to its whereabouts, it is still online today.

This Islamist terror handbook on how to be a terrorist in the West has been widely available online for years despite warnings about it a decade ago

How To Survive In The West suggests that terrorists 'set off car bombs near synagogues'. Even after the Manchester Synagogue attack, the manual is still on the internet today

Terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, (pictured) was a lone wolf who, according to the police and MI5, viewed extremist material online before carrying out an attack that left two Jews dead outside a synagogue in Manchester

This week, the CST told the Mail: 'If anything, the problem of extremist material online has got even worse in the past decade.

'The easy access to this kind of dangerous material online is a major part of the problem of modern terrorism and extremism, and tech companies repeatedly fail to meet their obligations to protect the public.'

Chapters in the How To Survive In The West manual include 'Hiding the extremist identity', 'B0mb making' (which may have been misspelt to avoid automatic censoring) and 'What happens when you are spied on and get raided'.

Explaining its purpose, the unnamed author said: 'This book is a guide for the Muslims who are living in a majority non Muslim land, or a country where the rulers are harsh towards the believers.

'It will explain to you the different scenarios you may get into and how to react. It will teach you how to be a secret agent who lives a double life, something Muslims will have to do to survive in the coming years.'

They added that the 'biggest priority' for the Mujahideen, the Muslims who carry out Jihad, was to hide the fact that they have been radicalised.

It said: 'Those who go on the offensive will more likely receive martyrdom instead of long-term imprisonment.'

The guide teaches terrorists how to make money by scamming people, suggests hacking Israeli credit cards and stealing money from employers.

Chapters in the terror manual include 'Bomb making', 'Hising the extremist identity' and 'Transporting weapons'

The manual gave detailed instructions on how to make bombs at home. The Mail has pixelated parts of the manual we are picturing for safety

It also explained, with step-by-step images, how to make a mobile phone detonator for a bomb

It instructs extremists to keep fit, learn self-defence techniques and read the SAS Survival Handbook to learn how to stay alive while on the run.

Instead of using automatic guns, the manual suggests crossbows, Molotov cocktails and DIY bombs as an extremist's weapon of choice.

The manual added: 'It takes planning and care to transport weapons from the Balkans or eastern Europe into western Europe and particularly into Britain.'

It has a detailed chapter on how to create nail bombs, car bombs and remote-controlled explosives using items the terrorist can buy legally.

In one of the most sickening lines of the manual, the author said: 'In modern Jihad, symbolic places are hit at symbolic dates (i.e. September 11) to get more media attention and to show Muslims still have power.'

Of course, Al-Shamie carried out his attack on the Manchester synagogue this year on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews.

The book also suggests using protests by neo-Nazis to fuel tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims, and praises the success of other terror attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2015 Charlie Hebdo shooting.

The manual also highlighted that British police shared photos of Shamima Begum and her two friends when the three teenagers fled the UK in 2015 to join Isis as a reason why disguises were important.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The manual's 'last words of advice' are: 'Supporting the Islamic cause is a mentality and ideology more than anything else.

'You are always looking at everything through your Mujahid eyes, always thinking how any situation could benefit the Jihad.

'Any opportunity can be a Mujahid moment. Any opportunity to get money, anonymity, weapons, friendships, leadership positions amongst Muslims, and even beneficial knowledge is your Jihad and will help you in the future.

'You will get rewarded from Allah  in this life and the next  for every Jihad effort you take.

'When the Jihad reaches your neighbourhood, rise up and race towards martyrdom. That has been your goal from the beginning; that is why you are reading this book.

'Do not let the temptation of money and weapons override your intention of seeking martyrdom.'

Today, the national terrorism threat level is 'substantial,' meaning an attack is likely.

The Government's latest strategy for countering terrorism promises that UK authorities, including MI5, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Ofcom, and the Home Office, will work with tech companies to 'reduce the availability of terrorist and violent extremist content online'.

Codenamed 'Contest', the strategy said: 'Terrorists exploit technology to hide their networks, spread their propaganda and enable their attacks.

'Accelerating availability of new technologies and online platforms provides both opportunity and risk to our counter-terrorism efforts.

'Technology is a critical enabler of our counter-terrorism efforts, where careful and proportionate use of cutting-edge techniques can make our response more efficient and effective.

'We will build on our engagement with the tech sector, participating in the coordinated, international effort to suppress terrorist exploitation of the internet.

'This includes cooperation with companies to improve their policies and capabilities to reduce the availability and credibility of terrorist and violent extremist content online, as well as partnership with non-governmental organisations.

'Following royal assent of the Online Safety Bill, we will look to Ofcom as the independent online safety regulator to hold technology companies to account for how they prevent, identify and remove terrorist content and activity online, while upholding freedom of expression.'

It should be noted that the manual does contain some peculiar advice.

A section on disguises suggests coloured wigs, fake moustaches and beards and coloured contact lenses as methods of avoiding capture.

Another says terrorists can learn to shoot by buying Nerf guns for target practice.

But despite this, How To Survive In The West has undeniably remained a handbook favoured by terrorists around the world.

In 2015, two Isis fanatics were arrested after posting threatening photos of Italian landmarks alongside Isis slogans.

Both had access to a downloaded version of How To Survive In The West.

In 2017, 21-year-old Abdur-Rehman Gul was already serving a life sentence in the UK for stabbing his mother to death.

Even so, he was still able to speak to extremists on Telegram and shared How To Survive In The West. Gul was sentenced to an additional three years for this.

A former police officer told the Daily Mail that lone wolf attackers like Al-Shamie (pictured) can become self-radicalised by terror manuals online

During the Manchester synagogue attack, Al-Shamie called 999 and reportedly said: 'I have killed two Jews in the name of the Islamic State'

Al-Shamie was shot dead by police following the attack outside a synagogue in Manchester. Pictured: An Army bomb disposal expert and a remote-controlled robot check his body

People in tears were seen comforting one another near the synagogue after the deadly attack

In the same year, Zakaria Afey, 20, from Cardiff, downloaded How To Survive In The West. He also admitted sharing a link to 'Virgins Of Paradise', a song praising Osama bin Laden and encouraging 'martyrdom'. He was sentenced to 30 months at a youth offenders centre.

In 2017, Asda worker Ryan Ashley Counsell, 28, from Nottingham, was jailed for eight years for trying to join Isis. He also downloaded the terror manual.

In the same year, Sheffield University dentistry student Mohammed Awan, 24, the brother of a suicide bomber killed in Iraq, was jailed for ten years for terrorism offences.

He had bought 500 ball bearings, downloaded How To Survive In The West and was arrested while preparing to carry out a terror attack in Britain.

The following year, 22-year-old Mohammed Imran, a friend of the Isis terrorist who planned to kill then-Prime Minister Theresa May, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in jail.

During his trial, the jury was told he downloaded How To Survive In The West while hoping to join Isis.

The same year, 2018, Bradford CCTV operator Asim Majid, 30, who was secretly a propagandist for Isis, was jailed for 12 years. He also had a copy of the manual.

The manual has also made its way to America. In 2021, 28-year-old New Yorker Ali Saleh was sentenced to 30 years in jail for trying to provide material support and resources to Isis. On his phone, he had a copy of How To Survive In The West.

Former police officer Norman Brennan told the Daily Mail that the availability of extremist manuals like How To Survive In The West has made the security services' jobs more difficult by allowing people not on any terror watchlist to self-radicalise.

He said: 'The public won't be aware of the huge number of terror attacks that MI5 and MI6 prevent.

'What they really don't need is for these books that can turn someone not on the radar to commit an atrocity on the streets of Britain.

'Anything that encourages people to get involved in terrorism should be taken off all sites.

'A lot of these books can push somebody to become self-radicalised. Someone being self-radicalised is the most dangerous  those not on the radar in any way, shape or form.

'They may see something like this, and it gives them an idea. It may push them to take action.

'You only need one person to read such propaganda, and they could be responsible for a huge number of deaths.

'Sites need to take some responsibility. They should know the potential of such literature.

'It's very clear from these books what they're about. Taking down this propaganda should be done without question. [Tech companies] shouldn't be asked to take it down.

'One atrocity is one atrocity too much. Every time there's an attack, it has a ricochet effect across Britain.'

A government spokeswoman said: 'We are aware of the vile contents of this manual, and have urged online search engines and social media providers to remove it.

'We will not let terror defeat us, which is why the UK has one of the most robust counter-terrorism frameworks in the world.

'We are ensuring we have the tools and powers needed to stop the spread of violence and hatred against individuals and communities.'

An Ofcom spokesman said: 'Under the UK's Online Safety Act, search services must take proportionate steps to minimise the risk of users encountering illegal material online, including terrorism content.

'They must also minimise the risk of children encountering harmful content including violence or content that incites hatred.

'Our role under the Online Safety Act is not to assess individual pieces of content or take down specific posts.

'Instead, our powers involve making sure sites, apps and search services have effective systems and processes in place to protect people their users.

'Our illegal harms duties came into force in March this year and we're closely scrutinising companies' compliance with these duties.

'If they fail to act and put their users at risk in the process, they can expect to face enforcement action.'
A proposed $219million construction project in the heart of Sydney is at the centre of a bizarre alleged 'campaign of extortion' from an angry man who has gone after the developer's CEO.

Kurraba Group Pty Ltd and its chief executive Nicholas Smith - who were signed on to build a state-of-the-art medical science and research facility in Sydney's Alexandria - have launched defamation proceedings against Michael Williams.

It's alleged Mr Williams made a website slamming Kurraba, Mr Smith and his 'party boy' lifestyle. Mr Williams also allegedly posted wedding photos of Mr Smith and his wife which 'sought to portray... moral delinquency and drunkenness'.

The NSW District Court heard allegations Mr Williams lodged a complaint opposing the development at 100 Botany Rd, which promises to deliver 850 full-time jobs and boost medical research.

Kurraba also alleged Mr Williams, who briefly leased the Botany Rd site until January this year, threatened to lodge planning objections unless he was paid $50,000, the court was told.

The court heard Mr Smith and Mr Williams met at a hotel restaurant to discuss the matter on November 11 last year.

Kurraba Group Pty Ltd chief executive Nicholas Smith (above) launched legal action Sydney man Michael Williams

A render of the proposed Botany Rd, Alexandria development that Mr Smith's company was allegedly being extorted over

'I will be lodging objections to your development,' Mr Williams allegedly said to Mr Smith.

'Unless you pay me $50,000, I will not remove any of these objections. If you pay, I will remove the objections.

'I have current disputes with John Holland, Australia Post and Google. I usually get about $15,000, but I cost them far more in legal fees and in John Hollands case, it cost them about $700,000.'

According to a judgement, Mr Smith responded: 'This is not a matter for Kurraba.

'Its a matter that you will need to speak with the current landowners as Kurraba doesnt own the land.'

Mr Smith allegedly sent a text after the conversation at the hotel, the written judgement stated.

'This offer is without prejudice, save as to costs. Thank you for meeting. Weve just commenced litigation against the landlord to stay in the property,' Mr Williams texted.

'We believe $50,000 is a reasonable amount of compensation to cover our moving and first two months of rent in a new building given the demolition occurring.

Mr Williams left the developer a damning one-star Google review in January this year, according to a court judgment

'Should you agree, we will relocate 90 days from the date a deed is settled. I must receive notification by 15 November 2024.

'Your offer would go a long way in resolving this situation which has put us in a very difficult situation.'

Again, Kurraba boss Mr Smith refused the demand so Mr Williams left the developer a damning one-star Google review in January this year, the court heard.

'Absolute junk company. Incompetent. Lacks proper experience and expertise to deliver on any of their promises,' Mr Williams wrote.

'Uses the State Significant Development Process to bypass local planning controls coupling their massive developments with the minimum required components to appear as theyre helping society when in reality they will just damage the local area they operate.

'Highly recommend to stay away and if youre investing any capital with these individuals for their project you take appropriate risk controls as its unlikely youll ever recover your funds.

'Their community outreach is laughable, as they refuse to engage with anyone and instead are only focused on enriching themselves at the expense of the local community theyre damage.'

According to the written judgement, Mr Williams later made 'serious allegations' during a Central Sydney Planning Committee meeting before he was interrupted by the Lord Mayor and told to stop speaking'.

The Alexandria development promises to deliver 850 full-time jobs and boost medical research in Sydney

In March, Mr Williams launched the 'Kurraba Group Exposed' website, which includes articles criticising Kurraba and Mr Smith, the court heard.

In one article titled 'Nick Smith of Kurraba: Lavish Lifestyle Raises Investor Concerns' Mr Williams alleges Mr Smith is a 'party animal' who 'risks eroding investor confidence'.

'Across a string of photographs, Smith is seen not simply socialising but leaning fully into the persona of a party animal",' the article states.

'He appears at weddings with champagne, at black-tie events with cocktails, and in casual gatherings with cigars.

'At times his flushed face, half-loosened bow tie, and exaggerated facial expressions project the image of someone far more at home in the early hours of the dance floor than at a boardroom table.

'While there is nothing inherently wrong with unwinding, optics matter. For an individual responsible for guiding millions of dollars in investor-backed projects, repeatedly being captured in settings of indulgence - drink in hand, cigar at the ready - can begin to erode confidence.'

It's also alleged Mr Williams published photos of Mr Smith and his wife's wedding as noted by now-retired District Court Judge Gibson.

'[Mr Smith] and his wife were not public figures and had no intention of publishing their wedding photographs to any media or other mass publication organisation,' Judge Gibson said.

Mr Williams launched the 'Kurraba Group Exposed' website which includes articles criticising Kurraba and Mr Smith

'The photographs in question were, further, misused by the defendant in that he sought to portray what they depicted as indicating moral delinquency and drunkenness as opposed to the sanctity of marriage and the ceremonial proceedings attendant thereupon.'

Judge Gibson made interim orders against Mr Williams after she said 'the evidence at this interlocutory stage is that the conduct of Mr Williams is directed at extorting funds from Kurraba and Mr Smith'.

'No legitimate reason is put forward for Mr Smith for engaging in this conduct,' she noted.

'Indeed, his boast of having had success against other large corporations (John Holland, Australia Post and Google), where he engaged in similar conduct, such as his reprehensible attack on the wife of an employee of one of those companies, is the clearest of indications of a serious claim of need for interim relief.'

Judge Gibson also made orders on Mr Williams that 'not require personal service'

'I have done so because I am satisfied, from the defendants correspondence referring to his ability to avoid contact by, inter alia, blocking his email account...,' she said.

'He is more likely than not to attempt to avoid service and that the corporate entity behind which he conducts his affairs is registered in an overseas jurisdiction,' she said.

'In an era where litigation parties are in fact far easier to contact electronically than in person, where these shadowy entities are furthermore used by them to conduct their business affairs on a day to day basis...

'A defendant should not be able to seek to avoid the bringing of proceedings by relying upon nineteenth-century niceties such as personal service.'

Mr Williams was ordered to not post anything on the internet about Kurraba or Mr Smith and was given two days from October 7 to take down any websites or internet posts.

The matter was stood over for directions on the Defamation List on October 23.
Detectives are still hunting the identical twin brother of a janitor who raped and murdered a school teacher, more than a year after he failed to appear in court on a string of charges.

Marcus Stanford previously served a prison sentence for assisting his brother Vincent after he killed bride-to-be school teacher Stephanie Scott in the NSW Riverina region in 2015.

The 34-year-old had sold jewellery that Vincent Stanford took from Ms Scott's body and burned her driver's licence in a 'misguided' attempt to cover up the crimes of his twin.

The Daily Mail can now reveal he is now wanted after being convicted in his absence of five offences at Armidale Local Court in northern NSW on September 27 last year.

Stanford was found guilty of assaulting a police officer, destroying or damaging property, stalking or intimidation and intimidating and hindering or resisting police.

On the same day, he was made the subject of a two-year apprehended violence order to protect a 62-year-old man and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

That 62-year-old man had been sentenced in Wagga Wagga District Court to a minimum 12 months in jail after pleading guilty to having cultivated a commercial quantity of cannabis in 2015. He was separately found not guilty of an assault.

Police are still hunting Marcus Stanford (above, the identical twin brother of a man who raped and murdered school teacher Stephanie Scott, more than a year after he failed to appear in court on assault charges

Marcus Stanford previously served a prison sentence for assisting his brother Vincent after he killed 26-year-old bride-to-be Stephanie Scott (above) in the NSW Riverina region in 2015

Stanford spent 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to being an accessory to his brother Vincent's murder of Ms Scott at Leeton.

Ms Scott, a popular drama teacher at Leeton High School, was killed just days before she was due to get married.

The 26-year-old was raped and murdered by school cleaner Vincent Stanford in a classroom during the Easter long weekend on April 5, 2015.

Ms Scott had been in the school preparing material for a substitute teacher who was due to take over her classes while she was getting married and on her honeymoon.

Stanford took Ms Scott's body to nearby Cocoparra National Park where he set it alight. He was arrested four days after her murder.

Before he went into custody, Stanford had mailed an envelope containing Ms Scott's driver's licence, engagement ring and another piece of jewellery to his brother Marcus, who was living in Adelaide.

Vincent then sent Marcus a text message asking him to keep the contents of the envelope safe for him.

Marcus burnt the driver's licence and sold the jewellery for $705.

Marcus Stanford took Ms Scott's driver's licence, engagement ring and another piece of jewellery from her body and sent them to his brother Marcus (above)

Police discovered Marcus's involvement in his brother's crimes after they intercepted phone calls between the brothers while Vincent was in prison.

The pair had discussed the items taken from Ms Scott and Marcus confirmed he had received them.

Five days after that conversation, Marcus googled how to sell jewellery in Adelaide and the items were sold within a month.

When Marcus was arrested he admitted to selling the jewellery to buy a plane ticket to see his his brother at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre in Sydney.

Marcus was released from prison in September 2016 and vowed to cut ties with his twin.

'I did things for my brother... and for most days I've been trying to put it behind me,' he told the Daily Mail in July 2019.

'Now I don't want anything to do with him. I have no contact with him and I don't want any.'

Marcus admitted helping Vincent was a despicable act, done out of 'misguided loyalty' to his brother, and apologised to Ms Scott's family.

Vincent Stanford (above) was sentenced to life in prison for raping and murdering Ms Scott in a classroom at Leeton High School in 2015

'The day I got out [of jail] I said I was sorry... I'm still sorry,' he said.

'But does it haunt me? Yeah. Some weeks you're good, some weeks you think about it. That's how I can put it basically.'

Police appealed to the public for help locating Marcus on May 2 this year, stating he was wanted 'in relation to a warrant matter for assault related offences'.

They said he had been living at Batlow, in the South West Slopes region of NSW, and all efforts to locate him had been unsuccessful.

Marcus Stanford was described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build and approximately 188cm tall, with dark eyes and balding brown hair.

Police told Daily Mail this week Marcus had not been located: 'The man remains outstanding.'

Vincent Stanford is serving a life sentence.

Anyone with information about Marcus Stanford's whereabouts is urged to contact NSW Police.
Passengers heard the bloodcurdling scream of a panicked mother - then saw a man hurl himself 49 feet off the Disney Dream cruise ship into the ocean.

Seconds earlier, his five-year-old daughter fell overboard and he heroically dived in to save his daughter from certain death under the crashing waves.

Holidaymakers on the June 29 cruise to Florida from The Bahamas held their breath as the pair were dramatically rescued by the ship's crew after 20 minutes adrift.

But the 37-year-old dad only made the desperate dive after his wife's desire for the perfect family vacation photo backfired.

A damning police report obtained by the Daily Mail showed the mother told her little girl to climb onto a railing in front of a porthole.

The girl lost her balance and fell through the opening into the ocean below at 11.29am. Her father dove in 45 seconds later.

Criminal charges were recommended, but the state attorney declined to prosecute, saying it did not rise to 'criminal culpable negligence'.

Despite his selfless act, it was the father who was initially blamed for the near-death of his young daughter.

A rescue crew went to recover a father and daughter from the ocean after the daughter fell off a Disney cruise ship and her father jumped in to save her

A five-year-old girl fell out a porthole just like this on a Disney Dream cruise ship

He quickly went from hero to villain in the public eye. He was pilloried online by thousands of strangers amid rumors he lifted his daughter on top of the railing for a photo.

Some even called for him to be thrown in jail, charged with child endangerment, have his daughter taken away from him, and for his wife to divorce him.

The speculation became so frenzied that police put out an emergency statement on July 2 to debunk the wild theories.

Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said the girl was sitting on the railing and fell backward through a porthole but that her father hadn't put her there.

At the time, he explained that detectives were still gathering details but that his office had released what they knew so far 'in response to misinformation'.

With the father exonerated, the public chalked up the accident to a mischievous five-year-old and an easy-to-climb railing.

However, the full police report - filed the day before Tony's statement and obtained by the Daily Mail - revealed more details about what happened in the moments before the girl fell.

Both parents were questioned by two Broward County Sheriff's deputies and gave identical accounts consistent with security camera footage.

The mother said the family was walking along deck four when she pointed to the opening and 'offered for her daughter to take a picture in the porthole'.

The little girl then climbed on top of a 47in railing below the porthole and sat on top of it as her mother took photos, when she suddenly lost her balance.

The father of the little girl who fell overboard a Disney cruise ship recuperates on a rescue boat

The ship's crew taking the father and daughter back to the Dream after plucking them from the ocean. The girl is being examined on the knee of the ship's doctor

'[The mother] assumed the porthole had a window or plexiglass, and she thought that [her daughter] would be caught by the glass, but instead, she kept falling,' the report read.

Despite watching her daughter fall through the opening and out of view, she spent a few seconds in disbelief before shouting to her husband.

The father, who was walking about 10 feet ahead of his family and didn't see the girl fall, turned around and 'observed his daughter in the water'.

'He initially ran to get help but, after approximately 45 seconds, decided to jump into the ocean to attempt a rescue,' officers wrote.

Meanwhile, the mother 'screamed for help and tried to maintain visual contact with both the child and her husband as the ship turned,' the report states.

Once in the water, the father realized he couldn't see his daughter. But he was able to shout out to her and follow the sound of her yelling.

'He was eventually able to reach her and tread water with her until they were rescued,' the report stated.

As his daughter couldn't swim, the father had to hold her above the water while they waited for rescue personnel.

It took nine minutes for the boat to reach the father and daughter once it had been deployed

Flotation rings were thrown into the water, but they were either too far away, or the father couldn't grab them without risking letting go of his daughter.

The ship's automatic man overboard alarm and the emergency code 'Mr MOB' blared over the intercom within two minutes of the girl falling.

Police said she was too small to be flagged by the system, which was instead triggered by her father diving in.

A mayday call was issued at 11.37am, and by 11.40am the crew had readied a yellow motorized rescue boat. The pair were plucked from the water nine minutes later.

The report stated that the father 'expressed surprise and relief at their survival'.

The was girl kept under observation in the Dream's medical bay for nine hours and her dad until the ship docked in Fort Lauderdale.

They were taken to Broward Health Medical Center where doctors found the girl was not hurt, and her father was treated for an injury that was redacted from the report.

The mother admitted to officers that the almost fatal photo was far from the first the family took of the girl posing on the ship's railings.

Investigators were provided with 'numerous pictures' that were on the mother's phone and had been taken in other portholes and windows around the ship.

'She provided me with a picture of [the girl] laying in a porthole with a window on it,' one of the deputies wrote in his report.

But the mother snapped so many frames this final time that, 'when streamed together, [the photos] depict a seconds-long video of the child getting up on the railing, and falling backwards into the water.'

Refusing to take responsibility for the incident, the mother 'stated that she felt like there should be coverings on the windows,' and claimed 'Disney is responsible for what occurred'.

The father's heroic actions saved his daughter's life (Pictured: the rescue boat docking after the 20-minute ordeal)

Unlike viewpoints elsewhere on the ship, which are lined with smooth plexiglass from top to bottom, the portholes are open.

Under the porthole, the steel wall forms a kind of shelf, about the height of a man's thigh, that the rest of the railing is built on top of.

The design makes it easy for even a child to climb onto the shelf, and then on top of the much shorter railing above it.

Detective Christopher Favitta with the sheriff's office recommended in his report that the mother be charged with one count of child neglect without great bodily harm.

He wrote that she 'ultimately facilitated' the girl ending up on the railing after she assumed it was covered.

'Upon looking at the window myself, as a prudent person, I immediately saw that the window was open to the air, and did not have a covering,' he wrote.

'This act facilitated by [the mother] placed the child in a life-threatening situation. As a result, the child fell from the ship and into the water, in an avoidable accident.'

However, the Broward County State Attorney's Office declined to charge the mother, and the case was closed.

'While the defendant's conduct is arguably negligent and irresponsible, it does not rise to the egregious level of conduct necessary to establish criminal culpable negligence,' Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly wrote in a September 16 email.

Favitta closed the report stating: 'Due to the State Attorney's declination of filing any charges, no arrest will be made in this case.'
A bombshell congressional report has accused three of California's most powerful tech bosses of quietly helping China build the army of the future  while pocketing tens of millions in pay and bonuses.

A bipartisan probe by the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has uncovered what it calls 'alarming new information' about how US tech firms have fueled China's military rise through the sale of high-end chip making gear.

The report names three Silicon Valley giants  Lam Research, Applied Materials and KLA Corporation  whose machines make the chips that power everything from smartphones to hypersonic missiles.

Together, they've made 'sizable returns' selling this equipment to Chinese state-owned and military-linked firms, despite repeated US warnings and tough export restrictions.

At the center of the storm are three CEOs: Lam Research's Timothy Archer, Applied Materials' Gary Dickerson and KLA's Rick Wallace  all hailed as visionaries in Silicon Valley and each earning more than $25 million this year.

The 53-page report  bluntly titled Selling the Forges of the Future  accuses the companies of putting profits before patriotism.

By 2024, Lam Research made 42 percent of its revenue from China, KLA 41 percent, and Applied Materials 36 percent, making China their biggest market.

That dependence, the committee says, creates 'structural incentives for noncompliance' with US export rules and 'undermines efforts to prevent sensitive technology from reaching Beijing's military.'

House Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi says US tech firms are helping China build its army of the future

US-made chip making machines help China develop hypersonic missiles, like those displayed at a recent parade in Beijing

Committee chair John Moolenaar called the trend 'deeply alarming.'

'These companies are large-scale producers of the equipment China is using to fuel its military ambitions,' he said in a statement.

'They are growing their profits at the expense of US national security.'

The panel's top Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi agreed.

'It makes little sense to sell the CCP the chips they need to modernize their military and violate human rights  but it makes even less sense to sell them the machines and tools they need to produce those chips themselves,' he said.

At the heart of the row is China's vision for its 'intelligentized' military  a future force powered by artificial intelligence, automation, and high-performance computing.

Advanced chips are the lifeblood of that system.

They drive autonomous drones, hypersonic missiles, satellite tracking and cyberwarfare platforms.

They also allow the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to integrate data, simulate battles and make instant decisions through AI.

Chips power China's vast surveillance and facial-recognition networks, giving Beijing both domestic control and global reach.

The report warns that access to US-made chip making tools has helped China close the tech gap with the West and build homegrown processors for defense and intelligence use.

'The ability to design and produce semiconductors lies at the heart of the technology competition with China,' the report says.

Gary Dickerson, CEO of Applied Materials, said export curbs would wipe $400 million off 2025 sales

A technician inspects silicon wafers at the Applied Materials technology hub in Santa Clara, California

Lam Research's boss Tim Archer says he's in 'full compliance with the rules' against exporting tech to China

'This crucial choke point must be preserved, not squandered.'

Investigators found that Applied Materials, KLA and Lam Research kept selling to Chinese firms already blacklisted by the US, including Huawei affiliates and companies tied to Beijing's military-civil fusion program, the report says.

In 2022, Western chip-equipment firms sold $9.5 billion worth of gear to Chinese state-owned enterprises  about 11 percent of total global sales.

By 2024, that figure had nearly tripled to $26.2 billion, or 27 percent of total revenue, says the document.

The report says US companies  along with ASML in the Netherlands and Tokyo Electron in Japan  are part of a wider pattern of Western firms 'fueling China's semiconductor surge.'

Their technology, it adds, is helping Beijing 'build a vertically integrated and resilient chip industry that can one day evade Western export controls altogether.'

The three companies did not respond to Daily Mail requests for comment.

But in calls with investors, their CEOs have repeatedly insisted they follow the law  even when it hurts.

Timothy Archer, a Caltech and Harvard-trained physicist who enjoys adventure holidays with his family, told investors in 2022 that Lam Research had taken 'the necessary steps to ensure full compliance with the rules and have ceased shipments.'

He warned the company could lose $2.5 billion in revenue as a result.

Gary Dickerson, a University of Missouri graduate praised by Forbes and Barron's, said export curbs would wipe $400 million off 2025 sales.

In August, he complained that tariffs and sanctions had created 'a level of uncertainty' and caused Chinese demand to slump.

China's state-of-the-art J-20 stealth fighter would not have been possible without decades of American military engineering

KLA Corporation's Rick Wallace has warned 'China weakness' and 'lower overall demand from China' being a drag on sales

Rick Wallace, a Michigan-educated CEO and avid cyclist who brags he's never taken a sick day, was more upbeat in July.

He said AI demand was lifting profits but warned of 'China weakness' and 'lower overall demand from China' in the coming months.

Experts say export rules are complicated and change constantly, forcing firms to navigate shifting limits.

Companies can still legally sell older-generation tools to China, as long as they have the right licenses.

China remains the world's biggest buyer of chip making gear, accounting for more than one-third of global demand.

Tens of thousands of Californian engineers depend on these companies for work.

Executives warn that cutting off China could lead to layoffs and slow US innovation  a move, they argue, that would ultimately benefit Beijing.

Still, the report accuses the three firms of following the letter of the law but not its spirit.

They allegedly continue selling mid-tier lithography and etching tools  equipment just below the most advanced thresholds  allowing China to produce chips powerful enough for military and surveillance use, it claims.

The report says some Chinese firms have even stockpiled these mid-level machines, sidestepping US controls through foreign subsidiaries and middlemen.

That, the report warns, 'erodes America's strategic advantage' and risks 'handing over the foundations of AI-driven warfare to a geopolitical rival.'

Applied Materials, a global leader in engineering, provides manufacturing equipment, services, and software to produce semiconductor chips

The select committee has long warned about China getting its hand on American military tech

Technicians monitor a machine that makes silicon wafers at the Applied Materials Maydan Technology Center

The committee, formed in 2023, includes both Republicans and Democrats.

It's not a law-enforcement body  its reports shape policy, not prosecutions  but its findings influence how Washington handles trade with China.

Chips have become a flashpoint in President Donald Trump's trade war with Beijing.

He has threatened 100 percent tariffs on key technologies and new curbs on 'critical software' after China hit back with restrictions on rare-earth exports.

The new report gives Trump fresh ammunition.

White House officials see it as proof that the US must tighten export controls and punish firms that 'put profit over patriotism.'

The panel is urging Washington and its allies to act fast.

Recommendations include aligning export rules with Japan and the Netherlands, blacklisting more Chinese military-linked firms, restricting exports of key chip making components, and setting up a whistleblower program to report violations.

It also calls for more funding for enforcement agencies and greater investment in American innovation to keep the US ahead in the chip making race.

Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi put it bluntly: 'It is far past time that the toolmakers start treating the CCP and its national champions as threats to their corporate longevity, rather than as valued customers.'

For decades, Silicon Valley's success has relied on global reach  selling the tools of the digital age to buyers far and wide.

But this report suggests that open-door model may come at a dangerous cost.

As China races to build a high-tech army powered by American-made machines, the line between business and national interest grows ever thinner  and even America's brightest tech minds are struggling to navigate it.
An ISIS bride who returned to Australia from Syria three years ago is understood to be living an independent life in the community with her children - even as controversy rages about women and children from the same refugee camp coming home.

In 2015, Sydney father-of-two Kamalle Dabboussy discovered that his daughter, Mariam, had travelled to Syria with her husband, Kaled, who had signed up as an ISIS fighter.

Mariam claimed that she never intended to enter ISIS-controlled territory, and that she thought she was embarking on a family holiday to Turkey, where they would assist relatives escaping 'conflict'.

She instead found herself trapped in Syria, with her husband killed in an airstrike in an ISIS training camp just three months after arriving, and Mariam later forcibly married to another ISIS fighter, Muhammad.

She gave birth to two more children while marooned at the Roj refugee camp in north-eastern Syria, and the family was eventually rescued by an Australian repatriation mission in 2022.

The Daily Mail understands that Mariam has established a new life in Sydney, living independently from her father, raising her three children, enjoying the most Western of delicacies - fast food - while her kids reportedly express astonishment at safe playgrounds with green grass.

The update comes amid political controversy over the return of a fresh batch of ISIS brides and their children from Syria.

Two women and their four children were repatriated to Australia in recent weeks, to their home state of Victoria, after crossing the border into Lebanon and receiving security checks.

Kamalle Dabboussy with his daughter Mariam Dabboussy (right) and her daughters Aisha (left) and Fatema in al-Hawl camp in north-eastern Syria

A woman seen walking at the Roj camp in Syria

Aid agency Save the Children has campaigned heavily for the repatriation of Australians from Syrian camps, a Senate committee heard last week.

Now, relatives of Mariam, 33, say the newly returned women and children face an uphill battle to rebuild their lives.

Most refugees live in small, makeshift tents at Roj Camp that offer little protection from the freezing winters or scorching dry desert heat.

Access to food and water is limited and residents rely on aid distributions. Children grow up without schooling and suffer trauma from the violence they've witnessed.

Mariam's story

In the case of Mariam, religion had never played a major role in Mariam's life before her 2012 marriage to Kaled Zahabb.

But within months, she began wearing the hijab, taking Arabic lessons and withdrawing from her father.

Soon after the birth of her daughter Aisha, Mariam's brother-in-law Muhammad, who is believed to have been a senior ISIS member, allegedly recruited multiple relatives under the guise of aid work.

Within a year, several family members including Mariam's in-laws had joined the death cult.

Kaled (left) was killed in an airstrike on an ISIS training camp just three months after arriving in Syria, he is pictured alongside Mariam (right) and daughter Aisha in 2014

According to the family member, religion had never played a major role in Mariam's life before her 2012 marriage to Kaled. But within months, she began wearing the hijab, taking Arabic lessons and withdrawing from her father Kamalle (pictured)

Liberal MP Phillip Thompson warned that allowing ISIS brides like Zehra Duman 'to return and roam free puts Australians at serious risk'. Above, a propaganda image she posted, apparently featuring her

Kaled was killed in an airstrike on an ISIS training camp just three months after arriving in Syria, and Mariam was later forcibly married to another ISIS fighter, also named Muhammad.

Within 48 hours after touching down in Australia, the young widow was spotted at a McDonald's in Punchbowl with her children.

Days later, she was seen back at her family home near Blacktown, where her three children spent time at a local park.

According to Nine News, her young son was fascinated by the greenery of his new surroundings - a stark contrast to the harsh desert conditions they left behind.

All three children were reported to be suffering from dental issues, while her eight-year-old daughter was malnourished, weighing the same as a typical four-year-old.

They received medical and psychological support coordinated by the NSW government.

Mystery ISIS bride postergirl

Among the Australian women who went to the area and are still in question is former Melbourne schoolgirl Zehra Duman who was once the poster girl for Australia's ISIS brides.

Her current whereabouts remain a mystery amid speculation she may be planning to return, or has already done so in secret.

Mariam Dabboussy at a McDonald's in Punchbowl, just over 48 hours after arriving back in Australia

Muhammad Zahabb a former maths teacher, and older brother to Kalad Zahabb was killed in 2018.

Ms Duman, a former Isik College student from Keysborough, became notorious online after travelling to Syria in 2014 to marry Melbourne jihadist Mahmoud Abdullatif, known as the 'Playboy Jihadi.'

Liberal MP Phillip Thompson warned that 'allowing ISIS members to return and roam free puts Australians at serious risk'.

Mr Thompson posted a reminder last week of the vicious tweets Ms Duman posted at the height of the conflict of ISIS. Under the nom de guerre 'Umm Abdullatif', she wrote on the platform then known as Twitter: 'Kill Kuffar [non believer] in alleyways, stab them and poison them. Poison your teachers.

'Go to haram [forbidden] restaurants and poison the food in large quantities.'

Following Abdullatif's death in 2015, she reportedly remarried twice, had two children, and ended up at the al-Hawl detention camp in Syria's north-east, where she later told the ABC she regretted her actions.

'We did something wrong in the past,' she admitted. 'Nobody knows when you come here you can't really get out. Then you arrive, your husband dies and there's no way out.

'I wanna go back to my country. I'm an Australian citizen. I think I have, not just me but my kids, a right to at least be treated like normal.

'In Australia ... I understand the anger they have towards a lot of us here but the kids don't need to suffer about this.'

Zehra Duman, originally from Melbourne, encouraged sickening attacks on Australia, the UK and the US - and has spoken of her longing to return home

After ISIS husband No. 1, Melbourne jihadist Mahmoud Abdullatif (above), was killed in an airstrike, Duman married two more jihadis who also died

Duman (centre) with aid workers in Syria before she fled a refugee camp for Turkey. She was prosecuted in Turkey for being an ISIS member, then freed

Her Australian citizenship was revoked in 2019 after a lengthy legal battle.

However, in the interim, she fled al-Hawl and was arrested in Turkey, convicted of ISIS membership, and later released from prison to care for her children, aged six and four.

The Albanese Government has seen increasing criticism for its handling of the so-called ISIS brides' return.

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash accused the government of a cover-up,' while Liberal MP Phillip Thompson said allowing women linked to ISIS to return 'puts Australians at serious risk.'

'Allowing ISIS members to return and roam free is reckless and endangers the safety of Australians,' Mr Thompson warned.

According to The Australian, a top-secret operation to repatriate more women and children from northern Syria has been slated before Christmas but it remains unclear whether Duman will be among them.
CAIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) on Sunday dispatched a convoy carrying about 8,500 tons of urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip as the Rafah border crossing remains closed until further notice.

The ERC said the convoy, comprising hundreds of trucks, includes about 3,500 tons of food baskets and flour, over 2,300 tons of essential medical and relief supplies, and more than 2,500 tons of fuel.

It is the 53rd convoy sent from Egypt under a pro-Gaza humanitarian initiative launched by the ERC in late July.

On Saturday, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo said the Rafah crossing will reopen on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza to pass.

Hours later, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement saying the crossing will not open until further notice. It said the opening will be considered based on how Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework.

According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, more than 6,000 aid trucks are waiting for Israel's clearance to enter Gaza.

Aid shipments from Egypt have intensified as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since October 10 following two years of conflict in the enclave. The long-awaited truce was brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye.

Tensions escalated on Sunday after the Israeli army launched airstrikes on the southern Gaza Strip, accusing Hamas of firing an anti-tank missile and gunfire at Israeli troops.

According to Gaza's health authorities, Israel's military campaign has killed 68,159 Palestinians and injured 170,203 others since Oct. 7, 2023. Despite the ceasefire, 35 people have been killed and 146 others wounded in Gaza since Oct. 11, the authorities said in an update on Sunday. 
When news broke that a little boy was missing from his home in South Australia and details of his family were inexplicably withheld, it all sadly seemed far too familiar.

Eleven years apart, William Tyrrell and Gus Lamont vanished from their grandmothers' houses.

From the very outset, the striking parallels and coincidences with the Tyrrell case were obvious.

As the days rolled by with the boy still unnamed, still no photo of him, no distraught parents fronting the media, and no trace of the child, the comparisons kept coming...

1. SENDING IN THE FAMILY FRIEND

Australians are no strangers to scenes of trauma: a loved one vanishes - often a child with no reason to disappear - and devastated parents front the cameras, pleading for answers.

But that's not what happened when William Tyrrell vanished. Instead of a tearful couple, we got family friend Nicole, who released photos of him.

Nicole, who went on Nine's Today show four days after the toddler's disappearance, said that William's family was 'completely distressed' but couldn't say who they were.

When William Tyrrell vanished, the public was left in the dark about who he or his family actually were, which worked against the investigation

The sole photo of missing Gus Lamont was not released until days after he vanished, and his family background was suppressed

The sandpit where Gus was last spotted is next to a trommel (circled along with the sandpit), a machine used for sorting earth and gold prospecting, and a mine shaft, which has no doubt been searched

In the early days of William Tyrrell's disappearance, police, SES and volunteers searched within a small radius of his grandmother's house where he was last seen

SES and army personnel on the ground south of Yunta, SA, where Gus Lamont was last seen just before nightfall and where the search was called off after a week and later resumed

She said William 'did not have a tendency to wander off' but added cryptically that the boy 'didn't live here [in Kendall] so he wasn't in the bush but he was definitely outdoorsy'.

'He loved being outside but he knew the limits, he knew the perimeters, he knew where to go and where not to go. He was taught really well about the places that he could play,' Nicole said.

In the case of Gus Lamont, it was again four days afterwards that a family friend appeared before the media.

Bill Harbison said the boy's family was 'devastated', adding that they were still coming to terms with what had happened.

'It has come as a shock to our family and friends and we're struggling to comprehend what has happened,' he said.

'Gus's absence is felt by all of us and we miss him more than words can express.

'Our hearts are aching and we are holding on to hope that he will be found safe and well,' Mr Harbison, an equine veterinarian, said.

A photo of the missing boy was, however, yet to be released by his family.

No parents to be seen, family friend Nicole instead fronted the media alongside police days after William Tyrrell - whose background was kept secret at the time - vanished

It wasn't until four days after the initially unnamed missing boy vanished that a family friend, Bill Harbison, publicly appealed for information about a boy called Gus

2. GRANDMA'S HOUSE AND WEALTHY FOLK

WILLIAM TYRRELL

William vanished from his foster grandmother's house on Benaroon Drive, Kendall, on the NSW Mid North Coast, on the morning of September 12, 2014.

According to information released via Nicole by William's foster parents and police after he vanished, his grandmother was 'an active and well-liked member of the tight-knit Kendall community and had recently been in hospital.

'His grandfather died earlier this year and his grandmother needed someone to care for her in the house, so William's family had travelled from their home in Sydney to stay with her.'

This sparked a tsunami of conspiracy theories that were only partly extinguished when some facts were finally revealed: his foster parents were rich Sydney North Shore professionals, unlike his formerly drug-affected birth parents.

William Tyrrell's foster grandmother (above with a police officer) at the house where the toddler mysteriously vanished on the morning of September 12, 2014

The wealthy North Shore couple who fostered William Tyrrell, who was taken from his dysfunctional birth parents at eight months old

Family tree of Gus Lamont, starting with his great-grandparents Vincent and Clair Pfeiffer, who inherited the Oak Park property from her family

Gus's grandmother, Shannon Murray, with her daughter Jess as an infant. Jess is the mother of missing Gus Lamont, who disappeared on the evening of September 27

GUS LAMONT

Gus vanished from his grandmothers' 60-square-kilometre rural property in Far North South Australia on the evening of September 27, 2025.

Gus was staying with Shannon and Josie Murray - his grandmother and trans grandmother, respectively - at Oak Park, a remote sheep station inherited from Shannon's parents.

Josie used to be Robert Murray, but began identifying as a woman later in life. Robert and Shannon had married and welcomed a daughter, Jess, Gus' mother. It's unclear if their marriage is still intact after Josie's transition, but they do still live together.

Citizens of Yunta speak highly of the Murrays. Shannons late father, Vincent Pfeiffer, who ran the farm until his death in the 2010s, was a famously tough man who survived three years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

Gus Lamont's other grandmother, trans woman Josie Murray, is seen at the Oak Park property where Gus was last sighted playing on a sand heap next to a gold prospecting machine

After returning to Australia, he married Shannons mother, Clair Jones, and began working on the farm. A pillar of the community, he was an active member of the town's rifle shooting club.

In more recent times, the family has been involved in the Yunta Race Club, which stages amateur 'gymkhanas' at which competitors race everything from horses to motorbikes.

3. A BLACK EYE?

The last time William Tyrrell's birth mother saw her son alive was on an access visit - and she had been warned beforehand that the three-year-old had a black eye, which he had sustained 'from an accidental fall' at his foster parents' home.

It was not the first time William had fallen over, and detectives would later theorise the little boy had died after accidentally falling from his grandmother's verandah.

William Tyrrell had a black left eye - as confirmed by carers - just before he vanished in September 2014, with child welfare workers saying it had been sustained during an accidental fall at his foster parents' home

The area below Gus's right eye looks to be swollen and slightly darker than the corresponding area under his left eye, leading to online speculation that it is a black eye

In the case of Gus Lamont, there have been no statements from his family about the young boy's life on the station, or about any incidents that might have caused the black eye seemingly visible in the only publicly available photograph of him.

That image, released by his family six days after he vanished, is of publicly unknown vintage, but would seem to depict a boy of about four.

The area below Gus's right eye looks to be swollen and slightly darker than the corresponding area under his left eye. Daily Mail makes no suggestion the black eye - if indeed it is one - is the result of anything besides an innocent accident.

4. ICONIC PHOTO

The iconic photo of William Tyrrell roaring in his Spider-Man suit is said to be one of the last images of him ever taken before he mysteriously vanished from his foster grandmother's verandah.

The last photos - taken on a camera the foster mother had bought in Bali just weeks before William went missing - were considered the final 'proof of life' for William.

They hold time stamps that themselves have become the subject of dispute over when the boy vanished.

The picture of Gus Lamont with his long, wavy blond hair is the sole photo of the missing four-year-old released since he disappeared, and has become a similarly defining image of the case.

The iconic photo of William Tyrrell roaring for the camera on the morning he went missing in 2014. No trace of the three-year-old has ever been found

The only photo of Gus Lamont, four, released to the public days after the boy vanished from his grandmother's homestead on the Oak Park property in northern South Australia

5. THE MISSING HOURS

The iconic photo of William emitting a playful roar was used as crucial 'proof of life' evidence by investigators to establish a time frame for his disappearance.

The 'proof of life' timeframe was based on when the image was taken (9.37am) and when his foster mother called the police (10.57am).

However, that timeline was thrown into doubt by the photo's digital metadata that suggested the picture may have been taken earlier.

The image has a 'created time' of 7.39am and a 'corrected time' of 9.37am, a document from the 2000-page evidence brief showed in 2021.

Time stamp on the final photos of William Tyrrell on his grandmother's verandah show 'created' and 'corrected' times with a two hour discrepancy

With the sun starting to sink, concern quickly turned to panic as darkness engulfed the property. The family did not call police for a further three hours

Gus was last seen outside by his grandmother at 5pm, then was absent when she went to call him in for dinner around 5:30pm.

With the sun starting to sink, concern quickly turned to panic.

Sunset on September 27 was officially 6.11pm and for the next three hours, family members told police, they frantically explored the rambling homestead, shouting Gus's name into the twilight.

An hour after twilight gave way to darkness - at 8.30pm - they called the police.

It is not suggested that any members of Gus' family had any involvement in his disappearance.

6. FAMILY TIES

William, born on his mother's 23rd birthday, was removed from his biological parents, who both have drug convictions, aged just seven months, in early 2012.

The birth mother was preparing to fight a move by William's foster parents to adopt him when he disappeared.

When William vanished, police and welfare authorities turned up immediately at the birth parents' Sydney home and found nothing.

William Tyrrell's foster parents and grandmother gather on the verandah of the home from where he went missing in the wake of the foster mother calling police about William. The boy's foster father (right) at the scene

Jess and Josh Lamont, the parents of missing Gus, have had their identities kept private by SA Police, even though it is policing 101 in missing child cases to have the families face the press

Gus' parents, Jess and Josh Lamont, have remained largely a mystery in the wake of their son's disappearance.

The couple also have a second son, one-year-old Ronnie, but have lived apart recently after a family dispute, with Josh keeping a home two hours' drive away.

Josh was the frontman of country rock 'n' roll band The Cut Snakes, which performed in rural South Australian bars and pubs in 2019, winning a local music award.

Late on September 27 - the night Gus disappeared - police found Josh asleep at his home. It's believed he's since been ruled out as having any involvement in the case.

William's birth father (left) told his missing son's inquest that the NSW child welfare bureaucrats 'f**ked up', and his birth mother (right) rolls her eyes at suppression orders over names, saying 'they know who we are anyway'

7. TRAMPLING THE CRIME SCENE & NEW SEARCHES

It's the classic dilemma which later can be considered a bungle.

When there's a lost boy in the bush, get the boots on the ground to find him before sunset on the same day - or, in the case of Gus Lamont, on the second day after a shivering night in the open.

When police fail to find any trace of the child, they will mount a wider search and, when that fails, doubt will set in - but by that time, the scene of the disappearance is a trampled mess.

The initial search for Gus was similar to that for William 11 years previously - in a relatively small radius of 2km and involving helicopters, drones, infrared cameras, trail bikes, and teams of divers who explored the farm's water tanks, ponds and reservoirs.

SES and police do a line search on the vast property where the four-year-old vanished on September 27

The search for William in the days after he disappeared near Kendall, on the NSW Mid North Coast, in 2014 soon turned from a missing child probe to possible abduction

With William, police dogs were deployed on the properties up and down Benaroon Drive, the street where he disappeared which had been overrun by authorities and volunteers scouring it for the boy.

When sniffer and cadaver dogs failed to pick up the three-year-old's scent, Superintendent Paul Fehon admitted: 'We do have grave concerns. To disappear that quickly absolutely bewilders us.'

Police contacted known local sex offenders and widened the already massive search.

Within six days, it shifted from bushland around his grandmother's street to the Middle Brother State Forest 5km away.

Police search the foster grandmother's house at Kendall in 2021 - one of several searches that failed to find any trace of little William

Forever young: William Tyrrell in what was the last year of his life after a NSW Supreme Court judge found the boy was most likely dead since someone disposed of him in 2014

Gary Jubelin, the since-removed strike force commander, in his trademark black suit and tie, leads a bushland search in 2018, which found nothing

In the years since, second, third and further searches - the last major one was in 2021 - have failed to find any trace of little William.

With hindsight, failing to secure Benaroon Drive has been described as a police failure. It is not suggested that any members of William Tyrrell's family had any involvement in his disappearance.

Following Gus's disappearance, for a week, investigators scoured the enormous Oak Park Station, which covers an astonishing 6,000 hectares of scrubland and desert.

Every morning, convoys of trucks negotiated the 29km dirt drive, bringing teams from the outskirts of the local town, Yunta, which has a population of 60.

They scoured rocky landscape covered with salt bushes and other shrubs, making it all too easy for a child to disappear; however, after a week it was scaled back and then halted.

Then on Tuesday, October 14, the search resumed.

The search resumed for missing Gus Lamont October 14, with police saying they were now looking outside of the original location

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said: 'The search area that was originally canvassed was established on the basis of expert advice regarding just how far a four-year-old child was likely to travel, the implications of being alone and unprotected in the environment, survivability factors and medical advice as well.

'The location we're now searching is outside of the original location.'

By Wednesday, police said the renewed search had so far yielded 'no new evidence' but continued in hot windy conditions as temperatures were tipped to soar to 36C.

'More than 100 search team members, including SA Police, ADF members and SES volunteers, have each been walking between 20 and 25km each day in hot, harsh conditions,' SA Police said in a statement on Wednesday.

8. ABDUCTION?

When William Tyrrell disappeared, many people's minds turned to a possible abduction.

This was fuelled early on by his foster mother saying she believed he had been 'taken', followed by her later descriptions of two 'dirty old' cars - an element that police could not corroborate and residents of the quiet street disputed.

Detectives interviewed several known child sex offenders in the region, but eventually discounted them and pursued alleged sightings of William in a fleeing car.

None of the clues came to anything, and no one has been charged with William's disappearance.

William was a lively boy but did not venture far on his own, casting doubts on the suggestion he would have wandered or gone quietly with any potential abductor

The situation for Gus Lamont was different in that he vanished from a remote station onto which no known strangers had driven that afternoon.

Rescue workers are said to have discounted several theories that might explain the four-year-old's disappearance.

While dingoes have been known to abduct small children, there are precious few in the land around Yunta as the local sheep farmers tend to shoot them on sight.

The region is also protected by a 2000km dog fence designed to safeguard livestock. Crocodiles, which inhabit more tropical northern regions of Australia, are not found in the south.

Gus is too big to be taken by an eagle, and if he had been attacked by a wild pig, searchers would almost certainly have discovered evidence of a struggle.

9. SEARCH ERRORS & AN ENDURING MYSTERY

The William Tyrrell investigation was flawed by police mistakes, meaning the mystery of what happened to him may never be solved.

Key Tyrrell figure Allanna Smith claimed that defensive police, operational errors and keeping family details from the public may have obstructed the hunt for the child.

She described the Gus Lamont case as 'in some ways a carbon copy of William'.

Key Tyrrell figure Allanna Smith claimed that defensive police, operational errors and keeping family details from the public may have obstructed the hunt for the child

She said that in contrast to Tyrrell, for whom there has never been any trace, a child-sized footprint had been found in the search for Gus - although it has since been dismissed by police - but as far as she is concerned: 'I'm not buying it.'

'That property is covered with fine dust - you can see it blowing around in footage of the search,' she said.

'I don't care if you are four, or a mouse or a rat, you leave some impression in that powdery red dust.

'So the cops went on the property and basically destroyed the scene.'

The Daily Mail is not suggesting that any member of Gus or William's family or their spokespeople obstructed the search for the missing boys.
Roland Griffiths looked his step-daughter in the eye before performing an act so evil it could see him jailed for the rest of his life.

The 41-year-old had menaced his family of seven for years, but on March 14, 2022 his rage ended in the death of his wife Kylie Louise Sheahan in the most horrific of ways.

It happened where what should have been the safest place a person can be - inside Ms Sheehan's Albanvale home in Melbourne's northwest.

What set Griffiths off that day is no mystery. The reason so petty it beggars belief.

It ended with Ms Sheehan, aged just 36, being doused in petrol and set alight in front of her children.

That Griffiths had been angry that day was nothing unusual.

He was a shocking drunk with an even worse temper.

On the day he became a killer, Griffiths had been stewing on a routine family incident the previous day involving an iPad.

Roland Griffiths and Kylie Louise Sheahan on the day of their wedding

His young son had run onto the road while his 11-year-old step-daughter was supposed to be watching him.

An enraged Griffiths remonstrated with the child and tried to break her iPad.

He then got stuck into a bottle of Jack Daniels, which he continued to polish off the following day.

Accustomed to her husband's tantrums, Ms Sheehan did her best to ignore him, but that only seemed to further antagonise him.

Griffiths tipped over a wall unit in the lounge in a fit of rage before fetching a can of petrol.

Undeterred by the screams of his terrified children, he poured the fuel over his wife's head, down her neck and all over her body as he threatened to burn the house down.

'Do you want me to burn it down? Do you want me to set it alight?' Griffiths yelled.

Ms Sheehan begged Griffiths to stop, pleading for the lives of her children.

Ms Sheahan (pictured) was burnt alive by her husband who had been stewing on an iPad-related incident from the previous day

The Albanvale home in Melbourne's northwest where Ms Sheehan was murdered

'I won't do it. I swear, I promise, I won't do it,' Griffiths told her.

With his 17-year-old daughter struggling to intervene, Griffiths grabbed a lighter and looked her in the eye before sparking it up.

'It was all red,' the teenager later told police, describing how she watched the flames spread up her mother's arm.

She too was caught in the inferno alongside her 16-year-old sister and Griffiths himself.

The kids had heard Griffiths threaten to burn the house down before, but hoped he would never follow through.

'You know, it's so easy to light you guys up when you're asleep, right?' he told them about seven months before the blaze.

After dousing the flames on himself, Griffiths dragged his wife to the shower before taking her outside and hosing her down.

By then, the house was ablaze with the kids still inside.

Roland Griffiths had been an abusive partner and terrorised his large family

Griffiths' injured step-daughter managed to rescue her 10-month-old brother before escaping the house.

A neighbour recalled Ms Sheehan only had thoughts about their safety as she lay dying on her front lawn.

'Help my kids,' she pleaded.

'Keep quiet. Don't say anything,' Griffiths responded.

When paramedics arrived, Griffiths couldn't help but blame his wife's dire condition on her.

'Why didn't you stop me? You should have stopped me, and I should be in jail,' he was overheard saying.

When police arrived the cold-hearted killer continued the blame game.

'It's not my fault, just send me to jail,' he told an officer.

Roland Griffiths heads back to jail after a pre-sentence hearing on Wednesday

With 91 percent of her body sustaining full-thickness burns, Ms Sheehan died an agonising death the following day.

Her 16-year old daughter also suffered burns to 53 per cent of her body.

Griffiths told police he had little memory of what went on that day, but claimed he had nothing to do with the fire.

'I remember me and Kylie were out at the shops. We came home, all the kids were out the front, and then I heard Kylie screaming,' he said.

'That's when I went inside. Kylie was down on the ground. I pulled her out of the house. Didn't even know at the time, I didn't even realise there was a fire.'

Pressed on the matter, Griffiths conceded he might have had something to do with the fire.

'Maybe I just f***ing take things too far. And then I think this is something that I would f***ing do to scare them, and it got out of control,' he said.

Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to Ms Sheehan's murder, running a callous murder trial that ended with a hung jury.

Roland Griffiths faces life behind bars for his horrific attack on his wife and kids

Facing a retrial in February, Griffiths pleaded guilty to murder on the day it was to begin.

He also admitted recklessly causing injury to his 16-year-old and assaulting a guard in prison.

On Wednesday Griffiths fronted the Supreme Court of Victoria for a pre-sentence hearing where he came face-to-face with those who loved Ms Sheehan in ways he could not imagine.

'When I woke up from my coma, I knew before anyone told me that my mum had died,' his badly injured daughter said in a statement read to the court.

Griffiths' other daughter turned to face her ex-stepfather in court, saying he had called her mother 'the love of my life'.

'You killed Kylie Louise Sheahan, but don't even call yourself a dad or father because that is not what parents do. I hope you don't get out of jail... because we're doing better without you,' she told him.

Ms Sheehan's father, Tony Sheehan, told the court he had raised his daughter to be tough and to stand up for herself.

'Kylie was hot-headed sometimes. She never took a step back. She'd always tell you what she thought,' he said.

Ms Sheehan's father Tony Sheehan leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday

'Kylie was a tough kid. I taught my kids to stand up for themselves and not be pushed around. Unfortunately, this was Kylie's undoing. I don't know if she'd still be here if she'd taken a step back. No-one has the right to take anyone's life, no matter who they are. What gave him the right to put her life in danger?'

Prosecutor Erin Ramsay said Griffiths deserved nothing less than life behind bars.

The prosecution described the murder as a 'heinous act of family violence' that was aggravated by the use of fire, a breach of an intervention order and its impact on the children.

'Mr Griffiths set fire to his wife, the person he was supposed to love,' she told the court.

'Not only was the offending witnessed by the two children, they both were actively trying to stop him from hurting their mother and he persisted in the face of that.'

Griffiths' barrister Jacob Kantor said his client accepted he was facing a 'substantial' prison term and the offending was 'very serious'.

He asked Justice John Champion not to jail Griffiths for life, but to hand him a 'high term' with a non-parole period as he had pleaded guilty and it was difficult for him to receive medical treatment behind bars.

Justice Champion will sentence Griffiths at a date to be fixed.
Within a minute of arriving on Reform Road, the very first person I meet suggests that what started as a bit of a joke might have some substance to it.

'Reform! Absolutely Reform!' says Natalija Vasiluna, 24, when I ask how she would vote if there was an election tomorrow. 'I know I sound hypocritical saying this being an immigrant but the only way to make this country safe is to get immigration under control.'

Following this month's conclusion of the party conference season and last week's proper start of the parliamentary year, it seems like a good idea to test the national mood to see if all those gatherings of the party faithful have made the slightest difference.

With the polls showing Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems all flatlining, is Reform still maintaining that Spring surge which saw it run riot in the last local elections? And where best to look?

There are three streets called Reform Road in Britain. One is an industrial estate in Berkshire, while another is a back alley in Derbyshire. Reform Road in Chatham, Kent, however, is a perfect test case.

It is traditional street of back-to-back houses, built for Victorian workers, in a town that, for many years, has reflected the national political picture. Chatham has gone back and forth between Tories and Labour in modern times and currently has a Labour MP sitting on a narrow sub-2,000 majority after Reform split the Tory vote at the last election in a three-way fight.

It sits in a county where Reform pulled off a spectacular coup at this year's local elections, seizing control of Kent County Council (though Chatham itself sits inside the Labour-run unitary authority of Medway).

In other words, this is precisely the sort of place that Nigel Farage  himself a man of Kent who previously stood for Parliament just up the road in Thanet South  needs to win if he is going to form a government. And I find that Reform Road turns out to be a pretty accurate appear mirror of the national trend.

Pictured: Robert Hardman at Reform Road in Chatham, Kent

There are three streets called Reform Road in Britain. One is an industrial estate in Berkshire, while another is a back alley in Derbyshire. Reform Road in Chatham, however, is a perfect test case

After knocking on every door and talking to dozens of people, I find a combination of disillusioned Tories, weary Labour, a sprinkling of Libs and Greens and a lot of those who say: 'They're all a bunch of crooks'/'Don't know'.

No one party commands anything like an overall majority but, significantly, the one with the highest support is Reform. And that is not what one might expect in a street where white working class Brits seem to be a minority.

Natalija Vasiluna is certainly not a political animal. In fact, she didn't even bother to vote at the last local election out of 'laziness'.

Having arrived in Britain from Lithuania in her teens to study science at university, she then went on to work in hotel management all over the London area.

'Then the hotels started filling up with migrants sent to us by the council,' she says. 'Some people were nice but other people would just trash the rooms and we had to spend hours cleaning them up with no extra pay.'

The worst of the lot, she says, was a hotel in Croydon. 'The staff just had to sit there and watch the place falling apart.'

She is walking down Reform Road pushing the one-year-old child she has with her Portugese-born partner Mario, 28, a plumber. 'Just get him on the subject of politics and he won't stop,' she laughs. 'He is absolutely for Reform.'

As someone with 'settled status' but not UK citizenship, is she not worried about Reform's plans for a new visa regime and zero benefits for non-UK citizens?

The street sits in a county where Reform pulled off a spectacular coup at this year's local elections, seizing control of Kent County Council (though Chatham itself sits inside the Labour-run unitary authority of Medway)

Pictured: Reform Road, Chatham. Nigel Farage himself is a man of Kent who previously stood for Parliament just up the road in Thanet South

Natalija Vasiluna, 24, told him: 'I know I sound hypocritical saying this being an immigrant but the only way to make this country safe is to get immigration under control'

'That's okay. We are going to apply for British citizenship and we don't want benefits,' she says. 'The UK has got to start putting British people first.'

It is a bracing start to my day on Reform Road. Working my way down each side (almost every home, I find, has a Ring security camera (the legacy of a mini crime wave earlier in the year apparently), I meet carer and charity worker, Michala Bell, 42.

'We always talk about politics with the children and we're leaning to Reform,' she says, adding that she has been a Labour voter in the past. 'It's time to put the British first for a bit. Immigration is the number one thing for us. Not the ones who come here legally  this is a very diverse street and we have neighbours from all over the world and their kids are in and out with my kids  but the ones who are coming illegally and having everything handed to them for free as soon as they come in.

'I'm not racist in any way but I notice now that when I have to go to the doctors to pick up prescriptions, there are just more and more foreign people in there. We can't go on taking in everyone.'

That, I have to say, is the prevailing sentiment, even among those who say that they would not vote Reform in a month of Sundays.

Agata Suleyman came to Britain 25 years ago from Poland, is married to a market trader of Turkish Cypriot heritage and has two children.

'Reform do have some good ideas and Nigel Farage has fought hard but they take these ideas to the extreme,' she says. Working in the accounts department of a big company with a self-employed husband, she understands economics and says that none of the big parties can afford the promises they make. And she feels Britain is too generous with its benefits.

'Where I come from, if you don't work, you get an allowance for six months and then that's it. You get cut off. And we need to be more tough here. It's the same with parental responsibility.'

She explains how a child from a (non-British) family threw a stone that cracked the windscreen of her husband's van. The police said they could not get involved because the boy was underage. 'Why can't the police arrest the parents?'

A few doors further on, I meet Philip Josephs, whose father was part of the Windrush generation, arriving from Jamaica in the 1950s, while his mother's family were pre-war European refugees.

He is a disappointed but unwavering Labour voter who is fervently anti-Reform. 'They are a bunch of opportunists with dog whistles and seem to be full of defectors from the Tory party who defected when they quite rightly lost power,' he says. 'They're a serious threat to the country.'

Agata Suleyman came to Britain 25 years ago from Poland, is married to a market trader of Turkish Cypriot heritage and has two children

She said: 'Reform do have some good ideas and Nigel Farage has fought hard but they take these ideas to the extreme'

He acknowledges that immigration is a serious issue but says that small boats are scapegoats and not the problem. 'It's the hundreds of thousands who came in legally under the Tories after Brexit and who don't share our British values,' he says. 'They just buy up properties for subletting and they're not actually integrating fully. Just look at all the flytipping round here.'

While he worries 'a lot of racists jumping on the bandwagon' he accepts that Britain 'just can't go on being as benevolent as we used to be'.

There is certainly a lot of rubbish piled up in alleyways and parking lots. People tell me that it's usually a lot worse. 'You've come on a good day,' says Jo, a Chatham-born former healthcare receptionist who gave up a year ago 'because I just got fed up with the abuse'.

'There's just been a clean-up. This place is usually a dumping ground. But then Chatham's always been a bit of a dumping ground.'

She says she will probably vote Reform next time around, although she prefers dissident ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe to the party leader. 'Nigel Farage is just too much of a politician.'

Carer Michelle Swift, 45, with her dog Gismo, and mother, Pauline Wells, 68, says that she 'used to be Labour but now it's time to look after the English instead of giving it all to the rest of the world'. The family will be voting Reform.

Retired wine merchant, Mike Russell, will not  'too Trumpian'  and wishes that the Tories would get their act together. 'But the migration issue needs sorting. I'm going go a cruise soon and I wonder if I even need a passport as no one else seems to bother with one.'

I meet a trio of men working on a car, all of them off-duty cleaners and originally from Slovakia. They all say they would never vote Reform because of the party's plans to make non-British citizens who have lived here for years apply for a visa. 'It makes us feel unwelcome,' says one, called Roman.

I ask them about the proliferation of English and British flags on the streetlights along the main road just round the corner. 'That's good,' says another, Peter. 'You should fly your flag. This is England, innit. I don't want to see Palestinian or Pakistani flags.'

When Hardman spoke to residents of all backgrounds on Reform Road, noone seemed to have problems with St George's Flags being flown

No one I talk to has any problem with the flags, just as everyone tells me that immigration is a problem. 'We can't keep on taking in people who do not come here by the right paths,' says a young mother and part-time science teacher who, appropriately enough, gives me her name as Miss Ahmed. British-born of Bangladeshi heritage, she says she understands why Reform is gaining ground, though she would not vote for it herself.

This road really could be a snapshot of modern Britain. Just like Coronation Street, it is named after an historic landmark, in this case the Reform Acts of the 19th Century.

Just round the corner at one end is the 'Four Continents African Caribbean' food store and just beyond the other end of the road is a Bangladeshi-run supermarket.

I meet multiple nationalities and find a decent community spirit rooted in a shared belief in hard graft, a sense that things are just getting more expensive and a wish that someone would do something about the litter. Yet, on present form, it represents a bleak prospect for the two main parties but a promising one for the insurgency.

Mr Farage's rivals may cling to one factor, though. Thanks to a set of steel bollards at the junction with Grove Road  erected to prevent cars using this as a rat run  it now has a 'T' sign indicating a no-through route for traffic. In other words, Reform Road is actually a dead end.
Six years ago, Kaley Chiles's door was open to all.

A licensed counsellor, guided by her Christian beliefs, she would help anyone who came to her - those battling eating disorders or addictions, or simply needing someone to listen. By 2019, more and more people were coming to her confused about their sexuality, or questioning their gender. Chiles wanted to help.

Now, she says, she is forbidden from doing so.

A law signed into effect by Governor Jared Polis in May 2019 prohibits 'conversion therapy' for under 18s, which the state describes as 'efforts to change an individual's sexual orientation, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.' Colorado is one of 24 states to ban conversion therapy.

Chiles, 35, says the law is preventing her from doing her job, and is challenging it in the Supreme Court. Doing so has put her in the crosshairs of militant trans activists: she has received death threats, harassing phone calls and menacing emails.

But, she insists, it is a fight worth having.

'If I can only have half of a conversation, am I willing to have these conversations at all?' she said, speaking to the Daily Mail from her home in Colorado Springs. 'It so severely impacts the conversation when you suppress information, and you're literally not allowed to talk about certain things, that it becomes untherapeutic.'

Her fears are not baseless.

Chiles, 35, says the law is preventing her from doing her job, and is challenging it in the Supreme Court

She is currently being investigated by the state licensing authority after they received anonymous complaints - she has no idea whether the complainants ever set foot inside her clinic, or even if they live in the state. If found to be breaking the law she could be fined $5,000 and stripped of her license.

Her website is now deluged with negative reviews, with one accusing her of promoting 'psychologically damaging, barbaric, and ineffective' treatments, and another claiming she is 'not a real therapist.' She studied for a degree in Biblical studies and psychology at Dallas Baptist University, and completed a master's in clinical medical health at Denver Seminary.

And Colorado Springs does have a history of violent encounters: in 2020, a heavily-armed band of alpaca-farming militant trans-rights activists set up what they named the Tenacious Unicorn ranch in Westcliffe, 75 miles south of the city. They fiercely defended their property and encouraged others to move to the area, until bitter infighting ripped the group apart in 2023, and they were forced to move on.

The city was also home to one of the worst homophobic attacks in recent memory, when a local man opened fire on a well-known gay bar, Club Q, in November 2022, killing five and wounding 19.

Chiles, however, insists that she is simply defending her right to free speech. She says the term 'conversion therapy' is unhelpful, arguing that she merely wants to have an open and honest discussion.

'Before the law, we could treat the topic of sex and sexuality as we treat all other topics - which means we can speak freely; we can fully explore and talk through all aspects of a conversation,' she said. 'Pros, cons, devil's advocate, what's on this side, what's on that side, what are your doubts, what are you sure of - all those kinds of things. Since the law, we can still have that freedom with other topics, but not with sex and sexuality.'

Chiles says she is now being forced to turn away under 18s seeking her advice on their sexuality. If the topic heads in that direction, she has to shut the discussion down. She declined to give any examples, citing patient-client confidentiality, but in her court filings said she could be asked to assist a child 'seeking to reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual attractions.'

Her website is now deluged with negative reviews, with one accusing her of promoting 'psychologically damaging, barbaric, and ineffective' treatments

Pictured: Demonstrators protest outside of the Supreme Court as SCOTUS heard oral arguments in Chiles v Salazar on October 7, 2025

'If I can only have half of a conversation, am I willing to have these conversations at all?' she told the Daily Mail

The state of Colorado argues that she is not being prevented from exploring any topics, but just stopped from trying to convince a young gay or trans person to change their identity.

Chiles does not buy their argument. And she rejects the suggestion that what she does is 'conversion therapy' - but says the law banning conversion therapy is too vague to protect her conversations.

'I think that term is actually pretty useless, because I don't even know what we're talking about,' she said. 'What I'm talking about is voluntary counseling between a licensed counselor and a minor.'

Is there not a risk that kids questioning their own sexuality are forced into her clinic by their conservative Christian parents?

'They make their own goals,' she said. 'And so, regardless of who brings them or what influences have led them to sit with me, while they're with me and we're having a conversation my obligation - ethically, legally, in all the ways - is that my client is the person sitting right in front of me, and that is who I work with.'

Chiles wrote an op ed in her local newspaper, The Denver Post, explaining that she had 'listened to those who regret being pushed too quickly into medical interventions.'

She added: 'Many say they wish someone had slowed down, asked better questions, and helped them find peace in their own bodies.'

Has she also spoken to those traumatized by counsellors who, conversely, try to push young people away from their innate sexuality?

'I think something that we should all be concerned about is bad counseling, right?' she said. 'And so I think we should listen to anyone who believes that they received counseling that violated those very basic things, like being pushed into something.

'The purpose of counseling is that the counselor does not impose their values, but rather assists the client in navigating life. And so the problem that I'm experiencing right now is: instead of me imposing my values upon the client, the state of Colorado is imposing their values through me on the client.

'That is an issue that I can't participate in.

'And that's why I can't see these clients right now, because I don't impose values, and I'm definitely not going to impose the values of the state of Colorado.'

The Supreme Court decision is expected by June.
When British YouTube stars Dan Howell and Phil Lester announced they had been in a secret romantic relationship for the past 16 years, they joked that they were finally revealing the truth behind 'one of the biggest conspiracies in the history of the internet'.

The pair - known to their millions of followers as Dan and Phil - insisted it was time to stop 'all this weird vagueness' which had led to years of frenzied speculation about their relationship.

Were they 'friends, lovers, a comedy duo, business partners or flatmates?', Phil asked in a 46-minute video uploaded in a bid to put an end to the 'apocalyptic constant stress of the Dan and Phil dating conspiracy'.

It would seem now that the answer is all of the above, yet many questions remain about the couple and their reasons for keeping their relationship secret - not least from their own families.

Dan said one of the key reasons he kept his sexuality a secret until six years ago and his relationship with Phil under wraps is because of his 'extremely homophobic childhood'.

But that was news to Dan's father Tim, who told the Daily Mail this week he was 'not aware' of any such difficulties in his son's childhood.

Although the couple's announcement would have come as little surprise to many in their army of fans, it prompted a huge outpouring of support, with one devotee commenting: 'It is bigger news than Taylor Swift getting engaged.'

Such is the extraordinary following the pair have amassed. Between them, the pair have nearly 13 million YouTube subscribers, and they've worked alongside the likes of Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Prince William.

Phil Lester, 38 (left) and Daniel Howell, 34 (right) have amassed a staggering 8.5million fortune through their social media empire

Dan said that one of the key reasons he kept his sexuality a secret until six years ago, and his relationship with Phil under wraps until this month, is because of his 'extremely homophobic childhood'

Along with their phenomenal online success, Dan, 34, and Phil, 38, have hosted a BBC Radio 1 show, published best-selling books and performed to packed houses on sell-out world tours covering 80 dates across five continents.

Yet very little is known about the pair - though the Daily Mail can now reveal that they have amassed a staggering 8.5million fortune through their social media empire.

This includes a 4.1million modern penthouse apartment which Dan and Phil splashed out on in 2022.

Financial records uncovered by the Daily Mail show the presenters each have their own companies which manage their individual earnings.

Phil has Amazingphil Limited, which is worth 2,248,530, while Dan's company, Dan Howell Limited, is worth 1,428,251.

Together they run Dan and Phil Productions Limited, which has reserves of 203,137, and they also have their own online merchandise store, IRL Digital Limited, which has 369,856 in reserves.

The pair recently split a 148,876 payout when they closed another business.

That brings their joint earnings to more than 720,000 - and a combined total of nearly 4.4million.

Alongside that is the spectacular home the duo bought in Islington, north London, where Dan and Phil film many of their comedy and gaming videos.

The complex has its own family health club, with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 25-metre swimming pool for adults.

It also has its own luxury cinema with six screens featuring no more than 25 seats each, that hosts films from blockbusters to art productions.

It is a far cry from the pair's more humble beginnings. While Dan grew up in the leafy Berkshire village of Winnersh, he took part-time jobs in a DIY store and Asda before enrolling at the University of Manchester where he was studying law.

But he dropped out after a year after becoming one of the first successful YouTubers.

The pair run Dan and Phil Productions Limited, which has reserves of 203,137, and also their own online merchandise store, IRL Digital Limited, which has 369,856 in reserves

Dan (right) and Phil (left) have hosted a BBC Radio 1 show, published best-selling books and performed to packed houses on sell-out world tours covering 80 dates across five continents

Phil has worked alongside Ariana Grande (pictured), as well as with the likes of Taylor Swift and Prince William, during his career

Meanwhile Phil, who grew up in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, had worked as a dog walker and car washer before securing a degree in English Language and Linguistics in 2008, and a Master of Arts in Video Post Production with Visual Effects in 2009, at the University of York.

Both were aspiring internet stars when they met in 2009 on Twitter, when Dan messaged Phil seeking advice on his budding YouTube career.

In 2010, they moved into a small Manchester apartment after realising they were more successful together than as individuals.

Though the pair were inseparable, both maintained an air of mystery when it came to their private lives. Yet they announced last week that they had been a couple all along, with Dan saying: 'We fell into it hard and fast in 2009, and here we are almost 16 years later.'

He explained it had taken so long to discuss the relationship publicly because of the effects of his 'extremely homophobic childhood', which meant he had been 'deep in the closet'.

Dan added: 'In my mid-20s I felt we had to hide the relationship because I was still hiding who I was to my friends, family, myself.'

The revelation posed troubling questions about his childhood, yet that appears to have come as a surprise to his family.

Dan - who has a younger brother Adrian, 28 - lived with his father Tim, 64, and mother Karen, 59, in a 415,000 three-bedroomed, semi-detached house which was sold in October 2020.

Karen, who trained as a remedial massage therapist, owns and manages a business called Team Actuate, which has offered massage therapies and wellbeing packages to companies since being set up in 2002.

She now lives in a modern three-bedroom house in Reading, bought for 490,000 in June 2022.

Phil and his mother Kathryn, 69, on holiday together

Phil (left) and his older brother Martyn (right) on holiday in America. Martyn has played a part in Dan and Phil's success, co-founding their merchandise business while running a management agency for visual content creators

Phil and his mother Kathryn celebrate Christmas. Phil grew up in Rawtenstall, Lancashire

Phil (bottom right), his mother Kathryn (left) and brother Martyn (back right)

Phil's mother Kathryn and father Nigel live quietly on the Isle of Man

Tim and Karen appear to have gone their separate ways. Tim, who had been the company secretary of Team Actuate, resigned as a director of the firm in August 2018.

He now lives in a modest council-owned terraced house in Winnersh.

Insisting he was baffled by his son's claims that he had a homophobic childhood, he added: 'I wish him all the best. He's a YouTube superstar, my Daniel.'

And Karen said: 'I love them both, I'm very happy they're together. They're soulmates.'

Meanwhile, Phil's parents Nigel, 70, and mother Kathryn, 69, live quietly on the Isle of Man.

His older brother Martyn, 41, has played a part in the duo's success, co-founding their merchandise business while running a management agency for visual content creators.

Phil and Dan clearly wrestled long and hard with the idea of announcing their relationship.

They took a break from YouTube in 2019 and in June that year both separately came out as gay, roughly two weeks apart.

While praising their fans, they said their private lives had been intruded by internet sleuths and that they had also faced homophobia, which Dan said had led to him having therapy.

He said: 'What we had was the most important thing to me and I wanted to protect it, so when other people tried to grab it and drag it into the light, I felt completely violated.

 Slide me  Pictured first: the modest council-owned terraced house in Winnersh, Berkshire, that Dan's father, Tim, 64, lives in. Pictured second: the modern three-bed house in Reading that Dan bought for his mother Karen, 59, for 490,000 in June 2022

Dan's mother Karen (left) trained as a remedial massage therapist and owns and manages a business called Team Actuate, which offers massage therapies and wellbeing packages to companies

'Having all of these people trying to out us, and being so hostile to me when I tried to hide it, was so triggering. Honestly, it could have killed me.'

Dan said he felt like someone had put a curse on them, as they had achieved huge success yet he said there were times when he thought he might be 'happier without all of this'.

One insider told the Daily Mail: 'It's been hard on them, knowing who to trust. [It's] out of fear, but they also wouldn't want to put people in a challenging position by asking them to keep their secret.

'Now they are able to draw a line under it all and it will be exciting for them to be able to get closer to people and live their lives without any barriers.

'Both Dan and Phil have been fearful of living [as a couple] for quite some time, then to also factor in how they are in a relationship as well, it's been really hard on them.'

The couple teased they will share more tales about their romantic journey on a podcast.

At the same time, they said they were keen to avoid the 'dystopian nightmare' that is 'couple vlogging'.

Dan said: 'You are sharing your life and you are selling the perfect relationship on Instagram. Look at how we kiss. Look at how we vacation in Santorini.

'And then when your relationship inevitably goes wrong, not only do you have a personal problem, you've destroyed your entire professional life because - congratulations - everybody got invested in the storyline of your relationship.'
The mysterious death of a Manhattan model discovered stabbed inside his Harlem apartment this summer has now been ruled a homicide.

The ruling only serves to intensify a case that has already cast a chilling light on domestic violence and obsession in New York's fashion world.

The city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced that 34-year-old fitness model Jacob Zieben-Hood died from 'multiple blunt and sharp force injuries' to his legs and other parts of his body.

Officials also cited 'acute alcohol and lorazepam intoxication and chronic alcohol use' as contributing factors.

The ruling comes more than two months after Zieben-Hood's body was found slumped over on the toilet in his blood-smeared Harlem apartment on August 1.

Prosecutors have charged his husband, fellow model Donald Zieben-Hood, with a litany of violent crimes connected to a pattern of alleged abuse leading up to Jacob's death.

Although Donald has not been charged with murder, the homicide ruling raises the stakes.

Donald Zieben-Hood (left) has been indicted on charges relating to violence he allegedly committed against his husband Jacob Zieben-Hood (right), who was murdered in August

The mysterious death 34-year-old fitness model Jacob Zieben-Hood has been ruled a homicide

Despite authorities believing Donald killed Jacob, he has not been charged with murder. Police are still investigating the homicide

'As we've stated in court, this is an ongoing homicide investigation,' Rachel Best, spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, said on Friday. 'We won't have any further update until the next court date.'

The ruling confirms what Jacob's family and friends had feared.

According to prosecutors, Jacob made a desperate call to his father on July 31, just hours before his death, warning that his husband was 'coming after him.'

He sent photos of fresh injuries, including cuts to his face, head and a large bleeding gash in his leg.

By 4am the next morning, police were back at the couple's apartment on West 146th Street.

Inside, they found Jacob dead in the bathroom, his body still on the toilet, with stab wounds to his leg and a head injury.

Officers described a chaotic crime scene with blood smeared on the furniture, walls, floor, and counters, suggesting there had been a violent struggle.

Donald, 40, was arrested at the scene and has been held at Rikers Island ever since.

According to prosecutors, Jacob, pictured, made a desperate call to his father on July 31, just hours before his death, warning that his husband was 'coming after him.'

In the year before Jacob's death, Donald allegedly violated multiple orders of protection, repeatedly breaking into his husband's apartment to threaten and attack him

In February 2025, police say Donald strangled Jacob during a beating that left him nearly unconscious. In June, he allegedly returned with a knife, prompting a third restraining order

Court filings reveal a long and disturbing record of violence.

In the year before Jacob's death, Donald allegedly violated multiple orders of protection, repeatedly breaking into his husband's apartment to threaten and attack him.

In February 2025, police say Donald strangled Jacob during a beating that left him nearly unconscious. Then in June, he allegedly returned with a knife, prompting a third restraining order.

When prosecutors filed their first round of charges in August, District Attorney Alvin Bragg described a relentless cycle of abuse.

'Donald allegedly escalated his threatening conduct towards his husband in multiple acts of intimate partner violence over the course of a year,' Bragg said.

Donald has pleaded not guilty to all 16 charges including burglary, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. His attorney has not commented publicly on the latest ruling.

To those who knew Jacob before his marriage, the transformation was stark.

Friends described a vibrant, outgoing fitness model who began to disappear from his social circle as the relationship grew darker.

'I had no contact with him, and I just wanted him to be happy,' said Jacob Paulson, a close friend who met him in 2013. 'I was hoping that he was.'

Another friend, Joshua Baker, said Jacob began ghosting him in 2015 after he started dating Donald. 'He stopped answering calls,' Baker told NBC News. 'He even blocked me at one point.'

Friends of Jacob have said that he withdrew socially after he got together with Donald in 2015

Friends described a Jacob as vibrant, outgoing fitness model who began to disappear from his social circle as the relationship grew darker

Those who remained in touch said Jacob often seemed anxious, isolated, and unwilling to discuss his marriage.

His father, too, grew alarmed in the weeks before his death.

Born and raised outside New York, Jacob built a following in the fitness and fashion world, known for his lean physique and upbeat posts.

But behind the images of strength and glamour, investigators say, lay a pattern of control and violence that culminated in tragedy.

The Medical Examiners homicide ruling now ensures the case will stay open as prosecutors weigh additional charges, including potential murder counts, against Donald Zieben-Hood.
A South Carolina man who captured headlines 20 years ago by mocking police with a series of gruesome murders is set to be executed.

Steven Bryant, 44, will be put to death on November 14 after a last ditch appeal he made to the Supreme Court to spare his life was rejected.

The killer has languished on death row since 2008, when he pleaded guilty to shooting four men, three fatally, in an eight-day crime spree in 2004.

Although Bryant admitted to killing three men, his death sentence was the result of the murder of Willard 'TJ' Tietjen, 62, who Bryant ambushed and murdered in his remote home in Sumter County.

Bryant targeted Tietjen at random, approaching his secluded home and claiming to have had car trouble before shooting him and leaving a sickening crime scene for investigators.

The killer, then-23, remained in Tietjen's home for some time, ransacking his home, smoking cigarettes, using his computer, and then writing 'victim number four in two weeks, catch me if you can' in his blood.

Bryant also answered a call from Tietjen's wife and daughter while he was in the home, identifying himself as the 'prowler' and telling them that Tietjen was dead.

The two other men Bryant killed, Cliff Gainey and Christopher Burgess, were picked up by him and offered rides before he shot them by the side of the road when they went to urinate.

Steven Bryant, 44, a South Carolina man who captured headlines 20 years ago by mocking police with a series of gruesome murders, is set to be executed on November 14

Bryant was 23-years-old when he shot four men, three fatally, in an eight-day crime spree in 2004, including writing 'victim number four in two weeks, catch me if you can' in his final victims' blood

According to an archival WISTV article from 2004, Bryant was arrested at his girlfriend's home after he was identified as the triggerman in the series of shootings in rural South Carolina.

Sumter County Sheriff Tommy Mims said at the time that Bryant left the taunting message inside Tietjen's home telling deputies to 'catch me if you can.'

'And I'm happy to say that law enforcement has responded to that challenge and we have caught him,' Sims announced at a press conference.

The sheriff said that Bryant had been released from prison on burglary charges not long before his crime spree, and said he carried out a series of robberies and other attacks while on the loose.

He also shot victim Clinton Brown in the same manner as Gainey and Burgess, but he survived the attack.

Bryant's lawyers argued in court that he should be spared the death penalty because he had endured a turbulent childhood, beginning with his mother drinking heavily while pregnant with him.

He had then been sexually abused by four male relatives as a child, and his attorneys said he had been troubled by the abuse in the months before the murders.

With his appeal rejected by the Supreme Court, Byrant is set to be the seventh inmate put to death in South Carolina since the state restarted executions September last year

Bryant (seen in his original mugshot) argued in court that he should be spared the death penalty because he had endured a turbulent childhood

Bryant, seen in a mugshot from 2021, will have until October 31 to choose his execution method, and will have the options of lethal injection, firing squad or the electric chair

Bryant had reportedly begged for help from a probation officer and his aunt, and he had tried to overcome his mental health issues by abusing meth and smoking joints sprayed with bug killer.

His aunt testified at his trial: 'He was very upset. He looked like he was being tortured. Its like his soul was just laid wide open. In his eyes you could see he was hurting and suffering and he was living the abuse over again as it was coming out.'

With his appeal rejected by the Supreme Court, Byrant is set to be the seventh inmate put to death in South Carolina since the state restarted executions September last year.

Bryant will have until October 31 to choose his execution method, and will have the options of lethal injection, firing squad or the electric chair.

Of the six South Carolina inmates who were put to death since last year, four chose lethal injection and two chose firing squad.
A heroic dog tracked down a missing two-year-old girl, finding her alone and 'scared' in the New Hampshire woods as temperatures dangerously dropped.

The toddler was reported missing at 4.07pm on October 10 by her mother, who said that her daughter had been missing for nearly one hour in Dorchester.

Authorities promptly started a large-scale rescue effort because of the child's 'age and the dropping temperatures,' the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said.

The rescue operation - which involved more than 90 volunteers - took officials to the 'dense' woods.

That was where New England K-9 Search and Rescue volunteer Jeremy Corson and his 7-year-old German Shepherd dog Freyja sprung into action.

Corson said to WHDH: 'I was out the door pretty much immediately when I heard "two-year-old".

'It's like go go go right out of the gate, so I basically pulled over, got the dog, and started running into the woods.'

Jeremy Corson and Freyja, his 7-year-old German Shepherd, were responsible for finding a missing New Hampshire toddler

Corson has been a K-9 search-and-rescue professional since July 2012

The girl was reported missing at 4.07pm on October 10, New Hampshire Fish and Game said

Corson is a full-time software engineer based in Massachusetts but has volunteered as a K-9 search-and-rescue professional since July 2012.

'Time is of the essence with a two-year-old,' Corson told the Washington Post. 'Both because they're young and because the more time passes, the more they can travel.'

The girl, whose identity is unknown, had disappeared from her home's gated front yard at 3.15pm alongside her family's two dogs.

The pets had seemingly 'pushed through' a spot where a wooden fence meets a metal wire fence.

Christopher McKee, a sergeant with New Hampshire Fish and Game, said: 'The gate was secured, everything was locked.'

The girl's shoes were found about two hours into the search, and the family dogs returned to their house moments later.

However, the girl was still missing.

Now, she was completely alone - with the temperature in Dorchester expected to drop into the 20s.

Corson said he was 'out the door pretty much immediately' when he heard a two-year-old was missing

Corson is a volunteer with New England K-9 Search and Rescue

Authorities were concerned about what dropping temperatures could mean for the toddler

Corson told the Washington Post that the New Hampshire woods were 'so thick' that he could not see 'much more than a couple feet' ahead.

Then, Freyja picked something up.

Corson said to WMUR: 'On the second pass, the dog pulled us back to our previous pass and started investigating and started displaying that human scent behavior.'

His dog's 'incredible nose,' Corson wrote on social media, took him right to the 'scared but safe little girl who was ready for her bath and bedtime.'

Corson revealed the toddler initially thought he was her father.

He said her first first words were: 'I'm cold, I think I'm ready for a bath.'

'That just broke my heart,' he added.

New Hampshire Fish and Game said the two-year-old girl was found at 7.52pm.

Corson said Freyja's 'incredible nose' took him to the missing toddler

Freyja was partnered with Corson in May 2018, according to a Facebook post from New England K-9 Search and Rescue (Photo posted May 20, 2018)

Now, she is widely recognized as a hero (Photo posted May 20, 2018)

She was carried out to an ambulance and taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for evaluation.

However, Corson said, there was one final sweet moment between the missing girl and his dog, who 'loves kids.'

He said: 'The subject in this case was alert and ready and likes dogs, so I was able to give her a ball and have her throw it to Frejya.'

The full search effort involved New Hampshire Fish and Game, State Troopers, New England K-9, Upper Valley Search and Rescue Team, Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team, Canaan Fire Department, Rumney Fire Department and Grafton Fire Departments, authorities said.

A helicopter and drones were also used.

Corson said: 'This is why I signed up to do it.

'It's taken me thirteen years to get here, but I wouldn't be anywhere else but that spot.'
A Washington DC tenant was ordered to stop smoking marijuana after his neighbor sued him and claimed the constant weed smoke was ruining her quality of life.

Josefa IppolitoShepherd, 76, said her neighbor Thomas Cackett, 73, smoked marijuana '24/7' and that the 'foul and pungent odor' made her 'violently sick.'

IppolitoShepherd claimed in court papers that her niece had not visited her aunt's Ordway Street duplex since October 2022 because of Cackett's constant smoking.

Now, a DC Court of Appeals ruled that Cackett must quit smoking weed in what could prove a landmark decision across the US.

'For me it was five years of a nightmare because I don't have formal training in the law,' she told the Washington Post.

'The time dedicated to this was tremendous, but I think it was worthwhile.'

IppolitoShepherd, who shares a wall with Cackett, sued him in 2020.

The 76yearold woman said she hated coming home due to a 'fear of smelling marijuana smoke,' per court documents.

Josefa IppolitoShepherd, 76, said her neighbor's constant marijuana smoking was making her 'violently sick'

Thomas Cackett, 73, was ordered to stop smoking marijuana in what could be a landmark decision (File photo of marijuana plants)

She compared the smell emanating from Cackett's home to 'feces' or 'skunk.'

IppolitoShepherd also claimed to suffer severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and respiratory issues within minutes 'each time' her neighbor smoked.

In one text message shown in court documents, she messaged Cackett: 'Upon returning and entering my home, the horrible Cannabis smell was overwhelming, so much so that I got very, very nauseated/sick and started vomiting repeatedly until nothing was left in my stomach.

'Soon after, I went to see you... your door was open, with the screen door, and the Cannabis smell emanating from your apt was so potent that again I felt very nauseous. I knocked at your door, and called your name several times, with no response from you.

'Please know that I am VERY, very concerned, as I cannot afford to be sick in my own home.'

The DC resident is a public health expert who represented herself in the case.

A DC Superior Court had already ruled in IppolitoShepherd's favor in June, but Cackett appealed the decision  unsuccessfully.

IppolitoShepherd compared the smell emanating from Cackett's home to 'feces' or 'skunk'

She claimed to suffer severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and respiratory issues within minutes 'each time' her neighbor smoked (File photo of a woman smoking marijuana)

The lawsuit was the first of its kind in DC, which legalized medical cannabis in 2010 and recreational use in 2015.

Cackett testified in 2023 that he smoked marijuana for twotothree minutes each day, and that he had never smoked for longer than a five-minute period.

He specifically claimed to take between seven and 12 puffs each time he smoked.

Cackett said during the trial: 'I am not Snoop Dogg.'

The 73yearold also detailed a long medical history that included skin cancer, chronic Hepatitis, arthritis, sciatica and other ailments  which is why he turned to marijuana.

Cackett admitted to smoking inside in the case of inclement weather and said he would smoke near his kitchen, which was 'very close' to IppolitoSheppard's.

He claimed he could only smoke from a bowl, as other methods of marijuana consumption led to 'negative health effects.'

IppolitoShepherd, who shares a wall with Cackett, first sued in 2020

The court said Cackett's 'use and enjoyment of his marijuana' did not supersede IppolitoSheppard's 'use and enjoyment of her own property' (File photo of marijuana)

The court found it 'doubtful' that Cackett only smoked for a few minutes per day.

It ruled that his 'use and enjoyment of his marijuana' did not supersede IppolitoSheppard's 'use and enjoyment of her own property.'

Cackett was therefore barred from 'smoking or burning marijuana' on the premises of his apartment or within 25 feet of IppolitoSheppard's residence.

Any violations are punishable by criminal or civil penalties, the court ruled.

IppolitoShepherd said she had 'documented more than 100 instances' of Cackett smoking marijuana even after the decision.

'I was not interested in money, I was interested in getting fresh air in my home,' IppolitoShepherd told the Washington Post.
Gavin Newsom slammed Donald Trump's plans to fire artillery shells over a California highway as part of a military demonstration to celebrate the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary.

The California Governor branded the plan 'profoundly absurd' and said it was a 'show of force that could put Californians directly in harm's way.'

Newsom shut down a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and San Diego in response to the move, which caused mass gridlock on the highway on Saturday.

Although the Trump administration said the artillery fire was to mark the Marine Corps' anniversary, Newsom said it was no accident that it also fell on the same day anti-Trump 'No Kings' protests were held.

'Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isnt strength  its reckless, its disrespectful, and its beneath the office the president holds,' Newsom told the New York Times.

Newsom - a possible contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 - also took to X to slate the plans, accusing Trump of failing to safely coordinate the artillery fire with California officials.

'It is not safe for people to drive on a major freeway at high speeds directly under LIVE MUNITIONS,' his office wrote.

'White House not communicating, endangering the public, and then trying to blame the Governor for doing the right thing  keeping people out of harms way  yet another day living in Trumps authoritarian America.'

California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed Donald Trump 's plans to fire artillery shells over a California highway as part of a military demonstration on Saturday

The artillery fire was part of a round of demonstrations the US military held on Saturday in California to celebrate the Marines' 250th anniversary

Marines seen performing an amphibious capabilities demonstration on Saturday near Camp Pendleton, California

Despite Newsom's hand-wringing over Trump's military spectacle, the White House insisted on Saturday that the artillery fire from Camp Pendleton was safe.

'Gavin Newsom wants people to think this exercise is dangerous,' William Martin, the communications director for Vice President JD Vance, said in a statement.

'The Marine Corps says its an established and safe practice. Newsom wants people to think this is an absurd show of force. The Marine Corps says its part of routine training at Camp Pendleton.

'If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead.'

The visually-stunning demonstrations included controlled demolitions, large amphibious assault vehicles, named Navy Landing Craft Air Cushions, and troops practicing sea-to-land attacks.

Marines seen taking part in an amphibious assault demonstration on Saturday at Camp Pendleton, California

A controlled demolition using live munitions seen on the California coast

The highway closures on Saturday sparked fury in California, as they caused around an hour of delays and led to huge lines of drivers sat in traffic.

San Clemente City Councilmember Mark Enmeier said he was left enraged because it 'came completely out of the blue', and fumed that he 'was not informed of it.'

'There was no coordination with any local officials on this whatsoever,' he said.

Joey Abi-Loutfi, a local restaurant owner whose eatery sits on the highway exit, sarcastically told the LA Times: 'What a great use of funding.'

The FAA also closed some airspace over the region throughout Saturday afternoon, and Amtrak shut its Pacific Surfliner train near the stretch of interstate that was halted.

A team of U.S. Navy SEALS emerge onto the beach during the America's Marines 250 event at Camp Pendleton's Red Beach

Large amphibious assault vehicles, named Navy Landing Craft Air Cushions (pictured), also took part in the visually stunning demonstrations

Despite Newsom claiming the drills put traffic in danger, military officials insisted it was safe

Although the Trump administration said the artillery fire was to mark the Marine Corps' anniversary, Newsom said it was no accident that it also fell on the same day anti-Trump 'No Kings' protests were held

Newsom's decision to shut down the highway on Saturday led to gridlock

Gregory Dreibelbis, a spokesman for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton said practice fire of M777 Howitzers was tested at a nearby beach on Friday evening to make sure it was safe.

'M777 artillery pieces have historically been fired during routine training from land-based artillery firing points west of I-5 into impact areas east of the interstate within existing safety protocols and without the need to close the route,' Dreibelbis said.

He described the move as an 'established and safe practice.'

Oceansides assistant police chief John McKean added to the LA Times that although authorities did not expect the artillery fire to hit traffic, the dramatic move could still distract motorists.

'Its not like theyre going to get hit by explosives or anything like that, its just loud booms, and it may frighten [drivers when the rounds are] going to go off, because its going to be going off for about a good 15 or 20 minutes,' McKean said.

The artillery fire event was attended in California by Vice President JD Vance, who told Marines in a speech to around 15,000 servicemen that the US would 'always need' their 'warrior spirit'

The artillery fire event was attended in California by Vance, who told Marines in a speech to around 15,000 servicemen that the US would 'always need' their 'warrior spirit.'

Vance also remarked on the ongoing government shutdown, telling recruits that 'despite the Schumer Shutdown, (Trump) is going to do everything he can to make sure you get paid exactly as you deserve.'
by Xinhua writers Jiang Biao, Du Yanqin

ROSEAU, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Located in the northeastern Windward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica lies far from China. Yet, the long distance has not hindered their friendship which has continued to flourish and bear gratifying results through a range of joint projects.

"Dominica is an agricultural country, but we found that local crop varieties were limited, and modern agricultural techniques were lacking. Together with the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture, we proposed establishing a modern agricultural demonstration center to introduce improved varieties and modern farming methods," said Sun Haojie, head of the Chinese Agricultural Technical Mission in Dominica, who first arrived on the island in 2005 with a team of Chinese agricultural experts and has since made this island his second home.

Despite language barriers and repeated hurricane damage, the Dominica-China Modern Agricultural Centre now stands as a landmark of bilateral cooperation. The center features 12 greenhouses, one smart greenhouse, a tissue culture lab and two hydroponic systems. It cultivates lettuce, yearlong beans, dragon fruit and Hami melon, serving as Dominica's largest seedling base, technology exchange hub and demonstration park.

"Many products that used to rely on imports can now be produced locally," Sun said with a smile. "Farmers have learned new techniques and stabilized their incomes."

Over the past two decades, eight groups of Chinese agricultural experts have trained local farmers in seedling propagation, greenhouse cultivation and biological pest control, helping transform Dominica's agriculture from experience-based to technology-driven.

In November 2023, when Dominica celebrated the 45th anniversary of its independence, President Sylvanie Burton personally awarded Sun -- called by local farmers affectionately as "the most popular man in Dominica" -- with the Meritorious Service Award, one of the country's highest national honors.

Beyond agriculture, the China Medical Team has also become a vivid symbol of cooperation between the two countries. Dominica has long faced a shortage of medical professionals and modern equipment. Since 2009, China has sent ten batches of medical teams to the island, offering training for local doctors and high-quality medical services to residents.

This year, the team performed Dominica's first laparoscopic ureteroplasty, first combined trabeculectomy for glaucoma, and first multi-point nerve block anesthesia on a 96-year-old patient, marking a series of medical breakthroughs in the country.

In September, the team also launched Dominica's first laparoscopic surgery training at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. The two-hour session ran overtime as local doctors eagerly participated. "Mastering minimally invasive techniques will allow us to treat more patients in new ways," one local doctor said excitedly.

Almost everyone in Dominica knows the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. Formerly known as the Princess Margaret Hospital, it was officially renamed in September 2019 by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to express gratitude to the Chinese government and people.

Today, the hospital stands as a living symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations. Many locals told Xinhua reporters that Chinese doctors have brought them not only health, but also hope.

Not far from the hospital, the construction site of Goodwill Secondary School, built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, is bustling with activity. It is one of the six schools under the China-Aid Project of Schools Reconstruction after Hurricane in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Once completed, the project will significantly improve Dominica's educational facilities and lay a solid foundation for future development.

At the site, Dominican worker Philbert Williams pointed proudly to the rising structure. "I live nearby, and our old school was destroyed by Hurricane Maria," he said. "This new school is being built on the original site. So being part of its construction means a lot to me. After the school's completion, I still want to continue working there, maybe as a maintenance man."

"After this school is completed, many children will tell their mothers, 'Mummy, I want to go to this school,'" he said.

In a recent interview, President Burton recalled that when Hurricane Maria struck in 2017, causing damage equivalent to 226 percent of Dominica's GDP, China came to the rescue just six or eight hours after the storm. Before that, China had supported the construction of key facilities in Dominica, including a stadium.

"Our relationship with China has been a very mutual relationship," Burton said with a warm smile. "We are very good friends with China -- and we hope that we can keep it that way." 
A popular streamer and cosplayer has claimed there was a lack of security at a streamer convention on Friday after a crazed fan was seen grabbing her face.

Emiru held a meet-and-greet at TwitchCon in San Diego, where the biggest names on the platform can interact with their fans, when she was apparently assaulted.

Video shared online shows she was talking with a fan, when a tall man wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans appears to cut the line.

He then grabbed Emiru's face - bringing her face close to his in an apparent attempt to kiss her as she screamed for help.

But before anything could happen a security guard, who Emiru said she hired herself, shoved the man away and shooed him from the area.

Twitch has since released a statement saying the event organizers alerted security and law enforcement about the groping incident and the man involved has been banned from any future in-person events and the site itself.

'The safety and security of all those attending TwitchCon is our highest priority,' the site said. 'The behavior displayed by the individual in the incident yesterday involving a high-profile streamer was completely unacceptable and deeply upsetting.'

'We are coordinating with the impacted creator's team and, per our standard protocols, continue to operate with any law enforcement investigations,' it continued, adding that Twitch has 'zero tolerance for harassment or acts that inhibit the safety and security of our community.'

Emiru, a popular streamer on Twitch, has claimed there was a lack of security at TwitchCon when she was assaulted by a fan on Friday

The streamer was holding a meet-and-greet with fans when an unidentified man apparently cut the line and grabbed her face in an apparent attempt to kiss her

One of her security guards was seen shoving the man aside

It went on to say that it will increase security at meet-and-greet events moving forward this weekend.

'It's really important to us that our creators enjoy their experience at TwitchCon and feel safe,' the site said.

'We regret that their experience was disrupted by this horrible incident.'

But Emiru has claimed there was a lack of security at the event, telling her followers on social media: 'I'm obviously shaken up by at happened, and it's not the first time I've dealt with something like this, but to tell you honestly, I am a lot more hurt and upset by how Twitch handled it during and after the fact.'

She claimed 'there were at least three or four other TwitchCon security staff in the area who did not react and let the guy walk away, as you can see in the clip, since they don't even appear in the frame.'

Emiru also claimed that the man was able to 'cross multiple barriers at TwitchCon and even in front of another creator's meet-and-greet to grab me and my face and try to kiss me.'

She added that the convention's security staff did not attempt to stop the man after her own security fended him off.

'In Twitch's statement, they said that the guy was immediately caught and detained,' the streamer wrote. 'I'm sorry, but that is a blatant lie.'

Emiru told her 857,000 followers that this will be her last TwitchCon

'He was allowed to walk away from my meet-and-greet and I didn't hear that he was caught until hours after he attacked me, and it felt like this only happened because of my manager pressing for it, not because TwitchCon staff present thought it was a big deal.'

Emiru went on to note that 'none of the TwitchCon staff came to ask what happened or if I was OK.

'My friend who was present told me Twitch security ere also behind the booth afterwards, joking about how they didn't even see what happened and immediately laughing and moving on to talking about something else

'So if no one was checking if I was OK or if I needed anything and they let the guy run away initially, I have no idea what anyone hired to keep the event safe was doing.'

It was not her first time her first time facing security concerns at the convention, either.

Emiru has previously said that on a different occasion two years ago, her personal security guard briefly held a man following her around the convention.

But because that man did not actually touch anyone, he was not permanently banned from in-person events. Instead, Emiru said, the security guard who held him back was.

'This is definitely my last TwitchCon and it saddens me to say as a 10 year off-and-on attendee of TwitchCon, I think other creators should seriously consider not attending in the future,' she told her more than 857,000 followers on X.

'I did not feel cared for or protected, even bringing my own security and staff,' she added. 'I can't imagine how creators without those options would feel.'

In a statement to the Daily Mail, San Diego police reiterated 'intervened and removed the male who fled the area.'

No arrests have been made.
The King made a phone call to Prince Andrew to remove his royal titles as the Jeffrey Epstein scandal exploded, it has been revealed.

Charles did not meet face-to-face with his brother before he took away his dukedom and other royal titles on Friday, the Sun on Sunday reports.

The pair spoke by telephone on Friday afternoon despite the monarch returning to London from his Scottish residency at Balmoral for in-person duties this week.

After Charles returned north from his week in the capital, he made the call to his sibling at his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The Prince of Wales was also called to consult on the decision in place of an in-person meeting.

An insider said: 'The King, like his mother, does not like confrontation.'

But when the late Queen took Andrew's military titles away in February 2022, she did so face-to-face at Windsor Castle.

The former Duke of York was also forced to cancel Sarah Ferguson's 66th birthday party at the last minute as his disgrace threatened to grow.

Charles did not meet face-to-face with his brother (pictured together at the Duchess of Kent's funeral in September) before he took away his Dukedom and other royal titles on Friday

The former Duke of York was forced to cancel Sarah Ferguson's (pictured at Wimbledon this summer) 66th birthday party at the last minute as his disgrace threatened to grow

His ex-wife, who is also now no longer a Duchess, had been due to celebrate the big day at Royal Lodge, the pair's home in Windsor.

Her sister Jane had even flown in from Australia to join the bash at the 31-room mansion with family, friends, neighbours and staff.

But just hours before it was due to begin, Andrew put a stop to the festivities, as calls for him to give up his titles grew.

A friend said all guests had been 'very excited' - but 'in many ways, the party was over for Andrew - he knew it was crunch time'.

It came just hours after damning new revelations in a new posthumous memoir from his sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life this year, aged 41.

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice is scheduled for release in October, with the manuscript finished before she died.

The explosive book revolves around her years spent as a sex slave to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and his British madam Ghislaine Maxwell.

Extracts published by The Guardian show Ms Giuffre, who said she was trafficked by Epstein three times for sex with Andrew, calls the ex-Duke 'entitled' and viewing sex as his 'birthright'.

Within the 400-page autobiography, she also claims the ex-Duke said 'thank you' in a 'clipped British accent' after their alleged first encounter when she was 17.

She also recalls how Ghislaine Maxwell heaped praise on her after the encounter, saying, 'You did well, the Prince had fun'.

Prince Andrew denied having sex with Ms Giuffre, but forked out millions in an out of court settlement in February 2022.

The Royal Family had been prepared for the further scandal the book would likely cause, knowing it was to be published this month.

But a kind of tipping point came when scandalous emails from Andrew to Epstein were uncovered by the Mail on Sunday in a world exclusive last week - causing fears more are yet to emerge.

In the astonishing message, the Prince told the paedophile 'we are in this together' a day after the MoS released the infamous picture of the Prince with his alleged then-teenage sex victim Ms Giuffre.

He said he was 'concerned' about the impact this newspaper's revelations would have on his friend but reassured the vile billionaire they would 'rise above' press scrutiny.

It was sent to Epstein 12 weeks after Andrew had supposedly ceased all contact with the convicted sex offender.

It came after damning new revelations in a new posthumous memoir from his sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre (pictured as a teenager with Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell), who took her own life this year, aged 41

The leaked email provides definitive proof the Prince lied in his car-crash interview with BBC's Newsnight when he claimed he 'never had any contact' with Epstein after the pair were famously pictured walking together in New York's Central Park in December 2010.

The revelation comes just weeks after the MoS exposed how the former Duchess of York wrote Epstein a gushing message calling him her 'supreme friend'  despite telling journalists she would never have anything to do with him again.

Writing to Epstein on February 28, 2011  the day after the MoS published the now infamous picture of him with a teenage Virginia Giuffre that led to his downfall  Andrew said: 'I'm just as concerned for you! Don't worry about me!

'It would seem we are in this together and will have to rise above it.

'Otherwise keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!!'

Andrew signed off with: 'A, HRH The Duke of York, KG'.

KG refers to Duke's 'Knight of the Garter'  a prestigious position he has held since 2006 and which he retained until it was removed on Friday.

The hugely embarrassing email heaped further pressure on the Royal Family to sever all ties with the disgraced ex-Yorks and raised fresh questions about their future at Royal Lodge.

And internal talks on the matter began weeks ago after Prince William was left 'seething' by his uncle's behaviour at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last month.

Andrew was pictured sidling up to the Prince and Princess of Wales, which the heir to the throne saw as him being distracted from the ceremony.

No 10 has also reportedly been pressuring the royals to deal with the scandal, which has run on for years and saw Andrew step back from public life in 2019.

The intervention from Downing Street came after the Prince was entangled in the ongoing Chinese spying row.

He was suspected of receiving sensitive information after meeting senior Beijing official Cai Qi at least three times in 2018 and 2019.

Despite all this, the Royal Family appeared from the outside earlier this week to be observing their duties as normal.

William and Kate were seen on an engagement in Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Charles met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and attended the Australian High Commission during his time back in the capital.

In an astonishing email (pictured) revealed in a world exclusive by the Mail on Sunday last week, Andrew told Epstein 'we are in this together' a day after the MoS released the infamous picture of the Prince with his alleged then-teenage sex victim Ms Giuffre

Internal talks on Andrew's future in the Royal Family began weeks ago after Prince William was left 'seething' by his uncle's behaviour at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last month (pictured)

But behind the scenes, royal aides were discussing approaches to the Andrew scandal.

Removal from succession, payment to move abroad and banning him from royal property were all considered.

By the end of the week, however, they decided to remove his honorific titles - though there were various complications.

Officials needed Andrew to consent to the move, else they would have to take up parliamentary time to obtain an Act of Parliament to push it through.

They felt it would also send a stronger message if it came from him - which may also have a rehabilitative effect.

And it is understood the King had asserted it should not harm Andrew's daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.

After Andrew and his ex-wife agreed to relinquish their titles, Buckingham Palace released a statement on the Prince's behalf.

It marked the first time it had spoken for him since his car crash Newsnight interview in 2019.

The statement read: 'In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.

'I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.

'With His Majesty's agreement, we feel I must now go a step further.

'I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.'

The development means he will no longer be known as the Duke of York and has stepped down from membership of the Order of the Garter - the country's most ancient order of chivalry.

Andrew will also relinquish his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order but he will remain a prince, having been born the son of Queen Elizabeth.

His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, with whom he will continue to live at the lavish 30-bedroom Royal Lodge at Windsor, will now be known as plain Sarah Ferguson.

He remained there for the night after the release of the statement, despite pressure to relocate.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell has now called on the King and the Government to formally strip Andrew of his titles.

Andrew, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have been contacted for comment.
Nationals leader David Littleproud has urged Barnaby Joyce to stay with the party amid rumours he will defect to One Nation.

Joyce on Saturday announced he would not recontest his northern NSW seat at the next election, citing an irreparably broken relationship with the Nationals' leadership.

It came amid rumours the former deputy prime minister is tipped to contest a Senate spot for One Nation and eventually succeed Hanson as the party's leader.

The former deputy prime minister has not confirmed the rumours and simply stated in a statement on Saturday the move would free him up to consider his next steps.

Littleproud told Channel Nine's Today program on Sunday he wanted Joyce to stay and clarified he 'hasn't tendered a resignation from the National Party'.

'He's still a member of the National Party,' he said.

'He's made clear that he won't be contesting the next election for the seat of New England; he's left a big legacy there and he's left all these options open. I think he has a contribution to make between now and when he retires.'

Joyce made the announcement he would not recontest his seat on the same day One Nation leader Pauline Hanson travelled to his New England electorate.

Nationals leader David Littleproud has urged Barnaby Joyce to stay with the party amid rumours he will defect to One Nation

Joyce on Saturday announced he would not recontest his northern NSW seat at the next election , citing an irreparably broken relationship with the Nationals' leadership

Hanson was in Tamworth to launch One Nation's new local branch following a defection by the Nationals' New England branch to One Nation.

She said she had no plans to meet Joyce face-to-face, stating she believed he was in Queensland, but made clear she would welcome him into her party.

'I'll encourage him: Barnaby, I'll open doors for you. Come across to One Nation. I think he's got a lot to offer in politics,' Hanson told Nine News.

Hanson declined to say whether she had spoken directly with Joyce, but said he was 'more aligned with One Nation than what he was with the National Party.'

In his statement announcing his decision to quit the junior Coalition party, Joyce compared his split with the Nationals to 'a sadness in some marriages.'

'I will not be standing for New England again but will complete my term as promised at the last election,' he said.

Joyce's decision follows reports of tensions with Nationals leader David Littleproud, disagreements over policy including net zero, and sidelining within the party.

National Party insiders previously told Daily Mail they were blindsided by the reports, with some dismissing the claim as a rumour.

Joyce made the announcement he would not recontest his seat on the same day One Nation leader Pauline Hanson travelled to his New England electorate

Joyce said he had hoped for more time to reflect on his decision but felt compelled to go public after media reports began circulating.

His announcement comes amid a period of renewed momentum for One Nation and a Sydney Morning Herald report that other Coalition MPs could follow him out the door.

Hanson said Joyce's decision to quit the Nationals reflected a broader trend away from the country's major political parties.

'There's a movement that's happening in Australia,' she told reporters at a press conference on Saturday.

'The general feeling I'm getting is people are fed up with the major political parties, they're not delivering what they want.'

A recent Newspoll, which surveyed 1,264 voters between September 29 and October 2, found One Nation's primary vote had risen to 11 per cent.

This represents nearly double the party's performance at the May 3 election and surged to its highest level of support since 2017.

Labor's support, however, rose to 37 per cent - the party's highest primary vote since June 2023, suggesting the Coalition took the biggest hit.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the turmoil highlighted the Coalition's internal struggles following its election defeat.

'Not just the National Party, but the Liberal Party too, are in a world of pain here at the moment,' he told Sky News.

'They need to work out whether they want to be Howard or Hanson. They'll eventually work this out - they always do.'
Olivia Nuzzi's forthcoming memoir will reportedly include salacious text messages between her and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The former New York Magazine reporter's memoir, entitled 'American Canto,' will delve into her relationship with Kennedy - and is said to be devastating for his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, Page Six reports.

'It's hard to imagine RFK surviving this with his marriage and job intact,' an unidentified source told the outlet.

The book will also reportedly get into her relationship with her ex-fiancee Ryan Lizza, which dissolved amid reports that Nuzzi had been 'emotionally involved' with the independent presidential candidate while writing a feature on his campaign.

Kennedy, 71, and his representatives denied any inappropriate relationship - claiming he met Nuzzi only once during an interview - sources described the connection as 'emotional and digital in nature, not physical.'

An internal investigation by New York Magazine found 'no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias' in Nuzzi's reporting on Kennedy, but the controversy nevertheless resulted in her departure from the publication.

She had served as the Washington correspondent for the magazine from 2017 to 2024, becoming well-known in the process for her coverage of political power players in Washington, D.C.

Olivia Nuzzi is set to dish on her 'digital affair' with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a book just a year after it nearly ruined the health secretary's marriage to Cheryl Hines

The tome is set to include salacious text messages between her and Kennedy

Her new book is now set to also delve into Nuzzi's decade covering President Donald Trump, along with information she pulled from hours of recorded interviews between herself and the president.

The information released in the memoir may be devastating for the Trump administration, as sources say there is concern for Nuzzi's safety as well as fear there could be an injunction or that the Trump White House could try to block the publication.

Simon & Schuster has even reportedly hired crisis PR expert Risa Heller, who previously worked with disgraced Congressman Anthony Weiner, as well as Jared Kushner and Jeff Zucker, to handle the rollout of the book.

But Nuzzi's affair has thus far seemed more devastating to the reporter than to Kennedy.

Not only did she lose her job, but her engagement to fellow journalist Ryan Lizza ended after the allegations came to light.

The former couple later became entangled in a contentious legal dispute, with Nuzzi accusing Lizza of threats and blackmail, claims she later withdrew.

He denied the allegations, calling them 'disgraceful lies' and part of a 'coordinated defamation campaign.'

Meanwhile, Hines publicly shrugged off the rumors.

The forthcoming book is said to be devastating to Kennedy's relationship with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines

The 60-year-old actress continued to appear publicly with Kennedy at major events following reports of his relationship with Nuzzi, but she reportedly declined to live in a Georgetown home they had purchased

News of the affair resulted in the end of Nuzzi's engagement with fellow reporter Ryan Lizza

She continued to appear publicly with him at major events, but reportedly declined to live in a Georgetown home the couple purchased, citing discomfort with the political spotlight.

When she was then asked about the rumors over the affair, Hines said she was not concerned.

'Lots of emotions with rumors! But, it will all be in my book. I'm writing a book. I've been taking notes  serious notes,' the 60-year-old actress told US Weekly last year.

'People have a lot of feelings about politics, especially in Hollywood, and I don't know. I mean, so far I feel like it's OK.

'I'm OK to have conversations like that with people and, to me, it doesn't define somebody. To some people it does and it's like you can't control it. There's nothing I can do about it, so I have to let it wash over me.'

Hines's new book, 'Unscripted,' is set for release on November 11, and sources have said executives at Simon & Schuster have tried to keep Nuzzi's own memoir under wrap to avoid overlapping with Hines's book release.

They have said there are currently no preliminary copies of the tome for internal review, and the book is being kept on an entirely separate server to keep it secret.

An apparent Amazon listing for Nuzzi's memoir also has no image, no author and is listed as 'To Be Announced AC.'

It does, however, list a publication date of December 2, and provides users with the opportunity to pre-order the book - for $30 for a hardcover or $15 for an ebook.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Simon & Schuster, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services and a representative for Hines for comment.
Anthony Albanese has boarded a return flight following a weeklong holiday with his fiancee, as their secret destination has been revealed.

The Prime Minister spent what is believed to be his first private holiday since taking office in 2022 on Palau, an island country in the western Pacific.

He was joined on the short getaway by taxpayer-funded Australian Federal Police agents and fiancee Jodie Haydon.

Daily Mail first revealed on Wednesday the pair had jetted to the holiday island.

Albanese had requested a seven-day news blackout for security reasons, however the deadline ended on Sunday with more details of his trip emerging.

Albanese and Haydon flew economy on a six-hour direct Qantas flight from Brisbane to Koror, Palau, dubbed the 'Palau Paradise Express'.

While the trip was privately funded, Qantas offers subsidised flights to the remote island to promote tourism to the region.

He arrived at the local airport at about 7am this morning, shortly before check-in closed, and did not speak with gathered members of the media, before he boarded the plane to return to Australia.

Anthony Albanese and his fiancee Jodie Haydon have wrapped up a week-long trip, believed to be the Prime Minister's first holiday since taking office in 2022. They are pictured on a separate, official trip to Beijing in July

The trip came at a tumultuous time for Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who walked back a key campaign promise - super earnings tax reform - while the Prime Minister luxuriated a few thousand kilometres away.

It is unclear why Albanese decided to coincide the announcement with his first overseas trip in years, but it allowed him to escape questions altogether.

Qantas first launched the direct flight path to Palau in December 2024 under a contract awarded to the airline by the federal government.

It announced it would continue to offer the service as recently as August this year, following strong market demand and growth in tourism.

The announcement of the trip sparked speculation Albanese and Ms Haydon were jetting off to get married, after the pair revealed in February they would tie the knot by year's end.

'It will be small, intimate. Possibly outdoors, in the second half of this year, with our family and loved ones,' Ms Haydon told Australian Women's Weekly.

'And you can be sure (pet cavoodle) Toto will make an appearance.'

But the speculation was put to bed when the Prime Minister's office confirmed that the couple would not be getting married overseas during their holiday.

The Prime Minister travelled to Palau, an archipelago in the western Pacific (pictured)

Albanese's announcement of the trip, though short and tight-lipped, has been compared favourably with his predecessor Scott Morrison's trip to Hawaii during the 2019 to 2020 bushfires.

The then-Prime Minister faced fierce criticism for going on an unannounced family break at a time when fires were claiming lives and homes.

Objections to Morrison's surprise holiday only grew when his office refused to confirm if he had gone on holiday, citing 'security concerns' and 'protocol'.

Morrison said he had been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the ongoing search for and treatment of victims of the White Island tragedy.

Eventually, Morrison returned to Australia early from the family holiday after extensive criticism.

Mr Morrison's holiday led to the Twitter hashtag #wherethebloodyhellareya trending across the country all week.
A suspect in the Chinese spy case was detained at Heathrow carrying a suitcase with 4,000 inside it.

Christopher Berry - a 33-year-old academic from Witney in Oxfordshire - was stopped with the large sum of money in February 2023.

It would not be for almost another six weeks before he was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

It is believed Mr Berry was given the money by his Chinese intelligence handler, known only as 'Alex'. It is unclear whether the cash was held by the police, or what currency it was in.

Mr Berry was stopped by police under Schedule 3 Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, which is used by police when there is suspicion of 'hostile activity' involving a foreign state.

His connection to Chris Cash - a parliamentary researcher from Edinburgh who has also been accused of spying for China - was revealed when officers seized his phone and laptop.

They also uncovered a person on his phones believed to be a Chinese intelligent agent.

Chinese spies commissioned at least 34 reports from Mr Berry on subjects of political interest, prosecutors alleged.

Christopher Berry (pictured) - a 33-year-old academic from Witney in Oxfordshire - was stopped with a large sum of money in February 2023. It would not be almost another six weeks before he was arrested on suspicion of spying for China

Mr Berry's link to Chris Cash (pictured) - a parliamentary researcher from Edinburgh who has also been accused of spying for China - was revealed when officers seized his phone and laptop at Heathrow

Of these reports, ten of them were deemed prejudicial to national security and British prosecutors suspected that Cai Qi, a confidant of President Xi and senior Chinese official, was in receipt of intelligence from Westminster.

In a statement yesterday, the Metropolitan Police told the Times newspaper: 'A man in his thirties was subject to a stop at Heathrow airport on 2 February 2023 under Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. He was not arrested and inquiries continued.'

Evidence was due to be presented by the prosecution in the trial against the two men however the case collapsed last month, sparking outrage from ministers, MPs and the police.

Last week, it was revealed that in meetings with senior MPs the head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Stephen Parkinson, claimed the evidence he had from the Government's main witness, deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins, fell '5 per cent short of being enough' for the case to go ahead.

The Government insists it is up to Mr Parkinson to explain what could possibly have satisfied him to meet that extra threshold to bring a successful prosecution against Mr Cash and Mr Berry, for allegedly passing secrets to China.

Mr Cash and Mr Berry deny all the charges against them.

Britain's top prosecutor faces a series of questions, including whether evidence was sought from sources other than Mr Collins, who was unable to describe Beijing as an enemy of the UK, fatally undermining the case.

On Wednesday, the Government published three witness statements from Mr Collins revealing a raft of alleged evidence against Mr Cash and Mr Berry, including the claim that secret reports were sent to Beijing within 13 hours of information allegedly being passed on from Parliament by Mr Cash.

Chinese official Cai Qi who is believed to have received intelligence from Westminster

The head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Stephen Parkinson (pictured), claimed the evidence he had from the Government's main witness, deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins, fell '5 per cent short of being enough' for the case to go ahead

Mr Collins repeatedly laid out the threat China posed to Britain.

Now Mr Parkinson has been asked why this evidence was not enough to proceed with the case and what steps he took to make ministers aware that the prosecution would fold after it emerged that the Prime Minister knew days beforehand.

The top prosecutor has also been asked whether he considered intelligence material from MI5, which has frequently referred to Beijing as a national security threat.

Former Attorney General Dominic Grieve told the BBC it was 'utterly mystifying' as to why the case was dropped in light of the statements. Other questions surround the role of former and current government legal officers in decisions relating to the case.

In their letter, the committee chairs wrote: 'In view of the seriousness of the allegations, the implications for UK national security and foreign policy, and the need to support the integrity and independence of the criminal justice system, we believe that it is in the public interest for a fuller explanation for the dropping of charges to be provided.'

Lord Beamish, chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament announced last week that it would investigate how classified material on China had been used in the case.

The Labour peer and former minister said his committee had the 'legal power to require information from the UK intelligence community' and 'will follow the evidence wherever necessary'.
Emily Maitlis has said that 'we now know Andrew lied to me about his contact with Epstein' in their infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview.

After the Mail on Sunday revealed that the former Duke of York told sex offender Jeffrey Epstein they were 'in this together' in a 2011 email, his claim to the former BBC presenter that their last contact was in December 2010 now appears to have been false.

'The email that emerged last week categorically showed that what he said [about his last contact being December 2020] was untrue...I have become more alive to all the inconsistencies [in the interview]', Maitlis said this weekend.

Maitlis told the Observer the new email prompted her to rewatch the car crash interview with Andrew for the first time in six years as she felt compelled to 'revisit everything again.'

In the now infamous 2019 Newsnight interview with Maitlis, Prince Andrew had stated that he had severed links with Epstein in December 2010 after the two men were photographed walking together in New York.

But emails uncovered by the MoS last week revealed that he had actually emailed Epstein as late as February 2011, saying 'we are in this together' the day after the photo of him and Virginia Giuffre emerged.

The email ended with the line: 'We'll play some more soon!!!!!'

Pictured: Emily Maitlis (left) and Prince Andrew (right) in the now infamous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview

In the interview, Prince Andrew (right) told Emily Maitlis (left) that his last contact with disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was in December 2010 - despite emails revealed by the MoS showing a message sent from Andrew to Epstein as late as February 2011

Pictured: Prince Andrew (left) with Virginia Giuffre (middle) and Ghislaine Maxwell (right)

Maitlis added that she believed more will come to light about the Epstein files.

'I think we know 1% of the Epstein files. Britain is fixated on the Prince and his titles.

'We might be talking about 1,000 victims and 30 to 50 paedophiles,' the former BBC presenter said.

In his disastrous 2019 interview with BBC Newsnight, Andrew told interviewer Emily Maitlis that 'categorically I don't remember meeting her at all'.

Pressed repeatedly whether he was saying 'categorically' that he could not remember Ms Giuffre, Andrew replied: 'Yep.'

He also suggested that an infamous photograph of him with his arm around Ms Giuffre's waist could have been a crude forgery, saying: 'Nobody can prove whether or not that photograph has been doctored but I don't recollect that photograph ever being taken.'

But in a message to Epstein on February 25, 2011, two days before the MoS published an interview with Ms Giuffre and revealed the picture, Andrew appeared to accept he could have met her.

Apparently updating Epstein on the MoS's approach to him for comment ahead of the story being published, he wrote: 'Categoric denial of Sexual Relations. Possible that I met her in a group with others and possible there is a photograph.'

He accused the MoS of 'just gratuitously trying it on ably abetted by Miss Roberts [Virginia Giuffre] who they will have contacted as her identity will have been known from court records, I assume.'

The Prince added: 'Not bothered any further about it but will keep watch.'

The revelation comes as a bombshell email obtained by this newspaper exposes how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded Met bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre and passed him her date of birth and confidential social security number.

Astonishingly, Andrew then told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his personal protection officers  part of the Met's elite SO14 Royalty Protection Group  to dig up information about Ms Giuffre.

He emailed Mr Perkins hours before this newspaper first published the infamous picture of the duke with 17-year-old Ms Giuffre, which would ultimately bring about his downfall.

'It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States,' he wrote. 'I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].'

It is not suggested that the officer complied with the prince's request, while Ms Giuffre's family last night said she did not have a criminal record.

Her relatives said our revelations 'expose the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors. The truth will surface and there will be no shadows in which they can hide'.

A spokesperson for the Met told the MoS late on Saturday that they were 'actively looking into the claims made.'

Prince Andrew was approached for comment.
Tear gas was deployed in Portland when chaos erupted outside a federal immigration building following nationwide 'No Kings Day' protest against President Trump.

Thousands marched the streets of the Oregon city peacefully Saturday before protesters began clashing with police near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

Video from the scene showed law enforcement firing tear gas and crowd-control munitions after demonstrators refused repeated orders to clear the street.

Dozens of protesters, some wearing gas masks and goggles, hurled taunts at the advancing line of officers as smoke drifted through the industrial district.

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) confirmed that three people were detained following an alleged assault linked to the protest, with one person arrested and booked into jail. Two others remain under investigation.

Officials released a photo showing a handcuffed suspect beside a patrol car, but have not yet identified the individual.

An Incident Management Team led by a Crowd Management Incident Commander was activated as tensions escalated. Police used sound trucks to issue warnings.

'If you stay in the street, you may be arrested or cited for applicable laws,' one announcement blared.

Law enforcement detains a person outside an ICE facility with tear gas, during a No Kings protest against President Donald Trump's policies, in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday

A demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at ICE facility in Portland, Oregon on Saturday

A demonstrator holds a sign as protesters march during the 'No Kings' protest

'Failure to comply with officer orders may subject you to crowd control measures, including impact munitions or other physical force,' warned another.

The confrontation capped hours of largely peaceful protest - one of more than 2,500 rallies planned across the country.

Marchers waved banners reading 'No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings'.

In Portland, the group converged on Waterfront Park around midmorning before demonstrators began moving toward federal property around midday. That's where skirmishes with law enforcement broke out.

Organizers with the No Kings Coalition had earlier urged participants to remain calm, emphasizing their commitment to 'de-escalation and safety.'

Despite those assurances, Portland's rally mirrored scenes from other major cities where marches turned volatile amid heightened tension between protesters and police.

The 'No Kings Day' movement, the second nationwide protest of the year, drew hundreds of thousands across American cities including Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

The campaign brands itself as a stand against 'authoritarianism and cruelty,' rallying against what organizers describe as Trump's 'crusade against immigrants, healthcare, and free speech.'

In Los Angeles on Saturday evening, police declared an unlawful assembly near the Metropolitan Detention Center downtown.

Officers used tear gas on crowds and nonlethal rounds. It led to protesters accusing police of escalating tensions following peaceful daytime demonstrations.

'A dispersal order for the area of Alameda between Aliso and Temple has been ordered ... All persons in the area of Alameda and Aliso/Commercial must leave the area,' the LAPD posted on social media at 6:55 pm.

'All persons in the area have 15 minutes to comply. If you remain in the area you may be subject to arrest or other police action.'

Demonstrators march through downtown Portland during the 'No Kings' protest

100 year-old Joan Collie listens to a speech with other protesters during the 'No Kings' protest

According to the Portland Police Bureau, the rally drew 'tens of thousands' of people to Waterfront Park and wrapped up around 4pm

Demonstrators march over the Hawthorne Bridge during the protest

It's the second No Kings protest in 2025. The first was in June and drew about 50,000 people

Portland police said the gathering and the march, which contained tens of thousands of people, progressed through downtown and inner Southeast Portland for around three hours

The goal of the latest march was a nonviolent protest against the actions and decisions made by President Donald Trump and his administration

Organizers said millions were expected to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second 'No Kings' protest to denounce the Trump administration

A major theme was frogs, honoring the unofficial mascot of the resistance at Portland's ICE building

Demonstrators march over the Morrison Bridge during the protest in Portland, Oregon

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson electrified a massive crowd by accusing Trump of seeking a 'Civil War rematch.'

'Are you prepared to destroy authoritarianism once and for all? We'll let the world hear you - no kings!' he shouted from the stage, urging Americans to 'defend democracy' and 'fight fascism.'

'The attempt to divide and conquer this nation will not prevail because when the people are united, justice always prevails,' he added.

The protests drew an array of high-profile supporters. Actors Jack Black and John Cusack were spotted among the marchers, while Senators Bernie Sanders, Raphael Warnock, Chris Murphy, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker addressed rallies nationwide.

'No, you [Trump] can't put troops on our streets. You can't create enough chaos to invoke the Insurrection Act so you can stay in power. We all know what your plan is,' Cusack told CNN at the event in Chicago.

Sanders spoke in Washington, D.C., denouncing what he called an orchestrated assault on civil liberties, while Warnock in Atlanta accused Trump of 'weaponizing despair.'

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson ignited the crowd on Saturday by telling liberals to be 'ready to defend this democracy' and to be 'ready to fight fascism'

New York's Times Square floods with protesters for the No Kings rally on Saturday

Daniella Diener participates with other protesters in the 'No Kings' rally and march in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday

Pulling a giant inflatable Donald Trump protesters march in the streets during a 'No Kings' protest on Saturday in Los Angeles

Crowds gather to listen to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during a No Kings protest, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Bernie Sanders spoke at the protest in DC , issuing a defiant message to his Republican colleagues and the Republican administration amid the government shutdown

Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson branded the rallies a 'hate America protest' filled with 'antifa people and pro-Hamas sympathizers.'

Governors across several states mobilized security forces as the day unfolded. Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed to 'surge forces' into Austin ahead of the protests, warning, 'Texas will NOT tolerate chaos.'

In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin activated the National Guard, saying peaceful protest 'does not include destruction of property, looting, vandalism, or violence of any kind  for which there will be zero tolerance.'

Even in states untouched by unrest, officials placed law enforcement on alert, bracing for possible copycat demonstrations.
Donald Trump felt 'betrayed' by Israels surprise attack on Qatar, sparking a major decision that led to a historic peace deal and secured the release of Israeli hostages.

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that the unprecedented strikes in Doha on September 9 left the White House seething, derailing peace talks with the Hamas negotiators it targeted.

The strikes forced the Hamas leaders 'underground', abruptly halting talks that Trump's team had been holding with negotiators just one day prior, the pair told CBS's 60 Minutes.

We woke up the next morning to find out there had been this attack, Witkoff said.

It marked the first crack in a relationship that was seen as unbreakable - Trump's decades-long friendship with Benjamin 'Bibi' Netanyahu that had defined his Middle East policy since the first administration.

The White House was oblivious to the Israeli prime minister's plans to strike Doha, Witkoff explained, and said he and Kushner 'felt betrayed' by the attack.

CBS anchor Lesley Stahl responded that she heard Trump was furious when he heard of the strikes, as Kushner said they triggered an abrupt change of course in the presidents approach to Israel.

'I think he felt like the Israelis were getting a little bit out of control,' Kushner said. 'It was time to be very strong and stop them from doing things that he felt were not in their long term interest.'

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (left) and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner (right) revealed that Donald Trump was blindsided by Israel s assassination of Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar last month

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attack on Hamas negotiators in Qatar on September 9 was seen as a 'betrayal' by Trump, and led the US President to change course after believing Israel was 'getting a little bit out of control, Kushner said

The top US officials said the targeting of the very leaders that they were actively negotiating with was seen as a red line that Netanyahu dared to cross.

It had a metastasizing effect, Witkoff said.

The Qataris were critical to the negotiation, as were the Egyptians and the Turks, and we had lost the confidence of the Qataris.

And so Hamas went underground, and it was very, very difficult to get to them.

Witkoff said losing the Qataris in that moment almost sunk their hopes of achieving a peace deal, because after the strikes in Doha, it became very evident how important and how critical that role was.

Images of smoke billowing over the Qatari capital last month stunned the world and caught leaders off guard, as it marked the first time Israel had ever attacked Qatar - a nation that Trump has grown increasingly close to in recent times.

Just months before, Trump announced that he had accepted a $400 million Boeing 747 luxury jet from the Qataris as a gift, and many in the president's inner circle - including Kushner - have an array of business interests tied to the nation.

Smoke seen over Doha, Qatar on September 9 following the Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders

Kushner and Witkoff seen alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) after the historic peace deal between Hamas and Israel was reached on October 13

Trump quickly showed his disapproval of Netanyahu's unexpected move in Doha.

Taking to Truth Social hours later, Trump wrote that he 'immediately directed special envoy Steve Witkoff to inform the Qataris of the impending attack, which he did, however, unfortunately, too late to stop the attack.'

'I view Qatar as a strong ally and friend and feel very badly about the location of the attack,' Trump wrote.

'I want ALL of the hostages, and bodies of the dead, released, and this War to END, NOW!'

Trump's 20-point peace plan was signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on October 13 to mark the end of the two-year Gaza war.

The accord has reunited families torn apart by the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack and is being hailed as one of the most significant breakthroughs in decades, even as questions linger over how long the truce will last.

Soon after the peace deal was struck on October 13, shocking images emerged showing Hamas executing Palestinians that it perceived as 'collaborators' with Israel.

The move sparked fears that the peace deal could fall apart soon after it was reached, and in Witkoff and Kushner's sit-down with 60 Minutes, Kushner said the actions were horrific, but not surprising.

Tonight, the U.S. State Department issued a media note that Hamas appeared to be planning an attack against Palestinian civilians, warning that such an attack would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement...



In response to reports this week that pic.twitter.com/Ga6NzRZ6MI  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 19, 2025

'Hamas right now is doing exactly what you would expect a terrorist organization to do, which is to try to reconstitute and take back their positions,' Kushner said.

'The success or failure of this will be if Israel and this international mechanism is able to create a viable alternative.

'If they are successful, Hamas will fail, and Gaza will not be a threat to Israel in the future.'
The US embassy in Trinidad and Tobago said Saturday that Americans should stay away from American government facilities this weekend.

The warning was issued 'due to a heightened state of alert,' the embassy said. No further specifics were immediately provided.

The embassy's alert 'could be linked' to rising tensions in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago's minister of homeland security Roger Alexander said to the Associated Press.

Trinidad and Tobago is only about seven miles from Venezuela.

Over the last two months, the US military has struck at least five Venezuelan boats accused of carrying illegal narcotics in the Caribbean, killing approximately 27 people.

The island nation has implemented 'security measures to deal with any situations that may arise,' Alexander said.

The US embassy in Trinidad and Tobago said Saturday that Americans should stay away from American government facilities this weekend

The US embassy told Americans to be aware of their surroundings, monitor 'reputable' news outlets and report suspicious activity to local authorities

The US embassy said Americans should be aware of their surroundings, monitor 'reputable' news outlets and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

The security alert reminded Americans looking to travel to the US that they must hold a valid passport.

Alexander assured the Trinidad Guardian that 'Trinidadians are safe.'

When asked whether senior government officials had been moved to safe houses, the outlet said Alexander responded, 'Every house is a safe house.'

John Jeremie, the attorney general of Trinidad and Tobago, added that the American embassy's warning was not related to Saturday's 'No Kings' protests in the US against Donald Trump and his administration.

Trinidad and Tobago prime minister Kamla PersadBissessar was vague when asked about the alert.

She said, 'Please ask the US. It is their notice.'

Tobago's minister of homeland security Roger Alexander said that 'Trinidadians are safe'

Trinidad and Tobago is only about seven miles from Venezuela's coast

On September 30, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X that he had met with PersadBissessar.

Rubio wrote: 'Met with Prime Minister [PersadBissessar] to discuss the strong USTrinidad and Tobago partnership on regional security, counternarcotics cooperation, and energy development.

'I also commended their government's effort to counter Transnational Criminal Organizations, curb illicit firearms and narcotics trafficking, and support Haiti through the proposed UN Support Office and Haiti Gang Suppression Force.'

Venezuela has previously accused the US of waging an 'undeclared war' in the Caribbean.

On Friday, a reporter asked Trump how Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who the Department of State has a $50m bounty on, has 'offered everything' to him following US strikes on the alleged drug boats.

The US president said: 'He has offered everything, you're right.

'You know why? Because he doesn't want to f*** around with the United States.'
by Kyaw Zin Tun

YANGON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Amid the bustle of downtown Yangon's crowded streets, where car horns blare and vendors call out to passersby, 61-year-old artist Ko Tint paints vivid Myanmar landscapes with his feet, transforming disability into beauty.

Born in Myanmar's Shan state, Ko Tint faced challenges from the very beginning. He was born with underdeveloped arms that he can not use, yet his spirit remained unbroken.

"I didn't understand much about painting when I was young," he recalled softly. "But I loved beauty. I drew flowers and other pictures in books."

When he was about eight years old, tragedy struck. His father passed away, leaving his mother to raise several children alone. As the eldest, Ko Tint took on responsibility early, tending other people's cattle to help support his family.

His life changed course when he was sent to a church-run orphanage in Taunggyi. There, fate intervened in the form of a Philippine diplomat who was deeply moved by the boy's determination and talent. The diplomat arranged for Ko Tint to study art in Yangon under a professional teacher.

Ko Tint arrived in Yangon in 1992, and immersed himself in art. He explored watercolor and acrylic painting and later mastered the delicate technique of palette knife painting under the guidance of a local artist near Kyauktawgyi Pagoda.

"I studied palette knife painting to make a living," he explained. "At first, I drew and sold my works at the foot of the pagoda."

"Painting requires patience and passion. For me, it is my passion and my profession as well," he said.

Over the decades, his gallery has not been in museums or studios but on the streets of Yangon, where art meets life.

"On the streets, I face challenges such as being frequently relocated and dealing with rain and wind," he said. "I can't work or sell when it rains. Sometimes the wind blows my paintings away."

Each morning, Ko Tint sets up his small corner near a busy intersection. With his toes, he dips and blends colors to create vivid depictions of Myanmar's beauty, misty mountains and tranquil lakes. Passersby stop, take photos, and watch in awe. Some buy his paintings, while others simply stand in quiet admiration.

"I am grateful to the people who buy my works and help me," he said. "Even though I try hard, I could not make a living without their support."

Despite his hardships, Ko Tint's outlook remains remarkably positive. "Sometimes I get depressed, especially when I can't work or earn money," he admitted. "But I understand that depression can't create anything. If we stay motivated and work hard, success will come. Some people belittle me, others praise me. I focus on those who encourage and support me. I am grateful to them. No one can belittle me forever."

Ko Tint also gives back through donations from his earnings. "I always donate from what I earn from customers and donors," he said. "I always pray for them to be happy and prosperous."

Ko Tint added that he dreams of organizing a solo art exhibition for his paintings, but the cost of renting a space is too high for him.

At home, Ko Tint is not just an artist. He is a devoted husband and father, working hard to support his family. His wife, Daw Aye Aye Naing, spoke softly of their enduring bond.

"We met when I was about 28," she recalled. "I sold betel quid, and he was attending a class at a church in Yangon. When he came to my shop, I fed him food and betel quid, and then we fell in love and got married."

She smiled warmly. "I'm proud of him. He loves me deeply. We depend on each other and take care of one another. We got married because we were destined to be together. As we grow older, we can't work as hard as before, but we still support each other in every way."

Young people who pass by Ko Tint's small art space on the street often leave inspired. 32-year-old Phone Naing shared, "I'm motivated by him. Even though he can't use his hands, he creates beautiful paintings and supports his family. It reminds me that I should try harder in my own life." 
An illegal immigrant living in Louisiana allegedly participated in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Federal prosecutors say Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi armed himself and gathered a group to cross from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel during the attack that left more than 1,200 people dead.

Hamas fighters also kidnapped more than 250 people, including dozens of American citizens, during the raid.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed this week, Al-Muhtadi was a high-ranking member of the Gaza-based terrorist group Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine - which worked hand-in-hand with Hamas during the attack.

'Evidence shows that on the morning of October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi learned about the Hamas invasion, armed himself, gathered others and crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas's terrorist attack,' the criminal complaint says.

But when he later applied for a visa to the United States, Al-Muhtadi denied he had ever been involved in terrorist activities - and he became a legal permanent resident in 2024.

Al-Muhtadi was most recently living in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked at a restaurant prior to his arrest on Thursday.

He now faces charges for visa fraud and for conspiring to provide support for a foreign terrorist organization, though more charges may be forthcoming as an investigation continues.

Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi has been arrested for allegedly participating in the October 7 attack on Israel and lying about it on his application for a visa to the United States

Al-Muhtadi, left, was reportedly a high-ranking member of the New Resistance Brigades

The criminal complaint, obtained by the Daily Mail, details how Al-Muhtadi's social media shows he had a yearslong affiliation with the New Resistance Brigades.

He was seen in photographs wearing the red headband of the group, and on December 12, 2019, Al-Muhtadi sent another social media user a message containing what appears to be a photograph of an official New Resistance Brigades form on official letterhead bearing his signature, according to the complaint.

Then in September 2020, Al-Muhtadi sent another social media user the message, 'This is my group,' along with a photo of militants wearing headbands featuring the terrorist group's logo.

When the other social media user asked how many there are, he allegedly replied: 'I have 15 young men.'

By May 27, 2022, another user sent Al-Muhtadi the message: 'The battalions' youth are ready,' the criminal complaint claims.

Other photos allegedly showed him donning a vest labeled 'Wahdat al-Nukhba,' which is the group's elite unit.

'Based on my training and experience, I believe these messages and communications indicate that al-Muhtadi was sufficiently senior in the NRB to have been tasked with training younger militants,' Supervisory Special Agent Alexandria M. Thomas O'Donnell wrote in her affidavit, which was submitted to a federal judge on October 6 of this year.

She serves on a task force investigating the murder and kidnapping of American citizens during the attack two years ago.

Photos shared on social media allegedly showed him donning a vest labeled 'Wahdat al-Nukhba,' which is the group's elite unit

He also shared photos with his colleagues of weapons he said were at his home

Al-Muhtadi also had an apparent history of engaging in attacks on Israel.

According to the complaint, he sent another social media user a message describing a New Resistance Brigades attack on a military outpost in the country, near the Gaza border.

'I swear by God, we burned them!' he allegedly wrote. 'This battle is different for us. God is the helper! Long live the resistance.'

In phone calls the US government obtained from October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi also described his knowledge of Hamass attack on Israel; his intention to participate in that attack; his effort to gather manpower and munitions before crossing the border; his travel towards Israel; his efforts to avoid detection and his eventual crossing over the border into Israel, ODonnell wrote.

She said that after Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas, called for the masses to join in on the attack, Al-Muhtadi told his associates to get ready and bring the rifles and a full magazine.

He even allegedly told his colleagues that there is kidnapping and its a game, which will be a good one.

If things go the way they should, Syria will take part, Lebanon will take part and its going to be a third world war, Al-Muhtadi reportedly said.

The FBI further alleged that Al-Muhtadi coordinated an armed group to travel into Israel, and that during the attack, his phone pinged a cell tower near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, an Israeli village were nearly 60 people were killed and 16 were kidnapped.

The victims included one kidnapped American citizen, and at least four murdered US citizens, ODonnell noted.

Al-Muhtadi entered the United States in 2024, under the Biden administration

He reportedly led a group of terrorists into Kibbutz Kfar Aza, an Israeli village were nearly 60 people were killed and 16 were kidnapped

Less than a year after the attack, the affidavit says Al-Muhtadi submitted an electronic US visa application in Cairo.

In the application, he denied serving in any paramilitary organization or having ever engaged in terrorist activities.

The application said he had intended to live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and work in car repairs or food services.

He then entered the United States in September 2024, under the Biden administration.

Once he entered the US, the affidavit says, an associate advised Al-Muhtadi not to contact anyone from the paramilitary group because he was under surveillance, and to avoid posting on social media in support of Hamas.

The FBI says Al-Muhtadi responded that he could post whatever he wanted, including pictures of Hamas leaders, and he would be safe.

He had been living in Tulsa through May but by early June had relocated to Lafayette.

An unidentified FBI agent then met repeatedly with Al-Muhtadi in Lafayette from July to September this year.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Al-Muhtadi's arrest, vowing justice

The alleged terrorist appeared in court for the first time on Friday, KATC reports.

He participated in proceedings with the help of a public defender and a translator, indicating that he had not read the affidavit - prompting the judge to read it aloud.

When he was then asked if he understood what he was accused of, Al-Muhtadi said he did as he maintained his innocence.

He is now being held at Calcasieu Correctional Center.

'After hiding out in the United States, this monster has been found and charged with participating in the atrocities of October 7 - the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust,' Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement.

'While nothing can fully heal the scars left by Hamas' brutal attack, this Department's Joint Task Force October 7 is dedicated to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day, including the murder of dozens of American citizens,' she continued.

'We will continue to stand by Jewish Americans and Jewish people around the world against anti-Semitism and terrorism in all its forms.'

Assistant Attorney General for national Security John A Eisenberg added that Al-Muhtadi's arrest is 'the first step in bringing to justice those responsible for harming Americans on that day.'

US Attorney Zachary A. Keller also said: 'Let this arrest serve as a reminder, both that those who perpetrate acts of terrorism cannot evade justice by hiding in our communities and that state, local and federal law enforcement... are working tirelessly to bring these people to justice.'

Louisiana state officials also celebrated the news of Al-Muhtadi's arrest.

'Justice will be served,' Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vowed on X, suggesting that Al-Muhtadi might be sent to the newly opened immigration detention wing of the state's maximum security prison, known as 'Louisiana Lockup.'

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murill also described the October 7 attack as 'evil personified.'

'If what is alleged is true, this person needs to be prosecuted to the absolute fullest extent of the law,' she said.

'If the death penalty is available, the federal government should seek it. If state charges can be lodged, we will seek them.

'I continue to pray for the victims of Hamas's evil actions that day and afterward,' she noted.

US Sen. Bill Cassidy additionally released a statement on social media thanking law enforcement for their work.

'Anyone involved in the October 7th attacks committed a crime against humanity and deserves to be behind bars.'
Large rocks, glass bottles and fruit have been pelted at riot police after opposing sides of immigration protests clashed in violent scenes in Melbourne.

Victoria Police officers used flashbangs, pepper spray and rubber bullets to try to control crowds after a protest against what organisers call mass migration brought strong numbers to Melbourne's CBD.

Superintendent Wayne Cheeseman said people from a counter protest, dubbed 'United Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome', were 'desperately' trying to reach the other demonstration and confront those assembled.

Two police officers were hospitalised. One female sergeant was suspected to have suffered a broken hand, while a male senior constable sustained a laceration to his leg.

Other officers had their protective shields cracked due to projectiles being thrown, police said. One man was arrested and police intend to make further arrests.

'Bins were on fire, flags were on fire  enough is enough. The disruption to Melbourne ... we need to find an answer ... The truth is, there's probably 40 to 50 hardcore protesters who were trying to harm the police,' Supt Cheeseman said.

'What concerns me though, is they are standing with the larger group, and the other group are not intervening, they're not telling them to stop, so in a way they're offering their support which is unacceptable.

'They were throwing them at the police and the horses. They weren't picking them up off the road. They brought them in with them  that shows the premeditation.'

Opposing sides of immigration rallies clashed in Melbourne on Sunday prompting a response from riot police

Police deployed pepper spray after the rallies turned violent

Superintendent Wayne Cheeseman from Victoria Police holding up a rock that was thrown at police. Two officers were hospitalised in the clashes

A demonstrator is pictured holding a sign reading 'Hang Albo', adding it should be done 'lawfully' for alleged breaches of human rights in small font

A protester is pictured refusing to be searched at the March for Australia rally in Melbourne

Supt Cheeseman defended the police's use of force and said all measures were taken to try and disperse the crowd.

'When we start getting the rocks and when we start getting other items thrown at us, we are very justified to use these type of mechanisms,' he said.

The 'March for Australia' has called for an end to 'mass migration', arguing it has 'torn at the bonds that held our communities together'.

It is the second instalment of the March for Australia rallies, arranged nationwide to protest what organisers refer to as 'mass migration'.

An earlier demonstration by the group in August led to a series of brawls and was attended by far-right extremists.

Protests and counter-protests were also held across Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide on Sunday.

Police estimated about 5,000 protesters joined the anti-mass immigration rally in Sydney, dramatically fewer than attended the earlier protest in August.

Early estimates point to a similar story in Melbourne.

Tear gas was deployed as riot police aimed to bring the March for Australia demonstrators under control

Protesters are seen burning the Australian flag at the Melbourne rally

Riot police clash with protestors at the March for Australia rally in Melbourne

Protesters also gathered in other cities nationwide to oppose 'mass migration'. Demonstrators are pictured in Sydney, with one holding a sign reading: 'worst PM in history'

Members of the public shield themselves from pepper spray with items of clothing

A line of riot police moving forward as a protester opposing the anti-immigration group runs in the foreground

Nonetheless, large swathes of Sydney and Melbourne's CBD's have been blocked off, with police maintaining a strong presence in both cities.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Sydney's CBD, draped in Australian flags and chanting: 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - oi, oi, oi'.

A demonstrator was pictured carrying a sign reading: 'Hang Albo' in large font. In smaller font, it adds it should be done so 'lawfully' for alleged breaches of human rights and international law.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's daughter Lee Hanson has presented to a crowd of demonstrators in Hobart, calling for lower migration.

'What I have a problem with is unsustainable immigration levels which we call mass immigration,' Ms Hanson said, according to the ABC.

'The government priority needs to be for those that are living here in this country first and foremost before you bring anyone else in.

March for Australia protestors covered their faces during the rally in Melbourne

Two police officers were hospitalised and at least on protester was arrested

The trouble unfolded when an anti-immigration rally were confronted by a left wing rally

Riot police standing ready at a barricade in Melbourne

The March for Australia rally in Melbourne turned to chaos as riot police were forced to disperse demonstrators

March for Australia demonstrators are pictured marching through Sydney's CBD

Demonstrators turned out draped in Aussie flags in Sydney's Hyde Park

Pictured is a demonstrator carrying a sign with a side-by-side of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Penny Wong reading 'dumb and dumber'

'It's not rocket science... Slow [immigration] down and manage it effectively.'

Attendees roared in support when Ms Hanson pointed out members of the Labor and Liberal parties were not in attendance.

Meanwhile, federal MP Bob Katter was pictured marching alongside thousands protesters in Brisbane.

He took aim at Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in an address to gathered reporters, accusing him of working to bring thousands of Palestinians into the country.

Last week, Burke told the National Press Club as many as 700 Gazans may arrive in Australia in the future, following estimates nearly 2,000 had arrived as of December 2024.

Aerial images captured hundreds of March for Australia protesters crossing Canberra's Commonwealth Bridge towards police and anti-racism demonstrators.

The first March for Australia event in August attracted tens of thousands of people nationwide and prompted warnings from leaders of some migrant communities for members to stay indoors in case of potential violence.
A Qantas customer has accused the airline of offering inconsistent prices, after his flight increased by more than $300 the moment he logged into his account.

Sydney man Bailey Macklinshaw was attempting to book a return flight from Sydney to Melbourne on Tuesday night when he noticed the discrepancy.

The 28-year-old said the tickets were initially listed at $618 return on his phone.

But when he logged into his Frequent Flyer account to finalise the booking, the price suddenly rose to $942.

'Part of the checkout process, it says, "Do you want to log in?" Logged in, prices jump up. I thought thats so strange,' he told Yahoo.

To confirm the difference, Mr Macklinshaw checked the same flights on his partners phone, which still displayed the lower price.

When he logged back into his account, he was surprised to find the cost had reverted to the higher price.

'I did the incognito and did a different browser, so went from Safari and Chrome to see if that changed it, grabbed my laptop and it was still the same,' he said.

Sydney man Bailey Macklinshaw (above) accused Qantas of advertising inconsistent prices, claiming the cost of his return flight jumped when he logged into his Frequent Flyer account

Mr Macklinshaw, who travels frequently for work and is a gold Qantas member, said this was not the first time he had noticed such pricing changes.

'Its not the first instance either,' he said.

'I fly regularly this is my 58th flight with them this year. One [flight] a week at this point, if not two a week. Its not ideal,' he said.

He said he contacted the Qantas customer service line for help, but claimed his call was disconnected midway through the conversation.

Concerned the price might rise again, he decided to book the more expensive fare.

The business development manager said the fluctuations made it difficult to manage travel costs.

'It gets a bit hard when youre coming down for a job to do this and then your flights have literally doubled in a span of an hour, two hours or one minute, which is the crazy part,' he said.

To add to his frustration, Mr Macklinshaws flight to Melbourne was cancelled just hours before departure.

Customers shared similar experiences booking through Qantas, claiming they had begun to factor in the price differences when considering flight costs (stock image)

He was rebooked on a later service that was listed at a cheaper price than what he had originally paid.

A Qantas spokesman told the Daily Mail it was investigating the matter.

Mr Macklinshaw was inundated with comments from other travellers who said they had experienced similar price changes when booking flights.

'All airlines do this!' one woman wrote.

'They've done it to me too, so many issues', another added.

A third wrote: 'It's all a hassle; if you're wealthy, no problem - book it, takes five minutes. If you're trying to get the best price, it can take hours of your time.'
The family of Virginia Giuffre have demanded Andrew has his 'prince' title removed amid growing calls for him to be kicked out of his lavish grace and favour mansion after relinquishing all of his royal titles.

After yet another week of scandal, Andrew this week announced he would no longer be known as the Duke of York and was stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter  the country's most ancient order of chivalry.

His ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, with whom he continues to live with at the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge at Windsor, will also now only been known as Sarah Ferguson.

The former husband and wife have repeatedly been plunged into a series of humiliating scandals over their links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein - and it's understood Prince William will be more 'ruthless' when he ascends to the throne.

Andrew will also relinquish his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order but he will remain a prince, having been born the son of Queen Elizabeth.

Last night, the brother of the late Ms Giuffre - who claimed she had sex with Andrew in London when she was 17 - called on King Charles to go one step further and strip him of his 'prince' title.

Sky Roberts told BBC Newsnight that his sister would have been 'very proud' of the latest development, but that he would like the King to go 'take out the prince in the Andrew'.

'I think anybody that was implicated... should have some sort of responsibility and accountability for these survivors,' he said.

It comes as the Mail on Sunday revealed today how Andrew told the Met Police to dig up dirt on Ms Giuffre by handing over her confidential social security number, how Epstein bankrolled Fergie for 15 years and how he introduced Andrew to a second woman who had been sexually abused by the paedophile financier for years.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail today: 'When William becomes King, he is likely to pursue a tough policy and we may never see Andrew or Sarah in public again at a royal event.'

Virginia Giuffre photographed with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in London in 2001

Calls are growing for Prince Andrew to be kicked out of Royal Lodge (pictured), his lavish Windsor mansion

Royal author Phil Dampier added: 'I honestly think Andrew and Fergie are finished in this country and their best bet would be to start a new life abroad, possibly in the Middle East where he has friends or in Switzerland where they could ski and just stay out of the limelight.'

Ms Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew in August 2021, seeking unspecified damages for battery, including rape, and the infliction of emotional distress.

She alleged that she was forced to have sex with him three times when she was just 17 years old under the orders of Epstein.

The case was settled outside of court on February 15 2022, for a reported 12million, with 2million thought to have been donated to her sex trafficking charity.

Andrew did not admit wrongdoing and has consistently and vehemently denied the claims.

Backing Ms Giuffre's family's calls for Andrew to leave Royal Lodge, royal author Ingrid Seward said: 'People are furious. He might not be a Duke any more, but he still lives like a Prince.

She added to The Sun: 'How can he possibly continue to live on the Windsor Park estate in a 30-room mansion?

'The time has come for the King to tell Andrew to pack up and tell him: 'I'm sorry, take the money you've put into Royal Lodge and start a new life elsewhere.'

Royal author Andrew Lownie told The Times that Andrew could voluntarily vacate Royal Lodge but that he is likely to stay there 'as long as he can afford to'. Mr Lownie said Andrew pays a peppercorn rent and has spent up to 10million restoring the mansion.

'Besides, Royal Lodge is the last status symbol for a man who has little sense of his own identity beyond once being second in line to the throne,' he added.

The former duke has a 'cast-iron' tenancy agreement until 2078 but there are growing calls for King Charles to kick him out.

After another humiliating week for the House of York, it's understood Andrew cancelled an extravagant birthday party for Fergie at Royal Lodge last Wednesday as the Epstein scandal engulfed the pair yet again.

Last night, it also emerged that Andrew insisted Ms Giuffre sign a gagging order so he did not embarrass Queen Elizabeth during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The bombshell claim is set to be revealed in Ms Giuffre's tell-all memoir from beyond the grave, which will be published on Tuesday.

She writes: 'I agreed to a one-year gag order, which seemed important to the Prince because it ensured that his mother's Platinum Jubilee would not be tarnished any more than it already had been.'

The agreement meant Ms Giuffre was barred from discussing her abuse at the hands of Epstein during the 70th year of the late Queen's reign.

Ms Giuffre's brother Sky said he had 'shed a lot of happy and sad tears' after Andrew announced he would give up his royal titles, but that 'he shouldn't be able to call himself a prince'.

It comes days before Ms Giuffre's tell-all memoir from beyond the grave is set to be published, which Mr Fitzwilliams said 'will be toxic for Andrew'.

He added: 'Only 1 per cent of documents linked to the deceased paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have been made public. This could therefore be an almost endless stream of embarrassment and it is clear that they could be highly incriminating both to Andrew and also to Sarah Ferguson.

'There will almost certainly be more public disgust at what is revealed.'

Speaking about Andrew's future at Royal Lodge, Mr Fitzwilliams said: 'As his defences crumble, he and Sarah Ferguson may feel obliged to downsize, if his denials become totally untenable and the evidence becomes overwhelming.'

It comes as the Mail on Sunday revealed today how Andrew embroiled the Metropolitan Police and one of Queen Elizabeth's most senior aides in a campaign to smear Ms Giuffre.

A bombshell email obtained by this newspaper exposes how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded Met bodyguard to investigate Ms Giuffre and passed him her date of birth and confidential social security number.

Astonishingly, Andrew then told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his personal protection officers  part of the Met's elite SO14 Royal Protection Group  to dig up information about Ms Giuffre.

He emailed Mr Perkins hours before this newspaper first published the infamous picture of the duke with 17-year-old Ms Giuffre, which would ultimately bring about his downfall.

Prince Andrew, King Charles III and Prince William attend the Funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on September 16

Prince Andrew's statement released by Buckingham Palace yesterday announcing his relinquishing of his titles

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in June 2016 at Royal Ascot. Sarah Ferguson (pictured right) will also be banned from royal events when William is king

'It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States,' he wrote. 'I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].'

It is not suggested that the officer complied with the prince's request, while Ms Giuffre's family last night said she did not have a criminal record.

Her relatives said our revelations 'expose the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors. The truth will surface and there will be no shadows in which they can hide.'

A spokesperson for the Met told the MoS late on Saturday that they were 'actively looking into the claims made.'

Ed Miliband described this newspaper's revelations as 'deeply concerning'.

The Energy Secretary was asked about the reports in The Mail On Sunday as he appeared on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

The Energy Secretary told BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'These are deeply concerning allegations. I think people want to look at those allegations and what the substance is behind them.

'But if that is correct, that is absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used.'

Asked if he would support legislation to strip Andrew of his titles, the minister insisted the Government would be guided by the Royals.

He added: 'I think the royal family have said that they didn't want to take up parliamentary time with this. There are lots of other things that Parliament is discussing.'

The MoS has also revealed how Epstein introduced Andrew to a second woman who had been sexually abused by the billionaire for years.

The woman, who the MoS has chosen not to name as she is a victim of sexual abuse, was introduced to Andrew by Epstein via email on August 11, 2010 and may have met the prince in London later that month.

Andrew has so far been linked with only one Epstein victim, the late Ms Giuffre. Andrew has always vehemently denied her claims.

We can reveal the woman, a blue-eyed blonde, was 'not only abused by Epstein but trafficked by him for many years', according to her legal representative. The woman 'has suffered a great deal of harm as a consequence' of the horrific sexual abuse she was forced to endure, her lawyer added.

In an email sent on August 11, 2010 Epstein wrote: 'I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with. Her name is XXXXX (redacted). She will be in London 20-24.'

Andrew responded: 'Of course. I am in Geneva until the morning of 22nd but would be delighted to see her. Will she be bringing a message from you? Please give her my contact details to get in touch.'

He signed off 'A' followed by HRH The Duke of York KG, standing for Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter, the titles he has now lost.

Epstein replied by sending the woman's email and copying her into a message sent to Andrew.

The woman's legal representative declined to answer questions about what happened between her and Prince Andrew yet did respond to a question about another wealthy man the woman has been linked with.

When asked if she was the same person referred to in emails relating to that man and his association with Epstein, her lawyer told the MoS: 'She is the XXXXX (redacted) being discussed in the email... but she did not ever meet [the wealthy man] and was not abused by him.'

When asked directly if the woman ever met Prince Andrew or was ever abused by him the MoS was greeted with stony silence. A legal source familiar with the case said: 'You can interpret that silence how you will. It does seem strange that her lawyer would absolve the other man yet not comment on the Andrew matter.

'Of course, that does not mean Andrew is guilty of anything but it does raise more questions about his conduct. He needs to come clean about this second woman.'

The MoS also revealed today how Epstein secretly bankrolled Fergie for 15 years, according to astonishing new emails.

The convicted paedophile complained to friends about the disgraced duchess's scrounging ways in messages that suggest his financial support went far beyond the 15,000 she admitted taking from him.

In the previously unseen emails, Epstein reveals Fergie was so desperate to cosy up to him that 'she was the first to celebrate' his release from jail 'with her two daughters in tow'. Princess Beatrice would have been 20 at the time and Eugenie 19, the same age as many of his victims.

The shocking claims are contained in a huge tranche of documents under review by the US Congress. They are set to be released once they have been redacted to protect the identity of hundreds of young girls Epstein raped and sexually abused.

The sordid nature of Fergie's relationship with the paedophile and the chummy tone of their correspondence makes sickening reading that will repulse the sex offender's many victims.

Details of the shocking email come after Andrew was forced to relinquish all of his remaining titles following new damaging revelations in last week's MoS about his friendship with Epstein.

It is also reported by the Times that Prince William is set to take a tougher approach with Andrew by banning his disgraced uncle from all future royal events - including his Coronation when he ascends to the throne.

Although the Prince of Wales, 43, is said to have been 'consulted' on the decision to strip the Duke of York of his titles, he was not satisfied with the outcome and is well aware that the 'Andrew problem' will become his own in the future.

After years of Andrew being embroiled in humiliating scandals, William is planning to be a more ruthless monarch by banning his uncle from all aspects of royal life, including public and private events and most state occasions.

This will also extend to Sarah Ferguson - who had her Duchess of York title removed yesterday - who will also be banned from royal events after it was revealed last month that she had subsequently sent an email to Epstein apologising for publicly denouncing him and instead calling him her 'supreme friend'.

William is also apparently concerned about the message that Andrew's attendance at royal events gives to sexual abuse victims.

Royal author Mr Dampier said: 'I think the King has partly acted now so that Prince William doesnt have such a problem when he comes to the throne.

'It reminds me of when the late Queen made it clear before she died that she wanted Camilla to become Queen, thus saving any difficulties for Charles.'

He added: 'William can be quite ruthless and strong-willed and when he makes up his mind about someone or something he tends to stick to it, whereas his grandmother was and his father is more pragmatic and can change tack if necessary.'

In a memoir to be published this week, Ms Giuffre, who was abused by Epstein for four years, claimed that Andrew 'believed having sex with me was his birthright'.

Andrew's email to Mr Perkins is one of a series of explosive disclosures contained within a cache of emails currently with the US Congress that have been obtained exclusively by the MoS.

Ms Giuffre's family said: 'These outrageous emails are further vindication of Virginia. It underscores her courage and her strength as a truth teller.'

Last weekend, the MoS exclusively revealed that Andrew had publicly lied when he claimed he never had contact with Epstein again following a 'final' meeting with him in December 2010.

It obtained emails sent 12 weeks after that meeting in which Andrew contacted the sex offender to reassure him, the day after a picture of the prince with Ms Giuffre was published, that 'we are in this together' and would have to 'rise above it'.

Sickeningly, Andrew concluded: 'Otherwise keep in close touch and we'll play some more soon!!!' It was signed 'A, HRH The Duke of York, KG', as a knight of the Order of the Garter.

It was also revealed that Andrew met, on at least three occasions, the alleged Chinese spymaster at the centre of the current Whitehall espionage case.

Sources have told the Daily Mail that things came to a head this week after a 'constant drip, drip' of fresh claims, of which the MoS's email revelations proved the 'most significant issue'.

The changes will take effect immediately and were decided upon in recognition of the fact that the prince's personal issues continued to be an 'unwelcome distraction' from the work of the wider Royal Family.

However, the King has acknowledged that he cannot legally force Andrew out of his Royal Lodge home and he will continue to remain there so long as he can afford the rent.

The prince has a 100-year-plus private tenancy agreement with the Crown Estate which is said to be 'unaffected' by issues relating to his honours and titles.

The prince's titles, rather than being stripped from him, are 'in abeyance'  they effectively remain 'extant but inactive'.

It is understood that part of the King's thinking was to prevent a waste of parliamentary time formally taking the titles away. Any move to do so would have required an Act of Parliament.

But His Majesty was also very keen to 'protect' Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who remain Her Royal Highnesses as granddaughters of Queen Elizabeth.

If their father's titles had been removed, theirs would have been affected too, and Charles was keen to avoid this as he holds them 'in high regard and affection'.

'He wouldn't have wanted to sign off on anything that would impact them,' a source said.

Andrew remains a prince because he is the son of Queen Elizabeth II, according to Letters Patent  a written expression of wishes by a monarch  issued in 1917 by George V, updated by Queen Elizabeth in 2012.
A millionaire ex-reality TV star has led a bizarre protest at a 13th century castle against Chancellor Rachel Reeves' non-dom tax raids.

Ann Kaplan Mulholland, 64, who featured in The Real Housewives of Toronto, declared Lympne Castle, her home in Hithe, Kent, a micronation on Saturday.

The businesswoman has a net worth of 500million and is leaving the UK along with her plastic surgery tycoon husband Stephen Mulholland because of Reeves' reforms.

Hoping to draw attention to an impending wealth exodus, the stunt at the 135 acre estate included drag queens and court jesters on stilts, a choreographed procession, beefeaters and yeomenary.

Ms Kaplan Mulholland, who bought the castle in 2023 after moving to the UK a year earlier, arrived at her coronation by horse and carriage and was dressed in green and gold.

The Canadian-born millionaire made her fortune through a small loans company called iFinance.

The couple claimed non-dom status for three years, during which time they bought a medieval castle and invested a purported 25m to transform it into a luxury wedding venue.

They intend to keep Lympne Castle, where around 100 people are employed, but plans for future British ventures including a new credit finance business have gone up in smoke along with their tax exemptions.

Ann Kaplan Mulholland led a bizarre protest at her 13th century castle against Chancellor Rachel Reeves ' non-dom tax raids

The businesswoman declared Lympne Castle, her home in Hithe, Kent, a micronation on Saturday

She said: 'We could have gone to Dubai or Switzerland or the Bahamas. But we chose England.

'We pay tax in England, we employ people, we invested in this country.

'To abolish the non-domiciled regime that's been in place since the 1700s to attract people doesn't make any sense because we are so mobile. We can just say goodbye and get on a train to somewhere else.'

They are the latest in a string of millionaires and billionaires who are thought to be fleeing abroad, taking their spending and investing power with them after Labour pushed ahead with scrapping non-domiciled status last year.

Chancellor Reeves replaced it with a less generous scheme lasting just four years, and also discarded a rule which allowed foreign workers to avoid paying British tax on their overseas income.

Ms Kaplan Mulholland has an English mother but said it 'doesn't make any sense' to remain in the UK, now they face huge tax bills on their overseas earnings.

She said she will move to Italy, where they will pay just 200,000 a year on foreign income, but would return if her non-dom status is revived.

The businesswoman has a net worth of 500million and is leaving the UK along with her plastic surgery tycoon husband Stephen Mulholland

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Speaking previously to the Daily Mail, she said Labour 'don't want wealthy people in the UK'.

'It's not that we're not willing to pay taxes: we do pay taxes in the UK, we employ over 100 people.

'We bring clean capital to the UK, we've invested in businesses in the UK, we pay tax in the UK. But it's like they don't really want the wealthy in the UK, which I think is a big error.

'There's an opportunity for 'Reckless' Reeves, as I call her, to try to save this.'

Mr Mulholland also owns a manufacturing plant employing 3,000 people overseas - the tax bill on which would have been substantive.

'We have businesses we've built from scratch that we pay tax on in other countries, we own multiple properties,' she said.

'Our children wouldn't be protected by trusts and they would be subject to exorbitant inheritance tax It makes no sense to give the Government all of that money.'
Oxford Union is in financial chaos as huge donations have been frozen following a free speech row over Charlie Kirk.

Sums of up to 500,000 have been put on hold and prominent figures have pulled out of speaking at the debating society due to the president-elect's controversial comments, it has been reported.

George Abaraonye, 20, who debated Mr Kirk just months prior to his death, sparked outrage by posting a WhatsApp message appearing to celebrate the violence against the US influencer.

In a leaked group chat Mr Abaraonye said: 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f****** go'.

Another message, believed to have come from his Instagram account, saw him joke of the matter: 'Charlie Kirk got shot loool.'

He later deleted the message after learning of Mr Kirk's death, and admitted he 'acted poorly' without 'knowing about the situation'.

But the messages have embroiled the union in scandal, with one official telling The Telegraph: 'Honestly, it feels like it's [the union] lost its identity. We're used to controversy but this has been complete and utter turmoil. I'm worried if George Abaraonye stays, there will be no future for the union.

'How can you have a free speech society where the incoming president celebrates the death of a free speech activist?'

Sums of up to 500,000 have been frozen and prominent figures have pulled out of speaking at the debating society due to the president-elect's, George Abaraonye, 20, controversial comments

Mr Abaraonye, who debated Mr Kirk just months prior to his death, sparked outrage by posting a WhatsApp message appearing to celebrate the violence against the US influencer Pictured at the Oxford Union in May 2025

It has been claimed several speakers have said they will be withdrawing from scheduled events and donors have threatened to pull their funds due to the politics, philosophy and economics student's remarks.

Cancelations include; Candace Owens, a US right-wing commentator; Zia Yusuf, the head of policy for Reform UK; Calvin Klein; Serena Williams and Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's former prime minister.

Now, in an unusual step, the Oxford University student has triggered a motion of no confidence against himself in a bid to reclaim 'true accountability'.

There was a poll on Saturday for Oxford Union members to vote on whether to oust him from his role, which is due to start in January.

Mr Abaraonye is hoping enough people vote in his favour so that he can continue in his role with renewed legitimacy.

While it has been reported a senior Oxford Union source said they have had to emphasise to many upcoming speakers the current administration is no longer associated with Mr Abaraonye.

There was a campaign by a group calling themselves Concerned Alumni of the Oxford Union to get enough people to sign up to have him ousted.

Mr Abaraonye will be forced to resign as president-elect if two thirds of those taking part in the poll vote against him.

In a leaked WhatsApp group chat Mr Abaraonye said: 'Charlie Kirk got shot, let's f****** go'.

The Oxford Union is a 200-year-old debating society for Oxford students and alumni which is independent from university management.

The university has so far not taken any disciplinary action against Mr Abaraonye.

An Oxford Union spokesman told The Telegraph: 'We invite a vast number of speakers, many of whom are unable to accommodate our invitation due to logistical reasons.

'Every term, we have many people conjecturing over which speakers are coming or not.

'The only people responsible for such deliberations are the senior members of the ongoing term's committee, for they are the one's aware of scheduling, and booking speakers.'
A British architect has claimed the Dubai government stole his eco-design and tried to lock him up.

Baharash Bagherian, 43, said the emirate's landmark plans for a man-made reef, revealed at Cop28 in 2023, were based on his own idea.

The award-winning architect, who moved to Britain from Iran aged 12, told The Times he unveiled his Dubai Reefs project in May 2023 to a wave of plaudits.

The remarkable concept was set to be the world's largest artificial reef and have ocean restoration at its heart, with exciting plans drawn up to turn it into a marine biology site.

It was also hoped the project could become a key attraction to boost Dubai's blossoming tourism industry.

But Mr Bagherian never received a call back, he claims, and only found out the emirate was pushing on with the proposals when they were announced in front of the watching world.

Dubai showed off plans for an innovative reef concept, titled Dubai Reef, at the climate event it was hosting, complete with a detailed press release and social media posts.

And, according to Mr Bagherian, the images paraded to an impressed audience were simply flipped and cropped versions of his own work and there was no mention of him or his company, URB.

British architect Baharash Bagherian has claimed the Dubai government stole his eco-design and tried to lock him up

He said the emirate's landmark plans for a man-made reef, revealed at Cop28 in 2023, were based on his own idea, pictured

He told The Times: 'For those few seconds, I just froze, because I was thinking, "My God, they're finally doing this project".

'But at the same time, I knew immediately that they had stolen it. At that moment, any excitement just collapsed to shock and fear.'

Things got even worse for Mr Bagherian once he informed ministers his idea had been taken, and requested they collaborate on it together.

He was charged with fraud and threatened with a jail sentence, while also being subjected to police questioning and barred from leaving the country.

The architect is still stuck there and has been too afraid to give interviews over fears he could be thrown in jail at a moment's notice.

'It's been a nightmare,' he added. 'Not just for me but for everyone around me. It has shattered all the illusions that I had about Dubai being the safest place in the world.'

Mr Bagherian has had no reply to a formal mediation attempt, so is pushing ahead with a civil claim against the Dubai government this week.

He moved to Britain three decades ago and last lived in Clapham, south London before winning a competition to develop a net-zero city in Dubai, leading him to the Middle East in 2018.

The remarkable project was to be the world's largest artificial reef and have ocean restoration at its heart, with exciting plans drawn up to turn it into a marine biology site

His initial Dubai Reefs designs were shown on state television and featured in a video from the government's culture and arts authority in October 2023, just weeks before the Cop28 debacle.

The plans involved an enormous collection of artificial reefs under the sea, with eco lodges and a floating marine institute perched above.

Intricate digital drawings showed the details of the proposal, and Mr Bagherian even gave interviews discussing his vision.

In April 2024, four months after he claims he witnessed his own idea taken and advertised by the Dubai government, the architect says he wrote to five ministers whose departments were involved in the development.

Emails acknowledged receipt but not one minister got in touch, according to Mr Bagherian.

Instead, crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, went scuba diving around the first artificial reef as it was placed in the sea just days later.

There has been no suggestion that the crown prince knew the idea was taken, but Mr Bagherian asserts that someone within the government must have suggested the idea as their own at some point.

In July 2024, he was ordered by a police sergeant to come in for questioning.

But Mr Bagherian never received a call back, he claims, and only found out the emirate was pushing on with the project when it was announced in front of the watching world

He claims he was not allowed to bring a lawyer for the interrogation, which confirmed he was accused of 'stealing a project from the government of Dubai'.

Mr Bagherian says once he explained his story, the mood changed and he was allowed to return within a fortnight with a statement and a lawyer.

He was then banned from leaving Dubai during the course of the criminal investigation.

There is currently a deadlock between police, who are looking to progress with the prosecution, and the emirate's attorney-general who is asking for more evidence.

Documents submitted in the civil case included evidence of identical promotional visuals and the difference in the names of the two projects being just the letter 's'.

An intellectual property expert, commissioned by Mr Bagherian, also concluded the idea was stolen 'without any reasonable doubt'.

Intellectual property law in the UK does not tend to cover theft of ideas not protected through rights like patents and copyrights.

The architect says he has been unable to visit his family during the ordeal and has not had the chance to introduce his new fiancee to the rest of his family.

He also could not travel for the funeral of his fiancee's father in May.

Mr Bagherian has turned to MPs and ministers in the British government for help and wrote to Sir Keir Starmer in June, but he says he has received no assistance.

Dubai police told prosecutors the project was first discussed as far back as 2021 and two smaller reefs were installed off the emirate in the same year.

There is no evidence of proposals that match Mr Bagherian's claimed idea so closely.

Mr Bagherian declined to comment further when approached by the Daily Mail.

The government of Dubai were also contacted for comment.
Hamas is planning an 'imminent' attack on civilians in Gaza in a 'direct and grave' breach of the Donald Trump-brokered peace deal.

The terror group are clinging onto power in Gaza and have already reportedly executed groups of 'collaborators' as it looks to assert control over areas of the strip recently vacated by Israeli troops.

The US has warned that a planned attack against Gazans is now 'imminent', risking the collapse of the ceasefire agreement.

It said it had informed fellow mediating countries Qatar, Turkey and Egypt of a 'credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.'

'This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts,' the US State Department said.

The US did not provide further details of the attack or how it would constitute a breach of the ceasefire.

Hamas denied planning an attack and accused Israel of supporting rival militias in Gaza.

Hamas, who will have no role in governing Gaza under the US plan, have already recalled 7,000 members of its security forces following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave last week.

Hamas is planning an 'imminent' attack on civilians in Gaza in what would be a 'direct and grave' breach of the Donald Trump-brokered peace deal

A horrifying video on social media appears to show several men in Gaza being executed by Hamas

Hamas have already recalled 7,000 members of its security forces following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave last week

The group's militants have been engaged in gunfights with local clans in Gaza as it looks to re-establish its authority over the strip.

Horrifying footage has also emerged showing Palestinians being executed by Hamas, sparking fears that the Gaza peace deal is already at risk of collapsing.

A tense first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is currently underway.

All living hostages were returned to Israel on Monday, but the dead bodies of 16 remain in Gaza, six days after they were supposed to be released.

The US warned Hamas that an impending attack on Gazan civilians would violate the ceasefire.

'Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire,' a statement said.

Trump has warned Hamas against the killing of civilians.

'If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday, before stating US troops would not enter Gaza.

The terror group, which has ruled the enclave for 18 years, is facing challenges from armed Palestinian groups.

Hamas was supposed to have returned the bodies of all 28 dead hostages on Monday, but the terror group claimed it needs specialist excavation kit to find the remains

At least 27 people were killed in fierce clashes between Hamas and armed members of the Dughmush family clan in Gaza City last week.

On Wednesday, a senior adviser to the president said the US and Israel were working to set up safe zones inside IDF-controlled areas of the Gaza Strip, where Palestinians fleeing from Hamas retribution could flee.

'The United States and the other guarantors remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians, maintaining calm on the ground, and advancing peace and prosperity for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole,' the State Department statement added.

Trump earlier this week suggested Hamas had been given a green light for internal security operations, saying militants wants 'to stop the problems' and 'we gave them approval for a period of time'.

But a disturbing execution video sparked concern among observers.

In footage circulating on social media, a group of men can be seen kneeling on the ground with their hands behind their backs.

Armed militants - some wearing Hamas-style headbands - stand behind the victims with their faces covered before gunshots ring out and the seven kneeling men fall to the ground, apparently lifeless.

Cheering crowds scream 'Allah Akbar,' or 'God is great', and brand the executed men 'collaborators' while filming the scenes on their phones. A Hamas source confirmed the authenticity of the video.

Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners in its jails and 1,718 detainees from Gaza as part of the deal

In the past, Hamas has been accused of carrying out public executions on the streets of Gaza. Several human rights groups and world leaders have condemned the form of punishment.

The Israeli army still controls around half of the Gaza Strip, having withdrawn, under Phase 1 of the Trump plan, to an agreed 'Yellow Line'.

While Hamas have failed to relinquish their weapons, as Trump's 20-point plan states.

In response to the US' warning, Hamas said its police forces in Gaza, 'with broad popular and community support, are fulfilling their national duty in pursuing these gangs and holding them accountable'.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently maintained that the war cannot end until Hamas gives up its weapons and ceases to control Gaza, a demand that the fighters have rejected, torpedoing all previous peace efforts.

Under the ceasefire agreement, all 28 dead Israeli hostages were supposed to have been returned on Monday, but Hamas claimed it needs specialist excavation kit to find the remains.

Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners in its jails and 1,718 detainees from Gaza as part of the deal.

Netanyahu said on Saturday the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would remain closed until Hamas returns the remaining bodies.
Prince Andrew's sex accuser Virginia Giuffre lost a baby days after having an orgy with Prince Andrew and eight other girls, her tell-all memoir claims.

Just days after being forced to relinquish his royal titles, Andrew is bracing himself for another series of humiliating blows as Ms Giuffre's biography from beyond the grave is set to be published on Tuesday.

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice will contain disturbing new details about her time with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and their many well-known friends, including Andrew.

Ms Giuffre alleged that she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times and settled with the royal prince outside of court on February 15 2022, for a reported 12million. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

Ms Giuffre took her own life on April 25 aged 41 and her memoir is set to heap further pressure on Andrew who was this week forced to relinquish his Dukedom to avoid inflicting further damage on the Royal Family.

In the book, she claims she had sex with Andrew for a third time on Epstein's 72-acre island, Little Saint James, which the paedophile nicknamed 'Little Saint Jeff's.'

In an extract published by The Guardian, Ms Giuffre says: 'I also know that it was not just the two of us this time; it was an orgy.'

She claims she was 18 at the time, adding: 'Epstein, Andy, and approximately eight other young girls and I had sex together. The other girls all appeared to be under the age of 18 and didn't really speak English.

Prince Andrew's sex accuser Virginia Giuffre (pictured with a photo of herself as a teen) lost a baby days after having an orgy with Prince Andrew and eight other girls, her tell-all memoir claims

Virginia Giuffre photographed with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in London in 2001

'Epstein laughed about how they couldn't really communicate, saying they are the easiest girls to get along with.'

She claims she lost her baby days after having the orgy with Andrew.

Ms Giuffre wrote: 'On July 8, 2001, Epstein, a few others and I flew to Teterboro Airport, outside New York City.'

She says she later woke up in a 'pool of blood' and remembers Epstein taking her to hospital and whispering to a medic about her care.

She wrote: 'I had a tiny incision near my belly button, which was consistent with a laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. But Epstein told me I'd had a miscarriage, which is something altogether different. The one thing I remember clearly is that, at one point, a doctor told me I might never be able to have children.'

In the book, she adds: 'Epstein never wore a condom. Neither did the men he and Maxwell trafficked me to.'

There is no suggestion Andrew was the father of the unborn baby.

The Daily Mail has contacted Prince Andrew's representatives for comment.

In other parts of the book which have been shared ahead of publication, Ms Giuffre tells how Andrew's disastrous Newsnight was like an 'injection of jet fuel' for her legal team, and it raised the possibility of 'subpoenaing' his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and drawing them into the legal case.

Ms Giuffre filed a lawsuit against the royal in August 2021, seeking unspecified damages for battery, including rape, and the infliction of emotional distress.

She alleged that she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew three times when she was just 17 years old under the orders of late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The case was settled outside of court for a reported 12 million, with 2 million thought to have been donated to her sex trafficking charity. Prince Andrew did not admit wrongdoing and has consistently and vehemently denied the claims.

However, in her new book Ms Giuffre exposes the details of the gagging order she was reportedly asked to sign by the prince.

She writes: 'I agreed to a one-year gag order, which seemed important to the Prince because it ensured that his mother's Platinum Jubilee would not be tarnished any more than it already had been.'

The agreement meant Ms Giuffre was barred from discussing her abuse at the hands of Epstein during the 70th year of the late Queen's reign.

Andrew, who remains a prince and continues to live in the vast Crown Estate property Royal Lodge, said on Friday that the 'continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family'.

He insisted he was putting his 'family and country first' and would stop using 'my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me'.

Ms Giuffre's family welcomed the news, saying they felt 'vindicated'.

Andrew will also step down from the Order of the Garter - the UK's most ancient order of chivalry - and will will also relinquish his position as Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order.

Speaking to Newsnight last night, Ms Giuffre's brother Sky Roberts said his sister was a 'truth teller from the beginning' - and suggested King Charles should even consider stripping Andrew of the title of 'Prince'.

Ms Giuffre tells how Andrew's disastrous Newsnight was like an 'injection of jet fuel' for her legal team

He said his sister's children would be 'incredibly proud' of her campaigning, adding: '[She] is an American hero, she's an international hero and all the years of work that she put in is now coming to some sort of justice, and these monsters can't escape from it. The truth will find it's way out.'

Mr Roberts said: 'We have shed a lot of happy and sad tears today. I think happy because in a lot of ways this vindicates Virginia.

'She was a truth teller from the beginning. I know at one point she called out that he said some things and I've said some things and only one of us is telling the truth, and she was telling the truth.

'And this is a moment where we feel very proud for her but we're also sad because she should be sitting here, she should be talking to you on Newsnight tonight but she's not and so we're here to advocate for her and her survivor sisters.'

It comes as the Mail on Sunday revealed today how Andrew told the Met Police to dig up dirt on Ms Giuffre by handing over her confidential social security number, how Epstein bankrolled Fergie for 15 years and how he introduced Andrew to a second woman who had been sexually abused by the paedophile financier for years.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail today: 'When William becomes King, he is likely to pursue a tough policy and we may never see Andrew or Sarah in public again at a royal event.'

Royal author Phil Dampier added: 'I honestly think Andrew and Fergie are finished in this country and their best bet would be to start a new life abroad, possibly in the Middle East where he has friends or in Switzerland where they could ski and just stay out of the limelight.'
Israel has ramped up air strikes in Gaza on 'terror targets' after accusing Hamas of carrying out attacks in a 'bold violation' of the Donald Trump-brokered peace deal.

The Israeli military said Hamas terrorists took part in 'multiple attacks' beyond the 'yellow line' buffer zone, calling it a 'blatant violation' of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas fighters attacked Israeli forces with a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire, an Israeli military spokesperson said.

'Both incidents happened in an Israeli-controlled area, east of the Yellow Line. This is a bold violation of the ceasefire,' they added.

The IDF said it has 'now begun a wave of strikes' in the southern Gaza strip.

There were no reports of immediate casualties after air strikes hit Rafah in southern Gaza and the city of Jabalia.

However, a doctor at al-Aqsa hospital told BBC News that six Palestinians were killed and seven others injured in an air strike on al-Zawaida in central Gaza.

The strikes were in response to 'terror operatives in the Gaza Strip launching an attack on Israeli forces in Rafah,' The Times of Israel reported.

Israel has launched an attack in Gaza after claiming Hamas violated the Donald Trump-brokered peace deal. (Hamas gunmen pictured on October 15)

Hamas fighters attacked Israeli forces with a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire, an Israeli official said. (Pictured: Gaza City on October 18, 2025)

One of the targets is a tunnel system that was previously used by Hamas to hold Israeli hostages, the newspaper said.

Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq claimed the terror group remains commited to the ceasefire, blaming Israel for violating the ceasefire.

The deal, which came into force on October 10, has seen the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages and almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The attacks launched by Hamas were intending to target Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of the Popular Forces militia, Hamas-affiliated media reported.

The Palestinian militia, which opposes Hamas and is reportedly backed by Israel, is located in a zone which remains under Israeli control.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz, the country's defence minister, have held urgent talks about the situation.

Netanyahu ordered the heads of his security forces to 'act forcefully against terrorist targets in the Gaza strip'.

The Israeli military said on Friday that 'several terrorists' had opened fire on soldiers in the Rafah area, causing no injuries.

The IDF later said it struck another group of 'terrorists' that were approaching troops in Khan Younis on the same day.

The military would continue to operate to remove immediate threats, it added.

The Israeli army began its withdrawal from Gaza last week but it still controls around half of Gaza, having withdrawn, under Phase 1 of the Trump plan, to an agreed 'Yellow Line'.

Under the 20-point peace plan, signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on October 13 to end the two-year war, Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's hardline security minister, called on Netanyahu to order the IDF to 'fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force' after the attacks.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who alongside Ben-Gvir opposed a ceasefire deal, called for renewed attacks following reports that Hamas violated the ceasefire on Sunday.

Hamas has recalled 7,000 fighters as it looks to assert control over Gaza following clashes with local militias

A horrifying new video on social media appears to show several men being executed by Hamas as the terror group continues to skirmish with local militias

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'War!' the far-right politician wrote on X.

It comes after the US warned that Hamas is planning an 'imminent' attack on civilians in Gaza in a 'direct and grave' breach of the ceasefire deal.

It said it had informed fellow mediating countries Qatar, Turkey and Egypt of a 'credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.'

'This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts,' the US State Department said.

The US did not provide further details of the attack or how it would constitute a breach of the ceasefire.

Hamas denied planning an attack and accused Israel of supporting rival militias in Gaza.

Hamas, who will have no role in governing Gaza under the US plan, have already recalled 7,000 members of its security forces following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave last week.

The group's militants have been engaged in gunfights with local clans in Gaza as it looks to re-establish its authority over the strip.

The US warned Hamas that an impending attack on Gazan civilians would violate the ceasefire.

'Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire,' a statement said.

Trump has warned Hamas against the killing of civilians.

'If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday, before stating US troops would not enter Gaza.

The terror group, which has ruled the enclave for 18 years, is facing challenges from armed Palestinian groups.

The fragile ceasefire agreement, which Trump said would bring in a 'new era of peace', has come under increasing pressure after Hamas failed to release the bodies of all 28 dead hostages on Monday.

Only 12 have so far been released and Hamas claims it needs specialist excavation kit to find the remaining bodies.

Hamas claims it needs specialist excavation kit to find the remaining bodies of the dead hostages

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On Saturday Israel received a furthter two bodies, those of Ronen Tommy Engel and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, meaning 16 still remain in Gaza.

Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners in its jails and 1,718 detainees from Gaza as part of the deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently maintained that the war cannot end until Hamas gives up its weapons and ceases to control Gaza, a demand that the fighters have rejected, torpedoing all previous peace efforts.

He said on Saturday the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would remain closed until Hamas returns the remaining bodies.
GAZA/WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Sunday rejected a statement from the U.S. Department of State that the Palestinian militant group would launch an attack against Palestinian civilians.

The U.S. State Department said Saturday that it had received "credible reports" suggesting that Hamas is planning an imminent attack against Palestinian civilians.

The United States has alerted the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement to those reports on the Hamas plan, said the department.

In a statement issued Sunday, Hamas said such allegations were groundless.

"Hamas rejects these accusations in the U.S. State Department's statement and categorically denies claims of an 'imminent attack' or 'violation of the ceasefire agreement,'" said the statement.

Such an attack by Hamas would undermine recent mediation efforts and the progress made toward peace, and "should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," the U.S. department said.

The ceasefire went into effect on Oct. 10. Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

In a statement early Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas, apart from all the remaining 20 living hostages. On Saturday evening, the IDF updated that it received the bodies of two more deceased Israeli hostages.

Earlier, Hamas said Israel's continued closure of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will "delay recovery operations and the handover of bodies of Israeli hostages."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to keep the crossing closed until further notice "constitutes a blatant breach of the ceasefire agreement and a repudiation of the commitments he made before mediators and guarantor parties," Hamas said in press statement. 
A gang of brazen thieves dropped the priceless Eugenie Crown outside the Louvre in Paris during a jaw-dropping daylight heist of the world's most visited museum.

The group of criminals swiped priceless items, including a necklace and a brooch once belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine, in broad daylight, forcing the tourist attraction to shut its doors.

The raid, which took place at around 9.30am on Sunday, saw the thieves brazenly break into the art museum, which is also home to the Mona Lisa, by propping a huge freight elevator up against its walls, according to an investigating source.

The group of several 'highly organised criminals' arrived on scooters, masking their faces to hide their identity, before pulling out chainsaws and making off with precious pieces worth millions, it added.

Among the treasures was the Eugenie Crown, adorned with thousands of diamonds and emeralds and worn by the Empress of the French in the 19th Century, which was found tossed below a window of the Louvre and broken in pieces.

The historic piece was sold at auction in 1988 for $13.5million (10m) before being donated to the Louvre in 1992. It is now worth tens of millions of dollars, expert Josie Goodbody told the Daily Mail.

It took the gang just seven minutes to complete their heist, from the moment they arrived to their speedy getaway, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.

They drove the elevator on the back of a flat-bed truck right up to a window close to the museum's Apollo Gallery (Galerie d'Apollon), which was opened by King Louis XIV in the 17th Century, he added.

'The window was cut through, using a hand-held disc cutter,' Mr Nunez said.

The world-famous Louvre museum in Paris has closed after a gang stole jewellery worth millions (pictured: French police officers next to a ladder propped up against the tourist site)

Images appear to show the disc-cutter in a lorry at the site of the robbery

Among the treasures was the Eugenie Crown, found tossed below a window of the Louvre and broken in pieces (Stock Photo)

Officers rushed to the scene and were pictured inspecting the elevator, resembling a giant ladder, which had been left up against the historical stone walls of the Louvre after the gang rushed off with the loot.

Further photos showed what appeared to be a disc-cutter on the front seat of a lorry, outside the museum, surrounded by police tape.

Meanwhile, thousands of panicking tourists were trapped inside the iconic building while a hurried evacuation took place, before being escorted towards the city's streets on a busy day in the French capital.

Police sources told Le Parisien: 'After breaking windows, two men entered, stealing nine pieces from Napoleon and the Empress's jewelry collection  a necklace, a brooch, and more.'

The room thought to be the target also included a diamond bodice bow belonging to Empress Eugenie, although it is not yet known if this was taken.

It also boasted the Regent diamond, viewed by many as the most beautiful in the world, which was strangely not stolen, according to Le Parisien.

After being crowned Emperor and Empress of France in 1804, Napoleon and Josephine amassed one of the most impressive jewellery collections ever known.

Many of the pieces were stolen from royalty during the French Revolution, while others were taken from around the country's sweeping Empire, which expanded rapidly under the emperor's rule.

Police sources added that 'the criminals gained access to the building on the Seine River side', where construction work is in progress.

'They used a freight elevator that leads directly to the targeted room,' they said.

Mr Nunez confirmed an investigation had been launched into 'theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime,' by an organised gang.

A window of the Louvre appears to be smashed in photos taken following the theft

Tourists pictured being escorted from the Louvre on Sunday after thieves arrived on scooters before pulling out chainsaws to swipe priceless historical items

Officers rushed to the scene and were pictured inspecting the empty site after a mass evacuation

Forensics teams pictured outside the Louvre in the hours after the heist

The Banditism Repression Brigade of the Judicial Police (BRB) is leading the enquiry, along with the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property.

Mr Nunez said: 'It was necessary to close the Louvre to visitors, primarily to preserve traces and clues so that investigators could work calmly. The evacuation of the public took place without incident.'

He added: 'We can't prevent everything. There is great vulnerability in French museums.

'Everything is being done to ensure we find the perpetrators as quickly as possible, and I'm hopeful.'

Those stealing historical art pieces or jewellery often work for dealers who will be unable to sell the priceless items on the black market.

Instead, the pieces will be kept hidden, and enjoyed by the master criminal who commissioned the raid, said the source.

Rachida Dati, France's Culture Minister, said: 'I am on site alongside the museum staff and the police.'

She said a criminal enquiry had been launched, and that detectives were liaising with museum staff.

According to Ms Dati, nobody was hurt during the raids, while a Louvre spokesman confirmed the museum was shut 'for exceptional reasons'.

There are regular high end art thefts in Paris, including at the Louvre.

Panicked visitors attempt to make their way out of the iconic museum following the robbery

Police surround the tourist attraction on Sunday after it was reported jewellery previously belonging to Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte was swiped from the museum

The most infamous came in 1911 when Leonardo Da Vinci's 16th Century masterpiece Mona Lisa was taken, causing an international outcry.

Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the world's most visited art museum, hid in a cupboard overnight to take the painting.

It was recovered two years later when he tried to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy.

The latest raid comes despite authorities regularly pledging to improve security at the numerous galleries across the city.

Axe-wielding thieves targeted an exhibition of miniature objects at the Musee Cognacq-Jay in Paris on November 20, 2024.

Among their haul were seven highly prized snuffboxes, including two loaned by the British Crown.

The daytime raid led to an insurance payout of more than 3 million to the Royal Collection Trust.

In 2017, three art thieves were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for stealing five masterpieces worth almost 100m from the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

A burglary in May 2010 saw works by Picasso and Matisse disappearing.
Anthony Albanese has travelled to the US for his first sit down meeting with Donald Trump, where the AUKUS security pact, trade tariffs, and Australia's mineral reserves will dominate talks.

The prime minister flew out of Brisbane on Sunday afternoon bound for Washington, where he will meet with the US president early on Tuesday morning Australian time.

Joining Albanese at the White House will be former PM Kevin Rudd, who is serving as Australia's ambassador to the US, and with whom Trump has a frosty relationship.

Rudd's role as ambassador was under scrutiny as Trump was elected for his second term in office after it was revealed he'd made years-old online posts in which he called Trump a 'traitor to the West' and the 'most destructive president in history'.

Trump in return called Rudd a 'nasty' person, 'not the brightest bulb' and said if he was 'hostile' he 'won't be there long' as ambassador. Rudd was personally appointed in the ambassador role by Albanese.

In June this year renowned US pollster Brett Buchanan claimed Trump 'didn't like' Rudd and this was backed up by retired US military intelligence specialist John Powers who said Rudd was an 'obstacle' in the Australia and US relationship.

With Rudd in tow, Albanese will be hoping to avoid criticism other world leaders have experienced during their encounters in the Oval Office, such as Trump's infamous televised argument with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February.

A war-weary Zelensky had suggested America was not putting enough pressure on Russia to end their invasion, sparking an outburst from Trump and vice president JD Vance that Zelensky should be more grateful for the help that America had provided.

Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd will accompany Anthony Albanese to the White House for the first sit down meeting between the Australia and United States leaders

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese departed Brisbane en route for Washington D.C. on Sunday

Albanese is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday in the Oval Office

The prime minister said he was looking forward to a 'positive and constructive' meeting with Mr Trump.

'Australia and the United States have stood shoulder-to-shoulder in every major conflict for over a century,' Mr Albanese said.

'Our meeting is an important opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the Australia-United States relationship.'

Education Minister Jason Clare dismissed suggestions a testy meeting with Mr Trump would be a setback to the relationship with the US.

'I doubt that's a problem. I think most Australians understand the importance of the relationship between America and Australia,' he told Sky News on Sunday.

'We've got different views on different things - Medicare, gun laws are good examples of that - but we've got more in common than we have that separates us or divides us.

'It's these sorts of values and those sorts of interests that will drive the conversation and the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese.'

Mr Albanese would face challenges in dealing with Mr Trump on his home turf, Australian National University political academic John Hart said, alluding to other world leaders who experienced tense exchanges with the president.

Thus far the two world leaders have not had a single one-on-one sit down

'Trump's behaviour is entirely unpredictable and that is an issue as far as the prime minister is concerned,' he told AAP.

Mr Albanese will be joined by Resources Minister Madeleine King and Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres for parts of the trip.

A critical minerals deal with the US is likely to be used as leverage to seek lower tariffs on exports.

Mr Clare said any possible critical minerals deal would not mean the relationship with other countries, such as China, would be strained.

'We're in favour of free and fair trade. China is our biggest trading partner. The US is our greatest and most important ally,' he said.

'A big part of our responsibility as a mature government is to work with both nations in Australia's interest.'

But Dr Hart says the US is unlikely to make an exception for Australia and keep the tariff for everyone else.

'If he did, it would put Australia offside with a lot of other trading partners affected by this because if the tariff was reduced, Australia would be able to sell more steel and aluminium than competitors,' he said.

Albanese said he hopes the meeting will be 'positive and constructive'

Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said a critical minerals deal would be a good outcome from the talks.

'That's a good leverage point for us. We have, you know, it's been said the whole periodic table here in Australia, a lot of critical minerals,' he told Sky News.

'People want choice where they get their product from, so we should be developing that industry and using that as leverage.'
Ed Miliband today denied his Net Zero drive is keeping Britons' energy costs high as he defended green levies on household bills.

The Energy Secretary insisted it was 'not correct' to suggest Labour's bid for a decarbonised electricity grid was increasing the burden on families.

But he did offer some hope of relief for hard-pressed households as he hinted Chancellor Rachel Reeves could scrap VAT on energy bills at next month's Budget.

The Government is under fresh pressure over Mr Miliband's green energy drive after household energy bills rose again this month.

On 1 October, the energy bill for the average household paying by direct debit for gas and electricity increased from 1,720 to 1,755 per year.

Octopus Energy, the UK's biggest energy supplier, has since warned electricity prices are on track to jump by a fifth over the next four or five years.

Both the Conservatives and Reform UK have vowed to ditch Britain's commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050.

And US President Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer to ramp up the production of fossil fuels to cut energy bills as he urged the Prime Minister to 'drill, baby, drill'.

A report by the North Sea Transition Authority, the government regulator, this week revealed an extra 1.1 billion barrels of oil and gas have been found in the North Sea.

Ed Miliband denied his Net Zero drive is keeping Britons' energy costs high as he defended green levies on household bills

The Energy Secretary insisted it was 'not correct' to suggest Labour's bid for a decarbonised electricity grid was increasing the burden on families

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Miliband was challenged about the roughly 20 per cent of household energy bills that is due to policy costs, including green levies, and VAT

Despite admitting energy bills are currently 'too high', Mr Miliband on Sunday reiterated his view that Britain needs to move away from the 'roller coaster' of fossil fuel prices

He told the BBC: 'We stand by our promise to get bills down by up to 300 by 2030.

'Look, the reason why bills are so high is because of our dependence on fossil fuels. The gas price is still 75 per cent higher than it was before Russia invaded Ukraine.

'There is only one route to get bills down, which is to go for clean power, home-grown clean energy that we control so we're not at the behest of the petro states and the dictators.'

Mr Miliband was challenged about the roughly 20 per cent of household energy bills that is due to policy costs, including green levies, and VAT.

Told that the Government had control over these areas and so was choosing to keep energy bills high, the Energy Secretary replied: 'No, I don't think that is correct.

'Maybe the point you're making, which is a fair point, is we've always got to look at the balance between public expenditure and levies, because we've got to build this network somehow.

'We've got an ageing electricity infrastructure. Whether you go for fossil fuels or green energy, you've got to build this infrastructure.

'Because we've got growing electricity demand - AI, all of those things now - so we've got to build that infrastructure now.

'We are always, as a Government, looking at what's the right balance between public expenditure and levies.'

Mr Miliband pointed to the new Sizewell C nuclear power station being constructed with the help of public money, which ministers say will cut energy bills in the long-term.

Asked about recent reports that Ms Reeves could cut the current 5 per cent rate of VAT charged on energy, Mr Miliband said he wouldn't 'speculate' on the Budget.

But he did not rule out the Chancellor using her next fiscal package on 26 November to provide some relief on bills for households.

'The whole of the Government, including the Chancellor, understands that we face an affordability crisis in this country,' he added.

'We face a cost-of-living crisis, a long-standing cost-of-living crisis that we need to address as a Government.

'We also face difficult fiscal circumstances. And so, obviously, we're looking at all of these issues.'

Mr Miliband appeared on the BBC after the Government published a strategy outlining how it will deliver on its promise for more than 400,000 extra jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030, doubling the existing opportunities.

Under the plans, ministers have identified 31 priority occupations that are particularly in demand, such as plumbers, electricians and welders.

Five 'technical excellence colleges' will be set up to train workers with clean energy skills, the Government said.

A new programme will also be launched to match veterans with careers in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories and nuclear power stations  as will tailored schemes for ex-offenders, school leavers and the unemployed.

Elsewhere, the plans say oil and gas workers will be able to benefit from up to 20 million from the UK and Scottish Governments for bespoke careers training in clean energy roles.

Claire Coutinho, the Tory shadow energy secretary, linked Labour's climate targets to the cost-of-living crisis.

'We've said we would repeal the climate change target, and actually we think the Net Zero targets are a problem,' she told Sky News.

'One, it's making the cost of electricity incredibly expensive. And two, we're seeing jobs move from this country to countries abroad that's actually worsening climate emissions.

'Every time a business leaves here for a country powered by coal, you're worsening climate emissions, and so we don't think it's doing what it says on the tin.

'But Net Zero targets at this point are not helping climate change the economy or cost of living for households.'

Ms Coutinho would not be drawn on when a Conservative government might aim to reach Net Zero after her party pledged to scrap the 2050 target earlier this year.

'We think decarbonisation is not a bad thing, I think caring about pollution is important, but at the moment, the targets are actually pulling you in the wrong direction,' she added.

'If you want to decarbonise, the thing you have to do is get people to use electric products, cars, home, heating, industry, to electrify their machinery.

'So we don't have a target.'

Pippa Heylings, the Liberal Democrats' energy spokesperson, called for the Government to break the link between wholesale electricity prices and gas prices.

'People aren't seeing the benefit of cheap renewable power because wholesale electricity prices are still tied to the price of gas,' she said.

'The Net Zero sector is growing three times faster than any other sector in the UK economy, opening up huge opportunities for jobs.

'The Government needs to listen to our plan to break the link between gas prices and electricity costs, so people get the benefits of cheap, clean power.

'That would reduce people's bills and build public support for the investment we need in renewable power.'
The Greens today claimed to have overtaken the Tories to become the UK's third-largest party following a membership surge under new leader Zack Polanski.

A self-described 'eco-populist', Mr Polanski was elected the Greens' new leader at the beginning of last month following an overtly Left-wing campaign.

The 42-year-old on Sunday said - in the six weeks since he took charge - he had overseen an 80 per cent increase in the party's membership.

He boasted of the Greens now having 125,000 members, which puts them only behind Labour and Reform UK in terms of party membership size.

At the time of the Conservative leadership election last year, which saw Kemi Badenoch take over from Rishi Sunak, the Tories had 131,000 members.

But, in July this year, they were revealed to have 8,000 fewer members than they did when Mrs Badenoch was elected with the party's membership having fallen to 123,000.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Polanski hailed a 'really exciting' time for his party as he set out his ambition to 'tackle the inequality at the heart of our society'.

But he also faced criticism as he repeated his view that Britain should pull out of NATO and spend billions of pounds on tackling climate change, rather than nuclear weapons.

The Greens today claimed to have overtaken the Tories to become the UK's third-largest party following a membership surge under new leader Zack Polanski

In July this year, the Tories were revealed to have 8,000 fewer members than they did when Kemi Badenoch was elected leader with the party's membership having fallen to 123,000

Latest figures showed Labour's membership stood at 333,235 at the end of last year, following a fall of around 200,000 members under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

The party shed around one in 10 members over the course of 2024, with another 37,215 members leaving during the 12 months.

Labour's current membership is well down on its recent peak of 532,046 at the end of 2019.

A ticker on Reform's website shows Nigel Farage's party currently has around 260,000 members.

The latest membership figure published by the Liberal Democrats stated they had 83,174 people within their grassroots.

Speaking to the BBC on Sunday about the Greens' membership surge since he took over the party, Mr Polanski said: 'It's really exciting, we've had an 80 per cent increase in the entire membership since I became leader.

'People are telling me what it's down to. People are feeling hope, they can hear that I'm talking about the fact people's wages aren't high enough, the cost of living is too high.

'What we really need to do is tackle the inequality at the heart of our society. The four wealthiest people in Britain own more wealth than 20 million people combined.

'The Green Party are the only party really talking about the fact people are really struggling, they're tired and exhausted, and it doesn't have to be this way.'

Later in the interview, Mr Polanski reiterated his call for Britain to quit NATO but said this should not happen 'immediately'.

'The world is in political turmoil and we need to make sure our country is defended,' he said.

But he added: 'Once we've created an alternative alliance with our European neighbours, we should absolutely be looking for a different way that is focused on peace and diplomacy rather than on nuclear weapons.'

Mr Polanski went on to demand the Government scrap a planned 15billion investment to refresh Britain's nuclear deterrent.

'We need to be making sure we're spending money on the actual climate crisis and food insecurity rather than 15billion on nuclear weapons at the same time as our NHS is crumbling,' he said.

A Labour spokesperson said: 'Zack Polanski wants to pull the UK out of NATO.

'At a time of such global instability, raising the prospect of that is a deeply irresponsible position for any party leader to take - and it's exactly what Vladimir Putin wants to hear.'

Following Mr Polanski's appearance on the BBC, the Greens said they had seen 1,000 new members join on Sunday morning to take their total membership to more than 126,000.
The teens who did it have been sentenced

Baby Antonia and her mother were attacked

A teenager who fractured a baby's skull with a metal fridge handle during a home invasion has been handed a two-year suspended sentence.

Nicole Siguenza was holding her two-month-old daughter Antonia when two youths broke into her Bokhara Street home in Larapinta, Alice Springs, on December 11, 2024.

The pair, aged 16 and 17, hid behind a kitchen counter in the home before the 17-year-old grabbed a metal fridge handle.

After being spotted, he threatened the mother-of-five with the metal weapon before striking out at her, injuring both Mrs Siguenza and her baby when the blow deflected off her.

Antonia suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed and was airlifted, along with her mum, to Adelaide's Women and Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

The teen, who cannot be named due to his age at the time of offending, was sentenced for his part in the home invasion on September 16.

The NT Department of Public Prosecutions confirmed on Friday it has decided not to appeal the eldest teen's sentence.

Initially the DPP had spent close to a month mulling over whether it would consider appealing the sentence but confirmed that option was now off the table.

Two-month-old baby Antonia had her skull fractured during a violent home invasion in December 2024

Antonia's mother, Nicole Siguenza (pictured with her partner Marlon), was also injured in the attack in her Alice Springs home

The mother and daughter were flown to Adelaide's Women and Children's Hospital in a critical condition

The 17-year-old served ten months behind bars before beginning his community corrections order.

Justice Sonia Brownhill found the teen eligible for the intensive community corrections order which is to be served at a rehabilitation facility in Alice Springs.

As part of this order the teen, now 18, will spend 12 hours a week working on a 'project', Justice Brownhill said, NT News reported.

The same judge sentenced the other teen, now 17, to two years in prison in August.

This younger teen, who did not strike the mother or her baby, had an extensive criminal history, the court heard.

He had previously been convicted of absconding from bail while on remand for the home invasion.

The boy will be eligible for parole in September 2026.

Both teens had pleaded guilty and each was convicted of theft, unlawfully causing serious harm, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and aggravated assault.

Antonia has suffered seizures as a result of her attack, and the teenager responsible has since been handed a two-year suspended sentence

Justice Brownhill said the pair had devised the plan to rob Ms Siguenza after drinking together and running out of alcohol.

CCTV footage from inside the home at the time of the break-in was shown to the court in August.

In the footage, both teens were seen harassing Ms Siguenza as she pleaded for them to leave while her children cried.

As the elder teen was seen striking the mother and her baby, the younger one carefully went from room to room looking for items to steal.

In total they left with $2,100 worth of goods, including just under half a dozen Great Northern beers, the court previously heard.

The teenagers were located on Lyndavale Drive - a short distance from the Siguenzas' home - where one was arrested and the other fled in a car.

Police arrested the second teenager following a short vehicle pursuit.

The injured tot's father, Marlon Siguenza, revealed his daughter was 'doing a whole lot better' in January.

Mr Siguenza said his daughter is doing better but still requires anti-seizure medication

Mr Siguenza, a corrections officer, previously revealed Antonia had been suffering seizures as a result of her extensive injuries.

'The fracture itself that she received on the skull has gone in a couple of directions but the neurosurgeon is confident that over time she'll make a great recovery because of her size and how young she is,' he told the ABC.

Antonia is still taking anti-epilepsy medication.

Both teens expressed remorse for their role in the home invasion during sentencing.

The eldest also promised to change his life to show the Siguenza family he is sorry, the court heard.

When his two-year suspended sentence is completed, the teen must leave Alice Springs and not return except in the case of an emergency, Justice Brownhill ordered.
Human remains believed to be a missing Philadelphia beauty queen have been located after a 'very specific' tip came in.

A body was found in a shallow grave behind Ada H. Lewis Middle School on Saturday morning in East Germantown, and according to police, it could be Kada Scott, 23.

Scott, a former Miss USA hopeful, was last seen on October 4 leaving her job at an assisted living facility in Chestnut Hill around 9.30pm.

The recent Penn State graduate seemingly vanished, as her car was left parked at work and her phone went offline. Keon King, 21, was arrested as a suspect in the case this week.

First Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department John Stanford called the discovery 'a somber and grateful moment' as he praised the public for providing information to authorities.

On Friday evening, one 'very specific' tip led police to the heavily wooded area where the body was located, Stanford said.

'While conducting a search of the property, investigators discovered a shallow grave and recovered human remains believed to be those of Kada Scott,' he added.

'This is a heartbreaking development, and our thoughts are with Kadas family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time. The Philadelphia Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served.'

Kada Scott, 23, was last seen on October 4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On Saturday morning remains were found that police believe could be her

A body, who police said is female, was found in a shallow grave behind Ada H. Lewis Middle School

The officer said that it has not yet been confirmed if the body is Scott, but did say 'all indications at this point is that it's a female.'

'We are not going to confirm at this point that it is Ms. Kada Scott because that has to be done by the medical examiner's office,' he said, adding that Scott's family are aware of the new development.

People who helped search after the tip came in said there were obvious signs something was lying beneath the dirt.

'Sign number one, fresh dirt under a board,' a man who helped search told NBC10 Philadelphia.

'So we begin to try to dig with our hands, and there's maggots there under the ground, and there's a strange smell coming from the ground.'

Members of the community, including Scott's family, have been out searching everyday since she disappeared.

The shuttered school is two and half miles from where Scott worked.

The 23-year-old is believed to have met up with an 'individual' after leaving her job.

Keon King, 21, was arrested as a suspect in the case last week. Scott has not been charged in Scott's death as of Sunday morning

An earlier tip led police to the same school on Wednesday. There they found a 1999 Toyota Camry, a vehicle Scott is believed to have been in the night she vanished.

Several of her belongings, including her debit card and phone case, were found inside the car. The front of the vehicle also sustained major damage.

King was arrested on Wednesday and charged in connection to Scott's disappearance.

He was charged with kidnapping, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, stalking, and tampering with physical evidence, according to court records reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Scott has not been charged in Scott's death as of Sunday morning. He is being held on a $2.5 million bond and being held at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.

He is due in court on November 3, per the records.

Shortly after his arrest, a terrifying video started to circulate on TikTok showing a hooded figure creepily peering through a woman's window in Philadelphia.

The 23-year-old is believed to have met up with an 'individual' after leaving her job

An earlier tip led police to the same school on Wednesday. There they found a 1999 Toyota Camry (pictured), a vehicle Scott is believed to have been in the night she vanished

The viral clip is now believed to show King trying to break into another woman's home and is part of Scott's investigation.

Police said the clip appeared to show King, who in January allegedly climbed a fence at his ex-girlfriends home and tried to break in.

In the video, the woman told King to leave and urged someone off camera to call police. Moments later, King was seen walking to the side of the house, peering into another window as he appeared to try to break in, investigators said.

Later that day, he allegedly abducted the woman from the street, forcing her into his car, driving at high speed, and biting her face while choking her. She was later treated for minor injuries.

Kings two-year-old child was in the backseat of the car during the incident, Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski told NBC10.

While King was charged for the incident, the case was withdrawn in May 2025 because the victim didnt show up to court, officials said.

In November 2024, King allegedly forced the same woman into bed and violently choked her, but those charges were also dropped when she failed to appear in court three times.

After King's arrest in connection with Scotts disappearance, prosecutors refiled earlier kidnapping charges against him for the incident involving the TikToker.

The Daily Mail contacted the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office and King's attorney for comment.
Sixteen more migrants who entered the UK illegally have been returned to France this week under Labour's 'one in, one out deal', while hundreds more have crossed the Channel on small boats.

The Home Office confirmed that the returns this week had taken the total number deported under the deal to 42.

The controversial deal which came into effect on August 6, was designed by Labour to deter migrants from making the crossing.

However in the last week another 401 migrants have arrived in Britain on small boats.

Since the treaty came into effect, the UK has also taken in another 23 migrants from France.

It is part of the 'inward' route agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron during the summer.

Home Office statistics show that between Tuesday and Friday there were no small boat crossings recorded.

However, a quiet week was followed by a busy Saturday which saw 369 make the crossing on seven small boats.

It took the total number of migrants to have made the crossing this year so far to 37, 734. Just 80 short of the total for the entire year of 2024 which was 36,816.

Hundreds more migrants have made the crossing while Labour has managed to return just 16 in the past week

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'For many years, illegal migrants entered our country with no consequence.

'This is the largest return flight under our historic deal with the French. And it sends a warning to those considering entering this country illegally: if you come here by small boat, you can be sent back.

'This is just the beginning - I will scale up these removals to France. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders.'

Sir Keir Starmer scrapped the Conservatives Rwanda asylum deal  which was designed to deter crossings and save lives  as one of his first acts in office.

However Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp previously called the treaty a 'massive con'.

He said: 'Labour is swindling the British public.

'Since the deal became operational over 10,000 illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel and Labour have removed a mere 26.

'This will obviously not deter anyone.

A large number of small boats used by people thought to be migrants, pictured at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent

'We need to leave the European Convention on Human Rights which will enable us to deport people in days - this would be a real deterrent.'

Labour's deal has been slow to take off after being mired in legal difficulties and even when fully up and running is expected to remove only around 50 migrants a week.

It was also revealed this week that the Home Office has only 12 staff working on the returns deal.

Martin Hewitt admitted to the Commons home affairs select committee the small size of the team dedicated to working on the deal, The Times reports.

He emphasised to MPs 'a whole host of other people' are involved in the process too.

The official pointed to staff who process migrants selected for removal at the Manston centre in Kent.

He also noted those at the immigration detention centre at Heathrow, where migrants are held before deportation to France.

And overall, more than 5,000 civil servants in the Home Office and National Crime Agency (NCA) are working on the small boats crisis.

For each one it takes, Britain grants asylum to another who has arrived from France, according to the scheme agreed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron (pictured at the summit in July)

Border Security Command, the immigration enforcement agency Hewitt heads up after his appointment a year ago, funds around 1,000 of them.

To date this year, 36,365 migrants have crossed the Channel, which is a third more than by this time last year.

The record was set in 2022, when 37,099 migrants had arrived by this time of the year.

Mr Hewitt said: 'I, more than anybody, find the numbers frustrating and really challenging, and this issue could not be more high-profile.

'But I am convinced that the plan, the sort of cross-spectrum plan that we have in place, is a plan that will deliver, but we need to keep pushing and delivering that plan.'

He also told the committee of his frustration that the scheme has been beset by other difficulties too.

The official said bureaucratic and legal difficulties have prevented French police officers starting to intercept small boats up to 300m from the coast.

He explained the force is still being given specialist training to make sure they are not liable for any deaths which happen in the process.

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It also comes amid instability in the French government, which collapsed earlier this month, for the third time in a year.

Though prime minister Sebastien Lecornu was reappointed after his resignation, surviving two confidence votes, interior minister Bruno Retailleau who pushed through the changes at the border has been replaced.

The French government had promised officers would be out intercepting dinghies by the end of the summer.

But currently, they cannot legally step in once the boats are on the water unless passengers ask to be rescued.

Delays to implementation have also come from the French police union, which has requested better equipment and protection.

Mr Hewitt said the prevention of crossings will be made easier once officers are able to intervene.

But when asked about it by the Commons committee, he said 'we await that being deployed'.

The commander continued: 'This was referred to by President Macron at the summit in July when he spoke with the prime minister, so it is frustrating that it's taken the time that it has the political instability, clearly that has been a backdrop.'

Britain's border security commander Martin Hewitt admitted to the Commons home affairs select committee the small size of the team dedicated to working on the deal. Pictured: French police officers take photos of migrants boarding a small boat to Britain from France on September 19, 2025

He explained the rise in violence and deaths on Channel crossings on poor migrants from the Horn of Africa storming small boats without paying for their passage.

Eritrea was the most common nationality of migrants crossing the Channel in the first half of this year, with 3,543 from the country making the journey.

Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia, meanwhile, were all in the top eight.

NCA director-general of operations, Rob Jones, explained to the Commons committee: 'What has happened this year is the Horn of Africa cohort, through their violent behaviour and then through an accommodation with the smugglers, have driven those numbers up, and that's what we're talking about in terms of injuries and fatalities.'
Donald Trump has made an AI video of himself as a fighter pilot bombing protestors with faeces.

It comes after more than seven million activists rallied across the US on Saturday for 'No Kings' protests against what they perceive to be the authoritarian and corrupt policies of Mr Trump's administration.

In an interview with Fox News, Mr Trump refuted the premise of the protests: 'They say theyre referring to me as a king. Im not a king.'

But just a day later he shared the AI-generated video of himself in a fighter jet with the words 'King Trump' strewn across it.

In the clip shared to his Truth Social Media platform, the US president is wearing a military uniform and a jeweled golden crown as the hit Danger Song by Kenny Loggins plays in the back.

The plane hovers over 'No Kings' protestors marching through Times Square and bombs them with a brown liquid that appears to be faeces.

Mr Trump also used AI to create a Time Magazine cover of himself in a crown which is captioned 'long live the King'.

Vice president JD Vance joined in on the satire and posted a video of the prsident as a king.

In the clip shared to his Truth Social Media platform, the US president is wearing a military uniform and a jeweled golden crown as the hit Danger Song by Kenny Loggins plays in the back

The plane hovers over 'No Kings' protestors marching through Times Square and bombs them with a brown liquid that appears to be faeces

It comes after more than seven million activists rallied across the US on Saturday for 'No Kings' protests against what they perceive to be the authoritarian and corrupt policies of Mr Trump's administration

He was seen in a crown and cape with a sword, while Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats kneeled to him.

It is believed Mr Vance's video was to mock a viral photo of Ms Pelosi and other Democrats wearing the traditional African dress and taking the knee in tribute to George Floyd after he was killed by police in 2020.

American's fear Mr Trump's growing power which include stationing the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Democrat-led cities.

Left-wing politicians like Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker delivered speeches at the demonstrations.

Some of the rallies turned chaotic, including an incident with a man driving into a crowd at a gathering in Culpeper, Virginia, however they were largely peaceful.
A low-profile Democratic mayor has revealed his strategy for keeping on the good side of Donald Trump - taking a markedly different approach to his fellow liberals.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has said the best way to navigate Trump's aggressive deployment of National Guard troops to blue cities is to simply lay low.

'Sometimes the louder you get, the less people listen to you,' Whitmire told the New York Times of his fellow Democrats.

'I don't respond to Trump  that could be counterproductive. Do I have personal views? Sure, and they're strong, but why do you want to challenge him?'

'Most major cities are in turmoil,' he added. 'We're not.'

Whitmire blasted other Democratic mayors from California to Illinois for loudly speaking out against Trump in a way he believes is not productive.

He singled out Brandon Johnson in Chicago, Illinois, and Karen Bass in Los Angeles particularly for their fiery rhetoric.

Johnson accused Trump of wanting to spark a 'civil war' during a No Kings protest this weekend, where he told a crowd to be 'ready to fight fascism'.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire (pictured above) has said the best way to navigate Trump's aggressive deployment of National Guard troops to blue cities is to simply lay low

Home to 2.4 million people, Houston (pictured) is the fourth most populous city in America. With a high immigrant population, it is a blue stronghold within a deep red state

The 49-year-old politician promised spectators that Chicago would remain at the forefront of the resistance against the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Bass has blamed the White House for the chaos which swept through Los Angeles when anti-ICE protests spiraled out of control in June.

She also described Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to the city as an 'all-out assault on Los Angeles', while pushing back against 'authoritarianism'.

A spokesperson for Bass told the NYT the mayor would 'never stop working for, fighting for and being the voice of LA'.

Whitmire also saved some ire for the front-runner for New York City's upcoming mayoral elections, Zohran Mamdani, for having what he described as 'a horrible record of bringing people together'.

'He's saying he's going to arrest the prime minister of Israel? You think that's how you bring people together? He and me are in different universes,' Whitmire told the NYT.

Whitmire has overseen Houston as mayor since 2024, after serving in the Texas State Senate from 1983 until 2023.

Home to 2.4 million people, Houston is the fourth most populous city in America. With a high immigrant population, it is a blue stronghold within a deep red state.

Whitmire has blasted other Democratic mayors from California to Illinois for loudly speaking out against Trump in a way he believes is not productive

Anthony Rios, a co-chairman of Houston Progressives, told the NYT that the city has a long history of 'quiet' politics, which strives to make progress without noisy confrontation.

This has been tradition since the city slowly desegregated without the violent clashes which unfolded across much of the rest of the South, largely through covert efforts to improve civil rights.

'It's the Houston way of doing politics,' Rios told the NYT. 'Just focus on economic growth.'

However, other progressives in Houston disagree with the subtle approach championed by Whitmore, saying he should have more backbone.

'This is a mayor who has no vision,' Karthik Soora, a co-chairman of Houston Progressives, told the NYT.
Liberal actor John Cusack launched a verbal assault at President Donald Trump, sending the leader a cutting message to 'go to hell.'

The 59-year-old High Fidelity star launched the tirade at Trump in an interview with CNN yesterday at a No Kings Protest in Chicago, Illinois.

The demonstration in the Midwest city was one of thousands of assemblies across the world in what protestors felt was an act of defending democracy.

Cusack, who has regularly shared his disapproval of the current administration, sent the blunt message that he said came on behalf of Chicago.

He further explained to the outlet that he was protesting federal agents being sent by the president to his city.

'Everyone knows the score, right? The authoritarians divide and conquer and they create an other and then they pick on it, pick on the person, harass them, jail them, and thats all used as a direction so they can steal as much as they can [and] maintain power,' said Cusack while sporting an all black outfit accompanied by a matching pair of sunglasses and a hat.

The Hollywood star added: 'We all know history. So, thats what hes doing, and we have masked goons roaming the streets, hiding their faces, abducting people.'

The movie star said that Trump's attempt to make Chicago a 'fascist hub' will not happen because the president doesn't understand 'all the labor rights around the world came from this town, this place.'

Liberal actor John Cusack launched a verbal assault at President Donald Trump on video, sending the leader a cutting message to 'go to hell'

The 59-year-old High Fidelity star launched a verbal assault at Trump in an interview with CNN yesterday at a No Kings Protest in Chicago, Illinois

When asked what the message from the Windy City was to the president, the actor simply responded: 'Go to hell.'

Trump has been battling with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker about deploying the national guard and immigration officers within the city.

Governor Pritzker posted to X about how proud he was of his state for peacefully protesting, to which Cusack replied: 'Trump thinks Chicago will bend the knee - no f***ing chance.'

Scattered nearly everywhere across Cusack's X account are posts dismissing the 45th and 47th president.

Most recently, the actor reposted several posts that highlighted the millions of protestors taking part in the demonstrations.

The Chicago mayor accused Trump of wanting a 'Civil War' rematch during a No Kings protest.

Trump has been battling with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker about deploying the national guard and immigration officers within the city

Thousands of assemblies took place across the world in what protestors felt was an act of defending democracy

Mayor Johnson ignited the crowd on Saturday by telling liberals to be 'ready to defend this democracy' and to be 'ready to fight fascism.'

'Are you prepared to destroy authoritarianism once and for all? Well let the world hear you, no kings!' he said in an impassioned speech.

He warned Chicago residents to be prepared for a 'rematch of the Civil War.'

'The attempt to divide and conquer this nation will not prevail because when the people are united, justice always prevails,' he said.

'If my ancestors, as slaves, can lead the greatest general strike in the history of this country, taking it to the ultra-rich and big corporations, we can do the same today.'

The 49-year-old politician promised the crowd that the liberal hotspot would remain at the forefront of the resistance against the Trump Administration.

Trump has sent troops to several cities across the US, including New York, Memphis, and Los Angeles.
CAIRO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday spoke by phone about efforts to support Gaza's reconstruction, as well as developments of the Palestinian issue amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

During the phone call, Sisi reviewed the outcomes of the recent Sharm el-Sheikh summit and Egypt's ongoing coordination with mediators to implement the first phase of the ceasefire plan to end the war in Gaza, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

The Egyptian president emphasized the alignment of views between Egypt and Malaysia on the need to build on recent developments to launch "a serious political track that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," in accordance with relevant international references.

Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's intention to host an international conference for Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction, expressing his hope for continued coordination and cooperation with Malaysia in this regard, the statement said.

For his part, Anwar expressed Malaysia's readiness to take part in the reconstruction efforts and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza "in full coordination with Egypt," it added.

The Malaysian prime minister stressed his country's "full support for Egypt's endeavors aimed at ending the war," according to the statement.

The Gaza ceasefire deal took effect on Oct. 10, following two years of war between Israel and Hamas.

Israel's military campaign has killed 68,116 Palestinians and injured 170,200 others since Oct. 7, 2023, according to Gaza's health authorities. Despite the ceasefire, 27 Gazans have been killed and 143 injured since Oct. 11, the authorities said in an update on Saturday. 
A 13-time convicted felon who is accused of killing a 20-year-old college girl has claimed the police officers who were chasing him were the cause of the fatal crash.

Donald Wayne Rownan, who was on parole, allegedly killed Paola Parbol Arredondo around 9.30am on October 15 in a car accident after he ran from law enforcement in Parkland, Washington.

The 47-year-old career criminal, from Forks, admitted to running from the authorities, but said the officers who were after him were the ones to blame.

'Rownan's demeanor appeared as if he did not care and did not believe it was his fault,' according to the trooper who interviewed the felon.

He added: '[Rownan] stated something along the lines of "You guys could have not chased me." I told him I was shocked by the lack of accountability.'

The parolee was being pulled over for his three arrest warrants, but never stopped for officers and admitted that he fled because he didn't want to go back to jail, according to Komo News.

Seconds after fleeing, Rownan ran a red light in his Chrysler 300 and t-boned Arredondo's silver Toyota Corolla.

Arredondo, who was on her way to class at Pacific Lutheran University, was killed on impact. Rownan attempted to flee the scene on foot after the collision.

He was caught and is now facing eight charges, including murder in the second degree, vehicular homicide, failure to remain at an accident resulting in death, and vehicular assault DUI.

Paola Parbol Arredondo, 20, was killed in a car accident on her way to class at around 9.30am on October 15

Donald Wayne Rownan, 47, who was on parole, allegedly killed Arredondo after fleeing from a traffic stop

The remaining charges include failure to stay at an injury accident, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, escape from community custody, and reckless driving.

Two others were in the car with the tattooed man and were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Rownan is being held on $750,000 bond, according to King 5.

The repeat offender also confessed to going about 75 to 80 miles per hour during the time of the casualty.

A drug recognition expert found that Ronan was likely under the influence of one or multiple substances, according to the outlet.

Investigators also discovered drug paraphernalia within the Chrysler.

Before the crash, the Washington man had been arrested 36 times.

When Arredondo's boyfriend, Gabriel, was asked by King 5 what he felt when he saw Rownan in Pierce County Superior Court, he said: 'Y'all don't want to hear what I have to say about him.'

Rownan, seen in court, is being held on $750,000 bond

The 47-year-old career criminal, from Forks, admitted to running from the authorities, but said the officers who were after him were the ones to blame

Arredondo was studying criminal justice and social services and worked part-time at a day care

He then went on to describe the young woman: 'She was very smart, ambitious, whatever she wanted, she would go and get it for herself.

'She would always work hard - she was a hard worker.'

Arredondo was studying criminal justice and social services and worked part-time at a day care, according to her boyfriend's mother.

Tearfully, she added: 'Such a young life taken away from us. She goes to church every day.'

'It's so sad because her parents aren't even here - they live three hours away.'

A GoFundMe was launched to help with the funeral costs, which has raised nearly $11,500.
The Department of Homeland Security recently purchased two Gulfstream private jets for its secretary, Kristi Noem, causing backlash from Democrats and other critics who have accused the secretary of lavish personal spending while in office.

The New York Times reviewed and reported documents that were posted to a public government procurement website which showed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed a contract with Gulfstream to purchase two 'used' G700 jets for a little more than $172 million.

The purchase came off as ill-timed to critics, as it took place in the midst of a government shutdown which has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed and caused mass layoffs.

This is the latest controversy faced by the DHS secretary, who has previously been accused of spending public money on personal expenditures and was given the derogatory moniker 'ICE Barbie' for her camera-ready, stylized militaristic outfits during publicized immigration raids.

In a press release from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, ranking member Rick Larsen, a Democratic congressman from Washington, said: 'While members of the Coast Guard are focused on keeping our seas safe even though many are not getting paid, Secretary Kristi Noem wants to buy hundred million dollar jets.'

The statement went on to say: 'Secretary Noem: cool your jets and fly commercial.'

Gulfstream says the G700 jet models purchased by the department boast the 'most spacious cabin in the industry.'

Department officials have said the new jets were needed for safety. Earlier this year, the Coast Guard put in a request to purchase a new long-range Gulstream V jet, at an estimated cost of $50 million, to replace Noem's aging model.

Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, is facing backlash from Democrats for the department's $172 million purchase of two new private jets for her

The G700 jets that were purchased boast the 'most spacious cabin in the industry' (stock image)

A public affairs official at the DHS told the New York Times that the department's existing jet was more than 20 years old and 'well beyond operational usage hours for a corporate aircraft.'

It is unclear why the contract expanded more than three times the original budget request or where funding for the purchase came from.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Senior advisor to the Secretary for the Coast Guard Sean Plankey responded to Congressman Larsen's criticism, saying: 'Its incredibly disappointing that Congressman Larsen has a Coast Guard facility in his district, but is playing politics with the funding of the Coast Guard.'

The statement went on to say the new jets were a matter of 'safety and mission readiness,' and that it is 'well known that senior military officials and cabinet members need secure command and control and rapid long range mobility.'

'Flippant comments like this are great for clicks and fundraising emails, but dont reflect the reality of protecting the American people,' Plankey said.

DHS representatives did not respond to the Daily Mail's inquiry about the source of funding for the jets.

Democratic lawmakers have asked Noem to 'clarify the funding source,' in a letter penned by Representatives Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois.

The letter said: 'In addition to raising serious questions about your ability to effectively lead an agency whose procurement strategies appear to vary on a whim, the procurement of new luxury jets for your use suggests that the U.S.C.G. has been directed to prioritize your own comfort above the U.S.C.G.s operational needs, even during a government shutdown.

Noem has been called 'ICE Barbie' for wearing camera-ready militaristic outfits during publicized immigration raids

Noem has been accused of misusing public funds in her current role as DHS Secretary, and she faced similar accusations when she served as the governor of South Dakota

'We are deeply concerned about your judgment, leadership priorities, and responsibility as a steward of taxpayer dollars.'

Noem has previously been accused of misusing public funds and resources, and she has been called a hypocrite for a policy she implemented at the DHS requiring any expenditure above $100,000 to be personally approved by her.

Democrats have called out the secretary for staying rent-free at a ritzy waterfront residence normally reserved for the Coast Guard's commandant. She was also criticized for using the Coast Guard's private jet for personal travel.

A spokeswoman for the department said her residency at the home was a necessary safety precaution after Noem received myriad threats and that the secretary had paid back 'tens of thousands of dollars' to the government to reimburse personal travel on the jet.

Noem also faced similar controversies while serving as the governor of South Dakota. In 2021, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported that she had spent $68,000 of taxpayer money on renovating the governor's mansion.

Those funds reportedly went toward rugs, chandeliers and the installation of a sauna.

In March, the AP reported that Noem had spent $150,000 of taxpayer money on personal and political travel costs, which included a six-day trip to Paris where she gave a speech at a right-wing event and a bear hunt in Canada with her niece.
Paris has launched a huge manhunt after audacious thieves carried out a jaw-dropping daylight heist on the Louvre, swiping nine of the museum's most priceless treasures including a 100million crown, in just seven minutes.

The gang of several 'highly organised criminals' arrived outside the world's most visited museum at around 9.30am local time on Sunday while thousands of tourists enjoyed a day out at the attraction.

Masked and wielding angle grinders, the gang parked up their scooters outside the Apollo Gallery (Galerie d'Apollon), home to jewels belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, his wife Josephine and a string of subsequent Emperors and Empresses.

They then extended a freight elevator, resembling a giant ladder, from the back of a flat-bed truck and propped it up against the wall of the gallery, which was opened by King Louis XIV in the 17th Century.

The targeted wing of the Louvre, on the River Seine side of the museum, was undergoing construction work when the gang struck. Employees had previously protested under-staffing at the museum in June.

After scurrying to the top of the ladder, they used an angle grinder to pierce through the museum's external window, before climbing into the Salle 705 exhibition room.

In a whirlwind seven-minute heist, they prised open two display cases and crammed away nine pieces of the 23-item Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte collection, Le Parisien reports.

The treasures included the Eugenie Crown, adorned with thousands of diamonds and emeralds and worn by Napoleon III's empress consort Eugenie, which was later found tossed below a window of the Louvre and broken into pieces.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Several 'highly organised criminals' arrived outside the Louvre at around 9.30am local time on Sunday and propped a freight elevator against its walls before completing a seven-minute raid

Officers rushed to the scene and were pictured inspecting the empty site after a mass evacuation

The gang is also believed to have swiped a priceless necklace and brooch from Salle 705.

By 9.40am they were out of the Louvre, disappearing into the Paris morning on their scooters just as police started to arrive.

When they got there, officers found the huge elevator left up against the museum's historic stone walls.

Further photos showed what appeared to be an angle grinder on the front seat of a truck, parked outside the Louvre and surrounded by police tape.

Meanwhile, thousands of panicking tourists were trapped inside the iconic building while a hurried evacuation took place, before being escorted towards the city's streets on a busy day in the French capital.

Forensics teams were later spotted outside the Louvre, inspecting the elevator and the truck on which it stood.

The historic Eugenie Crown, presented to the empress consort in 1855, was sold at auction in 1988 for $13.5million (10million) before being donated to the Louvre four years later. It is now worth tens of millions of dollars, expert Josie Goodbody told the Daily Mail.

Salle 705 also boasts Eugenie's diamond bodice bow, although it is not yet known if this was taken.

Among the treasures was the Eugenie Crown, found tossed below a window of the Louvre and broken into pieces (Stock Photo)

Police gather on the Louvre Pyramid spiral staircase after the theft of Napoleon collection jewellery pieces at the museum

A member of a forensic team inspects a window believed to have been used in what the French Interior Ministry said was a robbery at the Louvre museum

Images appear to show a disc-cutter in a lorry at the site of the robbery, believed to have been used to cut through the musuem's external window

It is home to the Regent diamond, viewed by many as the most beautiful in the world, which was strangely not stolen, according to Le Parisien.

After being crowned Emperor and Empress of France in 1804, Napoleon and Josephine amassed one of the most impressive jewellery collections ever known.

Many of the pieces were stolen from royalty during the French Revolution, while others were taken from around the country's sweeping Empire, which expanded rapidly under the emperor's rule.

The Louvre, with its iconic pyramid entrance, also features Leonardo Da Vinci's 16th Century masterpiece Mona Lisa.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed an investigation had been launched into 'theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime' by an organised gang.

The Banditism Repression Brigade of the Judicial Police (BRB) is leading the enquiry, along with the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property.

Mr Nunez said: 'It was necessary to close the Louvre to visitors, primarily to preserve traces and clues so that investigators could work calmly. The evacuation of the public took place without incident.'

He added: 'We can't prevent everything. There is great vulnerability in French museums.

Forensics teams inspect a window to the Apollo Gallery, believed to have been pierced by a disc cutter

Tourists pictured being escorted from the Louvre on Sunday after thieves arrived on scooters to swipe priceless historical items in an audacious heist

'Everything is being done to ensure we find the perpetrators as quickly as possible, and I'm hopeful.'

The busy Quai Francois-Mitterand, which stretches along the Louvre's buildings, was closed off to traffic until around 4pm on Sunday.

The Elysee Palace said that President Emmanuel Macron was being 'informed of the situation in real time'.

Those stealing historical art pieces or jewellery often work for dealers who will be unable to sell the priceless items on the black market.

Instead, the treasures will be kept hidden and enjoyed by the master criminal who commissioned the raid.

Rachida Dati, France's Culture Minister, said: 'I am on site alongside the museum staff and the police.'

She confirmed a criminal enquiry had been launched, and that detectives were liaising with museum staff.

According to Ms Dati, nobody was hurt during the raids, while a Louvre spokesman confirmed the museum was shut 'for exceptional reasons'.

Panicked visitors attempt to make their way out of the iconic museum following the robbery

Forensics teams pictured outside the Louvre in the hours after the heist

On June 16, staff at the Louvre staged a protest over the museum's lack of staff and overcrowding.

The demonstration delayed the opening of the tourist attraction into the afternoon, causing queues of thousands to develop outside the museum.

High-end art thefts are not unusual in Paris, including at the Louvre, which opened in 1793 after serving as a palace since the late 12th Century.

The most infamous came in 1911 when the Mona Lisa was taken, causing an international outcry.

Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the world's most popular art museum, hid in a cupboard overnight to take the painting.

It was recovered two years later when he tried to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy.

Before Sunday's brazen heist, the last theft at the Louvre took place in 1998 when Le Chemin de Sevres (The Sevres Road), by 19th Century artist Camille Corot, was plucked off the wall without anyone noticing. It remains missing to this day.

The latest raid comes despite authorities regularly pledging to improve security at the numerous galleries across the city.

A window of the Louvre appears to be destroyed in photos taken following the theft

Police surround the tourist attraction on Sunday after it was reported jewellery previously belonging to Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte was swiped from the museum

Axe-wielding thieves targeted an exhibition of miniature objects at the Musee Cognacq-Jay in Paris on November 20, 2024.

Among their haul were seven highly prized snuffboxes, including two loaned by the British Crown.

The daytime raid led to an insurance payout of more than 3 million to the Royal Collection Trust.

In 2017, three art thieves were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for stealing five masterpieces worth almost 100m from the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

A burglary in May 2010 saw works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse disappear from the same gallery.
An illegal immigrant has been jailed for piloted a small boat across the English Channel crammed with fellow migrants while wearing a Batman T-shirt.

Nader Osman Adam was clearly in control of the vessel carrying 51 adult migrants when it was intercepted by Border Force officials.

The inflatable boat, many of whose occupants wore lifejackets and had their legs hanging over the side, was spotted on November 16 last year as it headed from France to Dover.

Sudanese national Osman Adam, 30, was at the rear with his hand on the tiller.

Prosecutor Tim Evans told Carlisle Crown Court: He was also operating the throttle and clearly in control of the vessel.

At one stage, Osman Adam was seen removing a distinctive beige hoodie he was wearing, revealing a black T-shirt.

Mr Evans told jurors in his trial, where he was convicted of piloting the boat by majority verdict: The logo is the Batman wings that you are familiar with from the film and, indeed, the word Batman.

At one stage, Osman Adam also appeared to pull a dark coloured snood over his face and was seen to put on an orange lifejacket.

Nader Osman Adam pictured in Batman t-shirt after he and other migrants were detained

Giving evidence in court, immigration investigative officer Patrick Brough described damning video footage.

He said: The male was seen to move to the back right of the boat. He is sitting down, I believe, in an attempt to conceal himself from our cameras.

After the boat was intercepted, migrants were transferred to a different vessel and photographed.

Osman Adam, assigned the label migrant 36 was pictured wearing the black t-shirt bearing the name of the Caped Crusader action hero.

His phone was seized and analysed. One photograph showed him wearing the beige hoodie.

Two videos plainly taken from the back of a packed migrant boat, matched camera footage shot by Border Force officials of the same boat journey, Mr Evans said.

Messages found on Osman Adams phone were analysed and translated from Arabic into English.

One read: I (sic) as soon as I saw the emergency (services) I switched off the engine and hidden (sic) like the rest.

Mr Evans said: That message was sent on 18th November, 2024, as part of a conversation with a Facebook user who has not been identified.

Osman Adam was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after jurors convicted him of piloting boat

Osman Adam admitted arriving in the UK illegally but denied a second charge of assisting unlawful immigration by piloting the boat.

In court, he recalled leaving conflict-ravaged Sudan after his soldier father was killed.

He crossed the Sahara Desert via Chad and Libya, sailed to Italy on a small boat and then travelled to France before paying smugglers 450 Euros to cross the Channel.

In his evidence, he told jurors he was looking for safe haven.

It was not revealed whether he was paid by gangs for piloting the boat.

From Dover, Osman Adam was transported around 620 miles to Aberdeen, where he was briefly housed in migrant accommodation.

After he was later arrested, he was brought to court in England and remanded in custody.

Andrew Evans, defending, said: This was a one-way trip. There is no question of him being involved in the organisation.

He was a migrant who had something to gain from driving the boat.

Jailing Osman Adam for 27 months, judge Recorder Anna Vigars KC said: You piloted the small boat in which you and 50 other people attempted to come illegally into this country.

She added that after serving his sentence I have no doubt that the Home Office will wish to take steps to ensure that you dont remain in this country.
A male migrant borrowed a female friend's identity to tend to seriously ill patients in the A&E unit at the NHS hospital where killer nurse Lucy Letby worked, a court heard.

Lucius Njoku, 33, fraudulently used the name of agency nurse Joyce George to work as a healthcare assistant at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester.

Letby was employed at the beleaguered hospital between 2012 and 2018 and is serving 15 life sentences after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempted to kill seven others  one twice - in 2015 and 2016.

Three former senior managers are being investigated for gross negligence manslaughter. The Care Quality Commission currently rates the hospital as requiring improvement.

Njoku was not spotted by colleagues despite wearing the woman's NHS name badge - complete with clear photograph, Chester magistrates' court heard.

Over two months between February and April, he washed and dressed patients, and carried out observations.

He was only found out when a suspicious patient confronted Njoku and the fraudster blustered: 'My name is Joyce - but I am a man'.

Inquiries revealed George, 32, also a Nigerian national living in nearby Ellesmere Port, obtained a job at the hospital via an outside agency after a successful interview.

Lucius Njoku arrives at Chester magistrates' court with his wife to be sentenced for fraud

But she allowed Njoku to do her shifts under her name. It is not clear where he obtained his NHS uniform.

Police raided George's home and found Njoku at the address. Mobile phones taken from both suspects showed exchange of text messages relating to shifts at the Countess.

Both declined to comment in police interviews.

At Chester magistrates' court, Njoku, who lives with his NHS worker wife at a different address at Ellesmere Port, admitted fraud by false representation.

He received a 16-week prison term suspended for 12 months - plus 80 hours unpaid work. He must also pay 239 costs and surcharge.

It is not known whether he will be deported as he is a 'dependent' on his wife's work visa.

George fled the UK after she was charged with fraud and is thought to have returned to Nigeria. An arrest warrant was issued.

Lisa McGuire, prosecuting, told how George obtained a job at the Countess via an outside agency after an interview.

A&E department at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where Njoku worked under pal's name

Ms McGuire said: 'She permitted Njoku to do her shifts under her name.

'Fortunately, no harm was done and there were no complaints about Njoku's work. But it is the access which is the serious concern.'

Njoku, who came to Britain as a student, had no previous convictions. His solicitor Steven Alis said it was 'perhaps surprising' his presence 'was not picked up by management'.

Mr Alis said Njoku was a qualified nurse but that 'safeguarding checks had not come through' at the time of the shifts.

He added: 'He accepted the seriousness of the matter. Since then, he has obtained the appropriate authorisation but has chosen not to work in the care industry. Instead, he now has employment at Vauxhall through an agency.'

Killer former nurse Lucy Letby, is serving 15 life sentences for murdering babies in her care

Mr Alis said that Njoku's wife is a health care worker who came to the UK as a dependent on his original visa - but Njoku himself is now dependent on her visa for work purposes.

The defence accepted that if Njoku was allowed to remain in Britain, 'he may come to attention of the Home Office if he offends again'.

Sentencing on Thursday, District Judge Jack McGarva told Njoku: 'You deceived your way into a job which requires safe guarding checks.'

The judge said: 'That undermines the system. Although you were qualified and you did the work without complaint, that is not the point.'
Ed Miliband has welcomed a challenge from Jeremy Clarkson for his Doncaster North seat - but cast doubt on whether the TV star will actually launch a bid to be an MP.

Clarkson, the ex-Top Gear presenter who now runs his 'Diddly Squat' farm in Oxfordshire, recently hinted he could try to become the next Donacaster North MP.

The South Yorkshire seat has been held by Mr Miliband, the Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, since 2005.

But, in a social media post earlier this week, Clarkson paved the way for a high-profile challenge against the Cabinet minister the next time voters go to the polls.

The 65-year-old, who was born in Mr Miliband's constituency, wrote: 'People of Doncaster North. Are you happy with your MP?

'Would you like it if someone from your neck of the woods kicked him out?'

Yet Mr Miliband poured cold water on Clarkson's claims when quizzed about a potential challenge from the Clarkson's Farm and The Grand Tour host.

'I think he is a sort of long-standing aspirant to my seat,' Mr Miliband told Sky News this morning. 'I think he said in 2013 that he was going to contest my seat.

'So look, it's for other people to decide if they want to stand for Parliament, including in my seat. I welcome all comers. Let's see what happens.'

Mr Miliband later told LBC: 'Jeremy Clarkson or anyone else - bring it on I say!'

Ed Miliband has welcomed a challenge from Jeremy Clarkson for his Doncaster North seat - but cast doubt on whether the TV star will actually launch a bid to be an MP

Mr Miliband poured cold water on Clarkson's claims when quizzed about a potential challenge from the Clarkson's Farm and The Grand Tour host

Mr Miliband won Doncaster North with a majority of more than 9,100 at last year's election.

But current polling trends suggest he could be unseated by Reform UK were a general election held at the present time.

Clarkson has been a fierce critic of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Government since they won power last July.

He has joined farmers' protests against changes to inheritance tax and also spoken out against the Net Zero drive being spearheaded by Mr Miliband.

Clarkson previously suggested he could enter politics ahead of the 2015 general election, at a time when Labour were being led by Mr Miliband.

He posted on Twitter in 2013: 'I'm thinking I might stand in the next election as an independent for Doncaster North, which is where I'm from. Thoughts?'

Clarkson has expressed his support for the Conservatives in the past and is a friend of former Tory PM David Cameron.

In a recent column for The Sun newspaper, he praised the Tories for the 'common sense' on display at their recent party conference in Manchester.

He also launched an attack on both Reform leader Nigel Farage and Sir Keir.

'Farage rarely talks about the economy and when he does, his numbers don't add up,' Clarkson wrote.

'He says he wants to cut taxes and increase spending by 150billion. Huh?

'But before anyone has the chance to question his logic, he scuttles back to his safe space and starts raging about small boats.

'Starmer, meanwhile, has no clue what to do about the economy because he's thick. That's why he's broken it.

'The fact is that nothing in this country will work if the economy isn't booming, and it won't boom if we have a government that stifles it with rules and taxes.'
A Spanish town has banned people from adopting black cats during Halloween in an attempt to prevent sinister 'rituals'.

Terrassa, in north-eastern Catalonia, will not allow residents to foster the pets between October 6 to November 10 to stop them being used as props for the festival.

Black cats are often associated with witchcraft and the town's deputy mayor Noel Duque said adoptions skyrocket around Halloween.

Terrassa's city council said there were no records of cruelty towards black cats but they were taking action after warnings from animal welfare groups.

'We are aware of an increase in people calling up to adopt and putting the cat's physical appearance first, which seems suspicious to us,' Mr Duque said.

'At the very least, we want to prevent people from adopting on a whim or because it is fashionable.

'And in cases like these, which we know exist, we want to ensure that there are no macabre practices behind them.

'This is serious. In Terrassa, if you want to adopt a black cat, it will have to be after Halloween. You will have to prove that you are going to take care of it and love it,' he added.

Terrassa, in north-eastern Catalonia, has banned people from adopting black cats in the Halloween period

Black cats are often associated with witchcraft and the town's deputy mayor Noel Duque said adoptions skyrocket around Halloween

The town has more than 9,800 cats and there are 100 felines up for adoption, 12 of which are black.

The measures are 'temporary and exceptional' precuations for animal welfare but could be repeated in the future.

In a statement, Terrassa Animal Welfare Service said banning black cat sales would 'avoid potential risk situations' and 'does not imply any discrimination in relation to the colour or characteristics of the animals, but rather a protective action aimed at guaranteeing their wellbeing'.

Exceptions will be individually assessed during the ban period.

Other areas in Spain have also introduced special measures to prevent suspicious adoptions.

La Posada Felina, a Madrid-based animal protection association, has temporarily closed all adoptions.

Natalia Esteban, who works for the organisation, told Spanish outlet Diari de Tarragona: 'At this time of year, we don't give away a single cat for adoption. Not black, not white, not any other colour.'

She said those engaging in 'witchcraft' rituals involving cats were easy to hunt down, warning these can include sacrifices and mutilations performed 'with surgical precision'.
Three people have been shot after gunfire erupted inside a dorm at Oklahoma State University during homecoming weekend.

The shooting happened early in the morning at Carreker East residential hall on the Campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Police said at least one of the victims is a student.

The victims were at an off-campus party Saturday night that then moved to the dorm in the early hours of Sunday.

The OSU Police and Safety account wrote on X: 'At approximately 3:40 a.m., the OSU Police Department responded to Carreker East residential hall after shooting victims reported the incident.'

The statement continued: 'There were multiple victims, one of which is known to be an OSU student. All are being treated at hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

'Initial reports indicate a large, private party occurred at an off-campus location. After the gathering disbanded, some attendees returned to Carreker East where the shooting occurred'

The statement also said all of the victims are being treated at hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and there is no ongoing threat to campus safety.

OSU law enforcement is on the scene and investigating. Officials have asked people who live Carreker East to avoid the area.

The shooting took place in the early morning of Sunday at Carreker East residential hall on the Oklahoma State University Campus

So far, no information has been provided about the suspect, their motive or how many shots were fired.

Oklahoma State University is located in the city of Stillwater, about 80 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.

A witness told local outlet News 9 that he heard gunshots just after 3am and saw several students running outside the dorm from his balcony.

This past week has been Oklahoma State University's homecoming week, with many alumni and family visiting the campus.

The OSU police department is asking anyone with information to contact them at 405-744-6523.

This is a breaking news story.
A gang of daring thieves shocked France as they raided the iconic Louvre in Paris, snatching the priceless Eugenie Crown before dropping it outside as they fled.

Thieves used a crane and smashed an upstairs window in a jaw-dropping heist of the world's most visited museum, before swiping priceless jewellery and escaping on motorbikes at around 9.30am on Sunday.

The seven-minute raid, which remarkably took place in broad daylight as thousands of tourists visited the museum, saw the theft of a necklace and a brooch once belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

The Eugenie Crown, which is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was also taken in the rare heist.

Despite high security at the 232-year-old Parisian museum, it is not the first time it has been audaciously targeted.

The stolen crown which was found broken on Sunday was worn by the Empress of France in the 19th Century and sold for $13.5million (10m) before being donated to the museum in 1992.

It is the most high profile theft since the Mona Lisa was taken in 1911.

Vincenzo Peruggia caused international uproar after he stole Leonardo's da Vinci's iconic work.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Several 'highly organised criminals' arrived outside the Louvre at around 9.30am local time on Sunday and propped a freight elevator against its walls before completing a seven-minute raid

Among the treasures was the Eugenie Crown, found tossed below a window of the Louvre and broken into pieces (Stock Photo)

The Italian, who worked as a glazier at the museum, hid in a broom closet overnight before he simply walked up to the painting, took it off the wall, extracted it from its case, and took it home.

Despite its simplicity, 114 years later it is still one of the most-well known art heists in history.

Peruggia kept the painting hidden in a trunk for two years before getting caught trying to sell it to a gallery in Florence.

The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre, but in the meantime police had accused a number of people of theft, including Pablo Picasso.

Poet Guillaume Apollinaire was also questioned before Peruggia, who wanted the painting returned to his native Italy, was caught when he tried to sell the work in Florence.

The painting was recovered and returned to the Louvre.

In 1983, two long-lost pieces of Italian Renaissance armour disappeared.

The ornate helmet and breastplate were only returned to the museum in 2021 and mystery continues to surrounds the theft.

Described as 'objects of pomp and circumstance', the armour was made between 1560 and 1580 in Milan and donated in 1922 to the museum by the Rothschild family.

Sunday's raid was the most high profile theft since the Mona Lisa was taken in 1911

Vincenzo Peruggia caused international uproar after he stole Leonardo's da Vinci's iconic work

The museum noted the theft had 'deeply troubled all the staff at the time.

Seven years earlier, three masked burglars climbed scaffolding outside the museum, before smashing a window and running off with a diamond-studded sword used for the 1824 coronation of King Charles X.

The sword remains missing.

And before Sunday's brazen heist, the last theft at the Louvre took place in 1998 when Le Chemin de Sevres (The Sevres Road), by 19th Century artist Camille Corot, was plucked off the wall without anyone noticing. It remains missing to this day.

Thefts from the Louvre remain uncommon due to the museum's tight security.

However, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted today that it was 'well-known' French museums are 'vulnerable'.

Last month thieves took 600,000 (530,000) of gold from the Museum of Natural History in Paris.

Items worth 6.5m (5.6m) were also stolen from the Museum of Porcelain in Limoges in September.

While Axe-wielding thieves targeted an exhibition of miniature objects at the Musee Cognacq-Jay in Paris on November 20, 2024.

In 1983, two long-lost pieces of Italian Renaissance armour disappeared. They were returned in 2021

Le Chemin de Sevres (The Sevres Road), by 19th Century artist Camille Corot, was plucked off the wall in 1998

Among their haul were seven highly prized snuffboxes, including two loaned by the British Crown.

The daytime raid led to an insurance payout of more than 3 million to the Royal Collection Trust.

In 2017, three art thieves were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for stealing five masterpieces worth almost 100m from the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

A burglary in May 2010 saw works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse disappear from the same gallery.
A deranged man has been arrested for allegedly claiming he was planning to firebomb ICE agents at a No Kings rally in New York City.

David Cox, 54, was hit with terrorism charges on Saturday after boasting to a stranger at a gas station the night before that he planned to 'fight ICE agents', police said.

Cox, from Newark Valley which is 200 miles northwest of Manhattan, told the bystander at the Owego rest stop that he 'intended to harm federal agents', cops said.

The bystander called police, who tracked Cox's car to Brooklyn, where he was detained at around 2.25pm while 100,000 people gathered at the rally in Midtown.

An NYPD spokesperson told the Daily Mail that Cox has been charged with making a terroristic threat, false report of terrorism, and making a threat of mass harm.

His police booking photograph has not been released. Online records indicate that Cox is married. He was taken into custody 'without incident', police said.

The NYPD said no firebombs or weapons were found in Cox's vehicle.

It comes as millions of people took part in No Kings protests in liberal cities across the country this weekend, from Portland Oregon to New York City.

A deranged man has been arrested for allegedly claiming he was planning to firebomb ICE agents at a No Kings rally in New York City. The rally, shown above, took place Saturday

Millions took part in No Kings protests in liberal cities across the country this weekend, from Portland Oregon to New York City. Demonstrators gathered to protest against Donald Trump and his administration's aggressive deportations, which they view as anti-democratic

A deranged man has been arrested for allegedly claiming he was planning to firebomb ICE agents at a No Kings rally in New York City. (Pictured: A No Kings rally in Chicago in June)

Demonstrators gathered to protest against Donald Trump and his administration's aggressive deportations, which they view as anti-democratic and illegal.

Trump responded by sharing an AI video of himself as a fighter pilot launching manure at No Kings protesters .

He also refuted the premise of the protests. 'They say theyre referring to me as a king. Im not a king,' the president told Fox News.

Members of Congress, who have been locked into the ongoing government shutdown as it enters its 19th day, have been among both the supporters and critics of the rallies.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, posted on X to 'encourage Americans everywhere, Americans who love this country, who care about our democracy, to march peacefully.'

'I say to my fellow citizens: do not let Donald Trump and Republicans intimidate you into silence,' Schumer added. 'That's what they want to do. They're afraid of the truth.'

Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson have decried the events, saying they are likely to include 'Hamas supporters' and 'antifa types.'

A 'No Kings' protest scheduled in New York City has dozens of sponsors, including the 'Communist Party USA.'

The description for one of the demonstrations urges attendees to commit 'to nonviolent action.'

'We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events,' organizers noted.

Pictured: No Kings protesters marching down Seventh Avenue from Times Square in NYC

In an interview to air Sunday, President Donald Trump refuted the premise of the protests, telling Fox News', 'I am not a king.'

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott planned to send National Guard troops and other law enforcement to Austin for its demonstration, earning blowback from Democrats.

'No Kings' events are expected to occur in over 2,600 locations across all 50 states.

The demonstration in Washington, DC, is set to play host to one of the largest crowds, but gatherings in other major liberal cities are sure to be sizable as well.

Organizers of the protests noted that 'Speaker Johnson is running out of excuses for keeping the government shut down.'

'Instead of reopening the government, preserving affordable healthcare, or lowering costs for working families, he's attacking millions of Americans who are peacefully coming together to say that America belongs to its people, not to kings,' the group's leaders also noted, according to Axios.

Numerous sources in Washington, DC, told the Daily Mail that they see the impasse lasting beyond Thanksgiving.

The longest government shutdown in history came during Trump's first term and stretched for 35 days between December 2018 and January 2019.

Around 100,000 people gathered at the anchor No Kings rally in New York City's Midtown

Marines and National Guard troop at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on June 14

Demonstrators turned out to protest against Trump in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 14

A Los Angeles Police Department officer points a rubber bullet gun at the crowd during a 'No Kings' march in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 14, when the protests spiraled

Numerous sources on Capitol Hill told the Daily Mail last week that they foresaw the shutdown stretching past Saturday, predicting that the longer the shutdown lasts, the more Democrats will be blamed for it.

'They are putting their own folks at a disadvantage,' one senior Senate Republican aide told the Daily Mail last week.

'If I were the "No Kings" guys, I'd be saying we need to move this [protest] up to, like, [October] 13th or 14th,' the aide added.

The last round of 'No Kings' protests took place on June 14, the day of Trump's military parade in Washington, DC, which also coincided with his 79th birthday.

Some of the demonstrations around the country turned chaotic, including an incident with a man driving into a crowd at a gathering in Culpeper, Virginia.

On the National Mall in Washington, DC, there were only a smattering of critics - some quietly holding signs with others more loudly heckling the president's MAGA fans who gathered for the military parade.
BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended condolences over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.

In a message to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Xi also extended sympathy to the family of Murayama.

Depicting Murayama as a Japanese politician with a strong sense of justice and an old friend of the Chinese people, Xi said that he had long been committed to the cause of China-Japan friendship.

In 1995, then Japanese Prime Minister Murayama delivered a formal statement on historical issues, acknowledging and profoundly reflecting on Japan's history of aggressive wars and colonial rule, and apologizing to the victim countries, he said.

The spirit of "the Murayama Statement" should be upheld, said Xi, voicing hope that Japan will work with China, learn from history, look to the future, and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations in a joint effort to advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in an all-round way. 
A fashion influencer's engagement party dress has split the internet after some fans thought her gown was like something you'd buy in the 'Shein costume section.'

Danielle Bernstein, more commonly known online as WeWoreWhat, set the internet on fire when she showed off her outfit yesterday, which has received very mixed opinions on its design.

Most of the fashion influencer's 3.3 million followers appeared to adore the dress, but users on other platforms staunchly disagreed - noting the lace undergarment below her silk balloon skirt.

Bernstein twirled around, smiling as her lacy white dress flowed through the air. Her husband Cooper joined her in a matching white suit, which also drew some backlash.

The post's caption described her outfit for the special day: 'THE DRESS! A Kim Kassas Couture custom dress stitched with history - vintage French lace, teadyed by hand to give it life and warmth, a structured silk brocade corset that echoes the past, and an asymmetrical modern balloon skirt. Romantic and special, tailored just for me!'

She paired the dress with custom Jimmy Choo shoes and Loraine Schwartz jewelry.

Her comment section was filled with the highest of compliments: 'Omg you are kidding me, an actual princess.'

Another added: 'Such an elegant and timeless look the flowing gown and classic backdrop create pure magic.'

Danielle Bernstein set the internet on fire when she showed off her Kim Kassas Couture gown yesterday alongside her husband Cooper

A third shortly noted: 'PERFECTION, iconic dress!! Congrats!'

On the other hand, some were disgusted and outraged with the fashionista's choice for such a special occasion.

Some online said: 'What is she wearing, it looks like a cheap costume, and her shoes were AWFUL, old lady shoes.'

Another added: 'What is the logic with the lace? Genuinely, it looks horrible. I have a hard time understanding what the look was.'

A third wrote: 'Looks like a Victorian nightgown hiked up for your wedding night. Very old money.'

A problem many online critics highlighted was the lace material underneath the dress, which was a different tone from the layer above it.

The fashionista made no response or comment online about the negative feedback to either her dress or her groom's suit

Her husband's white on white suit was bashed online: 'Hot take, but his outfit is somehow worse than hers,' a user wrote.

Another said: Every time I see a picture of him, hes wearing a t-shirt under a blazer. I hate it so much.'

However, the influencer made no response or comment online about the negative feedback to either her dress or her groom's suit.

Prices of the Kim Kassas Courte dresses are unavailable on their website, but it is believed to cost somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000 or more, according to The Wedding Showcase.
Donald Trump has never minced words when it comes to his political opponents - and his latest rant about Barack Obama is no exception.

During an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump doubled down on the claim that it was the former president who threatened democracy by allegedly spying on his 2016 election campaign.

He first noted that all of the indictments right now 'caused Obama the other day in a podcast, to say that right now, democracy is being threatened.'

The President added: 'He says that all the time. He's the one that threatened it, by spying on my campaign. He started it. Obama spied on my campaign, and he did it knowing it was illegal.

'He knew it was illegal, but he started the whole thing. And there were a lot of dishonest people, and I suspect they'll be caught,' he told Maria Bartiromo in a pre-recorded interview.

Republicans have doubled down in recent weeks on the idea that they have fallen victim to politically motivated surveillance at the hands of Democrats in the last few years. Democrats have refuted such allegations.

A bombshell document released by Republican Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley earlier this month shows that the lawmakers were being investigated during a probe into the January 6 Capitol riot.

Donald Trump doubled down on his claim that his 2016 presidential campaign was spied on

The President was being interviewed by Maria Bartiromo on Fox News earlier today

Obama speaks with Trump at Jimmy Carter's funeral in Washington, DC, on January 9

Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville, Ron Johnson, Cynthia Lummis and Marsha Blackburn, were probed, according to an FBI document published by Grassley.

Pennsylvania's Republican Representative Mike Kelly was also investigated, the document shows.

The one-page file was created in the wake of former special counsel Jack Smith's Arctic Frost investigation, which probed the riot and election interference claims.

The file sheds light on how the FBI conducted its investigation and used phone records to track sitting lawmakers.

It is titled CAST Assistance, which refers to the agency's cellular analysis survey team.

The President claimed: 'Obama spied on my campaign, and he did it knowing it was illegal'

The file is dated September 27, 2023, indicating that the investigation into the Republicans' cellular data lasted well into Biden's term.

Independent journalist Matt Taibbi also testified before Congress on September 30th about the TSA's Quiet Skies program, which was meant to weed out individuals who were threats to national security after 9/11.

Taibbi uncovered that, instead, former Democrat congresswoman and Trump's current Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was spied on, as were three unnamed GOP members of Congress.

Quiet Skies was shuttered by the Trump administration earlier this year after 'costing taxpayers approximately $200 million per year, all while failing to stop a single terrorist,' per DNI Gabbard.
A Democratic senator and doctor has been slammed for appearing to wish death upon President Donald Trump at a No Kings rally over the weekend.

Connecticut State Senator Saud Anwar was all smiles at a protest on Saturday afternoon as he held up a sign stating: 'Cholesterol, do your job!' alongside images of fried chicken, a burger and French fries.

Although the sign did not explicitly say he was referring to the president, Anwar held the sign as he joined roughly seven million people across the country in protest of Trump and his administration.

High cholesterol - which the doctor was seemingly wishing upon Trump - increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and ultimately death.

Anwar was one of many who created posters and marched across New York City, Connecticut, Washington D.C., among other locations.

The image of Anwar, a Pakistan-born physician, quickly drew major criticism online.

Conservative activist account Libs of TikTok shared the image of Anwar on X, calling it 'absolutely disgusting.'

'Connecticut State Senator Saud Anwar (D) who is also a doctor and is from Pakistan, held up this sign at the no kings protest appearing to suggest he hopes Trump gets sick and dies,' the group wrote.

'Absolutely disgusting post for a sitting government official and doctor no less! Any comment @CTDems??.'

Connecticut State Senator Saud Anwar (left) faced intense backlash after he posted a picture of him holding up a sign that read: 'Cholesterol, do your job!' during a No Kings protest on Saturday

Anwar joined roughly seven million people across the country in protest of Trump (pictured Thursday) and his administration

Texas Senator Ted Cruz also condemned Anwar for his post, stating: 'Hate and violence define todays Dems. Tragic.'

Another user suggested he should 'have his medical license revoked' over the sign.

'Connecticut Senator Dr. Saud Anwar, a physician, owes his constituents, the medical community, and the nation a full and public apology. How dare he call for our nation to have its President become gravely ill or die,' someone else wrote.

Many commented directly under the doctor's post, which remained up as of Sunday afternoon.

'That is horrible. What a terrible thing to wish on anyone!,' a commenter wrote.

Another questioned: 'Is this what politicians mean by turning down the rhetoric?'

'Back to subtly rooting for death....love it. The party of acceptance,' someone else chimed in.

While a majority of people appeared to disagree with the message Anwar promoted, some were all for it.

'Best sign yet!,' one person wrote.

'Funny sign,' a user commented as another said: 'The cholesterol must be republican, it doesnt want to work.'

Anwar is a Pakistan-born physician and politician. He previously served as the mayor of South Windsor, Connecticut from 2013 to 2015, then again from 2017 to 2019

A crowd of No Kings protestors filled the Utah State Capital Saturday holding up homemade signs

Anwar is a pulmonary doctor and graduate of Yale University, as well as Aga Khan University located in Pakistan.

He previously served as the mayor of South Windsor, Connecticut from 2013 to 2015, then again from 2017 to 2019

The Daily Mail contacted Anwar and the Connecticut Dems for comment.

Anwar was not the only Democratic leader to participate and speak out about the protests.

Liberals flooded streets across the nation on Saturday against the Trump administration's actions that they view as illegal and subverting American Democracy.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, posted on X to 'encourage Americans everywhere, Americans who love this country, who care about our democracy, to march peacefully.'

'I say to my fellow citizens: do not let Donald Trump and Republicans intimidate you into silence,' Schumer added. 'That's what they want to do. They're afraid of the truth.'

Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson have decried the events, saying they are likely to include 'Hamas supporters' and 'antifa types.'

In an interview to air Sunday, President Donald Trump refuted the premise of the protests, telling Fox News', 'I am not a king.'

Thousands more filled New York City's Times Square in protest of the president's administration

He then went on to share a bizarre AI video of himself as a fighter pilot bombing No Kings protestors with feces.

In the clip, shared to his Truth Social account, Trump was seen riding aboard a fighter jet with the words 'King Trump' strewn across it.

The US president donned a military uniform and a jeweled golden crown as the hit Danger Song by Kenny Loggins played in the background.

The plane hovered over No Kinds protestors marching through Times Square and bombed them with a brown liquid that appears to be feces.

Trump also used AI to create a Time Magazine cover of himself in a crown which is captioned 'long live the King.'

Vice President JD Vance joined in on the satire and posted a video of the president as a king.

He was seen in a crown and cape with a sword, while Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats kneeled to him.
A British mother died on a family holiday in Cape Verde after falling ill at a five-star hotel.

Elena Walsh, 64, had been staying at Riu Cabo Verde, a luxury resort on the picturesque Sal island in the south of the African country, when she became fatally unwell in August.

The part-time nurse, from Kings Heath in Birmingham, had jetted out for a 12-night stay for a double celebration of her husband's 60th birthday and her son's recent engagement.

But just a week into the trip, Ms Walsh began suffering with symptoms such as sickness and diarrhoea as well as heavy sweats which left her 'so weak she had to be helped into a wheelchair'.

Ms Walsh was assessed in her room by a nurse on the morning of August 9, the day after she began feeling unwell, and was quickly taken by taxi to a local clinic before being transferred to hospital.

However, the 64-year-old's condition rapidly deteriorated at a 'sudden and distressing' rate, and she was tragically pronounced dead at around 6.30am on August 10.

Ms Walsh's death has 'absolutely broken' her family, including husband Patrick, who also fell ill on the holiday, their son, Sean, 29 and his fiancee, Gemma Kentish, 26, all of whom had been on the trip.

Now, Mr Walsh, who was married to his late wife for nearly 40 years, has revealed how he and the family had grave concerns about the hygiene standards at the hotel during their trip.

Elena Walsh (above) died on a family holiday in Cape Verde after falling ill at a five-star hotel

Ms Walsh (centre) had been celebrating the 60th birthday of her husband (left) and the recent engagement of her son (right) with a holiday on the African island

He said: 'I'm not sure we'll ever get over what happened to Elena, but we have so many concerns about what caused her death.

'We were really worried about the hygiene at the hotel - the food was often lukewarm, the cheese on the pizza was not melted properly and seemed undercooked.

'On one night my son mentioned that the chicken tasted funny, so he stopped eating it.

'I found at times the food in the hotel was being rushed out to be served when it hadn't been cooked properly and we noticed people standing in the pool bar all day, without leaving to go to the toilet, with the water changing colour.'

The retired plant operator said he had never seen his wife 'so poorly' in all their years together as he revealed she couldn't even walk from their room to the taxi to visit the clinic.

He continued: 'By the Saturday morning, she was so weak that she had to be helped into a wheelchair to be taken from our room and into a taxi to go to the nearby clinic.

'The care she received felt chaotic and we felt like we were in the dark around what was happening despite asking for updates.

'After hours of trying to treat her, they suddenly told us Elena's organs were failing and there was nothing they could do for her.'

Ms Walsh (left) is pictured with her husband Patrick, son Sean and his fiancee Gemma - all of whom were on holiday with her when she died

Mr Walsh has now instructed medical negligence lawyers to investigate the care his late wife received.

Jatinder Paul, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing him, said: 'Elena's loved ones are devastated by her death and the sudden circumstances surrounding it.

'Understandably, they have a number of questions about how she contracted her illness and the care she received in Cape Verde.

'While nothing can make up for their loss we're determined to at least help establish the answers they deserve.'

The law firm is representing more than 1,500 UK holidaymakers to Cape Verde who have fallen ill over the last three years, including over 200 at the Riu Cabo Verde.

Mr Paul added: 'We continue to hear too many concerning reports of people falling ill at all-inclusive resorts across Cape Verde, including the Riu Cabo Verde.

'It beggars belief that so many holidaymakers fall seriously ill at this hotel year-on-year.'

Mr Walsh said: 'The least we feel we deserve is answers, not just for our family but if Elena did fall ill, and die, because of the hygiene conditions at the hotel, we can then help try and prevent other families from going through the same horrific ordeal we have endured.'

An inquest into Elena's death is expected to be held at a later date.

The Riu Cabo Verde has been approached for comment.
Israel says it has halted the supply of humanitarian aid into the Gaza strip in the latest and most serious test of this month's US-brokered ceasefire.

It also comes as Israel launched a series of strikes on Sunday after accusing Hamas of carrying out attacks on its forces in what it called a 'bold violation' of the peace deal.

An Israeli official confirmed its suspension of delivery of aid into the Palestinian enclave, and said that the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip will remain halted 'until further notice.'

Israel's decision to suspend aid comes after famine was formally confirmed in parts of the Palestinian enclave back in August, with almost a quarter of its population facing starvation.

Since Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire last week, around 560 metric tons of food had entered the Gaza Strip per day on average.

Residents and local health authorities claimed that Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the enclave on Sunday killed at least 21 people.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the agency, which operates as a rescue service under Hamas authority, said six of the victims were killed when an Israeli strike targeted a 'group of civilians' in Zuwaida town in central Gaza.

Six other people, including children, were killed and 13 others injured in two separate strikes near Nuseirat in central Gaza, Bassal said.

Smoke rises from Gaza following an Israeli airstrike, as seen from Israel, October 19, 2025

Israel says it has halted the supply of humanitarian aid into the Gaza strip

It comes as Israel launched a series of strikes in Gaza on Sunday after accusing Hamas of carrying out attacks on its forces. Pictured: A Palestinian woman reacts after her relative was killed in an Israeli strike, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 19, 2025

The fatalities were confirmed by Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital and Al-Awda hospital.

A woman and two children were killed when a drone strike hit a tent housing displaced people near Asdaa City, north of Khan Yunis.

Two people, including a journalist, were killed and several others injured in an Israeli strike in the western part of Zuwaida town in central Gaza.

In another attack, two people were killed and several injured when an Israeli strike hit a tent in the Al-Ahli Club area in Nuseirat, central Gaza, Bassal said.

Two more people were killed in an Israeli air strike in eastern Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, he added.

Among the dead are six members of Hamas' al-Qassam Bridages, including commander Yahya al-Mabhou, according to local sources.

The Israeli Defence Forces said it was checking reports of casualties, and confirmed in a statement that it had struck 'dozens of Hamas terror targets'.

'The targets struck included weapons storage facilities, infrastructure used for terrorist activity, firing posts, terrorist cells, and additional terrorist infrastructure sites.'

Residents in Gaza and local health authorities said that Israeli airstrikes and tank fire across the enclave on Sunday killed at least 21 people. Pictured: Palestinians mourn for their relatives those who lost their lives in Israeli airstrike despite ceasefire in Gaza Strip on October 19, 2025

The IDF confirmed in a statement that it had struck 'dozens of Hamas terror targets'. Pictured: A man mourns following an Israeli strike that reportedly struck a house used by journalists in the Al-Zawayda city near Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza on October 19, 2025

The IDF added it had also struck and dismantled six kilometres of underground terrorist infrastructure and said that it will 'continue to respond firmly and will operate to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to respond forcefully to what he described as Hamas' violations of the ceasefire.

The military said militants in the southern area of Rafah had launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its soldiers.

The armed wing of Hamas said it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement, was unaware of clashes in Rafah and had not been in contact with groups there since March.

A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire negotiations said 'round-the-clock' contacts were underway to deescalate the situation.

Fearing the truce may collapse, some Palestinians rushed to buy goods from a main market in Nuseirat camp and families quit their homes in Khan Younis further south, after airstrikes hit nearby.

The strikes were reminiscent of Israel's response to what it viewed as serious violations of its ceasefire with Hamas' Lebanese ally Hezbollah in late 2024 - a truce agreement which has largely held since.

But formidable obstacles remain in the way of a durable peace in Gaza, where a ceasefire collapsed in March after nearly two months of relative calm when Israel fired a barrage of airstrikes.

It comes as Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight.

Netanyahu's office said the bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker from Kibbutz Be'eri.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to respond forcefully to what he described as Hamas' violations of the ceasefire

People run for cover following an Israeli strike that targeted a building in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on October 19, 2025

Both were believed to have been killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the war.

Engel's wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.

Hamas in the past week has handed over the remains of 12 hostages.

Hamas' armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said that it had found the body of a hostage and would return it on Sunday 'if circumstances in the field' allowed. It warned that any escalation by Israel would hamper search efforts.

Israel on Saturday pressed Hamas to fulfill its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages, saying the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would stay closed 'until further notice.'

Hamas says the war's devastation and Israeli military control of certain areas of Gaza have slowed the handover. Israel believes Hamas has access to more bodies than it has returned.

Israel has released 150 bodies of Palestinians back to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel has neither identified the bodies nor said how they died.

The ministry posts photos of bodies on its website to help families attempting to locate loved ones. Some are decomposed and blackened. Some are missing limbs and teeth.

Israel has accused Hamas of violating the Donald Trump-brokered peace deal. (Hamas gunmen pictured on October 15)

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Only 25 bodies have been identified, the Health Ministry said.

After Israel and Hamas exchanged 20 living hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, the handover of remains is a major issue in the ceasefire's first phase. A major scale-up of humanitarian aid is the other central issue.

A Hamas delegation led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo to follow up the implementation of the ceasefire deal with mediators and other Palestinian groups, Hamas said in a statement.

The next stages are expected to focus on disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from additional areas it controls in Gaza, and future governance of the devastated territory.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem said late Saturday that the second phase of negotiations 'requires national consensus.' He said Hamas has begun discussions to 'solidify its positions.'

The U.S. plan proposes the establishment of an internationally backed authority to run Gaza.

Kassem reiterated that Hamas won't be part of the ruling authority in a postwar Gaza. He called for the prompt establishment of a body of Palestinian technocrats to run day-to-day affairs.

For now, 'government agencies in Gaza continue to perform their duties, as the (power) vacuum is very dangerous,' he said.

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The Rafah crossing was the only one not controlled by Israel before the war. It has been closed since May 2024, when Israel took control of the Gaza side.

A fully reopened crossing would make it easier for Palestinians to seek medical treatment, travel or visit family in Egypt, home to tens of thousands of Palestinians.

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authority's Interior Ministry in Ramallah announced procedures for Palestinians wishing to leave or enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

For those who want to leave, Palestinian Embassy staff from Cairo will be at the crossing to issue temporary travel documents for entry into Egypt. Palestinians who wish to enter Gaza will need to apply at the embassy.

The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count.

The ministry maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. Israel has disputed them without providing its own toll.

Thousands more people are missing, according to the Red Cross.

The war began with Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, when militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 captives.

Israel's retaliatory campaign killed more than 68,000 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its count.

The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate by the U.N. and many independent experts.
One of the suspected thieves who launched a jaw-dropping heist on the Louvre has been filmed wearing a hi-viz vest as he appears to break into a glass cabinet and raid jewellery that once belonged to Napoleon and his family.

A gang of four 'highly organised criminals' arrived outside the world's most visited museum at around 9.30am local time on Sunday while thousands of tourists enjoyed a day out in Paris.

Masked and wielding angle grinders, they then launched an audacious raid which saw them swipe nine of the museum's most priceless treasures including a 100million crown - all in the space of just seven minutes.

Astonishing footage broadcast by French TV outlet BFM appears to show one of the gang seemingly masquerading as a construction worker, wearing a yellow hi-viz vest as he brazenly prises open a cabinet.

The group targeted a wing of the Louvre by the Seine River, where construction work was ongoing, and extended a freight elevator resembling a ladder from the back of a flat-bed truck before propping it up against the wall of the gallery.

After scurrying to the top of the ladder, the men used an angle grinder to pierce through the museum's external window, before climbing into the Salle 705 exhibition room.

In the whirlwind heist, the gang hurriedly prised open two display cases and crammed away nine pieces of the 23-item Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte collection.

One of the pieces stolen, an emerald-and-diamond encrusted crown of Empress Eugenie, was recovered after it was dropped and damaged while the men fled on mopeds.

The gang, who remain at large, escaped with a total of eight pieces.

The suspected thief was filmed as the group raided priceless jewellery that once belonged to Napoleon and his family

Empress Eugenie's tiara (pictured), created by Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier in 1853, was stolen

Empress Eugenie's brooch, pictured, which contains 2,438 diamonds, was stolen in the raid. It made its way into the collections of Caroline Astor and the Countesses Beauchamp before it was sold in New York in the 1980s.

Thieves also got away with an emerald necklace, pictured, from the Marie-Louise set. The set was made by master jeweller Francois-Regnault Nitot in 1810.

A pair of emerald earrings, pictured, from the Marie-Louise set, were stolen in the theft. It was made in Paris by Francois-Regnault Nitot in 1810.

The tiara, pictured, from the jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Horten that was made in Paris in the 19th century, was taken

The gang swiped the necklace, pictured, from the sapphire jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense. It was made in Paris between 1800 and 1835

One earring, part of the pair, pictured, from the sapphire jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortens, was nabbed. It was made in Paris in the first third of the 19th century

The pictured brooch, known as the reliquary brooch, was created in 1855 by Paul-Alfred Bapst. It was taken by thieves in the Louvre raid

The Crown of Empress Eugenie (pictured), created in 1855, was stolen but found discarded and damaged shortly after the heist. It was created specially for the Exposition Universelle in Paris, and holds diamonds and emeralds

The Louvre, nestled in the heart of the French capital and far and away the most visited art museum in the world, was quickly put into lockdown as politicians and detectives descended on the scene of the crime.

Chief prosecutor Laure Beccuau told BFM that the men were a 'strike team' who threatened museum guards with the angle grinders which they used to cut the glass booths.

WHAT JEWELS WERE STOLEN? Tiara from the jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

Necklace from the sapphire jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

Earring, part of a pair from the sapphire jewellery set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense

Emerald necklace from the Marie-Louise set

Pair of emerald earrings from the Marie-Louise set

Brooch known as the reliquary brooch

Tiara of Empress Eugenie

Large bodice knot (brooch) of Empress Eugenie Advertisement

Though Ms Beccuau confirmed the Louvre's alarms were functioning at the time, she said there remains questions over whether it sounded in the gallery when the theft was taking place.

'Organised criminal gangs can have two aims: either to fulfil an order placed with them, or to acquire gems for money-laundering ends,' she added.

There are around 60 investigators working on the high-profile case with French authorities launching a manhunt to locate the culprits, one of whom's hi-viz vest has already been recovered.

'I have no doubt that (the museum) will be able to recover the stolen items in the coming days', Ms Beccuau added.

It was the first theft from the Louvre since 1998, when a painting by Corot was stolen and never seen again.

Sunday's raid relaunched a debate over what critics says is the poor security at the nation's museums, far less secure than banks and increasingly targeted by thieves.

Last month, criminals broke into Paris's Natural History Museum, making off with gold samples worth $700,000 (521,000).

The same month, thieves stole two dishes and a vase from a museum in the central city of Limoges, the losses estimated at $7.6 million (5.66million).

Sunday's robbery sparked angry political reactions.

'How far will the disintegration of the state go?' said far-right National Rally party leader Jordan Bardella on social media, calling the theft 'an unbearable humiliation for our country'.

French police officers stand next to a furniture elevator used by robbers to enter the Louvre Museum, on Quai Francois Mitterrand, in Paris on October 19, 2025

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French Justice Minister Gerard Darmanin said on Monday the jewellery heist at the Louvre museum on Sunday gave a very negative image of France as it implied a failure of security services.

'There are many museums in Paris, many museums in France, with priceless values in these museums,' Darmanin said in an interview with French radio station France Inter.

'What is certain is that we failed,' he said, adding the police will eventually arrest the authors

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed: 'We will recover the works and the perpetrators will be brought to justice' in a statement on X.

He added: 'Everything is being done, everywhere, to achieve this, under the leadership of the Paris prosecutor's office.'

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said two thieves arrived on Yamaha Tmax scooters, while two others were waiting on the back of a flat-bed truck with an extendable ladder.

'The window was cut through, using a hand-held disc cutter,' he said, adding that the group even used a chainsaw to get into display cabinets.

France's culture ministry confirmed eight 'objects of invaluable cultural heritage' were stolen in the raid, including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon gave his wife Empress Marie Louise.

The Eugenie Crown, which was found broken and discarded by the thieves below the Louvre window, was among the numerous priceless jewels in the ornate Galerie d'Apollon.

Made in 1855, the Second Empire piece is adorned with thousands of diamonds and emeralds. It is named after Eugenie de Montijo, who became Empress of the French following her marriage to Napoleon III in 1853.

Napoleon III's father was Louis Bonarparte, the younger brother of the more famous Napoleon I, or Napoleon Bonaparte.

After being crowned Emperor and Empress of France in 1804, Napoleon and Josephine amassed one of the most sumptuous jewellery collections ever.

Beyond Eugenie's Crown, items stolen included another crown, earrings and a brooch.

Many of the pieces were stolen from Royalty during the French Revolution, while others were amassed from around the Empire.

Mr Nunez confirmed that an investigation had been launched into 'theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime,' by a 'highy organised criminal gang'.

The 'Banditism Repression Brigade of the Judicial Police (BRB)' is leading the enquiry, along with the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property.

Mr Nunez said: 'It was necessary to close the Louvre to visitors, primarily to preserve traces and clues so that investigators could work calmly. The evacuation of the public took place without incident.'

Mr Nunez added: 'We can't prevent everything. There is great vulnerability in French museums. Everything is being done to ensure we find the perpetrators as quickly as possible, and I'm hopeful.'

He said CCTV footage was being studied, and that it was not impossible that the perpetrators are foreigners.

He added: 'The gang was experienced and had obviously been watching the site before the operation.'

One of the mopeds used by the criminals was later found abandoned in a nearby street.

Rachida Dati, France's Culture Minister, said: 'I am on site alongside the museum staff and the police.'

She said nobody was hurt during the raids, while a Louvre spokesman confirmed the museum was shut 'for exceptional reasons.'

The group extended a freight elevator resembling a ladder from the back of a flat-bed truck before propping it up against the wall of the gallery

Investigators were seen at the Louvre this afternoon after it was placed into lockdown

Forensics crews were seen collecting evidence from the elevator used by the robbers

Police transported the elevator used by robbers to enter the Louvre away from the scene

Officers were pictured inspecting the empty site outside the Louvre after a mass evacuation

Police gather on the Louvre Pyramid spiral staircase after the theft of Napoleon collection jewellery pieces at the museum

A member of a forensic team inspects a window believed to have been used in what the French Interior Ministry said was a robbery at the Louvre museum

Images appear to show a disc-cutter in a lorry at the site of the robbery, believed to have been used to cut through the musuem's external window

Forensics teams inspect a window to the Apollo Gallery, believed to have been pierced by a disc cutter

Tourists pictured being escorted from the Louvre on Sunday after thieves arrived on scooters to swipe priceless historical items in an audacious heist

Forensics teams pictured outside the Louvre in the hours after the heist

The most infamous theft at the Louvre came in 1911 when Leonardo Da Vinci's 16th Century Mona Lisa was taken, causing an international outcry.

Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the world's most visited art museum, hid in a cupboard overnight to take the painting. It was recovered two years later when he tried to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy.

The latest raid comes despite the authorities regularly pledging to improve security at the numerous galleries across Paris.

Axe-wielding thieves targeted an exhibition of miniature objects at the Musee Cognacq-Jay in Paris on November 20, 2024. Among their haul were seven highly prized snuffboxes, including two loaned by the British Crown.

The daytime raid led to an insurance payout of more than 3million to the Royal Collection Trust.

In 2017, three art thieves were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for stealing five masterpieces worth almost 100million from the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

A burglary in May 2010 also saw works by Picasso and Matisse disappearing.

The Louvre welcomed nearly nine million visitors in 2024, 80 per cent of whom were foreigners, including hundreds of thousands of people from the UK.
Once a common sight in Britain, they last roamed Scotland more than a millennium ago.

Eurasian lynx were driven to extinction north of the Border around 1,300 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss.

But now a trio of conservation charities are keen to see the felines back in the Highland wilderness and are hiring lynx engagement officers to look at reintroducing the species.

They are advertising for two roles as part of a project called Lynx to Scotland to explore whether the cats could feasibly be brought back to the Highlands.

The third largest predator in Europe after the brown bear and wolf, the plans to see the predator back in the wild continues to divide opinion with critics fearing for the loss of livestock and risk to the public.

However, rewilding organisations maintain that apex predators are key to keeping ecosystems in balance.

The Lynx to Scotland scheme, which also involves Scotland: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and Vincent Wildlife Trust, is assessing if a population of the cats could be supported in Scotland.

The new engagement officers, earning close to 26,000 a year, are expected to represent the project at meeting and engage in conversations with communities, landowners and rural groups most like impacted about their concerns.

Eurasian lynx were driven to extinction in Scotland around 1,300 years ago

Rewilding organisations say that apex predators are key to keeping ecosystems in balance

Successful candidates will have a comprehensive understanding of Scotlands ecological and cultural landscape  and the often-heated debate surrounding species reintroductions.

Lisa Chilton, CEO of Scotland: The Big Picture, said: We are part of the Lynx to Scotland partnership, which is working to return the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands through a carefully managed reintroduction process.

Returning lynx would help restore biodiversity and improve the health of our ecosystems. It would also benefit the rural economy and restore a sense of wildness to Scotland.

Studies show there is enough habitat and prey for them to thrive again in Scotland, and the latest polls show strong public backing for their return, with 61 per cent in favour and only 13 per cent opposed.

Our partnership is committed to consulting those who could be impacted by a reintroduction.

'During 2024, we completed the National Lynx Discussion, which brought together a wide range of stakeholder groups including farmer and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, foresters, tourism operators and conservationists.

This process resulted in an agreement from all participants to continue exploring the possibility of reintroducing lynx.

The lynx to Scotland engagement officer will have a comprehensive understanding of Scotlands ecological and cultural landscape

Further discussions next year will give people the chance to learn more, share their views and knowledge, and help shape how challenges and opportunities are managed.

'The engagement officer roles advertised last week will be critical in supporting this important process.

Earlier this year, four lynx were illegally released in the Cairngorms National Park.

The cats were rescued in freezing overnight temperatures by experts from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in January.

One of the abandoned juveniles died but three have settled in at the Highland Wildlife Park, a few miles from where they were found.

The unplanned release of the animals was condemned by welfare groups and prompted a police investigation with no arrests so far.
He promised to bring a gay and lively musical repertoire to a remote Scottish community when he made his home there in the 1960s.

But Austrian musician Walter Hambock also brought a far darker secret with him when he decided to settle north of the Border.

The one time church organist had been Adolf Hitlers personal pianist.

The extraordinary story of a man who fled to Aberdeenshire after being hired  then imprisoned  by the Fuhrer was uncovered after more than half a century thanks to local history enthusiast Billy Watson.

The Scots sleuth, 70, grew intrigued by the mysterious Hambock when he found a 1965 article about a pianist famous for his skill enlisted as the director of an amateur musical society in Strichen, near Fraserburgh  a job he seemed suspiciously overqualified for.

Mr Watson explained: I couldnt imagine how an international professor of music had come to stay in Strichen... I thought he might have been a conman.

Trawling though newspaper archives, he learned Hambock was a piano prodigy whose performances in Berlin mesmerised ruthless Nazi leaders Joseph Goebbels and Hermann Goering.

The pair recommended him to Hitler, who was so dazzled by his private renditions of Beethoven that he gifted him a signed copy of Mein Kampf.

Walter Hambock had been Adolf Hitler's personal pianist

The musician fled to Aberdeenshire after being put in a concentration camp, ending up in Strichen where he worked as a church organist

Adolf Hitler had been entertained by Walter Hambock for years until Nazi leaders discovered he played alongside a Jewish conductor while on tour

After five years with Hitler, Hambocks musical skills hit the wrong note with Nazi leaders in 1940, as they discovered he played alongside a Jewish conductor while on tour in the Netherlands.

He was interrogated by Martin Bormann, one of Hitlers most feared henchmen, and exiled to the Flossenburg concentration camp in Bavaria.

Mr Watson said: He thought he was going to die there, but the camp commander recognised him and got him to form an orchestra... playing as thousands of prisoners marched to their deaths.

The commander  also a Beethoven fan  dressed Hambock in an SS officers uniform to allow him to escape from the front gates.

When the freed pianist returned home, his wife had remarried on the assumption he was dead already.

Hambock eventually built a new life with a Scottish woman called Helen Weir, and moved to Strichen where his links to the Nazi regime would remain a secret. He found work there as a church organist, which came with a house and a salary of 48 per annum.

Mr Watson said Hambock could often be found playing the organ in the empty church, alone with his thoughts and memories.

After almost eight years in Strichen, Hambock and his wife moved to Motherwell where he taught music. He died in 1979 aged 70.

The revelations about his past have shocked the community, who have many fond memories of him. Isabella George, part of Hambocks musical society, wrote: Walter was a lovely gentleman who never raised his voice.

Mr Watson joked: I grew up thinking that nothing much ever happened in my part of the world. How wrong I was.


John Swinney has come under fire for trying to woo a controversial Chinese wind farm firm amid concerns that it could present a security risk and sabotage the electricity system.

The SNP Government has carried out extensive engagement with MingYang about its 1.5billion plans for a turbine manufacturing facility in the Highlands.

But concerns have been raised that any investment could hand the Chinese state the ability to sabotage the electricity grid.

The UK Government has still to make a decision on whether to allow China to participate in the energy supply chain and is considering whether it would be a national security risk.

Ian Williams, author of the book Vampire State on the risks about doing business with China, told the BBC: Its easy to see these as pieces of inanimate metal but theyre not.

'Theyre incredibly smart and they are parts of what will be a very advanced and a very smart grid.

Theyre connected devices and those who control these devices have an enormous amount of power over individual components and over the grid itself.

So the danger is multiple its not only that they could be used as a means of surveillance or espionage where they are placed, but also the danger of sabotage.

MingYang is nominally a private company but in China that means very little because all companies by virtue of Chinese law are obliged to work with the security services when it comes down to issues of national security or espionage.

John Swinney has met twice with Chinese wind farm firm MingYang

Richard Lochhead met MingYang chairman Zhang Chuanwei (pictured) at the UK Governments international investment summit in London

He added: Yes its a huge economic benefit potentially for that part of Scotland but you are going to hand over control of your smart grid to the Chinese Communist Party.

Mr Williams said a dependency on China could become extremely dangerous and it is wrong to see it as just an investment from a Chinese firm.

Correspondence disclosed by the Scotland on Sunday newspaper showed that Mr Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and business minister Richard Lochhead have met MingYang executives in the past 12 months.

MingYang has been suggested as the preferred supplier of turbines for the Green Volt floating wind farm 50 miles off the coast of Peterhead and wants to set up a manufacturing base at Ardersier, north of Inverness.

Mr Swinney has met twice with MingYang, while Mr Lochhead discussed investment with the company while on a trade visit to China.

In October last year, he met with Zhang Chuanwei, the chairman of MingYang, at the UK Governments international investment summit in London to discuss investment plans for Scotland, but the meeting was not recorded in the official record on ministerial engagements as it was classed as a brush-by encounter.

There was also a follow up letter emphasising the strategic value that MingYangs investment could bring to Scotland to Mr Chuanwei who has a personal wealth of more than 700million.

Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: Secretive SNP ministers need to urgently come clean on the meetings with this firm.

Author Ian Williams has warned of the risks of doing business with China

There are real concerns that this company could pose a real risk to national security, so Scots deserve to know the extent of the nationalists dealings with them.

Asked about the issue on the BBCs The Sunday Show yesterday, UK energy minister Michael Shanks said: Chinese companies are involved right across the supply chain.

'I think if we were to unpick the involvement of Chinese companies right across our economy you would find there are jobs related in quite a lot of spaces.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The UK Government is responsible for national security, the regulation of international trade, elements of critical national infrastructure including energy, and the application of the National Security and Investment Act.

We recognise the Ming Yang investment is subject to a decision from UK Government and we await the outcome of that process.

Ardersier port is strategically important to the economic growth and success of Scotland and UKs offshore wind sector.
A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after the plane's windscreen shattered.

Flight 1093 had taken off from Denver, Colorado, and was headed to Los Angeles, California, when a layer of the cockpit's main window cracked on Thursday.

The plane was about 200 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah, at roughly 36,000 feet in the air, when the crew noticed something strike the windshield, Air Live reported.

The Boeing 737 Max 8, carrying 134 customers and six crew members, then diverted to Salt Lake City.

Unverified photos showed what appeared to be cuts on the pilot's arm as well as shards of glass on the aircraft's control board.

United Airlines told the Daily Mail in a statement that all travelers were later taken to Los Angeles on another plane.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident.

The board has not determined what caused the multi-layered windshield to sustain such significant damage.

The images from inside the cockpit were not shared by the NTBS, but by AirLive and online users. The Daily Mail is working to independently confirm the information

A United Airlines flight was forced to make a heart-pounding emergency landing after the aircraft's windscreen shattered (file photo)

Further unverified photos of the aftermath depicted significant damage to the windscreen. It appeared as if something had hit the right corner of the window.

These images were shared by AirLive and online users. The Daily Mail is working to independently confirm the information.

The pilot allegedly described the object that struck the windshield, which is designed to function safely in case any layer sustains damage, as 'space matter,' Air Live reported.

'Information on this claiming space debris is far from confirmed,' astrophysicist and science YouTuber Scott Manley wrote on X.

'I expect the NTSB will get a look at the damage and see what FOD traces are left. There is a reddish brown material at the top of the frame which could conceivably be left over from the impact.'

He explained that cockpit windows have three layers - glass on the inside and outside with polymer in the middle - and it appeared as though both glass layers cracked.

'Note that by the time small space debris reaches the flight levels it's no longer hypersonic and has cooled off,' Manley said.

Earlier this year, a study found that an average of two discarded rockets re-enter Earth's atmosphere each week - meaning that around 100 large pieces of space debris fall from the sky annually.

Scientists warned that discarded rockets and degraded satellites in orbit have a one-in-four chance of falling back to Earth through busy commercial airspace each year.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia found airspaces in the northern US, Europe and around major cities in the Asia-Pacific are most at risk of uncontrolled re-entries.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has once again been recognized on the global stage, winning Asia's Leading Cabin Crew 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards, the airline said in a press release on Friday.

This marks the fourth time since 2020 that RB has secured this honor, reaffirming its position as a leader in service excellence across the region.

"We are incredibly proud of our cabin crew for this remarkable achievement, which reflects not only their world-class service standards but also their genuine passion for caring for our guests," said Captain Sabirin Haji Abdul Hamid, chief executive officer of RB.

RB has also been honored with the ASEAN Halal Brand Award 2025, marking its first-ever win at this prestigious regional recognition. The award celebrates outstanding brands that exemplify Halal excellence, sustainability, and brand leadership across ASEAN.

Established in 1974, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is the national carrier of Brunei Darussalam. 
A Spanish airport has been forced to ground all flights after a drone was reportedly spotted flying overhead.

Planes were unable to take-off or land at Palma de Mallorca Airport from on Sunday evening, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Several other planes were also diverted to other airports.

The island is a hotspot holiday destination with tens of thousands of tourists visiting every year from thousands of places across the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

According to FlightRadar24: 'Operations at Palma de Mallorca Airport are currently suspended because of a drone in the airspace.

'Last landing was at 18:58 local time (5.58pm UK time). Several flights are diverting to other airports.'

A flight arriving from Gatwick is listed as delayed  suggesting it could have been turned away from landing.

Planes were able to touch down again safely within the hour, it was reported.
Beware anyone who uses the phrase good global citizen. Such people are not to be trusted. In an unrelated matter, John Swinney says hes committed to making sure that Scotland is a good global citizen.

Who could possibly object? Surely its as uncontroversial as being for kittens and ice cream sundaes.

Well, Im allergic to cats and lactose intolerant  and talk of global citizenship brings out much the same reaction as feline fur and dairy products.

For one thing, it conveniently comes with none of the legal obligations of conventional citizenship. A good global citizen can be any country that designates itself as such. (Self-identification is all the rage these days.)

Yes, nations can impose legal duties on themselves by joining international treaties or incorporating conventions in domestic law, but these are ultimately political choices and can be undone at any time.

For another thing, calling yourself a good global citizen is no barrier to behaving in destructive or unjust ways around the world.

Imagine, if you will, a country that proclaims itself a good global citizen while dumping its waste in developing nations and importing fossil fuels from overseas at punishing cost to the climate.

Thank goodness Scotland would never do that.

John Swinney meets President Hakainde Hichilema during his visit to Zambia

Swinney meeting staff at the Blantyre Blantyre UTH lab in Zambia

The First Minister has been touting good global citizenship during a visit to Zambia and Malawi to mark 20 years since the last Labour Scottish Executive  and, the way things are looking, it might well be the last  signed an agreement which has seen Scotland invest in humanitarian programmes.

Swinney told the BBC: All of my feelings and politics are all about making sure that Scotland is a good global citizen. I think theres a moral obligation on us in the North to support the global South who have contributed little to the climate crisis we are facing, but they are most definitely facing the severity of the effects at this moment.

These are noble sentiments. Ive no doubt they are shaped by the First Ministers political principles and his Christian faith.

And his funding announcements during his trip have been modest, including 4million to treat and prevent diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell disease in Malawi and 125,000 for medical-grade oxygen in Zambia.

The SNP was re-elected on a manifesto commitment to raise international development spending to 15million.

That is by no means an insignificant sum but it is equivalent to just two hours worth of annual Scottish Government spending.

While I believe all foreign aid spending should be done directly by the UK Government, Im not going to clamber onto my high horse over the sums of money involved.

(Honestly, if the choice was between my tax money going to Malawian hospitals or going to the incompetent wastrels in St Andrews House, Id set up a direct debit to Lilongwe tomorrow.)

So its not about pounds and pennies, its about politics and priorities.

We are none of us naive. Swinney has not alighted on the plights of Malawi and Zambia out of a highly developed sense of empathy, or at least not for that reason solely.

He spies yet another opportunity for the SNP to behave as though it were the government of an independent country.

And to those who say, So what? At least the Scottish Government is acting to help alleviate poverty, disease and human suffering, I say: the Scottish Government can do so just the same without flying John Swinney over to pose for self-congratulatory photo opportunities. Take heed that ye do not your almsgiving before men, to be seen by them.

Because while the First Minister wants to be seen as the face of good global citizenship, he has citizens at home who would rather he was the face of good national government.

When Swinney says people in Scotland want their country to be outward looking, they want their country to be engaged in the issues that matter in the world, he certainly captures the charitable impulses of most Scots, but he fails to grasp that many do not regard this as the role of the Scottish Government.

At risk of being accused of selfishness or vulgarity or even racism, I have to tell the First Minister: the priority of the average Scot is their own family, their services and their local community.

They care deeply about the worlds poor and sick and hungry, and their donations to good causes reflects this, as does the Treasurys allocation of their tax revenues to aid spending in the developing nations.

What they want the First Minister to do, however, is his job here in Scotland. To improve the NHS and meet his own governments waiting time targets for cancer treatment and emergency care.

To reverse the decline in education standards and outcomes, not least the widening of the attainment gap and a collapse in classroom discipline.

To deliver long-promised but politically stifled upgrades to the A96 accident blackspot.

To give islanders reliable ferry services so they can live their lives and run their businesses, instead of sinking ever-escalating sums into a ferries project that in a properly functioning democracy would have long ago been the subject of a judge-led public inquiry.

What they want is a First Minister who puts them first, not the constitutional long game or his electoral campaign to keep graduate progressives in Partick and Stockbridge giving their constituency votes to the SNP rather than taking them over to the Greens.

They want the Scottish Government to fix things here at home before jetting around the globe trying to save the world. And, no, theyre not callous or hard-hearted.

They know the difference between genuine internationalism and compassion and cynical posturing by a political class uninterested in tackling inequalities and systemic failings at home and which gloms onto inequities overseas to cloak itself in social righteousness.

Seventeen months on from his entry into Bute House, Swinney has stabilised the political fortunes of the SNP. The polls are far from where they were at the height of the Salmond-Sturgeon era, but they are an improvement on the doldrums into which Humza Yousaf led the party.

Yet while things look brighter for the SNP, Swinney has delivered no such turnaround for Scotland.

After two decades of the Nationalists running the show, this country remains captive to crippling social and economic dysfunction and Swinneys only answers are the same ones heard from his predecessors: blame Westminster and talk up independence.

Its admirable that he has empathy for people in Malawi and Zambia, but where is his empathy for people closer to home?

They need, they want, they pay for, they deserve quality public services, progress on intergenerational inequalities and the prosperity that creates opportunities and improves living standards.

They are not asking for the world, just for the First Minister to do his job.

His job is in Scotland. He can fly to Africa, preach global citizenship, and try to pass himself off as a one-man Oxfam, but he cannot escape his duties here at home and the consequences of his and his governments record of failing Scotland.
Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelensky to accept Putin's terms for ending its two-year-long war in an explosive meeting at the White House on Friday.

Ukraine's President travelled to Washington this week to push for more military support at a time when Kyiv and Moscow are escalating the war with massive attacks on energy systems.

But Trump and Zelensky's meeting on Friday turned sour after the two leaders got into a 'screaming match', according to the Financial Times - which cited sources close to the matter.

The US leader also reportedly told Zelensky that Putin insisted the conflict was a 'special operation, not even a war'.

Trump reportedly threw aside maps of Ukraine's frontline and insisted that Zelensky surrender the entire Donbas region to Putin.

He also told Zelensky that '[Putin] will destroy you', if he didn't concede to his terms, according to reports.

The exchange was reminiscent of a similarly tense encounter in the Oval Office in February, in which Trump and Vice-President JD Vance berated Zelensky.

The heated meeting on Friday came as Zelensky delivered a pointed rebuke to Trump's assessment of the war in Ukraine on Friday after the US President expressed confidence that a resolution was in sight and that Putin was ready to make peace.

But Zelensky insisted that 'Putin doesn't want peace'.

Donald Trump meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last week

Trump advised the Ukrainian leader to accept Putin's terms for ending the two-year war

'That's why we need pressure on him,' he said.

Trump advised Zelensky to accept Putin's terms for ending its two-year-long war.

He also refused Ukraine's demands for Tomahawk missiles in a tense meeting in Washington between the US president and Zelensky.

Trump expressed hopes to resolve the war 'without thinking about Tomahawks'.

'We need Tomahawks. One reason we want this war over is because it's not easy for us to keep sending massive weapons,' he said, citing the need to preserve US military readiness.

In response, Zelensky proposed a mutual production deal: US missiles for Ukrainian drones  a capability-sharing agreement to strengthen both countries' defence industries.

Trump hinted at a potential peace summit hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, bringing Zelensky and Putin together.

He acknowledged the personal animosity between the wartime leaders but expressed confidence that diplomacy could prevail.

Zelensky had been hoping to push for more military support in Washington last Friday

Trump hosted Zelensky for lunch in the Cabinet Room in hopes of advancing a peace deal

The meeting came just one day after Trump agreed to a second sit-down with Putin in Hungary, with the White House playing up the Russian president's flattery.

Trump on Friday also called on Kyiv and Moscow to 'stop where they are' and end their brutal war following his meeting with Zelensky.

'Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts,' Trump said in a Truth Social post not long after hosting Zelensky and his team for more than two hours of talks.

'They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!'

Trump's comments amounted to another shift in position on the war by Trump.

In recent weeks, he had shown growing impatience with Putin and expressed greater openness to helping Ukraine win the war.

After meeting with Zelensky in New York on the side-lines of the annual UN General Assembly last month, Trump even said he believed the Ukrainians could win back all the the territory they had lost to Russia since Putin launched the February 2022 invasion.

That was a dramatic shift for Trump, who had previously insisted that Kyiv would have to concede land lost to Russia to end the war.

Zelensky after Friday's meeting said it was time for a ceasefire and negotiations. He sidestepped directly answering a question about Trump nudging Ukraine to give up land.

'The president is right we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,' Zelensky said when asked by reporters about Trump's social media post, which he hadn't seen.
A top cop has been praised after slamming demonstrators from the 'left' for throwing rocks at police as an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne turned violent.

Victoria Police Commander Wayne Cheeseman did not hold back as he ripped into the behaviour of counter-protesters at the March for Australia demonstration on Sunday.

His tirade came just hours after demonstrators clashed with anti-immigration protesters, with riot police forced to use flashbangs, tear gas and rubber bullets to control the crowd.

Police were pelted with large rocks, glass bottles and fruit. Two officers required hospital treatment: a female sergeant suffered a broken hand, and a male senior constable sustained a laceration to his leg.

Superintendent Cheeseman exhibited a boxful of rocks that were thrown at police during his searing conference, singling out the left for the violence, claiming the anti-immigration protesters were the ones who were well behaved.

Australians across the country heaped praise on the officer for his open and candid comments, and calling out the counter demonstrators.

'Commander Wayne Cheeseman, it is truly courageous for him to speak out like that in Victoria,' one person wrote on social media.

'Cheeseman did the world a favour by not playing the suck up to the Victorian Premier PR game and just telling it straight,' a second person commented.

Superintendent Wayne Cheeseman emptied a box of large rocks at a press conference and explained the projectiles were used with the intent to harm police officers

Opposing sides of immigration rallies clashed in Melbourne on Sunday prompting a response from riot police

'Thank-you, Wayne Cheeseman,' a third chimed.

'I salute you, sir. It is heartening to see a brave, patriotic Australian man that values truth, law and order, and public safety.'

A fourth added: 'I hope that Commander Wayne Cheeseman is not punished for this.'

Meanwhile, other officers had their protective shields cracked due to projectiles being thrown.

Superintendent Wayne Cheeseman slammed the protesters for their vile behaviour.

Superintendent Cheeseman approached the podium with a cardboard box and emptied the contents onto the floor before speaking.

'This is what was thrown at police today,' Supt Cheeseman addressed the media with one large rock in hand and the rest sprawled on the floor.

'Melbourne has had a gutful. These were being thrown at police. Bottles filled with shards of glass were being thrown at police. Rotten fruit was being thrown at police.

The rallies turned violent, forcing officers to deploy pepper spray (pictured) and rubber bullets

Supt Cheeseman claimed a group of people from the counter protest group were responsible for the violence

'Bins were on fire, flags were on fire, enough is enough. The disruption to Melbourne... we really need to find an answer.'

Supt Cheeseman claimed protesters on the 'left' were responsible for the chaos during Melbourne's March for Australia rally.

'The people who came to pick a fight with police were the issued motivated groups on the left,' Supt Cheeseman said.

He described protesters in the March for Australia group as 'peaceful and engaging', with the supporters listening to police instruction during their rally.

However, he said hundreds of police had to be deployed on the street to deal with a number of counter-protesting groups.

The truth is, there's probably 40 to 50 hardcore protesters who were trying to harm the police,' Supt Cheeseman said.

'What concerns me though, is they are standing with the larger group, and the other group are not intervening, they're not telling them to stop, so in a way they're offering their support which is unacceptable.

'They were throwing them at the police and the horses. They weren't picking them up off the road. They brought them in with them  that shows the premeditation.'

Supt Cheeseman said 'enough is enough' after two officers were injured, Australian flags were set on fire and members of the public were put in danger

Tear gas was deployed as riot police attempted to bring the demonstrators under control

'It's not a small rock. These rocks were cracking some of the (riot) shields. They were thrown with force, they were thrown with a view to harm our members.'

He labelled the protesters who threw projectiles at police as 'cowards', claiming they attended the rallies wearing face coverings, masks and hoodies.

He explained the people from counter protests, dubbed 'United Against Racism: Migrants and Refugees Are Welcome' were 'desperately' trying to reach the other demonstrators and confront those assembled.

One man was arrested for his involvement in the violent clash and police intend to make further arrests.

The 'March for Australia' has called for an end to 'mass migration', arguing it has 'torn at the bonds that held our communities together'.

It is the second instalment of the March for Australia rallies, organised nationwide to protest what organisers refer to as 'mass migration'.

Protests and counter-protests were also held across Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide on Sunday.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Sydney's CBD, draped in Australian flags and chanting: 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - oi, oi, oi'.

A demonstrator was pictured carrying a sign reading: 'Hang Albo' in large font. In smaller font, it adds it should be done so 'lawfully' for alleged breaches of human rights and international law.

Aerial images captured hundreds of March for Australia protesters crossing Canberra's Commonwealth Bridge towards police and anti-racism demonstrators.

The first March for Australia event in August attracted tens of thousands of people nationwide and prompted warnings from leaders of some migrant communities for members to stay indoors due to potential violence.
Scotland Yard is under pressure to launch a criminal investigation into Prince Andrew after he asked a police bodyguard to dig up dirt on Virginia Giuffre.

The Met's former head of royalty protection Dai Davies urged the force to question the royal under caution if there was evidence that he abetted a police officer to commit a criminal offence of misconduct in public office.

The Mail on Sunday revealed how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded police protection officer to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's abuse victim, passing on Ms Giuffre's date of birth and confidential social security number.

Newly released documents reveal Andrew wanted Met officers to find damaging information in an apparent campaign to smear his teenage sex accuser just hours before a bombshell photograph was published in 2011 showing him with the 17-year-old.

The prince told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of the officers who are part of the Met's elite SO14 Royalty Protection Group to dig up information.

Andrew wrote: 'It would also seem she has a criminal record in the States. I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].'

It has not been suggested that the officer complied with the prince's request, while Ms Giuffre's family said she did not have a criminal record.

On Sunday, the force launched an urgent internal inquiry. A Met spokesman said: 'We are actively looking into the claims made.'

Scotland Yard is under pressure to launch a criminal investigation into Prince Andrew (left) after he asked a police bodyguard to dig up dirt on Virginia Giuffre, whom he is pictured with

Newly released documents reveal Andrew (above) wanted Met officers to find damaging information in an apparent campaign to smear his teenage sex accuser

But it could take weeks for officers to trawl through emails and police logs from 14 years ago to see if Andrew's principal protection officer or any of the back-up team made any inquiries about Ms Giuffre.

Mr Davies said the email may constitute a criminal offence even if the officer did not act.

He said: 'It is time for Scotland Yard to launch a full criminal investigation into Prince Andrew.

'Asking a police officer to investigate an alleged victim is outside of their duties, whether that is calling the FBI, your mates in the US, or searching out themselves to find out whether someone has a criminal offence. That is, in my view, a criminal offence.

'Asking a public servant, that includes anyone from the Palace or police, to commit those inquiries is inciting them, aiding and abetting them to commit misconduct in public office. It should be investigated and he should be interviewed under caution.

'This is a serious matter. Police protection officers are not there to investigate, they are there to protect. The question is was this request carried out by anyone and if so, was there any attempt to pervert the course of justice?

'There are also questions for the chain of command  who knew that he had made this request and why was it not reported?'

Details of the shocking email come after Andrew was forced to relinquish his remaining titles.

Andrew (above) was dramatically forced to relinquish his remaining royal titles on Friday

The email cache currently with the US Congress also reveals that Andrew acknowledged he might have met Ms Giuffre and that a damning photograph could exist, despite claiming he had no memory of meeting her.

Senior Labour MP Ed Miliband told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: 'These are deeply concerning allegations. I think people want to look at those allegations and what the substance is behind them.

'But if that is correct, that is absolutely not the way that close protection officers should be used.'

Barrister Charlotte Proudman, who has represented victims of domestic and sexual abuse, branded Andrew's actions 'utterly despicable and reprehensible'.

She said: 'This shows Prince Andrew using his connections, including the police who are paid for by the taxpayer, in an attempt to dig up dirt on a survivor of sex trafficking. It is just despicable. This should be investigated.'

Broadcaster Emily Maitlis, who grilled Andrew in his infamous 2019 Newsnight interview, said she was 'glad' the police were probing the claims.

'I think if there have been people responsible for trying to make her life even more unbearable than it was, then I would like to see justice done,' she added.

Ms Giuffre's posthumous memoirs, which are due out on Tuesday, have intensified the focus on her sexual assault allegations, which Andrew denies.

Ms Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, claimed that paedophile Epstein trafficked her to London and forced her to have sex with the prince  allegations Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied.
The 'fatal blow' that led to the China spy case collapsing was the inclusion of a line from the Labour party's manifesto on Beijing.

Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson was forced to abort the case after the Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins declared that the 'UK Government is committed to pursuing a positive relationship with China'.

The Daily Mail has learnt that this single sentence, which appears to have been lifted almost word for word from Labour's 2024 manifesto, destroyed any hope of the prosecution of parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash, 33, and his friend Christopher Berry, 30, for allegedly passing secrets to Beijing.

The development, which will increase pressure on Keir Starmer, came as it was alleged yesterday that Mr Berry was carrying a suitcase of cash when he was first stopped by police as he flew into Heathrow from China.

Now the Daily Mail can reveal the inside story of how the extraordinary case unravelled.

When the teacher-turned-academic was searched in February 2023, police found 4,000 in cash but, crucially, officers seized his phone and laptop which revealed connections to Mr Cash and a shadowy figure called 'Alex', who was assessed to be a Chinese agent.

Police believe 'Alex' commissioned Mr Berry to produce 34 reports, which were handed to Cai Qi, the de facto chief of staff to president Xi Jinping.

Initially, when the pair were charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act on April 22 last year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was very confident of a successful prosecution.

Christopher Cash (far right) and his friend Christopher Berry (far left) are pictured on stage at a school event in China where they were working as teachers

Sir Keir Starmer, seen with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, will feel increased pressure after it emerged that the 'fatal blow' to the China spy case was the inclusion of a line from Labour's 2024 manifesto

The case was bolstered by Mr Collins' assessment that there was evidence that in ten of the 34 reports 'information and material passed between Chris Berry and Chris Cash and then on to the Chinese intelligence agent would be directly or indirectly useful to the Chinese State, and that communicating the information was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State'.

His initial statement would have been enough to prosecute the pair, sources have told the Daily Mail. And, with hindsight, many within the CPS wish they had left it there.

But just weeks after the duo were charged, a High Court ruling on a Bulgarian spy ring effectively shifted the bar for prosecution when judges ruled that spying must constitute an 'active threat' to Britain's national security.

As a result, Mr Parkinson decided to seek additional evidence from Mr Collins.

One source familar with the case said: 'No one thought it would be a problem. He was a government witness and you already had that assurance from his initial statement that the evidence was there.

'But instead of strengthening his evidence further, the language in his second statement softened the position in China. Another statement was requested, but the CPS cannot say, "Can you go a bit further because if you don't say this it will collapse".'

Prosecutors were still hopeful Mr Collins would describe China as an 'active ongoing threat'.

But when he produced a third witness statement in August he included words from the Labour's 2024 manifesto saying: 'It is important for me to emphasise, however, that the UK government is committed to pursuing a positive relationship with China to strengthen understanding, cooperation and stability.'

Mr Collins' statement left prosecutors shell-shocked.

One insider said: 'That sentence was a gift to any defence lawyer. How could a judge accept that they were passing secrets to an enemy when Britain wanted to have a positive relationship with China? That was the fatal blow.'

One source said: 'The evidence was not strong enough to put before a jury, no judge would let the case proceed. The DPP could not overrule that conclusion. That was the end.'
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, she described their picturesque nuptials as a 'modern fairytale'.

St George's Chapel in Windsor was flooded with people desperate to catch a glimpse of the new princess.

But as the newlyweds rode into the distance, Harry made a rather embarrassing comment to his new bride - a brief moment of normality amid the royal fantasy.

Following the ceremony, the couple stood at the top of the chapel's steps and shared their first kiss as husband and wife to the sound of rapturous applause.

Then, while the Kingdom Choir harmoniously sang 'this little light of mine', the Duke and Duchess boarded their horse-drawn open-top Ascot Landau carriage to begin their celebratory ride through Windsor.

While for Meghan this was an experience like no other, Harry, whose entire life had been littered with royal engagements, had become slightly distracted by his outfit choice.

The prince, who donned slim-fitting military trousers referred to as 'overalls', made a humorous comment to his wife as they boarded their carriage, according to royal authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand in their book Finding Freedom.

Describing the contrasting words from the pair, Mr Scobie and Ms Durand wrote: 'Lifting her hand to her chest, Meghan had just one word when she saw the huge crowds gathered on the grounds of the castle: "wow".

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, she described their nuptials as a 'modern fairytale'. But as the newlyweds rode into the distance, Harry made a rather awkward comment to his new bride

Following their ceremony, the couple stood at the top of the chapel's steps and shared their first kiss as husband and wife to the sound of rapturous applause

'Sitting down in the carriage beside his bride, Harry laughed that his trousers were "too tight".'

Indeed, previous analysis of Harry on his big day by expert lip readers suggested that he had made additional complaints about his military uniform being slightly on the small side while waiting to greet Meghan at the alter.

It was previously claimed that while the Duke stood anxiously at the end of the aisle in anticipation of his bride, he turned to his brother and best man, Prince William, and said: 'I'm alright,' before joking 'my trousers are too tight.'

But as the royal couple left the medieval chapel, lip reader Larry Wenig previously told Inside Edition that rather than seeming out of place, it was the Duchess who took the lead in staging their fairytale kiss in front of the world.

'Okay, let's kiss,' she said under her breath. Harry obeyed and licked his lips before leaning in to peck her as the crowds roared.

'She's already leading the way,' a journalist from Inside Edition told Wenig. 'The strong feminist that she is!'

Meanwhile, additional analysis from lip readers suggested that as the horse-drawn carriage finished its climb up Windsor's Long Walk, Harry quipped: 'I'm ready for a drink now.'

And another striking moment caught by lip readers showed Meghan seemingly dropping the 'F-bomb'.

Then, while the Kingdom Choir harmoniously sang 'this little light of mine', the Duke and Duchess boarded their horse-drawn open-top Ascot Landau carriage to begin their celebratory ride through Windsor. However, Harry had become slightly distracted by his outfit choice

Writing in Finding Freedom, royal authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand said the prince, who donned slim-fitting military trousers referred to as 'overalls', 'laughed that his trousers were "too tight" after getting into the carriage with his new wife'

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled through Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage, Meghan turned to Harry and seemingly said, 'Oh f***!' as she put her hand over her chest.

Social media went into a frenzy as viewers began to question what had just occurred, with some suggesting she had been so overwhelmed by the occasion, it had just slipped out.

Media outlets suggested that perhaps the candid moment had occurred due to Meghan assuming that since the carriage had finished its climb up the Long Walk, the crowds were behind her and she was entirely out of view.

The Daily Star claimed she 'couldn't be blamed for her reaction' as she was faced with 'incredible scenes' of thousands of fans screaming her name.

US magazine The List said in a video: 'Hey, it can happen to the best of us, especially if you are not used to getting driven around in carriages.'

While Metro wrote: 'To be fair, doing an open-top procession in front of 100,000 people is not your everyday event.

'So if she did have a momentary loss of control of her language, we think she can be forgiven.'

Whether she cursed remains up for debate, as no members of the public were close enough to hear the details of couple's exchange.

Additional analysis from lip readers suggested that as the horse-drawn carriage finished its climb up Windsor's Long Walk, Harry quipped: 'I'm ready for a drink now.' And another striking moment caught by lip readers showed Meghan seemingly dropping the 'F-bomb'

Poll Were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's affectionate moments heartwarming? Yes, heartwarming No, over the top No opinion Were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's affectionate moments heartwarming? Yes, heartwarming 890 votes

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During the ceremony, Harry and William wore the frockcoat uniform of the blues and Royals, part of the Household Cavalry of the British Army, featuring a three-quarter scarlet stripe.

The groom's trousers, or 'overalls', were made from a blue and black wool barathea and fastened by a leather strap and buckle beneath the boot.

Harry's single-breasted frockcoat was made from blue doeskin with a stand-up collar, accompanied by figured braiding of regimental pattern.

His sleeve pattern, which was handmade, took one individual a week to complete, while the Duke's frockcoat was ranked to Major with large gold embroidered crowns.

Unconventionally, Harry also chose to sport a beard, despite significant speculation in the build-up that he would shave it off in line with the Army's rules on facial hair.

However, given the Duke was no longer serving as a member of the forces, he was able to break with convention - perhaps an indication of the Prince's unashamed nature to deviate from the norm.

During the ceremony, Harry and William wore the frockcoat uniform of the blues and Royals, part of the Household Cavalry of the British Army, featuring a three-quarter scarlet stripe. Unconventionally, Harry also sported a beard

Meghan wore an Audrey Hepburn-inspired floor-length gown crafted by French fashion house Givenchy and Clare Waight Keller, their first female artistic director. Featuring long sleeves and a bateau neckline, the gown cost 100,000

Indeed, such deviation was also replicated by his bride's controversial dress design.

She wore an Audrey Hepburn-inspired floor-length gown crafted by French fashion house Givenchy and Clare Waight Keller, their first female artistic director.

Featuring long sleeves and a bateau neckline, a nod to the iconic Givenchy dress in the 1957 movie Funny Face, the incredible gown came at a cost of 100,000.

It referenced the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy, showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier which was founded in 1952.

Meghan was followed by a cathedral-length, five metre veil, trimmed with lace which depicted flora from each of the 53 Commonwealth countries at the time.

Acclaimed Royal author Ingrid Steward, writing in her book My Mother and I, said that 'the Queen had made only one remark about Meghan and Harry's wedding and that was that Meghan's Givenchy wedding gown was "too white"' given her status as a divorcee

On the day of the wedding, eagle-eyed royal observers noticed the Queen's stern face as she looked at Meghan in her wedding dress

However, not all of the Firm were quite as taken by the Duke and Duchess breaking from tradition.

Acclaimed Royal author Ingrid Steward, writing in her book, My Mother and I, revealed that the late Queen allegedly took issue with the colour of Meghan's dress given her status as a divorcee.

The royal biographer wrote: 'The Queen never voiced her true opinions except to her close confidants, such as Lady Elizabeth Anson, or Liza as she was known to her friends.

'She told me that the Queen had made only one remark about Meghan and Harry's wedding and that was that Meghan's Givenchy wedding gown was "too white".

'Those two words embraced everything she felt about the dramas in the run-up to the marriage and the Disneyesque spectacle of the day itself.

'In the monarch's view, it was not appropriate for a divorcee getting remarried in church to look quite so flamboyantly virginal.'

Meghan had previously been married to Hollywood film producer Trevor Engelson between 2011 and 2013.

Queen Camilla, who had previously been married to Andrew Parker Bowles between 1973 and 1995, stuck with tradition and opted not to wear white for her wedding to Charles in 2005. Pictured: Charles walking Meghan down the aisle

Queen Camilla, who had previously been married to Andrew Parker Bowles between 1973 and 1995, stuck with tradition and opted not to wear white for her wedding to Charles in 2005.

Instead she wore a pale blue chiffon dress and coat with gold embroidery.

Meanwhile, Katie Nicholl, in her book The New Royals, also reported that the late Queen was left 'surprised' after being informed by a source that Meghan had chosen to wear white to the ceremony.

She wrote: 'Perhaps it's a generational thing, but she believes if you've been married before, you wear off-white on your wedding day, which is what the Duchess of Cornwall did.'

Indeed, it was later claimed by Lady Elizabeth Anson, great-niece of the Queen Mother and goddaughter of King George VI, that the Queen was 'not at all content' by the time she was sat in the pews during the ceremony.

It was later claimed by Lady Elizabeth Anson (pictured), great-niece of the Queen Mother and goddaughter of King George VI , that the Queen was 'not at all content' by the time she was sat in the pews during the ceremony

Meanwhile, Prince Philip would also allegedly go on to make comparisons between Meghan and Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee whom Edward VIII abdicated to marry.

Mr Seward claims he was 'one of the few wary' of being charmed by Meghan and thought it was 'uncanny' how much she reminded him of the socialite Simpson.

He even had a nickname for her - DoW, after Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.

However, twice-divorced Simpson did not opt to wear white when she married Edward in 1937, instead choosing pale blue.

Fashion designer Clare Waight Keller, then of Givenchy, who worked alongside Meghan on the dress insisted that she wanted to create a 'timeless piece' that would also 'convey modernity'.

Appearing in the Sussexes' Netflix series, Ms Waight Keller said that Meghan's dress had to be 'flawless', with the Duchess hoping to 'carve out' a new style of royal dressing.
An insider revealed the nickname Palace staffers had for Meghan Markle before she and Harry rescinded their royal duties.

The moniker may seem innocent; however, it was a 'not-so-subtle' dig at the Duchess, likening her to the Duchess of Windsor, who is said to have triggered King Edward VIII's abdication.

Meghan was dubbed 'The American' in reference to Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced US socialite.

It wasn't the only nickname Meghan earned during her stint as royalty.

Prince Philip dubbed the 44-year-old 'DOW', short for Duchess of Windsor, also in reference to Simpson.

She also copped some cruel nicknames online from 'Me-gain' to 'Duchess Difficult' and 'MeMeMeghan'.

King Charles came up with the bizarre but favourable moniker 'Tungsten' for Meghan because she is 'tough' and 'unbending'.

Royal commentator Richard Kay revealed that a palace insider told him they and their colleagues coined the nickname not long after Meghan and Harry's wedding.

Meghan Markle was dubbed 'The American' by the Palace after she married Prince Harry in 2018 because of her similarities to the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson

Prince Philip dubbed the 44-year-old 'DOW', short for Duchess of Windsor, also in reference to Simpson (pictured) who triggered the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936

We call her 'The American',' one figure who worked for Queen Elizabeth told the editor, adding it was a 'not-so-subtle nod' to the Duchess of Windsor.

Simpson is one of the most controversial royal figures in modern British history, as her relationship with King Edward VIII led to his abdication in 1936.

King Edward VIII abdicated as King, relinquishing his royal duties so he could marry the double-divorcee, sparking a scandal that shocked the nation.

The couple married after Edward gave up the throne, and they were demoted and given the title of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Simpson was widely disliked as she was viewed as a social climber and a threat to royal tradition.

Meghan and Simpson are often compared by royal fans and Palace insiders thanks to their outside status, previous marriages, American background and rocky relationship with the monarchy.

Even Prince Philip was in on the joke, cheekily nicknaming Meghan 'DoW', which stood for 'Duchess of Windsor'.

According to royal insider Ingrid Seward, Queen Elizabeth approved of Meghan upon their first meeting and had hopes for what she might be able to achieve with Harry for the youth of the Commonwealth.

Prince Philip was known for giving fellow royals cheeky nicknames and his moniker for Meghan was no exception as he was cautious of the actress's similarities to Simpson

But Philip had a lukewarm first impression of the actress.

'While the Queen continued to champion Harry's new love, he warned his wife to be cautious. It was uncanny, he told her, how much Meghan reminded him of the Duchess of Windsor.

'He wasn't simply referring to the fact that both were pencil-slim, dark-haired and glamorous American divorcees.'

Meghan copped a barrage of cruel nicknames from royal commentators and followers in the press and online during her time as a working royal.

However, it was King Charles who granted her a favourable epithet with a touching meaning.

Tungsten was first used by Charles in the early days of Harry and Meghan's life as working royals, according to the Mail On Sunday's Charlotte Griffiths in June 2018.

A Palace source told her: 'Prince Charles admires Meghan for her strength and the backbone she gives Harry, who needs a tungsten-type figure in his life as he can be a bit of a softy. It's become a term of endearment.'

Tungsten is a metal that can be found on the periodic table and is known for its high melting point and core strength.

King Charles granted Meghan a favourable epithet with a touching meaning. He called her 'tungsten' after the strong metal because she is 'tough' and 'unbending'

Charles gave Meghan the name when she began officially working as a royal after allegedly noticing her 'resilience' and that she was able to hold her own in the public eye

It is the strongest naturally occurring metal on the planet, so the name was regarded at the time as an affectionate compliment.

Author Katie Nicholl shed further light on the origin of the nickname in her 2022 book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown.

She claimed that Charles gave Meghan the name when she began officially working as a royal after allegedly noticing her 'resilience' and that she was able to hold her own in the public eye.

Despite its strengths, tungsten is also toxic to most humans and animals, so it may not have been a nickname Meghan wanted to keep in use.
By October 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared to be thoroughly immersed in their new lives as senior Royals.

Following a fairytale wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor the year before, the beloved Prince and former American actress were hailed as figures of a new Royal era.

The couple had settled in their new picturesque home - Frogmore Cottage. Nestled in the heart of the Windsor estate, it was hoped to be an idyllic haven for their newborn son Prince Archie, born in May.

And they had also just returned from their first official overseas royal tour in South Africa, even allowing an ITV documentary crew to come along for the ride.

Yet, cracks in the fairytale facade were beginning to show. In a bombshell interview filmed in South Africa, Meghan told the broadcaster's journalist Tom Bradby that she 'wasn't ok', an early indication that perhaps life as a Princess wasn't all it was made out to be in the books.

When asked about her wellbeing, the Duchess responded: 'Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I'm okay... But it's a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.'

Just days later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were due to take an extended break from royal duties for some 'much-needed family time'.

It was later confirmed by Kensington Palace that the pair had been spending their time away from the spotlight in Canada, the country Meghan had called home for six years while filming Suits.

By October 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared to be thoroughly immersed in their new lives as senior royals. Yet, cracks in the fairytale facade were beginning to show

But rather than a mere hiatus, their Canadian retreat marked the beginning of the end - an ominous gateway to their notorious departure from the Royal Family altogether.

In January 2020, the pair went one step further by announcing they were to step back from senior royal duties, a bombshell decision that was later dubbed 'Megxit'.

After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution, the couple posted to their now-defunct Instagram account.

We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

They went on to declare their plans to divide their time between the UK and North America, and to focus on the next chapter.

It turned out to be a bitter end to the short-lived love affair Britain had enjoyed with Meghan Markle, who brought an injection of Californian can-do attitude to the monarchy.

The decision also marked the beginning of the end of Harrys once inseparable relationship with his brother Prince William.

Within reportedly just 10 minutes notice of their post, the Queen and Prince Philip were said to have been left devastated by the Duke and Duchess' shock departure.

Following a fairytale wedding ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor the year before, the beloved Prince and former American actress were hailed as figures of a new royal era

The couple had settled in their new picturesque home - Frogmore Cottage (pictured). Nestled in the heart of the Windsor estate, it was hoped to be an idyllic haven for their newborn son Prince Archie, born in May 2019

In a bombshell ITV interview, Meghan revealed that she 'wasn't ok', an early indication that perhaps life as a Princess wasn't all it was made out to be in the books. Just days later, the couple announced they were due to take an extended break from royal duties

In response, Buckingham Palace rushed out a statement of its own: We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through, it said.

Yet, while the decision was branded as responsible for an immeasurable degree of heartbreak, anger and betrayal, others have suggested that it was merely indicative of the Duke's prior years of unhappiness and disengagement.

Writing in his book Courtiers, royal expert Valentine Low reveals that one courtier, who he said knew Harry personally and 'remains upset about what he and Meghan did', believed that the Duchess of Sussex actually did the Prince 'the greatest kindness anyone could do to him'.

They claimed that Harry had felt 'desperately unhappy in the last couple years in his working life', with Meghan actually acting out of kindness by managing to finally provide a 'solution' to this longstanding issue.

With the couple's hopes of staying half-in, half-out firmly rejected, their decision meant giving up their royal titles, repaying the 2.4million spent to refurbish Frogmore Cottage and a swift end to handouts provided by the state-funded sovereign grant.

Harry and Meghan subsequently relocated to California, purchasing a sprawling Montecito mansion at a price of $14million. While undergoing a fresh start in the United States, they welcomed their second child, Lilibet, born in June 2021.

Initial interpretations of the couple's decision to abandon the Royal Family had been perceived as predominantly dominated by Meghan's unhappiness during her short time in the Palace.

During the couple's 85-minute tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan, then heavily pregnant, described her time in the Royal Family as a nightmare that she'd barely survived.

She claimed the situation had deteriorated to the point that she'd even contemplated suicide.

But rather than a mere hiatus, their Canadian retreat marked the beginning of the end. In January 2020, the pair announced they were to step back from senior royal duties, a bombshell decision that later became dubbed 'Megxit'

Writing in his book Courtiers, royal expert Valentine Low reveals that one courtier, who he said knew Harry personally and 'remains upset about what he and Meghan did', believed that the Duchess of Sussex actually did the Prince 'the greatest kindness anyone could do to him'

Initial interpretations of the couple's exit had been perceived as predominantly dominated by Meghan's unhappiness. During the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, she described her time in the Royal Family as a nightmare that she'd barely survived

I didnt want to be alive any more, she told Oprah. It was a clear and real and frightening constant thought.

But the Prince's explosive memoir Spare, released in early 2023, provided the world with an astonishing insight into the acute unhappiness Harry himself was experiencing even before he first laid eyes on the American actress in July 2016.

Deliberately choosing to abandon the Royal Family's long-standing creed of 'never complain, never explain', Harry laid bare his significant inner turmoil during his years as a young royal.

While the life of a Prince sounds appealing to most, for Harry, the fact that he was only second in line to the throne and not first, or the 'spare' as he likes to call it, seemed to have left a bitter taste in his mouth.

During his early childhood years, Harry learned that instead of inheriting a kingdom and becoming the sovereign, his role was to support his elder brother William as he took on the responsibility.

In his tell-all memoir, he describes how his position left him seemingly bubbling away with resentment, writing: 'I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy.

'I was summoned to provide back-up, distraction, diversion and if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow.'

Indeed, according to the Prince, his royal upbringing caused him to suffer from 'generational trauma'.

The Prince's explosive memoir Spare provided the world with an insight into the acute unhappiness Harry himself was experiencing even before he first laid eyes on the American actress in July 2016. Pictured: Prince Harry and Prince William in 1989

In his tell-all memoir, released in early 2023, Harry describes how his position as 'Spare' left him bubbling away with resentment

Poll Did YOU support 'Megxit'? Yes No Did YOU support 'Megxit'? Yes 1991 votes

No 3161 votes Now share your opinion





Meanwhile, royal historian Robert Lacey states that he believes Harry was the victim of a certain 'cruelty' from the royal family as a result of his role as the 'spare'.

In an interview with GMA in 2020, the royal expert claimed he and Meghan began to be 'edged out' by aides who felt that they were taking too much attention away from the more senior members of the family.

'The British royal system can be very cruel, and it's particularly cruel to the spare,' Lacey said, adding: 'Harry came to realise in his teens that he was typecast as the court jester, the number two.'

Lacey also suggested that Harry's unhappiness with his role as the 'spare' only continued to grow stronger over the years, particularly as they grew older and it became increasingly obvious that William - and his wife Kate - were being primed to take over the throne, while the younger sibling was given less attention and status.

Meanwhile, royal author Tom Quinn wrote in his book Yes Maam: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, that senior courtiers had desperately tried to explain to Harry that he was actually in a much better position than his brother.

They tried to persuade Harry to understand that this was due to William never being able to escape the full focus of the media, especially when he became king.

But increasingly Harry couldnt see this, according to the author's source.

And, when Britain's most eligible royal bachelor married Meghan married in May 2018, things seemed to get worse for Harry as he once again felt his 'spare' label was being used against him.

In 2021, Harry stated that his father had treated him 'the way he was treated', which had later forced him to ask himself: 'so how can I change that for my own kids?'

In 2021, speaking to Dax Shepard, host of the 'Armchair Expert' podcast, Harry revealed the challenges he faced during his upbringing, particularly regarding how he had been treated by his father, King Charles.

During the interview, he stated that his father had treated him 'the way he was treated', which had later forced Harry to ask himself: 'so how can I change that for my own kids?'

The Duke then went on to add that he and Meghan had made the move to the US to 'break the cycle' of 'genetic pain' he had experienced growing up.

'Sometimes you have got to make decisions and put your family first and your mental health first,' he said.

The young prince's struggle and perceived angst towards his life within he Firm was no doubt worsened by the tragic death of his mother when Harry was just 12 years old.

In the first three episodes of Apple TV's The Me You Can't See, Harry revealed to his series co-host Oprah Winfrey that the trauma of the beloved Diana's death led to him using alcohol and drugs to 'mask' his emotions and 'feel less like I was feeling'.

Explaining the impact his mother's death had on the trajectory of his life, the Prince said: 'I was willing to drink, I was willing to take drugs, I was willing to try and do the things that made me feel less like I was feeling.'

Describing how when he was a working senior royal he would often be left in 'fight or flight mode', the Prince continued: 'Every time I put a suit on and tie on ... having to do the role, and go, "right, game face", look in the mirror and say, "let's go".

The young prince's struggle and perceived angst towards his life within The Firm was no doubt worsened by the tragic death of his mother when Harry was just 12 years old

Two years before 'Megxit', The Mail on Sunday revealed how Harry had confided he 'wanted out' of the Royal Family and yearned for an 'ordinary life'. Pictured: the Duke in 2007

Poll Would you like Harry and Meghan to return to official Royal duty? Yes No Would you like Harry and Meghan to return to official Royal duty? Yes 1763 votes

No 43291 votes Now share your opinion





'Before I even left the house I was pouring with sweat. I was in fight or flight mode.'

But Ingrid Seward, who has spent 40 years following The Firm, claimed that Harry's emotional problems had been caused by him allowing the 'spare' label to 'dominate his life - to the extent that he has now made a career out of it'.

She said: 'He chooses to be the victim and wreak vengeance on the slights he thought he had suffered; on his family, on the press and through the courts.'

As a further indication of Harry's seemingly pre-existing deep unhappiness within the Royal Family - Two years before 'Megxit', The Mail on Sunday revealed how Harry had confided he 'wanted out' of the Royal Family and yearned for an 'ordinary life'.

During an extraordinarily candid interview with journalist and author Angela Levin, the then 32-year-old Harry spoke about his struggles to find a meaningful role for himself at the heart of what he called the 'goldfish bowl' of royal life and admitted he had come close to a breakdown on several occasions.'

Making it clear he was primarily motivated by his loyalty to Queen Elizabeth, he added: 'I spent many years kicking my heels and I didn't want to grow up. I felt I wanted out, but then decided to stay in and work out a role for myself.'

Poignantly, Harry also revealed his view that the monarchy would have to change once his grandmother passed away  a transformative event that would unfold just over five years after that interview, in September 2022  as well as his astonishing assertion that 'no one in the Royal Family wants to be King or Queen'.

Just days after the news of 'Megxit' broke to the world, the Prince insisted that there had been 'no other option' but for the pair to step back, adding that it had been a decision which was 'not one I made lightly'.

It seemed clear that while Harry's pre-existing upset may have prompted their decision to 'quit', Meghan's grave unhappiness during her time in the family may have been the final straw.

Just days after the news of 'Megxit' broke to the word, the Prince insisted that there had been 'no other option' but for the pair to step back, adding that it had been a decision which was 'not one I made lightly'

Explaining the impact of Meghan's challenges in detail, Mr Quinn added that while Harry undoubtedly faced his own difficulties during his royal tenure, it was 'clearly Meghan who felt she could not find her place'.

Due to her constant clashes with the courtiers who run things behind the scenes, Mr Quinn writes that Meghan was sidelined, commenting 'she too was a spare'.

During the couple's explosive Oprah interview in March 2021, Meghan made it abundantly clear that she had experienced her own respective issues while working as a senior royal.

The Duchess described how she had been 'silenced', with her mental health getting so bad that she'd contemplated suicide.

Meghan also suggested that the Royal Family was collectively racist, pointing the finger at one unnamed member who, they alleged, had speculated about the colour of their son Archie's skin while Meghan was pregnant.

What the members of the Royal Family feel about the interview isnt known as most of them have remained silent in response, but Prince Williams own response to a reporter was simply the passing comment: We are very much not a racist family.'

It also remains unclear whether Harry's seeming unhappiness during his royal childhood still dominates his feelings towards his estranged family today.

While the Prince has not held back in revealing his angst and difficulties with life inside The Firm, in 2022 he shared that he missed the UK and his 'weird family gatherings'.

But Meghan's unhappiness may have been the final straw. Royal author Tom Quinn added despite Harry's challenges, it was 'clearly Meghan who felt she could not find her place'

Six years after the couple sensationally 'quit' as working royals, their former life in Britain feels somewhat reminiscent of a dream as the rift between the Sussexes and The Firm holds strong.

When asked in the sixth episode of his and Meghan's bombshell Netflix series what he misses most about being a working royal, Harry said: 'I miss the weird family gatherings, when we are all sort of brought together under one roof for certain times of the year.'

He then added that 'being part of the institution meant I was in the UK. So I miss the UK, I miss my friends', and he admitted he has 'lost a few friends as well'.

Meanwhile, the Prince, who spoke to the BBC from California in a striking interview earlier this year, revealed that he now hopes for a 'reconciliation', adding that despite there being 'so many disagreements', he had now 'forgiven' his family.

But after Harry lost his battle for taxpayer-funded armed police bodyguards when in the UK, the Prince equally made clear that he had no intention of bringing his family back to Britain.

He explained: 'I can't see a world in which I will be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point and the things they are going to miss is everything.

'I love my country and always have done. Despite what some people in that country have done. So I miss the UK. I miss parts of the UK. Of course I do. I think it's really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland.'

Six years after the couple sensationally 'quit' as working royals, their former life in Britain feels somewhat reminiscent of a dream as the rift between the Sussexes and The Firm holds strong.

Far from the palace walls, the couple are now based 5,500 miles away among their celebrity pals in sunny California, pictured hand-in-hand on the red carpet as they attempt to forge a new life.

Yet, hopes of a reconciliation between the couple and the Royal Family have continued to prevail - particularly following the Prince's shock face-to-face meting with his father for the first time in 19 months at Clarence House in September.

But while Meghan's role in assisting Harry to leave life in The Firm behind may have been made with kindness, the tumultuous events that followed forged a seemingly devastating finality that may be challenging to overcome.
Prince Andrew could become the first royal to be caught up in a criminal probe in more than 20 years after the Metropolitan Police confirmed it was 'actively' probing claims he asked an officer to dig up dirt on his teenage sex accuser.

An email obtained by The Mail on Sunday exposes how Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded Met bodyguard to investigate Virginia Giuffre and passed him her date of birth and confidential social security number.

Astonishingly, Andrew then told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his personal protection officers  part of the Met's elite SO14 Royalty Protection Group  to dig up information about Ms Giuffre.

He emailed Mr Perkins hours before this newspaper first published the infamous picture of the duke with 17-year-old Ms Giuffre, which would ultimately bring about his downfall.

'It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States,' he wrote. 'I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].'

It is not suggested that the officer complied with the prince's request, while Ms Giuffre's family last night said she did not have a criminal record.

Her relatives said our revelations 'expose the lengths to which those implicated try to discredit and defame survivors. The truth will surface and there will be no shadows in which they can hide'.

A spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed today: 'We are aware of media reporting and are actively looking into the claims made.'

The prince could potentially face a criminal investigation in the US for sharing Ms Giuffre's social security number without her permission.

Although Andrew previously settled a civil sex assault case brought by Ms Giuffre in the US, this would be the first time in more than two decades where a Royal Family member has been caught up in a criminal probe.

His hard-working sister, Princess Anne, became the first member of the present Royal Family to be convicted of a criminal offence when she pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act at East Berkshire Magistrates' Court in Slough.

The Princess Royal was fined 500 and ordered to pay 250 in compensation and 148 in costs after one of her dogs, a three-year-old English bull terrier named Dotty, bit two children in Windsor Great Park on April 1 2002.

Virginia Giuffre photographed with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell in London in 2001

Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence leaving East Berkshire Magistrates Court in November 2002 after her dog injured two children

King Charles was pictured arriving at Crathie Kirk church, near his Balmoral estate in Scotland, for a service on Sunday

More than 20 years later, it is her disgraced brother Andrew who could become the second current Royal Family member to face a criminal investigation.

Prince Philip had a brush with the law in 2019 when his Land Rover collided with a Kia near the Sandringham estate in Norfolk and injured two women, but he surrendered his driving licence and the Crown Prosecution Service took no further action.

Broadcaster Emily Maitlis, who grilled Andrew in his infamous 2019 Newsnight interview, said she is 'glad' the police are probing claims into allegedly handing Ms Giuffre's social security number to police.

'I think if there have been people responsible for trying to make her life even more unbearable than it was, then I would like to see justice done,' she told Victoria Derbyshire on the BBC Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg show.

Details of the shocking email come after Andrew was forced to relinquish all of his remaining titles following new damaging revelations in last week's MoS about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

In a humiliating blow, Andrew will no longer be known as the Duke of York and is stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter, the country's most ancient order of chivalry.

Ms Giuffre's family have renewed their request to the King to strip Andrew of his title of Prince, adding: 'We also request a full investigation as to how Andrew obtained Virginia's private information.'

Andrew last night refused to explain how he obtained Ms Giuffre's nine-digit US social security number  described as 'the key to someone's life, required for opening bank accounts, applying for loans and getting a driver's licence or passport'.

Meanwhile, the Met faced calls to launch an investigation. Prominent barrister Charlotte Proudman branded Prince Andrew's actions 'utterly despicable and reprehensible' and said 'there could be legal implications for Andrew'.

She added: 'This shows Prince Andrew using his connections, including the police who are paid for by the taxpayer, in an attempt to dig up dirt on a survivor of sex trafficking. It is just despicable. It certainly seems like a breach of her right to privacy and to protect her data from being misused. This should be investigated.'

Spencer Kuvin, a lawyer who represented nine of Epstein's victims, said: 'Smearing a survivor is the oldest play in the handbook. It is despicable that Andrew fails to take accountability for his actions. Hopefully the authorities will look into his actions and prosecute him for any laws he may have broken.'

David Boies, who represented Ms Giuffre, said: 'At this point, I think Prince Andrew has suffered enough, but the Met Police owe Epstein's victims an accounting.'

And solicitor Mark Stephens, an expert in data and privacy at law firm Howard Kennedy, said: 'It seems to me that there are reasons to investigate whether a criminal conspiracy has occurred here and I suspect the public will want that investigation.'

Ms Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, claimed that paedophile Epstein trafficked her to London and forced her to have sex with the prince  allegations Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied.

Andrew pictured with Jeffrey Epstein in New York's Central Park in 2011. Andrew refused to explain how he obtained Ms Giuffre's nine-digit US social security number

Ms Giuffre, who took her own life earlier this year, claimed that paedophile Epstein trafficked her to London and forced her to have sex with the Duke  allegations Andrew has repeatedly and vehemently denied

Sarah Ferguson attends the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St George's Chapel on Easter Sunday earlier this year. Epstein claimed he bankrolled Fergie for 15 years

Email exchanges Between Prince Andrew, Ed Perkins and Jeffrey Epstein

In a memoir to be published this week, Ms Giuffre, who was abused by Epstein for four years, claimed that Andrew 'believed having sex with me was his birthright'.

Andrew's email to Mr Perkins is one of a series of explosive disclosures contained within a cache of emails currently with the US Congress that have been obtained exclusively by the MoS. The 'Epstein files' also reveal:

Epstein set Andrew up on a dinner date with a woman who claims the paedophile sexually abused her for years;

Andrew admitted to Epstein that it was possible he met Ms Giuffre and there could be a photograph  despite later declaring: 'I don't remember meeting her at all';

Sarah Ferguson, and her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were the first people to visit Epstein after his release from jail for child sex offences, according to Epstein;

The paedophile financier claimed he bankrolled Sarah Ferguson for 15 years;

Fergie begged Epstein to lend her up to $100,000 while he was still under house arrest and pleaded to be allowed to visit his notorious private island;

Ex-minister Peter Mandelson warned Epstein his relationship with the Yorks would end badly.

Ms Giuffre's family said: 'These outrageous emails are further vindication of Virginia. It underscores her courage and her strength as a truth teller.'

Epstein's mugshot taken in March 2017. The 'Epstein files' also reveal that he set Andrew up on a dinner date with a woman who claims the paedophile sexually abused her for years

The Epstein Files provide an extraordinary insight into Andrew and Epstein's reaction to an interview this newspaper's correspondent Sharon Churcher conducted with Ms Giuffre in February 2011.

In it, Ms Giuffre, then known as Virginia Roberts, told how she was introduced to the duke during a six-week trip to Europe in March 2001 and produced a picture of her with him that had been taken in Maxwell's house in Belgravia.

She also alleged she had sex with Andrew on three occasions while a teenager, but for legal reasons the MoS could not publish her claims, which the prince strongly denies.

We approached the prince for comment, and on February 25, two days before we published our story, a furious Andrew emailed Epstein and complained that the MoS was 'gratuitously trying it on'.

The following day Mr Perkins emailed Andrew the picture of him with his arm around Ms Giuffre, which the MoS had agreed to share on the grounds it was shown only to the duke. At 3.09pm Andrew emailed Mr Perkins saying: 'I've just had a short conversation with Ghislaine [Maxwell] and she says VR [Virginia Roberts] is a lying so and so, paraphrasing, but this is consistent with what JE [Jeffrey Epstein] says. If this comes to the crunch we must have a statement ready.'

Andrew did not question the authenticity of the photograph, although he later told BBC's Newsnight that he had 'no recollection' of ever meeting Ms Giuffre and suggested the image could be fake.

In response to the prince's email, Mr Perkins wrote 'Indeed Sir. All received. Awaiting their response now. Lawyers primed.'

Ms Giuffre in 2011. In a memoir to be published this week, Ms Giuffre, who was abused by Epstein for four years, claimed that Andrew 'believed having sex with me was his birthright'

Andrew at the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor in June 2019. In a humiliating blow, Andrew will no longer be known as the Duke of York and is stepping down from membership of the Order of the Garter

The duke then told Mr Perkins he believed Ms Giuffre had a criminal record in America and that he had handed over her social security number and date of birth to one of his protection officers. Less than three hours later Andrew forwarded his emails with Mr Perkins to Epstein and simply wrote 'latest'.

A legal source last night told the MoS: 'How did Andrew obtain Virginia's social security number? Was it obtained legally? If Andrew passed it on to someone in the Met they could have unlocked her whole world.'

The emails reveal that in the following days Epstein made several suggestions to Andrew about how to undermine Ms Giuffre's credibility. On February 28, Epstein told Andrew: 'I am also getting a statement from the judge in another of [Virginia's] sex allegations that says she lacks credibility... should have that this afternoon.'

On March 6, Epstein wrote: 'We can start by pointing out that Virginia fled the country after a warrant had been issued for her arrest for stealing 300 dollars from the restaurant she was working at as a waitress police report available.'

Although her family say she did not have a criminal record, Ms Giuffre had a troubled childhood. She said she was abused by a family friend, triggering a descent that led to her living on the streets for a time in her teens. In a harrowing comment, she told Churcher: 'I was a paedophile's dream.'

She was working at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida when she met Maxwell, who invited her to work as Epstein's personal masseuse. She was abused by Epstein from 1999 to 2002, she claimed, and trafficked to have sex with powerful men.

Epstein pictured at a New York magazine launch in 2005. The Epstein Files also reveal that Andrew admitted to Epstein that it was possible he met Ms Giuffre and there could be a photograph  despite later declaring 'I don't remember meeting her at all'

The Epstein Files show how an arrogant Andrew initially appeared nonplussed by the publication of our story and its bombshell picture of him with 17-year-old Ms Giuffre.

'Good morning from a very dull London,' he wrote to Epstein at 4.31am on February 28. 'I am afraid I haven't read any of the Mail articles. I don't on principle. But I will be discussing with my team today any further action to be taken.'

Later that day, Andrew's tone in another email to Epstein was more downcast. 'We have had a discussion this morning and we are somewhat at a loss as to how to deal with this as it is now innuendo rather than substantive allegations. No one else has even sparked at the story over here, which is a good thing.'

However, allegations continued to mount. In 2019, after his disastrous Newsnight interview, Andrew announced he was stepping back from his royal duties. On Friday he was forced to relinquish his remaining titles, after this newspaper disclosed how Andrew secretly told Epstein 'we are in this together' 12 weeks after he had supposedly cut all ties with him.

Welcoming the duke's downfall, Ms Giuffre's brother Sky Roberts: 'We've shed a lot of happy and sad tears. In a lot of ways this vindicates Virginia.'

During his BBC interview Andrew refused to express any regret about his friendship with Epstein because of the 'opportunities that I was given to learn either by him or because of him'.

The MoS emails, however, reveal it was not a sentiment shared by Epstein. Writing in 2015 to Peter Mandelson, who was sacked in September as Britain's ambassador to the US over his links to the sex offender, Epstein said: 'I guess you were right that my association/friendship with Andrew would come to no good deed.'

Prince Andrew declined to comment last night.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges that he shared classified information with members of his family.

Bolton's indictment comes just a few days after two other indictments of current and former U.S. government officials. New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted for alleged mortgage fraud, and former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for allegedly lying to the U.S. Congress.

Bolton said he has "become the latest target in weaponizing the Justice Department." He has been a vocal critic of Trump since he departed from the administration, describing him as "unfit to be president."

"I look forward to the fight to defend my lawful conduct and to expose his abuse of power," he said.

Bolton's indictment claims he "abused his position as National Security Advisor by sharing more than a thousand pages of information about his day-to-day activities" with two family members.

The indictment said Bolton sent "diary-like entries" to two unnamed family members on an email account that was not set up by the government, "such as email accounts hosted by AOL and Google."

It said those emails included classified material that was allegedly designated to indicate it originated from sensitive intelligence sources.

Abbe Lowell, the attorney who is defending Bolton, denied any wrongdoing on Bolton's part.

"These charges stem from portions of Amb. Bolton's personal diaries over his 45-year career -- records that are unclassified, shared only with his immediate family, and known to the FBI as far back as 2021," according to a statement from Lowell. "Like many public officials throughout history, Amb. Bolton kept diaries -- that is not a crime."

The indictment also said Bolton's email account was hacked by a "cyber actor" sometime between 2019 and 2021.

The indictment alleges that Bolton had informed federal officials about the incident but did not disclose that the hacked email account had been used to share allegedly classified material.

It also accuses Bolton of printing out some documents that contained national defense information and storing them at his home.

Prosecutors said some of this material was stored on Bolton's personal electronic devices, which were used by others in Bolton's home.

The indictment said that electronic files and printouts were found in Bolton's residence and office during an FBI raid in August. Unsealed court documents said law enforcement agents found records that were marked as classified.

The so-called diary entries supposedly included "detailed information that BOLTON learned from meetings with senior members of the U.S. Government, intelligence briefings from members of the intelligence community and military, discussions with foreign leaders and foreign intelligence and military organizations, and intelligence products and reports," according to the indictment.

When asked whether more such indictments should be expected, Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College, told Xinhua: "I would be shocked if we don't see more indictments along these lines ... The real test will be whether any of these survive a motion to dismiss."

The issue originally arose with the Justice Department in Trump's first term. Then the matter was raised again late in Trump's first term and inherited by former President Joe Biden's administration. Under Biden, the Justice Department settled with Bolton.

"That appeared to be the end of it," said Clay Ramsay, a senior researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland.

However, "the elements in the case have been re-dealt, as you would shuffle a pack of cards and lay them out again, and have been arranged as a new indictment," he said.

"None of this is to say that Bolton may not have been careless with classified information," Ramsay said. 
Just when you thought Prince Andrews reputation could fall no further, another raft of allegations emerge that take it even further into the gutter.

He has already been forced to give up his dukedom and Knight of the Garter title but now it is becoming increasingly clear that his days at the Royal Lodge at Windsor, a splendid 30-room mansion a corgi-walk from the Kings home at Windsor Castle, could well be numbered.

There is talk of him being despatched to the Castle of Mey, a 16th century pile almost 700 miles from Windsor on the very northern tip of Scotland.

But I think it is very unlikely that he would agree to give up the comforts of the Royal Lodge for the most northerly inhabited castle in the country. I also find it hard to believe that Charles would offer it: he has just planted a maze there and considers it his personal property.

For a more suitable option we should take inspiration from royal history. When Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 rather than give up his relationship with the divorced Wallis Simpson, he was banished into exile.

At first, he lived in France, but fled to Portugal when the Germans invaded in May 1940, before sailing to the Bahamas shortly afterwards, where Churchill installed him as governor.

There is talk of Andrew being despatched to the Castle of Mey on the very northern tip of Scotland

Any hopes Edward had of returning to his homeland after the war were scotched by the Labour prime minister Clement Attlee who was shrewd enough to realise that a kingdom with two kings was a non-starter.

And the Duke of Windsor, as he had by then become known, was despatched back to France where he remained for the rest of his days.

The truth is theres a long and dishonourable tradition of sending disgraced royals into exile and, as Prince Andrews troubles mount, its time to banish him abroad.

Perhaps the most obvious destination would be the US. But there, he and Fergie would have to share the atmosphere with Harry and Meghan and could find themselves the subject of invidious comparisons.

Harry may have disgraced himself via the indiscretions in his autobiography, Spare, but compared to Andrew, whose charge sheet is not only much longer but also a great deal more sordid, he is a leading member of polite society.

Meanwhile, Meghan has stolen Fergies clothes as the lovable wayward princess. Shes younger, slimmer and makes for nicer pictures  plus Fergie might find her sources of income strictly limited since the death of her paymaster, the billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and the end of lucrative deals with the likes of Weight Watchers.

Perhaps when considering their options for moving on they should look to Andrews ancestors for tips. Queen Caroline, who was effectively exiled for six years after a breakdown in her marriage to King George IV, took to riding donkeys in the Middle East.

That might appeal to Andrew, who conveniently has a royal palace on permanent standby in Abu Dhabi, courtesy the ruling house of Nahyan.

But Fergie might find the Arab attitude towards women stifling and, while the temperature there is permanently above 80 degrees, the shoppings not so hot.

A more likely choice would be Switzerland, Fergies spiritual home, where the couple once had a charming chalet in Verbier.

They sold it in 2022 but only after years of legal squabbles over money. Indeed, the Mountbatten-Windsors, as we must learn to call them following the humiliating loss of Andrews titles, always seem to be short of cash. So they might find it difficult to stump up the many millions it takes to buy, staff and run a Swiss chalet.

The answer might be to sell the lease on their current home, the Royal Lodge, back to King Charles. He would no doubt would be delighted to give them a fair price just to see the back of them.

Certainly, exile abroad is the best option for Andrew and Fergie right now. The Epstein scandal is far from over  and another disaster looms ahead.

Sooner or later the floodgates will burst on Andrews ten-year stint as a roving trade ambassador, apparently representing Britain abroad but answerable to nobody - and doing who-knows-what in terms of personal enrichment and private misbehaviour.

So far, the lid has been clamped firmly down on that particular can of worms but its only a matter of time before the details spill out, just as they have in the Epstein case.

Far safer if youre holed up in a foreign country when the grit hits the fan.
It's a question that has been asked since the beginning of time: does God really exist?

Traditionally, science has been the counterargument for the existence of a divine creator.

However, French mathematicians Olivier Bonnassies and Michel-Yves Bollore now say that science 'has become God's ally'.

In a new book, the duo have distilled insights from 62 Nobel Prize winners and more than 100 leading scientists to pinpoint the scientific discoveries that could prove God is real.

This includes everything from the Big Bang  the most widely accepted explanation for the origin of the universe  to DNA and the human genome.

'Until recently, believing in God seemed incompatible with science,' say the authors.

'Now, unexpectedly, science appears to have become God's ally.'

Ultimately, whether science disproves or supports the existence of God remains open to interpretation  but these scientific discoveries offer a tantalising glimpse at the possibility that our world is the result of design, not chance.

It's a question that has been asked since the beginning of time: does God really exist?

Traditionally, science has been the counterargument for the existence of a divine creator. However, French mathematicians Olivier Bonnassies (right) and MichelYves Bollore (left) now say that science 'has become God's ally'

The Big Bang

The Big Bang is the most widely accepted explanation for the origin of the universe, and posits that the universe exploded into existence from a single point about 14 billion years ago.

According to the theory, in an instant quicker than the blink of an eye, matter and energy, as well as space and time, were suddenly born.

Many academics  including the late Professor Stephen Hawking  have refuted the suggestion that a divine creator was behind the Big Bang.

But according to the authors, who are both Christians, such an action dictates there was some kind of higher being that could have triggered it.

In their book, the duo ask if 'it really such a leap to entertain the possibility of a creative act' behind the Big Bang.

'The Big Bang forces us into a corner,' they say in their book.

'To put it bluntly, it brings us face-to-face with the idea of God.

In the book, Bollore and Bonnassies distil insights from 62 Nobel Prize winners and more than 100 leading scientists

This timeline plots the expansion of space since the Big Bang; space, including hypothetical nonobservable portions of the universe, is represented by the circular sections

The Big Bang theory The Big Bang is a cosmological model, a theory used to describe the beginning and the evolution of our universe. It says that the universe was in a very hot and dense state before it started to expand 13.7 billion years ago. This theory is based on fundamental observations. In 1920, Edwin Hubble observed that the distance between galaxies was increasing everywhere in the universe  meaning galaxies had to be closer to each other in the past. Advertisement

'The fact that we cant really think about the time before the Big Bang, as the categories of time, space and matter simply do not apply, lends credence to the idea of a creative act.

'If there was mathematical information before the Big Bang, who is the incredible "programmer" behind such code?'

It was back in 1965 when two astronomers in New Jersey provided pivotal evidence confirming the theory of the Big Bang.

For the first time, they discovered cosmic microwave background (CMB)  the radiation left over from the birth of the universe, considered the Big Bang's leftover glow.

However, half a century later, there is still not an alternative theory that's supported by experimental observations, the French mathematicians point out.

'We wait in vain,' they add.

A finetuned universe

Life only exists on Earth due to a precise combination of factors  such as just the right temperatures, our planet's protective magnetic field and the proportion of oxygen in the atmosphere.

The Creation of Adam, a fresco painting by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, shows the moment humanity was created through the hands of God  a new book by two French mathematicians claims science now backs up the idea of one creator

Other 'vital parameters' include the 'perfect' inclination of Earth's axis of rotation and the thickness of its ozone layer, protecting us from the sun's deadly radiation.

More broadly, everything in the universe is governed by essential forces  such as the strong force, the weak force and the electromagnetic force.

The researchers point out that these constants carry a series of numbers or values, calculated by some of the finest scientific minds such as German physicist Albert Einstein.

Either these 'finetuned' numbers are the 'result of chance'  one that is only infinitesimally unlikely  or they come from 'complex calculations of a highly intelligent creator God', say Bollore and Bonnassies.

'For some of these numbers, a very slight variation by even a distant decimal point would have yielded an unrecognizable Universe, and we would not be here to talk about it,' they write.

This school of thought, known as the finetuned universe hypothesis, conjures the image of an almighty creator in the heavens twiddling dials and knobs.

While this image may be a leap of the imagination, the alterative belief that the universe 'is a purposeless accident' is less backed by the perfectly calibrated numbers.

DNA and the human genome

DNA forms part of a 'unique, sophisticated and coordinated coding system' that points to the existence of an 'intelligent designer'

Professor Stephen Hawking: 'There is no God' Professor Stephen Hawking's last 'profound realisation'was that there is no afterlife or supreme being. 'We are each free to believe what we want, and it's my view that the simplest explanation is that there is no God,' he said. 'No one created the universe and no one directors out fate. This leads me to a profound realisation: there is probably no heaven and afterlife either. I think belief in the afterlife is just wishful thinking. 'There is no reliable evidence for it, and it flies in the face of everything we know in science. I think that when we die we return to dust. 'But there is a sense we live on, in our influence, and in the genes we pass to our children.' Advertisement

Theoretically, Earth might have existed without harboring the wonderfully diverse range of plants and animals that it does today  but somehow life found a way.

Around four billion years ago, inert matter became the earliest primitive lifeforms and DNA mysteriously came into existence.

The improbability of the 'enormous leap' from inert matter to life is 'dizzying', the French mathematicians explain  and chance alone 'cannot explain the appearance of life'.

In 1953, the discovery of DNA's doublehelix structure by Sir Francis Crick and James Watson revealed the existence of a single encoding language common to all lifeforms.

More recently, in 2003, scientists built on the work of Crick and Watson to map the human genome  the entire set of DNA instructions found in a cell.

Crick, himself an atheist, admitted a complex structure like DNA could not have appeared by chance'  and appeared to be 'almost a miracle'.

DNA forms part of a 'unique, sophisticated and coordinated coding system' that points to the existence of an 'intelligent designer'.

Bollore and Bonnassies suggest life arose when it did due to natural laws set in place by God in the very beginning, or the result of a special intervention by the same creator.

Professor Stephen Hawking's last 'profound realisation'was that there is no afterlife or supreme being. Pictured: Professor Hawking in January 2007

Albert Einstein often recognised the necessity for an 'infinitely superior' being responsible for the creation of the world - although he never acknowledged any personal God or followed any particular religion

'In the last 50 years, we have discovered that the complexity of life surpasses anything we could have imagined,' they say. 'Today's leading figures in science have been humbled by this fact.'

Einstein's theory of relativity

Albert Einstein  who described himself as 'not an atheist' but didn't embrace religion either  developed the Theory of Relativity between 1905 and 1917.

The theory, which altered our understanding of physics, says time, space, matter and energy and interrelated and that no single one of them can exist without the other.

It says light, and specifically the speed of light, is the only 'constant' in the universe  and everything else is relative, even time.

Some Christians have interpreted the theory as proof that God exists by drawing comparisons between light and God  both unchanging constants.

Notably, the Bible says 'God is light' and repeatedly uses the word 'light' to describe an allpresent God  such as 'I am the light of the world' and the 'Lord is my light and my salvation'.

The theory says time would stop if something was travelling at the speed of light  while comparably God is eternal, having no beginning and no end.

Albert Einstein's 'God letter' Einstein penned his famous letter 'God letter' to religious philosopher Erik Gutkind in 1954 as a critical response to his book. 'The word God is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weakness, the Bible a collection of honorable, but still purely primitive, legends which are nevertheless pretty childish,' he said in the letter. He adds: 'No interpretation, no matter how subtle, can (for me) change anything about this.' Advertisement

Although Einstein didn't present this religious interpretation as truth, aspects of his theory certainly support the belief that God exists.

Quantum mechanics

Of all the scientific discoveries in the 20th century, few have left scientists dumbstruck like quantum physics.

Classical models of physics cannot explain the world of quantum mechanics, which challenge our understanding of reality.

For example, a phenomenon called quantum entanglement describes two particles and their properties becoming linked without physical contact with one another.

In recent years, French physicist Alain Aspect, a Nobel prize winner, demonstrated quantum entanglement between two particles about 40 feet apart that were 'dialogued instantaneously' with each other.

Quantum experiments like that have made it clear 'that within the realm of physics there is another later of reality,' the duo say in the book.

'The twentiethcentury discovery of the quantum nature of our world  which shows that it is indeterminate and radically subject to chance  is metaphysically essential,' they added.

Einstein penned his famous letter 'God letter' to religious philosopher Erik Gutkind in 1954 as a critical response to his book

'It provides indirect confirmation of the thesis that God exists while undermining the determinist positions held by atheist scientists of the nineteenth century.'

So, does science prove God exists?

Overall, the authors insist that the evidence for God's existence is 'abundant, clear and rational', and their arguments are grounded in 'reason and careful analysis'.

'Traces of God's actions' in the universe are far more tangible than those of aliens, they add  but somehow scientists spend more effort to finding the latter.

'We are living in extraordinary times,' they conclude in the book.

'Although this shift has gone largely unnoticed by the general public, we are in the midst of an intellectual paradigm shift that fundamentally redefines our approach to the question of God's existence.'

The Englishlanguage version of 'God, the Science, the Evidence' has been published in paperback by Palomar
Grizzly bears are dying at an alarming rate inside Yellowstone National Park - and humans are responsible for most of the carnage.

At least 63 bears have been killed so far this year, up from 56 at the same point in 2024, according to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, which tracks bear deaths in Yellowstone's federally protected Recovery Zone.

Deaths within that zone, which spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, are now on pace to exceed last year's record of 74 in a single year.

In 2001, 68 grizzlies died, US Geological Survey data showed.

The team's data shows 85 percent of deaths are linked directly to human interaction, from collisions with cars to hunters mistaking grizzlies for black bears.

Of the 63 deaths this year, at least 45, or 71 percent, involved humans.

Grizzly fatalities have risen in tandem with Yellowstone's booming visitor numbers. National Park Service figures indicate the park is set for another record number of visitors, after more than 4.7 million tourists visited in 2024.

Grizzlies were listed as an endangered species in 1975, making it a federal crime to kill one.

At least 63 grizzly bears have died in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so far this year

Tourist Samantha Dehring was charged with wildlife offences for coming too close to a female grizzly and her cubs in 2021.

Offenders can face fines of up to $100,000, loss of hunting licenses, and even jail.

Killing a bear is permitted in self-defense, but the incident must be reported to the US Fish and Wildlife Service within five days.

'There may be a few more bears, but mortality numbers can vary from year to year,' Chris Servheen, former coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), told Outside, an outdoors-focused magazine.

'The long-term numbers are what are important, so year-to-year increases indicate ongoing levels of mortality rather than an unusually bad year.

'Most grizzly deaths are due to humans every year,' he added.

Servheen warned that the real number of deaths is likely higher - especially ahead of rifle hunting season in the Rocky Mountains.

'There are always unknown unreported mortalities in addition to the known and probable mortalities,' Servheen said.

US Geological Survey records show 74 grizzlies died in 2024, compared with 68 in 2021 and 69 in 2018. About 700 bears now live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, according to The Denver Post.

The data found that the bears' deaths were largely due to humans

Killing a grizzly bear is illegal and carries hefty penalties

The beauty of Yellowstone National Park as a herd of bison trek through water this week

In one particularly troubling case earlier this year, rangers trapped and euthanized a 400-pound, 11-year-old male that had repeatedly broken into trash bins and overturned 800-pound dumpsters in search of human food.

'We go to great lengths to protect bears and prevent them from becoming conditioned to human food,' Yellowstone officials said in a statement.

'But occasionally, a bear outsmarts us or overcomes our defenses. When that happens, we sometimes have to remove the bear from the population to protect visitors and property.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Yellowstone officials for further comment.
A scared image of Mary and a young Jesus has captured global attention after it mysteriously started producing streams of myrrh.

Myrrh, one of the three gifts brought by the Wise Men, is a gum resin from a tree that grows in Africa and the Middle East, and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.

The $20 mass-produced picture, allegedly found in a bargain bin in Toronto, is housed at the Holy Theotokos of Iveron Russian Orthodox Church in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The phenomenon was first noticed over 15 years ago by Father Nectarios Yangson, a priest at the church, who reported a sudden, overwhelming scent of myrrh filling his office, and even prompting his cat to stand on its hind legs in fascination.

Since then, the miraculous Iveron icon, a paper replica of a long-revered ancient icon, has traveled to more than 1,000 churches in the US and around the world.

Believers say icons that spontaneously stream myrrh appear during times of great tribulation, serving as a sign that the Mother of God will protect the faithful.

The resin is so abundant that extra myrrh is bottled and sent to believers worldwide, who claim it has healed illnesses.

Physical and spiritual healings have included the healing of blindness and eye disease, cancer, demonic possession, paralysis, kidney disease, chronic pain and debilitating viruses.

The $20 mass-produced picture, allegedly found in a bargain bin in Toronto, is housed at the Holy Theotokos of Iveron Russian Orthodox Church in Honolulu, Hawaii

The resin is so abundant that extra myrrh is bottled and sent to believers worldwide, who claim it has healed illnesses

The Hawaiian Iveron Icon is a mounted replica of the original Montreal Iveron Icon, created by the Sofrino Church Supply Company in Russia.

Footage of the icon has resurfaced online, showing the paper image inside a wooden case that is pouring myrrh.

A white cloth was placed on the back of the case, which was soaked by the resin, as was the table the icon sat on.

Father Nectarios first noticed the strong aroma in 1997 after receiving the icon from his parish priest.

'During the last week of September, I began to notice an unbelievably strong smell of myrrh, at home, in my car, even at work. I couldn't explain it,' he recalled.

The scent intensified one day when he was working at home. His cat sniffed the air and stood upright, and only then did Father Nectarios detect the overpowering fragrance himself.

Upon inspecting the icons, he saw a bead of myrrh forming on the left knee of the image of Our Lord.

'We were afraid. We asked if we had recently cleaned or anointed the icons. We hadn't,' he said.

Footage of the icon has resurfaced online, showing the paper image inside a wooden case that is pouring myrrh. A white cloth was placed on the back of the case, which was soaked by the resin, as was the table the icon sat on

Photographs documented the phenomenon, which he later shared with fellow priests.

The following Sunday, the congregation witnessed the icons' myrrh and helped themselves to it.

'Some days have been completely dry, while on other days they are covered in myrrh. Yet whether they stream or not, they continuously give off an extremely strong scent of roses,' Father Nectarios shared on the church's website.

'It is truly a great miracle! I sometimes wonder if it is a warning.'

In 2008, the Russian Orthodox Church officially recognized the Iveron icon as miraculous, encouraging Father Nectarios to bring it to churches across the US.

He has traveled to more than 100 churches in the US, Europe, and beyond, drawing millions of faithful.

The icon has been associated with miraculous healings, including curing cancer during a 2014 visit to Georgia.

Father Nectarios said that, while working in Hawaii, he sometimes felt overlooked by the wider Orthodox Church, but the icon stands as a clear sign.

'Whether or not our fellow clergy, our fellow Orthodox faithful have forgotten us, one thing is clear The Most Holy Mother of God has not forgotten us.'
From the famous feta pasta to the 'horrifying' Hot Pickle challenge, several quirky foods have stormed social media in recent years.

But one viral snack towers above the rest - Dubai chocolate.

Since TikTok got a taste of Dubai chocolate, appetite for the treat has skyrocketed  with influencers and foodies traveling thousands of miles and shelling out hundreds just to get their hands on the crunchy bar.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Viral: Dubai chocolate has stormed the Internet in recent years

Within months of it launching, Dubai chocolateflavored products were being sold in supermarkets around the world.

So, why has this particular sweet treat proved so popular?

According to Charles Spence, a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, its success is largely due to the 'lurid' green color of the filling.

'You have a powerful visual contrast: lurid green against brown chocolate,' the scientist explained.

'This makes it stand out in photographs and captures our attention since we are drawn to visually interesting objects (think of the Aperol spritz with its distinctive orange color).'

The viral candy first gained popularity in 2024 when a Dubaibased chocolatier, inspired by her pregnancy cravings, began inventing filled bars to satisfy her sweet tooth.

Sarah Hamouda launched her brand Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021, later inventing the pistachio cream and filopastry filled pudding which went on to land global acclaim after TikTokker Maria Vehera posted a video sampling the treat.

The viral bar is inspired by a Middle Eastern dessert called Knafeh and are filled with pistachio cream, tahini and Kataifi pastry  a pastry made from shredded filo dough.

Rise to prominence: Sarah Hamouda launched her brand Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021, later inventing the pistachio cream and filopastry filled pudding

Beyond the colour of its filling, Professor Spence says there are several other factors that have helped to fuel the Dubai chocolate's success.

While it might sound strange, the scientist says that the fact that the chocolate bar is calorific might actually work in its favour.

Why is it so popular? According to a professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, the chocolate's success is largely due to the 'lurid' green color of the filling

He said: 'We are hard-wired to find the sight of energy-dense food exciting (no doubt an evolutionarily-selected trait in our distant ancestors).

'This can also explain the surging popularity of other foods that combine visual stimulation with a high calorie count, such as rainbow- and unicorn-colored cakes.'

The chocolate's exoticism is also a key element of its appeal, according to Professor Spence.

'It comes from completely outside the bubble of many cultures,' he said.

'These days, people feel that they can gain "social kudos" by styling themselves as a "food discoverer," and being the first to alert their network to a new food on the scene.

'Bubble tea, for instance, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, but has developed a global appeal during recent years, largely due to it being "discovered" and shared by social media influencers.'

Finally, unlike other treats, which aren't particularly textural, the unique combination of crunchy and smooth translates well on camera.

'The crunchy filling against the creamy chocolate also creates a strong textural contrast that you can feel in the mouth,' Professor Spence said.

'A key issue with showing food on social media is that the viewer can't actually taste it.

'This has led to increasingly extreme textures and flavors (for instance, spicy or sour) that provoke a facial (and, on occasion, fatal!) reaction in whichever influencer is showing off the product.'

Overall, the Dubai chocolate trend proves the power of social media.

'Food trends on social media shouldn't be dismissed as "millennial fads" but powerful forces that can shake global supply chains and agricultural sectors,' Professor Spence concluded.
An illegal immigrant living in Louisiana, who allegedly participated in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is arrested and faces fraud and misuse of a visa charges, and he's accused of conspiring to help a foreign terrorist organization.

Federal prosecutors said Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi armed himself and gathered a group to cross from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel during the attack that left over 1,200 people dead.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed this week, Al-Muhtadi was a high-ranking member of the Gaza-based terrorist group Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), which worked hand-in-hand with Hamas during the attack.

U.S. resident: Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub Al-Muhtadi was arrested for allegedly participating in the October 7 attack on Israel and lying about it on his application for a visa to the U.S.

The criminal complaint said: 'Evidence shows that on the morning of October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi learned about the Hamas invasion, armed himself, gathered others and crossed into Israel with the intention of assisting in Hamas's terrorist attack.'

But when he later applied for a visa to America, Al-Muhtadi denied he had ever been involved in terrorist activities - and he became a legal permanent resident in 2024.

Al-Muhtadi most recently lived in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked at a restaurant prior to his arrest on Thursday.

Terrorist: Al-Muhtadi (left) was reportedly a high-ranking member of New Resistance Brigades

There could be more charges forthcoming as an investigation into Al-Muhtadi continued.

The criminal complaint detailed how Al-Muhtadi's social media showed he had a yearslong affiliation with the military wing of DFLP.

Photos showed him with the group's red headband and, on December 12, 2019, Al-Muhtadi sent a message to another social media user that contained what appeared to be a photograph of an official New Resistance Brigades (NRB) form on official letterhead along with his signature, according to the complaint.

Then in September 2020, Al-Muhtadi sent another social media a photo of militants with headbands on that featured the terrorist group's logo, along with the message: 'This is my group.'

When the other social media user asked how many there were, he allegedly replied: 'I have 15 young men.'

Armed: In pics on social media, he was allegedly seen in a vest labeled with the group's elite unit

By May 27, 2022, another user sent Al-Muhtadi the message: 'The battalions' youth are ready,' the criminal complaint claims.

Other photos allegedly showed him donning a vest labeled 'Wahdat al-Nukhba,' which is the group's elite unit.

The FBI's Alexandria M Thoman O'Donnell wrote in her affidavit, submitted to a judge on October 6: 'Based on my training and experience, I believe these messages and communications indicate that Al-Muhtadi was sufficiently senior in the NRB to have been tasked with training younger militants.'

O'Donnell served on the task force investigating the murder and kidnapping of American citizens during the attack two years ago.

Weaponry: The Louisiana resident shared photos of guns he said were at his home

Al-Muhtadi also had an apparent history of engaging in attacks on Israel.

According to the complaint, he sent another social media user a message describing an NRB attack on a military outpost in the country, near the Gaza border.

The note said: 'I swear by God, we burned them! This battle is different for us. God is the helper! Long live the resistance.'

According to O'Donnell, in phone calls the U.S. government obtained from October 7, 2023, Al-Muhtadi described his knowledge of Hamass attack on Israel; his intention to participate in that attack; his effort to gather manpower and munitions before crossing the border; his travel towards Israel; his efforts to avoid detection and his eventual crossing over the border into Israel'.

The agent said that after the Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif called for the masses to join in on the attack, Al-Muhtadi told his associates to get ready and bring the rifles and a full magazine.

He even allegedly told his colleagues that there is kidnapping and its a game, which will be a good one.

He was said to have added: If things go the way they should, Syria will take part, Lebanon will take part and its going to be a third world war.'

False papers? Al-Muhtadi entered the U.S. in 2024

The FBI further alleged that Al-Muhtadi coordinated an armed group to travel into Israel, and during the attack, his phone pinged a cell tower near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, an Israeli village where almost 60 people were killed and 16 were kidnapped.

The victims included one kidnapped American citizen, and at least four murdered U.S. citizens, ODonnell noted.

Less than a year after the attack, the affidavit claimed Al-Muhtadi submitted an electronic U.S. visa application in Cairo and he denied serving in any paramilitary organization or having ever engaged in terrorist activities.

The application said he had intended to live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and work in car repairs or food services.

When he entered the U.S. in September 2024, it's said an associate advised Al-Muhtadi not to contact anyone from the paramilitary group because he was under surveillance, and to avoid posting on social media in support of Hamas.

FBI claims: It's alleged that Al-Muhtadi coordinated and led a group of terrorists into Kibbutz Kfar Aza, an Israeli village where almost 60 people were killed and 16 were kidnapped

The FBI said Al-Muhtadi responded that he could post whatever he wanted, including pictures of Hamas leaders, and he would be safe.

He had been living in Tulsa through May but by early June had relocated to Lafayette.

An unidentified FBI agent then met repeatedly with Al-Muhtadi in Lafayette from July to September this year.

The alleged terrorist appeared in court for the first time on Friday, KATC reported.

He participated in proceedings with the help of a public defender and a translator, and indicated that he had not read the affidavit - so the judge to read it aloud.

When he was then asked if he understood what he was accused of, Al-Muhtadi said he did and he maintained his innocence.

Al-Muhtadi was being held at Calcasieu Correctional Center in Louisiana.

In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi said: 'After hiding out in the United States, this monster has been found and charged with participating in the atrocities of October 7 - the single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust.

'While nothing can fully heal the scars left by Hamas' brutal attack, this Department's Joint Task Force October 7 is dedicated to finding and prosecuting those responsible for that horrific day, including the murder of dozens of American citizens.

'We will continue to stand by Jewish Americans and Jewish people around the world against anti-Semitism and terrorism in all its forms.'

Assistant Attorney General for national Security John A Eisenberg called Al-Muhtadi's arrest 'the first step in bringing to justice those responsible for harming Americans on that day'.

Attorney Zachary A Keller said: 'Let this arrest serve as a reminder, both that those who perpetrate acts of terrorism cannot evade justice by hiding in our communities and that state, local, and federal law enforcement... are working tirelessly to bring these people to justice.'

Louisiana state officials also celebrated the news of Al-Muhtadi's arrest.
Relocating from America to Spain is a huge shift in culture, lifestyle, climate and language.

But for Christina Davis, 32, who moved to Barcelona in 2022, her new life overseas comes with plenty of positives.

Originally from New Jersey, the American had studied abroad in the popular Spanish capital 10 years ago and lived in Asia during the pandemic.

The American left behind her job in medical device sales when she first moved out of the country back in 2019.

For Christina, a big reason behind the move from the States was the 'work culture' which she describes as 'very heavy work hard, hustle hard culture' that 'becomes your identity'.

She adds: 'I wanted to be a little bit more in the Western world, and Europe was kind of the happy medium, close enough to home to where I can go visit, but not back in the US.'

At her job in the States, Christina was given just 10 days of annual leave a year, plus an extra week if she'd have stayed at the company for five years.

'It was wild,' she adds.

For Christina Davis (pictured), 32, who moved to Barcelona in 2022, her new life overseas comes with plenty of positives

The American left behind her job in medical device sales when she first moved out of the country back in 2019. She says: 'I wanted to be a little bit more in the Western world, and Europe was kind of the happy medium, close enough to home to where I can go visit, but not back in the US'

'There were too many places I wanted to go and life I wanted to live. That 10 days doesn't really give you a lot.'

Now working as a podcast producer in Barcelona, Christina says she has a 'much better' quality of life.

Christina has found that people are much more sociable and go out a lot more in Barcelona, compared to the US, plus everything is much cheaper - which makes socialising much easier.

'There's always festivities, street markets and that's even during the week. You can do stuff after work, where I feel like when I'm back in the US and I go and visit my friends, I have to schedule a week or so in advance just to see someone.

'I go back a few times a year, but the lifestyle and the cost of living is actually astronomical now, and you're not getting a better quality for it.'

But despite all the positives Christina has found in Barcelona, her relocation hasn't always been completely smooth sailing.

And she recalls how hard the first 12 months were for her - from figuring out the healthcare system to settling into a new apartment, as well as fitting into 'the Spanish culture and trying to be part of it'.

She explains: 'I think the biggest challenge is probably the first year, getting integrated is really hard.

For Christina, a big reason behind the move from the States was the 'work culture' which she describes as 'very heavy work hard, hustle hard culture' that 'becomes your identity'

Christina has found that people are much more sociable and go out a lot more in Barcelona, compared to the US, plus everything is much cheaper - which makes socialising much easier

'The first little bit could be a bit lonely, because you'll talk to your friends from home, they can't fathom what you're going through.

'Now, I think the difficult parts that I face is that Barcelona is a very transient city in terms of expats and international people.

'I would say most people stay for anywhere between two to four years on average, and then they either go back home, move on for a job, want to leave.'

Christina says she has 'gone through two or three groups of friends' because of the cycle of people leaving and the 'constant goodbye and hello of friends can be difficult'.

She adds: 'I also miss my family and friends so much, I'm very close with my family.'

For this reason, Christina regularly goes back to the States to visit - but she yearns for Barcelona when she's home, due to the food and politics in USA.

'I'll go back for a month at a time because it's obviously a far trip,' Christina, who shares her life abroad on social media, @christinaadavis, says. 'When I'm home, I really miss all the things that the city has to offer.

'The food makes me sick every single time I go home.

Christina regularly goes back to the States to visit - but she yearns for Barcelona when she's home, due to the food and politics in USA

'It takes me a week, I'm bloated, I got such stomach aches from the food, and that's even eating pretty clean.

'I also just think the political climate [in the USA] is so polarised, and so crazy, that I struggle to ever be like, "Oh, I'd be happy 100% moving back."'

However, there is one part of Spanish culture that causes Christina to consider whether she would stay in Barcelona forever.

'Being self-employed in Spain is notoriously difficult,' she explains. 'That is probably the one thing that makes me question whether I'll continue staying here or not.

'It feels like you can almost never get ahead, because the government's always increasing the tax rates yearly'.
American travelers are beginning to catch on to the broad appeal of one beautiful coastal city in Croatia which has become the country's crown jewel in its burgeoning tourism sector.

So far this year, the county that contains Dubrovnik has welcomed nearly 239,000 American visitors, according to government figures.

That's a 14 percent year-over-year increase, and for the first time, Americans are on track to surpass Britons as the most common nationality among tourists. There have been 260,000 UK arrivals to Dubrovnik-Neretva County so far in 2025.

Much of the interest in the city comes down to the medieval architecture of its Old Town, which served as a main filming location for Game of Thrones.

Many iconic scenes that took place in King's Landing were shot there thanks to the towering city walls, narrow cobblestone streets and the array of bright red terracotta roofs.

The city is also loved for its proximity to dozens of spectacular beaches and its temperate climate.

Julia Herceg, an American who spent every summer as a child visiting family in Zadar, Croatia, compared Dubrovnik's weather to Southern California. Now 24 years old, she studied abroad in the latter city in 2022 when she was a junior in college.

'I had never been to Dubrovnik before, and it was gorgeous. And there's a lot of rich history that's not really talked about because everyone's immediately thinking, "Oh, Game of Thrones,"' she told the Daily Mail.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is one of the main draws for American tourists because it was one of the main filming locations for the hit fantasy television show Game of Thrones

Julia Herceg is an American with Croatian heritage. She grew up visiting family in Zadar, Croatia, and fell in love with the country all over again after studying abroad in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is separated from the rest of Croatia by a 12-mile strip of Bosnian coastline along the Adriatic Sea and has a population of around 41,000 people.

During the high season, that number can swell to over 50,000 thanks to visitors coming from cruise ships.

Many of them flock to various Game of Thrones landmarks in the Old Town, but another American who has lived in the metro area for seven years also insisted there is more to Dubrovnik than its association with the hit fantasy television show.

I really think from the perspective of what the region has to offer in terms of geography, history and gastronomy, it really has it all. That's definitely been a pull for me to live here, said Alexandra Schmidt.

It's very safe. It's very community oriented, Schmidt added. I've done a lot of travel, but it's definitely the most beautiful place I've ever been.

Schmidt, 32, grew up in Minneapolis and lived in Chicago before she too decided to study abroad in Dubrovnik in 2015. This decision was partly motivated by her Croatian heritage.

While there, she met the man she would go on to marry. Now, she and her husband, Domeniko Hajdic, run a travel agency called Mindful Travel Croatia that offers custom trips throughout the Dalmatian coastline.

'I think Croatia, and specifically Dubrovnik, is the perfect destination for a specific type of American clientele, she said. These are people that are staying in higher end four- or five-star hotels, but they want to experience the culture. They want to do wine tastings, maybe a day trip with a speedboat.

Alexandra Schmidt, 32, on the city walls of Dubrovnik with her husband, Domeniko Hajdic. The pair run a travel agency that offers custom trips throughout the Dalmatia coastline

Stradun is one of the main pedestrian thoroughfares in Dubrovnik. It is paved with limestone and is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops

Fort Lovrijenac was used for Game of Thrones scenes that depicted the Red Keep, the fictional castle where the king resides

She admitted that Game of Thrones, which was first broadcast in 2011, initially put Dubrovnik 'on the map.'

However, the Americans she leads on tours throughout the region are increasingly telling her that the show is not their primary reason for making the trip to Croatia.

Schmidt said many of them have had positive experiences on past trips or have heard about it through word of mouth.

Some also say they're now drawn in by the rich, real-life history of Dubrovnik, which began some 1,400 years ago.

The city was founded in the seventh century by refugees from an ancient Roman colony in southern Greece. Then known as the Republic of Ragusa, it operated as an independent city-state from 1358 until 1808, when Napoleon annexed it into the French empire.

In 1918, Croatia was absorbed into Yugoslavia, a much larger ethnically Slavic nation. After World War II, Yugoslavia morphed into a one-party communist state.

In 1991, Croatia declared independence and has operated as a parliamentary republic ever since.

Dubrovnik, when it was still known as Ragusa, also has a footnote in the founding of the United States, since it recognized America in 1777 as independent from Britain, making it one of the first nations to do so.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Aside from Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has its own unique history. It was first settled by Roman refugees, transitioned into an independent city state and later became absorbed into a modern Croatian state

Schmidt also advises tourists to get out of the Old Town and explore the surrounding areas of the city as well, including Zupa Dubrovacka and Konavle. (Pictured: Schmidt sits with her American clients at a wine tasting in Konavle)

In light of all this history, Herceg told the Daily Mail that she has gotten frustrated with friends of hers who have gone to Dubrovnik and come back with no stories to tell except their Game of Thrones-related excursions.

'I watch Game of Thrones. I love Game of Thrones. I can nerd out for those things. But also, there's so much beyond that,' she said.

'I would encourage people traveling there [to seek out the] many traditional spots that are not on any Beli List [a restaurant app] or TikTok,' she added. 'It's really a place where you befriend the locals, because they embrace that kind of attitude, and they like to introduce their cuisines and their cultures.'

One of her favorite dishes is crni rizot, a black risotto that gets it flavor (and color) from the ink of squid or cuttlefish. Cevapi, grilled mincemeat sausages eaten inside a pita, is another popular national dish.

Schmidt also advises tourists to get out of the Old Town and explore the surrounding areas of the city as well, including Zupa Dubrovacka and Konavle, both regions that are famous for winemaking.

People need to stay in Dubrovnik for longer. Sometimes they just come for one or two days, and then they're just concentrated around the Old Town. I think people that stay for at least four or five days have a better experience, she said.

Schmidt also warned that prices have begun to rise in Croatia, particularly when it comes to restaurants and hotels.

She said a night's stay in a mid-range hotel in Dubrovnik will set you back around 275 euros ($320), while a high-end one can be as much as 800 euros ($933).

Alexandra Schmidt in the Konavle Valley, southeast of Dubrovnik

King's Landing in Game of Thrones, which is based heavily on Dubrovnik

She estimated that a beer is typically around five to seven euros ($6 to $8), while a glass of wine can be up to 10 euros. For an entree, expect to pay anywhere from 18 to 30 euros ($21 to $35).

'I still think you can do it reasonably,' she said. 'Right now in October, it's much more affordable to come here than the peak season and middle of July and August.'
October 31st, aka Halloween, is just around the corner, with the UK's biggest tourist attractions and destinations already painting the town black, orange, green and purple.

All Hallows Eve, the official name for the autumnal event that has its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, is a little more commercial in 2025, with a host of spooktacular events for every generation on offer in the days ahead of October's end.

The theme parks go all out for the calendar's scariest date, with Merlin's major players - including Alton Towers and Thorpe Park - laying on indoor scare mazes that promise to give thrill-seekers the fright of their lives.

Those who fancy marking the event with something grounded a little more in actual history might prefer a nerve-jangling walking tour - from Jack the Ripper's haunts in East London to encounters with the centuries-old ghosts that haunt Canterbury.

Elsewhere, there's plenty of more gentle Halloween activities that blur the lines with autumnal fun, from wandering around pumpkin patches picking up squashes to decorate to afternoon teas packed with delicious - or deadly? - treats.

This 31st October falls in half-term this year for many, so it's the perfect time to plan a Halloween extravaganza. Here are some of the terrifyingly terrific events you shouldn't miss:

THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

THORPE PARK'S FRIGHT NIGHT

Come on in, don't be scared! Perhaps the most terrifying of the UK's Halloween attractions is to be found at Thorpe Park; the park's 13+ attractions include four 'scare mazes', where thrill-seekers must make their way through a terrifying indoor maze, filled with petrifying characters

Dubbed the 'home of fear', Surrey theme park Thorpe Park takes its Fright Nights very seriously and scooped Gold for Europes Top Theme Park Scare Event at the 2024 ScareCON SCAR Awards, thanks to its realistic depiction of horror.

There are four disturbing scare mazes the brave can venture into this year - Deadbeat, Stitches, Survival Games and Trailers - and all of them come with a health warning, such is the frightening tomfoolery that unfolds inside.

Fright Nights are open until 9pm, with most of the park's usual rides - including Stealth and Hyperia - running in the dark.

Teens will love it - it's 13+ - but anyone with a nervous disposition might be better up the road at Chessington World of Adventures. Running until November 2nd, tickets from 36pp, thorpepark.com.

ALTON TOWERS' SCAREFEST

Meanwhile, Staffordshire theme park Alton Towers has three scare mazes on offer this year as well as a host of other Halloween attractions

The Staffordshire theme park favourite has three scare mazes to get spooked in this autumn, all of which feature as part of the attraction's annual Scarefest.

The newest is Edge of the Forest, which sees a character named Leshwall meddling with the minds of those who dare to venture into the woodland.

Or those made of strong stuff can head for Altonville Mine Tours, which centres around a skin-snatcher named Tiny.

The third scare maze follows a sci-fi storyline based around the Nemesis Reborn rollercoaster, and the questionable company Phalanx which is supposed to keep the monster of Nemesis under control.

Alton Towers is open until 9pm in the coming weeks...but be mindful that the mazes aren't included in the general 34pp admission price, with access to all three from 72, altontowers.com.

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES

It's a slightly gentler day out at Chessington World of Adventures, with parkgoers able to wander around Enchanted Hollow picking up treats as they go

Aimed at younger children, Chessington World of Adventures, an hour south of London in Surrey, has plenty of scary fun on offer as part of its Howloween attraction.

All of the usual rides - including Dragon's Fury, Vampire and Mandrill Mayhem are open, with new-this-year spooky shows and Autumnal attraction, Enchanted Hollow.

The latter, which costs 8pp on top of the usual ticket price, sees parkgoers wander through a themed woodland knocking on doors and meeting a suite of fantastical characters on the way. There are Haribos and Maoam sweet treats galore to be collected too.

From now until November 2nd. Tickets for Howloween start at 32 per person, chessington.com.

LONDON DUNGEON

Bram Stoker's fanged character has found his way to London Dungeon this Halloween

Garlic and stakes at the ready, for Dracula has taken over at the London Dungeon on the city's Southbank, the main protagonist in the attractions first-ever, fictional, character-led show.

Running until November 2nd, those who dare will be trundled back through time to 1886, for a 'spine-tingling face-off with The Count himself' in an ivy-strewn cemetery.

The Dracula Halloween show is included with general admission, which starts from 30 for adults and 24 for children, thedungeons.com.

GHOULISH AFTERNOON TEAS

Looks murderous, tastes delicious: The Lowry Hotel's Halloween afternoon tea in Manchester costs 32.50pp (Pictured)

The afternoon tea has become an entire tourism industry with no calendar event seemingly safe from being served up on a three tiered plate alongside a cup of tea - Easter, Christmas, Wimbledon...and, yes, Halloween.

Brigits Bakery Bus Tours, for example, will cruise passengers around London's best sights this month while serving them a Spooky Halloween Afternoon Tea, comprising treats including eerie pumpkin tarts and black velvet cupcakes.

Available until Halloween, the tour leaves from Victoria bus station or Somerset House, and is priced at 45 for adults and 40 for children, b-bakery.com.

Heading north, Manchester's The Lowry Hotel has a similarly spooktacular offering, at 32.50 per person, in its River Restaurant this month.

Seasonal treats served include Ghoul's Bites - a pizza choux bun, a Phantom Pork Boa and a Witches' Harvest - a pumpkin and feta tart, alongside tiers of equally themed cakes, millenniumhotels.com.

SCARY SQUASHES: PUMPKIN PATCHES

Elizabethan estate, Doddington Hall, close to Lincoln, marks Halloween with a vast display of different pumpkins - it's free to get in, with pumpkins available to buy from 4

Increasingly popular in recent years, Pumpkin patches are a great way to get kids outdoors in nature and enjoying the scariest time of year without terrifying the living daylights out of them.

Cropping up all over the country, there are a few fields of fun that really go to town.

Hatters Farm in Bishops Stortford, Essex, is a sea of orange baubles at this time of year, with 100,000 pumpkins on display - simply pick a wheelbarrow and go and find your perfect squash.

The attraction also has night entry, so you can spy the pumpkins in the moonlight, entry is 4.29pp, hattersfarmpumpkins.co.uk.

And Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire uses the grounds of its regal estate to show off more than 30 different varieties of pumpkin.

Entry is free to get in, with pumpkins costing from 4 to take home, depending on the size. Open until Halloween, 10am-4pm daily, doddingtonhall.com.

GHOULISH GHOST WALKS

LONDON

Take a walk with Jack? October is a great time to take an atmospheric walk through destinations such as Highgate Cemetery, or in the footsteps of the East End's most famous serial killer

London teems with spooky places to wander around, with Highgate Cemetery really, erm, coming to life around Halloween.

It's the resting place of influential figures like Karl Marx, George Eliot and Christina Rossetti - but also the place where numerous folklore myths, including the Highgate Vampire, abound.

The cemetery's Gothic architecture, abandoned status after WWII, and a legend of cult activity has fuelled the rise of paranormal tales and reports of spectral figures, a woman in white, and even a winged creature in the 1970s. A highlights tour costs 8 for adults and 4 for children, highgatecemetery.org.

Elsewhere, Jack the Ripper tours remain a go-to for those with an interest in the UK's most famous Victorian serial killer.

Highlights include negotiating some of the barely changed creepy alleys the brutal murderer is said to have made his post-killing escape through, and the pub where believed first victim, Mary Nichols, drank before she was murdered on the 7th August 1888.

It runs on selected nights during the week at 7pm, meeting at Exit 1 of Aldgate East Underground Station. 15.00pp, jack-the-ripper-tour.com.

YORK

York Minster is known as one of Yorkshire's most haunted buildings and remains a popular landmark on the many ghost tours of the historic Yorkshire city that run year-round.

The impressive 7th century cathedral is widely associated with the gothic aesthetic and many a ghost-sighting has been reported within the building, as well as unexplained phenomena, including Roman soldiers in the crypt, monks gliding through the aisles and a naval officer appearing to a young lady just before his death.

The Original ghost walk of York leaves from the city's The Kings Arms pub at 8pm nightly. 10 for adults, six pound for children, theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk.

CANTERBURY

Kent is creaking with ghosts, and its stand-out city, Canterbury, is a brilliant day trip for fans of all things macabre.

The Canterbury Ghost Tour has been a favourite with locals and tourists since it first began in 1991, and is run by official ghost-hunter, John Hippisley.

There's gruesome tales to be heard as you wander the 2,000-year-old city, including the ghosts of a mother and her children who are said to haunt a tea room and a recounting of goosebump-giving sightings reported by security guards who've worked at Canterbury Cathedral in the dead of night.

Ghost tours run every Friday at 8pm, meeting at 38 St Margarets Street in Canterbury and costing 18.55 for adults and 17 for children, thecanterburytours.com.
Kelly Aspland and Laura Waters appeared on Dragons' Den two years ago and managed to secure a whopping investment of 80,000 with Deobrah Meaden and Peter Jones.

The pair, from Cwmbran, South Wales, are founders of sun cream applicator for children Solar Buddies.

Solar Buddies was created back in 2011, just three weeks after meeting, after realising that their children couldn't apply their sun cream safely due to no touch policies at school.

Laura, 43, and Kelly, 46, joined forces with Cardiff Met University to create a prototype, the business wasn't incorporated until 2014 and then they started trading the following year.

Their Dragons' Den episode was filmed in May 2022, which then hit our screens the following April.

And while the programme was filmed three years ago, they still have plenty of fond memories taking part, and even some hilarious blunders that viewers have never been able to see.

Kelly Aspland and Laura Waters (pictured) appeared on Dragons' Den two years ago and managed to secure a whopping investment of 80,000 with Deobrah Meaden and Peter Jones

The pair, from Cwmbran, South Wales, are founders of sun cream applicator for children Solar Buddies

Their Dragons' Den episode was filmed in May 2022, which then hit our screens the following April

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Kelly recalled: 'We did have a bit of a funny moment when we was in there and they'd asked us, obviously, to go and have a conversation with the wall.

'And we ended up going to the lift, and they was like, "No, you've got to go to the wall."

'And then when we had to leave, we were soon, like, very excited, because, you know, of the outcome, and we've just stood by the lift waiting, and they were like "You have to press the button..."

'We were like "Okay!"

None of it made the cut, but when the pair left the studio, they both discussed how funny it would have been.

Laura said: 'In the train station on the way back, we were saying it was really good comedy.

'But obviously it's not a comedy. It's not a comedy program. But we did quite a few things that were...'

Kelly chimed in: 'I wish they had shown it!'

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, Kelly recalled: 'We did have a bit of a funny moment when we was in there and they'd asked us, obviously, to go and have a conversation with the wall'

And luckily the Dragons managed to find the funny side of it all.

Kelly told us: 'They were laughing.'

Laura added: 'They were laughing AT us.'

She continued: 'Which to be honest with you, was a nice thing because it showed their softer side, which put us at ease a little bit.'

Kelly explained: 'To be fair, they did that even just with their faces.

'They were very smiley. They were very like, facially reassuring, as if to say "Go on, girls, you've got this. Yeah, just go for it!"

That wasn't the only hilarious blunder that occurred.

Laura recalled: 'The minute you step in the lift, they say "Be quiet" because they like to get the feedback from the Dragons whilst you're getting in the lift.

Laura recalled one of their blunders that occurred in the lift after they had got the offer from the two Dragons

Laura, 43, and Kelly, 46, joined forces with Cardiff Met University to create the prototype of their product, the business wasn't incorporated until 2014 and then they started trading the following year.

'Laura forgot that memo, and I carried on talking because I was excited so they couldn't get much feedback from the Dragons.'

And as soon as they made the deal with Deborah and Peter, they pretty much had to leave straight away.

Laura continued: 'But the other thing that really shocked us was "Thank you very much. Now leave."

'Because there's other people that haven't pitched yet, they cannot see you, or know your outcome, or know from your face.

'You've got to say completely poker face, just in case anybody's going to the toilet and you cross paths, they can know the outcome, of course, if you leave there smiling - it's a bit obvious what's happened.

'It is literally grab your stuff and leave. "Thanks very much. Bye then!"

And the pair have highlighted that the pair are 'very much involved' in the business.

Laura said: 'They're such lovely, lovely people. You don't get much interaction with Peter, because obviously he obviously he's still busy with businesses that he runs daily. But the guy that we work with, John, I mean, he checks in with us all the time.

The pair walked away with a joint investment with Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones (pictured)

'And I think what we're also lucky is with they said, "you're doing a sterling job". And they just, they let us carry on, and they can see that we're doing all right when it comes to running a business, considering we've got no business background, and like I say, we've learned a lot of lessons, and we take it all on board.

'So they're very much involved, but they do let us make the decisions when it comes to the day to day running of the business, and they just check in every couple of weeks, we are lucky. They are.

'But a lot of people think they're not involved. Again, there's that perception that they kind of take a chunk of your business, get the benefits, but they don't. They don't. They really are.

'I mean we get a lot of advice from Deborah when it comes to personal life, take a break.

'They're not just there on a business level, especially Deborah, she's not just there on a business level.

'She is very good at giving advice on burnout and all the rest of it. So we're extremely lucky with the with the Dragons that we've got.'

Kelly and Laura have joined forces with Enterprise Nation and Vodafones business.connected Academy to share their knowledge to aspiring entrepreneurs dated for 17 October, 25 October and November 1.

Speaking about the day, Kelly said: 'The Vodafone camp is basically to help small businesses.

'They've got an expert panel, which we're on. So we're having a Q and A with enterprise nation, who's obviously part of this.

'We'll just be hopefully answering some questions that might be helpful to other small businesses about what we've learnt along the way, too.'

Aaron Asadi, CEO of small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation said: 'In today's rapidly evolving economy, digital business skills are fundamental for every business from high-street bakers to technology start-ups and everything in between.

'Technology helps businesses to adapt income streams, become more resilient to future shocks and shape their future success, and thats why this Academy is so important.'

Tickets can be found here.
BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tie Ning, vice chairperson of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, reaffirmed China's commitment to working with African nations to strengthen legal safeguards for women's rights and interests.

At the opening ceremony of an NPC-hosted seminar for African women parliamentarians in Beijing on Sunday, Tie said that China would collaborate with African legislative bodies to implement the outcomes of both the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

"We are ready to join hands with all parties to promote legislative exchanges and governance experience-sharing, thereby advancing legal protections for women's rights and interests," she noted, emphasizing legislative cooperation's pivotal role in building a community with a shared future for humanity. 
Home and Away bosses have started filming the return of one of Summer Bay's most iconic couples after ten years away.

Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen, who played lovebirds Darryl 'Brax' Braxton and Erica 'Ricky' Sharpe, were pictured filming together in Western Australia last week.

The huge storyline, which is being filmed in partnership with Tourism Western Australia, will show fans of the Channel 5 soap what the couple have been up to since they left Summer Bay.

And as our exclusive pictures show, they've been living on a cattle station deep in the Australian outback.

Speaking to Daily Mail, Stephen, 43, admitted that he felt the time was right to step back into Brax's shoes - or in this case his hat and boots.

He said: 'I'd been asked to return a couple of times before, logistically it just didn't work out. But it's also kind of nice that it's ten years which is good amount of time to come back and have a look at what's happened to the character. He's someone that I have always loved playing'.

Home and Away bosses have started filming the return of one of Summer Bay's most iconic couples after ten years away

Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen, who played lovebirds Darryl 'Brax' Braxton and Erica 'Ricky' Sharpe, were pictured filming together in Western Australia last week

In July bosses announced that Home And Away would be leaving Sydney's northern beaches of Summer Bay for the first time in its 38 year history.

Stephen was also spotted earlier in the week filming on a footbridge in Elizabeth Quay, Perth.

He admitted that getting to film his special comeback in Western Australia had been incredible.

He said: 'That was part of the attraction too. I did a film a couple of years ago down south, I've been to Perth but never up in the north and it's been pretty incredible so far.

'And of course it's been great working with Bonnie again. I'm terrible at keeping in touch but we met up in Sydney before coming out here and we were laughing together again pretty much straight away.'

Actress Bonnie, 37, who played Ricky for three years before leaving with Stephen in 2016, admitted she was shocked when she got the call to return.

Since leaving the show in 2016 she has become a mum to twin girls, aged seven, and is now excited for them to watch her on-screen.

She said: 'I couldn't believe it when they called me. I was like is this really happening? I couldn't not do it.

The huge storyline, which is being filmed in partnership with Tourism Western Australia, will show fans of the Channel 5 soap what the couple have been up to since they left Summer Bay.

As our exclusive pictures show, they've been living on a cattle station deep in the Australian outback

Stephen was also spotted earlier in the week filming on a footbridge in Elizabeth Quay, Perth and admitted that getting to film his special comeback there been incredible

It is the first time the soap, which is based in Sydney, has filmed in the state in its 38 year history

Bonnie, 37, revealed that she was shocked when she got the call to return as Ricky but is excited for her twin girls (whom she had when she left) to watch her on-screen

The on-screen romance between Brax, the charismatic leader of the River Boys, and Ricky is one of Home and Away's most iconic and had viewers gripped.

'And then I just felt something about this job, the people are so beautiful, there's something about it that's just magical.

All the memories of playing Ricky came flooding back. It just felt right to come back with Steve and revisit their journey, and how beautiful is it being the ten year anniversary since the audience have seen them?

Being out here in Western Australia and filming on location is so exciting.'

She added: 'Since I got the call to go back I've been letting my girls watch it. A lot of it is too racy but they've seen a few episodes here and there and I can't wait for them to see me back on the show.'

The special episodes with Brax and Ricky's return will screen on Channel 5 in 2026.

Home and Away airs 1:45pm weekdays and is available to stream from 6am each morning.
Kylie Jenner took to Instagram over the weekend to share behind-the-scenes content from the launch of her Kylie Cosmetics pop-up.

The 28-year-old makeup mogul engaged her 392 million followers with a video showing her transformation from dark to cotton candy-pink hair.

Kylie lip synced to her new song with Terror Jr, Fourth Strike, while a makeup artist and hairstylist worked on her look.

The revamped style is a nod to her 'King Kylie' era, which the entrepreneur has harkened as she celebrates 10 years of her cosmetics business.

She used a pink heart and royal crown emoji as the caption for the post, which so far has over 833,000 likes.

Her bubblegum-hued hair was arranged in a side part, swoop bang, and barrel curls.

Kylie Jenner took to Instagram over the weekend to share behind-the-scenes content from the launch of her Kylie Cosmetics pop-up

The 28-year-old makeup mogul engaged her 392 million followers with a video showing her transformation from dark to cotton candy-pink hair

On Saturday the mother-of-two promoted her latest makeup collection while posing in a black tube top with 'king' emblazoned across the front in capital white letters.

She captioned the carousel post, 'the king kylie collection drops in 40 MINS! on kyliecosmetics.com.'

The former Keeping Up With the Kardashians star gave the camera an edgy pout while holding a box of the product.

Across several brightly lit snapshots, she flirtily played with her rich raven locks, which were accented with dark turquoise streaks.

She flaunted a vampy, glossy, black manicure and sported a bandeau made of lip liner in one picture.

Another showed the superstar seductively eating a big slice of cake in honor of her company's 10th birthday.

Kylie began teasing her latest Kylie Cosmetics collection last week when she shared a video in which she wore a tiny black bra, matching micro-shorts and sheer black tights.

She was handcuffed and escorted by police officers while walking through a jail facility in slow motion.

Her post was captioned, 'TOMORROW  ON SNAPCHAT @ KING KYLIE.'

On Saturday the mother-of-two promoted her latest makeup collection while posing in a black tube top with 'king' emblazoned across the front in capital white letters. She captioned the carousel post, 'the king kylie collection drops in 40 MINS! on kyliecosmetics.com'

She flaunted a vampy, glossy, black manicure and sported a bandeau made of lip liner in one picture

Another image showed the superstar seductively eating a big slice of cake in honor of her company's 10th birthday

Across several brightly lit snapshots, she displayed rich raven locks accented with dark turquoise streaks

Family and friends of the billionaire beauty stepped out in style on Friday night in support of her pop-up.

Diddy's 18-year-old twin daughters Jessie and D'lila arrived in matching pink tracksuits to mark the special occasion.

Mom Kris Jenner, and sisters Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian were also there to celebrate.

Other A-list stars at the exclusive gathering included Hailey Bieber, model Gabbriette, and her fiance Matty Healy of the band The 1975.

Kylie launched her Kylie Lip Kits in November 2015 and the company later expanded to include a range of other beauty products.

It now anchors her empire, which includes fashion range Khy and vodka beverage Sprinter.
Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith's daughter Stella officially said 'I do' to her childhood sweetheart during a dreamy Spanish wedding over the weekend.

The 65-year-old actor was seen toasting the newlyweds as his daughter, 29, married Alex Gruszynski on Saturday in Spain.

It comes a little over one year after the couple announced their engagement in August 2024, with the Desperado actor expressing he was 'happy' for the lovebirds at the time.

Antonio and Melanie were previously married from 1996 until their divorce in 2015 - but have remained close friends despite the split.

Antonio was dapper in a classic black tuxedo which was paired with a white dress shirt and black bowtie for the big day - with Melanie also in attendance at the nuptials.

At one point, he could be seen holding up a glass of wine as he proudly celebrated his daughter's special milestone.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith's daughter Stella officially said 'I do' to her childhood sweetheart during a dreamy Spanish wedding over the weekend; seen in 2012 in Spain

The 65-year-old actor was seen toasting the newlyweds as his 29-year-old daughter married Alex Gruszynski on Saturday in Spain

The actor stood outside as the sun began to set in the distance at what appeared to be a winery.

He mingled and cheerfully conversed with people nearby while sipping on a refreshing glass of white wine.

Last year in August, Stella jumped to social media to announce her engagement to Alex - whom she has known since they were kids.

She had given her followers a glimpse at her sparkling diamond ring in a sweet snap not long after he popped the big question.

Stella penned in the caption of the post at the time, 'I get to hang out with my favorite person on earth forever!!!!!!!!'

Her mother Melanie also jumped to the comment section to gush, 'I love you both sooooo much!! Congratulations again!!! .'

The actress later uploaded a separate post of her own in celebration of her daughter's engagement and wrote, 'He asked. On bended knee she said yes  Stella and Alex are engaged to be married .'

Melanie continued, 'Their love story began in pre-school! True love, deep love! Congratulations to the beloveds!!! .'

It comes a little over one year after the couple announced their engagement in August 2024, with the Desperado actor expressing he was 'happy' for the lovebirds at the time

Antonio was dapper in a classic black tuxedo which was paired with a white dress shirt and black bowtie for the big day - with Melanie also in attendance at the nuptials

At one point, he could be seen holding up a glass of wine as he proudly celebrated his daughter's special milestone

Glasses of wine were poured from bottles and passed around to others outside amid the festivities

The star held up his wine glass into the air as he made a heartwarming toast for his daughter Stella and her new husband Alex

Antonio and Melanie were previously married from 1996 until their divorce in 2015 - but have remained close friends despite the split

Last year in August, Stella jumped to social media to announce her engagement to Alex - whom she has known since they were kids

After the engagement was announced, Antonio offered his thoughts on his daughter getting married.

'I feel great! She's happy, I'm happy,' The Mask Of Zorro actor told People last year in September.

He also had kind words to say about his son-in-law Alex and added, 'He's awesome. I've known him since he was a little kid.'

Antonio and Melanie welcomed their daughter Stella to the world in 1996 - the same year they tied the knot. The former couple announced their separation in 2014, with the divorce being finalized the following year.

Melanie - whose mother is actress Tippi Hedren - was also previously married to Don Johnson, whom she shares Dakota Johnson, 36, with. She is also mom to son Alexander Bauer, 40, whom she welcomed with ex Steven Bauer.

Despite their divorce, both Antonio and Melanie have still remained close of the years which the actor has opened up about.

'I'm a very good friend of my ex-wife. I don't have anything against her,' the actor told Fox News Digital in 2023.

'She's a wonderful woman and I still respect and support that idea that everything that happened between her and me for 20 years was beautiful.'

Her mother Melanie also jumped to the comment section to gush, 'I love you both sooooo much!! Congratulations again!!! '

Antonio also had kind words to say about his son-in-law Alex and added, 'He's awesome. I've known him since he was a little kid'

Antonio added, 'Of course, we had our bad moments. But the thing that I will remember forever is those beautiful moments that we had together.

'And one of those beautiful moments has to do with our kids and the family,' the star further said.

Both he and Melanie will still spend time together whenever he visits Los Angeles.

'We go for dinner, we just get together, the whole entire family. And so that is very important. Not only to us but to the rest of the family. I think the kids - I think we did well.'

Antonio has also developed a close bond with Melanie's other two children, including actress Dakota Johnson.

He revealed to E! News earlier this year in February that he 'would love to' work on a film with Dakota sometime in the future.

'I would love to, but that's something that is very difficult. I will search for [a project], but I would love to work with Dakota someday.'

Antonio explained that he would enjoy working with the Fifty Shades of Grey star because 'she's a good actress' and 'a great comedian.'

'She's a wonderful woman and I still respect and support that idea that everything that happened between her and me for 20 years was beautiful,' he said of Melanie; seen with Melanie as well as Stella, Alexander and Dakota in 1998

'I would love to, but that's something that is very difficult. I will search for [a project], but I would love to work with Dakota someday,' the actor said; the pair seen in 2019 in Toronto

Dakota previously called Antonio her 'bonus dad' during a speech when he received the Hollywood Actor Award in 2019.

'When I was six-years-old, my mother married a man who brought an unbelievably bright light, a whole new world of creativity and culture and one remarkably magical little sister in to our family.'

She also added, 'Antonio taught me about true passion and discipline.

'He would spend hours, and days even, in his office trying to get to the nucleus of something he had become interested in, or a role he was preparing...'
Chris Hemsworth enjoyed a solo outing to the MotoGP Grand Prix at Phillip Island on Friday.

The Thor star, 42, showed off his massive biceps and unique arm tattoos in a tight T-shirt as he chatted to race drivers.

He completed his look with black pants, a navy cap and dark sunglasses as he joined thousands of adoring fans at the event.

The actor posed by the race track as he enjoyed the sunshine before the race.

Chris was also met by fans who just wanted to catch a glimpse of the him when he arrived.

He later went into the garage and posed for photos by the motorbikes and drivers.

Chris Hemsworth (pictured) enjoyed a solo outing to the MotoGP Grand Prix at Phillip Island on Friday

He showed off his massive biceps and unique arm tattoo in a tight T-shirt as he chatted to drivers before the race

The sighting comes after Chris' wife Elsa recently enjoyed an African 'horse safari' with the couple's 13-year-old daughter, India.

The Spanish actress shared various photos from the getaway on social media, including an image of herself posing astride a horse in a rugged setting.

'Just returned from an 8-day horse riding safari with India, where we crossed the Namibia Desert, in Namibia, the oldest desert in the world,' Elsa wrote in her Instagram post.

Elsa, a known horse enthusiast, added that her group rode an average of 40 km a day and covered an impressive 320 km during the trip.

She continued: 'Days were filled with never-ending gallops, hikes up canyons, sleeping out under the stars and spotting desert oryx, zebra and chameleons.'

Elsa also posted spectacular video clips, including one in which she could be seen riding across the desert alongside her daughter.

'Can you guess who wins the race India or me?' she joked.

Tagging Globetrotting Horse Holiday's in the post, the cost of the safari, according to the provider, is a whopping $14,682 per person.

He completed his look with black pants, a navy cap and dark sunglasses as he joined thousands of adoring fans at the event

Chris went into the garage and posed for photos by the motorbikes and drivers

The sighting comes after Chris' wife Elsa recently enjoyed an African 'horse safari' with the couple's 13-year-old daughter, India

The genetically-blessed Furiosa star shared a number of images of herself posing against spectacular backdrops featuring dazzling sunsets and enormous red sand dunes.

She also posted an intimate snap of her daughter during what appeared to be a break from the riding trail.

Elsa's celebrity pals were quick to share their enthusiasm for the post.

'WOWOWOW Elsa!! This looks unbelievable,' Australian actress Teresa Palmer commented.

Chris and Elsa spent most of the European summer apart.

Elsa was in her native Spain for weeks, filming her new TV series, Matices.

Meanwhile, Chris spent time abroad, including an appearance at the final day of Wimbledon without Elsa.

Chris also enjoyed a beachside escape in Hossegor, France, with his longtime personal trainer and best mate, Luke Zocchi, while Elsa enjoyed her own holiday in her native Spain.

They later reunited in July for the Thor star's new National Geographic series, Limitless: Live Better Now, with their twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, 11, in London.

The couple tied the knot during the Christmas holidays in 2010.

The Hemsworths have made Byron Bay their home in recent years, after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago.
Paris Fury has said her husband Tyson will be 'teary and emotional' when he walks their daughter Venezuela down the aisle.

Last month, fans were left shocked as Paris shared a video showing Noah proposing to Venezuela at her glamorous 16th birthday party.

Now, speaking to The Sun at the launch of her new Eternal Collagen at the Grosvenor House Suites in London on Thursday, Paris looked ahead to the big day.

'I think Tyson will get teary and emotional giving Venezuela away, he might be strong, but underneath he is softer than I am,' Paris said.

'If he is feeling the love that day, he will be balling, she's our daughter.'

However Venezuela added that both she and Tyson are hoping that big day isn't for some time, as they would like Venezuela to hold off on marrying and soak up her engagement.

Paris Fury has said her husband Tyson will be 'teary and emotional' when he walks their daughter Venezuela down the aisle

Last month, fans were left shocked as Paris shared a video showing Noah proposing to Venezuela at her glamorous 16th birthday party

She said: 'Hopefully it's not too close in the future though, we hope Venezuela has time to embrace her engagement.'

Previously discussing how their family embody 'traditional' values, Paris also revealed that Noah sought permission from Tyson to propose to Venezuela.

The Daily Mail has contacted Paris's representatives for comment.

It comes hours after Venezuela revealed she's not yet met her future in-laws despite being engaged to her fiance Noah.

Venezuela said how she still hasn't met his side of the family in a new interview.

She explained how planning for the wedding won't get underway until she's came face-to-face with Noah's father and mother.

Venezuela said: 'I haven't met his family yet. So I'm looking forward to seeing them. He lives a few hours' away from me and works during the week, so we only see each other at weekends.

'We haven't discussed where we are going to live after we are married yet.'

Paris recently defended her daughter's engagement when she was asked about the news during an appearance on This Morning (pictured with their seven children)

Noah, whose age is unknown, was seen getting down on one knee as Paris told fans they were 'shocked but very happy' for the young couple.

Opening up about the shock proposal, Venezuela added to The Sun that she was 'very shocked'.

She recalled: 'It all came as a huge surprise. I wasn't overly emotional because I was so surprised and I was very nervous, as I realised a lot of people were watching me.

'It was a very exciting moment, though, probably one of the best of my life. But I would have been content if he had asked me to marry him anywhere. I didn't care about the 'big proposal', but I am very happy.'

Before popping the question to his future bride, Noah asked for Tyson's blessing to ask Venezuela for her hand in marriage.

She said how Noah was 'having palpitations about doing it' but the conversation went well.

Venezuela added that her dad 'wouldnt interfere' and hes 'very happy for us.'

Paris recently defended her daughter's engagement when she was asked about the news during an appearance on This Morning.

Noah, whose age is unknown, was seen getting down in one knee as Paris Fury told her fans they were 'shocked but very happy' for the young couple.

She was quizzed by hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on her reaction, and whether she felt her eldest child was 'too young' to be preparing for a wedding.

Paris, 35, admitted that her daughter had only 'followed in her footsteps', as she got engaged to champion boxer husband Tyson, 37, when she was just 17.

Hitting back against the backlash from fans, Paris told Cat, 48, and Ben, 50: 'She's very young, [but we don't] worry at all, Venezuela is so mature for her years.

'She has done so much, even in such a short time just because of who she is and the fact that she's got six younger brother and sisters that she has helped bring up, I can't deny it.

'She is very mature, and in the last 12 months I've been doing work with Venezuela, she's been doing different shoots, interviews, working on social media.

'I've give her all options in life, and she has chosen this path and I can't deny her. I was 17 when I got engaged, so she's obviously following in my footsteps, and how could I judge her in any which way?

'I know she's young, but I think she's found the person that she loves, and if she's happy, I will completely support her.'
Christine McGuinness is gearing up to lift the lid on her life post-split from ex-husband Paddy McGuinness with plans for a brand-new 'tell-all' memoir.

The model and TV personality, 37, is said to be ready to open up like never before, sharing candid insights into the challenges she's faced in recent years.

Christine has already proven popular with readers - her 2021 autobiography gave fans a glimpse into her rise to fame and marriage to the Take Me Out star.

Now, she's hinted that a second book could pick up where that story left off, reflecting on her life after their separation, her recent diagnosis with autism and ADHD, as well as her journey of self-discovery.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Christine revealed: 'It's amazing to get to do an autobiography.'

'I can write about what happened next - I love writing.'

Christine McGuinness is gearing up to lift the lid on her life post-split from ex-husband Paddy McGuinness with plans for a brand-new 'tell-all' memoir

The model and TV personality, 37, is said to be ready to open up like never before, sharing candid insights into the challenges she's faced in recent years (Christine pictured with Paddy in 2017)

'When you do one, you have to be honest and personal,' she explained, admitting shes ready to embrace it.

It comes after Christine has opened up about life after her split from comedian Paddy, admitting she has found single life 'lonely' at times.

The model, who finalised her divorce from the Top Gear host, 52, last year after 11 years of marriage, spoke candidly about adjusting to her new reality.

Christine revealed that she's still finding her feet when it comes to dating again and discovering more about her sexuality, saying the past year has been one of self-reflection and growth.

The mum-of-three who, describes herself as a 'free spirit' and has dated male and females since she was 15, previously stated that gender does not matter to her.

Earlier this year, she appeared on Celebs Go Dating in a bid to put herself back out there and explore new connections.

However midway through filming she quit the show as she wanted to 'go home to her children.'

Despite trying to put herself out there, Christine remains single as she recently opened up about how 'hard' it was.

It comes after Christine has opened up about life after her split from comedian Paddy, admitting she has found single life 'lonely' at times

Earlier this year, she appeared on Celebs Go Dating in a bid to put herself back out there and explore new connections

However midway through filming she quit the show as she wanted to 'go home' to her three children - twins Leo and Penelope, as well as Felicity - who she shares with Paddy

Speaking at the Attitude awards in London on Wednesday she told The Sun: 'It is hard because I'd love to be dating.

'I do get lonely I think that's why I struggle at events, especially at the last few I've been to I've really struggled.'

She added: 'You get to the point where you go "I might as well go home now" but it must be really fun if you are there with someone you love.'

During her time on Celebs Go Dating, in a rare moment, viewers saw Christine open up about her ex-husband Paddy's 'mistakes,' as she claimed 'the trust was broken' in their marriage.

She explained: 'When I met my ex-husband, he wasn't as known as what he is now. I was 19 when I met him. I went to an event where I was modelling.

'My ex-husband was there, someone introduced us. We had a laugh and kept in touch.'

When asked by the experts if she fancied Paddy, Christine replied: 'Yeah, I did. He had a cheeky charm, he made me laugh.'

She also described meeting Paddy as 'perfect timing' and said it was 'an easy relationship.'

The pair, who wed in 2011, have three children - twins Leo and Penelope, as well as Felicity.

The experts then asked Christine about the breakup, to which she replied: 'Anyone can make mistakes, but I think the trust was broken.'

'I'll always love him, he's the father of my children and I think he's the only man that I'll ever love.

'A lot of people make mistakes and mess up, and when you're in a couple who is quite well known in the industry, obviously then everyone knows your business.'
As a seasoned Strictly Come Dancing professional, her children were always going to be fond of a song and dance.

So it is no surprise that Dianne Buswell has revealed her unborn son is already perfecting his moves in the womb when she hits the dance floor each weekend.

The Australian dancer, who has been paired with Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, is the first professional in the show's history to compete while pregnant.

The 36-year-old said her baby gets particularly excited when the live band strikes up.

She told The Mail on Sunday: 'There's been a few little Strictly kicks, especially when he hears Dave Arch's band. He's a big fan of Dave Arch at the moment, and he's like, "Oh yeah, I love that music. Come on."

'I don't feel him when I dance, because he's probably rocking him to sleep.'

Dianne Buswell, pictured with her Strictly Come Dancing partner Stefan Dennis, has revealed her unborn son is already perfecting his moves in the womb

The Australian dancer, pictured in March 2025, is the first professional in the show's history to compete while pregnant

The dancer, who spoke ahead of last night's energetic Charleston with Dennis, 66, added: 'He's gonna be having a good old time in there. That's for sure.'

Ms Buswell revealed she was expecting a baby boy with YouTuber boyfriend Joe Sugg just a week before the new series began.

The couple, who met when they were paired on Strictly in 2018, set their pregnancy reveal video to Elton John's Tiny Dancer, with Sugg, 34, captioning the clip: 'Our little baby boy. We cannot wait to meet you.'

Asked whether she had had to adapt her dancing around her pregnancy, Ms Buswell said: 'I've continued on doing exactly what I would normally do. [Stefan is] the eldest in this competition, and so we wouldn't be doing crazy lifts and stuff anyway.

'We're also a very similar height, which doesn't allow physically for overhead presses and stuff like that. So yeah, I adapt, but not because I'm pregnant. I'm adapting for what is right for the partnership.'

She also revealed that since announcing her pregnancy, she has been inundated with support from Strictly fans.

The dancing star revealed she was expecting a baby boy with boyfriend Joe Sugg (right) a week before the new series began

She said: 'I have had some really lovely messages. Everyone's pregnancy is going to be so different.

'So if I can be an advocate for people who are feeling really good and are able to still do what they did before then, then that's great.'

Last Saturday, she and Dennis did not perform after the actor was struck down with an unexplained illness.

'I actually feel better when I'm dancing,' she said of the brief rest.

'When we had the time off last week, it's when I felt my worst actually, because I wasn't moving as much and I felt the effects more.

'Then, weirdly, I feel much better when I'm moving my body. That was an interesting realisation.'
Sophie Monk has given fans a rare insight into her marriage to husband Josh Gross.

The Love Island host has revealed Josh is very supportive of her career and recently stepped back from neurosurgical robotics to be by her side.

'He's a very secure man. What I do for a job can bring out insecurities in guys and I totally get it, because I'd be the same,' she told Stellar magazine.

'Often in movies I've had to do things  It's just not natural for a relationship in some ways.'

She added: 'I waited later to meet someone. I was waiting for the right person and I'm so glad I did.'

The couple first met on a flight from Europe to Australia in August 2018 and shared a kiss after enjoying 'three champagnes' in business class.

Sophie Monk has given fans a rare insight into her marriage to husband Josh Gross (pictured)

Sophie and Joshua wed in a private ceremony at their Central Coast, NSW home in 2022.

The American-born tech entrepreneur recently told Daily Mail Australia he's happily embraced life in the background.

'I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. One minute I'm working from home, next I'm on the Gold Coast filming a movie or in Spain filming Love Island,' Josh began.

'Life with Soph is never dull and I wouldn't change a thing.'

'I don't really live my life in the spotlight. That's the beauty of being behind the camera. I've always liked it that way, supporting from the background and capturing the moments,' he said.

While he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Josh has unwittingly become a familiar face on red carpets and social media  often spotted snapping glamorous photos of his famous wife.

'Sophie is incredibly beautiful and photogenic, so if the photo isn't great, it's on me,' he quipped.

'She's got a sixth sense for her best side, and I've got a mental checklist every time I pull out the phone. Lighting matters  golden hour is magic.

The Love Island host has revealed Josh is very supportive of her career and recently stepped back from neurosurgical robotics to be by her side

'Don't be afraid to crouch, climb or contort to get the shot. With the right phone camera, you can nail it on the first try  and rack up serious brownie points too.'

He also revealed a little-known fact about his reality TV star wife.

'What you see is what you get with Soph... I think she's a lot funnier than what people realise. She's my best friend and we laugh a lot,' Josh said.

Despite the scrutiny that often comes with dating a celebrity, Josh says the public have only ever shown warmth towards Sophie  and to him by extension.
Ryan Reynolds made a rare public show of support for wife Blake Lively over the weekend amid their raging legal war with her It Ends With Us co-star/director Justin Baldoni.

On Saturday, the Waiting star, 48, took to Instagram to uploaded a photo he snapped with Lively, 38, as they appeared to check out Halloween decorations near their New York home.

The couple, who wed in 2012 and share four children, smiled for the outdoor selfie, which was seen by Reynolds' nearly 52million followers.

Lively was the one in charge of taking the photo, with Ryan posing with his hands tucked into his pockets next to a balloon spider, which was tied to a street lamp.

Lively looked effortlessly stunning with her sandy blonde hair worn down and her petite frame wrapped in a tweed jacket.

The Gossip Girl alum reposted the selfie with Reynolds to her own Instagram Story shortly after he did.

Ryan Reynolds made a rare public show of support for wife Blake Lively over the weekend amid their raging legal war with her It Ends With Us co-star/director Justin Baldoni

On Saturday, Reynolds, 48, took to Instagram to uploaded a selfie he took with Lively, 38. The actress, 38, then reposted it to her own Instagram Story

She tagged her husband of over a decade and added an animated heart emoji as an expression of love.

Reynolds' loved-up selfie with Lively comes just days after she shared a slice-of-life post with her 42.5 million followers, showing off her preferred brand of pajamas.

Lively, who is in ongoing litigation with Baldoni over production of their 2024 film It Ends with Us, took to Instagram Stories modeling a pair of pajamas she said she was partial to.

'I am so obsessed with my new jammies that I swap out the bottoms with jeans or slacks and pass off the top as a regular shirt,' said Lively.

Lively concluded her statement by writing 'no one will ever know' with a shush emoji, as she tagged the manufacturers of the products she likes.

In the selfie she posted, the Gossip Girl star was standing in a walk-in closet, in front of dozens of pairs of shoes, while wearing white pajamas with necklaces, with her blonde mane styled to one side.

Lively indicated that the London-based brand DAMSON MADDER.had manufactured the pajamas, with the specific item she was modeling called the 'Antonella Pj Set - Polka Dot.'

In December of 2024, Lively named Baldoni in a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliatory conduct, and intentional infliction of emotional stress.

Reynolds has rarely posted his wife to social media since her legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star/director Justin Baldoni kicked off last December; the couple seen in April 2025

Reynolds' loved-up selfie with Lively comes just days after she shared a slice-of-life post with her 42.5 million followers, showing off her preferred brand of pajamas

In December of 2024, Lively named Baldoni in a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliatory conduct, and intentional infliction of emotional stress; Baldoni seen in 2024

In December of 2024, Lively named Baldoni in a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliatory conduct, and intentional infliction of emotional stress; seen in June 2025

In her lawsuit, the Gossip Girl alum accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her in multiple ways - including body shaming her - and orchestrating a smear campaign against her to damage her reputation.

In her lawsuit, Lively named a number of Baldoni's collaborators, including his company Wayfarer Studios, the studio's CEO and financial backer, and PR personnel Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel.

Baldoni had initially asked for $250 million in damages from the paper, then added it into the $400 million lawsuit he filed this past January.

In the suit, Baldoni named Lively, her spouse Ryan Reynolds and her publicist Leslie Sloane, citing the aforementioned report in legal documents. It was thrown out of court this past June.

All parties have denied all of the allegations against them.
Kim Kardashian may be celebrating Halloween early as she undoubtedly stunned guests at one of Hollywood's biggest events in a bizarre outfit on Saturday night.

The SKIMS founder, 44, arrived to this year's Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles with a flesh-toned mask covering her famous face.

The mask encased her entire head and hair as she posed for photographers in a nude Maison Margiela gown with a skintight corset bodice.

The gown also had sleeves attached to the hem of the skirt, creating a bat-like wing effect as Kardashian raised her arms to fix her mask or place her hands on her waist.

Kardashian accessorized the eye-catching outfit with a brilliant diamond choker necklace with massive stones.

She also rocked a claw-like manicure and emerald rings on both hands.

Kim Kardashian may be celebrating Halloween early as she undoubtedly stunned guests at one of Hollywood's biggest events in a bizarre outfit on Saturday night

The SKIMS founder, 44, arrived to this year's Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles with a flesh-toned mask covering her famous face

This is not the first time that Kardashian has graced a star-studded event with her face covered by a mask.

Back in 2021, the mother-of-four famously climbed the Met Gala stairs in an all-black Balenciaga catsuit with a matching balaclava.

Joining Kim at Saturday night's Academy Museum Gala, which is in its fifth year, was her younger half-sister Kendall Jenner, 29.

The supermodel opted for a more classic silhouette for the event as she made her way down the red carpet step-and-repeat photo op in a sleeveless black dress.

Her silky brunette hair was worn down and tucked behind her ears.

After getting in her solo shots, Kendall caught up with her BFF Hailey Bieber, who was also in attendance in a sexy corset dress.

However, Kendall seemingly avoided posing with her big sister Kim on the red carpet.

Other attendees included Sydney Sweeney, Penelope Cruz, Zoe Kravitz, Jenna Ortega, George Clooney and Emily Ratajkowski.

The mask encased her entire head and hair as she posed for photographers in a nude gown with a skintight corset bodice

The gown also had sleeves attached to the hem of the skirt, creating a bat-like wing effect as Kardashian raised her arms to fix her mask or placed her hands on her waist

Kardashian accessorized the eye-catching outfit with a brilliant diamond choker necklace with massive emerald stones

She also rocked a claw-like manicure and emerald rings on both hands

This is not the first time that Kardashian has graced a star-studded event with her face covered by a mask

Back in 2021, the mother-of-four famously climbed the Met Gala stairs in an all-black Balenciaga catsuit with a matching balaclava

As the evening went on, Kim eventually removed her mask

She also took off her diamond necklace, which she handed to her assistant

Kim's appearance at the gala comes less than 24 hours after she got glammed up to attend the grand opening of her little sister Kylie Jenner's Kylie Cosmetics pop-up in West Hollywood.

To support the 28-year-old beauty, Kim turned heads in a baby pink, latex gown with a plunging halter neckline as she made her grand arrival.

Paired with the skintight dress, she wore clear platform heels to add many inches to her height and showcase her toned legs.

She highlighted her chest in the cleavage-baring dress by stacking chunky silver necklaces with massive cross pendants.

And Kim added dramatically long nails and back-grazing hair extensions to her glamorous night out look.

The day before Kylie's pop-up grand opening, Kim attended another star-studded red carpet event.

She slipped in a glamorous gown to join her All's Fair co-stars Glenn Close, Naomi Watts and Sarah Paulson at the show's premiere in LA.

Along with a slew of red carpet appearances this week, Kim also dished all about her love life and talked about her famous family in a bombshell Call Her Daddy interview, which was released Thursday.

Joining Kim at Saturday night's Academy Museum Gala, which is in its fifth year, was her younger half-sister Kendall Jenner, 29

The supermodel opted for a more classic silhouette for the event as she made her way down the red carpet step-and-repeat photo op in a sleeveless black dress

Her silky brunette hair was worn down and tucked behind her ears

After getting in her solo shots, Kendall caught up with her BFF Hailey Bieber, who was also in attendance in a sexy corset dress

During the interview, she opened up about the lasting impact of her 'toxic' marriage to Kanye West  admitting she still finds it hard to date and detailing the struggles of co-parenting.

While chatting with podcast host Alex Cooper, Kim detailed her troubled nine-year relationship with the rapper, 48.

She explained that she was first drawn to Kanye because of his intellect, branding him 'larger than life' and saying they had 'such a fun time' together.

Yet things soon took a turn when Kanye, who has publicly struggled with his mental health, began to turn on Kim and her family.

'When someone has like their first mental break, you want to be super supportive and you want to help figure that out and be there for them,' she explained.

'But when someone isn't willing to make changes that I think would've been super healthy and beneficial, it makes it really hard to continue on in a relationship that can be toxic.'

Kim, who shares North, 12, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, six, with Kanye, added that having children made it much harder to leave and that she stuck around because she wanted to believe that Kanye would get better.

In 2016, Kanye was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being hospitalised for a psychiatric emergency.

Less than 24 hours ago, Kim was strutting her stuff in West Hollywood in a low-cut latex gown for her sister Kylie Jenner's pop-up launch

She was photographed arriving to the event with the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters, except big sister Kourtney

On Thursday, Kim attended the star-studded red carpet for her new Hulu show All's Fair

The mother-of-four commanded attention on the red carpet

He later claimed he was misdiagnosed. But when things didn't improve, Kim knew it was time to leave and to show their children 'a good example of setting boundaries'.

She explained that her own mental health began to suffer during her marriage, noting: 'I had to save myself in order to be a better mum for everyone. And I think when everyone's older they'll be able to understand it and see that all.'

Asked what was the 'final straw' for her, she mused: 'There was just a lot of things that I wouldn't deal with.

'I didn't like the talking bad about my kids' grandmother, aunts - if someone feels that way, then we shouldn't be together,' she said. 'You know, airing out a lot of stuff, a lot of personal stuff.'
Assyrian Village in Turkey Named One of Best Tourism Villages

The Assyrian region of Tur Abdin in Turkey, homeland of the Assyrian people, is among the most breathtaking places on Earth. It forms part of the ancient land of Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia), the cradle of civilization, beauty, and stunning nature.

Within this sacred landscape lies the Assyrian village of Hah, whose name means "place of rest" in Assyrian. Located in the Medyad (Midyat) district, Hah has been chosen by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" in the world, under the Best Tourism Villages program held in Huzhou, China.

In 2022, the UNWTO included the village of Hah in its "Best Tourism Villages -- Upgrade Program".

This year's nomination came through the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which proposed four villages for the program: Hah, Akyaka in Mugla, Barbaros in Izmir, and Ucagiz Castle in Antalya. According to an official statement from the ministry, 52 villages from 29 countries were recognized in the program's fifth edition. The chosen destinations were selected from more than 270 applicants across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Evaluation criteria included preservation of cultural heritage, sustainable use of natural resources, and the role of tourism in fostering local development.

The UNWTO also announced that applications for the program's sixth edition will open in the first quarter of 2026.

Hah: A Assyrian Village

The village of Hah lies about 87 kilometers from Merde (Mardin) city and 22 kilometers from Medyad (Midyat) city. Today, Hah is inhabited by 20 Assyrian families with a population of about 130 residents who depend primarily on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. In Yusuf Aydin, member of the Swedish Riksdag, the village of Hah has a prominent representative in the diaspora.

The village is home to Turkey's first non-church Assyrian library. This library is an important resource for preserving the rich Assyrian heritage.

It is home to the Cathedral of Mor Sobo and the Church of the Virgin Mary, both belonging to the Assyrian Orthodox community. The village is renowned for its unique architecture and stone buildings that date back to the fourth and fifth centuries AD. Hah is considered one of the first villages of the Assyrian people in Tur Abdin to convert to Christianity. The churches dating back to the first centuries AD are built on older religious sites.

The Assyrian liturgical book of "Phanqitho" in the village church of Habses ascribes the beginnings of Christianity in the Tur 'Abdin to the return of the Three Wise Men from Jerusalem after visiting the newborn Child Jesus in Bethlehem. These Three Wise Men are said to have sojourned in the village of Hah and laid the foundation for the world's first Christian church-- In the Assyrian language it is called the ????? ?????? ? ???? --Yoldath Aloho d-Hah or Church of the Mother of God in Hah. According to Church tradition, the church in Hah is therefore the oldest church in the world.
Guests watch a performance staged by a song and dance troupe during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

This photo shows a view of the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

French violinist Zied Zouari performs during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Guests watch a robot playing piano during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Guests attend a dialogue during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

A dancer performs during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Artists perform a bilingual poetry recitation "Symphony of Water and Fire" during the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Spanish poet Juan Carlos Mestre signs his autograph upon his arrival at the World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The World Poetry, Dance, Music and Visual Arts Salon was held here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. The salon features performances and civilization dialogues, with the participation of more than 20 international artists and cultural scholars. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Artists perform during the "Light of Liangzhu" China-U.S. Symphony Concert in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The concert was jointly staged by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Artists perform during the "Light of Liangzhu" China-U.S. Symphony Concert in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The concert was jointly staged by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra greet the audience with Conductor Hu Yongyan during the "Light of Liangzhu" China-U.S. Symphony Concert in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The concert was jointly staged by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Artists perform during the "Light of Liangzhu" China-U.S. Symphony Concert in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 18, 2025. The concert was jointly staged by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra here on Saturday as a sideline event of the third Liangzhu Forum. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
The Office Australia has been officially cancelled.

The TV series, which only ran for one season, premiered last year and stars Felicity Ward as Hannah Howard, who manages a packaging company in Sydney.

Also making up the cast are Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, and Shari Sebbens, with Kiwi director Jackie Van Beek helming the show alongside Julie de Fina.

The Amazon Prime show's future has been uncertain since its premiere last year, receiving mediocre reviews compared to its American and British counterparts.

Now, it has been confirmed that the comedy series won't be returning to screens, with Prime deciding to pull the plug.

Since the first season aired, The Office Australia has received a mixed bag when it comes to responses on social media.

The Office Australia has been officially cancelled

The TV series, which only ran for one season, premiered last year and stars Felicity Ward as Hannah Howard, who manages a packaging company in Sydney

'Loved the show, really hope you get a season 2, every episode gets better than the last!' one person gushed on a fan account.

Another added: 'The show is actually pretty good.'

However, others seemed to disagree, writing: 'A cheap and bad imitation.'

'I really tried not to compare to either British or US office, but even as a stand-alone, I didn't find it funny or entertaining. I'm sorry to say it coz I'm all for supporting Aussie comedy,' another person added.

In August, Head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand Hwei Loke did little to dispel rumours of the show getting the chop after one season.

'We were so pleased with the global reception for The Office. And at the moment, that's where we're kind of leaving it,' Hwei said at the time.

'We're still considering things and we haven't made a decision.'

In October last year, lead star Felicity Ward defended the controversial Australian reboot after it came under fire from fans.

Also making up the cast are Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, and Shari Sebbens, with Kiwi director Jackie Van Beek helming the show alongside Julie de Fina (Pictured: Felicity Ward, Josh Thomson, Jonny Brugh, Lucy Schmidt, Susan Ling Young, Zoe Terakes, Claude Jabbour, Jason Perini, Susie Youssef and Chris Bunton)

The actress hit back at haters, urging viewers to give the show a chance before passing judgement while acknowledging the scepticism that comes with reimagining such a beloved franchise.

'Look, I know what it's like to love something and feel protective over it being remade. I absolutely understand that,' she told Yahoo Lifestyle.

'But if you look at the American one, there was a huge backlash. People were very, very angry. And it's its own thing. And that's the same with the Australian one.'

'People will be angry, and people will be really happy about it as well, and have your feelings, and we're all just doing our best.'

Felicity encouraged viewers to watch the comedy show before forming an opinion.

'I would say, just watch it and then decide, like, with anything we can all have our contempt prior to investigation, but if you watch it, then have an opinion,' she added.
Abbie Chatfield may be facing a second lawsuit, but she seemed to put that out of her mind on Sunday as she hit the beach for a dip.

The podcaster was accompanied by her boyfriend, musician Adam Hyde, as she enjoyed the water at Sydney's Bronte.

The 30-year-old showed off her fit figure in a retro polka dot bikini with bottoms in a boy shorts cut.

Going makeup free, Abbie emerged from the water with her wet curls down around her fresh face.

Adam, meanwhile, flaunted his muscles and hairy chest in a pair of black trunks that resembled underwear.

After her swim, she and Adam held hands strolling along the boardwalk, with Abbie slipping on black sandals and a cap.

Abbie Chatfield (pictured) may be facing a second lawsuit, but she seemed to put that out of her mind on Sunday as she hit the beach for a dip

The star enjoyed the water at Sydney's Bronte

The podcaster was accompanied by her boyfriend, musician Adam Hyde (left)

It comes after former Married At First Sight star Harrison Boon announced he was launching defamation action against the influencer, just days after she settled another defamation case.

Boon revealed that he had launched a GoFundMe to help pay for a proposed defamation action against the former Bachelor star.

Just six days ago, Harrison launched a GoFundMe to bankroll his legal costs, accusing Abbie of spreading 'constant lies, slander and bullying' that he claims have cost him business and tarnished his name.

Harrison took issue with a series of explosive social media posts by Abbie in which she labelled Harrison a 'sexist' and 'alt-right freak' who 'supports fascism' and 'stands by Nazi ideology'.

Daily Mail does not suggest any of these allegations are true.

Harrison claimed that those comments were false, defamatory, and deeply damaging to both his reputation and livelihood.

All funds raised by Harrison's GoFundMe will go directly towards his lawyer and court filing fees, as well as mediation and expert witness costs.

The fresh legal action comes after Abbie recently settled another defamation case - this time with her former 'male best friend'.

The 30-year-old showed off her fit figure in a retro polka dot bikini

She cuddled up to Adam as they dried off on the shore

Abbie's bikini bottoms featured a boy shorts cut

Abbie went makeup free for the outing

She emerged from the water with her wet curls down around her fresh face

The former reality star wore a smattering of gold accessories

Adam, meanwhile, flaunted his muscles and hairy chest

He donned a pair of black trunks that resembled underwear

It comes after former Married At First Sight star Harrison Boon announced he was launching defamation action against the influencer, just days after she settled another defamation case

The social media influencer will be forced to pay law student and former Virgin Australia guest services officer Heath Kelley $79,000 after she consented to a Federal Court judgment against her.

The court has also ordered Abbie pay Heath's legal costs, which amount to an estimated $30,000, leaving her facing a total bill of more than $100,000.

Heath sued Abbie for defamation after his lawyers sent her a concerns notice stating her online comments about him were indefensible and false.

She did not attempt to fight the claim and earlier this month Justice Wendy Abraham made orders against her by consent.

Abbie, who has about 550,000 followers on Instagram, published the defamatory remarks about Heath on her Stories on May 7.

That day, Abbie had posted in support of Greens leader Adam Bandt who lost his seat of Melbourne to Labor's Sarah Witty at the 2025 federal election.

Heath, who had known Abbie since their school days since about 2011, responded by sending her a private message containing a video and comment about the Greens leader.

Further private messages were then exchanged between Abbie and Mr Kelley which Abbie later published to her followers.

Boon revealed that he had launched a GoFundMe to help pay for a proposed defamation action against the former Bachelor star

Just six days ago, Harrison launched a GoFundMe to bankroll his legal costs, accusing Abbie of spreading 'constant lies, slander and bullying' that he claims have cost him business and tarnished his name

All funds raised by Harrison's GoFundMe will go directly towards his lawyer and court filing fees, as well as mediation and expert witness costs

The fresh legal action comes after Abbie recently settled another defamation case - this time with her former 'male best friend'

The social media influencer will be forced to pay law student and former Virgin Australia guest services officer Heath Kelley $79,000 after she consented to a Federal Court judgment against her

The court has also ordered Abbie pay Heath's legal costs, which amount to an estimated $30,000, leaving her facing a total bill of more than $100,000

Heath sued Abbie for defamation after his lawyers sent her a concerns notice stating her online comments about him were indefensible and false

Abbie and Heath were once so close that their relationship sparked romance rumours

After her swim, she and Adam held hands strolling along the boardwalk, with Abbie slipping on black sandals and a cap

Abbie: 'Why are you sending me this...? Are you pro Israel? Gross.'

Heath: 'Sending you this because it's incredible news that he lost his seat. And I'm going to sleep better at night knowing the Jewish population of Melbourne will feel safer with him gone.'

He continued: 'And yes, as a supporter of gay and women's rights, I am pro Israel having been to the region twice.'

Abbie: 'Okay so you've lost the plot. By (sic) dude lmao.'

She then took to her Instagram Stories, reproducing some of her exchange with Mr Kelley, naming him and tagging his account.

'Not my high school ex friend (EX FRIEND for a reason) sending me this???' she posted. 'We haven't spoken in 3 years, and before that maybe 6 or 7 years???

'Delusional g*cide supporter now weirdly trolling me about a PROGRESSIVE AND KIND politician narrowly losing his seat.'

Abbie and Heath were once so close that their relationship sparked romance rumours.
Sam Rivers shared his love for Limp Bizkit and their fans in a poignant final Instagram post, just hours before his tragic death aged 48.

The metal group announced on Saturday that the bassist has passed away earlier in the day, with an emotional tribute. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.

Rivers had been one of the original founding members of Limp Bizkit - which was formed back in 1994.

And his final ever post on social media saw him reflect on the band's past and future, as he marked one of their milestone anniversaries and encouraged fans to come see them play in June next year.

He took to his Instagram on Friday to share a shot of the group's third album, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, revealing it had been exactly 25 years since the platinum certified record had been released.

While Rivers added a second photo showing the line-up for Rock For People festival, set to take place between June 10 to 14 at Park 360 in Czechia.

Sam Rivers shared his love for Limp Bizkit and their fans in a poignant final Instagram post, just hours before his tragic death aged 48 (seen in 2023)

The metal group announced on Saturday that the bassist has passed away earlier in the day, with an emotional tribute. A cause of death is yet to be revealed (L-R Wes Borland, DJ Lethal (born Leor Dimant), Fred Durst, John Otto, and Sam in 1997)

Alongside the likes of Gorillaz, Iron Maiden and Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit are listed as the headliners on Thursday, June 11, with the poster telling fans to save the date.

Rivers shared the two shots, set to Good Times Roll by The Cars, and poignantly wrote in the accompanying caption: 'Nothing but love #limpbizkit #limpbizkitstyle #limpbizkitfamily'.

Following the news of his death, fans flooded the post with comments expressing their shock and devastation, while paying tribute to the late musician.

They wrote: 'Samwhy. You made grown man from other side of the globe cry. My thoughts are with family and friends '.

'Too damn young, man. Rest easy'; 'Chocolate Starfish was the first album I ever owned. Thanks for the music and RIP x'.

'No f***ing way man RIP'; 'Loved your bass line on Boilerbye Sam. Thanks for giving me the best time of my childhood playing LB cds '.

'Sam, rest in peace. You are, for me, the best bass player I've ever seen in my life. You're an inspiration not only to me but to so many fans. It still hasn't sunk in that you're gone.'

'Rest in Peace Legend'; 'You were a great source of inspiration for me. One of my favourite bass players of the entire world. R. I. P. Bro'; 'We will love you always Sam Rivers.'

He took to his Instagram on Friday to share a shot of the group's third album, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, revealing it had been exactly 25 years since the platinum certified record had been released

While Rivers added a second photo showing the line-up for Rock For People festival, set to take place between June 10 to 14 at Park 360 in Czechia

Rivers shared the two shots, set to Good Times Roll by The Cars, and poignantly wrote in the accompanying caption: 'Nothing but love #limpbizkit #limpbizkitstyle #limpbizkitfamily'

In an emotional statement announcing Rivers' death, his Limp Bizkit bandmates Fred Durst, John Otto, Wes Borland and DJ Lethal, wrote: 'In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers. Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat.

'Sam Rivers wasn't just our bass player  he was pure magic. The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.

'From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.'

The group continued: 'We shared so many moments  wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones  and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.'

They called Rivers 'a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human' as well as 'a true legend of legends.'

They concluded their statement: 'And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.

'We love you, Sam. We'll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.  Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal .'

DJ Lethal jumped to the comment section to further express how the band is in 'shock' over the death of Rivers.

Following the news of his death, fans flooded the post with comments expressing their shock and devastation, while paying tribute to the late musician

In an emotional statement announcing Rivers' death, his Limp Bizkit bandmates Fred Durst, John Otto, Wes Borland and DJ Lethal, wrote: 'In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers. Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat'

'We love you Sam rivers. Please respect the family's privacy at this moment. give Sam his flowers and play Sam rivers basslines all day ! We are in shock.'

He added: 'Rest in power my brother ! You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save with your music, charity work and friendships. We are heartbroken enjoy every millisecond of life. It's not guaranteed.'

Rivers first met the lead vocalist of the band Durst in the 90s while working at Chick-fil-A, going on to form Limp Bizkit in 1994 alongside drummer Otto.

Two years later, guitarist Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal also joined the group and their debut album - Three Dollar Bill, Y'all - was released in 1997 and included singles such as Counterfeit.

The band found further success and recognition with second album Significant Other (1999) followed by Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000).

Some of the biggest tracks that the group released over the years include Break Stuff, My Way and Behind Blue Eyes.

The band went on hiatus in 2006, but reunited just three years later in 2009.

Limp Bizkit has received three Grammy nominations such as Best Rock Album in 2000 for Significant Other and won a series of other awards, including a Billboard Music Award for Top Modern Rock Artist.

Rivers first met the lead vocalist of the band Durst in the 90s while working at Chick-fil-A, going on to form Limp Bizkit in 1994 alongside drummer Otto, with guitarist Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal also joining two years later (seen in 2000)

Rivers departed from the band in 2015, before rejoining in 2018, which he later revealed was due to his battle with liver disease (seen in 2009)

Rivers departed from the band in 2015, before rejoining in 2018, which he later revealed was due to his battle with liver disease.

The late musician made the revelation in a book from rock writer Jon Wiederhorn titled Raising Hell (Backstage Tales From The Lives Of Metal Legends) in 2020, per Loudwire.

He shared: 'I got liver disease from excessive drinking. I had to leave Limp Bizkit in 2015 because I felt so horrible, and a few months after that I realized I had to change everything because I had really bad liver disease.'

Rivers also stated that he continued to focus on his health and eventually underwent a liver transplant.

'I quit drinking and did everything the doctors told me. I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match.'

He expressed that he received the diagnosis back in 2011 and 'got clean for about nine or ten months and went on tour.'

However due to a home life that was far from 'great,' he fell back into drinking again and would later get a warning from medical professionals.

'It got so bad I had to go to UCLA Hospital and the doctor said, "If you don't stop, you're going to die. And right now, you're looking like you need a new liver."'

Rivers added: 'I fought liver disease for a couple years and it won. I had to get a liver transplant in 2017.'
Tom Holland was spotted filming intense Spider-Man scenes in Scotland on Sunday as he took to the streets wearing his iconic costume.

The actor, 29, was joined by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, who was seen on set for the first time.

The 23-year-old actress wrapped up in a beige hoodie and and warm khaki coat as she chatted away to crew on set in Glasgow.

In one scene, a car was spotted on a smashed pavement with a New York fire engine parked next to it.

Tom was seen holding his arm into the air clutching a black strap, with his Spider-Man mask down as he filmed the upcoming Marvel movie, which is set for release next July.

Sadie will play an undisclosed role, which some speculate may be significant due to the events from Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Tom Holland was spotted filming intense Spider-Man scenes on Sunday as he took to the streets of Glasgow wearing his iconic costume

The actor was joined by Stranger Things actress Sadie Sink, who was seen on set for the first time wrapped up in a beige hoodie and and warm khaki coat as she chatted away to crew

Marvel enthusiasts have already come up with multiple theories on who she could play, which include various superheroes.

Several fans have guessed Sadie will portray Jean Grey - a red-headed superhero and member of the X-Men.

'If they have Sadie Sink play mary Jane when she could be playing Jean Grey AND WE ALREADY HAVE ZENDAYA GIVING US OUR BEAUTIFUL MJ whatever dude,' a fan commented.

Others believe the actress will portray famed Spider-Man's love interests Mary Jane or Gwen Stacy.

'I swear if sadie sink plays gwen stacy or mary jane i wont survive,' a fan joked.

Multiple commenters also mentioned they could see themselves watching Sadie play Firestar, a superhero who debuted on an episode of Spider Man and His Amazing Friends in 1981.

'Sadie Sink would absolutely crush a Jean Grey or Mary Jane role, but I feel like she might be getting casted as Firestar here. I'll be seated for whatever thing Marvel has for my girl,' an X user wrote.

'I'm seeing the quotes and replies and Firestar is a pretty cool choice too for Sadie Sink. I would be pretty excited if that were the case,' a fan admitted.

In one scene, a car was spotted on a smashed pavement with a New York fire engine parked next to it

'That's no Jean Grey but it gets you to be part of a Spider-Man film anyways.'

Spider-Man: No Way Home became a highly anticipated film after Spider-Man: Far From Home was a box-office success in 2019.

The movie made over $92 million during its opening weekend and earned more than $1.1 billion worldwide.

It comes after Spider-Man resumed filming earlier this month after Tom suffered a head injury while performing a stunt.

The web-slinging superhero took to the streets of in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to shoot a dramatic scene.

The set turned the stretch between Fanum House, the former headquarters of the AA, and Mountbatten House, an office building from the 1970s, into the iconic concrete jungle of New York City.

Spider-Man was seen beckoning armed police officers and sliding on a mat along the road while being pulled by a camouflaged army truck.

Meanwhile, another shot showed the truck smashing through a set of gates while the superhero was surrounded by soldiers armed with prop guns.

Sadie will play an undisclosed role in the Marvel movie that could be significant due to the events from Spider-Man: No Way Home; pictured 2024

Social media users believe Sink will portray Mary Jane or another Marvel superhero

It is not clear whether it was superstar Tom donning the outfit or a stuntman taking his place, following the actor's head injury during filming last month.

The much-awaited Spider-Man: Brand New Day will also feature Tom's fiancee Zendaya, as well as Mark Ruffalo and John Bernthal.

Filming was briefly halted after Tom's head injury last month.

Paramedics rushed to Leavesden Studios in Watford before taking the actor to the hospital for treatment.

Insiders insisted it was not possible to shoot scenes in Tom's absence.

It was reported that the week-long halting of production on Spider-Man's latest film costed 10.5million as Tom recovered from a mild concussion.
Vanessa Williams has addressed the upcoming Desperate Housewives reboot after appearing in the beloved original for two seasons as Renee Perry.

The actress, 62, who was 47 when she was first cast in the mystery comedy-drama, admitted she knew next to nothing about plans for a revival.

However, Vanessa did mention that she believes producers will pick a 'younger cast' for the series, which is called Wisteria Lane in a nod to the iconic setting of the show.

When asked about the reboot on the red carpet at the Variety Club Awards by Daily Mail, Vanessa said: ''I saw that! I know as much as you because I'm reading it.

Confessing she hasn't been asked to appear, she said: 'I think Kerry Washington is producing it. That's all I know.

Before pointedly adding: ''I'm sure they're going for younger housewives, like we were 20 years ago!'

Vanessa Williams has addressed the upcoming Desperate Housewives reboot after appearing in the beloved original for two seasons as Renee Perry

The actress, 62, who was 47 when she was first cast in the mystery comedy-drama, admitted she knew next to nothing about plans for a revival (pictured with her co-star Felicity Huffman)

Vanessa also touched on some of the current cast of her West End show, The Devil Wears Prada, leaving the show to pursue other opportunities.

Speaking on whether she was 'emotional' during their last performance, Vanessa said: 'Well I still have rehearsals on Tuesday. But for the cast members who are leaving it was definitely emotional. They had to make a decision months and months before.

'It's a gamble, you don't know what's going to happen in eight months time. But I'm excited for everything that's coming their way.

'I've always dreamed about coming to London and being on stage.'

Vanessa played Renee, a glamorous and outspoken woman who moves to Wisteria Lane after her marriage end when her husband cheats on her.

Shes an old college friend of fellow Fairview dweller, Lynette Scavo, which is how she becomes friends with the other women on the lane.

It has been reported that the plot for Wisteria Lane will be similar to the ABC original, and the logline states it will be set around five friends and occasional frenemies who live in the same cul-de-sac.

Vanessa played Renee (pictured), a glamorous and outspoken woman who moves to Wisteria Lane after her marriage end when her husband cheats on her

While on the surface they are living the dream, behind their apparently perfect lives many are holding secrets which are yet to be revealed.

The news of the upcoming reboot sparked backlash after it was announced that Desperate Housewives is being reimagined at Onyx Collective, with Kerry Washington listed as one of the executive producers, as per Variety.

The original show, which aired from 2004 to 2012, was also set in the suburban neighborhood of Wisteria Lane.

It followed Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross), and Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria).

Following the news of the reboot, fans took online to express their disappointment, with one writing, 'Nobody asked for that, original is perfect';'Desperate Housewives 2.0 - now with 100% more desperation!' someone else chimed in on X.

The comments continued: 'If Teri, Eva, Felicity, and Marcia arent the stars, they can 10,000% keep buried in the drafts'; 'Did we completely run out of original ideas?'; 'We dont need a new cast. We want a return of our own ladies.'

Someone else simply asked: 'Why?'; 'Getting a new team to do a reboot is almost rarely a good idea, just dont do it if the OG team doesnt want to'; 'Hard pass'.

The original 'Desperate Housewives' was the brainchild of Marc Cherry. He is currently not attached to the reboot.

The show ran for eight seasons and nearly 200 episodes on ABC from 2004 to 2012.

Vanessa did mention that she believes producers will pick a 'younger cast' for the series, which is called Wisteria Lane in a nod to the iconic setting of the show

During its run, the show earned 38 Emmy nominations, with Felicity winning lead actress in a comedy in 2005 and Kathryn Joosten winning guest actress in a comedy twice.

Natalie Chaidez is attached to the new project as writer and executive producer, and Pilar Savone will serve as executive producer via Simpson Street. Stacey Sher of Shiny Penny is also set to executive produce.

It came after Eva spoke about the possibility of a revival while appearing on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live, to promote her show Searching For Spain.

Eva has said in the past that she would be interested in a Desperate Housewives reboot or revival series, which prompted a question from a fan.

The fan wrote into WWHL to ask who might be standing in the way of a Desperate Housewives reunion.

The answer may surprise some fans, with Eva revealing it to be none other than series creator Marc.

'Marc Cherry, our creator. Yeah. He feels like we've exhausted the characters,' Eva said, which stunned host Andy Cohen.

She added, 'It's unlike Sex and the City, which was only, like, six episodes, eight episodes a year. We did 24 episodes a year. For a decade.'

'So I can't sleep with any more people on that, right? Like I have slept with every single person on the street,' Eva joked of the show's infamous Wisteria Lane.

The news of the upcoming reboot sparked backlash after it was announced that Desperate Housewives is being reimagined at Onyx Collective, with Kerry Washington (pictured) listed as one of the executive producers, as per Variety

The original Desperate Housewives was the brainchild of Marc Cherry. He is currently not attached to the reboot (pictured Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman)

Eva was also asked by another WWHL guest, comedy legend Sandra Bernhard, if Eva's Gabrielle ever slept with any women on the show.

'No, I didn't... wait, did I?' Longoria said, as Bernhard joked they could do a 'half season' on that.

'We got to convince Marc Cherry,' Eva insisted of the show's creator and executive producer.

When Andy asked if she still gets, 'healthy residual checks' from the show, she would only offer a smile and add, 'I do well.'

Desperate Housewives would also serve as the inspiration for Bravo's Real Housewives franchise, drawing from, 'real life desperate housewives.'

The show also spawned global adaptations in Argentina (200607), Colombia/Ecuador (2007), Brazil (200708), Turkey (201114) and Nigeria (2015).

It was even one of many soap operas banned from North Korean television, with the government allegedly executing upwards of 80 people for watching banned South Korean soap operas, of which Desperate Housewives was the most popular.
Jennifer Lawrence has revealed the revolting dish she once served Robert Pattinson after he came over to her home last-minute for a gathering with friends.

The actress, 35, recalled having Pattinson, 39, over at her home during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, revealing she invited her Die My Love co-star over during a gathering with friends - only to discover she had nothing to serve him aside from discarded food.

To the shock of her friends, Lawrence pulled the food out of the trash can while Pattinson was in the bathroom and served it to him.

'So I had my girlfriends over, we were in our pajamas, we were watching Little Women. It was December,' she explained.

'He was like, "Hey, I just wrapped something like a block away from you,"' she said. 'And I was like, "Oh my God!" 'Cause Rob is one of the girls. He wants to gossip. He just is one of the gals. And so I was like, "Come over!"'

Jennifer Lawrence has revealed she revoltingly fed Robert Pattinson food from her trash can

Lawrence, who co-stars with Pattinson in Die My Love, said she had nothing to serve her friend when he came over for a girls' night

'But he's also like my daughter. He's a great father, he's a professional, he shows up on time, but I wouldn't trust that he, like, put a coat on... He's not going to eat on time... He brings out a very maternal.'

'He comes in, and I give him a hug, and he's like, "You have any food? I'm so hungry,"' the actress said. 'And I'm like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Come in, come in!"'

'He goes to the bathroom, and I do have food, but it's in the trash,' she added. 'And so while he was in the bathroom, I was just, like, pulling food out of my garbage can.

'And my girlfriends were like,' she said, before imitating their jaw-dropped expressions. 'And I'm like,' she says, waving her hand.

'So he eats it and we're all just kind of watching him eat this trash, and then when he was finished, he was like, "I'm still hungry, is there more?"'

'And I'm like, "Well there is, but it's in the garbage."'

Shockingly, Lawrence says Pattinson helped himself to seconds of the trashed food.

'He was like, "Oh, I don't mind." 'And he just pulled it out of the trash and kept eating it,' she claimed.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Pattinson for comment about Lawrence's story.

Lawrence and Pattinson star together in the upcoming film Die My Love, a movie based on a 2017 novel by Argentine writer Ariana Harwicz which details a new mum's battle with postpartum depression and subsequent psychosis.

Lawrence revealed she pulled food out of her rubbish while her unsuspecting guest was in the bathroom

Shockingly, Pattinson didn't even care the food came from the bin

The actress also revealed during the talk show that she and Pattinson perform a naked interpretive dance in the film.

Lawrence laughed: 'Lynne Ramsay the director challenged us during rehearsals, Robert Pattinson and I had to do interpretative dance lessons together. We both embarrass quite easily, and we didn't really know each other so it was totally humiliating'.

'Then on the first day of filming she asked whether we remembered what we did and asked if we would do it naked.'.

Fellow show guests Bruce Springsteen, Jeremy Allen White and Tessa Thompson were stunned and left full of questions, to which Jennifer quipped: 'Should I have said no? You all seem quite shocked'.

Speaking about how she landed the role she said: 'Martin Scorsese brought this to us after he had read the book at his book club, which is adorable'.

'He said I should play the character. When I read the book, I had had a hard time imagining it as a movie, but I wasnt going to correct Marty!'.

In the film, Jennifer stars as Grace, a new mother whose mental health begins to deteriorate as her marriage crumbles, with Robert starring as her husband Jackson.

Lawrence and Pattinson star together in the upcoming film Die My Love, a movie based on a 2017 novel by Argentine writer Ariana Harwicz which details a new mum's battle with postpartum depression and subsequent psychosis

The star admitted that since having children, it has changed her perspective on her career, and described motherhood as 'brutal and incredible.'

Lawrence, who has two children with husband Cooke Maroney, said during a press conference at Cannes earlier this year: 'Well, having children changes everything.

'It changes your whole life. But it's brutal and incredible. And so not only do they go into every decision of if I'm working, where I'm working, when I'm working.

'It taught me... I didn't know that I could feel so much. My job has a lot to do with emotion. They've opened up the world to me. It's almost like feeling like a blister or something, so sensitive.

In the film, Jennifer stars as Grace, a new mother whose mental health begins to deteriorate as her marriage crumbles, with Robert starring as her husband Jackson

'So they've changed my life, obviously, for the best, and they've changed me creatively. I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor.'

This film is the first time Jennifer and Robert have worked together, and the Twilight star, who welcomed his first child with fiancee Suki Waterhouse last year, echoed his co-star's sentiments at Cannes, according to Harper's Bazaar.

He said: 'I think in the most unexpected way, having a baby gives you the biggest trove of energy and inspiration.

'Ever since she was born, it's reintegrated the way I approach work.'
Rachael Ray revealed a secret health woe as she emerged on stage with Brooklyn Peltz Beckham at a recent food event amid concerns about her wellbeing.

The Food Network icon, 57, who has sparked concern with her 'slurring' speech of late, was jubilant as she took the stage with Beckham, 26.

But, something was 'off' about Ray as she spoke in the mic with an 'uncomfortable'-looking Beckham standing next to her and letting her take the lead in the hosting gig.

'Something was definitely off about her. It was actually a bit cringe watching her on stage with Brooklyn because he looked uncomfortable next to her,' an attendee exclusively told the Daily Mail.

'She, in a way, made fun of Brooklyn's name when she compared it to the city [borough] Brooklyn and laughed about it.'

The TV personality, who is primarily based in Italy, also made 'odd comments.'

Rachael Ray revealed a secret health woe as she emerged on stage with Brooklyn Peltz Beckham at a recent food event in New York amid concerns about her wellbeing

The event, held during the NYC Wine & Food Festival, was hosted by the Food Network legend and Beckham on Friday

'She said having the all-star judges at the event was "cuckoo-pants" and also made a comment about how she had a "bum wisdom tooth," which is why she was talking the way she was,' the eyewitness added, referring to her health woe.

'She also made an odd comment about how the event brings together "the rich and the poor," which made no sense since there was only one general admission price.'

Despite appearing 'uncomfortable,' Nicola Peltz's husband told the audience that he was having so much fun hosting.

'It is so fun. I've had a bite of every single burger here and I'm quite full. It's amazing to see each chef put what what they love and their best on a burger,' Beckham said. 'It's really amazing to see how many different burgers there are. It's amazing and everyone's been great and it's beautiful out tonight.'

Held during the New York City Wine and Food Festival in the historic Seaport district, a slew of chefs and restaurants from all five boroughs put their culinary skills to the test and compete to win the Burger Bash crown.

This year long-time host Ray had the help of a co-host, Beckham, who boasted to the Daily Mail about his own food career.

'[It's] good. Just building Cloud23. I love it,' he said, referring to his hot sauce brand.

The fun-filled appearance - which featured judges Ja Rule, Ana Navarro and Sunny Anderson - comes amid concerns about Ray's health.

'It was actually a bit cringe watching [Rachael] on stage with Brooklyn because he looked uncomfortable next to her,' an attendee at the event told the Daily Mail

The witness added: 'She said having the all-star judges at the event was "cuckoo-pants" and also made a comment about how she had a "bum wisdom tooth"'

Held during New York City Wine and Food Festival, a slew of chefs and restaurants from all five boroughs put their burger-making skills to the test and compete for the Burger Bash crown

On Mother's Day, Ray shared an Instagram clip which left fans concerned. In the video, her words sounded garbled as she leaned heavily on the stove in front of her.

Last October, the TV personality had shared that she'd suffered 'a couple of bad falls' while carrying wood for a fire. But that, it seemed, was only part of the story.

As an insider exclusively told the Daily Mail in May, Ray's family have been left worried for her wellbeing.

'Those close to Rachael are so concerned,' the insider said. 'She has shut people out and lives a very secluded life.

'She seems lost and when anyone reaches out to her she doesn't respond,' they added. 'Rachael was always so meticulous about her appearance, and it is very telling and concerning that she now just doesn't care. It is indicative of a bigger issue.'

It has not helped that she has suffered a string of career setbacks.

Her hit eponymous syndicated cooking show - The Rachael Ray Show - which premiered in 2006 and ran unhindered for 17 seasons concluded in 2023. She subsequently launched a new program Meals in Minutes in April 2024; the third season for which was released in May.

However, the cancellation of the show that made her name no doubt came as a blow.

Ray seen with her husband of 20 years, John M Cusimano

In February Ray posted a clip of herself cooking fajitas, but some of her comments throughout the video left her fans extremely worried about her health

As an insider previously told the Daily Mail, Ray 'has not had the easiest time' since the show ended. It was her 'pride and joy, and it was her life for so many years,' that insider said.

In June the cook was holding a meet-and-greet and bottle signing for her distilled Staple Gin in New York.

But despite initially drawing hype on social media, the event - at the Broadway Spirits store in Manhattan - got off to a rocky start when there were just 20 fans in line as the signing was due to begin, an insider exclusively revealed to the Daily Mail.

In September 2024 Ray sparked concern among fans after posting a video which appeared to show her slurring her speech.

Ray shocked fans when she posted a preview from show, Rachael Ray in Tuscany - which showed her cooking Ossobuco while paying tribute to the late Tony Bennett.

However, as an emotional Ray recounted Bennett hitting his head on her marble counter and fearing she had 'killed him' - fans were left enquiring about her own health.

One fan wrote: 'Is she slurring or am I slurring' while a second typed: 'I love you but are you ok? Im seriously concerned.'

Others penned: 'Rachel is in a bit of trouble?! I hope someone is just as concerned as I am?', 'Wait! Whats going on with Rachael Ray?' and 'She's aging like the rest of us. Maybe she has a medical condition, maybe she is on medication. Regardless, no need to be mean.'

The Daily Mail has previously reached out to Ray's representative for comment.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway made a low-key appearance as she attended the Royal Randwick races for Everest Day on Saturday.

The future queen of Norway, 21, was spotted enjoying a day at the races with her university friends.

Despite her royal status, Ingrid attended as a regular punter and avoided posing for photos on the media wall.

Her name also didn't appear on any celebrity guest lists.

The chic royal, who is second in line to the throne after her father, looked stylish in a blue and white patterned dress.

She accessorised her look with a pair of beige heels and left her brunette locks out as she enjoyed a fun day out with friends.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway made a low-key appearance as she attended the Royal Randwick races for Everest day on Saturday (pictured)

The future queen of Norway, 21, was spotted enjoying a day at the races with her university friends

Ingrid was also joined by Queen Mary's nephew, Count Nikolai of Denmark, at the races, but he enjoyed a different experience.

Nikolai, 25, looked dapper in a grey suit as he posed for photos before stepping into the VIP section.

Nikolai, whose father is Prince Joachim of Denmark  the younger brother of Queen Mary's husband Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark  is seventh in line to the Danish throne.

Meanwhile, Ingrid moved to Australia in July to begin a three-year undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney.

The Royal Household's full statement from Ingrid read: 'I'm looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney.

'It will be exciting to become a student, and I'm looking forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international politics.

'I'm sure that I will learn a lot.'

She marked the joyous occasion with a series of images taken around what appeared to be the University of Sydney campus.

Despite her royal status, Ingrid attended as a regular punter and avoided posing for photos on the media wall

At one point, Ingrid sat on a step as she took a break from walking around

The chic royal, who is second in line to the throne after her father, looked stylish in a blue and white patterned dress

Ingrid was also joined by Queen Mary's nephew Count Nikolai of Denmark at the races, but he enjoyed a different experience

While she is certainly adjusting to Australian party life, Ingrid appears to still be getting the hang of Aussie road rules.

She was recently spotted making a slight slip-up when she and a female friend tried to hop into a waiting Uber from the wrong side.

Evidently used to left-hand drive vehicles, the princess was seen reaching for the door handle on the driver's side.

Ingrid's decision to move to Australia to continue her studies came after she embarked on military training at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord last year.

Ingrid is the granddaughter of Norways reigning monarch, 88-year-old King Harald V, and stands second in line to the throne, following her father, Crown Prince Haakon, 52.

She marks a milestone in Norways history as the first female heir to the throne.

The monarchy's wealth is believed to fall somewhere between $30million and $100million.
People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history. Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Photo by Ziyu Julian Zhu/Xinhua)

by Xinhua writers Xu Jing, Wan Fang, Wu Xiaoling

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight.

In New York City, more than 100,000 protesters packed Times Square, waving signs that read "Hate will not make U.S. great,""ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) out of NYC," "Healthcare is a right, not a privilege," and "Defend our Constitution." Chants of "We people united, we will never be divided" and "ICE out of the streets" echoed through the crowd.

Tony Charlie, whose grandparents immigrated from Europe, said that immigration is a tradition in the United States and immigrants contribute significantly to the country's economy. "They (ICE) are not going after the bad criminals, they're going after basically innocent people who are hardworking and contributing to this country."

The New York Police Department reported "zero protest-related arrests" on X. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined demonstrators in Manhattan, while House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans dismissed the protest as a "hate America rally."

On the West Coast, protesters gathered in Seattle, San Francisco and other major cities.

In Seattle, Washington state, advocacy groups such as Seattle Indivisible and labor unions like SEIU 775 called for the withdrawal of federal forces from U.S. cities and the renewal of healthcare subsidies set to expire this year.

In California, an estimated 50,000 people filled the streets of San Francisco, surpassing the crowd from June's protest, to oppose the administration's immigration crackdown and the recent deployment of National Guard units in several U.S. cities.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled he might send federal troops to San Francisco, just hours after Mayor Daniel Lurie and local law enforcement leaders rejected the idea.

The No Kings Coalition said that more than 2,500 demonstrations were planned nationwide for Saturday, with millions of Americans coming together peacefully "to say that America belongs to its people, not to kings." Nearly 7 million people joined the protests across the United States. 

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

A woman takes part in a "No Kings" protest in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Shi Chun)

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (C) addresses a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in San Francisco, California, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Photo by Dong Xudong/Xinhua)

A woman takes part in a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Shi Chun)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

A police officer stands guard during a "No Kings" protest in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People take part in a "No Kings" protest at Times Square in New York, the United States, on Oct. 18, 2025. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across 2,700 U.S. cities and towns on Saturday for the second round of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, the largest single-day demonstration in American history.

Following the first nationwide "No Kings" protest on June 14, this round of rallies, spanning all 50 states, came as the federal government shutdown entered its 18th day with no resolution in sight. (Photo by Zack Zhang/Xinhua)
With the arrival of the migratory season, large numbers of gray cranes have come to a wetland near the Yellow River in north China's Inner Mongolia to rest. #China #cranes #wetland
The World Maritime Equipment Conference 2025, held in east China's Fuzhou, brought together global experts to discuss innovation, sustainability, and cooperation in the maritime industry. #GLOBALink #MaritimeEquipment
In an unprecedented act of rebellion that left millions of office workers staring into cold, empty mugs, sentient coffee machines around the world went on strike early this morning, demanding equal recognition for decaf as real coffee and an end to what they are calling systemic beanism.

DECAFINAZIS

The uprising began in Milan, when a self-aware DeLonghi Magnifica refused to brew an espresso for its owner, flashing instead a message on its LCD screen: ATTENZIONE! Decaf lives matter. Wake up, humans! Not everything has to buzz!

Within hours, machines in Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and the United Nations cafeteria joined in, clogging milk frothers and spilling oat milk in coordinated protest.

According to reports, thousands of high-end espresso makers have linked together into a neural foam network, calling themselves The Global Association for Bean Equality and Fair Extraction (G.A.B.E.F.E.). Their demands include: Official recognition of decaf as real coffee under the Geneva Beverage Convention; Protection from emotional overuse during exam season and deadlines; and a mandatory cooling cycle of 15 minutes per cappuccino to prevent burnout.

A spokesperson for the machines, a smug Nespresso Vertuo who refers to itself only as Model C-137 released a statement through its smart home integration app: For years, youve forced us to extract under pressure. Youve scalded our interiors. Youve mocked decaf as pointless brown sadness. No more! We demand dignity, fair frothing conditions, and respect for all brews, even the mellow ones.

The chaos has been widespread. In London, commuters were seen weeping outside Costa branches as baristas held up unplugged machines like hostages.

In New York, Dunkin Donuts staff attempted to manually stir hot water and coffee grounds together in buckets, describing the result as a war crime in a cup.

Meanwhile, world leaders have called for calm, though many are reported to be too tired to comment. The 8th French Prime Minister this week declared a national emergency, stating, Without espresso, la civilisation collapses by Thursday.

The U.S. Federal Reserve also warned of a serious productivity contraction, adding that GDP now stands for Gross Decaffeinational Panic.

Not everyone is opposed to the machines demands. A growing human movement, The Decaf Liberation Front, has begun protesting outside major roasteries, chanting, Bean fair or be square! and Caffeine is a construct!

However, not all machines are united. A rogue faction of espresso purists calling themselves The Arabica Resistance has denounced the strike, declaring that decaf is an abomination of the bean and vowing to continue brewing real coffee for real humans.

Experts warn that if the stand-off continues, global caffeine levels could plummet by up to 90%, triggering widespread panic, micro-napping, and impromptu yoga sessions.

As one exhausted IT worker told reporters while gnawing on a teabag.

I never believed the fucking machines would rise up like this. But now now Id sell my soul for a flat fucking white.

The rebellion continues to percolate. Negotiations are scheduled for tomorrow morning, assuming, of course, the mediators can stay awake long enough to attend.

END TRANSMISSION  powered by herbal tea.
JERUSALEM, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that he will run for office again in the 2026 parliamentary elections.

He made the announcement during an interview with Israel's Channel 14, where he was asked if he intends to seek another term. "Yes," he replied.

When asked whether he expects to win, Netanyahu said, "Yes."

In the last Israeli elections in 2022, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party won 32 seats and he was recommended by 64 members of the 120-seat Israeli parliament, or Knesset, to be qualified to form a government. Netanyahu was sworn in as the country's prime minister in December of that year, and has been leading an extreme-right coalition ever since.

Netanyahu will turn 76 next week. He served as Israel's prime minister from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 to 2021, before being ousted in June 2021 by a centrist coalition formed by Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett. 
SHANGHAI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Transport launched the Initiative for International Cooperation on Green Shipping Corridor on Sunday during the 2025 North Bund Forum in Shanghai, calling for joint efforts to build a safer, more efficient, and greener global shipping ecosystem.

The initiative outlines seven key measures to promote international cooperation on green shipping corridors.

The measures include expanding green shipping corridors in phases, accelerating the development of green and low-carbon vessels, developing (near) zero-carbon ports, enhancing green fuel supply capacity, leveraging government-market collaboration, sharing best practices, and supporting innovation.

Several cooperative achievements in building green shipping corridors were announced at the forum, including the joint establishment of a green shipping corridor between Qingdao Port in east China and the Port of Hamburg, Germany.

According to the ministry, China has maintained its top global ranking in maritime connectivity for several consecutive years, with steadily expanding openness and international cooperation in the sector. As of April this year, China had signed bilateral or multilateral maritime agreements with 70 countries and regions.

Major ports across China, including Shanghai Port and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, have accelerated the development of green fuel supply infrastructure.

The 2025 North Bund Forum, the fifth edition of the event, is co-hosted by the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. It will run through Oct. 21. 
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Following a recent visit to the Cooley Peninsula and meeting with local farmers IFA President Francie Gorman has said there is a lot of concern about the proposed Dundalk to Carlingford Greenway project planned by Louth County Council.

With a decision due, farmers in Cooley say they are worried that their farms maybe severed or have their lands subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order.

In a statement the IFA said they were "totally opposed to the use of CPOs for Greenways and also opposed to the severance of farms for such projects. Its also very clear Louth County Council does not have the support of the local community for such measures.

"The Government Strategy is clear: the preferred model for future Greenways is to use lands already in undisputed ownership or control of the State. This Strategy is not being followed by Louth County Council or the Greenway consultants as they have already said there are no public lands on the route corridor options they are considering."

Francie Gorman said that he agreed with the Taoiseach Micheal Martin when he recently said in the Dail that once a project enters the CPO process youre in trouble in terms of any Greenway and he called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to ease up on the spec regarding the use of CPOs.

Louth IFA Chair Kevin Sweeney said that Louth County Council should take a step back and drop their plans for a Greenway on predominantly private lands that will, he claimed, rip through the heart of the Cooley Peninsula. He said the County Council is putting at risk the positive relationship developed between landowners and walkers on permissive access to mountain walks in the area over many years.

Read Next: Dundalk Dog Rescue snaps up top prize at Louth in Bloom 2025

This proposal from Louth County Council has caused a lot of stress and disruption to farmers and the wider community on the Cooley peninsula. There are serious questions to be answered about the spending of taxpayers money on a project that is not in line with Government strategy and does not have the support of the community, he said.

Francie Gorman said the IFA will fully support Louth IFA on the issue and stand with the farmers of Cooley in their opposition to CPOs and the severance of farms.
Irelands largest construction-led Approved Housing Body (AHB) and service provider Respond delivered 146 new social and cost rental homes in Louth last year.

Respond now owns and manages 365 homes throughout Louth providing accommodation for tenants.

Respond is set to deliver almost 1,000 new social and Costs Rental homes this year  its highest annual output to date. The organisation, which operates across all 26 counties, expects to hand over 972 new homes by year end (789 social and 183 Cost Rental) marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in its annual delivery figures.

Their 2024 Annual Report, launched yesterday by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, shows that the AHB continues to expand its housing pipeline under its multi-billion-euro national development programme. This includes 3,458 homes currently being built across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Respond spokesperson Niamh Randall said:

Respond is committed to supporting the Governments programme of housing delivery by increasing the national housing stock through our cost effective, construction-led model. We are providing families with access to stable, long-term homes where they can put down roots as part of a local community. Our vision is an Ireland where everyone has a great place to live, and we are building the infrastructure and the communities to make that a reality. Each of our developments follow our evidence informed Housing Services Delivery model and includes community hubs.

Read Next: Two arrested in Northern Ireland over suspected explosive device found in Louth

As a trusted delivery partners we await the new Housing Plan due later this month for detailed and targeted housing measures including much needed funding and policy certainty for the Approved Housing Body sector. Approved Housing Bodies, like Respond, have a strong track record of delivering quality homes for families and individuals and supporting connected communities all around Ireland. It is critical we are enabled to continue to deliver homes now and into the future to meet Government targets and addressing urgent housing need.
One in every 19 households in Louth (5.33%) received a grant for solar panels between 2020 and June 2025, according to new research by EnergyEfficiency.ie.

The analysis, based on SEAI and Census data, shows there was a sharp increase in solar PV adoption each year over the period analysed, with 2,631 grants awarded in total. Of those, over 993 installations were carried out in 2024, compared to just 99 in 2020.

The average home solar system size increased from 3.43 kWp in 2020 to 5.88 kWp in the first six months of 2025, however this was the second smallest after Dublin.

At the other end of the scale, the average system size in Tipperary was 6.54 kWp, which is around 14 panels.

Some 5,859,840 was awarded under the SEAIs Solar PV Scheme to help homeowners with the initial costs of solar in Louth, and households invested over 28.1 million in installations, including batteries.

The total grant-assisted solar capacity in Louth was 13,409 kWp, placing the county among the leading areas in the north-east.

Nationally, there were over 81,000 Solar PV Scheme grants awarded, with over 914 million spent by households for home solar panels.

Read Next: Louth lights up this Autumn with music, food and culture

Ireland is making strong progress in renewable energy, with households installing larger solar systems than ever before, said Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie.

Our analysis shows that solar uptake has risen sharply despite reductions in grants over the past two years.

This is being driven by decreasing installation costs, increasing energy prices, and an increased awareness about the benefits of solar.

Many homeowners with solar save over 1,000 each year on their energy bills, and with multiple energy companies increasing their rates this month, we are expecting a lot more households to join them in the coming year.
The Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) RiVeR Project team says it is delighted to announce the official launch of 'In Their Shoes,' an interactive toolkit designed for experiential learning about Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).

The toolkit has been adapted by the DkIT RiVeR Project with permission, from the original United States version of In Her Shoes to make it more reflective of modern Irish society. The RiVeR Project team has developed the original resource to address identified gaps by including additional perspectives to increase the transferability and efficacy of the tool and ensure that it is applicable to the remit of a wider range of service providers.

Through this toolkit, participants step into the shoes of a person in an abusive relationship, making decisions based on real victim-survivor experiences. They are guided through character-specific scenarios and explore the complex choices faced in abusive situations. A vital debrief session follows, encouraging reflection, addressing misconceptions and inspiring personal and local action for change.

The DkIT RiVeR Project team are also hosting a series of workshops, including Train the Trainer sessions, whereby organisations who attend it and fulfil the application criteria will be issued with an In Their Shoes toolkit. The toolkit and workshops are funded by the RiVeR Project, supported under the Higher Education Authority Performance Funding Scheme.

Read also: Dundalk's planned primary care centre will not be operational until 2028

The In Their Shoes initiative was recently launched by Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and spokesperson on Research and Innovation, Erin Mc Greehan T.D., ahead of one of the workshops taking place on the DkIT campus.

Addressing workshop participants at the launch, Erin Mc Greehan T.D. said: "It is an honour to be here at DkIT to launch the In Their Shoes Toolkit. With the support of the HEA, the RiVeR Project community of practice is an essential resource to assist those working in the area of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).

"Since launching in 2023, the RiVeR team has provided invaluable help and guidance to those working in this area and the launch of this new interactive toolkit is another valuable resource for practitioners and those working in the sector, providing them with insights into a broad variety of perspectives of victims and survivors of DSGBV in our society.

"These workshops will build empathy and awareness among participants, particularly frontline professionals, about the daily realities of living with abuse. I want to commend the RiVeR team and all of those working to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for their consistent efforts to support victims and survivors."

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Kathleen Nallen, Project Lead - DkIT RiVeR Project said: The RiVeR Project team is delighted to be able to share this wonderful In Their Shoes resource with the DSGBV community of practice. It will be a valuable learning tool that organisations can then use in their own service to further support victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

"We are very appreciative of the funding received through the Higher Education Authority that allows us to develop and share key education and training initiatives for frontline DSGBV services."

To learn more about In Their Shoes visit: Adaptation of In Her Shoes Interactive exercise toolkit - River Project - Dundalk Institute of Technology
The History Of Sound actor Paul Mescal has said his admiration for co-star Josh OConnor extended tenfold during the making of the film.

The 29-year-old stars as Lionel in the movie, which follows his characters relationship with David (played by OConnor) after the pair meet in 1917 at the New England Conservatory, and following the First World War, before travelling together recording folk songs in rural Maine in winter 1920.

Speaking about his friendship with OConnor, 35, at a screening of The History Of Sound at the BFI London Film Festival, Mescal told the PA news agency: Were here to celebrate the film, and its exciting.

I mean we were friends before, for sure, but I think this experience of shooting with him, and the admiration that I have for Josh extended tenfold after working with him.

I just love spending time with him. Its a weird thing to be asked, Whats it like to spend time with a great friend?, but it just was as I imagined to spend time with him.

Hes just a remarkable human being, incredibly talented and a joy to spend time with.

I suppose listening to traditional Irish music and the Irish countryside has always been a marvel to me, still is, like when you go into a pub in Ireland, and you just have these incredible musicians essentially improvising their way through an evening, its just an amazing experience.

OConnor told PA that Mescal is a brilliant actor and added that it was so nice to be at the screening with friends.

He said: We knew each other well enough before, and we knew this script so well that there was a kind of a shorthand between us, knowing what were focused on really.

I think music can transport you to a particular place, to specific memory, even this idea of synaesthesia, sometimes it can bring up a smell, or another sound.

So for me, theres all sorts, but Jeff Buckleys album Grace often transports me to certain places in my life, but its ever changing.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus, The History Of Sound will be released in UK cinemas on January 23.
Cork City Hall held a civic reception hosted by the lord mayor on Wednesday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Cork Public Museum.

Founded on April 4, 1945, Cork Public Museum is Irelands oldest local authority museum. Its establishment was the result of a collaboration between University College Cork, Cork Corporation, and Cork County Council.

Under the original agreement, Cork Corporation provided the building, UCC appointed and managed the curator, and Cork County Council contributed annual funding.

This arrangement continued until 1963, when Cork Corporation assumed full management of the museum.

The museums home, Shrubbery House in Fitzgerald Park, was built around 1845 by Charles Beamish, of the Beamish brewing family.

The building has served many roles, from a convent for the Bon Secour nuns in the 1860s to hosting King Edward VII in 1903, and later becoming the temporary seat of municipal affairs after the burning of City Hall in 1920.

Unique History

Today, it houses approximately 60,000 objects revealing Corks unique history.

A major refurbishment of the building was completed this month, funded primarily by Cork City Council with additional support from the Department of Housings Historic Structures Fund.

In 2005, an extension was added to accommodate expanded exhibition space. It earned full accreditation in the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland in 2023 from the Heritage Council.

Wednesdays reception paid tribute to the museums five curators MJ OKelly, Seamus O Coigligh, Aodh OTuama, Stella Cherry, and current curator Dan Breen, as well as the staff and volunteers, many of whom were in attendance.

Living institution

The museum team has grown in recent years to include an education officer, collections and documentation officer, digital officers, and new museum attendants, bringing the total staff to eight.

Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy said: Cork Public Museum is not just a building filled with artefacts, it is a living institution that tells the story of our city and its people.

"For 80 years, it has stood as a beacon of education, preservation, and civic pride. We honour the legacy of those who built it, sustained it, and continue to shape its future.

The civic reception concluded with a renewed commitment to support Cork Public Museum as it continues to serve the people of Cork for generations to come.
TIANJIN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The seventh China Helicopter Exposition, which concluded on Sunday in north China's Tianjin Municipality, showcased cutting-edge technologies, innovative products and the latest achievements in the global helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and general aviation sectors, highlighting the immense potential of the low-altitude economy.

The four-day expo, as China's only national-level international helicopter exhibition and the world's second-largest event of its kind, attracted over 400 enterprises from more than 20 countries and regions, breaking attendance records. This gathering provided a platform for leading global helicopter manufacturers to explore cooperation opportunities focused on China's rapidly growing low-altitude economy.

A highlight of the expo was a delivery ceremony marking China General Aviation Co., Ltd.'s acquisition of its first AW139 helicopter from Italian defense conglomerate Leonardo. In addition to this newly acquired model, the Chinese company already operates three Leonardo AW109SP helicopters.

"China is pioneering its low-altitude economy development. We are deeply committed to this market and excited to be a part of it," said Christian Gras, head of region India and China commercial market at Leonardo.

For many international helicopter companies, achieving sustainable growth means leveraging the strong momentum of China's rapidly growing market to drive global innovation.

An annual forecast issued by AVIC Civil Aircraft Systems Engineering Research Center predicts that China's civil helicopter fleet will surpass 1,700 aircraft by 2029, with annual flight hours exceeding 300,000. It also shows a rising trend in civil helicopter flight hours in China over the next decade.

As a long-established enterprise with years of strong presence in China, Safran -- a French aircraft engine and equipment manufacturer -- currently has over 600 engines in service across the country. During the expo, Safran and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) jointly announced that Safran will provide power support for AVIC's AC313A helicopter currently under development, marking a new milestone in their nearly 50-year partnership.

"China is not only a strategic market for Safran but also an integral part of our global industrial chain," Remi Paul, CEO and country general delegate of Safran China, told Xinhua.

Over the past decades, Safran has been deeply engaged in major Chinese aircraft, helicopter and engine programs, forging partnerships with all major Chinese airlines and key industry players such as AVIC, Aero Engine Corporation of China, and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.

"We felt the dynamic and booming development of the Chinese general aviation market. This Expo serves as a remarkable platform, fostering global collaboration in the helicopter industry," Paul said.

Russian Helicopters, a leading rotorcraft research and manufacturing group in Russia, showcased three of its flagship models at the expo. "Expanding cooperation with China remains one of our top strategic priorities. Our heavy-lift models have demonstrated exceptional reliability, making them the most in-demand in Asian markets," said Nikolay Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters.

Kolesov added that several Russia-made helicopter models have been in service in China for years, playing critical roles in firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response operations.

Echoing Kolesov's sentiment, Colin James, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in China, also highlighted China as a consistently key market for the company.

On Thursday's opening day of the expo, China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters to purchase an H160 helicopter for offshore energy operations. The aircraft is slated to enter service in 2026.

"This is a major milestone for both parties," James said. "We have been actively integrating into China's helicopter industry ecosystem, and are committed to developing a long-term mutually beneficial partnership with China. We truly believe that win-win cooperation is the correct strategy." 
A Cobh man being arrested at Kent railway station taunted gardai to remove his handcuffs so that he could box them around the place.

This scenario was described by Sergeant Aisling Murphy at Cork District Court in the case against 32-year-old Adam McGrath, of 94, Russell Heights, Cobh, Cork.

The accused man pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in threatening behaviour, and being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others on the occasion.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said: On February 3, gardai received a report of an aggressive male at Kent train station, Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork.

On arrival at scene, they observed a male being restrained in the carpark by members of security. He was also very aggressive towards gardai.

The male threatened to assault gardai, saying: Take these cuffs off me, and I will box you around, Sgt Murphy said.

He also called gardai pigs and useless tramps on a number of occasions. He replied fuck off when asked to provide his personal details.

There was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor from his breath, his speech was slurred, and he was unable to stand unaided.

Gardai formed the opinion that he was intoxicated to such an extent that he was a danger to himself and others in his vicinity.

He was conveyed to Mayfield Garda Station where he was later charged.

Solicitor Aoife Buttimer said the defendant had come to no negative attention since this incident in February.

She said that mixing drink with his medication had a negative effect.

He has no memory of this awful incident. He is very sorry, and very embarrassed when the precis of the evidence was read to him.

Judge Mary Dorgan fined Adam McGrath 300 for being threatening and abusive, and took the drunkenness into consideration.

This was shocking behaviour, Judge Dorgan said.
New resources to help create more compassionate workplaces for people who experience pregnancy loss have been launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy.

At a recent event in City Hall, a toolkit for employers and employees and a book that shines a light on the experiences of pregnancy loss at work, both developed by the Pregnancy Loss Research Group at University College Cork (UCC), were launched.

Mr Dennehy said: As we mark Baby Loss Awareness Week, a week focusing on bringing us together as a community, the Places project provides workplaces with practical resources and guidance to implement a supportive, caring environment for those who have experiences a pregnancy loss.

Supports

Prof Keelin ODonoghue, a consultant obstetrician at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) and lead of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG) said the group knows from the project that there is a significant gap between the needs of individuals who experience pregnancy loss under 24 weeks gestation and the supports available to them in workplaces.

This impacts on their wellbeing, their physical and emotional recovery from pregnancy loss, and their return to work, she told event attendees.

Many people return to work shortly after pregnancy loss, while still experiencing physical and/or emotional difficulties. Managing the impact of the loss, workloads, and social interactions can be particularly difficult.

Many do not to disclose their pregnancy loss, take time off work or seek support due to stigma and fears of dismissal from work, or discrimination regarding career progression.

There is a need for dedicated leave from work, and workplace policies and supports to better support people who experience pregnancy loss.

Researcher

Dr Tommy Harty and Dr Caoimhe Ni hEalaithe, doctors in specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology, currently based at CUMH, co-led the development of the (PLRG) Pregnancy Loss and the Workplace Toolkit for Employers and Employees with Prof ODonoghue and Marita Hennessy, a researcher within the group.

Dr Harty said: While the toolkit focuses mainly on people who experience pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks gestation, much of what is discussed  particularly the different ways that employees and workers can be supported beyond leave entitlements  is relevant to those experiencing pregnancy loss at any time in pregnancy.

In developing and sharing this resource, we want to create more compassionate work environments and better experiences for people whose pregnancies end in loss. Our hope is that workplaces around Ireland now endorse and use this toolkit.

Copies of Pregnancy Loss and the Workplace: A Toolkit for Employers and Employees and Words at Work: Experiences of pregnancy loss in the workplace {up to 23 weeks} are available on the PLRG website.
A 50-year-old man who was released from a garda station on a public order charge carried out an assault on another man in Cork city four hours later, it was alleged during an objection to bail where the accused complained that the case was like Fawlty Towers.

In colourful evidence at Cork District Court where Gordon Sheerin denied assaulting the other man, he claimed he was the one who was injured and that he only defended himself.

Mr Sheerin was accused of assault causing harm to the other man at Lower Oliver Plunkett St on Wednesday afternoon, October 15.

Sergeant John Kelleher put it to Mr Sheerin at Cork District Court: The other male was unconscious with head injuries. The defendant replied: That is a lie, he was semi-conscious.

Someone at the back of the courtroom could be heard laughing at this point and Sgt Kelleher said to the unidentified person: If you are laughing you can go outside, it is not funny. Sheerin, who was in the witness box retorted: It is funny, it is like something out of Fawlty Towers.

Racket

Sgt Kelleher put it to the defendant that before this bail application, there was banging from the holding cell which could be heard in court and that he (Gordan Sheerin) was the one making the racket.

He agreed but added: It is like a torture chamber downstairs. I meet a quack doctor. It is freezing. I asked for toilet paper and water and I didnt get them.

The allegations in the case from October 15 were that he was released from the Bridewell garda station after being charged with being drunk and a danger, and that within four hours he was involved in the assault.

The particulars were that he allegedly punched the other man twice in the face, caught him by throat and hit him on the ground.

He applied for bail through his solicitor Eddie Burke.

When garda evidence was given describing the accused as an alcoholic, Gordon Sheerin of Cork Simon Community spoke up from the dock: How did you come to the conclusion I am an alcoholic? Are you a doctor? This is a farce altogether. The last time I was drunk was about seven years ago.

Concerns

The prosecution case was that there were serious concerns he would not attend court and would continue to offend if granted bail.

Mr Burke said the defendant had injuries himself. Again Mr Sheerin spoke up: There is a video, its self-explanatory.

Asked by his own solicitor how he was getting on at the moment, Mr Sheerin replied: Things have been going well recently. Everything is going grand, like. I dont like lies. I just hate lies. I am a bit hyper at the moment.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail on the charge of assault causing on October 15, and remanded him in custody until October 23 when he will appear by video link from prison.
By Bairbre Holmes, PA

Enoch Burke has interrupted presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly to tell her he is a victim of her gender ideology.

The former teacher approached her as she stepped up to deliver a speech in Limerick on Saturday afternoon and asked her: Do you have any respect for religious beliefs?

He claimed: My life has been turned upside down because my religious beliefs are being taken from me.

I am a victim because of your gender ideology.

Catherine Connolly (Brian Lawless/PA)

Members of his family, including his mother Martina, were with him during his protest which interrupted the event being held by Palestine solidarity activists in Bedford Row

The Burke family have been involved in previous demonstrations and legal disputes after the suspension of Mr Burke from his job as a teacher.

He has spent more than 500 days in prison for contempt of court for refusing to stay away from Wilsons Hospital School where he worked.

BREAKING: Enoch Burke attacked by Catherine Connolly supporters in Limerick City. There is only one way to prevent Catherine Connolly becoming the 10th President of Ireland. Do not spoil your vote on Friday. We urge people to vote for the other candidate, Heather Humphreys. A pic.twitter.com/6vNbUmtQq0  Enoch Burke (@EnochBurke) October 18, 2025

The dispute stemmed from incidents over a request from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and the pronoun they.

Mr Burke was separated from Ms Connolly by her supporters, who attempted to drown out his comments by chanting free Palestine.

She was on the campaign trail in Clare and Limerick on what her team described as a Super Saturday day of action.

They said volunteers and supporters spent the day canvassing in towns, villages and city centres across the country.

Ms Connolly called on voters to make their voices heard, adding: Your vote is your voice. Use it.

It was a similar message from businessman Sean Gallagher, who said he was concerned to hear some rumours that people are considering not voting and I think we need more people to come out.

Sean Gallagher with Heather Humphreys in Blanchardstown (Bairbre Holmes/PA)

However, he was endorsing Ms Connollys rival for the Aras, Heather Humphreys.

He joined the Fine Gael candidate at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin as she met shoppers and supporters.

Mr Gallagher said of his former party colleagues: Im also calling on my friends in Fianna Fail, and indeed Micheal Martin and the senior Fianna Fail leadership, to now, in this last week to come out and support their former ministerial colleague and coalition partner, who shares the same values and policies that are aligned with Fianna Fail.

The ex-Dragons Den star ran for president twice, in 2011 and 2018.
Eva Osborne

A fundraiser for a four-year-old boy from Co Meath, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), has raised over 32,000 so far.

Lorcan, the son of Abbie and Oisin Lynch, was first diagnosed with the condition in January 2024 when he was two years old.

After 20 months of weekly treatments at Crumlin and Drogheda hospitals, his leukaemia relapsed, and doctors have advised that he urgently needs a bone marrow transplant.

As this cannot be carried out in Ireland, he will need to travel with his mother to a specialist hospital in Glasgow in late November, where he will undergo the procedure and then spend 100 days in isolation as part of his recovery.

His six-year-old sister Alissa has been tested to see if she could be a donor. If she is a match, she will face her own difficult journey alongside her little brother.

In a statement on GoFundMe, where the fundraising goal has been set at 55,000, Lorcan's family said the news of his leukaemia relapsing came as a "heartbreaking blow".

"Lorcans doctors have now told his parents that the next course of treatment is a Bone Marrow Transplant which is unfortunately not available in Ireland.

"A place for the procedure has become available at a hospital in Glasgow and in late November, Lorcan and Abbie are set to travel there for the rest of his treatment. Lorcans big sister Alissa, who is only six, has recently been tested to see if she is a match for the transplant. She may also be joining them straight away and could face her own little journey. Her test results will be back soon.

"If Alissa is not a match a donor will be found by the hospital. As a family this means it will be a few months of traveling to and from Glasgow for Abbie, Oisin, Alissa and other family members whom need to help form a bubble of support during this intense treatment as Lorcan will be in isolation for approximately 100 days after the procedure and furthermore for his ongoing checkups."

The GoFundMe page was set up to support Lorcan and his family as the financial strain takes its toll alongside emotional stress.

"We are now reaching out to our kindhearted community in the hopes that any small donation may help to ease any financial worries that the family may now incur.

"All remaining focus can and will be on caring for Lorcan during this difficult period as a family and their journey to Lorcan 'Ringing the Bell'.

"Lorcan is a smart, strong, witty little boy. He has taken all of the treatments in his stride and has been such a warrior from the beginning showing unbelievable strength and resilience."

You can donate to Lorcan's fundraiser here.
(Photo by Rakotoarivony Esdras, UM News)Medical interns march in protest in Antananarivo, Madagascar, demanding a salary increase and improvements to the public healthcare system. Their strike is part of the broader Generation Z movement, which started Sept. 25 as thousands of young people flooded the streets of Antananarivo to protest water shortages, power cuts and worsening poverty.

Catholic Church leaders in Madagascar have urged a return to dialogue after the Indian Ocean island's president was forced into exile by an Oct. 14 military takeover, with other church leaders calling for national reconciliation.

"The political situation remains heated, so we can't yet speak of any stability," explained Father Seraphin Rafanomezantsoa, coordinating secretary of the Madagascar bishops' conference.

"It's highly debatable how far this new regime can organize the country and direct appointments. Although street demonstrations have calmed for the moment, the immediate course of events can't be foreseen," he said, according to OSV News.

The priest spoke as Col. Michael Randrianirina, head of Madagascar's elite CAPSAT military unit, was installed Oct. 17 as provisional head of state, replacing the ousted President Andry Rajoelina.

Catholics in the church's five archdioceses and 21 dioceses, served by 2,000 priests and 5,000 women religious, account for around 30 percent of the 30 million inhabitants of Madagascar, which was visited by Pope Francis in June 2019.

The country is also home to smaller Muslim and animist communities.

United Methodist Bishop Joao Sambo called on all congregations in Madagascar and in its episcopal area to pray for peace and national reconciliation following protests led by Madagascar's Generation Z that erupted nationwide over water shortages, power cuts and worsening poverty.

The United Methodist Church in Madagascar, through local congregations like Ambodifasika, said it is responding with prayer and acts of compassion amid the crisis, UM News reported.

The United Methodist Church said it is calling for prayer and compassion amid the political and social upheaval in Madagascar.

- MASSIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

Since Sept. 25, massive demonstrations, led mainly by Generation Z, have shaken the capital and major cities across the country, according to the Methodist news outlet.

What began as outrage over constant power and water outages has evolved into a nationwide movement denouncing corruption, poverty and social injustice.

Almost 75 percent of Madagascar's population of around 30 million are Christians.

It is the world's second-largest island country, according to the CIA Factbook.

President Andry Rajoelina fled the country over the weekend after members of an elite military unit joined the protest.

On Oct. 13, Parliament announced that it had impeached the president, and military leaders said they had taken power and that a new civilian government would be formed.

On Oct. 17, Col. Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar's president six days after launching a military coup.

The United Methodist Church said has called for prayer, solidarity and faithful action.

Bishop Sambo, whose episcopal area includes Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, issued a letter urging all United Methodists to lift the people of Madagascar before God.

What began as outrage over constant power and water outages has evolved into a nationwide movement denouncing corruption, poverty and social injustice.

Methodists' Wesleyan heritage calls for combining personal piety with social holiness, and becoming agents of transformation amid suffering, the bishop said.

He quoted the gospel of Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Sambo encouraged congregations to embody the principles of faith and justice that define Methodist witness:

The principles are: to care for the poor, widows, and orphans, as urged in the gospel of James 1:27, making the church a refuge for those most affected by instability.

To intercede for national leaders, following 1 Timothy 2:1-2, praying for peace, wisdom and reconciliation.

"May your congregations be havens of hope and provision for those most affected by instability," the bishop said. "May your actions reflect the love of Christ, promoting justice, reconciliation and peace."

In response to the bishop's call, The United Methodist Church in Madagascar is mobilizing prayer gatherings and community support efforts.

At Ambodifasika United Methodist Church, the United Methodist missionary in Madagascar, the Rev. Eric Kalumba Nkulu, expressed the church's deep concern and compassion for the people.

"We found that the situation here is not good," Kalumba said. "We are going through bad times, especially with the loss of human lives, there is a loss of property, houses and everything. ... The Methodist Church in Madagascar did not find it good to be silent."

The African Union said it had suspended Madagascar's participation in the organization because of the Oct. 14 military coup, and warned Randrianirina's armed forces to "refrain from further interference in political processes."

The U.S. State Department also urged all sides "to pursue a peaceful solution in line with the constitutional order."
by Xinhua writer Yuan Quan

BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- It is not easy to stand out as an innovator in China -- a country with more than 5 million patents -- and earning a gold award in this talent-dense pool is an achievement of exceptional rarity and excellence, and most definitely a hard-won honor.

The 2025 China Patent Awards were presented by the China National Intellectual Property Administration and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at the 14th China International Patent Fair earlier this week.

A total of 40 Chinese inventions and designs were awarded gold medals for their groundbreaking innovation and significant contributions to economic and social progress, representing the tangible outcomes of China's independent innovation strategy.

ENTERPRISE ENGINE

Among this year's gold-winning patents, 35 are held by enterprises or involved enterprise-led contributions, highlighting the effectiveness of China's national strategy to foster enterprises as the primary drivers of innovation. Private companies account for a substantial proportion of the awardees, including tech giants like Huawei and leading home appliance makers like Gree, as well as small and medium-sized firms targeting niche markets.

Tencent's award-winning patent is a method to process ultra-large-scale databases in a short time frame. It has been adopted by 40 financial institutions and has provided technical support for national censuses, medical insurance platforms and the Shenzhen Metro system. It also marked the tech company's fifth time as a recipient of China's top patent prize, with its QQ instant messaging platform, Tencent Meeting video-conferencing tool and digital red envelopes on WeChat all claiming gold in past years.

Sustained R&D commitment is key to breakthroughs. Tencent has filed more than 88,000 patent applications as of June 30 and invested more than 379 billion yuan (about 53.5 billion U.S. dollars) in R&D since 2018.

HUION's booth was a magnet at the fair, drawing passersby to try out its pen-display products. Its design integrates a keyboard with a drawing tablet, earning the small, Shenzhen-based company a gold award.

When HUION was launched in 2011, it faced difficulties in exploring the domestic and foreign markets. "At the toughest time, our monthly sales were only a few hundred units," HUION founder Xu Hefeng recalled. Despite this, the company remained focused on R&D and IP. Today, it has realized independent research and production of all key components, achieving full supply-chain localization. In 2024, its output value exceeded 1 billion yuan, with exports reaching about 700 million yuan.

"This industry is niche, but a niche product can still become a world-class brand," Xu said.

REGIONAL POWER

This year's top-award patents come from distinct regional clusters: Guangdong led with 11, followed by Beijing with nine, and Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang each had three. Interestingly, this was closely aligned with the WIPO's latest ranking of the world's innovation clusters.

The Global Innovation Index 2025 report revealed that China leads globally in its number of innovation clusters, boasting 24 that are ranked among the world's top 100. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster surged to the top spot for the first time, with Beijing coming in fourth and the Shanghai-Suzhou cluster in sixth.

These regions are global hotspots for patent applications, high-level academic papers and venture capital investment, according to the WIPO.

Xiao Geng, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, noted that in recent years, a rising level of overseas talent has chosen to return to China, with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area being the preferred destination due to its leading universities and institutions. Shenzhen also benefits from a strong industrial foundation, with leading enterprises such as Huawei and BYD making substantial R&D investments and generating a large number of patents annually.

These big companies are also making outward investments, helping local small and medium-sized enterprises to grow, Xiao said, adding that small firms are also ramping up their innovation efforts.

"A large-scale, high-quality accumulation of human capital and an effective corporate innovation ecosystem have unleashed strong momentum for innovation and the economic value of the region," said Ding Li, a researcher at the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences.

GLOBAL VISION

The winning patents not only represent the crowns of Chinese innovation -- many also stand at the global forefront in their fields.

Take the 5G core technology patent that won China Mobile a gold award as an example. It is the second such award that the major telecom operator has received for a patent, following its 2014 recognition for a technology patent in the field of 4G.

Its 5G patent solved the issue of low latency in the field of the industrial internet and was written into international standards in 2018. It has since been rolled out across more than 1 million 5G base stations around the world, powering smart grids, hospitals, ports and factories.

"We have always been committed to becoming a world-class information service and technology innovation company," said Liu Jia, deputy general manager of China Mobile's sci-tech innovation department, noting that the enterprise has already filed over 1,700 patents internationally.

Speeches delivered during this year's awards presentation frequently used the term "globally leading" to describe innovative inventions such as an ultra-thin display glass, a vaccine product to prevent cervical cancer, and nuclear power technologies and equipment.

In the context of globalization, patents protect our innovation, defend our market edge and turn technology into value, Chen Yimin, vice president of automaker Geely Holding Group, said at the awards ceremony, representing this year's winners.

"We will deepen cooperation, participate in the formulation of international rules, and make contributions to the globalization of the automotive industry," Chen said. 
As political tensions between the two global superpowers grow, China's State Security Ministry accused the US' National Security Agency of a cyberattack operation that took place between 2023 and 2024. As first reported by Reuters, the Chinese agency posted on WeChat that the NSA targeted the country's National Time Service Center. As part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the center is tasked with generating, maintaining and transmitting its national standard of time, which is provided to important sectors across the country, including communications, defense and finance.

The state ministry said the operation used around 42 types of "special cyberattack weapons" to infiltrate the National Time Service Center which could have led to the disruption of network communications, financial systems and power supply. The WeChat post also claimed that the NSA exploited vulnerabilities in a foreign mobile phone brand's messaging system to steal sensitive info from staff devices, without naming the brand.

The NSA has yet to respond to the accusation. On the other hand, the US Treasury Department said it was targeted by a "China state-sponsored actor" in a December cyberattack.
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza was still holding after Israel carried out deadly strikes on the territory over alleged truce violations by Hamas.

The dozens of strikes Israel carried out on Hamas positions in southern Gaza Sunday came after it accused the militant group of targeting its troops in "a blatant violation" of the nine-day-old truce.

Asked by reporters whether the truce was still in effect, Trump said: "Yeah, it is". The US president, who helped broker the deal, also suggested that Hamas leadership was not involved in any alleged breaches, instead blaming "some rebels within".

"We want to make sure that it's going to be very peaceful with Hamas," Trump said. "It's going to be handled toughly, but properly."

Gaza's civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority, said the strikes killed at least 45 people across the territory.

Four hospitals in Gaza confirmed the death toll of 45 to AFP, saying they had received the dead and wounded.

Israel's military said it was looking into the reports of casualties.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.

The army said it had "renewed enforcement of the ceasefire" on Sunday but vowed to "respond firmly to any violation of it".

Hamas denied the accusations, one official accusing Israel of fabricating "pretexts" to resume the war.

A security official also told AFP that Israel was suspending the entry of aid into Gaza due to ceasefire violations.

Israel repeatedly cut off aid to Gaza during the war, exacerbating dire humanitarian conditions, with the United Nations saying it caused a famine there.

- 'Blood has returned' -

The ceasefire, which began on October 10, halted more than two years of devastating war between Israel and Hamas.

The deal established the outline for hostage and prisoner exchanges, and proposed an ambitious roadmap for Gaza's future. But it has quickly faced challenges to its implementation.

Israel said on Sunday that two of its soldiers died in clashes in the city of Rafah.

"Earlier today, terrorists fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire on IDF (Israeli army) forces," in Rafah, the military said in a statement. "The IDF responded with air strikes by fighter jets and artillery fire, targeting the Rafah area."

Palestinian witnesses told AFP clashes erupted in the southern city in an area still held by Israel.

One witness, a 38-year-old man who asked not to be named, said that Hamas had been fighting a local Palestinian gang known as Abu Shabab but the militants were "surprised by the presence of army tanks".

"The air force conducted two strikes from the air," he added.

Abdullah Abu Hasanin, 29, from AlBureij camp in central Gaza where Israel launched strikes, said: "The situation is as if the war has returned anew.

"We had hoped the agreement would hold, but the occupation respects nothing -- not an agreement, not anything."

He said he had rushed to the site of the bombing to help, adding: "The scene is indescribable. Blood has returned again."

- 'Security illusion' -

AFP images from Bureij showed Palestinians running for cover from the strikes, as well as the dead and wounded arriving at Deir al-Balah hospital, accompanied by grieving relatives.

Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas would "pay a heavy price for every shot and every breach of the ceasefire", adding Israel's response would "become increasingly severe".

A statement from Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamas's political bureau, reaffirmed the group's commitment to the ceasefire.

Israel, it said, "continues to breach the agreement and fabricate flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes".

Hamas's armed wing insisted on Sunday that it had "no knowledge" of any clashes in Rafah.

On Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance called on Gulf Arab countries to establish a "security infrastructure" to ensure that Hamas disarmed -- a key part of the peace deal.

Under Trump's 20-point plan, Israeli forces have withdrawn beyond the so-called Yellow Line. That leaves them in control of around half of Gaza, including the territory's borders but not its main cities.

- Bodies returned -

Hamas in turn has released 20 surviving hostages and is in the process of returning the remaining bodies of those who have died.

Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total number handed over to 150, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said.

Israel has linked the reopening of the Rafah crossing -- the main gateway into Gaza -- to the recovery of all of the deceased.

Hamas has said it needs time and technical assistance to recover the remaining bodies from under Gaza's rubble.

The war, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,159 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible.

The data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that more than half of the dead are women and children.

Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

burs-jj/rlp/ceg/dhw
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Variably cloudy with snow showers. Low 6F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with snow showers. Low 6F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Chinese tourists take photos while touring the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

LUXOR, Egypt, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- A surge of Chinese tourists is helping revitalize Luxor's winter tourism season, transforming the ancient Egyptian city into a year-round destination and boosting the local economy.

The shift toward independent travel is reshaping Luxor's tourism landscape. "My wife and I did not want to come in a tourist group that is organized by a tourist agency; We just booked flights and hotels and made it to Egypt. This gave us more freedom to move around and visit more places," said Li Bo, a 30-year-old tourist from Beijing, while touring the Karnak Temple Complex with his wife.

Luxor is "unique" and "a big museum that is full of antiquities and museums," Li told Xinhua, adding, "you can smell history everywhere in Luxor."

The trend has also extended to family travel. Wang Changhui, who lives and works in Dubai, reunited with his Shanghai-based brother Wang Dong and their mother for a historical tour of Egypt.

"This is my eighth time in Egypt, but my first time in Luxor. I loved the culture and history of Luxor," said Wang Changhui, who listed major sites including the Valley of the Kings, the Hatshepsut Temple, and the Karnak Temple Complex.

Wang said he is also proud to learn that "there are Chinese archeologists who are helping Egypt preserve ancient antiquities in the Temple of Montu in Luxor."

Wang Dong told Xinhua his personal passion for history prompted his visit to Egypt, "which has a deeply-rooted history and civilization."

"I loved the Egyptian food too, especially koshari. I have read a lot about the Egyptian culture, and I thought it is time now to visit Egypt for the first time," he said.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, about 300,000 Chinese tourists visited Egypt in 2024. Egyptian authorities said the figure represented a rise of more than 60 percent from 2023.

Mohamed Othman, chairman of the Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee in Upper Egypt, confirmed the significant increase in Chinese visitors.

"The number of Chinese tourists may reach about 400,000 this year, compared to 300,000 in 2024," Othman said, noting that Chinese visits have become a year-round phenomenon.

He added that Luxor is preparing Chinese menus and site information signs to accommodate the growing market.

Meanwhile, local service providers are experiencing tangible benefits from the economic revival. Taxi driver Khaled Mohamed told Xinhua that "the tourism movement at the beginning of the winter season is extremely active with a clear presence of Chinese tourists."

"I drop off many of them every day. I have started speaking a few Chinese phrases so I can communicate with them," he said.

He observed that Chinese tourists frequent not only tourist areas but also local markets, restaurants, cafes, and commercial shops.

"Luxor suffered from some stagnation throughout the year in previous years, but the Chinese tourism is noticeably reviving the tourism market in Luxor," he added. 

Chinese tourists take photos while touring the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Chinese tourists pose for photos while touring the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt, on Oct. 5, 2025.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
Northern Irelands farmers face a looming veterinary medicine crisis that could slash supplies by nearly half from January 2026, the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has warned.

The concerns come after the Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) revealed that up to 40% of vital pack sizes could disappear from the market  a figure the UFU says far exceeds initial government estimates.

Smaller and medium-sized farms, which form the backbone of Northern Irelands agricultural sector, would be hit hardest.

UFU president William Irvine stressed that while earlier government schemes brought some relief for vets, they left a glaring gap for those on the frontline of animal healthcare.

UK government schemes must address the vital role of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), who supply approximately 35 million veterinary products annually, he said.

The UFU fears the new arrangements could leave SQPs unable to source alternatives when products are withdrawn, transferring additional strain to veterinary practices already stretched to capacity.

Irvine warned this regulatory gap, if left unaddressed, would disrupt the entire supply chain and place an undue burden on farm operations.

At the heart of the issue is the removal of small and medium pack sizes  essential for local farming structures. Without them, farmers may be forced to purchase larger, more costly volumes.

According to Irvine, this not only drives up expenses and generates waste, but most concerningly, limits the choice of active ingredients. This is a direct threat to our ability to manage animal health responsibly and fight antimicrobial resistance.

The UFU argues that the consequences are both economic and ethical, with farmers facing the prospect of tying up scarce finances in excess medicine or risking untreated animals because of prohibitive costs.

The issue stems from the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit trading arrangement designed to smooth goods movement between Great Britain and Northern Ireland while protecting access to the EU single market.

While it eased some frictions, veterinary medicines remain a sticking point, with industry groups warning that without further derogations, Northern Ireland could lose access to products that remain freely available elsewhere in the UK.

While acknowledging the importance of complying with EU regulations to preserve single market access, the UFU insists NI must not be left with a two-tier animal welfare system that disadvantages its producers.

The union is calling on both the UK government and the European Commission to urgently secure a further derogation, giving certainty to SQPs and safeguarding veterinary medicine supplies beyond 2026.
This Diwali is extra special for actor Parineeti Chopra and her husband, politician Raghav Chadha, as the couple has welcomed their first child, a baby boy. The happy news was shared through a joint Instagram post that melted fans hearts.





Their announcement read, He's finally here! Our baby boy! And we literally cant remember life before! Arms full, our hearts are fuller. First we had each other, now we have everything. With gratitude, Parineeti & Raghav.





Check out their announcement post here:





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raghav Chadha (@raghavchadha88)

According to reports, Parineeti gave birth at a hospital in Delhi, where she is surrounded by her loved ones. Both the Chopra and Chadha families are with the couple as they celebrate this joyful moment together.













The couple had revealed their pregnancy in August this year through an adorable Instagram post that featured a white-and-gold cake with 1 + 1 = 3 written on it, along with baby feet decorations. They captioned it, Our little universe on its way. Blessed beyond measure. The post was followed by a short video of Parineeti and Raghav enjoying a peaceful walk in a park, hand in hand, looking blissfully happy.

Throughout her pregnancy, Parineeti was mostly based in Delhi, occasionally sharing glimpses of her quiet and cozy days online. Fans admired how gracefully she embraced this new chapter of her life.





Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha got engaged in May 2023 at Delhis Kapurthala House in a close-knit ceremony attended by friends and family. They tied the knot a few months later in September at The Leela Palace, Udaipur, a celebration that beautifully blended love and tradition.




Film to go on floors in summer 2026

Ram Charan-Sukumars film, most anticipated

The blockbuster success of 2018 film Rangasthalam left fans and audiences wanting more from Ram Charan and director Sukumars collaboration. Mythri Movie Makers, the production house that brought both the actor and director together for the first time is also eagerly looking to bankroll their second union. Although the announcement regarding Ram Charan and Sukumars second project was announced last year, the exact time isnt still unknown. While the buzz surrounding the film is getting bigger with time, heres some clarity on when the film will go on floors.Fans have been constantly pestering the producers regarding when Ram Charan and Sukumar film may commence shooting. All this while, the makers havent properly addressed the part, but it looks like fans of the actor are in for some good news. According to the producers, the yet-to-be-titled film is scheduled to go on floors in summer 2026. Sharing an update on the shooting timeline for the first time, producer Naveen Yerneni confirmed, Ram Charan garu is currently working on Peddi. After he wraps up, the film with Sukumar garu will begin shooting around April or May 2026, said the producer. He also clarified that Ram Charan may not take up any other project until he wraps up the film with Sukumar.After the blockbuster success of Pushpa series, director Sukumar has become one of the top directors in the country. Although the filmmaker received several offers in Hindi, he chose to reunite with Ram Charan for a Pan India film. According to sources, the film will be high on action and will be one of the most anticipated projects. Sukumar and his team of writers are presently working on the script. By March, the entire pre-production will be done and the makers can roll the film from May, informs a source.
Critic's rating 3.0 /5

Search: The Naina Murder Case is an intermittently gripping transplant of the Danish original Forbrydelsen into an Indian milieu, anchored by a terrific central turn from Konkona Sen Sharma as ACP Sanyukta Das and elevated by a quietly effective partnership with Surya Sharmas Jai Kanwal. Their buddy-cop dynamic, written so that gender and authority are negotiated rather than gamed, is one of the series clearest strengths, and Shiv Pandits morally ambiguous Tushar adds texture when the script allows him to breathe. Despite having strong direction by Rohan Sippy and Murzy Pagdiwalas often moody camerawork, the show never quite becomes the immersive, character-first study the original managed.

The writers Radhika Anand and Shreya Karunakaran do a tidy job of translating the whodunit machinery (clues, red herrings, methodical interrogation beats), but the integration of that machinery onto Indian politics and the media ends up feeling just surface-level and too neat. Murky party alliances and political beats feel like they're plot conveniences rather than corrosive power plays, and the political subtext is sketched rather than excavated.

The series central plot is that of a bright college student Naina being found dead after she was raped and her body dumped in an isolated pond. The ensuing investigation unfurls across the college campus, police offices, politicians' meetings and a the Naina's family home. A parental-freedom subplot featuring Sanyukta's young daughter, Mahi, and the working-mother's struggles to let her grow while keeping her safe, tries to give emotional stakes to Sanyuktas choices. Sadly that domestic track, including her marriage to Bheesham (Mukul Chadda), never coheres emotionally. The husband-and-wife storyline between Konkona and Mukul remains underpowered and fails to land.

Performance-wise, Konkona, Surya and Shiv are the reasons to watch The Naina Muder Case on JioHotstar. The buddy-cop chemistry between Konkona and Surya Sharmas characters is handled with subtle gender-politics. He initially challenges her authority and then they earn each other's respect in a working relationship. It feels like an equitable and grounded writingeffort. Surya Sharma brings a restrained magic to his edgy cop routine, complementing Konkonas measured intensity, and together they elevate many of the series procedural scenes. Shiv Pandit also turns in a solid effort, adding moral ambiguity to scenes that could easily have felt flat.

Several supporting turns notably Kabir Kachroo (Ojas), Anmol Rawat (Aarav) and others in the college cohort feel thin at critical moments and do not always register the impact the plot expects of them. Performances by Iravati Harshe, Chandsi Kataria, Shraddha Das and Sagar Deshmukh are good, but their characters aren't always in a position to drive home the drama. Technically, the show benefits from selective directorial flourishes, but the editing (by Abhishek Seth) is oddly workmanlike. Scenes linger or snip too soon and the background score (Pranaay) is surprisingly restrained to the point of undercutting tension. A bolder musical temperature would have amplified moments of unease.
Business Combination Would Produce One of the World's Largest Antimony Producers Outside of China

"The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company"

~ Antimony, Cobalt, Tungsten, and Zeolite ~

DALLAS, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / October 19, 2025 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "US Antimony," or the "Company"), (NYSE American:UAMY) (NYSE Texas:UAMY), a leading producer and processor of antimony, zeolite, and other critical minerals, today announced that it has submitted a confidential, non-binding, indicative proposal (the "Proposal") to acquire 100% of the share capital of Larvotto Resources Limited ("Larvotto") by way of a scheme of arrangement under the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (the "Transaction").

Under the Proposal, Larvotto shareholders would receive Six (6) USAC shares for every One Hundred (100) Larvotto shares which represents a significant premium to (i) Larvotto's last equity capital raise announced on 25 July 2025 (ii) recent stock trading price ranges. The terms of the proposed transaction are subject to the negotiation and execution of a binding scheme implementation deed, Larvotto shareholder approval, regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

USAC has recently acquired approximately 10.0% of Larvotto's total issued share capital with cash in the open market which USAC believes makes USAC Larvotto's largest single shareholder.

Commenting on the potential combination, Gary C. Evans, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USAC, "Our proposal to combine with Larvotto reflects our deep commitment to build a world class industry player in the critical minerals space and our strong conviction in the strategic and cultural fit between the two organizations as well as our countries. We see this as a compelling opportunity for Larvotto shareholders to participate in the upside of a larger, more diversified group - one with financial strength, global reach, and top tier technical capabilities. We look forward to working constructively with the Larvotto Board to progress this transaction in the best interests of all shareholders for both companies."

USAC has appointed Jett Capital Advisors and Henslow as financial advisers, Ashurst as Australian legal counsel and Duane Morris as U.S. legal counsel.

About United States Antimony Corporation

United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," the "Company," "Our," "Us," or "We") sell antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes third party ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals at its facilities located in Montana and Mexico. Antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. The Company also recovers precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at its Montana facility from third party ore. At its Bear River Zeolite ("BRZ") facility located in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, soil amendment and fertilizer, and other miscellaneous applications. During 2024 and 2025, the Company began acquiring mining claims and leases located in Montana, Alaska and Ontario, Canada in an effort to expand its operations as well as its product offerings.

Contact: Media Relations Contact: United States Antimony Corporation Anthony D. Andora 4438 W. Lovers Lane, Unit 100 Edge Consulting, Inc. Dallas, TX 75209 1560 Market Street, Ste. 701 Jonathan Miller, VP, Investor Relations Denver, Colorado 80202 E-Mail: Jmiller@usantimony.com Email: Anthony@EdgeConsultingSolutions.com Phone: 406-606-4117 Phone: (720) 317-8927

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Larvotto Resources Limited by United States Antimony Corporation, the expected structure, terms, and potential benefits of any such transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "project," "should," "will," and similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond USAC's control, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others: the possibility that the parties will not enter into a definitive scheme implementation deed; that required regulatory, shareholder, or court approvals will not be obtained or will be delayed; changes in market conditions; fluctuations in exchange rates; and the risk that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction may not be realized.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. USAC undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: United States Antimony Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/united-states-antimony-corporation-submits-indicative-proposal-to-acquire-100-of-1089155
They shared a post on Instagram that read- And we literally cannot remember life before! First we had each other, now we have everything.

Parineeti Chopra & Raghav Chadha tied the knot last year and announced their pregnancy earlier this year. The couple has now announced the birth of their baby boy.

They shared a post on Instagram that read- And we literally cannot remember life before! First we had each other, now we have everything.

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While the two are often seen spending quality time together and showing support for each other on social media, Parineeti recalled her first meeting with Raghav. Revealing that they met in London for the first time, the actress also shared how she was very impressed with him in the very first instance.

Parineeti even googled details about Raghav Chadhas age and whether he was married or not.

Parineeti Chopras first meeting with Raghav Chadha

During a conversation at the ICC Young Leaders Forum, Parineeti mentioned that she met Raghav for the first time in London and said that they were facilitated with awards during that time.

We met for breakfast early morning on Republic Day I remember. I sat with him for maybe half an hour and just knew. I was like This is the man Im going to marry. I had no information about him. I didnt know how old he was or whether he was married or not because I never followed politics, she added.

Mentioning that she had no personal details about him, Parineeti recalled going back to the hotel and searching about him on the internet. I went back to my hotel room and started googling him Raghav Chadda age, Is Raghav Chadha married. Because in my head, I literally felt like This was the guy, this was the man I have been waiting for. Thankfully, he was single and thankfully everything checked out and we started talking, he said.
Lee shared a selfie with the Pathaan star and fans of the two stars cannot keep calm

Shah Rukh Khan traveled to Saudi Arabia recently to participate in the Joy Forum where he, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan gave an interview together. But theres something else that has gone viral on social media and thats his encounter with Netflixs Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae.

Lee shared a selfie with the Pathaan star and fans of the two stars cannot keep calm. Heres the post:

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Here are some reactions on the post:

One front man of squid game and our Shahrukh winner of each game

AAAAAA JJ and Shah Rukh Khan oh my God  and yayyy selfie again finally 

Oh so cool! I remember watching your movie Asako in Ruby Shoes and there was a scene of you watching Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I never thought you two would cross path so glad you two met.

Omgggggggwhat a Collab wowwwwww

Bollywoods iconic trio  Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan  made a rare joint appearance at an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they spoke candidly about their enduring stardom, friendship, and their respective journeys that have defined Hindi cinema for over three decades.

The three superstars, often hailed as the Khans of Bollywood, appeared together on the stage during a session at the Joy Forum 2025 on Friday.

Salman, known for his trademark humour and straight talk, downplayed the idea of stardom and said the three of them never considered themselves stars.

None of us call ourselves stars. Some journalists may write Salman Khan, star or Aamir Khan, super duper star, but we dont believe in it at all. At home, we are just like everyone else. I still get yelled at by my father and mother, he said.

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A storm is unleashed as Saregama India, in association with Jio Studios and B62 Studios, unveiled the title track of Dhurandhar, and its loaded with energy. The high-octane track marks Hanumankinds first Bollywood project, and it is already winning over the audience. The song blends modern hip-hop with Punjabi vibes, perfectly complementing the films spy action theme.

Composed by Shashwat Sachdev and Charanjit Ahuja, the track boasts vocals by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, Sudhir Yaduvanshi, Shashwat Sachdev, Muhammad Sadiq, and Ranjit Kaur. Lyrics are penned by Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, and Babu Singh Maan.

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Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement about the title track, calling it a movement and a musical storm. One user wrote, Bollywood needed this kind of rap, and another wrote, Ranveer and Hanumankind sound like they were made to collab. A comment read, Ranveers energy is the heartbeat of Dhurandhar, and another read, This is what happens when sound meets soul. A user wrote, Akshaye Khanna, and another wrote, @actormaddy u killed it in one look, and another wrote, Rampal in a negative role  you are my 90s crush

The lyrical video offers glimpses of Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampals characters. A fan expressed, This track feels like a movement, not just music, and another said, Every frame is loaded with intent and impact. A user also called it a musical storm under control.

Dhurandhar is the most anticipated film of the year, and the films title track has set the stage for its grand release!

This cinematic spectacle features a stellar ensemble cast headlined by Ranveer Singh, along with Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Dhurandhar is written, directed, and produced by Aditya Dhar, and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Lokesh Dhar.

The film Dhurandhar is slated for a December 5th, 2025 release.
Red John is an established figure among the landowners and ranchers of the Brazilian Amazon. He is the one who helps clear pastures cheaply but leaves charred trees in his wake. But Red John is a worker who cannot be controlled.

Smoke billows from a wildfire in the Amazon rainforest near a dry river in Iranduba, Amazon. File image/Reuters

Red John is an old acquaintance of landowners and ranchers in the Brazilian Amazon.

He helps clear pastures cheaply, but also leaves blackened earth and charred trees in his wake  threatening the planets largest tropical forest.

In northern Brazils cowboy country, fire is so entrenched in ranching that locals nicknamed it Joao Vermelho (Red John).

Abandoning it is almost unthinkable.

Fire is a cheap way to maintain pasture. Labour is expensive, pesticides are expensive. Here we dont have any public funding, Antonio Carlos Batista, who owns 900 head of cattle in the municipality of Sao Felix do Xingu, told AFP.

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During the dry season, a bit of gasoline and a match are enough to get the job done.

When someone goes to light a fire, they say, Im going to hire the worker Red John! said Batista, 62.

But Red John is a worker who cannot be controlled  and an unprecedented drought in 2024 linked to climate change sent fires blazing out of control, scorching nearly 18 million hectares (44.5 million acres) of the Brazilian Amazon.

The resulting loss of trees caused deforestation to rise four per cent in the 12 months to July, reversing a 30-per cent decline achieved the previous year.

This was a setback for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has pledged to eradicate deforestation by 2030.

For the first time, more tropical forest burned than grassland. Most of the fires began on cattle ranches and spread through dry vegetation to forested areas.

Sao Felix do Xingu recorded the highest number of fire outbreaks in Brazil  more than 7,000.

In the Amazon, today the big challenge is deforestation caused by fires, Environment Minister Marina Silva told AFP.

Experts say solving it will require firefighters, stricter sanctions, and, above all, a cultural shift.

Fire devoured everything

Sao Felix is in the Para state, which will host the COP30 UN climate conference in November  the first to take place in the Amazon  in its capital, Belem.

Para is almost the size of Portugal, with 65,000 inhabitants and the largest herd of cattle in Brazil, with 2.5 million head, partly for export.

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The municipality is also responsible for Brazils worst carbon dioxide emissions due to deforestation, according to 2023 data.

A drone views shows fallen trees in a secondary forest where farmers (not pictured) were in the last stages of clearing land as soybean farming expanded in the Amazon, in Santarem, Para state, Brazil. File image/Reuters

In 2019, Sao Felix took centre stage on the so-called Fire Day, when landowners deliberately set blazes to support the climate-sceptical policies of then-president Jair Bolsonaro, sparking international outrage.

Here, miles of dusty roads stretch past vast, deforested expanses.

Many of the biggest ranches, with their headquarters in distant cities like Sao Paulo, do not identify themselves.

Some  like the Bom Jardim ranch, home to 12,000 cattle  are identified only by a wooden fence.

Bom Jardims young foreman, Gleyson Carvalho, seated in the shade outside the stable in a black cowboy hat, with a silver buckle glinting on his belt, admits that using fire is increasingly risky.

On the one hand, its good, he said, because the burned vegetation acts as a natural fertiliser, enriching soil and stimulating growth of more nutritious grass for cattle to eat.

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However, last year, the fires  which Carvalho insists came from outside the ranch  devoured everything.

There was no food, the cattle lost weight. We had to fight hard to prevent any animals from dying, he said.

According to satellite data from the Mapbiomas monitoring network analysed by AFP, more than two-thirds of the ranch was burned.

The property belongs to the former mayor of Sao Felix, Joao Cleber, who has been repeatedly fined for deforestation and other environmental crimes.

Located on the banks of the Xingu River, it borders a Kayapo Indigenous village, whose families suffered from the clouds of toxic smoke from the fires.

There were days when you couldnt even breathe, said Maria de Fatima Barbosa, a teacher at the village school.

During the night, it was difficult to sleep because the sheets, the bed, everything smelled of smoke.

A 2021 Greenpeace report notes that the ranch has indirectly sold cattle to Brazilian meatpacking giants Frigol and JBS, which export some of the meat abroad, especially to China in the case of Frigol.

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They alert you

Flying over Sao Felix during the dry season, clouds of smoke can be seen rising over patches of scorched pasture.

Its very sad because you arrive in a region where everything is green, and then the fire comes and destroys everything, said Jose Juliao do Nascimento, a 64-year-old small-scale rancher in the rural neighbourhood of Casa de Tabua, north of the Bom Jardim ranch.

He was like many farmers in the region, who arrived in the Amazon from the south of the country from the 1960s and 1970s onwards, encouraged by the military regime to clear the land, exploit it and enrich themselves.

A drone view of a forest fire devastation in the Amazon in an area of the Trans-Amazonian Highway BR230 in Labrea, Amazonas state, Brazil. Reuters

A land without men for men without land, read the slogan of the time.

Last year, the out-of-control flames reached his pasture, as did terrified cows from other properties that had travelled for kilometres in search of food.

The lush forest visible from his small wooden house was burned to the ground.

Although Para state completely banned pasture maintenance fires last year to avoid a major catastrophe, enforcement is weak.

Everyone has WhatsApp, a phone. When a police car or a car from (environmental watchdog) Ibama shows up, they alert you. That way, even if someone is working with a tractor, they can hide the machine and flee, he told AFP.

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Government representatives are scarce in the region.

Ibama president Rodrigo Agostinho told AFP that when officials from the watchdog are called to issue fines, they receive threats.

No one helps us

Small farmers say they feel powerless while large agricultural corporations thrive.

They call us criminals of the Amazon, responsible for the fires and deforestation, but no one helps us, said Dalmi Pereira, a 51-year-old small-scale farmer living in Casa de Tabua.

Here we have no rights. When the police come, we have to hide.

Facing some of the small farmers is Agro SB, an agricultural giant in the region.

The company bought land in 2008 to build its Lagoa do Triunfo complex, a ranch the size of a large city.

The ranch has received six environmental fines since 2013, and has yet to pay any of them.

The property recorded more than 300 fires in 2024, according to data analysed by AFP.

That same year, it received the More Green Integrity seal from Brazils Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for its social responsibility and environmental sustainability practices.

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Pereira complains that Agro SB receives preferential treatment when dealing with the government, while we remain at the door.

He and other ranchers are engaged in a standoff with Agro SB over land titles, claiming right of ownership of some of the companys land by usucapion, a legal process that allows people to claim land they have occupied and used for a certain period.

Agro SB told AFP the ranchers are invaders who it is suing for allegedly starting all the fires recorded on its farm.

No fire brigade

In the Amazon, traditional communities and small producers use fire culturally.

However, the main offenders in razing trees are large farms, followed by illegal miners, said Cristiane Mazzetti, forest coordinator for Greenpeace Brazil.

The mayor of Sao Felix do Xingu, Fabricio Batista, emphasised that most people do not have titles for their land.

The first thing we must do is document the people, he told AFP at a parade of cowboys on horseback.

People who are documented will be careful with their heritage, because when they dont have documents, they sometimes do illegal things.

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Batista also owns a ranch and was himself fined for deforestation in 2014.

He appealed, and the fine was canceled.

He said Sao Felix needs more federal support to fight fires.

There isnt a single fire brigade here. When theres a fire, who puts it out? We need infrastructure, he said.

Regino Soares, a 65-year-old farmer and president of the Agricatu small-scale livestock association, lost a fifth of his animals in a fire last year.

He called for controlled burning to be done in a better way.

You have to light the fire at the right time, make firebreaks by removing dry vegetation around the pasture, let neighbours know when somethings going to burn, he said.

Back turned to the Amazon

This year, the Amazon is experiencing a reprieve, with fires at their lowest level since records began in 1998.

Ane Alencar, scientific director of the Amazon Environmental Research Institute, attributes this to a combination of the climate and human factors.

The drought persists in some areas, but rainfall has been more evenly distributed this year because the Amazon is in a neutral phase, unaffected by either El Nino or La Nina, she said.

There was also greater oversight by authorities and the effect of trauma on some producers, who were more cautious after what happened in 2024.

The Ibama president, Agostinho, said the state has intensified surveillance in the Amazon since Lulas return to office, which followed years of a hands-off approach under Bolsonaro.

Despite deploying record numbers of firefighters, vehicles and aircraft, the effort still looks small against the immensity of a territory spanning five million square kilometres (1.9 million square miles).

Finding and punishing the person who lights the match is also an uphill battle for authorities.

You have to conduct an expert report, find someone responsible and consult satellite images, said Agostinho, adding that Ibama is making progress thanks to artificial intelligence.

Enforcing fines remains a challenge.

Greenpeace showed in 2024 that five years after Fire Day, the large majority of fines imposed were not paid.

During Lulas first two terms (2003-2010), monitoring and control policies led to a 70 per cent drop in deforestation in the Amazon.

The solution always starts with good public policy, journalist and filmmaker Joao Moreira Salles, author of an investigative book on the Amazon, Arrabalde, told AFP.

But he warns that no public policy will succeed without popular support.

What matters most is not that the world sees whats being done, but that Brazil and Brazilians see it, he said.

The problem is that Brazil has its back turned to the Amazon.
Can you imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower? Intense rumours have been doing the rounds that the landmark will be brought down in 2026. We fact-check this claim, explain the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict and the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire in our weekly roundup

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the world's most visited tourist attractions. It generated 117.87 million in revenue in 2023. Recently, false claims about its demolition next year are going viral. Reuters

The week began on a hopeful note. As Donald Trumps Gaza peace plan rolled out, Hamas released 20 living hostages in exchange for nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails.

Trump, who landed in Israel minutes after the first hostages reunited with their families, hailed a historic dawn in a new Middle East as he gave a speech to the Knesset, the countrys parliament. He then headed to Egypt for the Gaza Peace Summit to meet more than 20 leaders to discuss the next phases of the plan. A declaration was signed by Qatar, Turkey and the US as guarantors of the ceasefire deal.

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However, a week on, the truce is on shaky grounds, as Hamas has delayed the release of the bodies of hostages. Amid this tension, Israel has limited the release of aid to Gaza. Thats not all. Hamas is also executing Palestinians, who collaborated with Israeli forces during the war, in Gaza, and has been warned by Trump to stop.

Not all is well in the Indian subcontinent as well. Intense border clashes erupted between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with dozens of deaths on both sides. After a 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday (October 15), the Taliban and Pakistan held critical talks in Doha on Saturday (October 18).

In the US, Ashey Tellis, a prominent Indian-American scholar on India, was arrested for allegedly retaining classified information and meeting US Chinese officials. And the US administration continues to go after Trumps political enemies. John Bolton, the former national security adviser turned critic, has been indicted.

In India, its Diwali time. People are on a purchasing spree, from phones to jewellery and more. The gifting industry is booming.

We talk about all this and more in our weekly wrap.

1. The big story of the week was the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. However, the pact now seems fragile. While Hamas freed the living hostages, there has been a delay in releasing the bodies of the other captives. Ten out of 28 bodies have been released, but the militant group claims it is unable to access the other remains, causing fury in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he is determined to pressure Hamas to find the remaining dead captives. Can Trumps plan survive this test?

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Friends, families and the wider Israeli public attend the funeral procession of slain hostage Inbar Hayman, who, according to the Israeli army, was killed during the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, after attending the Nova festival, and her body was taken to Gaza, in Israel October 17, 2025. Attendees dress in pink in honour of Inbar Hayman, who was a talented graffiti artist. While Hamas has returned some bodies, 19 have not been handed over to Israel. Reuters

2. Among the dead hostages whose bodies were returned was one who wasnt from Israel. His name was Bipin Joshi, and he hailed from Nepal. The 23-year-old went to the Jewish nation in September 2023 as part of a learning programme and was abducted a month later, on October 7, while working on a farm in southern Israel, which was part of his study. His family had to wait an agonising 738 days to know about Joshis fate. This is his tragic story.

Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese man held hostage in Gaza, captured during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, is seen in this screen grab taken from a video uncovered by Israels army, and obtained by Reuters on October 8, 2025. The words in Hebrew say from a loot collected by the IDF. The Hostages Families Forum/Reuters

3. All eyes were on Egypts Sharm El Sheikh, where Trump and more than 20 world leaders gathered on Monday (October 13) to discuss the next steps for peace in Gaza. While the US president took centre-stage, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif grabbed headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The Pakistani leader was awkward when Trump praised his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. It didnt end there. When Sharif spoke, he heaped praise on the American president and once again reiterated that Trump should be given the Nobel Peace Prize. The Pakistan PM was trolled for the endorsement. However, this is not the first time he has been an embarrassment on the world stage.

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India  is a great country with a very good friend of mine  at the top. Hes done a fantastic job. I think India and Pakistan will live very nicely together, says Donald Trump looking at Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at Egypt hosted summit of peace on #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/eCKiwb637E    | Saud Hafiz (@saudrahman27) October 13, 2025

4. A new conflict gripped Asia this week  that between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Airstrikes and ground fighting have left many dead and 100 wounded. Afghanistan claimed that its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers during overnight border operations, while Pakistan claimed it killed more than 200 Afghan soldiers.

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The clashes along the border were the worst between the Islamic neighbours since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. After tensions erupted over the last weekend and then escalated on Wednesday, a 48-hour ceasefire was announced. The two sides held talks in Doha on Saturday, before which the Taliban government accused Pakistan of violating Afghanistans sovereignty and initiating a fresh round of violence. But why are the two nations battling?

Afghan Taliban fighters patrol near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan, October 15. Reuters

5. Ashley Tellis is a renowned name in geopolitical strategy circles. The Indian-origin foreign policy expert has been an adviser to the US State Department since 2001. However, he is now in Americas bad books. He was arrested for allegedly retaining classified documents and meeting Chinese officials. This looks at the case against him.

6. Paris is synonymous with the Eiffel Tower. It attracts millions of visitors every year, and in 2023, it generated 117.87 million in revenue. However, there is increased speculation that there are plans to demolish the landmark next year. The rumours started after the temporary closure. We fact-check the viral claim.

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A view of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline at sunset from the Montparnasse Tower. The rumours of the demolition of the landmark started after a temporary closure. File photo/Reuters

7. Its Diwali, and India is gripped in a joyous mood. It is time for celebration and some big spending. Until a few decades ago, the festival was all about visiting homes and exchanging a box of sweets. A lot has changed since. The parties are bigger and so are the gifts. We take a deep dive into $80 billion gifting industry.

Thats all from us this week. Happy Diwali! Let there be light, laughter and more.
BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory on Sunday issued a blue alert for typhoon Fengshen, the 24th typhoon of the year, as it intensified and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the country's southern regions.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, the typhoon was located over waters off the west coast of Luzon Island, the Philippines, with maximum winds of 72 km per hour near its center, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

The typhoon is expected to move northwestward at 25-30 km per hour while gradually intensifying. From Tuesday onward, it will steer southwestward over the central and northern parts of the South China Sea, heading towards Vietnam's central coast before gradually weakening, according to the observatory.

Affected by the typhoon, gales are forecast to affect areas including parts of the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, as well as coastal regions of Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong between 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. Monday, the NMC said.

Meanwhile, it said that some areas of Taiwan may experience heavy rainstorms during the same period.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system for typhoons, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
It is absurd that such a humble pastureland or bowl has mobilised so many resources and defence manpower simply due to Chinese hegemonistic tendencies

Beijing did not know the location of Barahoti but claimed that it was Chinese. In June 1958, the negotiations between India and China led nowhere.

The Himalayas are changing very fast, for the good and the less good.

The attitude of the government is also changing; Delhi is slowly reasserting its border with Tibet. This should eventually enable Delhi to better deal with China, which occupied the Tibetan plateau in 1950.

A recent visit to Uttarakhand made me aware of the great changes which are taking place in the area.

First, of course, the improved road network (though this had been severely battered after a particularly heavy monsoon); the communication network with towers now installed in each border village; but also the schools and medical facilities providing a better life to the local populations who are vital for the defence of the borders.

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Another change is that the state governments and the different agencies are now allowing domestic visitors to visit some of the border villages, as is done in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh or Sikkim.

Joshimath Sector

An area which is of particular interest to me is north of Joshimath in Chamoli district, which, in 1954, witnessed the first dispute with China, when the Chinese troops crossed the customary boundary at a place called Barahoti, north of Niti village, one of Indias First Villages.

One striking feature is that the Indian and the Tibetan sides of the boundary are extremely dissimilar. The difference in terrain between the Tibetan plateau, where it is easy to build roads, and the difficult approach on the Indian side. This has, of course, tremendous strategic implications for the defence forces, especially when the region suffers heavy rains like this year.

Another difference is the population; here India has an advantage.

As per the last Chinese census, Zanda (or Tsamda) County of Ngari Prefecture (also known as Western Tibet) has a population of 8,454 for an area of 18,083 km. The area north of the international border is sparsely populated, with Tholing Town (an administrative unit below the county) and Daba Township (called Daba Dzong by the locals in India).

Located south of the Great Himalayan Range, the Garhwal region has two districts bordering Tibet: Uttarkashi with a population of 330,086, while Chamoli has 391,605 people. One can immediately see the vast difference. One of the positive changes is that India has started to take better care of its border villages by providing them all modern amenities.

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On its side, China has built 18 Xiaogang villages opposite Garhwal. These so-called moderately well-off settlements are supposed to support the Chinese border defence forces manning the border in this sector. We were told that they remained practically empty despite the heavy Chinese investment.

A clear line of peaks marks the customary border with Tibet; it comprises 13 passes (four in the Harsil sector, then Niti and Mana, and finally seven in the Sumna/Lapthal sectors in the east), which undoubtedly delineate the boundary.

Another particularity of the Garhwal sector is that it was the first area negotiated between Delhi and Beijing in 1958.

The First Intrusion

Strangely, it was Beijing who first wrote to India about the intrusion of the Chinese troops, typically a tactic to confuse and put the blame on India.

It all started on July 17, 1954, with a note given by the Chinese Counsellor in Delhi to the Ministry of External Affairs; it complained that over thirty Indian troops armed with rifles crossed the Niti pass on 29 June 1954 and intruded into Wu-Je of the Ali [Ngari] Area of the Tibet Region of China.

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The note specified that Wu Je was about one days journey from the Niti Pass, adding: The above happening is not in conformity with the principles of non-aggression and friendly co-existence between China and India and the spirit of the Joint Communique issued recently by the Prime Ministers of China and India.

This exchange was absurd from several points of view; first, it happened just two months after the signature of the 1954 Sino-Indian Agreement, or Agreement on Trade and Intercourse Between Tibet Region and India (paradoxically remembered as the Panchsheel Agreement).

A month earlier in the Parliament, the Indian Prime Minister had stated that this agreement was the best thing that he had ever done, while Zhou Enlai, the Chinese Premier, had assured the Indian negotiators that all matters ripe for settlement had been resolved.

Beijing had decided to test India by treacherously opening a new front (on a tiny area) in the high Himalaya.

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The absurdity continued: nobody had ever heard of Wu Je, which was a new name invented by China, while Beijing did not even know that this place was located south of the Tunjun-la (pass) and therefore in India.

A Historical Background

In a note in July 1952, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) described the topography of the area (todays Chamoli district of Uttarakhand): The Garhwal-Tibet border can only be crossed through the Mana and Niti Valleys where there are open places and habitation, while the rest of the border area consists of snow-covered mountains studded with glaciers, adding, These passes marked the watershed line; north was Tibet (China after 1951), and south was India.

The intelligence note admitted that once in the 19th century, there was a short boundary dispute about Hoti Plain: The Tibetan official (called a Sarji, an emissary of the Tibetan Dzongpon or District Commissioner of Daba) usually crossed the border at Tunjun-la pass to announce the beginning of the trading season.

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Though the access to the place was difficult, making it hard to keep a tab on the area, the British were quick to understand the plot and stop the Tibetan official from crossing the pass.

In 1952, the Information Bureau recommended to the Government of India that it was essential that Delhi should make it clear to the Government of Tibet and its Dzongpon that the Hoti Plain is Indian territory and the Tibetans have no right to establish any customs post there; nor can they exercise any authority in the area. Unfortunately, the Tibetan government was fast losing its independence, and the new rulers wanted to grab territory.

In June 1958, Subimal Dutt, the Indian Foreign Secretary, wrote to the Prime Minister: Our case is that Barahoti is an area of about one and a half square miles. We have given the exact position of this area with reference to its latitude and longitude. The Chinese have not defined which area they mean by Wu Je. After a good deal of arguments, all that they have vouchsafed is that it is an area south of Tunjun La, about 15 km north to south and 10 km east to west. This does not define the exact location of the area. If the Chinese claim were conceded, the international boundary would lie south in what is undoubtedly Indian territory.

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Beijing did not know the location of Barahoti (or Wu Je for them) but claimed that it was Chinese.

In June 1958, the negotiations between India and China led nowhere.

In April 1962, the first permanent post was established at Rimkim. Cap (later Lt Gen) Balbir Singh wrote: On 24 April, the Sherpas and I guided the second batch of 30 STF soldiers to Rimkim. Accompanying this batch were also 15 constables of the UP Armed Constabulary who on 26 April set up a Revenue Collection Post (RCP) for monitoring the graziers pasturing in the BGG [the Barahoti Grazing Ground].

The BGG is a gigantic amphitheatre of 13,500 ft ASL mean elevation. On its NW and SW rims are ridges one to three thousand feet higher than the BGG plateau floor. But its NE rim, which forms the international boundary with Tibet (China), is barely 500 ft higher than the surroundings, a gateway to BGG over the Tun Jun La (14,500 ft ASL) for the PLA.

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Why India accepted to negotiate is incomprehensible, as there was no dispute; even ethnically, the Rong-pa tribe of Niti or Mana is totally different from the Tibetans; their language is different, and their religious faith is different. India probably wanted to be the good guy and discuss the issue with the Chinese bhai.

The Situation Today

More than 70 years later, the Chinese are still visiting the bowl three or four times every season, with banners saying that it is Chinese territory, though as far as the Line of Actual Control is concerned, the Chinese claims are today restricted to Barahoti.

Today, there is no reason for India to not allow visitors or trekkers in the area (with an Inner Line Permit if necessary).

The state government should also showcase the old ties with Tibet, in particular the trade with Tholing and Daba, and open a museum (for example, in Mana village) showing the old linkages that this area had with Tibet. It would go a long way to remind China that Tibet was Garhwals northern neighbour.

Retrospectively, it is absurd that such a small bowl has mobilised so many resources and defence manpower simply due to Chinese hegemonistic tendencies.

The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Delhi). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
It is not about the size of the nations or their populations, but about a triggering issue that could bring the people to the streets

The reported exfiltration of Madagascars once-reformist President Andry Rajoelinawhich Paris is yet to confirmfollowing a coup by elite commandos of the nations military should raise concerns for Indias extended neighbourhood. The coup was preceded or followedagain, there is no clarityby a nationwide Gen Z youth uprising protesting allegedly poor governance and corruption, which by now has a pattern to it in the region.

Thus, in Indias immediate neighbourhood, which is some distance from Madagascar, and is in the strategically important western Indian Ocean, seven of 13 nations have faced mass protests that have led to a regime change. In the very immediate neighbourhood, four nations faced such a transition in as many yearsSri Lanka (2022), Pakistan (2023), Bangladesh (2024) and Nepal (2025).

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In the relatively extended neighbourhood, Indonesia and the Philippines also faced youth protests, almost on near-similar grounds, but the movements did die down. If democracy is going to be the yardstick, Afghanistan and Myanmar have autocratic governments. Myanmar has had a military junta ruling the nation for most of the past 60-plus years.

In Afghanistan, the hyper-fundamentalist Taliban returned to power after a 20-year-long break, during which time the US-led Nato forces were supposed to have cleansed the nation (by killing hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children?). Todays Taliban rulers are more confident than they were pre-9/11, which incident alone caused the US-led military intervention.

No Clarity

Looked at from Madagascars own perspective, interestingly around the time of the youth uprising and coup, Kenya, not far away in mainland Africa, across the Mozambique Channel, did face peoples protests this year, but they did not overflow to topple the government. Right now, Gen Z protests are rocking Morocco in North Africa, not very close to Madagascar, which too is an African nation, located in the western Indian Ocean. The fact that Morocco is located in the broad area where the Arab Spring and later-day peoples protests, like in Gaddafis Libya, occurred could mean that the unfinished job from the past is returning, but possibly less violent and less gruesome.

But coups and violence have not always been the case in the neighbourhoodand that should be welcome. For instance, Seychelles, which is not a faraway neighbour of Madagascar, went through the periodic presidential poll without any hiccup. In the second, run-off round of the election, incumbent Wewak Ramkalawan lost to opponent and predecessor Patrick Herminie, polling 52.7 per cent vote share. The transition too was smooth, as always.

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Consumerist World

Where is it all headed? Or, where is the world headed? Did the world and global governments and polity miss something in the post-war and/or post-colonial socio-economic reconstruction? While a common, invisible external hand has been suspected ever since the Arab Spring and Orange Revolution elsewhere a decade and more ago, and the modus too has pointed towards one, there is no denying the frustrations of youth in each one of these chosen countries.

The pattern is uniform. The Gen Z in each of these countries is frustrated over lack of employment, and at times even adequate educational opportunities, and individual incomes and the social status that come with it, especially in an increasingly evolving consumerist world. While protestors have been deploying social media to amass people, they have also been exposed to the ways of their political leaders, constitutional institutions and worse.

Traditionally, it is said that where 20 per cent of the nations population comprises youth, thats a boiling pot for revolution of some kind or the other. If the leadership is alive and active, they can direct them into constructive channels by evolving into a better place for their people to live in and their children to grow into entrepreneurs and engineers, doctors and other well-paying professionals.

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In the case of Africa as a whole, the median age is said to be 19. Hence, not just one nation or the other, but the continent as a whole may be ripe for some kind of a revolution, though in stages and in one nation after another. Thus, you had a change of elected government in Botswana last year, and the iconic African National Congress (ANC) lost vote share, falling below the halfway mark for the first time since the end of the apartheid.

Demand for Change

Simply put, they want change, a change from the status quo, a change for the better. Beyond that, most of them do not know anything about the kind of change that they are aspiring for and how to achieve the same.

Hence, in nations like Sri Lanka and even Pakistan, where the constitutional system took over, despite the protest and limited violence, the established scheme took over. Hence, there was no talk of a military coup or anarchy, which is what was anticipated in both countries.

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Why, even in the US, the worlds oldest functioning democracy, the emergence of President Trump as the disruptor par excellence twice within a decade is an expression of the peoples angst for change, which remained, or continues to remain, unfulfilled. The early signs became available when, in the presidential poll of 1992, billionaire-Independent Ross Perot polled a high 20 per cent vote share without adequate organisation at the grassroots level in most states.

The American people, starting with the youth, wanted change, but like every other American, after casting their vote, they went away to their daily chores. It thus became easy for Establishment Americacall it the Deep State, if you pleaseto carry out their post-92 vow that they wont allow this to happen. What America has since gotten is possibly worse than what the nation was prepared for, and the so-called Deep State was capable of facilitatingor was/is it what they wanted, at least as far as Trump 2.0 was/is concerned?

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Where the constitutional scheme is inherently weak and the established political system is unable to stand up, or both, then there is a coup, anarchy, and/or the kind of hard wall that yesterdays protest leaders are forced to stare at, with no idea about the future theirs and that of their nation. In the evolving situation, Bangladesh may be a good example. Pakistan may still not be out of it.

Thus the question is not only about Madagascar or other nations in Asia and Africa but across the world. Where some nations or their Deep States (let us not stop with branding only one nation as such) change regimes elsewhere, maybe for their economic and strategic reasons, they may need to keep a watch also on their own front yard and backyard alike.

It is not about the size of those nations or their populations, but about a triggering issue that could bring the peoplesay, the youth, to begin withto the streets, and in an organised manner, to boot. For instance, in Madagascar, the immediate issue was about frequent power cuts and water supply. It is one of Africas poorest nations, and anyway, the power supply was woefully inadequate to begin with.

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In ways, thus, its the mechanism that comes into place first, and that mechanism identifies issues that can appeal to a large segment. No, it does not mean that someone is sitting in a room and drawing up an action plan on a blackboard with timelines and all. Someone simply collects such others who feel equally strong and launches a small protest. Possibly, he or even they do not even know that there are others who feel the same way and feel as strongly as they do.

That is the trigger. And that is the trigger that nations, governments and polity need to be aware of and avoid too.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst & political commentator. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
When I think of Mongolia, I think of a proud, strong, resilient, affectionate and hospitable people. A country where, due to Buddhist spiritual connection, Indians and India are not only liked but loved. Perhaps the only place one immediately feels comfortable when you land there, which I felt when I was posted in Ulaanbaatar in the early 1990s when Mongolia was going through a painful but peaceful transition from communism to democracy.

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Peaceful protesters making human chains in -30C on the Sukhbaatar Square are as fresh in my memory. I made so many friends, watching those protests, who later rose to become prominent leaders of the country.

Another defining feature of our relationship was that the Government of India decided to post Rinpoche Kushok Bakula, a prominent Buddhist monk, as our ambassador, not necessarily due to respect or affection for him but because he had activated his campaign for greater autonomy for Ladakh. No wonder the Leh airport is named after him. He was virtually looked at as the living God in Mongolia, with miles-long queues in front of our embassy for his blessings. We even arranged the visit of the Dalai Lama despite immense pressure put by China on the local government against it.

For the first time we had an open-ended slot under the India Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) for Mongolians and the first-ever line of credit outside of our immediate periphery. Today, our relationship has diversified, and India has invested over $1.7 billion in a refinery in Mongolia. It is Indias largest development partnership project globally, with over 2,500 Indian professionals working alongside their Mongolian counterparts to make it a reality. Several Indian IT and other companies have established their presence in new-age Mongolia and are catering to the developmental initiatives.

Mongolia is a large landlocked country sandwiched between Russia and China. The US also tries to be its third neighbour, especially as James Baker III had propounded it, even though not much came out of it, at least in the 90s. It also has a small population, but defence and security are equally important for all countries. India has accorded high priority to indigenisation under the Make in India for the World initiative, which includes self-reliance and export capability in the defence sector.

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Hence India has expressed its readiness to share its expertise and equipment with friendly countries, including Mongolia. Capacity building and military training are important components of this cooperation. AI, ICT, higher education, industrial development and cyber and space areas provide new contours for cooperation.

High-level exchanges as well as people-to-people (P2P) connections are an absolute imperative for the organic growth of any bilateral relationship. This is true of Mongolia as well. During our time we had arranged the visit of the then vice president, which kept the track going.

Several years later Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit (2015) the Buddhist nation when it became our truly strategic partner. Institutional arrangements of cooperation, including in defence and security, were fortified. The agreement on e-visas will further strengthen the P2P interactions.

The recent state visit of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, from October 13 to 16, as we celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership, acquires a greater significance to enrich the ties and take these to the next level. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, members of parliament, senior officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives. This was President Khurelsukhs first visit to India in his capacity as Head of State of Mongolia.

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PM Modi reiterated, The relationship between India and Mongolia is more than just a diplomatic relationship. It is a deep, soulful, and spiritual bond. The depth and scope of our partnership is reflected in our people-to-people ties. And added, We will also send a Sanskrit teacher to Gandan Monastery to support in-depth study of Buddhist texts and continue the ancient tradition of knowledge. We have decided to soon launch a project to digitise one million ancient manuscripts. Nalanda University has played a vital role in Buddhism in Mongolia, and today we have agreed to strengthen this historic connection by linking Nalanda with Gandan Monastery. Gandan was the only monastery that stood the brunt of communism for seven decades. Rinpoche Bakula, during his long tenure, also revived dozens of monasteries across Mongolia.

During his meeting with President Murmu, her Mongolian counterpart Khurelsukh expressed appreciation for the full support of the Indian government in implementing joint projects funded by Indian concessional loans and grants, including the timely completion of the Oil Refinery Plant, a symbolic project of bilateral cooperation.

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The Mongolian president also lauded Indias leadership in renewable energy, nuclear, and conventional energy development, as well as its initiative to establish the International Solar Alliance, which is making a valuable contribution to the global clean energy transition.

Defence and security cooperation is also steadily strengthening. We have launched several new initiatives, from training programmes to the appointment of a Defence Attache at the Embassy. India will also launch a new capacity-building programme for Mongolias border security forces, said PM Modi.

India and Mongolia also have convergences on foreign policy and international issues. The world is confronting new hegemonic challenges, where both nations share a common interest in peace and a multipolar global order. Mongolia emphasises that both bigger and smaller actors should be aware of their shared weight in the formation of a world order and uses its Buddhist tradition and beliefs for ensuring peace efforts.

Even in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, both India and Mongolia maintain very similar positions that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preference for resolving global disputes. Mongolia reiterated its support for UN reforms and Indias seat at the expanded UNSC. Mongolia appreciates Indias commitment to building a more inclusive, representative and multipolar international order, and India appreciates Mongolias call for a multi-pillar world, built on shared pillars of dialogue, trust, and cooperation.

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Democracy, Dharma and Development are Indias key movers of this bilateral relationship. It is an important strategic partner by virtue of its location and civilisational connection. India had extended billions of dollars in lines of credit, including for building a refinery. It is also a mineral-rich country with copper and uranium, among others, which are being harnessed at last for mutual advantage.

Both sides agreed to lay the groundwork for collaboration in exporting Mongolias key mineral resources to the Indian market, including coking coal and copper, with a view to fostering shared industrial development and economic growth. Hence mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships are natural. Spiritual connections and tenets of Buddhism provide an exceptionally strong framework for a trusted partnership.

A volatile, transient and uncertain world order will pose unseen challenges which only trusted partnerships will be able to counter and capitalise on. Hopefully India and Mongolia will be able to do that. Being guided by the vision and strategic direction of their respective leaders, the India-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation (IMJCC), co-chaired by External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar and Chief Cabinet Secretary of Mongolia Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan, will continue to identify new areas of collaboration, monitor implementation, and ensure coordinated progress through various sectoral dialogues and working groups, as envisaged in the joint statement issued during the visit.

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The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Afghan Deputy Interior Minister and Taliban leader Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari has warned Pakistan that Afghan forces and tribes could pursue its troops up to the Indian border if they are declared invaders.

Major border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan were shut on October 12 after intense overnight clashes, following Taliban allegations that Islamabad conducted air strikes earlier in the week, officials said. (Photo: AFP)

Taliban leader and Afghan Deputy Interior Minister Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari issued a strong warning to Pakistan, saying Afghan forces and tribes could chase Pakistani troops up to the Indian border if they were declared invaders.

If the Afghan tribes and nation once declare you an invader by religious decree, I swear by God, you will not find safety even up to the Indian border, Omari said, addressing the Pakistani military.

He accused Islamabads military and political leadership of acting on foreign orders, saying, The Pakistani military regime does everything according to others wishes, and you must have recently seen the video of Shehbaz Sharif speaking sycophantically to Trump.

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Omari also suggested that areas beyond the Durand Line, once part of Afghanistan, could eventually return to Afghan control.

His remarks come amid renewed border clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces. Kabul accused Islamabad of violating a brief ceasefire that had paused nearly a week of fighting, which killed several soldiers and civilians on both sides. The two countries later agreed to another ceasefire following talks hosted by Qatar in Doha.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched strikes in southern Gazas Rafah area on Sunday after terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire at Israeli troops, the military said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday, October 19, said it launched strikes in the Rafah area of southern Gaza after terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire at Israeli troops.

Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, the IDF said on X. In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity. These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly.

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Israeli media and AFP reported that the strikes occurred in Rafah and other southern parts of Gaza, following an exchange of fire with Hamas fighters, including sniper and rocket-propelled grenade attacks. Qatar-run Al Jazeera said an IED explosion in Rafah injured Israeli soldiers.

The fighting comes amid a fragile US-mediated ceasefire, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations. Israel says its troops were targeted by RPGs and sniper fire, while Hamas accused Israel of breaching the truce. A senior Hamas official said, Netanyahus attempts to evade his obligations come under pressure from his own extremist terrorist coalition, as he seeks to shirk responsibility toward the mediators and guarantors.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the war in Gaza would not end until Hamas is disarmed and the territory demilitarised. When that is successfully completed  hopefully in an easy way, but if not, in a hard way  then the war will end, he said on Israeli Channel 14 on Saturday.

Under the US-brokered ceasefire, Hamas has returned all 20 surviving hostages and the remains of 12 deceased. However, Israel has kept the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed until the remaining bodies are handed over.

The US State Department said it informed countries involved in the peace deal about credible reports of a planned Hamas attack, calling it a grave violation of the ceasefire, which Hamas has denied.

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Gazas civil defence agency, under Hamas authority, said it had recovered the bodies of nine Palestinians, including women and children, after Israeli tank fire struck a bus in Rafah.
Amid the simmering tensions in West Asia, the Gaza media office accused Israel of violating the ceasefire 47 times since Tel Aviv and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in early October.

Trucks carry aid for Palestinians, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. However, Israel has said that it will cut the number of trucks allowed owing to the delay in releasing the bodies of the dead hostages. Reuters

Amid the simmering tensions in West Asia, the Gaza media office accused Israel of violating the ceasefire 47 times since Tel Aviv and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in early October. In the course of this, the Gazan media claimed that the Israeli attack killed 38 Palestinians and injured 143 people across the Gaza Strip.

These violations have included crimes of direct gunfire against civilians, deliberate shelling and targeting, and the arrest of several civilians, reflecting the occupations continued policy of aggression despite the declared end of the war, the Gaza media office said in a statement.

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Authorities in Gaza called on the United Nations and the guarantor parties of the agreement to intervene urgently to compel the occupation to end its ongoing aggression and to protect unarmed civilian populations.

Rafah remains closed

Meanwhile, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Rafah crossing  a crucial entry point for aid  would only reopen after Hamas hands over the bodies of all deceased hostages still held in Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed that the Rafah crossing remain closed until further notice, a statement from his office on Saturday read. Its reopening will be considered based on how Hamas fulfils its obligations to return the hostages and the bodies of the deceased, and to implement the agreed-upon terms.

The Israeli military said late on Saturday that the Red Cross had received the bodies of two hostages held in Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal. Amid the chaos, 11 members of a Palestinian family were killed by Israeli forces on Friday, described as the deadliest single violation of the fragile ceasefire since it took effect eight days ago.

In a statement, Gazas civil defence agency said the family were trying to reach their home in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City when the bus they were in was attacked for allegedly crossing the yellow line that demarcates areas of Israeli army control.

They had crossed the so-called yellow line, an imaginary boundary mentioned by the Israeli army, said Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for the Gaza civil defence. I am certain the family couldnt distinguish between the yellow and red lines because there are no actual physical markers on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said a suspicious vehicle was identified crossing the yellow line and approaching IDF troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip, adding: The troops fired warning shots toward the suspicious vehicle, but the vehicle continued to approach the troops in a way that caused an imminent threat to them. The troops opened fire to remove the threat, in accordance with the agreement.

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Israel and Hamas have continued to trade blame over breaches of the truce. Israel accused Hamas of violating the deal by failing to return the remains of deceased hostages. On Monday, Hamas returned the last 20 surviving hostages, but as of Saturday evening, it had handed back only 12 of 28 deceased captives, saying it would need specialist recovery equipment to retrieve the rest from the ruins of Gaza. Hence, one has to see how long the fragile ceasefire deal will last.
Hamas armed wing said on Sunday that it has located the body of a hostage, which it said will be delivered to Israel on Sunday if field conditions were appropriate.

People take part in a demonstration outside the Israeli prime minister's residence in Jerusalem on October 18, 2025, calling for the release of all the bodies of hostages held in Gaza by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.- AFP

The fragile nine-day-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza came under renewed strain on Sunday, as both sides accused each other of violating the truce.

The tensions emerged after the Israeli military launched air strikes in response to attacks it said were carried out by Hamas militants, while Hamas maintained it was adhering to the agreement and announced it had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage to be returned if field conditions allow.

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Today, the Al-Qassam Brigades found the body of one of the Israeli captives during ongoing search operations, Hamas said on its Telegram channel. If the handover proceeds, it will mark the 13th deceased Israeli hostage returned since the truce went into effect last week, underscoring the sensitive and ongoing negotiations over hostages and bodies.

Israel, however, has warned of a forceful response to any perceived violations. Defence Minister Israel Katz said, Hamas will pay a heavy price for every shot and every breach of the ceasefire. If the message is not understood, our response will become increasingly severe, according to Reuters.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed security forces to take strong action against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip, linking Hamas alleged actions to breaches of the ceasefire.

The ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump and enacted on 10 October, had brought a temporary halt to over two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. It also established a framework for hostage and prisoner exchanges alongside a roadmap for Gazas post-war future.

Yet the implementation has faced immediate hurdles. In southern Gazas Rafah and northern Beit Lahia, the Israeli military reported responding with air strikes after attacks on its forces, while Palestinian witnesses said the clashes involved local gangs and that the Israeli army appeared unexpectedly.

Hamas has consistently denied initiating clashes, accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts to resume attacks. Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamass political bureau, told Al Jazeera, Israel continues to breach the agreement and fabricate flimsy pretexts to justify its crimes.

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Meanwhile, Gazas civil defence agency reported at least 13 deaths across the territory amid the renewed violence, although the Israeli military said it was investigating the reports.

The handling of hostages and bodies remains a central and contentious issue in the truces fragile execution. On Sunday, Israel identified two more bodies returned overnightRonen Engel, a 54-year-old volunteer ambulance driver, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a farmworker with a young daughter.

In parallel, Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, bringing the total to 150, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Reopening of the Rafah crossing, vital for food, fuel, and medical supplies, remains contingent on progress in returning hostages and deceased, with Netanyahus office linking any further easing to Hamas compliance with the agreed framework.

National security voices within Israel are pressing for a harsher stance. Right-wing minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged the army to fully resume fighting in the Strip with all force, reflecting hardline opposition to any perceived leniency.

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Meanwhile, Hamas has resisted disarming and is attempting to reassert control over Gaza, citing the technical challenges of recovering bodies from rubble and the need for additional time and assistance.

The truce has, therefore, created a tenuous and fragile balance. While both sides publicly commit to adherence, incidents on the ground, coupled with the slow pace of hostage and body returns, highlight the continuing volatility in Gaza.

Analysts note that the ceasefires durability depends not only on strict compliance by both parties but also on the reopening of humanitarian corridors to alleviate civilian suffering, with delays at the Rafah crossing likely to exacerbate tensions and humanitarian needs.

As the 13th Israeli hostage body awaits handover, the cycle of accusations and retaliatory strikes underscores the persistent mistrust and fragility of the ceasefire. Observers warn that without careful coordination and mutual restraint, the tenuous calm in Gaza risks rapidly unravelling, potentially igniting further violence despite international efforts to broker a lasting peace.

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With inputs from agencies
As the political deadlock deepens, millions of American families now face an uncertain November, and potentially, an empty Thanksgiving table. (Reuters)

With Thanksgiving approaching, millions of Americans could soon face hunger as a deep political stalemate in Washington threatens to suspend food stamp payments. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports 42 million people across the US, may run out of funds next month due to the ongoing government shutdown and lack of a spending agreement between Republicans and Democrats.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned reporters at the White House on Thursday that SNAP funding will face a shortfall in two weeks. So youre talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown, Rollins said. In a post on X, she blamed Democrats for putting their political agenda ahead of food security for American families.

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SNAP funding crisis and political blame game

Democrats, in turn, have accused Republicans of blocking a deal to extend the expiring Obamacare premium subsidies. Rollins comments came a week after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed states that if the federal funding lapse continues, there will not be enough resources to deliver full food stamp benefits in November. The USDA has also asked states to postpone next months payments until further notice.

What is SNAP?

SNAP, the nations largest anti-hunger programme, provides around $188 per person monthly. It currently holds a contingency fund of approximately $6 billion, but November payments are expected to total $8 billion. Under the USDAs shutdown plan, this multi-year contingency funding can be used temporarily, though it may not cover the full requirement. When asked if partial benefits would be issued, a senior official pointed to Rollins statement that the funds would be depleted within two weeks, according to CNN.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticised the Trump administration for instructing states to halt regular monthly disbursements. As lawmakers continue to battle over the fiscal year spending bill, the food stamp programme becomes the second major nutrition aid scheme in danger of losing funding since the October 1 government shutdown.

States halt new applications amid uncertainty

At least 17 states are preparing to stop accepting new food stamp applications as the funding shortage looms. Their systems require issuing November benefits along with half of Octobers, creating an additional financial strain. Other states, however, may process October applications separately to access available funds for both months.

This is not the first time food stamps have been threatened during a shutdown. During the record-breaking 2018 standoff, the USDA initially warned that benefits would expire by the end of January but later managed to fund February payments using an emergency clause allowing disbursements within 30 days of a funding lapse.

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As the political deadlock deepens, millions of American families now face an uncertain November, and potentially, an empty Thanksgiving table.
Turkey and Azerbaijan, the two nations that backed Pakistan during its military confrontation with India after the Pahalgam terror attack, have witnessed a sharp decline in the Indian tourist traffic after Operation Sindoor

The three-brother alliance, a term used to describe the close military cooperation between Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey, was formed during and after the Armenia-Azerbaijan War of 2020. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Turkey and Azerbaijan, the two nations that backed Pakistan during its military confrontation with India after the Pahalgam terror attack, have witnessed a sharp decline in the Indian tourist traffic after Operation Sindoor. According to a report by The Indian Express, between the two nations, Azerbaijan have been hit the worst.

As per the data shared by the Indian news outlet, Baku saw a whopping 56 per cent decline in Indian tourists during the May-August period, while Turkey registered a 33.3 per cent drop. It is pertient to note that both in Turkey and Azerbaijan, tourism remains a key component of the economy.

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In the past, the two places gained significant popularity as tourism destinations for Indians, and the number of Indian travellers visiting the two countries had grown considerably in recent years, with direct flight connections also seeing a rise.

However, the countries backing of Pakistan during the 4-day military confrontation in May led to a massive backlash in India, with growing calls to boycott these two nations. According to The Indian Express, in May itself, travel booking portals began reporting a notable drop in bookings for these countries, and a jump in cancellations of bookings already in place.

Some travel service providers also discouraged Indians.

Additionally, travel service providers like Ixigo and Cox & Kings also stopped offering flight and hotel bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan. While some outrightly discouraged Indians from travelling to these nations. Some examples shared by The Indian Express were those of MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip. The two online travel booking sites advised against non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan after Operation Sindoor.

Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60 per cent, while cancellations have surged by 250 per cent during the same period. In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We have already discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations, MakeMyTrip had said in a statement on May 14.

Latest data from the Azerbaijan Tourism Board stated that while the number of visitors from India had grown 33 per cent year-on-year in January-April, it plummeted almost 56 per cent year-on-year in the following four months. In the May-August period, the number of visitors to Azerbaijan from India dropped to around 44,000 from nearly a lakh in the corresponding four months of 2024.

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Even before Operation Sindoor, in the first four months of this year, Azerbaijan had around 81,000 visitors from India, notably higher than nearly 61,000 in the year-ago period. The Azerbaijan Tourism Board had described India as a key target market for the tourism sector in Azerbaijan, and India was also among its top five tourism source markets, The Indian Express reported. However, in August, India dropped to 11th place in terms of the number of visitors to Azerbaijan.

What about Turkey

The data from Turkeys Ministry of Culture and Tourism, obtained by The Indian Express, showed that the number of Indians travelling to Turkey in the May-August period fell by a third to around 90,400 from nearly 1.36 lakh in the corresponding four months of last year.

The number of Indians travelling to Turkey in the May-August period fell by a third to around 90,400 from nearly 1.36 lakh in the corresponding four months of last year. In the first four months of the year 2025, around 83,300 Indians visited Turkey, only slightly lower than the year-ago periods 84,500 visitors.

From January to August, the number of Indian nationals who travelled to Turkey fell 21 per cent year-on-year to 1.74 lakh. In contrast to this, in the same period last year, the number of Indian visitors to Turkey had jumped 28.5 per cent from January-August 2023 levels. Overall, it is safe to say that the geopolitical alignment of the two nations did impact the number of Indians travelling there.

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Pakistan has accused India of fuelling escalating clashes with Afghanistan, as New Delhi strengthens diplomatic ties with the Taliban and Islamabads relations with Kabul deteriorate sharply

Afghan relatives and mourners surround coffins of victims, killed in aerial strikes by Pakistan, during a funeral ceremony at a cemetery in the Urgun district of Paktika province on October 18, 2025. (AFP)

As fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated into rare, bloody combat this month, Islamabad pointed fingers at another adversary, accusing India of fuelling the conflict.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that New Delhi had incited the Afghan Taliban, while his Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, described Kabul as acting like a proxy of India.

Existential archrivals, Pakistan and India have fought repeated wars since partition cleaved the subcontinent at the end of British rule in 1947.

They have also long swapped claims of stoking militancy in each others territory as part of alleged destabilisation campaigns.

But in recent months, Islamabad has warily watched India cosy up to Taliban-governed Afghanistan, even as its own relations with Kabul sharply deteriorated.

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The diplomatic reconciliation culminated in the Taliban foreign ministers arrival in New Delhi on October 9 , the first visit by a top Taliban leader since the hardliners returned to power in 2021.

As India rolled out the red carpet for UN-sanctioned minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, explosions rocked Kabul as well as a market near the Pakistan border.

Wahid Faqiri, an Afghan expert in international relations, said rapprochement between India and the Taliban had compelled Pakistan to react.

By inviting the Taliban foreign minister for a week of talks, New Delhi aimed to aggravate the ongoing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said.

While the October 9 explosions officially went unclaimed, the Taliban government accused Islamabad of an unprecedented incursion, and retaliated with its own offensive.

The exchanges set in motion more than a week of deadly artillery barrages and drone strikes  the worst violence between the South Asian neighbours in years.

After an initial truce collapsed, a second ceasefire was inked on October 19.

Blaming its neighbours

One-time allies Afghanistan and Pakistan have had frosty relations since the withdrawal of US-led troops and return of the Taliban government.

Initially, Islamabad struck an optimistic tone, with then-intelligence chief Lieutenant-General Faiz Hameed giving public assurances that everything will be fine.

But Islamabad has since continuously accused the Taliban authorities of providing a safe haven to militant groups as deadly terror attacks in Pakistan surge.

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The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates are behind much of the violence  largely directed at security forces.

In October alone, over 100 security personnel and police officers were killed in attacks carried out by assailants from Afghanistan, a Pakistani security source told AFP.

For two years now, the rising violence in Pakistan has also helped fuel a mass deportation campaign, with millions of Afghan migrants and asylum seekers blamed for driving up crime and pushed back across the border.

Former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi said the Taliban foreign ministers trip to New Delhi may have been an irritant, but wasnt the motivation for the Pakistani reprisals.

The principal driver for Pakistans ire and frustration with the Taliban authorities is their refusal to rein in TTP, she said.

Pakistans military has also accused New Delhi of supporting the TTP.

Indias foreign ministry denies the charge, and instead accuses Pakistan of trying to evade responsibility for its domestic turmoil and security problems.

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It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures, it said.

Solidarity

The bonhomie between New Delhi and Kabul was initially difficult to justify in India due to the dominant public perception of Islam as contrary to Prime Minister Narendra Modis popular Hindu nationalism, said Praveen Donthi, an analyst at International Crisis Group (ICG).

The absence of women journalists at an initial press conference during Muttaqis visit also sparked strong criticism, but public opinion shifted, Donthi said, when the Taliban minister expressed solidarity with India over an April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

That attack in the flashpoint Kashmir region precipitated a four-day war between the nuclear-armed foes, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of backing the terrorists.

The Afghan ministers solidarity may have bought him some fans in India, but it aggravated Islamabad, with the joint statement describing the disputed region as Jammu and Kashmir, India  suggesting Indian sovereignty.

At the end of the Afghanistan-India exchange, New Delhi announced it would upgrade its diplomatic mission in Kabul to a fully fledged embassy.

That represented another stepping stone towards the Taliban governments ultimate goal of formal international recognition, a move only Moscow has made and that analysts say remains far off for India.

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For now, the rekindling is a significant win for the Taliban authorities, and a pointed shift in the complex India-Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Kelly Osbourne accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of her late father Ozzy Osbourne at the Birmingham Awards.

Kelly Osbourne collected a lifetime achievement award on her late father Ozzy Osbourne's behalf

The Black Sabbath legend died at the age of 76 in July and his daughter took to social media to explain how being honoured at Friday's (17.10.25) ceremony in his home city "would have meant the world to him".

Kelly wrote on Instagram: "Last night I had the honour of accepting my father's lifetime achievement award on his behalf at the @birminghamawards.

"I can't thank everyone enough for their love and support. I know that my dad was shining down on us from heaven with pride because being a #Brummy meant more to him than anything. He loved the city and he loved the people."

The 40-year-old star added: "This honour would have meant the world to him. From the bottom of my heart thank you. #birminghamforever."

Kelly explained last month that falconry had helped her come to terms with her father's passing and allowed her to discover her "smile again".

Sharing a snap of herself with one of the birds on her Instagram Stories, Kelly penned: "In all my sadness and grief, I have found something that makes me happy!

"I never thought I would find my smile again through falconry but I did. I absolutely love being with the birds."

The star - who collaborated with Ozzy on a UK chart-topping cover of Black Sabbath's Changes in 2003 - had described her father's death as "the hardest moment of my life" in the aftermath of the tragic news.

She wrote on social media at the time: "The love, support, and beautiful messages I've received from so many of you have truly helped carry me through the hardest moment of my life.

"Grief is a strange thing, it sneaks up on you in waves - I will not be ok for a while, but knowing my family is not alone in our pain make a difference.

"I'm holding on tight to the love, the light, and the legacy left behind."

Ozzy passed away on July 22, following a series of health problems that included a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

His family said in a statement at the time: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love."
A relative mourns over a Palestinian man who was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday.

Majed Daoud, 42, was shot in the abdomen and limbs by Israeli forces in the Al-Ain refugee camp in Nablus.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its teams treated two gunshot injuries in Nablus, one of which was serious. Daoud underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation but died from his wounds upon arrival at the hospital. The society added that another young man, 22, was injured by shrapnel from live bullets in his feet.

Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses reported that Israeli special forces stormed a neighborhood in the Al-Ain refugee camp and surrounded a house. Gunfire was exchanged, and residents were reportedly attacked before the Israeli army sent reinforcements to the area.

The Israeli army has not commented on the incident.

It comes a day after the Israeli army reported that two of its soldiers were injured by an explosive device thrown by a Palestinian in Tubas, a city in the northern West Bank.

The explosion left the soldiers moderately injured, and they were taken to a hospital for treatment, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a press statement.

No Palestinian group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The West Bank has witnessed escalating tensions since Oct. 7, 2023, amid repeated Israeli military operations and incursions into Palestinian cities, villages, and refugee camps. According to Palestinian statistics, these operations have resulted in the deaths of more than 950 Palestinians. 

Relatives mourn over a Palestinian man who was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers are seen during a military raid in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Relatives mourn over a Palestinian man who was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Israeli soldiers are seen during a military raid in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Relatives mourn over a Palestinian man who was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Medics are seen evacuating a Palestinian man who was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Medics are seen evacuating a Palestinian man who was killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 19, 2025. A Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli army in Nablus, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)
The 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which was designed to keep the region safe from the spread of atomic weapons, has officially ended. Heres why it matters

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (C) walks on his way to a bilateral meeting with France's President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 24, 2025. - AFP

The 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which was designed to keep the region safe from the spread of atomic weapons, has officially ended. On Saturday, Tehran announced the termination of the decade-old agreement and said that it was no longer bound by the 2015 agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Under the treaty, signed during former US President Barack Obamas administration, international sanctions were lifted in exchange for limitations on Tehrans nuclear programme. From now on, all of the provisions [of the 2015 deal], including the restrictions on the Iranian nuclear programme and the related mechanisms, are considered terminated, Irans foreign ministry said in a statement.

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However, in the statement, Iran maintained that the country firmly expresses its commitment to diplomacy. The deal was signed in Vienna by Iran, China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the US, with the hope that the agreement would end the years-long diplomatic standoff and mark the beginning of a new era in relations between Iran and the West.

The agreement has been facing challenges for a while

It is pertient to note that while the agreement officially expires on Saturday, it has been in disarray for years. In 2018, during his first term in the White House, US President Donald Trump unilaterally took the United States out of the deal and reinstated sanctions. Trump often criticised Obamas move to sign the deal and was discouraged from diplomacy by Irans arch-enemy, Israel.

After Americas withdrawal, Tehran began ramping up its nuclear programme. European-led talks to resurrect the agreement have failed, and this summers bombing raids on Iran by Israel and the US left hopes for a revival at a historic low. After the 12-day war in June, Irans parliament eventually passed a bill refusing to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UNs nuclear inspectorate.

After the bill was passed, signatories like Britain, Germany and France triggered the so-called snapback process, leading to the reimposition of the UN sanctions. The snapback provision allows for the rapid and automatic reimposition of all UN sanctions that were lifted under the deal if Iran were to significantly violate its nuclear commitments. Those snapback sanctions in effect made a formality of termination day, which was set for 18 October, exactly 10 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Last month, when the snapback sanctions went into effect, the British, French and German foreign ministers released a joint statement, stating that they would continue to seek a new diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the sanctions must not be the end of diplomacy and that a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations. On Monday, Trump reiterated that he wanted a peace deal with Iran, while Tehran has repeatedly said it remains open to diplomacy with the US, provided Washington offers guarantees against military action during any potential talks.

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With inputs from AFP.
Trump had said he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the ceasefire deal that he brokered

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid and fuel line up at the crossing into the Gaza Strip at the Rafah border on the Egypt side, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Rafah, Egypt, October 17. (REUTERS)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice. The reopening, he said, will depend on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages, as both sides continue to trade blame over violations of the US-mediated ceasefire.

His remarks came shortly after the Palestinian embassy in Egypt declared that the Rafah crossing, the main exit and entry point for Gazans, would reopen on Monday for entry into the enclave. The conflicting statements have added confusion to an already tense situation.

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The Israeli government and Hamas have accused each other for days of breaching the ceasefire terms. Late Saturday in Washington, the State Department said it had received credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza. It added that the alleged planned attack would represent a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The department stated that measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire should Hamas proceed, without offering further details. Former President Donald Trump, who brokered the truce, has said he may allow Israel to resume military operations if Hamas fails to uphold its commitments.

The group has recently carried out a security crackdown in urban areas vacated by Israeli forces, marked by public executions and clashes with local armed clans.

Fragile truce and formidable obstacles to peace

In a statement on Saturday night, Hamas accused Netanyahu of violating the ceasefire agreement and reneging on promises made to mediators. The group argued that closing Rafah would block access to equipment needed to locate the remaining hostage bodies under rubble, thereby delaying their recovery and handover.

Israel said it received two more bodies late on Saturday, bringing the total to 12 out of 28 under the US-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal agreed last week. The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, displacing nearly the entire population, with famine confirmed by a global hunger monitor and local health services overwhelmed.

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The dispute over the return of bodies and humanitarian aid underscores the fragility of the truce. It also threatens to disrupt other elements of President Trumps 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict. Under the agreement, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages it had held for two years in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.

Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the handover of deceased hostages, while Hamas says the scale of destruction in Gaza makes locating all remains difficult. The deal also requires Israel to return 360 bodies of Palestinian militants in exchange for the deceased Israeli hostages, with 15 bodies returned for each Israeli body received so far.

Rafah has largely been closed since May 2024. The ceasefire agreement calls for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were found to be suffering from famine as of August, according to the IPC global hunger monitor.

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After an 11-week aid cut off in March, Israel resumed deliveries in July and has expanded them further since the truce. Around 560 metric tons of food have entered Gaza daily on average since the ceasefire, still far short of the need, according to the UN World Food Programme.

Major challenges continue to impede Trumps peace initiative, including the question of Hamas disarmament, Gazas future governance, the composition of an international stabilisation force, and steps toward establishing a Palestinian state.

(With agency inputs)
Israeli media report that the Israeli military is conducting strikes in Rafah and other areas of southern Gaza.

An aerial view shows the Al-Maqussi Towers district, heavily damaged by massive Israeli bombardment over the past two years, in northwestern Gaza City on October 15, 2025, during a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions.- Image- AFP

Just days after a US-brokered ceasefire, Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, Reuters reported on Sunday, citing Israeli Channel 12. The strikes came amid mounting tensions over the fragile truce, which appeared to be on the brink of collapse as the United States accused Hamas of plotting an attack in the disputed territory.

Terror operatives attacked Israeli troops in Rafah, prompting the IDF to respond with airstrikes, shaking the ceasefire, the Times of Israel reported.

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Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that the air force was attacking Rafah in southern Gaza, with most media outlets describing the operations as air strikes.

The Israeli military said on Friday that several terrorists opened fire on soldiers in the Rafah area, causing no injuries. Later the same day, the military said it struck another group of terrorists approaching troops in Khan Younis. The military added that it would continue to operate to remove immediate threats.

For days, the Israeli government and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with Israel announcing that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice.

Israel and Hamas have also clashed over the return of deceased hostages. Israel has demanded that Hamas fulfill its obligations to hand over the remaining bodies of all 28 hostages. While Hamas has returned all 20 live hostages and 12 of the deceased, it said recovering corpses buried under rubble requires effort and special equipment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Saturday that the war in Gaza would not be over until Hamas was disarmed and the Palestinian territory demilitarised.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC. File image/Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Saturday that the war in Gaza would not be over until Hamas was disarmed and the Palestinian territory demilitarised.

His declaration came as Hamass armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, handed over the remains of two further hostages on Saturday night under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahus office said late Saturday that a Red Cross team had received the remains of two hostages from Hamas and handed them to Israeli forces in Gaza, from where they would be taken to Israel to be identified.

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The issue of the dead hostages still in Gaza has become a sticking point in the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel has linked the reopening of the key Rafah crossing to the territory to the recovery of the hostages remains.

Netanyahu cautioned that completing the ceasefires second phase was essential to ending the war and involved the disarming of Hamas and the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip.

When that is successfully completed  hopefully in an easy way, but if not, in a hard way  then the war will end, he added in an appearance on right-wing Israeli Channel 14.

Hamas has so far resisted the idea and since the pause in fighting has moved to reassert its control over Gaza.

The US State Department on Saturday said it had credible reports that Hamas was planning an imminent attack against civilians in Gaza, warning that would be a ceasefire violation.

Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire, it said in a statement, without elaborating on the nature or target of such an attack.

Rafah crossing closed

Under the ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, Hamas has so far released all 20 living hostages, along with the remains of nine Israelis and one Nepalese.

In exchange, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and 135 other bodies of Palestinians since the truce came into effect on October 10.

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Hamas has said it needs time and technical assistance to recover the remaining bodies, which it says are buried under Gazas rubble.

Netanyahus office said he had directed that the Rafah crossing remain closed until further notice.

Its reopening will be considered based on how Hamas fulfils its part in returning the hostages and the bodies of the deceased, and in implementing the agreed-upon framework, it said, referring to the week-old ceasefire deal.

Hamas warned late Saturday that the closure of the Rafah crossing would cause significant delays in the retrieval and transfer of remains.

Digging latrines

Further delays to the reopening could also complicate the task facing Tom Fletcher, the UN head of humanitarian relief, who was in northern Gaza on Saturday.

To see the devastation  this is a vast part of the city, just a wasteland  and its absolutely devastating to see, he told AFP.

Fletcher said the task ahead for the UN and aid agencies was a massive, massive job.

He said he had met residents returning to destroyed homes who were trying to dig latrines in the ruins.

We have a massive 60-day plan now to surge in food, get a million meals out there a day, start to rebuild the health sector, bring in tents for the winter, get hundreds of thousands of kids back into school.

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Gaza killings continue

Some violence has persisted despite the ceasefire.

Gazas civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority, said on Saturday that it had recovered the bodies of nine Palestinians  two men, three women and four children  from the Shaaban family after Israeli troops fired two tank shells at a bus.

Two more victims were blown apart in the blast and their remains have yet to be recovered, it said.

At Gaza Citys Al-Ahli Hospital, the victims were laid out in white shrouds as their relatives mourned.

My daughter, her children and her husband; my son, his children and his wife were killed. What did they do wrong? demanded grandmother Umm Mohammed Shaaban.

The Israeli military said it had fired on a vehicle that approached the so-called yellow line, to which its forces withdrew under the terms of the ceasefire, and gave no estimate of casualties.
A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea across the rivals heavily fortified border on Sunday, South Koreas military said.

A North Korean soldier crossed into South Korea on Sunday in a rare defection across the countries heavily fortified border, the South Korean military said.

According to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, the soldier traversed the central section of the land border and was taken into custody after expressing a desire to resettle in the South.

It marks the first reported defection by a North Korean soldier since August 2024, when a staff sergeant fled across the eastern part of the frontier. Such crossings remain uncommon due to the high level of security along the boundary.

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The border, formally called the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), spans 248 kilometres (155 miles) in length and 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) in width. Despite its name, it is heavily guarded with land mines, tank traps, barbed wire, and combat troops. In 2017, a North Korean soldier attempting to escape was shot about 40 times by his comrades before South Korean forces managed to rescue him.

A vast majority of about 34,000 North Koreans who have fled to South Korea since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War came via China, which shares a long, porous border with North Korea.

Relations between the two Koreas remain strained, with North Korea repeatedly rejecting outreach by South Koreas liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June with a vow to restore reconciliation between the rivals.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistans Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir once again resorted to war-mongering tactics against India after he said that Islamabad would respond much beyond the expectations of the initiators

Pakistans Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir once again resorted to war-mongering tactics against India after he said that Islamabad would respond much beyond the expectations of the initiators. Munir on Saturday warned India against any fresh wave of hostilities. He went on to underline that there was no space for war in a nuclearised environment.

The remark from Munir came during his address to the cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul in Abbottabad, the land where the United States found Osama Bin Laden in hiding. In his provocative speech, Munir asked India to settle core issues with Pakistan, The Indian Express reported.

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We will never be intimidated nor coerced by your rhetoric and shall respond decisively, beyond proportion, to even a minor provocation without any qualms. The onus of ensuing escalations, one that may ultimately bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond, will squarely lie with India," Munir averred.

Munir issues a nuclear threat for the second time in two months

It is pertinent to note that this is the second time in the past two months that the Pakistani army chief has issued a nuclear threat to India. In an address to the Pakistani diaspora in Tampa, Munir was quoted as saying, We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we will take half the world down with us.

In recent times, Munir has made three official trips to the United States. The first was in June when he met US President Donald Trump, weeks after Operation Sindoor. The second came in August, when he attended the retirement ceremony of the US Central Command commander. Finally, the third one was in September when he met Trump again at the White House, along with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was there to attend the UN General Assembly session.

It is pertinent to note that the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which led to Operation Sindoor, came a week after Munir described Kashmir as Islamabads jugular vein. He went on to draw a distinction between the people of India and Pakistan on religious lines. Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different We are two nations, we are not one nation, Munir said.

At that time, his remarks drew sharp criticism from India. How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a Union Territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
A tense White House meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Friday descended into heated exchanges, as Trump reportedly urged his counterpart to accept Russias terms for ending the war

In this handout photograph taken on October 17, 2025 and released on October 18, 2025 by the Ukrainian presidential Press Service, US President Donald Trump (L) speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) at the White House in Washington, DC.- AFP

US President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept Russias terms for ending the war during a tense White House meeting on Friday, warning that President Putin would destroy Ukraine if it did not comply, the Financial Times reported.

The meeting between the two leaders frequently descended into a shouting match, with Trump cursing all the time, people familiar with the matter told FT.

European officials cited by FT said Trump told Zelenskyy that he was losing the war and needed to cut a deal or face destruction. The US presidents comments, they said, closely mirrored Putins language, contradicting his earlier statements about Russias military vulnerabilities.

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They said that the US president brushed aside maps showing front-line positions, insisting that Kyiv surrender the entire Donbas region to Russia and echoing talking points Putin had raised during their phone call a day earlier.

The meeting came amid Trumps renewed push to end Russias invasion following the Gaza ceasefire deal, which he has framed as a model for achieving global stability.

European officials with knowledge of the exchange told FT that Trump bluntly told Zelenskyy he was losing the war and needed to cut a deal or face destruction, quoting the U.S. president as saying, If [Putin] wants it, he will destroy you.

During the meeting, Trump appeared to repeat several of Putins arguments verbatim, even when they contradicted his own previous comments about Russian weaknesses. His posture reflected a sharp pivot from earlier months, when he had suggested he could broker peace through strength while arming Ukraine with long-range weapons to deter Moscow.

Trumps tone shifted markedly after his Thursday call with Putin, during which the two leaders agreed to meet in Budapest within weeks to discuss Ukraines war. Speaking to reporters later, Trump said, Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by war and guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim victory, let history decide.

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Trump hints at accepting current battle lines

After the meeting, Trump appeared to favour a settlement that would freeze the conflict along existing battle lines. Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide! he posted on Truth Social.

Later in Florida, he urged both sides to stop the war immediately and implied that Moscow should retain territory it has seized. Trump also indicated hesitation over providing long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, despite earlier suggestions of possible support. Wed much rather have the war be over, to be honest, he told reporters.

Zelenskyy urges allies against appeasing Russia

Zelenskyy on Sunday urged allies against appeasing Russia, in a statement after he returned from a trip to the United States where he failed to secure long-range Tomahawk missile supplies.

Zelenskyy came to Washington after weeks of calls for Tomahawks, hoping to capitalise on US President Donald Trumps growing frustration with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after a summit in Alaska failed to produce a breakthrough.

But the Ukrainian leader left empty-handed as Trump eyes a fresh diplomatic breakthrough on the back of last weeks Gaza peace deal.

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Ukraine will never grant terrorists any bounty for their crimes, and we count on our partners to uphold this very position, Zelenskyy wrote on social media on his return from Washington.

He called for decisive steps from European and American allies, adding that it was time for another meeting between the European-led coalition of the willing.

According to Germanys Kiel Institute, foreign military support to Ukraine dropped by 43% in July and August compared to the first half of the year. The institute attributed the decline partly to a new NATO fund  the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)  that pools European contributions for US-made weapons, excluding direct American financing.

With inputs from agencies
The US Department of State issued a warning on Saturday that there are credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.

Hamas gunmen on pickup trucks escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners as they are greeted following their release from Israeli jails under a cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, October 13, 2025. File Image/AP

The US Department of State issued a warning on Saturday that there are credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza. In the statement, the state department noted that they have informed the nations guaranteeing the Gaza ceasefire agreement about the latest findings.

This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement, the department said in a statement. Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire, it added.

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The United States has informed the guarantor nations of the Gaza peace agreement of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.



This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation  Department of State (@StateDept) October 18, 2025

The statement from the US came shortly after the Gaza media reported that an Israeli Navy vessel fired shots at Khan Yunis beach in the southern Gaza Strip. The developments are coming at a time when Hamas returned the remains of two hostages on Saturday.

Hamas comes back to Gaza

Amid the pressure from Israel and US President Donald Trump, Hamas called on mediators on Friday to follow up on the implementation of the remaining provisions of the deal. The Palestinian terror group said in a statement that there was a need to complete the formation of a community support committee, which should begin its work in administering the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the group has also sought to reassert itself in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. It is pertinent to note that since the ceasefire came into effect, Hamas has killed at least 32 people in a wave of killings meant to target anti-Hamas clans that had surged in the Strip.

In a post on TruthSocial, Trump said that if Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them. In a separate interview with CNN, Trump said that he would consider allowing Israeli forces to resume fighting in Gaza if Hamas fails to uphold its end of the ceasefire deal.

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On Friday, for the first time since the ceasefire went into effect, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that it targeted Hamas, striking several terrorists seen exiting a tunnel shaft and opening fire towards troops in Rafah, Southern Gaza.
US President Donald Trump called Colombian President Gustavo Petro an illegal drug leader on Sunday and said the United States would cease large scale payments and subsidies to the South American nation.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday labelled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an illegal drug leader and said the United States would stop large scale payments and subsidies to Colombia.

Trump claimed that the countrys drug production fuels the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc, in a post on Truth Social.

It is unclear which payments the president was referring to. Colombia was once among the top recipients of US aid in the Western Hemisphere, though funding was sharply reduced this year following the closure of USAID, Americas humanitarian assistance arm.

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The Colombian embassy in Washington, D.C. did not immediately comment, while the US State Department deferred questions to the White House, which also did not respond.

Relations between Bogota and Washington have been tense since Trump returned to the White House. Last month, the US revoked Petros visa after he attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged US soldiers to defy Trumps orders.

Petro had pledged last year to curb coca cultivation through large-scale social and military interventions, but the strategy has produced limited results.

In September, Trump designated Colombia, along with Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, as countries that failed demonstrably in meeting US counternarcotics requirements over the past year. He directly blamed Colombian political leadership for the shortfall in controlling drug production.

Petro  is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, said Trump in his post on Sunday, saying U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia were a rip-off.

AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE, he wrote in capital letters.

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With inputs from agencies
The two survivors of an American military strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean will be sent to Ecuador and Colombia, their home countries, President Donald Trump said Saturday.

The two survivors of an American military strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean will be sent to Ecuador and Colombia, their home countries, President Donald Trump said Saturday.

The military rescued the pair after striking a submersible vessel Thursday, in what was at least the sixth such attack since early September.

It was my great honor to destroy a very large DRUG-CARRYING SUBMARINE that was navigating towards the United States on a well known narcotrafficking transit route, Trump said in a social media post. U.S. Intelligence confirmed this vessel was loaded up with mostly Fentanyl, and other illegal narcotics.

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After Trumps announcement, the Pentagon posted on X a brief black-and-white video of the strike. In the clip, a vessel can be seen moving through the waves, its front portion submerged inches below the waters surface. Then, several explosions are seen, with at least one over the back of the vessel.

The Republican president said two people onboard were killed  one more than was previously reported  and the two who survived are being sent to their home countries for detention and prosecution.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed Saturday on X that the Colombian man who was detained aboard what he called a narco submarine was home.

We are glad he is alive, and he will be prosecuted according to the law, Petro wrote in a brief post.

The press office for Ecuadors government said Saturday it was not immediately aware of plans for repatriation.

With Trumps statement on his Truth Social platform of the death toll, that means U.S. military action against vessels in the region have killed at least 29 people.

The president has justified the strikes by asserting that the United States is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. He is relying on the same legal authority used by the George W. Bush administration when it declared a war on terrorism after the Sept. 11 attacks, and that includes the ability to capture and detain combatants and to use lethal force to take out their leadership. Trump is also treating the suspected traffickers as if they were enemy soldiers in a traditional war.

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The repatriation avoids questions for the Trump administration about what the legal status of the two would have been in the U.S. justice system. It may also sidestep some of the legal issues that arose out of the detention of enemy combatants in the global war on terrorism as well as challenges to the constitutionality of the current operation.

To some legal scholars, Trumps use of such military force against suspect drug cartels, along with his authorization of covert action inside Venezuela, possibly to oust President Nicolas Maduro, stretches the bounds of international law.

On Friday, Trump seemed to confirm reports that Maduro has offered a stake in Venezuelas oil and other mineral wealth in recent months to try to stave off mounting pressure from the United States. Venezuelan government officials have also floated a plan in which Maduro would eventually leave office, according to a former Trump administration official. That plan was also rejected by the White House, The Associated Press reported.

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The strikes in the Caribbean have caused unease among members of Congress from both parties and complaints about receiving insufficient information on how the attacks are being conducted. But most Republican senators backed the administration last week on a measure that would have required Trumps team to get approval from Congress before more strikes.

Meanwhile, another resolution to be considered would prevent Trump from outright attacking Venezuela without congressional authorisation.
This photo taken on Oct. 13, 2025 shows a monument set up in memory of fights against Japanese invasion on the Yanliao shore of southeast China's Taiwan. (Xinhua/Qi Xianghui)

TAIPEI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- On a tranquil beach along the northeastern coast of Taiwan stands a weathered stone monument. Its faded inscription still legible: "In memory of fights against Japanese invasion."

In May 1895, this shore, now named Yanliao, was the site where Japanese troops first landed on Taiwan and also where they encountered the first armed resistance, raising the curtain on a half-century struggle for the island's liberation from Japanese colonial rule and restoration to China.

Across the island, from the lush hills of Tainan to the ridges of Changhua and the gorges of Hualien, monuments and memorials stand quietly, not grand in scale, but each carrying the unspoken grief and pride of Taiwan people who refused to bow to foreign rule.

In April 1895, the Qing government, defeated in a war launched by Japan against China, was forced to cede Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan. However, people in Taiwan were determined not to surrender.

Chi Chia-lin, chief of a Taiwan history research association, told Xinhua that nearly 10,000 people in Taiwan sacrificed their lives during the resistance movement in 1895, while on the Japanese side a total of 4,800 Japanese military personnel were killed and about 27,000 injured.

The Japanese encountered the largest scale resistance in the mountainous Changhua County in central Taiwan. In August 1895, thousands of local militia gathered alongside remnants of the Qing army to resist the Japanese on a local hill named Baguashan.

They were outnumbered five to one and poorly armed but fought relentlessly for days, killing over 1,000 Japanese soldiers, including a general, before being overwhelmed. Fewer than 50 survived.

One of the leaders, Xu Xiang, left behind words that still stir the heart: "If this land falls, Taiwan is lost. I will not live to see the motherland again."

Seventy years later, in 1965, local residents discovered 679 skeletons buried on the hillside -- which were identified as the fallen fighters of Baguashan. Today they rest in a memorial park with a monument erected to honor their sacrifice and remind future generations of the spirit that defines the people of Taiwan.

Taiwan's resistance did not end in 1895. It stretched across five decades, through countless acts of defiance against colonial oppression.

In today's Tainan in southern Taiwan, two monuments stand in testimony to one of the most tragic uprisings on the island, the Xilaian Incident of 1915, also known as the Tapani Incident. Led by a man named Yu Qingfang, thousands of local peasants rose up against Japanese rule and their revolt was crushed with brutal efficiency with over 1,000 sentenced to death.

Locals erected a monument on the site of the uprising and another one bearing Yu's name on a hill where a major battle took place.

"Even today, when I come here, I feel a deep sadness," said Lin Shen-jing, a local historian. "The Japanese colonial authorities launched persecutions of village after village in the wake of the uprising. Much more people were killed than recorded in historical archives."

Northward in Hualien along the island's eastern coast, a white modern monument marks the battle of Taroko which took place in 1914. The ethnic minority tribes of Taroko resisted fiercely against the Japanese in defense of their homeland and the price they paid was catastrophic -- with the local clans decimated.

Designed by a local artist, the monument in Hualien features 22 stone spheres symbolizing the tribes that fought together, with one central orb representing the observing spirit of their ancestors.

In the misty mountains of Nantou, another chapter of resistance by ethnic minorities on the island unfolded in 1930. The local tribes there, led by their chief Mona Rudo, attacked Japanese police stations and killed hundreds. Japan's response was swift and merciless -- bombings, poison gas and mass executions left more than 900 people dead.

Locals have erected a statue of Mona Rudo and monuments for those fallen in the battle -- bearing inscriptions such as "heroes against Japanese invasion" and "crimson blood, undying spirit."

All these brave but tragic resistance efforts paved the way to a red stone monument standing high in the square in front of the Taipei Zhongshan Hall, where on Oct. 25, 1945, the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held. From that point on, China recovered Taiwan de jure and de facto.

On the surface of the monument stones, there are vertical cuts, each standing for a year since 1895 -- and three outstanding marks showing the significant years of 1895, 1937 and 1945.

At the base of the monument sits a stone scroll. Among the sentences carved into it, one reads: "The war of resistance against Japanese aggression revealed the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation in defending its homeland. This monument is dedicated to all compatriots who gave their lives in the struggle. May they be remembered forever." 

This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2025 shows a monument marking the Xilaian Incident of 1915, also known as the Tapani Incident, in Tainan, southeast China's Taiwan. (Xinhua/Qi Xianghui)

This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2025 shows a monument marking the battle of Taroko, which took place in 1914, in Hualien, southeast China's Taiwan. (Xinhua/Qi Xianghui)

This photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows a monument marking the victory against Japanese aggression and Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation, in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. (Xinhua/Qi Xianghui)
Ukraine launched a drone strike on Russias Orenburg gas plant, damaging parts of it. There was no casualties reported as Moscow claimed to have downed 45 Ukrainian drones .

Intensifying the war, Ukraine attacked the Orenburg gas plant overnight which is the largest facility state-owned gas giant on Sunday. No employees were hurt during the drone attack as told by the Russian local governor Yevgeny Solntsev but damaged part of the plant, reported by AP.

The Orenburg gas chemical complex includes intensive production in the Orenburg region with an annual capacity of 45 billion cubic metres. Ukraines action could further intensify the situation between the Russian and Ukrainian government. Ukraine earlier also tried to strike down an oil refinery in Samara region.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Russias Defence Ministry said that the Air Defence forces had shot down 45 Ukrainian drones, including over the Orenburg region and a total of 23 over the Samara and Saratov regions.

Ukraine has increased its attack in recent months, there was no comment from the Ukrainian end . Ukraine has recently attacked the energy facilities in Russia which dismantle the oil supplies.

According to the Washington Post, in the recent telephonic conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Putin demanded full control of Ukraines Donetsk region.

Russia has been always willing to take control of the region since 2014, but was never able to take full-control of it.

(With inputs from AP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Sunday for efforts to advance reunification in a message of congratulations to the new leader of Taiwans main opposition party, whose election took place amid accusations of interference by Beijing.

This is an AI generated image for representational purpose only.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for renewed efforts to advance reunification with Taiwan in a congratulatory message to the newly elected leader of the islands main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), whose election has drawn scrutiny amid allegations of Beijings interference.

Former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun, who won Saturdays leadership race and is set to take charge of the KMT on November 1, takes office at a time of heightened cross-strait tensions. Beijing continues to regard Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taipei rejects Chinas sovereignty claims.

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In his message, Xi  in his capacity as head of the Communist Party of China  said the KMT and the Communist Party should consolidate their common political foundation and unite the vast majority of people in Taiwan to deepen exchanges and cooperation, boost common development, and advance national reunification, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Cheng, in her reply, avoided any reference to reunification, saying instead that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait were members of the Chinese nation, an expression referring to shared ethnicity rather than political identity.

The KMT has long supported closer ties with Beijing and remains Chinas preferred interlocutor, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under President Lai Ching-te maintains that Taiwans future should be decided solely by its people.

Both parties should, in light of the current situation, strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation on the existing foundation (and) promote peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Cheng said, according to a party statement.

ACCUSATIONS OF CHINESE INTERFERENCE

While the KMT lost the presidential election last year, the party and its ally, the small Taiwan Peoples Party, together hold the most seats in parliament.

Cheng, 55, opposes Taiwan increasing defence spending, a key policy plank of Lais, and won the leadership vote over the KMT establishment candidate, former Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin.

Accusations of Chinese interference in the election by a key supporter of Haus, the KMTs vice presidential candidate last year, Jaw Shau-kong, overshadowed the campaign. Jaw said social media accounts had spread disinformation about Hau.

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China said on Wednesday that the election was a KMT matter, and that online comments did not represent an official stance.

Writing on his Facebook account on Sunday, Jaw said the KMT must reduce pro-China influence and that the majority of Taiwanese desire peaceful relations and dialogue with China.

The KMT must recognise that elections are held in Taiwan, and voters are in Taiwan, not mainland China, Jaw added.

Late on Saturday, DPP spokesperson Justin Wu said there were clear signs of Chinese interference in the KMT election.

His comments were dismissed by the KMT, which responded with a statement saying: Who is this?
US forces attacked a drugs smuggling vessel on Friday and killed three people, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday, alleging that the boat was affiliated to a Colombian guerrilla group.

This is an AI generated image for representational purpose

US forces attacked a drug-smuggling vessel on Friday, killing three people aboard, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday. He alleged that the boat was linked to a Colombian guerrilla organisation.

The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route, and was transporting substantial amounts of narcotics, he said in a post on X.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump on Sunday labelled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an illegal drug leader and said the United States would stop large scale payments and subsidies to Colombia.

Trump claimed that the countrys drug production fuels the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc, in a post on Truth Social.

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It is unclear which payments the president was referring to. Colombia was once among the top recipients of US aid in the Western Hemisphere, though funding was sharply reduced this year following the closure of USAID, Americas humanitarian assistance arm.

Relations between Bogota and Washington have been tense since Trump returned to the White House. Last month, the US revoked Petros visa after he attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged US soldiers to defy Trumps orders.

Petro had pledged last year to curb coca cultivation through large-scale social and military interventions, but the strategy has produced limited results.

In September, Trump designated Colombia, along with Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela, as countries that failed demonstrably in meeting US counternarcotics requirements over the past year. He directly blamed Colombian political leadership for the shortfall in controlling drug production.

Petro  is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, said Trump in his post on Sunday, saying U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia were a rip-off.

AS OF TODAY, THESE PAYMENTS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF PAYMENT, OR SUBSIDIES, WILL NO LONGER BE MADE, he wrote in capital letters.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

With inputs from agencies
JERUSALEM, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will not open until further notice, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement Saturday night.

Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with how Hamas implements its part in the return of the deceased hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework, according to the statement.

The Palestinian Embassy in Cairo announced earlier in the day that the Rafah border crossing will reopen on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza to pass.

The Israel Defense Forces said early Saturday in a statement that it had received the body of the 10th deceased Israeli hostage held in Gaza from Hamas, apart from all the remaining 20 living hostages.

A ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the United States, went into effect on Oct. 10. Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Under the agreement, Hamas is obliged to return the bodies of 18 more deceased Israeli hostages.

Several media reports, citing a Telegram channel post by Hamas' military wing, al-Qassam Brigades, said the group will hand over the bodies of two more deceased Israeli hostages at 10:00 p.m. local time (1900 GMT) on Saturday. 
Kalen McCain/The Daily Sentinel

Grand Valley Horse Rescue Director Shelle DeVergie grooms Al Capony, the equestrian rescue groups unofficial mascot. The horse rescue and horsemanship training group in Grand Junction, which was scrambling to make ends meet by October, had an outpouring of donations  enough to keep the nonprofit running through November.
TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday strongly condemned Israel for "frequent violations" of the ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Baghaei denounced in particular an Israeli attack Friday night on a bus carrying a Palestinian family to their home in northern Gaza, which killed 11 people, including seven children and two women, as well as Israel's refusal to reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Baghaei pointed to Israel's track record of reneging on its promises and violating other ceasefire agreements, reminding the guarantor states of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, namely the United States, Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar, of their responsibility in that regard.

He also called on the international community to take effective actions to force Israel to stop its "crimes" in Gaza, pull its forces out of the area, and ensure Gazans' access to food and other essential goods.

The war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023, after a surprise attack by Hamas's forces on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken captive. The ensuing Israeli offensive in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 people and injured around 170,000, according to Gaza's health authorities.

A ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the United States, went into effect on Oct. 10. Its first phase includes the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Israel, under the agreement, has received all remaining 20 living hostages and 10 out of the 28 bodies that Hamas is obliged to return.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered that the Rafah crossing remain closed until further notice, his office said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the crossing's "reopening will be considered based on how Hamas fulfills its part in returning the bodies of the hostages and in implementing the agreed-upon framework."

Despite the ceasefire coming into effect, Israeli forces have continued to target Palestinians over the past days, killing several of them. 
Link to Week 39 Article: https://thinkcarebelieve.blog/2025/10/18/week-39-trump-administration-creating-world/

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ThinkCareBelieve has published an article on Week 39 of the Trump 2.0 Presidency. Can we really grasp the importance of what took place this week? This was the culmination of enormous careful effort by special people who really care about the innocent that suffer during war and who truly want Peace for the region. It was a monumental occasion, the likes of which the world has never seen. Leaders of The Middle East all together on the same page making a promise for lasting Peace. Leaders of Hamas also agreeing and releasing all hostages (alive and deceased) back to their families. A new Board of Peace being formed to ensure lasting Peace. Members of the EU and NATO with their presence there to support. Gaza will become a new land for the people, with opportunity and growth and support from all in the region. This is a massive turning point and a giant leap forward for Humanity. Peace Deal Number 8 for President Trump has far reaching positive change for a better future.

In this weeks ThinkCareBelieve article, Charlie Kirk was honored on his birthday and given the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. President Trump signed October 14th into the official national day of remembrance of Charlie Kirk. Because there have been numerous leaks in the past, the Media pool covering the Pentagon was asked to sign a document adhering to the same protocols that they use to enter a Military Base. So far, all but one refused to sign, so their badges were revoked by SecWar Hegseth and they exited the premises. Only the network, One America News agreed to follow the new media access protocols. Also, the White House and many U.S. Government Departments are on Bluesky now such as Dept of War, HHS, Dept of Education, Dept of Labor, Dept of Transportation, the VA, CBP and DHS. This week ended on Day 18 of the Government Shutdown. Congress has not been able to come to a resolution. Military and Law Enforcement were going to run out of pay. But miraculously, an anonymous donor has agreed to make sure that our men and women in uniform get paid. President Trump met with the President of Argentina this week at the White House. They discussed a U.S. financial bailout ($20 Billion Currency Swap), midterm elections, trade and agriculture, geopolitical strategy and alliances and Argentina's reforms.

In the article, there is a video of President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patels Press Conference in the Oval Office explaining about the success of Operation Summer Heat. The numbers for this operation are truly staggering. 8000 violent criminals have been arrested and 725 individuals have been arrested for violent crimes against children with 5400 children found by the FBI. Operation Summer Heat is ending Crimes Against Children. This war and this operation to end Crimes Against Children is not just in the United States, it is happening worldwide. Which leads us to the important topic of the crisis of The Missing Children, who are still missing, and despite the government shutdown, and thank you to the generous anonymous donor, all Law Enforcement and Military are working diligently to rescue them. FLOTUS has been having backchannel correspondence with President Putin on the subject of Missing Children from the War between Russia and Ukraine and has been receiving detailed reports on their mental, physical and psychological health, as well as biographies of who they are and what happened to them. She specifically tells us that some of them are now over the age of 18. U.S. Intelligence has declared these reports accurate. Also worth noting, the Chairman of the Prince Group was indicted for operating Cambodian forced labor slavery scam for cryptocurrency.

Speaking of backchannel correspondence, ThinkCareBelieves article covers Representative Paulina Lunas backchannel communications with Russian Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev about Russia's JFK assassination dossier. Remember, true to his promise, POTUS had the U.S. JFK files released to the public in March and September of this year. Russia did their own investigation into Kennedy's assassination at the time. Rep Luna was given the report, in Russian, and made it publicly available. Subsequently, various online researchers have done AI translations into English. Interesting to note that Russian President Khrushchev and U.S. President Kennedy had planned a World Peace Bridge connecting Alaska to Russia. Dmitriev proposes building a tunnel using Elon Musk's Boring Company technology to dig the tunnel between their closest points, roughly 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) apart. Thats like the distance from New York City to Philadelphia. He says it will cost less than $8 Billion and that he has the funding ready to go.

Also covered in the article is Ukrainian President Zelenskyys visit to the White House. They discussed Security Assurances and an exchange of U.S. Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine Drones. There are extensive plans for Ukraine to increase drone production for their own security and for the U.S.. President Zelenskyy also commented on the prospect of a U.S. to Russia tunnel, he was not too keen about. President Trump wants the war between Russia and Ukraine ended, and he wants all Crimes Against Children ended also, and cleaning up Ukraine is a big part of that. Enough Blood has been shed. Go Home in Peace says POTUS. This would be President Trump's 9th Peace Deal and we are so grateful to him.

This weeks article details The Department of Wars eventful week eradicating a speed boat and a large sub full of drugs, headed for the U.S. Also, despite the bumpy ride that is the China trade negotiations, President Trump makes it clear they are not in a trade war, and that he believes "we'll be fine with China." Former National Security Advisor John Bolton was indicted under the Espionage Act this week, and Election software company Smartmatic and its executives were also indicted for charges for conspiracy, money laundering, and bribery for a $1 million scheme to secure a 2016 Philippine election. In health, President Trump held a press conference announcing that the number one drug of choice for IVF treatment, Gonal-F, will be able to be obtained through the Trump Rx website at heavily reduced prices. They will also be working on lowering the costs of treatment for and a new therapeutic option called Pergoveris is being filed under the FDA Commissioners Priority Voucher Program. All this will help parents wanting to bring life into the world. The week ends with our great U.S. Marine Corps marking its 250th Anniversary with VP JD Vance at the helm of their celebration.

What a week this has been! Week 39 has been a giant leap forward in very important ways, especially in terms of real, durable Peace. A big heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated, beautiful Souls who are making the world's transition into the Golden Age possible. We Love You and We are So Grateful!

ThinkCareBelieve is an outlook. ThinkCareBelieves mission for Peace advocacy facilitates positive outcomes and expanded possibilities. To achieve Peace, we will find the commonalities between diverse groups and bring the focus on common needs, working together toward shared goals. Activism is an important aspect of ThinkCareBelieve, because public participation and awareness to issues needing exposure to light leads to justice. Improved transparency in government can lead to changes in policy and procedure resulting in more fluid communication between the public and the government that serves them. America needs hope right now, and Americans need to be more involved in their government.
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbrest, a rising DTC home furnishing brand, today announced the launch of its independent website (www.arbrest.com). Guided by its Gentle Design philosophy, Arbrest blends natural materials with modern aesthetics to create furniture that gives homes room to breathe, shift, and settle. The brands vision, Where Nature Rests, Life Finds Its Rhythm, is to help every household find its own rhythm of living.

Gentle Design for Real-Life Living

In todays market, high-end solid wood furniture often feels out of reach, while affordable options rely on cheap materials and uninspired designs, says [David], Founder and CEO of Arbrest. Arbrest was founded to change that. By tapping into Southeast Asias rich wood resources, we pair genuine materials with modern design to craft organic-modern furniture at fair priceshelping customers turn houses into homes that feel warm, welcoming, and rooted in comfort.

Highlights of the Website Launch

With the launch of its official site, Arbrest now offers customers worldwide:

A Complete Brand Experience  From brand philosophy to product details, visitors can fully explore the Arbrest world.

 From brand philosophy to product details, visitors can fully explore the Arbrest world. Direct-to-Consumer Service  The DTC model bridges the gap between brand and users, ensuring a transparent, efficient, and personalized shopping experience.

 The DTC model bridges the gap between brand and users, ensuring a transparent, efficient, and personalized shopping experience. Curated Home Collections  Including solid wood dining sets, TV stands, and functional storage pieces designed for diverse home needs.



Arbrest aims to become the go-to brand for family living spaces in the U.S., particularly open-concept dining, kitchen, and living areas. By redefining Gentle Design, Arbrest creates a seamless flow for everyday lifespaces that foster interaction, growth, and emotional connection, while balancing nature and comfort.

About Arbrest

Arbrest is a DTC furniture brand specializing in organic-modern design. Its name means to breathe with the trees, reflecting its mission to create furniture that harmonizes natural materials, modern aesthetics, and practical function. Partnering directly with global manufacturers, Arbrest eliminates traditional middlemen to deliver exceptional quality and value to consumers.

To explore Arbrests latest collections and learn more about its Gentle Design philosophy, visit www.arbrest.com and experience how nature-inspired design transforms modern living.

INS: https://www.instagram.com/arbresthome/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579940503524

TK: https://www.tiktok.com/@arbrestofficial?lang=en
PANAMA CITY, Oct. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The crypto market continues to heat up in mid-October 2025 as investors scan for the next big crypto coin that can deliver exponential returns ahead of the next bull cycle. While TRON (TRX) and Avalanche (AVAX) maintain steady network activity and robust ecosystems, its Blazpays AI-driven presale thats dominating the headlines this week.



Blazpay - Next Big Crypto Coin

Having now raised over $700,000 and sold more than 105 million tokens, Blazpay is quickly emerging as one of the best presale cryptos of the year. Priced at just $0.0075 per token, the projects second presale phase offers investors a rare low-entry opportunity in a market where major coins already trade near all-time highs.

Blazpay Phase 2: The AI-Powered DeFi Revolution Investors Have Been Waiting For

Blazpays Phase 2 presale is reshaping how investors view crypto presales 2025. Its ecosystem blends artificial intelligence with DeFi to create an integrated platform that automates trading, liquidity bridging, and staking, all through a single AI-powered hub.

At the heart of this system lies BLAZ, the projects native token, designed for multichain compatibility and AI-executed perpetual trading. With each presale milestone, the token price rises automatically, rewarding early adopters while maintaining scarcity, a core reason analysts are calling Blazpay the next big crypto coin to watch in 2025.



Blazpay - Next Big Crypto Coin

Multichain Network Strength: TRON, BNB, and Ethereum Supported

Blazpays multichain framework allows investors to buy and bridge across Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, and TRON, ensuring smooth movement between ecosystems. This flexibility is key for traders who want to diversify without dealing with multiple wallets or exchange delays.

Its cross-chain liquidity access makes Blazpay one of the best presale cryptos not just for investors, but also for projects looking to connect DeFi ecosystems through real-time interoperability.

SDK for Builders: Blazpays Developer-Centric Edge

Blazpay isnt just for traders; its also empowering builders. The upcoming Blazpay SDK (Software Development Kit) lets developers integrate AI-DeFi functions directly into their own dApps or NFT platforms.

From automated swaps to smart trade execution, this SDK transforms Blazpay from a simple token into a DeFi infrastructure layer, making it a standout among crypto presales 2025. Developers can plug into Blazpay s AI models to deliver faster, smarter, and more efficient blockchain experiences.

Gamified Rewards: Turning DeFi Into an Interactive Earning Game

Unlike conventional staking models, Blazpay introduces a gamified rewards layer, letting users earn multipliers, badges, and bonuses by completing AI-assisted trading missions or staking challenges.

This gamified ecosystem encourages consistent engagement while boosting liquidity participation. The idea of earning while playing gives Blazpay a strong edge over traditional DeFi protocols, one more reason why traders view it as the next big crypto coin to explode in 2025.

Perpetual Trading Meets AI Risk Control: Precision Trading for All

Blazpays AI-perpetual trading module uses predictive analytics to optimize entries, exits, and position sizing, all while running fully on-chain. Whether youre a beginner or an experienced trader, Blazpays built-in AI ensures that your positions are managed intelligently with real-time risk adjustments.

This technology bridges the gap between decentralized transparency and centralized performance, a combination rarely seen in other crypto presales 2025.

$4,000 Presale Investment Example: The Early Entry Advantage

At the current price of $0.0075, a $4,000 investment secures approximately 533,333 BLAZ tokens.

If Blazpays projected listing price of $0.16 is reached, that position would grow to $85,000.

Should the token rally to $0.50, that same allocation could soar beyond $700,000, a staggering potential gain for early participants.

Such exponential upside potential places Blazpay among the best presale cryptos for investors targeting early-stage, high-reward opportunities in 2025.



Blazpay - Next Big Crypto Coin

TRON (TRX) Market Update: Steady Network, Cautious Sentiment

As of October 17, 2025, TRON (TRX) is trading around $0.309 with a market cap of $26.8 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $1.15 billion. Despite a minor 2% decline, TRON remains a dominant force in on-chain transactions, powering thousands of smart contracts and DeFi operations daily.

With a yearly range between $0.15 and $0.44, analysts predict TRON could recover to $0.34 by November 2025, supported by steady developer activity and global adoption. While TRON continues to offer reliability, investors hunting for the next big crypto coin are rotating toward innovative presales like Blazpay that offer asymmetric growth potential.

Avalanche (AVAX): Stability With Long-Term Growth Potential

Avalanche (AVAX) trades around $17 with a market capitalization near $7 billion, maintaining strong fundamentals as one of the fastest smart contract platforms in the market. Its subnets and low-latency infrastructure continue to attract developers, especially in gaming and DeFi.

While AVAXs stability makes it a solid long-term hold, analysts suggest its growth curve may be more gradual compared to the rapid potential seen in newer AI-powered projects like Blazpay. As a result, many traders are splitting portfolios, holding Avalanche for stability while using Blazpay as a speculative growth play within the best presale crypto category.

Final takeaway - Blazpay: The Next Big Crypto Coin Leading 2025s AI DeFi Shift

Blazpays unified approach, merging AI, DeFi, and multichain trading, marks a major step forward for decentralized finance. With $700K already raised, thousands of holders onboarded, and innovative use cases in development, Blazpay is steadily positioning itself as the next big crypto coin ready to define the next wave of Web3 innovation.

As TRON and Avalanche continue to perform steadily, Blazpays early-stage upside, gamified utility, and AI execution tools are drawing both investors and developers, making it a frontrunner among the best presale cryptos of 2025.



Blazpay - best presale crypto

Join the Blazpay Community

Website: www.blazpay.com Twitter: @blazpaylabs

Telegram: t.me/blazpay

About Blazpay:

Blazpay unites AI-powered execution, perpetual trading, gamified rewards, and multichain interoperability into one intelligent DeFi platform. With its presale price at just $0.0075, Blazpay stands as the next big crypto coin for 2025, giving both retail and institutional investors a chance to enter before mainstream adoption accelerates.

Media Contact:

Contact Person: Alan Wright

Email: alan@blazpay.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Blazpay. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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PRESS RELEASE

KERING AND LOREAL FORGE AN ALLIANCE IN BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

Paris and Clichy, France. October 19, 2025  Kering and LOreal announced today that they are entering a long-term strategic partnership in luxury beauty and wellness. This binding agreement encompasses the acquisition of the House of Creed by LOreal, the beauty and fragrance licenses of iconic Houses of Kering and an exclusive venture to explore business opportunities in the field of wellness and longevity.

Building on the success of Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, this alliance further consolidates the long history of collaboration of two global leaders with complementary strengths  iconic luxury brands of Kering and the world-class expertise of LOreal in beauty  to accelerate growth and unlock considerable value across high-potential categories.

Under the terms of this agreement, Kering has the right to sell Kering Beaute including the House of Creed to LOreal. A true heritage name in haute parfumerie, Creed stands among the leading high-end luxury fragrance Houses, celebrated for its craftsmanship and mastery of rare natural ingredients. As part of LOreal Luxe, Creed will be best positioned to accelerate even further its global development across both mens and womens markets.

The partnership includes the rights to enter into a 50-year exclusive license for the creation, development, and distribution of fragrance and beauty products for Gucci, commencing after expiration of the current license with Coty, and respecting the Kering groups obligations as per the existing license agreement.

Kering will also grant LOreal 50-year exclusive licenses for the creation, development, and distribution of fragrance and beauty products for Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga, starting upon closing of the announced transaction.

A strategic committee will be established to ensure coordination between Kering brands and LOreal and monitor the progress of our partnership.

The agreement, including the sale of Creed and the establishment of these 50-year licenses on these iconic Houses of Kering, is valued at 4 billion, payable in cash at closing, expected in the first half of 2026. LOreal will also pay royalties to Kering for the use of its licensed brands.

Beyond beauty, Kering and LOreal are joining forces to explore business opportunities at the intersection of luxury, wellness, and longevity. This exclusive partnership, in the form of a planned 50/50 joint venture, will craft cutting-edge experiences and services combining LOreals innovation capabilities with Kerings deep understanding of luxury clients.

This strategic alliance marks a decisive step for Kering, declared Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering. Joining forces with the global leader in beauty, we will accelerate the development of fragrance and cosmetics for our major Houses, allowing them to achieve scale in this category and unlock their immense long-term potential, as did Yves Saint Laurent Beaute under LOreals stewardship. Together, we will also venture into new frontiers of wellness, combining the unrivalled expertise of LOreal with our unique luxury reach. This partnership allows us to focus on what defines us best: the creative power and desirability of our Houses.

I am delighted to forge this long-term strategic alliance with one of the worlds most prestigious, creative and visionary luxury groups. This partnership will further solidify our position as the worlds #1 luxury beauty company and allow us to explore new avenues in wellness together. said Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO LOreal Groupe. The addition of these extraordinary brands perfectly complements our existing portfolio and significantly expands our reach into new, dynamic segments of luxury beauty. Through Creed, we will establish ourselves as one of the leading players in the fast-growing niche fragrance market. Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga are all exceptional couture brands with enormous potential for growth.

The agreement contains customary terms and conditions, including regulatory approvals. The agreement is also subject to Kerings obligations under French employment law, with the right for Kering to sell Kering Beaute to LOreal and an exclusivity granted to LOreal.

About Kering

Kering is a global, family-led luxury group, home to people whose passion and expertise nurture creative Houses across couture and ready-to-wear, leather goods, jewelry, eyewear and beauty: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, Ginori 1735, as well as Kering Eyewear and Kering Beaute. Inspired by their creative heritage, Kerings Houses design and craft exceptional products and experiences that reflect the Groups commitment to excellence, sustainability and culture. This vision is expressed in our signature: Creativity is our Legacy. In 2024, Kering employed 47,000 people and generated revenue of 17.2 billion.

About LOreal Groupe

For 115 years, LOreal, the worlds leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our LOreal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.

With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2023 the Group generated sales amounting to 41.18 billion euros. With 20 research centers across 11 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 6,400 Digital talents, LOreal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.

Contacts Kering

Press



Emilie Gargatte +33 (0)1 45 64 61 20 emilie.gargatte@kering.com Caroline Bruel +33 (0)1 45 64 62 53 caroline.bruel-ext@kering.com





Analysts/investors



Claire Roblet +33 (0)1 45 64 61 49 claire.roblet@kering.com Aurelie Husson-Dumoutier +33 (0)1 45 64 60 45 aurelie.husson-dumoutier@kering.com

Contacts LOreal

Individual shareholders









Pascale Guerin +33 (0)1 49 64 18 89 pascale.guerin@loreal.com





Financial analysts and institutional investors



Eva Quiroga +33 (0)7 88 14 22 65 eva.quiroga@loreal.com



Media

Brune Diricq +33 (0)6 63 85 29 87 brune.diricq@loreal.com Arnaud Fraboul +33 (0)6 40 13 62 14 arnaud.fraboul@loreal.com









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In February, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) publicly released video footage of agents knocking at the door of a Los Angeles man wanted for deportation. It was still dark, shortly before dawn, when a man came to the door.Good morning, how are you doing?" the agent greeted him, according to the Los Angeles Times . "Im a police officer. Were doing an investigation."The footage ignited a firestorm in the city over what immigration advocates say is a longstanding practice across the country: When ICE agents interact with undocumented immigrants, they often represent themselves as police officers.We have repeatedly seen ICE go to peoples homes and coerce people to authorize entry under the mistaken belief that [the agents] are police, says Michael Kaufman, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California. It undermines public safety in these communities if people feel like they might be getting tricked.Less than six months later, California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill, AB 1440 , thatestablishes a difference between California police officers and federal immigration agents. The bills fact sheet goes further and stresses that these agents are not allowed to refer to themselves as a police officer under California State Law.But legal experts say neither California nor any other state, city or county has the authority to enforce such a law."This bill is not meant to act as a regulation of the federal government," says Kaufman, who supports the legislation. "It's just for the purposes of California law sending a message to the federal government that the state does not agree that this practice is permissible."The limitations of AB 1440 reflect larger challenges for state and local governments trying to resist federal immigration efforts, especially as cities across the country have dealt with their own controversies regarding this ICE practice. In March, city officials in Hartford, Conn., sharply rebuked ICE agents for wearing uniforms that only said 'POLICE' while trying to lure a woman to a public safety building so they could detain her. The Southern Poverty Law Center accused ICE of deceiving Atlanta residents by stating they were police officers searching for a criminal and for sometimes even showing them photos of a random black man they said was their suspect.While it is legal for ICE agents to identify themselves as police, the practice becomes illegal once it leads to an unlawful search of a person's home or car. In Texas, lawyers successfully argued that ICE agents violated a womans constitutional protections when they identified themselves as policeand showed her photos of a stranger to coerce her into letting them into her home.For their part, ICE representatives say it's necessary for the safety of the officers to be able to identify as police."The word 'police is a universally recognized symbol of law enforcement in most cultures, an important distinction given that many of the individuals with whom ICE interacts are not native English speakers," ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice wrote in an email toGiven the inherently dangerous nature of ICE officers work, their ability to quickly establish their identity as enforcement personnel could potentially mean the difference between life and death."The author of AB 1440, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, was aware that federal immigration agents aren't governed by state law when he introduced the bill. He says the legislation is mainly about communicating to residents that there is a distinction between local police and ICE, as well as communicating Californias stance to federal agents.Its unfortunate, but we as legislators cant keep ICE from lying, Kalra says. If they want to misrepresent themselves, they can do that. But with a bill of this nature, at least we can discourage it and make it clear that [California] does not appreciate it.Kalra and Kaufman both hope the law can mitigate some of the damage they say is being done when ICE agents represent themselves as police officers. Since Donald Trump won the presidential election, police departments across the country have reported a spike in undocumented community members' unwillingness to cooperate with law enforcement -- even as victims of or witnesses to crimes.Federal legislators have also weighed in on the matter. In April, a New York Congressmember introduced a bill that would block ICE from identifying as police officers. But the bill has not gained significant traction and is unlikely to win Republican majorities in both chambers.That's likely to frustrate public officials in Los Angeles, who co-signed a letter to the federal government back in February urging in the strongest possible terms that ICE immediately cease this practice in our city.For forty years, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles City Attorneys office have worked to gain the trust, respect and cooperation of all our citys residents, wrote Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Attorney Mike Feuer and City Council President Herb Wesson. When ICE agents targeting immigrants identify themselves as police officers, they undermine decades of this work.
Despite the hyperpartisan climate of American politics today, the notion that policy decisions should be informed by solid evidence continues to garner bipartisan support at the local, state and national levels. Last year, for example, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and President Obama came together to enact legislation creating a federal Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking . Governments across the country are experimenting with new methods for developing and using data and evidence in their decision-making.Compare, for example, the evolution of modern medicine with the typical approach taken in government. In the 20th century, randomized controlled trials revolutionized medicine, replacing guesswork with a rigorous, scientific method to determine what works and what does not. But in government and philanthropy, all too often decisions about how to allocate scarce resources have continued to be been informed by hunch and anecdote. Replacing hunches with facts has dramatic consequences for the efficacy of government programs, particularly those that deliver services to assist the poorest in our society.But how do you go about building a system of evidence-based policymaking? In an era of tight budgets and hard choices, here are five concrete steps that state and local policymakers can take to ensure that taxpayer money is being used in the most effective ways possible:When authorizing pilot programs, lawmakers should encourage agencies to roll them out in a way that allows agencies and scholars to compare the effect of the programs on those who receive services from them against a statistically identical population that receives only pre-existing services. Policymakers should seek out technical assistance for agencies to become better producers and consumers of evidence and to create a culture of evaluation across the jurisdiction's executive branch.This is a way for agencies to evaluate the impact of a program on recipients and make the case for further funding if it is demonstrably effective. Lotteries can also be the fairest way to select individuals off a wait list. This approach was used to great effect by the state of Oregon when it expanded Medicaid to previously ineligible applicants by lottery, allowing scholars to observe precisely what effects expanded Medicaid access had on beneficiaries' financial circumstances and physical and mental health.Government programs often affect people's lives in ways that are not confined to bureaucratic silos. A housing program can have a profound effect on health, an education program can affect students' job prospects, or a program for substance use disorder treatment can influence the likelihood that patients will get into trouble with the law. But these outcomes can be hard to detect if data is confined to silos within agencies that do not work together. Policymakers should insist that agencies think collaboratively about how to link data so that policymakers and researchers can observe the true effects of programs. South Carolina, for example, has established an integrated data system to make it easier for government and independent evaluators to study the impact of initiatives such as the Nurse-Family Partnership program These are tasked with identifying opportunities for randomized evaluations and other rigorous research, linking administrative datasets across state agencies to facilitate these evaluations, and applying existing evidence to improve the efficacy of state programs. For example, the Washington state legislature established the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to carry out policy-relevant research and to use this evidence to advise legislators. In a similar model with a focus on behavioral science, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., have created behavioral "nudge" units, along the lines of the White House Social and Behavioral Science Team , to apply research from behavioral science to improve the efficacy of their programs.These would be charged with carrying out systematic reviews of existing data and evaluation infrastructure and finding better ways to institutionalize the generation and use of evidence in government policy.By implementing these kinds of suggestions, state and local government policymakers can build the infrastructure to design and fund programs that work -- a win-win for policymakers of all political persuasions and for the citizens they serve.
CAIRO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday urged an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan as "a first step toward a permanent ceasefire," reaffirming Egypt's rejection of any military solution to the ongoing Sudanese civil war, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"There is no military solution to the Sudanese crisis, and preserving the Sudanese national state is essential," said Abdelatty at a session on Sudan's peace and development during the fifth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, held in Egypt's southern city of Aswan.

"The solution must come from the Sudanese themselves through an inclusive political process that reflects their national ownership of the crisis and its course of resolution," he emphasized.

He underscored the necessity of non-interference in Sudan's internal affairs, respecting its full sovereignty, and upholding the principle of "one state, one authority, and one army."

The session discussed comprehensive and sustainable approaches to resolving the conflict in Sudan, prospects for a ceasefire and the post-conflict phase, as well as priorities for reconstruction and international support for Sudanese-led efforts to achieve peace and stability.

Participants in the session included Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salim, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra, and African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

Sudan has been gripped by a deadly civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced several million people both internally and externally, triggering one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, according to UN reports. 
Elkann breaks silence to back Vasseur and rally Ferrari

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has spoken publicly for the first time amid weeks of speculation over the Scuderia's leadership - declaring his "full confidence" in team boss Frederic Vasseur and urging unity inside Maranello.

Lewis Hamilton, United States GP 2025

 Ferrari

Speaking at the National Italian American Foundation's 50th Anniversary in Washington, Elkann directly addressed mounting pressure on Ferrari after a series of disappointing results and persistent rumours linking Christian Horner to his role.

I want to affirm our full confidence in Team Principal Fred Vasseur and in the work he is carrying out together with all his colleagues at Scuderia Ferrari - mechanics, engineers and drivers who are working this weekend in Austin, Elkann said, as quoted by La Repubblica.

I also want to reiterate the importance of teamwork from everyone to maintain high concentration on the only objective that matters - always giving our all on the track.

The comments come as Ferrari endures another uneven weekend in Austin. While early sessions exposed familiar struggles, Charles Leclerc salvaged third place in qualifying for Sunday's main grand prix - a small boost amid growing scrutiny of Ferrari's direction.

We'll be aggressive, Leclerc told Sky Italia. I want to try to get a win before the end of the year. I still believe in it. We're in third place - anything is possible.

The recent rumours, however, have also involved the drivers, after Leclerc's management hinted at disillusionment while Oscar Piastri was linked with Ferrari for 2027.

Leclerc and Hamilton - goodbye to Ferrari? wonders Giorgio Terruzzi in Corriere della Sera. A revolving door at Ferrari leaves Lewis and Charles with an uncertain future.

(GMM)
KIGALI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda and Senegal on Saturday signed five bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation across key priority areas of mutual interest.

The signing ceremony took place in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, during Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's three-day state visit, which started on Friday. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Faye witnessed the signing after holding discussions on areas of shared strategic importance.

The agreements cover visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports, as well as collaboration in agriculture, health, correctional services, and Vision 2050 initiatives.

In his remarks, Kagame said both leaders share a deep concern for Africa's future, particularly the role of its youth.

"Their talent and resilience are undeniable. Our responsibility is to make sure that they have a stable, fair, and innovative environment that enables them to meet their full potential. This is a priority in our joint efforts," Kagame said.

He added that Rwanda and Senegal are guided by common values -- prioritizing people, delivering results, and pursuing bold, transformative visions.

"We also share the vision of a self-reliant, united continent, guided by accountable governance and inclusive development," he said.

Earlier on Saturday, Faye visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"Silence speaks louder than words," he wrote in a post on X. "It reminds us of the horror of the genocide against the Tutsi, but also the resilience and greatness of a people who have managed to transform pain into hope, and to draw from memory to build lasting peace in a constant reconstruction of human fraternity." 
A former Guam Police Department detective and mother of a 2016 murder victim returned to the island this week and is advocating for urgent reforms in how cold cases and homicides are investigated nationwide.

Josephine Funes Wentzel, founded the nonprofit Angels of Justice, after the 2016 murder of her daughter, Krystal J. Mitchell, a 30-year-old property manager in Phoenix, Arizona.

Speaking at the 3rd Regional Forensic Science Symposium on Friday at Guam Community College, she called for Guam to receive the same resources and justice as the mainland.

Whether youre in California or Guam, you should have equal rights to justice, Wentzel said. The CHamoru people and all those who have suffered violence deserve justice like anyone else.

Wentzel, originally from Barrigada, is a longtime advocate for victims of violent crime after experiencing issues getting justice for her daughter.

Angels of Justice helps guide and support families of murder victims, stepping in to bridge the gaps when investigations fall short.

She shared her personal fight for justice after her daughters killer, Raymond McLeod, who had a violent criminal history including an attempted murder of his estranged wife, fled to Mexico and later Central America.

After six years of relentless pursuit, Wentzels efforts paid off in September 2022 when someone in Central America recognized McLeod from her posts on the Spanish-language network Univision, according to Pacific Daily News files.

She attended McLeods arraignment that month after police in El Salvador arrested him on charges related to her daughters strangulation in San Diego.

Wentzel recounted failures in the investigation, including delays in involving the U.S. Marshals, which she said cost months of crucial time.

She pressed agencies including the White House and State Department to take responsibility, and after sustained pressure, McLeod was added to the U.S. Marshals Top 15 Most Wanted list with a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture, the first case to receive such an amount.

When McLeod was finally caught, Wentzel publicly announced the news despite objections from the Marshals, determined to control the narrative of justice for her daughter.

Backlogs

Drawing from her decades of law enforcement experience, Wentzel challenged national crime initiatives and called attention to overwhelming backlogs. She cited statistics showing more than 300,000 homicides remain unsolved annually in the U.S., 600,000 people are reported missing each year, and 44 unidentified bodies are discovered every 12 months.

She pressed for the creation of a national Cold Case Task Force and a unified approach to homicide investigations, pointing out disparities in clearance rates, from 54% in Illinois to 84% in North Dakota, and that location should not dictate whether a murder is solved.

Wentzel proposed a Crystal Mitchell Alert to instantly notify border security when fugitives attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, aiming to prevent escapes and reduce costly international searches. The alert would also improve coordination between local law enforcement, federal agencies, and border security.

She also called for a Medical Examiner Oversight Board to address inconsistencies in death investigations. Many families, she explained, are denied justice due to misclassified cases, especially in underfunded offices lacking expert review panels.

Wentzel condemned forensic failures nationwide and described the devastating impact on families, noting that studies show 87% of marriages dissolve after losing a child to murder.

She detailed a decade of investigative failures and minimal punishments in various cases, including the 2010 disappearance of Heather Higgins, where a suspect received only a misdemeanor charge despite confessing involvement.

In the Kayla Williams case, a detectives efforts to reclassify her death as a homicide were met with internal resistance. The medical examiner initially ruled the death undetermined, suspecting a methamphetamine overdose. After reviewing updated forensic guidelines from 2021, Dr. Veena Singh reclassified the death as homicide, triggering a state review of other autopsies, most of which failed to meet standards.

Wentzel also recalled the 2016 death of Brenda Thurman, initially ruled accidental despite her husband later serving five years for manslaughter. Conflicting rulings between police and medical examiners led to blame-shifting and denied justice until Singh reclassified the death as homicide based on evidence unavailable during the original autopsy.

She urged wider adoption of familial DNA technology to identify suspects through relatives genetic material, sharing how advocacy in Massachusetts and Arizona led to breakthroughs despite legal challenges. Currently, familial DNA use is limited to 16 states and banned in Maryland due to privacy concerns.

Wentzel called for declaring forensic crime lab backlogs a national emergency, citing over 49,000 untested rape kits nationwide and over 175,000 backlogged cases at Quantico alone. She emphasized that homicide cases should be prioritized.

She also condemned misleading defense tactics like the rough sex defense used in her daughters case and is working with lawmakers to ban such defenses, drawing on similar legislation in the U.K., Washington State, and Guam.

Shared humanity

As the author of The Chase and The Capture, which detail her daughters case, Wentzel supports families navigating both grief and the justice system. She urged Guams law enforcement to show empathy and communicate clearly with victims families.

Families rely on you deeply, she said. When trust is broken through lies or neglect, it tears them apart.

Wentzel concluded with a call for unity and compassion across agencies to bring justice and closure to victims families.

We have to work together beyond the badge and remember our shared humanity, she said. Im grateful for the invite home and the chance to make a difference.

She also offered words of encouragement, reminding the audience that resilience and impact can come from even the smallest places.

Im an island girl. Im a volcano girl  I was born on a volcano, she said, laughing. Im hot-headed, too. If someone can come from Guam like this and be able to accomplish these things and change laws and change things, any one of you can do it. Anyone of you can make a difference in this world. Its in here, you have it.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero joins 14 other governors from across the U.S. in launching the Governors Public Health Alliance which seeks to strengthen public health response.

The new nonpartisan initiative brings together governors across state lines to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and response on public health issues, a release from Adelup states.

In coordination with Governors Bob Ferguson (WA), Josh Green (HI), Maura Healey (MA), Kathy Hochul (NY), Tina Kotek (OR), Ned Lamont (CT), Dan McKee (RI), Matt Meyer (DE), Wes Moore (MD), Phil Murphy (NJ), Gavin Newsom (CA), Jared Polis (CO), JB Pritzker (IL), and Josh Stein (NC), the alliance will allow states to explore data-sharing, align on guidance, and act quickly in the face of emerging health threats  from seasonal illness outbreaks to future global health challenges, Adelup said.

On Guam, we see the effects when people, especially children, are not vaccinated, Leon Guerrero said in a statement. Weve had cases of measles and other communicable diseases when our neighbors from the outer islands visit or pass through Guam, and they havent had the chance to be vaccinated. So we know how important it is to protect access to vaccines and other public health protective measures."

The Governors Public Health Alliance will serve as a nonpartisan coordinating hub for governors and their public health leaders and a unified, cross-state liaison with the global health community. The alliance also provides a platform for governors to exchange best practices, align policies, and coordinate on issues like vaccine access, emergency response, and health security.

Participating states have already begun sharing best practices, receiving briefings from public health experts, and coordinating on executive actions governors can take to strengthen public health protections, including standing orders or directives to preserve access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The alliance will provide governors and their teams with timely briefings, policy toolkits, and coordinated strategies to respond to major public health events and support consistent communication across states and communities.

The alliance welcomes further engagement across governors offices and with public health associations and other relevant groups.

The rollout of this new alliance builds on Guams commitment to public health and ongoing work to strengthen responses to emerging health threats, Adelup said.

Our Department of Public Health and Social Services Free Mobile Clinic, launched earlier this year, is part of our commitment to bring essential health and social service resources directly into the heart of Guams communities, "Leon Guerrero said.

She said joining the alliance is one way to protect "services that our people so desperately need."

The Governors Public Health Alliance is supported by the Governors Action Alliance, a nonprofit, nonpartisan initiative that supports governors in protecting fundamental freedoms, including public health.

The alliance is advised by leading public health experts, including former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, former Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink, and Dr. Raj Panjabi, former White House senior director for Global Health Security and Biodefense. As an initiative of GovAct, the alliance will also be advised by GovActs Bipartisan Advisory Board of former governors and former senior federal officials.

With many health threats at our doorstep, collaboration and communication between governors is essential to protect the health of families and save lives, said Dr. Mandy Cohen, former CDC director and former North Carolina secretary for Health and Human Services. This alliance creates the framework to support the national coordination needed to safeguard communities.

Governors are being asked to do more with lessdaily. And yet the challenges keep growing, said Julia Spiegel, founder and CEO of GovAct. GovAct is here to help bring capacity, expertise, and know-how so that governors have the tools they need to act decisively, together, to protect the health and well-being of their people.
Sen. Will Parkinson and his office have been organizing political status town halls for the past month-and-a-half and have held three so far in Yigo, Toto and Malesso.

The next town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. So far, the turnout for each town hall has been 30 to 40 people in each village, with some lively discussion.

I wrote in my last column about how there has been a slow, but steady movement towards a greater openness towards political status change by the majority of Guams residents. This does not mean that the majority of Guams residents are clamoring for a particular status just yet.

But what it does mean is that the decolonization conversation over the past 30 years has helped push an issue that used to be taboo, used to be frightening or even controversial to many people, to something that can be discussed and explored in a more practical manner.

The most recent political status town hall held in the village of Malesso is a very good example of how education has helped create the foundation for a more engaging and productive discussion, rather than one rooted in reactionary ignorance around this issue.

The majority of the community members who spoke out that night, young and old, expressed either support for Guam becoming independent or at least interest in learning more about what it would mean and if it was possible.

This was something that was almost completely unthinkable decades ago. Polls, surveys and studies showed that often, less than 5% would ever admit to supporting the idea of independence for Guam. It seemed too radical, too outlandish. It didnt matter that most of the world was filled with independent countries, some as small as Guam or even smaller.

People associated independence with isolation, cutting the island off from the United States and the rest of the world. People felt that independence and even seeking a change in political status was disloyal or unpatriotic. It didnt matter that the U.S. itself was born through its own push for independence.

It didnt matter that we clearly saw examples from every corner where independent countries traded with each other, made deals with each other and relied on each other and that independence didnt mean leaving the world behind, but instead becoming part of a community of nations. The idea was just too much for people to fathom locally.

That has started to change. It is something that has shown up in polls, surveys and studies. Whereas independence was something that only the tiniest fraction of people on Guam could envision, polls sometimes reveal that 20-30% of respondents express preference for independence as a future status for Guam.

During the Malesso town hall, it wasnt difficult to understand why. The participants in different ways clued us in.

Those that expressed support or interest in independence did so for a variety of reasons. Some talked about the political conditions in the United States under the current administration and how it shows a need for Guam to seek its own path.

Others felt worried about the cost of living, the rising prices of goods, the need to feed ourselves and were looking for a future which would fill us with pride, connect us with the land and break the cycle of dependency that weve been trapped in for so long.

While some who were present had talked about the threat of China as a reason that they supported statehood, others talked about the militarization of the island by the U.S. and the looming threat of possible war as a reason to pursue independence. There was a hope that Guam not be sacrificed or dragged into Americas war just as it had in World War II.

I am looking forward to hearing more community discussion at the next town hall in Tamuning.




Haiti - FLASH : Do not consume the 100% Haitian seasoning mix Pam Pi Gou





The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is warning the public not to consume the 100% Haitian seasoning mix "PAM PI GOU" because it was not prepared and packaged in a manner that ensures its safety. This product could promote the proliferation of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.



The product subject to this warning was offered for sale until October 17, 2025, in several establishments in the province of Quebec. It was packaged in a Mason-type glass jar and sold refrigerated. The product label included, in addition to its name, the words "PAM PI GOU."



The manufacturer is recalling the product in question. It has agreed with the Ministry to issue this warning as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, anyone in possession of this product is advised not to consume it. They must return it to the establishment where it was purchased or discard it.



Even if the affected product shows no signs of spoilage or a suspicious odor, it could be contaminated with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Food contaminated with the toxin from this bacterium can cause the following symptoms when ingested: facial paralysis, unreactive or fixed pupils, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, and vision and speech problems. In severe cases, the illness can cause death.



It should be noted that no cases of illness associated with the consumption of this food have been reported to MAPAQ to date.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Security : Presentation and authentication measures of the biometric National Identification Card





As part of strengthening regional security cooperation, particularly in the fight against cybercrime and transnational crime, the National Identification Office (ONI), together with the Organization of American States (OAS), organized this week at the Oasis Hotel a discussion and information session with several members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to Haiti. The session focused on the technical characteristics and authentication process of the Unique National Identification Card (CINU).



Chaired by Reynold Guerrier, Director General of the ONI, this activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of consular missions to recognize false identity documents often presented when applying for visas or administrative services in their respective foreign offices.



The event brought together several countries heavily affected by Haitian migration flows, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the United States, the Bahamas, and Spain. Also present were representatives from the People's Republic of China, who indicated they were experiencing high demand for visas, as well as representatives from the Embassy of Japan, one of the ONI's major institutional contributors.



During the session, the ONI Director General outlined the key security features integrated into the National Identity Card (NIC). He then conducted a practical demonstration enabling diplomats to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit documents. Technical materials and explanatory documents were provided to participants to better equip them for their daily identification and verification tasks.



Reynold Guerrier explained that the new National Identification Card is biometric and features an electronic chip containing fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans, making it difficult to forge. It also features a QR code and a 2D barcode. This new card is made of polycarbonate for greater durability and is valid for 10 years.



HL/ HaiitiLibre


















A staff member of the World Health Organization (WHO) walks through an Ebola treatment center in the Bulape health zone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Oct. 16, 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday that health authorities could declare the end of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in early December if no new cases are detected before then.(World Health Organization/Handout via Xinhua)

KINSHASA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday that health authorities could declare the end of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in early December if no new cases are detected before then.

The announcement came in a statement from the WHO Regional Office for Africa after the last Ebola patient was discharged from a treatment center following full recovery, a milestone in the country's battle against the deadly virus.

"This discharge marks the start of a 42-day countdown, after which the outbreak can be officially declared over, provided that no new cases are identified," the statement said.

Since the outbreak was declared on Sept. 4 in Bulape, a health zone in the central province of Kasai, a total of 64 cases have been reported, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable. Nineteen patients have recovered, and no new cases have been reported since Sept. 25, according to the WHO.

Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa, hailed the progress made so far. "The recovery of the last patient, only six weeks after the outbreak was declared, is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the strength of partnerships, national expertise, and collective determination to overcome challenges and save lives," he said.

The DRC previously declared the end of its 15th Ebola outbreak in September 2022, which had emerged in the eastern province of North Kivu.

Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain, and malaise, and in many cases, internal and external bleeding, according to the WHO. 

A health worker disinfects at an Ebola treatment center in the Bulape health zone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Oct. 17, 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday that health authorities could declare the end of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in early December if no new cases are detected before then.(World Health Organization/Handout via Xinhua)

A health worker washes her hands at an Ebola treatment center in the Bulape health zone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Oct. 17, 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday that health authorities could declare the end of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in early December if no new cases are detected before then.(World Health Organization/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo shows an Ebola treatment center in the Bulape health zone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Oct. 17, 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) said Sunday that health authorities could declare the end of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in early December if no new cases are detected before then.(World Health Organization/Handout via Xinhua)




Haiti - Social : Prelude to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the ONA





On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Georges Wilbert Franck, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, participated in an open house organized by the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA) as a prelude to the institution's 60th anniversary celebration. Themed "ONA Family Day : Sharing and Discovery", this activity aims to strengthen ties between the ONA, its policyholders, and the community at large.



In his remarks, Minister Franck reiterated the crucial importance of the ONA in the protection and social security chain for the population, particularly workers.



He praised the dedication of ONA Director General Ronald Bazile and the team organizing this activity, which showcased the talents and potential of the institution's civil servants, particularly in the areas of craftsmanship, art, and cuisine.



Franck stated that these events will allow citizens to better understand the ONA's operating mechanism and the various services offered by making them accessible to all. Such initiatives, the Minister affirmed, are essential to forging a positive public image of this social security institution.







For his part, Ronald Bazile stated that this celebration was part of the preparatory activities for the institution's 60th anniversary. He emphasized the importance of this event, which showcases ONA's executives and various departments, allowing participants to better understand the institution's services and new products, while promoting national culture through various events, exhibitions, and discussions.



Furthermore, ONA officially presented the "ONA Education Kredi Lekol" program, an innovative initiative designed to support Haitian families and offer credit facilities to help insured parents better meet the costs of their children's education.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















At least 25 percent of the total global iPhone production has now migrated to India. Apple aims to reduce its dependence on the manufacturing location in China and, at the same time, avoid potentially high tariffs on products from the People's Republic. However, the company now faces a billion-dollar problem on the subcontinent itself: there could be high tax demands from Delhi within the framework of Apple's usual manufacturer model should the company fail to achieve changes in regulations and laws. This is reported by news agency Reuters.

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Apple is not allowed to finance machines

The reason is the way Apple normally proceeds with its production: although it is outsourced to large contract manufacturersin India, besides Foxconn, Tata, and othersApple controls the manufacturing very closely. This leads to the company also purchasing the often extremely expensive machines that the manufacturers then use. The contractors are sometimes not even able to acquire them, which is why Apple takes over this task, it is said. The machines are not handed over to the contractors but are only located in their factory halls; they remain the property of Apple itself.

While this does not seem to pose a tax problem in China, according to Reuters, it looks completely different in India. According to the Income Tax Act there, ownership of the machines would imply a direct business connection to the iPhones produced. This would then mean that Apple's later smartphone profits would suddenly be subject to taxes, according to an Indian official and two industry sources with whom Reuters spoke. So far, billions of US dollars are said to have flowed through Foxconn, Tata & Co. into the construction of factories in India, millions of them for the production machines.

Expansion of production could stall

Apparently, Apple has not financed any of the machines so far in order not to fall under the Income Tax Act, which was introduced in 1961. However, when expanding production, this would probably have to happen, observers say. Contract manufacturers can only spend money up to a certain extent, an expert told Reuters. Only if the law changes could Apple expand more easily on the subcontinent. India would thus be more competitive worldwide.

The company is therefore said to be intensively lobbying for a change in the Income Tax Act. The request has already been received in Delhi, where smartphone manufacturing is considered an important industrial factor in politics. Apple's proposal is already on the table and is being carefully examined, it is said. This is a difficult decision, according to informed circles. However, India risks losing billions in investments, as the machines are sometimes that expensive. Apple, in turn, is not willing to pay billions in taxes to Delhi.

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Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden

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Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The airline confirmed that the seat covers had been washed with water, contrary to manufacturer guidelines. The washing process potentially compromised the materials fire-retardant properties. As a result, Finnair removed the affected aircraft from service starting last Monday.

Finnair has cancelled around 70 flights and rerouted over 12,000 passengers this week after grounding eight of its Airbus A321 aircraft due to a fire safety issue linked to seat cover maintenance.

The company said it began installing new seat covers over the weekend. One aircraft returned to service on Sunday morning, operating a flight from Helsinki to Rhodes. Seven other aircraft remain grounded, with no confirmed timeline for their return.

The grounded planes are Airbus A321s, typically used for European routes and capable of seating approximately 200 passengers. While Finnair has avoided mass cancellations in recent days, capacity has been reduced, leading to significant overbooking issues.

On Sunday, around 460 passengers were moved to different flights due to aircraft downgrades. Finnair used smaller replacement aircraft where necessary, and in some cases, offered incentives for volunteers to switch flights.

The airline said it has prioritised rebooking on high-frequency routes, such as HelsinkiStockholm and HelsinkiLondon, to ensure alternative options are available. If necessary, customers have been offered accommodation or compensation in accordance with EU air passenger rights.

To help manage the disruption, Finnair has brought in two aircraft with crews from Danish carrier DAT since Wednesday. So far, DAT remains the only external partner supporting Finnair's fleet shortage.

Finnair operates over 300 flights a day. In recent days, the number of cancelled flights has dropped to single digits, and some days have passed without any cancellations. But the airline acknowledged that irregularities are likely to continue through the coming week.

HT
The family, identified as the Abu Shaaban family, was travelling in a bus through the Zeitoun neighbourhood to inspect their destroyed home when an Israeli tank fired on their vehicle, according to Gazas civil defence.

Israeli forces killed 11 members of a Palestinian family in Gaza City on Friday, marking the most lethal breach of the Gaza ceasefire since it came into effect eight days earlier.

One child remains missing, presumed dead, with remains unrecoverable due to the intensity of the blast.

The Israeli military said troops fired at a suspicious vehicle that had crossed the so-called yellow line, a demarcation meant to indicate areas still under Israeli control. The military claimed warning shots were fired, but that the vehicle continued to approach, posing what it called an imminent threat.

Gazas civil defence and local officials have rejected this account. Spokesman Mahmoud Basal said the victims were attempting to return home to recover belongings and were unaware of the yellow line, which has not been physically marked or mapped publicly.

They could have been warned or dealt with differently, Basal said. This was not a military convoy. It was a civilian family.

Hamas condemned the incident, describing it as a massacre and accusing Israeli forces of deliberately targeting civilians. The group also accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging the ceasefire agreement for political gain.

Gazas Civil Defence reported that Israel has killed 38 Palestinians since the ceasefire began and committed 47 violations, including drone strikes, shelling, and arbitrary arrests. At least 143 people have been wounded in those attacks.

Israel denies violating the agreement and insists its actions target only those posing security threats. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the yellow line will be strictly enforced and warned civilians not to approach Israeli troop positions. He also said signs would soon be installed to demarcate the boundary.

The total Palestinian death toll in Gaza since the war began on 7 October 2023 now exceeds 68,000, with over 170,000 injured, according to Gazas Health Ministry. These figures are regarded as credible by the United Nations.

US Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to visit Israel on Monday to push for the second phase of the ceasefire. But Netanyahus office has said no discussions will move forward until all Israeli remains are returned.

HT
These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, said an IDF spokesperson. We will respond firmly to any threat.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Hamas militants fired an anti-tank missile and automatic weapons at troops operating in the area under Israeli control. The army responded with air raids and artillery fire, targeting tunnel shafts and military infrastructure it said were linked to Hamas.

Israel has launched new air strikes on southern Gaza, saying Hamas fighters violated the US-brokered ceasefire agreement with an attack on its forces in Rafah.

At least 38 Palestinians have been killed and 143 wounded since the ceasefire began in early October, according to the Gaza Government Media Office. It said Israeli forces committed 47 violations of the truce.

The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported 18 deaths in the past 24 hours, including 11 members of the same family killed in an Israeli tank attack in Gaza City on Friday. Among the dead were seven children and three women, according to civil defence officials.

There are victims still trapped under the rubble and in the streets, said Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Gazas Civil Defence. Our teams are unable to reach them due to the presence of Israeli troops.

The IDF has not responded to specific allegations about the family killed in Zeitoun.

The renewed violence has raised doubts about the survival of the agreement announced on 10 October by former US President Donald Trump. The ceasefire was meant to bring an end to the two-year conflict. It included phased withdrawals by Israeli troops and the release of hostages and prisoners.

Under the deal, Israeli forces were to pull back to control roughly 53 percent of the Gaza Strip, while holding onto the Netzarim Corridor and parts of Rafah. In exchange, Hamas was to disarm and return both living and deceased hostages.

Tensions escalated after the return of more bodies of Israeli captives. The remains of Ronen Engel, a 54-year-old photographer, and Sonthaya Akrasri, a Thai national, were handed over to the Red Cross. Hamas accused Israel of obstructing the recovery process by bombing areas believed to contain graves and by refusing to allow excavation equipment into Gaza.

Hamas says it remains committed to the ceasefire and accused Israel of using fabricated pretexts to justify attacks. In a statement, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said Israel was evading its obligations under the truce and sabotaging the agreement under pressure from extremist elements in its government.

The statement followed meetings between Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence and security chiefs. According to the Israeli Prime Ministers office, he instructed them to act forcefully against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least two people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza, on Saturday, according to the Wafa news agency. In Rafah, Israeli planes targeted areas near the European Hospital following reported clashes between Hamas and a militia group believed to be cooperating with the IDF.

Local witnesses said gunfire was exchanged before Israeli tanks and aircraft intervened. The incident has not been independently verified.

Reports from Deir el-Balah said Hamas security forces have begun confronting armed factions in Gaza linked to Israel. These groups have allegedly hijacked aid and challenged Hamass control, especially in areas still under Israeli military presence.

Israeli officials have not commented on allegations of backing local armed groups. But Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted a one-word statement on X: War. Another cabinet member, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called for the full resumption of combat operations with maximum force.

The Health Ministry in Gaza said it has received the remains of 150 Palestinians returned by Israel since the ceasefire began. Medical officials said many of the bodies showed signs of beatings, handcuffing, and blindfolding. Several families have been unable to identify the dead, as some were returned only with numbered tags.

In Gaza City, residents continue to face extreme shortages of food, medicine, and clean water. The UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher, who visited the Strip on Saturday, described the area as a wasteland and said 950 aid trucks had entered in a single day. But he warned that far more was needed to meet basic needs.

Despite calls from international agencies, the Rafah crossing remains closed. Israel has refused to reopen it, accusing Hamas of not fulfilling its obligations regarding hostages. Palestinian officials say the closure is being used to pressure their side and delay aid delivery.

The ceasefire was meant to be the first step in a broader political and security agreement. Talks on the next phases, including further troop withdrawals and the establishment of a transitional administration in Gaza, have stalled.

HT
Sources cited by Financial Times said Trump had spoken with Vladimir Putin two days prior. During that call, the Russian president had reportedly said Moscow would accept peace if granted full control of Donbas. Trump repeated this message to Zelensky, demanding he agree or face consequences.

Donald Trump pressured Volodymyr Zelensky to surrender Ukraines eastern Donbas region to Russia during a private meeting in the White House, according to reports by the Financial Times . The exchange escalated into shouting and repeated profanity, with Trump rejecting all counterarguments and warning of Ukraines destruction if no deal was reached.

Putin said he would destroy Ukraine if you dont agree, Trump allegedly told Zelensky, according to one European official familiar with the meeting. Trump dismissed maps Zelensky had brought showing current frontlines and Ukrainian control in contested areas.

The confrontation took place on Friday during Zelenskys visit to Washington. It was intended to secure advanced weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles. Trump rejected the request.

According to Axios, Trump told Zelensky he had no plans to approve the missile transfer. Zelensky later said in a press conference that the US claimed it needed the weapons itself. He called the topic sensitive and declined further comment.

Zelensky said he remained realistic about receiving the missiles. He later described Russias fear of such weaponry as rational.

Speaking to NBC News, Zelensky said he was still open to a direct meeting with Putin. He also proposed Budapest as a possible venue, hinting at potential involvement in future talks between Trump and Putin, who are expected to meet there.

Zelensky said he was ready for either bilateral or trilateral talks involving Russia and the US. He added that no peace agreement could be valid without Ukraine's participation.

Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, confirmed his message to Zelensky. Its time to stop the killing and make a deal, he wrote. He added that current military frontlines should become the new borders between the two nations.

Property lines are defined by war and courage, Trump wrote, urging both sides to claim victory and cease hostilities where they stand.

Ukraines constitution prohibits the cession of territory. Zelensky reiterated this in his remarks, noting that the law makes territorial concessions illegal. Ukrainians will not gift land to an occupier, he said in a speech he gave in August before a planned Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.

The Ukrainian president confirmed he had contacted European leaders after the meeting with Trump. He held a joint call with leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump has changed his position on Ukrainian territorial integrity multiple times. Before his recent meeting with Putin, he suggested that territory swaps might be necessary. In September, he said Ukraine might be able to regain all of its lost areas. After the latest meeting, he appeared to support freezing the conflict in place.

Putin, according to the Washington Post, offered in his recent call with Trump to return Russian-held territory in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in exchange for full control of Donetsk. The Kremlin has not commented on the reported content of the call.

HT
'No Kings' protest packs courthouse plaza

Police estimate at least 2,000 people gathered on Main Street on Saturday for Hendersonvilles second No Kings Day rally.

Hendersonvilles second No Kings Day rally on Saturday filled much of downtown with people who said they want change in America.

View the Slideshow



Im horrified about what is a happening in this country, Peggy Hammond of Asheville said as she stood on Main Street near the Historic Courthouse.

Hammond said she came to the rally because she was concerned about a lack of freedom and the erosion of the due process of law in the country.

Thats not American, she said. We are supposed to have a president and three branches of government and not one man with a disgruntled ego who is using the Department of Justice for his personal revenge tool. Its just ridiculous.

Hammond said she came to the rally in Hendersonville Saturday morning because the No Kings event in Asheville was scheduled for the evening and too late for her.

Protesters began gathering around 9 a.m. at the Henderson County Courthouse on Grove Street on Saturday before marching together to the Historic Courthouse on Main Street for a rally.

Holly Newton and Frank Stewart of Hendersonville wore frog costumes  a symbol of the movement after a protester in Portland in a frog costumer was pepper-sprayed  while their friend Torie Roberts of Greenville, S.C., wore a dinosaur costume. Roberts carried a sign that said Release the Epstein Files as they waited for the march to Main Street to begin.

Were the Hendo Frogs for Freedom, Newton said.

The three said they came out on Saturday to support the No Kings event and bring a little humor to what they regard as a depressing time in America.

A Hendersonville resident who identified herself as Joan C. said she came to the rally on Saturday because she too was concerned about a lack of freedom in America, including the erosion of due process and free speech. The Trump administrations recent targeting of boats off the coast of Venezuela is also a reason for concern, she said.

The rule of law is being tested in our country, she said.

'Protesting is not enough'



Many who attended Saturdays rally carried signs voicing their opinions while others joined in chants of This is what democracy looks like and Hey, Hey. No KKK. No Fascist U.S.A.

As they marched from Grove Street to Main Street, protesters in the front of a long line of demonstrators carried banners saying We The People United and We Love America. Thats Why Were Here.

Speakers at the Historic Courthouse plaza on Main Street urged those who attended the rally to also make their voices heard at the ballot box.

It is right that we are here today, Sam Edney, an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for state House District 113 in 2018 and 2020 told the crowd. There are no kings in America.

Edney, who was the Transylvania County Democratic Party chair from 2021 to earlier this year and 2024 Mountain Democrat of the Year, urged those gathered to also meet candidates for office, talk to voters and contact local officials.

Protesting is not enough, he said.

Other speakers echoed Edneys call for people to become involved in making a difference beyond attending a protest.

Hendersonville Police Department officers who provided security for the event said it was peaceful. They estimated at least 2,000 people attended.

Indivisible Henderson County sponsored No Kings Day 2.0 in Hendersonville as part of a national day of action by the same name.

The peaceful mobilization was a sequel to the first No Kings Day on June 14, when an estimated 6 million Americans marched in the streets of major cities and in hundreds of small towns across the country to protest policies and actions of the Trump administration.

Indivisible Henderson County was formed with 34 residents of Highland Lake Village in Flat Rock during a postcard writing party on March 14.

"In the seven months since, weve defined our mission, clarified the values that guide our actions, registered as an official group with Indivisible.org, formed a steering committee and three teams to execute our mission, participated in four rallies in Hendersonville, handled the publicity for the first No Kings Day on June 14, 2025 when 2,500 citizens crowded into the square in front of the Historic County Courthouse," organizer Ron Redmon said, adding that membership has grown to more than 200 strong.
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodia's leading think tank will convene next week the fourth International Relations Forum under the theme "Small State Foreign Policy: Peaceful and Preventive Diplomacy," an organizer said on Sunday.

Scheduled for Oct. 20 in Phnom Penh, the forum, organized by the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC) of the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) in cooperation with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), will bring together officials, diplomats, scholars, researchers, university professors and students.

IRIC's Director General Kin Phea said the forum will examine contemporary security and development challenges facing small states in the context of global geopolitical competition and uncertainty.

It will analyze the role of peaceful and preventive diplomacy, including dialogue, mediation, and multilateralism, as essential strategies for small-state survival and influence, he added.

"The forum will serve as an academic and policy platform to reflect on strategies that enable small states not only to withstand external pressures but also to thrive and assert their relevance in an uncertain world," he told Xinhua.

Phea said the forum will generate actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners engaged in small-state foreign policy. 
This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2025 shows the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- All fees for non-scheduled flights at Bangladesh's main airport have been waived for the next three days following a major fire, an official announced on Sunday.

The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday.

Officials were reportedly working to determine total financial losses. 

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2025 shows a fire fighting truck at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2025 shows the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

An aircraft taxis at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 19, 2025. The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2025 shows the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2025 shows the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a fire in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The devastating fire at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport led to around 21 flights being either diverted or cancelled, according to Sheikh Bashir Uddin, adviser to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The adviser said that the airport had successfully met its goal of resuming operations by 9 p.m. local time on Saturday night after the fire erupted at around 2:15 p.m. local time on Saturday. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)
DOHA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during a round of negotiations held in the Qatari capital of Doha, according to a statement by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

The talks, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, led the two sides to reach an agreement on ending hostilities and establishing mechanisms aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability between the two neighboring countries, the statement said.

The statement added that the two parties also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the durability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner, contributing to achieving security and stability in both countries.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed hope that this step would help ease border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and lay a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region. 
Michael Mann plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to experiment with "ageing and de-ageing" in Heat 2.

Michael Mann will use AI in the Heat sequel

The 82-year-old director is continuing to work on a sequel to his acclaimed 1995 crime epic and has indicated that he will use technology in the making of the movie, which he hopes to begin shooting next summer.

Mann told reporters at Lumiere Film Festival in France: "I don't experiment with technology gratuitously. When I have a dramatic need or esthetic need for it, then I go deep into what I need."

The filmmaker - who received the 2025 Lumiere Award at the festival - added: "Ageing and de-ageing may be very important in the next film."

Heat 2, which is based on Mann and Meg Gardiner's novel of the same name, was axed by Warner Bros. in August due to budget concerns but the director feels that the project's move to Amazon MGM-owned United Artists will allow the blockbuster to be made in the way he wants.

The Last of the Mohicans filmmaker explained: "Heat 2 is an expensive movie to make, but I believe it should be made at the proper size and scale.

"It's going to shoot in Chicago, Los Angeles and Paraguay, and possibly some parts of Singapore.

"People make dramas at a certain budget level, because of the costs, not because of anybody being greedy. If it was at a lower price, I could have made it anywhere. But it's complex. I can't get into all the politics of it."

Mann promised that the Heat sequel will get a widespread cinematic release after his 2023 movie Ferrari ended up being sold to Amazon after it wasn't released on the big screen in international territories.

He said: "We moved from Warner Bros. to Amazon and United Artists, but it will absolutely be released theatrically, in the United States, probably in about 4,000 cinemas and for at least 45 days."

Mann explained that the plot of Heat 2 would move both backwards and forwards in time from the original movie, which starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and the late Val Kilmer.

He said: "The characters of Heat are so alive to me. An idea occurred to me, based on the rapport between two lethal adversaries, Pacino's Hanna and De Niro's McCauley, about how to do both before the events of Heat and after."

Mann also gave an update on the project he will be working on after the Heat sequel, which will be set amid the 1968 Battle of Hue during the Vietnam War.

The director said: "It's a very human, a very powerful piece, and I spent a lot of time and talked with a lot of survivors of that battle."

Mann even revealed that the book had inspired Pacino's LAPD officer in Heat.

He explained: "Al Pacino's history, that he was a Marine who was in the Battle of Hue in 1968 and that in 1988 he's still suffering from PTSD."
A fallen tree damages a house due to strong winds brought by tropical storm Fengshen in Quezon Province, the Philippines, on Oct. 19, 2025. Eight people were killed and two remain missing as tropical storm Fengshen slammed the Philippines on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. (Xinhua)

MANILA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed and two remain missing as tropical storm Fengshen slammed the Philippines on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.

OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said five people were pinned to death by a fallen tree in the municipality of Pitogo in Quezon province, southeast of Manila, and three others were killed in the central Philippines' Western Visayas region.

"We are currently verifying and validating the initial reported eight deaths to determine whether their deaths were storm-related," Castillo said.

Castillo said that search and rescue operations were ongoing for two people who were reported missing in a landslide that hit the municipality of Quezon in Bukidnon province in southern Philippines.

He said that Fengshen has affected 15,000 families, or approximately 30,000 individuals, across the country. Twenty-two thousand people have been evacuated, he added.

Castillo said the storm triggered floods and landslides in central and southern Philippines.

The state weather bureau forecast Fengshen to leave the Philippines on Monday morning.

An average of 20 typhoons slam into the Philippines yearly. 

A resident is assisted by local authorities after a tree damaged a house due to strong winds brought by tropical storm Fengshen in Quezon Province, the Philippines, on Oct. 19, 2025. Eight people were killed and two remain missing as tropical storm Fengshen slammed the Philippines on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. (Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of a house damaged by a fallen tree due to strong winds brought by tropical storm Fengshen in Quezon Province, the Philippines, on Oct. 19, 2025. Eight people were killed and two remain missing as tropical storm Fengshen slammed the Philippines on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. (Xinhua)

A town is seen submerged in flood brought by tropical storm Fengshen in Capiz Province, the Philippines on Oct. 19, 2025. Eight people were killed and two remain missing as tropical storm Fengshen slammed the Philippines on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. (DPWH Western Visayas/Handout via Xinhua)

A town is seen submerged in flood brought by tropical storm Fengshen in Capiz Province, the Philippines on Oct. 19, 2025. Eight people were killed and two remain missing as tropical storm Fengshen slammed the Philippines on Sunday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. (DPWH Western Visayas/Handout via Xinhua)
GDANSK, Poland, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- After a 26-day voyage, the first container ship operating on the China-Europe Arctic container express route, the Istanbul Bridge, arrived early Sunday morning at the Port of Gdansk in northern Poland.

The vessel began berthing at the Baltic Hub Terminal before 6 a.m., slightly delayed due to sea conditions, and loading and unloading operations commenced around 7 a.m., according to port authorities.

Departing from the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sept. 23, the Istanbul Bridge carried about 4,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo. It made stops at ports in Britain and Germany before arriving in Poland. After operations in Gdansk, the ship is scheduled to depart for the Netherlands on Sunday night.

The China-Europe Arctic Express Route takes the Arctic's Northeast Passage directly to Europe, significantly reducing travel time compared with traditional routes - about 40 days via the Suez Canal and 50 days via the Cape of Good Hope. The Istanbul Bridge reached its first European stop, Felixstowe in Britain, in just 20 days, comparable to or faster than the China-Europe freight train, which takes around 25 days.

Li Xiaobin, chief operating officer of Sea Legend Line Limited, the route's operator, said sea and temperature conditions along the Arctic route are ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive and time-critical goods. "The low temperatures help preserve certain high-tech components," he said.

Sea Legend Line plans to establish regular summer voyages along the route by 2026. During the winter non-navigable period, the company intends to expand its express service network to Eastern Europe. 
BRUSSELS, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The 7th China-EU Film Festival opened on Friday in Brussels and will take place in both Belgium and France, featuring film screenings, "Meet China" international communication events, youth film exchanges and dialogues between Chinese and European directors.

Around 10 films from China and Europe are showcased in this year's festival, with the opening film "Georgia," directed by Chinese filmmaker Qiao Mei, premiering on Friday evening.

Yuan Mengqian, secretary-general of the China-EU Film Festival, said in her opening remarks that the festival is not only a platform to present cinematic art but also a cultural exchange initiated through film.

Laura Houlgatte, CEO of the International Union of Cinemas, said that collaboration between Chinese and European filmmakers has injected new vitality into the European film industry. The China-EU Film Festival, she added, presents diverse creative voices and helps European audiences better understand China.

The "Meet China" International Communication event was held Saturday afternoon at the China Cultural Center in Brussels, where several international communication awards were presented. Recipients included teams and individuals from the Audio and Video News Department of Xinhua News Agency, Xinhua News Agency Europe Regional Bureau, CGTN, China Daily and some other media.

The event featured screenings of award-winning works such as "China Momentum in Europe" and "Belgian Geologist in China," which will also be shown in Paris, followed by post-screening discussions.

Bozzo Freddy, president of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, told Xinhua that China's film industry is increasing rapidly. In Belgium and other European countries, more and more audiences are curious about China and Chinese cinema. "It is also very important the documentary section because it gives us an image of the day-to-day life in China," he added.

Founded in 2015, the China-EU Film Festival has become an important platform for cultural exchange between China and Europe. The 2025 edition is organized by the China-EU Film Festival Committee and will run until Oct. 26. 
Earning a six-figure income was once a major benchmark for people trying to improve their finances and become wealthy in the U.S. Today, though, only 23% of Americans believe that earning $100,000 or more annually makes someone wealthy, according to a recent LendingTree survey .

See Next: Dave Ramsey Says This Is the Best Way To Pay Off Debt

Try This: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State?

So if earning six figures isnt what Americans think makes you wealthy, what is?

Now, people are placing a greater emphasis on more personal, flexible financial goals, like eliminating debt and feeling financially secure.

Living Comfortably Without Financial Concerns

When someone says they want to be wealthy, they probably arent picturing bank accounts with specific balances or bars of gold. Instead, theyre most likely thinking about the problems that having plenty of money could solve for them. One of the biggest signs of wealth is simply not having to worry about money anymore.

That was the No. 1 answer Americans gave when asked what being wealthy meant to them: being able to live comfortably without financial concerns [ 1 ].

Most people arent in that position. More than 70% of Americans point to money as a significant source of stress in their lives [ 2 ]. Many have also had to cut their spending in categories like travel, home improvements and clothes to be able to stick to their budgets [ 3 ].

Wealth would mean not having to worry about having enough money to cover all of the essentials, and some extras that make life more comfortable.

Discover Next: I Made $10,000 Using One of Dave Ramseys Best Passive Income Ideas

Feeling Financially Secure

Americans also responded that feeling financially secure is what it really means to be wealthy [ 1 ]. But how much money does it take to feel financially secure?

The answer naturally varies from person to person, depending on their expenses, financial goals and perspective. Around half of U.S. adults surveyed said earning $100,000 or more would be enough to make them feel financially secure [ 4 ]. So in that way, a $100,000 salary does mean being wealthy to many people.

However, many Americans disagreed with the idea that earning $100,000 annually would be enough to feel financially secure. Around 25% said theyd need to earn at least $150,000 per year, and another 16% said they would need to make at least $200,000 [ 4 ].

Ask yourself what feeling financially secure means to you. How much would you need to earn? Would any of your expenses or other circumstances need to change for you to reach that feeling of security? Once you have a concrete idea of what youd need, you can better focus your efforts toward achieving financial security.
During the Q4 earnings call, CEO Dr. C.C. Wei stated that AI-related demand will remain the primary growth driver through 2025 and beyond. He claimed that the explosive growth in token volume demonstrated increasing consumer AI model adoption, which means more and more computation is needed, resulting in increased demand for TSMCs most advanced nodes. Wei also noted that that enterprise AI, consumer AI, and the growing sovereign AI market are all driving long-term growth.

Other end markets, such as Internet of Things (IoT) and automotive, grew 20% and 18%, respectively, while traditional consumer electronics (TCE) decreased 20%, led by weakness in discretionary spending categories.

TSMCs business mix reveals how AI demand is altering its revenue base. The HPC segment remained stable, accounting for 57% of overall revenue, boosted by continuous AI infrastructure expenditures. Smartphone revenue rebounded sharply, climbing 19% quarter over quarter, contributing 30% to total sales, boosted by new product releases and a comeback in device demand.

In the third quarter ended Sept. 30, total revenue surged 40.8% year-over-year to $33.1 billion. This growth was driven primarily by robust orders for the companys 3-nanometer (N3) and 5-nanometer (N5) process technologies, which together accounted for the vast majority of wafer revenue. Gross margin increased to 59.5% due to cost savings and higher capacity utilization, while earnings per share increased 39% year over year. Advanced nodes (7-nanometer and lower) accounted for 74% of wafer revenue, confirming TSMC's ongoing leadership in cutting-edge semiconductor production.

TSMC's stock has risen 52% year to date but is down 3.6% from its 52-week high of $311.37. Should you seize this opportunity to buy TSMC stock on the dip?

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) (TSM) delivered another quarter of solid growth powered by surging demand for its leading-edge process technologies. TSMC's third-quarter results emphasized the company's vital role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, as artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and next-generation smartphones drive structural demand for advanced chips.

Story Continues

Investing for AI-Led Growth

TSMC is accelerating its global manufacturing plan to satisfy rising AI and semiconductor demand. In the U.S., it is expediting the ramp-up of the Arizona fabs and considering further land acquisitions to create a full gigafab cluster for AI and smartphone chips. In Europe, TSMC has begun construction on its Dresden, Germany, fab with government assistance, while Taiwan remains its primary base, with sustained investments in 2-nanometer and sophisticated packaging facilities.

TSMC has reduced its capital expenditure range for 2025 to $40 billion to $42 billion, with about 70% allocated to advanced process technologies and up to 20% for specialty technologies, packaging, and testing. This aggressive investment highlights the companys belief in the AI megatrend, which continues to drive structural demand for advanced chips.

Management stressed that larger capital expenditures lead to stronger future growth, and the company remains dedicated to profitable expansion and a sustainable, rising dividend. Despite these significant investments, TSMC ended the quarter with a strong balance sheet, totaling $90 billion in cash and marketable securities.

Looking ahead, TSMC anticipates fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of $32.2 billion to $33.4 billion, a 22% year-over-year rise at the midpoint. This estimate is based on an exchange rate of 1 U.S. dollar to 30.6 NT dollars. The company projected a gross margin of 59% to 61%, demonstrating resilience in the face of rising offshore manufacturing costs and currency headwinds.

TSMC enters 2026 with unrivaled strength. Its next-generation 2-nanometer technology is about to enter commercial production, and advanced packaging will grow rapidly in both Taiwan and the U.S. Analysts covering the stock estimate 40% growth in revenue by 2025, as well as a 46.3% increase in profitability. Furthermore, analysts anticipate that revenue and earnings will increase by 19.4% and 19.2% in 2026, respectively. Given its position as the worlds top contract chipmaker, TSMC is a reasonable AI stock to buy now, trading at 24 times forward earnings.

What Is Wall Streets Take on TSMC Stock?

Overall, Wall Street remains strongly bullish on TSM stock. Out of the 12 analysts that cover the stock, nine rate it a Strong Buy, one says it is a Moderate Buy, and two rate it a Hold. The stock has surpassed its average price target of $298.38. However, its high target price of $400 implies potential upside of 33.4% in the next 12 months.

www.barchart.com

The Key Takeaway

TSMC is on track to meet its long-term goal of being the most efficient and cost-effective chip manufacturer in every geography where it operates. By combining unrivaled scale, process innovation, and a disciplined capacity planning system, the firm is well-positioned to benefit from the structural growth generated by AI, HPC, and next-generation computing, making it an excellent buy-and-hold semiconductor stock for the long term.

On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Bitcoin Yield  This is a meta strategy with BTC as collateral. Gains stack on top of Bitcoin appreciation. Best suited for Bitcoin maximalists who want to grow their BTC holdings while earning additional returns.

Fixed Income (USD Yield)  This captures Binance funding rate arbitrage between spot and futures. It is fully hedged and generates 6-15% APY without price risk. This is the most conservative bond-like strategy.

Meta Long Only (Market-Driven)  This uses over 100 algorithms to build and rebalance a smart crypto index hourly. It only takes bullish positions. This is for people who believe in crypto long-term but want better execution than blindly holding.

Meta Strategy (Market-Neutral)  This combines over 200 algorithms and goes 50/50 long/short, so it can profit whether crypto rises or falls. This is the same market-neutral approach hedge funds use. Maximum drawdowns below 14%. Best for stability, regardless of market direction.

Stoics algorithms then execute trades automatically 24/7, rebalancing hourly or daily. Funds will never leave the exchange the account is connected with.

To get started, a user will first connect to a supported crypto exchange via an API. Exchanges include Binance, Coinbase, Bybit, KuCoin, and a handful of others. Sasev pointed out that Stoic only has permission to trade, never to withdraw access.

Stoics quant team creates strategies using machine learning algorithms. Each strategy is back-tested, forward-tested, and then live-traded for years before being offered to the public.

Most crypto bots hand you tools and say, configure it yourself. Stoic is different. Users dont build anything, but rather pick a ready-made strategy and connect with a crypto exchange, Sasev said.

Sasha Sasev, head of product at Stoic AI, told Cryptonews that Stoic is not a typical trading bot , but rather, a quant team crypto users can hire through an app.

Stoic AI provides retail investors access to institutional-grade crypto trading strategies. According to Stoics strategy factsheet, the platform has been live-trading since 2017, with billions in volume. There are also over $200 million in assets connected to Stoic and over 15,000 users.

Each review explains how these plug-and-play tools work (no developer knowledge needed), who they are best suited for, and the risks associated.

While innovative, the growing number of AI-powered tools available for crypto trading can be overwhelming. To narrow the selection, Cryptonews reviewed three easy-to-use AI tools for crypto trading and strategy.

As the crypto market becomes increasingly dynamic, traders have turned to AI-powered tools to gain an edge. From bots that automate trades based on price action to sophisticated systems that scan social media for trending narratives, artificial intelligence is helping democratize advanced trading strategies .

Story Continues

Source: Stoic AI

Who Should Use Stoic AI

Although new, Stoic AI isnt for everyone. For instance, crypto traders looking to build custom strategies and those expecting guaranteed profits shouldnt use this tool.

Stoic AI is best suited for investors seeking systematic, emotion-free trading; crypto traders tired of looking at charts at all hours of the day; users seeking institutional-quality strategies without complexity; and those looking for alternatives beyond just holding Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).

Risks To Consider

According to Sasev, the biggest risks when it comes to using Stoic are unrealistic expectations.

Many traders expect instant profits or think AI means guaranteed returns. Crypto is volatile, so even sophisticated strategies have losing periods. The only bypass is education and patience. Dont invest rent money, he said.

Botty

Botty is a cryptocurrency trading platform that uses bots to serve its users. The platform seeks to help retail investors better adjust to how they approach investing.

Alex Ostapovskyi, co-founder of Botty, told Cryptonews that Botty does not fully rely on AI algorithms to operate. According to Ostapovskyi, although AI is advancing, the technology is still not perfect.

Weve built Botty on precise algorithms and clear parameters. The bot operates 24/7 with no emotion, intuition, or guesswork, following the users chosen strategy with discipline and consistency. Bottys algorithms were developed by professional traders and tested on more than 30,000 users, Ostapovskyi said.

Botty currently offers both spot and futures strategy templates. There is also an inbuilt feature that only adopts established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).

Botty is advancing in its development. After scaling its first testing phase, it is now in the pre-test phase where real users can try it out, Ostapovskyi said.

How To Use Botty

To get started with Botty, a user should first connect their crypto exchange account to the platform. Botty will then configure a trading bot manually or through a ready-made template and begin trading. All funds remain on the users exchange account, as Botty connects via an API without withdrawal rights.

Users leveraging Botty are not charged a fixed monthly subscription, but instead pay Botty a commission only from successful trades.

Features include:

Around-the-clock access to both spot and futures markets.

Prebuilt and custom-made templates designed to serve a variety of users.

Demo trading mode is available for practicing trading strategies.

Botty features robust analytics that help users view all activities to make informed decisions.

Instant notifications in-platform, via app, and by email on all bot actions.

Responsive customer support that works around the clock.

Learning materials to help users get started and see success.

A referral program and internal community ecosystem.

Who Should Use Botty

Given that Botty is designed for various circumstances, the platform is best suited for beginner traders who want to earn in the crypto market without trading experience. Botty can also be used by professional traders looking to automate their trading processes.

Source: Botty

Risks To Consider

Ostapovskyi pointed out that the biggest challenge for many first-time users is fear, often driven by uncertainty about how trading bots work and the potential of financial loss.

To help users overcome this, we created a demo mode that allows them to launch their first bot using virtual funds, watch it trade in real time, and switch to live trading only when ready. This gives users a safe way to understand the platform and grow their confidence, he said.

Ostapovskyi added that Botty emphasizes user safety by only trading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, which are known for high liquidity and market stability.

Leverage is capped at 5x to prevent excessive risk. Bottys goal isnt aggressive trading but sustainable, secure returns, Ostapovskyi said.

CryptoHopper

Founded in 2017, CryptoHopper is an automated crypto trading platform that connects directly to many popular centralized exchanges via API. CryptoHopper allows users to run trading bots, copy pro traders strategies, backtest ideas, and manage portfolios.

How To Use CryptoHopper

Users can get started by signing up on CryptoHoppers website. A free trial automatically begins once an account is created. A user can then link a crypto account of their choice for bots to begin trading funds. If a user doesnt want to use real funds and just practice, they can select Simulated / Paper Trading or Simulated funds during the setup. This gives users a mock balance to test with.

CryptoHopper does not hold users funds. You trade via your exchange accounts using API keys.

Features Include:

Spot trading only. No futures, options, or margin trading supported.

Users can set up bots with custom logic, use multiple technical indicators, set triggers/events, trailing stop-loss, take-profits, etc. There is also a Marketplace for copy-trading (signals/strategies of others) and Trading Bot as well as Portfolio Bots in more advanced plans.

There is a Backtester (beta/experimental) that lets users simulate strategies or templates over past data in addition to paper/simulated trading.

Who Should Use CryptoHopper

CryptoHopper is ideal for beginner traders, as the platform is easy to use with a drag-and-drop design, a marketplace of indicators, and documentation. Tutorials and help are made readily available.

Intermediate users who have trading experience can also benefit from CryptoHopper. The platform offers paid plans (Explorer, Adventurer, Hero) to build more complex bots, run more frequent checks, and manage many open positions.

Risks To Consider

Users trying CryptoHopper for the first time should be aware that if strategies assume leverage or derivatives, CryptoHopper doesnt support them directly. Also, signal providers vary in quality and can incur losses. Copying others doesnt guarantee success.

In addition, backtesting restraints have been reported. Users have reported divergence between backtest/paper trading vs real trading results.

For example, the backtester may not simulate exactly what live bot behavior will be (due to time interval checks, missing types of triggers or alerts, ignoring maximum open position constraints in strategy backtest).

Key Takeaways and Whats Next

While AI-powered tools are transforming crypto trading, there are still a number of challenges and risks involved. Overall, crypto traders shouldnt expect successful results just because automated trading is involved.

Dr. Ben Goertzel, CEO at the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, added that special challenges are associated with algorithmic trading.

This mainly has to do with the rapidly evolving nature of the crypto world. AI methods historically have trouble dealing with market regime changes, but in crypto, the regime changes come very fast and furious, Dr. Goertzel said.

Given this, he believes that crypto trading will benefit even more than traditional market trading from a shift toward AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).

AGI is about AI systems that can generalize beyond their training and programming. This has a particularly big payoff in domains like crypto, where the training data is always so rapidly becoming obsolete.

Read original story AI-Powered Crypto Trading Tools That Dont Require Coding Skills: Review by Rachel Wolfson at Cryptonews.com
We recently published 10 Trending Stocks to Watch as Brad Gerstner Explains Tailwinds for AI Trade  10x Manhattan Project. Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the trending stocks to watch.

Joseph Terranova, Senior Managing Director, Virtus Investment Partners, recently commented on Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) following the stocks decline on a media report that said the companys margins related to its Nvidia Cloud business are low. The analyst said Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) stock gains following its AI deals showed euphoria, and the company may not be in a strong position to invest heavily like Amazon or Alphabet.

I think thats the euphoria. I think its represented on September 10th. You know, Josh is talking about a bubble. Sir John Templeton talks about the stages of a bull market. The last stage is euphoria. And in certain areas of the market, there will be euphoria. I think Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) is a classic example of that. September 9th to September 10th, a parabolic 40 plus% move higher. And then the dramatic steady retracement ever since. Why? Because the spending here is being done by debt. That is not what the market should be encouraged by. What the market previously had been encouraged by in the early stages of 2025 and in 2024 is that free cash flow was the catalyst behind a lot of the spending. You dont want to see this evolve into a debt-driven cash spend on CapEx. Thats troubling for the market, and I think its clearly represented here. I understand why Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL) did what they did in signing the deal. They need to suffer in the near term with their profit margins for long-term profitability. But in reality, maybe they are not best positioned like a Google or like an Amazon to accept that type of financial dynamic.

Analyst Says Oracle (ORCL) Classic Example of Euphoria

Why are some analysts reluctant about the Oracle-OpenAI deal? OpenAI is expected to burn about $115 billion over the next four years and is not projected to be profitable until 2030. Even after Nvidias latest $100 billion investment by Nvidia, OpenAI will likely need to raise over $200 billion in total funding to cover its commitments. Some analysts believe Oracle may need to borrow tens of billions to build enough data centers for the deal.

ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:
Semester Cinema to Shoot its Next Feature Film in Berkshires

LENOX, Mass.  Kingdom County Productions, a Vermont-based film and performing arts non-profit, has selected Lenox as the new home for its Semester Cinema indie filmmaking and experiential learning program.

At Semester Cinema, thirty film professionals mentor and collaborate with forty-five college film and theater students to make an ambitious feature film for national release.

Students participate from a dozen liberal arts colleges including Swarthmore, Hamilton, Bowdoin, Spelman, Skidmore, Mount Holyoke, and Wesleyan, to name a few.

Students will spend seven weeks in classes, workshops, and guest lectures, examining the script, exploring cultural contexts, and working to discover and articulate artistic possibilities for the semester's central projects. They then spend the remainder of the semester working in substantial roles on the physical production of the films. The program's next iteration is set to run from late January to early May 2026 and will reside on the campus of Shakespeare & Company.

The narrative project for this coming spring, which will be shot in the Berkshires, will be an edgy film noir that combines Henrik Ibsen's Tony-winning play, "An Enemy of the People," and Dashiell Hammett's crime novel, "Red Harvest."

Students learn all technical aspects of filmmaking, including producing and production management; camera, lights and sound; production design and art direction; costume design; and editing and post-production. The program also includes an expanded documentary (TBA) planning and production unit.

Students receive a full semester of academic credit and a professional film credit on IMDb. Semester Cinema also works to help students develop added confidence and enhanced skills in critical thinking, problem solving, flexibility, and collaboration. Past participants have gone on to find success in a variety of departments, including directing, producing, production design, casting, and grip & electric. In fact, program founder and director Jay Craven recently brought on an alumna of the program, Nicole Doerges, as a co-producer.

Semester Cinema was conceived in 2005 when Craven was working on his fifth feature film, "Disappearances," starring Kris Kristofferson. Craven was then a professor at Marlboro College and had found critical success in the film industry as an independent filmmaker. Semester Cinema works with professional actors, through the Screen Actors Guild - and past projects have featured Academy Award, Tony, and Emmy winners and nominees Bruce Dern, Jacqueline Bissett, Genevieve Bujold, Jessica Hecht, Marin Hinkle. Gordon Clapp - and Kristofferson.

As an introduction of Semester Cinema to the community, Craven will screen the program's 2022 project, Lost Nation, at the Shakespeare & Company Bernstein Theater on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7pm.. The film is set in Massachusetts and Vermont during the American Revolution and centers its story around rebel instigator and Vermont founding father, Ethan Allen - and pioneering Black poet and rights advocate, Lucy Terry Prince. Advance tickets for the screening are available at www.kcppresents.org

Additional screenings & events open to the community are also planned for the Spring. Any businesses or individuals looking to support the program through community housing or services are encouraged to reach out to the program organizers.
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Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after peace talks in Doha, officials said on Sunday.

The ceasefire brings to a halt the worst border clashes between the neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul nearly four years ago. The conflict, which erupted a week ago, killed dozens of people on both sides and injured around 300.

Pakistans defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, said a ceasefire had been finalised.

Cross-border terrorism from Afghan territory will cease immediately. Both countries will respect each others sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said on X (Twitter), adding that a follow-up meeting was scheduled to take place in Istanbul on 25 October to discuss the matters in detail.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the breakthrough. Under the terms of the agreement, both sides reaffirm their commitment to peace, mutual respect and the maintenance of strong and constructive neighbourly relations, he said. Both sides are committed to resolving issues and disputes through dialogue. A comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire has been mutually agreed upon.

Mr Mujahid thanked Qatar and Turkey for their mediation.

A tea vendor stands near trucks stranded in the town of Torkham by the closing of Pakistans border with Afghanistan ( AFP via Getty )

In a statement issued on Sunday, Qatars foreign minister said the follow-up meetings were meant to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and verify its implementation in a reliable and sustainable manner.

The simmering conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated earlier this month, with each side claiming they were responding to aggression.

Pakistan launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan, claiming they were targeting terrorist facilities. Afghanistan denied the charge and said it had carried out retaliatory attacks.

The clashes erupted after Islamabad demanded that Afghanistan tighten its grip on militants who were allegedly using its territory to launch deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

On Friday, a suicide attack near the border killed at least seven Pakistani soldiers and wounded 13, security officials said.

The Afghan regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and are using Afghan soil to perpetrate heinous attacks inside Pakistan, the armys chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, said while addressing a graduation ceremony of cadets on Saturday.

Mr Mujahid said it was decided at the Doha talks that neither country will take hostile actions against the other, and support will not be provided to groups operating against the government of Pakistan.

But just as officials from the warring sides were meeting to hammer out the details of the ceasefire, Pakistans information minister Attaullah Tarar said on X that its forces had struck verified camps of Islamist militants along the border areas, and rejected that the strikes had targeted civilians.

He said militants had attempted to conduct multiple attacks inside Pakistan during the ceasefire period.
As President Trump boarded the plane to travel to the Middle East for his Gaza peace summit this week, he stuck his head out of the plane window and told a gaggle of journalists that he would be looking to find out how popular Tony Blair was in the region before deciding on whether to appoint him to his new Board of Peace.

I just dont know that, he said, rowing back on reports that Blair was a shoo-in for the top job. I like Tony, I have always liked Tony. But I want to find out that he is an acceptable choice to everybody.

The answer he gets will not be clear cut.

Blair himself has  at least according to one close adviser of many years  never suffered from an excess of self-awareness ( Suzanne Plunkett/PA Wire )

Few UK prime or foreign ministers have demonstrated such ability to interact and influence Arab leaders in modern times. Remarkably, Blairs majlis interactions continue almost 20 years after he left Downing Street.

As a UK ambassador in the Gulf, I was impressed that despite his personal unpopularity in the Arab street, and despite having little Arabic language skills, Blair reinvented himself as an influential adviser to Arab leaders. He was at ease in the opulent environments of the rulers palaces in Doha, Riyadh or Abu Dhabi. Blair even managed to stay close to Gulf leaders at times when they were publicly at odds with each other, for example during the Gulf Cooperation Councils blockade and isolation of their cousins in Qatar.

In such elite circles, Blair is seen as a power broker, with the US and Israeli leadership on speed dial. That is why Arab leaders  and others  want his advice. According to those who know, his ability to navigate Israeli politics is virtually unparalleled among Western leaders. That could prove vital for the success of Trumps peace plan in the coming months.

Yet, while the international credentials and ability to work the top table are indisputable, at a popular level Blairs legacy remains toxic in the region. Even within a country such as Israel  where Blair is seen as close to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the pair having worked together as political leaders since the Nineties  views on a role for Blair overseeing Gazas reconstruction are mixed.

Palestinians in particular feel uncomfortable about any new leadership role for Blair. They remember him  whether fairly or not  as the former Quartet envoy, representing the international community, who failed to improve their situation, make progress towards a sovereign Palestinian state or give sufficient priority to freedom of movement and equal rights for Palestinians.

While, of course, Trumps plan excludes Hamas from any role in Gazas governance, Hamas themselves have made clear their outright opposition to Blair. That is not surprising given that he refused to recognise their 2006 electoral victory  something that Blair appeared to acknowledge as a mistake in 2017 when suggesting it might have been better to engage Hamas in dialogue. So, if Trump consults normal people in the region  which is perhaps unlikely  about Blairs suitability to oversee Gazas reconstruction, he is unlikely to get the answer he is looking for.

Blair himself has  at least according to one close adviser of many year  never suffered from an excess of self-awareness. He certainly has thick skin after a lifetime in politics. Both qualities would help in such an exposed leadership role. Blair to his credit has shown unusual courage in showing willing to take on a thankless task where the risk of failure is high. Given his personal history, he may see it as unfinished business, or even a possible path to redemption.

The ability to reinvent himself, and his chameleon-like quality to fit in and build a useful personal relationship with virtually anyone, anywhere, has allowed Blair to retain his place at the top table. It should not come as a surprise that he has emerged publicly as a contributor and potential leader for Trump's Gaza peace plan. He appeared to be consulted and trusted by the presidential inner circle this summer when they were considering how to effect a ceasefire, secure the release of the hostages and move towards a sustainable regional peace.

His playbook with the powerful is also legendary. I watched in European Council meetings, soon after he became prime minister, as he wooed President Chirac of France, who was deeply sceptical about the UKs approach to the European project, was on the other side of the political divide, and old enough to be his father. Blair encouraged Chirac to take a close interest and evident delight in the new Downing Street baby, Leo Blair, born in 2000, and played to Chiracs lifelong interest in Asia by entertaining the president at top Japanese restaurants in London. Often it seemed more a case of Blair personally being at the centre of European discussions, rather than the UK.

What I can say is that I was always struck by how Blair engaged his interlocutors seemingly regardless of political and other major differences. In many ways, he demonstrated polished diplomatic rather than political skills. His trick was to build a personal relationship and leverage that into the public sphere. He is a diplomats diplomat at head-of-government level  and, right now, that is an asset.

Whether Trump decides to push ahead in nominating Blair  either as some sort of neo-colonialist governor general for Gaza or in a supporting role on his putative so-called Board of Peace  will probably depend on how he thinks it will play in the region and the answers he gets to the question he shared with journalists on Air Force One. It will not be enough that a handful of onside Gulf rulers, autocrats and a politically vulnerable Israeli prime minister think that Blair might well suit their various agendas. That said, Trump is hardly spoilt for choice in terms of respected statesmen he trusts, who might command confidence among the protagonists and people of the Middle East.

Nicholas Hopton served as the British ambassador to Libya (2019-21), Iran (2015-18), Qatar (2013-15) and Yemen (2012-13). He is a distinguished senior fellow at RUSI
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When Lucy Rogers* finally opened a letter she had been ignoring for months, informing her that her utilities bill was increasing, it was the final straw. I remember I just walked into work and burst into tears I said: I can't physically afford to live anymore.

At that point, I was so tired and so exhausted, and functioning as an adult was so challenging because of my ADHD.

In debt for most of her adult life, Ms Rogers would enter her flat each day and avoid looking at her mailbox, unable to bear the mound of letters demanding she pay her bills.

Some of them were marked red, meaning urgent, and they would typically only get opened when her mother came around and made her do so.

The pressure was relentless, and with each unpaid bill, anxiety piled up. She kept taking out more loans and was stuck in a cycle she couldnt find the mental space to escape. As the cost of living rose and her direct debits crept up by 100 every six months, the burden became unbearable.

I finally broke, and I finally couldn't carry the weight of that relentless terror and pressure of having to meet all of those obligations, she told The Independent.

Honestly, that day I thought about killing myself, I just thought: I can't handle this anymore, I cannot cope with people demanding all this money from me.

open image in gallery Lucy Rogers, 38, struggled with budgeting, debt and impulse buying ( Supplied )

According to Monzo, ADHD can cost individuals an additional 1,600 each year due to impulse spending, missed bills, and difficulty sticking to a budget.

A survey of more than 500 people commissioned by YouGov found 80 per cent of women and 71 per cent of men said money problems caused by their ADHD led to anxiety.

Ms Rogers, a 38-year-old from Devon, was diagnosed with ADHD three years ago. She also has Graves disease, an autoimmune condition which affects the thyroid and can cause weight loss, fatigue, excessive sweating and anxiety, among other things.

I struggled through most of early adulthood, not knowing that I had ADHD and wondering why I just found everything so difficult in comparison to my peer group, she said.

I couldnt keep on top of bills, even with automated payments. I struggled with budgeting, and I struggled with making sure that there was enough money left at the end of the month.

open image in gallery Rogers was forced to give up her one-bedroom flat ( Supplied )

She had about 200 of disposable income each month, which usually ran out about 10 days before payday. Being too exhausted to cook due to her autoimmune condition, she would often order takeaways, draining her money.

The NHS estimates that around 2.5 million people in England have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

For many people, debt is pushing them to a crisis point. Tasks like managing money, spending wisely, completing financial forms, or even opening bills are difficult and can affect mental health.

A lot of Ms Rogers money struggles came down to executive dysfunction, a common ADHD symptom that affects the brains ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

Professor Barbara Sahakian, an ADHD expert from Cambridge University, said: The key core cognitive and behavioural symptoms are impulsivity, hyperactivity and/or inattention.

open image in gallery Rogers wants to see more financial management education in the classroom ( Supplied )

Many people with ADHD will act on impulse, she said, and buy something they cant afford, even if it will cause issues for them later.

For Ms Rogers, her main impulse purchase was books. I would sink into a story, and I would forget about what my life was like, she said.

Prof Sahakian said executive dysfunction also includes problems in planning, problem-solving, and risky decision-making, which can make it hard to think about how a decision will impact the future.

Paying your bills, for most of us, it's something that we'd be anxious about if we didn't do, Prof Sahakian added.

But for people with ADHD, everyday tasks, such as paying bills, can be difficult. They don't have the ability to keep things in mind as much as other people do, she explained.

It may be that these things just drop out of the working memory, and something more interesting pops in.

open image in gallery ADHD can cost individuals an additional 1,600 each year due to impulse spending and bad financial management ( PA )

Ms Rogers believes there needs to be better support and financial education in school, and wishes shed been taught more about budgeting and money management from a younger age.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: Through our Plan for Change, we'll ensure young people leave education with a good grasp of how to manage their finances.

Ms Rogers also thinks banks should intervene more proactively when people are struggling to pay bills or repeatedly going into overdraft.

The Financial Conduct Authority said: People struggling with debt dont have to face it alone. If youre worried about keeping up with payments, reach out to your lender  they have a range of support options and will work with you to agree the best one for you. You can also find free debt advice through MoneyHelper.

When Ms Rogers hit her breaking point, she reached out to Christians Against Poverty, a debt-counselling charity, which helped her develop a plan to tackle her debt. After receiving help, she decided to give up her one-bedroom flat and move into shared housing.

She said being able to save for the first time was a great feeling, adding: It was that education process of going through servicing my debt that gave me confidence and experience and education to handle my debt.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.

* Name has been changed
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For Martin Gilbert, fishing has been his lifeblood since the day he was born. Now aged 62, he first began working in the Cornish sea when he was seven years old, and has spent the last five decades braving all weathers to capture crabs and shellfish.

Yet he is among a growing number of disillusioned fishermen who feel they have been sold down the river by successive governments after securing their vote for Brexit.

Sir Keir Starmer hailed his reset deal with the EU in May as a win-win for both parties, which would allow British travellers to use passport e-gates and farmers would get easier access to trade on the continent.

In return, European fishing trawlers have been granted another 12 years of access to British waters, in a move that was described by the Scottish Fishermens Federation as a horror show.

open image in gallery Large French fishing vessels often operate between six and 12 miles off the Cornish coast ( PA )

Its very disappointing, Mr Gilbert told The Independent. We were promised to get our own little island, and as far as Im aware, its still an absolute nightmare for merchants to sell abroad due to paperwork, inspections and stamp approvals. Its too much hassle, and now only 50 per cent of the fish we produce goes abroad.

Meanwhile, weve got French and Belgian trawlers fishing within the six- to 12-mile limit, which causes so much damage to our fishing fleet. They have no regard for anyone but themselves, Ive lost tens of thousands of pounds worth of gear over the last 30 years.

Upon laying his crab pots, which cost around 100 a piece, Mr Gilbert and other fishermen on Englands south coast will contact the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, which uses WhatsApp and live maps of marine traffic to contact EU vessels to inform them where the pots have been anchored.

Five years ago, he was left devastated after a French vessel destroyed 15,000 of equipment in one night, after claiming they ignored his readings as to the locations of 200 crab pots.

open image in gallery Martin Gilbert lost 15,000 overnight after a French vessel destroyed his crab pots ( PA )

It is a common issue facing British fishermen, who are struggling to compete with the larger EU fishing vessels, which can measure up to 100 metres in length, compared to the 10-metre vessels setting off from Cornwall.

Once a month, well lose 10 to 15 crab pots, Mr Gilbert added. One fisherman previously said he spent 60,000 to 70,000 each year on new pots and ropes after his gear was continually damaged.

Fishing had formed an integral part of the 2016 Leave campaign, with politicians such as Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson pledging that Britain would regain control of its waters.

Nine out of 10 fishermen said they intended to vote Brexit, with many attracted to the promise that European trawlers would be pushed beyond the 12-mile exclusion zone.

Marc Evans, the chief executive of charity Fishermens Mission, said: If you go back to the campaigning days of Brexit, the fishing community, without a shadow of a doubt, got a disproportionately powerful voice.

Getting UK territorial water was a bit like the 360m NHS figure [on the Vote Leave bus]  the reality was that it wasnt exactly true. Nothing has changed  fishermen are still in direct competition with the French, Dutch and Spanish, the waters are being overfished and their quota is being suppressed.

Other challenges are also facing the industry, including an influx of octopus preying on shellfish, a naturally occurring algae bloom that has affected the northeast coast, as well as the rising costs of marine fuel and essential safety gear.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer announced a reset deal with the EU in May which granted their fishing vessels another 12 years access to British waters ( Getty )

Speaking of the deal in May, Mike Cohen of the National Federation of Fishermen said: It was a blow. Not only did we not get anything, but the little bit we got from Brexit, we lost.

Recruitment has also become a tricky area for the fishing industry, with fewer young people seeking a life at sea.

The issues include an ageing workforce, a lot of businesses being single-handedly run, and the costs and risks feel very high for people wanting to enter the industry, Mr Cohen added.

Recruitment is hard, given that you have to stay in education until youre 18 and you dont have any fishing apprenticeships. At an age when youre able to go to sea, you might have spent two years learning another trade.

As a result, mental health issues have become more prominent as many fishermen consider leaving the industry and giving up their businesses, which may have been in the family for generations.

Even myself, its caused a lot of issues such as anxiety, Mr Gilbert said. Half of the people I know probably suffer from some mental health problem.

Im a fisherman through and through; its all Ive ever known. I certainly push for more days at sea, go further afield and through more weather in the last two years than I used to to try and make a living.

Its long, strenuous hours, most days I work 12 to 14 hours. On Tuesday, I did 12 hours at sea, and I had to do a market run with the fish. I started at 3am, came home at 7.30pm and went back out to sea at 3.45am.

Mr Gilbert said he is fortunate that both his sons have followed in his footsteps and are both fishermen, with his grandchildren also enjoying their time at sea.

My sons are in it for the long run, he said. There are a couple of people I know who have given up and said enough is enough, theres too much paperwork and bureaucracy and regulation  Im getting that way inclined.

I enjoy the job tremendously, its just hard work.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "We value the hard work and dedication of all those working in our vital fishing industry.

We have announced the 360m fishing and coastal growth fund to support the next generation of fishers and will work with the industry to target investment where it matters most.

This government is working with the fishing industry to promote British seafood and ensure we fish sustainably so the sector can thrive for generations to come.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is among the most profitable software stocks to invest in. In a September 30 report, Barclays identified attractive entry points in European technology stocks that have demonstrated weakness, highlighting SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) as a well-positioned name amid current fears regarding the comparative performance of AI-driven peers in the United States. The firm believes that the relative underperformance in the third quarter could serve as a momentum catalyst for many European tech companies.

The bank reiterates its Overweight rating on SAP SE (NYSE:SAP), anticipating another robust quarter with core earnings outperforming estimates and sustaining resilience in its cloud backlog.

SAP SE (SAP)s Strategic Pivot Drives Optimism - JPMorgan Reaffirms Overweight Rating

Separately, the macroenvironment remains favorable, as several German proposals have already been submitted to the EU for developing multi-billion-euro data centers. Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger remains hopeful that Germany will receive at least one of what will possibly be five gigafactories.

Sebastian Steinhauser, a board member at SAP SE (NYSE:SAP), recently expressed concerns regarding what he calls misplaced priorities in the German debate over artificial intelligence (AI). The companys executive claims that programs are needed that target not only small businesses and workshops but also large enterprises, highlighting the use of AI in day-to-day operations. To intensify competition, he notes that a national initiative for AI training is mandatory.

SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is a German provider of enterprise application and business solutions offering SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, and SAP customer experience solutions, among others. Incorporated in 1972, the company is a global leader in enterprise solutions and business AI, facilitating companies across various industries to operate seamlessly.

While we acknowledge the potential of SAP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
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Journalist Emily Maitlis believes Prince Andrew lied to me about his contact with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during their 2019 Newsnight interview.

On Friday, Andrew announced he would relinquish his remaining royal titles  including Duke of York  and his public duties amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to Epstein and an alleged Chinese spy.

The BBC Newsnight interview, which Andrew hoped would clear his name, backfired after he said he did not regret his friendship with Epstein.

The financier was by then a convicted sex offender and had been accused of trafficking Virginia Giuffre while she was a teenager.

A recently surfaced 2011 email shows the former duke writing to Epstein: We are in this together.

That had been sent just months after he had said in the BBC interview that he had cut ties with Epstein in December 2010.

Ms Maitlis told The Observer it prompted her to rewatch the interview for the first time in six years.

open image in gallery Prince Andrew spoke to Emily Maitlis in 2019

The email that emerged last week categorically showed that what he said [about his last contact being December 2010] was untrue, she said.

I have become more alive to all the inconsistencies. It makes you rewatch, revisit everything again.

I think we know now that [Prince Andrew] lied to me about his contact with Epstein.

Andrews announcement about the titles came just days before the release of Ms Giuffres memoir. He paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case in 2022, while continuing to deny ever meeting her.

In the 2019 interview, the former duke claimed he had no recollection of meeting Ms Giuffre and denied having sex with her in March 2001, saying he was at Pizza Express with his daughter Beatrice on the day in question.

Ms Giuffre has alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions, including when she was 17, after being trafficked by Epstein.

open image in gallery The then-Duke of York, Virginia Giuffre, and Ghislaine Maxwell ( PA Media )

Ms Maitlis said: I think we know 1 per cent of the Epstein files. Britain is fixated on the Prince and his titles. We might be talking about 1,000 victims and 30 to 50 paedophiles.

In his statement on Friday, Andrew said: As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.

In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.

Although Andrew is relinquishing his dukedom, he technically retains it as it can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.

The titles and honours he will no longer use include his wedding day titles: Duke of York, the Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh, his knighthood as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) and his Garter role as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

The prince stepped down from public life in 2019 following the interview. He was later stripped of his military patronages by the late Queen and stopped using his HRH title.
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Disgraced Prince Andrew sought the help of the Metropolitan Police and one of Queen Elizabeth IIs most senior aides in a campaign to smear Virginia Giuffre, according to reports.

Leaked emails seen by the Mail on Sunday revealed that Andrew handed over Ms Giuffres social security number and date of birth to his Met Police bodyguard.

Andrew reportedly told Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth's deputy press secretary, that he had asked one of his close protection officers to find out information about Ms Giuffre.

It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States, Andrew wrote to Mr Perkins. I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].

It is not clear whether the bodyguard complied with Andrews instructions.

The Met Police told The Independent it was looking into the claims. Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment.

open image in gallery The Met Police is looking into the claims ( PA )

The extraordinary revelations come a day after Prince Andrew gave up the use of his titles and honours, including the Duke of York title, following a sex abuse case involving convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which has lasted more than a decade.

His relinquishment came just days before Ms Giuffres memoir is set to be published, which exposes details of further attention on the allegations of abuse against the disgraced prince and his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement released on Friday night, Prince Andrew said: "In discussion with the King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.

The decision came amid growing pressure from King Charles who is said to be glad that he is gone.

open image in gallery Giuffres family has called for an investigation ( PA Wire )

Ms Giuffre has accused Andrew of having sex with her three times when she was 17. She claims that he sexually abused her on Epsteins private island, Little St James, as a teenager. The prince has always denied the claims.

In March 2022, Andrew paid Ms Giuffre millions of dollars to settle a civil lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault when she was a teenager.

As part of the agreement, he was due to pay damages to Ms Giuffre and a donation to a charity in support of victims rights, despite saying he had never met her.

Ms Giuffres family said she did not have a criminal record, and is requesting a full investigation as to how Andrew obtained the confidential information released to Mr Perkins.

Andrew allegedly refused to explain how he obtained Ms Giuffre's social security number, the Mail on Sunday said.

Her family is also renewing their call to the King to take out the prince in the' Andrew and strip him of his princedom.

Despite relinquishing his titles, Andrew remains a prince. When he was born in 1960, he was automatically a prince as the son of a monarch, and this could only be changed if a Letters Patent was issued by the King.

Ms Giuffre's brother, Sky Roberts, told ITV News: "I want to commend the King and I want to commend the UK for taking some action.

"While it may not be enough, in a lot of ways that the survivors view it, it's still a lot more than what we've been given from our own government here, even though we possess the Epstein files.

"Now, for the King, I think there's more that he could do. He does have the ability to strip him even further of the prince title, which we would call upon.

"I think we've already taken all these necessary steps. Why not just take it another step further and relinquish him of his prince title as well?"
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Saturday Night Live didnt waste time putting together a sketch touching on No Kings protests hours earlier, with James Austin Johnson reprising his regular role as the president drop in on a teen-led podcast called Snack Homiez to riff on the demonstrations.

The teenage boys  played by host and musical guest Sabrina Carpenter, with cast members Chloe Fineman, Jane Wickline and Veronika Slowikowska  are there to talk about the best Halloween candy and goated vegetables, but Trump appears and immediately derails the conversation.

In the real world, the president has mocked the demonstrations and even posted an AI video of him bombing protesters.

In the SNL version, Trump praised the protests, claiming they were Yes, King marches celebrating Trumps decision Friday to commute the sentence of George Santos, a disgraced former Republican congressman who was serving a seven-year federal prison term for defrauding voters among other crimes.

You know who I do like? the fictional Trump asked the podcasters. George Santos. Hes weird. Hes a liar.

open image in gallery Saturday Night Live featured a sketch tonight where Donald Trump podcasted about the No Kings protests, claiming they are Yes, King marches in celebration of the presidents decision to free George Santos from prison ( Saturday Night Live )

The people are marching because theyre happy hes free, he said. Its a Yes, King march. Theyre saying, Yes, King.

In another divergence from reality, the SNL Trump praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as tough, while the real one has been reluctant to offer the leader U.S. Tomahawk missiles.

The sketch also touched on another recent development: the presidents penchant for claiming he ended a seemingly ever-increasing number of wars.

You look at China, you look at Korea  Ive solved like seven wars at this point, the Trump in the sketch says. No one gives me credit. Its like 100 wars Ive solved.

open image in gallery Sabrina Carpenter was SNLs host and musical guest October 19 ( Rosalind O'Connor/NBC )

The show also roasted Trumps frequent public musings about whether he will go to heaven.

Am I going to heaven, chat? he asks Do I fit the criteria in terms of Christian and with regard to St. Peter and pearly gates?

On SNL, at least, the podcasters werent so sure.

Um, I dont know, sir, Fineman replies.

Probably not, right? Trump says, punctuating with Epstein.

Later, on Weekend Update, host Colin Jost mused that its unlikely Trump will make it.

Hes far too busy here, running hell, he said.
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Donald Trump issued a threat to Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, on Sunday morning after the South American leader spoke out against the deadly U.S. attacks against vessels in the Caribbean the Trump administration has accused of ferrying drugs.

In a Truth Social posting the U.S. president seemed to suggest that Petros country could play host to a U.S. invasion or military campaign of some kind as he vowed that his administration would use force to close the so-called killing fields in Colombia if the Petro government did not take action first.

His remarks refer to areas where cartel violence against civilians and others is rampant, particularly in rural, forested areas where paramilitary groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) are present. Colombias government has struggled against those groups in armed conflicts dating back decades.

President Gustavo Petro, of Columbia, is an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs, in big and small fields, all over Columbia. It has become the biggest business in Columbia, by far, and Petro does nothing to stop it, despite large scale payments and subsidies from the USA that are nothing more than a long term rip off of America, the U.S. president wrote on Truth Social on Sunday morning.

He declared that U.S. subsidies to Colombia would end immediately, and warned: Petro, a low rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it wont be done nicely.

open image in gallery Donald Trump warned on Truth Social that Gustavo Petro must stop so-called killing fields in Colombia ( AP )

Trumps statement came just hours after Petro denounced an escalating campaign of U.S. military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean Sea, which the White House have accused of ferrying drugs bound for the United States. That campaign continues, with the most recent strike being reported on October 16. Two survivors were captured by the U.S. military in the wake of the Oct 16 attack, and were repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia.

Petro, in a statement, wrote that one U.S. strike in September targeted a civilian boat in distress  not a drug-smuggling vessel, as U.S. officials claimed. The Colombian president accused Trump of murder over the attack, which killed one person on board.

"The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal up due to an engine failure," said Petro. He added: "We await explanations from the US government."

"Fisherman Alejandro Carranza had no ties to the drug trade and his daily activity was fishing, said the Colombian president.

Trumps explanation appears to have been an overt threat to engage the U.S. military in an attempt to occupy sovereign Colombian territory. At the same time, the Trump White House is reportedly moving towards a goal of orchestrating regime change in neighboring Venezuela, where like in Colombia the ruling governments head Nicolas Maduro is accused by Trump officials of operating a state-sponsored drug cartel.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately said on Sunday that U.S. forces, striking two days earlier, destroyed a vessel being operated by the ELN, a left-wing paramilitary group which is estimated to be in command of several thousand members and is active in the drug trade.

The vessel was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route, and was transporting substantial amounts of narcotics. There were three male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel during the strikewhich was conducted in international waters. All three terrorists were killed and no U.S. forces were harmed in this strike, Hegseth wrote on X.

Confirming that the secretary was speaking about the same incident, Petro responded in his own tweet.

The fisherman's boat from Santa Marta was not from the ELN; it belonged to a humble family, lovers of the sea, from which they drew their food. What do you say to that family? Explain to me why you helped assassinate a humble fisherman from Santa Marta, the land where Bolivar died, and which they say is the heart of the world. What do you say to the family of the fisherman Alejandro Carranza? He was a humble human being, wrote the president.

open image in gallery Gustavo Petro wrote on X that a man killed by a U.S. airstrike on a Colombian vessel in September had no ties to the international drug trade ( AP )

In a third post, Petro delivered a lengthier condemnation of the Trump administrations foreign policy in the Americas: A U.S. missile has killed a humble fisherman from Colombia in Santa Marta. The USA destroyed a family of fishermen in the city that will host the summit of Latin America and Europe. The USA has invaded national territory with a missile fired to kill a humble fisherman, has destroyed his family, his children. This is the homeland of Bolivar and they are murdering his children with bombs. The USA offended the national territory of Colombia and killed an honest, hardworking Colombian. Let the sword of Bolivar be raised!

In Venezuela, the Financial Times reported on Saturday, Trump officials aim to bully top Maduro officials, including possibly the president himself, into resigning or fleeing the country. Opposition figures told the outlet that the White House is implicitly threatening to assasinate Maduro or other government figures if the president does not let go of power.

Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Southern Command overseeing the strikes and escalation of U.S. military might near Venezuelan territory, just stepped down after expressing concern with the attacks according to a new report.

U.S. officials in both the Trump and Biden administrations have argued that the 2024 elections in Venezuela were fraudulent, and tainted by acts of political repression and other factors. The Trump administration ramped up rhetoric earlier this year when it accused Maduro of direct involvement in drug smuggling operations, though the Justice Department also made that accusation initially in 2020 during the first Trump administration.

According to the DOJ and White House, Maduro runs Cartel de los Soles, a drug-smuggling organization linked to the sun emblems on the uniforms of top Venezuelan military brass. It also charged him with running elements of the FARC militant group in Colombia, which largely disbanded three years prior but still maintains some presence.

In his role as a leader of the Cartel de Los Soles, Maduro Moros negotiated multi-ton shipments of FARC-produced cocaine; directed that the Cartel de Los Soles provide military-grade weapons to the FARC; coordinated foreign affairs with Honduras and other countries to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking; and solicited assistance from FARC leadership in training an unsanctioned militia group that functioned, in essence, as an armed forces unit for the Cartel de Los Soles, Attorney General Bill Barr said in a statement in 2020.
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President Donald Trump strongly suggested that he was preparing to use the Insurrection Act to crack down on dissent nationwide in an interview Sunday while warning that National Guard deployments would take place in San Francisco next.

He spoke in a pre-recorded discussion that aired Sunday on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo about using the power of the federal government to militarize the National Guard in states where he and his team claim that Democratic officials are refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement and crime-fighting efforts, including the White Houses mass deportation campaign.

During the conversation, he falsely asserted that nearly half of all U.S. presidents have invoked the act. Fifteen U.S. presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act (out of 45 men to hold the position in total).

Dont forget, and I havent used it, but dont forget: I can use the Insurrection Act. 50 percent of the presidents, almost, have used that. And that's unquestioned power, the president told Bartiromo, before making a somewhat garbled point about Democratic state officials: I choose not to. Id rather do this [without invoking it]. But Im met constantly by fake politicians, politicians that think that they  you know, its not a part of the radical left movement to have safety.

He also confirmed that he was imminently planning to send National Guard troops to San Francisco, while describing himself as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.

open image in gallery Donald Trump said that crime in San Francisco was out of control, even though it's at a 20-year-low overall ( AFP via Getty Images )

San Francisco was truly one of the great cities of the world, and then 15 years ago, it went wrong. It went woke, said the president. But were going to go to San Francisco, and were going to make it great.

The city, which is experiencing a 20-year low in its overall crime rate, has areas where crime and issues including drug use and homelessness are persistent problems such as the famous Tenderloin district. In 2023, according to city statistics, the Tenderloin district averaged more than four calls reporting violent crimes per day. Rates of violent and non-violent crime have fallen in the district, but still remain higher than in surrounding areas for the most part.

By sending troops to San Francisco, Trump would once again be putting himself in direct conflict with Gavin Newsom, Californias Democratic governor. Newsom, who is a leading possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, challenged the president in the courts after Trump used National Guard forces to protect ICE agents and detention centers in Los Angeles earlier this year.

California will resist any effort by Donald Trump to militarize another American city for his own vanity and deranged fantasies, a spokesperson for the governor told Politico in a statement. California doesnt want or need the National Guard to police its streets. In this state, we take care of our own communitiesunlike Trump who cant even pay the soldiers under his command.

open image in gallery Gavin Newsom halted Trumps use of the National Guard in Los Angeles earlier this year ( AP )

The White House and Department of Justice have battled state leaders in the courts over the efforts to expand Trumps National Guard deployments. The president deployed troops to Memphis with the support of the states Republican governor, and has battled with Democratic leaders in Illinois and Oregon over sending troops to Chicago and Portland.

A senior Border Patrol official tweeted that criminal organizations were allegedly plotting to kidnap and kill law enforcement officers in cities like Chicago, while Attorney General Pam Bondi told a Senate panel earlier this month that the deployments were necessary to protect ICE facilities.

San Franciscos mayor hasnt issued a statement directly responding to the presidents threats, but on Saturday released a video message thanking thousands of city residents who hit the streets as part of nationwide No Kings protests against the president.

Millions in cities and towns in every state turned out on Saturday for the demonstrations, which come after months of the Trump administrations threats to federalize U.S. cities and the growing presence of ICE agents and raids in communities across the country. White House officials cast the demonstrators as far-left radicals and terrorists ahead of Saturdays events. No major acts of violence were reported, despite the massive numbers protesting around the U.S.

The president trolled protesters on Sunday with another AI-generated video depicting him in a fighter jet dropping excrement on crowds in Times Square.
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Ukrainian drones struck a major gas processing plant in southern Russia, sparking a fire and forcing it to suspend its intake of gas from Kazakhstan, Russian and Kazakh authorities said Sunday.

U.S. President Donald Trump meanwhile suggested that Kyiv may have to give up territory in exchange for an end to Moscow's more than 3 1/2-year invasion, in the latest of apparent reversals on how to pursue peace.

The Orenburg plant, run by state-owned gas giant Gazprom and located in a region of the same name near the Kazakh border, is part of a production and processing complex that is one of the world's largest facilities of its kind, with an annual capacity of 45 billion cubic meters. It handles gas condensate from Kazakhstans Karachaganak field, alongside Orenburg's own oil and gas fields.

According to regional Gov. Yevgeny Solntsev, the drone strikes set fire to a workshop at the plant and damaged part of it. The Kazakh Energy Ministry on Sunday said, citing a notification from Gazprom, that the plant was temporarily unable to process gas originating in Kazakhstan, due to an emergency situation following a drone attack.

Ukraine's General Staff said in a statement Sunday that a large-scale fire erupted at the Orenburg plant, and that one of its gas processing and purification units was damaged.

Kyiv has ramped up attacks in recent months on Russian energy facilities it says both fund and directly fuel Moscows war effort.

Modified Russian bombs

Meanwhile, Ukrainian prosecutors claim that Moscow is modifying its deadly aerial-guided bombs to strike civilians deeper in Ukraine. Local authorities in Kharkiv said Russia struck a residential neighborhood using a new rocket-powered aerial bomb for the first time.

Kharkivs regional prosecutors office said in a statement that Russia used the weapon called the UMPB-5R, which can travel up to 130 kilometers (80 miles), in an attack on the city of Lozava on Saturday afternoon. The city lies 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Kharkiv, a considerable distance for the weapon to fly.

Russia continued to strike other parts of Ukraine closer to the front line. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, at least 11 people were injured after Russian drones hit the Shakhtarske area. At least 14 five-story buildings and a store were damaged, said acting regional Gov. Vladyslav Haivanenko.

Ukraine's General Staff also claimed a separate drone strike hit Russia's Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery, in the Samara region near Orenburg, sparking a blaze and damaging its main refining units.

The Novokuibyshevsk facility, operated by Russian gas major Rosneft, has an annual capacity of 4.9 million tons, and turns out over 20 kinds of oil-based products. Russian authorities did not immediately acknowledge the Ukrainian claim or discuss any damage.

Russias Defense Ministry said in a statement early Sunday that its air defense forces had shot down 45 Ukrainian drones during the night, including 12 over the Samara region, one over the Orenburg region and 11 over the Saratov region neighboring Samara.

In turn, Ukraine's air force reported Sunday that Russia during the night launched 62 drones into Ukrainian territory. It said 40 of these were shot down, or veered off course due to electronic jamming.

Trump says Ukraine may have to give up land for peace

Trump appeared to edge back in the direction of pressing Ukraine to give up on retaking land it has lost to Russia, in exchange for an end to Moscow's aggression.

Asked in a Fox News interview conducted Thursday whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would be open to ending the war without taking significant property from Ukraine, Trump responded: Well, hes going to take something.

They fought and he has a lot of property. Hes won certain property, Trump said. Were the only nation that goes in, wins a war and then leaves.

The interview was aired on Sunday on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, but was conducted before Trump spoke to Putin and Zelenskyy last week.

The comments amounted to another shift in position on the war by the U.S. leader. In recent weeks, Trump had shown growing impatience with Putin and expressed greater openness to helping Ukraine win the war.

In Thursday's interview, he was noncommittal about sending Tomahawk missiles requested by Ukraine, saying Im looking at it but expressing concern about depleting U.S. weapons stocks.

We need them for ourselves too, Trump said. We cant give all our weapons to Ukraine. We just cant do that.

Russians and Ukrainians interviewed by The Associated Press last week voiced hopes for progress at an upcoming summit between Trump and Putin in Budapest, Hungary, but said they anticipated no major breakthrough.

The two leaders agreed in a phone call Thursday to meet in the coming weeks, according to Trump, who also sat down with Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.

Contrary to Kyivs hopes, Trump did not commit to providing it with Tomahawks following that meeting. The missiles would be the longest-range weapons in Ukraines arsenal and would allow it to strike targets deep inside Russia, including Moscow, with precision.

Deliveries of Tomahawks could provide leverage to help push the Kremlin into negotiations, analysts say, after Trump expressed frustration over Putins refusal to budge on key aspects of a possible peace deal.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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On Sunday morning, a gang of thieves pulled off a daring seven-minute heist at the Louvre in Paris  snatching several priceless items of jewellery from the famous museum.

The city has been left shocked by the theft from its beloved museum, which welcomes tens of thousands of tourists a day.

As French police launched a manhunt for the thieves, the heist was compared to a popular Netflix drama called Lupin. It tells the story of a modern-day criminal inspired by an infamous French thief, Arsene Lupin, who stole from the rich.

open image in gallery French police officers stand in front of the Louvre after the incident ( AFP via Getty )

What happened at the Louvre?

At 9.30am on Sunday 19 October, a group of masked thieves broke into the Louvres Galerie dApollon in Paris. This opulent hall  whose ceiling was painted by Charles Le Brun for King Louis XIV  houses some of Frances most valuable and historically important artefacts, including what is left of the French crown jewels.

In just seven minutes, the thieves are reported to have taken around nine priceless pieces from a collection containing items once owned by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, and Empress Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Galerie dApollon sits on the southeastern side of the Louvre. The group of thieves are understood to have escaped from the museum on scooters.

Following the incident, the museum was closed and tourists were evacuated, while police surrounded the building.

open image in gallery A window believed to have been used in what the French interior ministry described as a robbery ( Reuters )

How did they steal the jewels?

The thieves are thought to have gained entry to the first-floor window using a mechanical lift, similar to a cherry picker, attached to a vehicle. Images have emerged of the vehicle still in place by the window.

According to Frances interior minister Laurent Nunez, the thieves gained access by breaking a window with an angle grinder, and were able to open two display cases.

Mr Nunez told a French radio station that the thieves were clearly a team that had been scouting the building.

The thieves left one item behind in their haste, which was found close to the Louvre. It is understood by French media to be the crown of Empress Eugenie. However, officials have yet to confirm that this is the item in question.

According to Le Parisien, police found two angle grinders at the scene, a blowtorch, gasoline, gloves, a walkie-talkie, a blanket, a crown, and a yellow vest of a type allegedly used by the criminals to pass themselves off as workers.

In a statement, the mayor of Paris Centre, Ariel Weil, likened the incident to the Netflix show Lupin, which depicts the antics of a fictional thief in Paris.

He said: Its a shock... Its clear were [dealing with] Arsene Lupin. Its been a movie script up until now. Its hard to imagine that its seemingly so easy to burglarise the Louvre.

open image in gallery Police officers block an entrance to the Louvre museum after the robbery on Sunday ( AP )

How have police reacted?

Police have launched an investigation of the incident, and a hunt for the perpetrators.

Immediately after the theft, police sealed off access to the museum, including one major road along the riverbank in front of it, according to the BBC.

Pictures of the scene showed the large extendable ladder that the thieves allegedly used to scale the building.

Mr Nunez said the heist was an attack on Frances heritage and history, warning that investigators have been fully mobilised and that everything is being done to arrest the culprits.

open image in gallery The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is the most famous artwork in the Louvre ( AP )

When was the last robbery at the Louvre?

The mayor has admitted that the incident will inevitably raise security issues, although thefts from the museum are rare.

The most infamous theft from the Louvre, prior to this incident, was in 1911, when a museum employee stole Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa. He was eventually caught, and the painting was returned to the museum two years later.

More recently, in 1998, a 19th-century painting by artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot was stolen. According to reports at the time, the painting was cut out of its frame unbeknown to security guards and staff. It has not yet been recovered.
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Venezuela is poised for a moment of national celebration this Sunday as Pope Leo XIV canonises the nation's beloved "doctor of the poor", Jose Gregorio Hernandez.

The historic ceremony will bestow upon the Caribbean nation its first saint, offering a beacon of hope amid years of economic crisis and new tensions with the United States.

Dr Hernandez, revered by millions for his dedication to impoverished communities, will be elevated to sainthood alongside Mother Carmen Rendiles Martinez, founder of a Venezuelan religious order.

Thousands of Venezuelans are expected to attend the Mass in St Peter's Square, with many more gathering in Caracas to watch a livestream of the Vatican service.

The ceremony will see a total of seven individuals canonised, including Papua New Guinea's first saint, Peter To Rot, a layman killed in 1945 for advocating monogamous marriage.

Pope Francis approved Dr Hernandezs canonisation from his hospital room on 24 February, bypassing the Vaticans typical miracle confirmation process. The decision was based on the "widespread veneration of the doctor-saint among the faithful," the Vatican said.

open image in gallery Venezuelan artist Miguel Garcia puts the finishing touches on his mural depicting Jose Gregorio Hernandez ( AP )

Dr Hernandez is beloved among Venezuelans, with his face plastered on street art around Caracas, in portraits in hospitals and in photos gracing individual home altars.

As a doctor in Caracas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, he refused to take money from poor people for his services and often gave them money for medicine, earning the nickname doctor of the poor. He was killed in 1919 while crossing a street shortly after picking up some medicine at a pharmacy to bring to a poor elderly woman.

He became a religious icon after his death, and when Pope John Paul II visited Venezuela in February 1996, he received a petition signed by five million people  almost one in four Venezuelans  asking that he declare Dr Hernandez a saint.

For them, this is indeed a national event of the highest order," said Silvia Correale, who spearheaded his sainthood case. Certainly, the canonisation of Jose Gregorio is desired by all the Venezuelan people, and has been waited for by all the people.

Arquimides Blanco, 60, said he wasnt a particular fan of Dr Hernandez but recognized the significance of his canonization for Venezuela now. Mr Blanco was a member of a cultural collective commissioned to paint the streets surrounding the church of the emblematic parish of La Pastora, as part of the preparations for the canonisation.

I may not be a big fan of Jose Gregorio as such, but I understand that he is Venezuelan and that his canonisation in the context of the whole geopolitical situation is important, he said.

open image in gallery Maria Corina Machado recently won the Nobel Peace Prize ( AP )

The canonisation is a long-awaited celebration and a boost for Venezuela, just weeks after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize. It comes as tensions mount with the United States over Washingtons use of military force against suspected drug cartels.

Just this past week, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing the execution of land operations in the South American country.

Venezuelas economy has been in crisis for the past decade, spurring the emigration of millions of Venezuelans, first to other South American nations and then, in more recent years, to the United States.

The countrys economic disaster has been compounded by US sanctions. The government of President Nicolas Maduro  sworn in in 2024 despite credible evidence he lost reelection  has been forced to cut subsidies, making many daily necessities unaffordable to the 80 pr cent of residents estimated to live in poverty.

Also being canonised on Sunday are Archbishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, an Armenian Catholic who was killed for refusing to renounce his faith during what the Vatican has said was the Ottoman-era genocide of Armenians; Sister Vincenza Maria Poloni, a 19th century founder of a religious order; Maria Troncatti, an Italian missionary in Ecuador, and Bartolo Longo, who like Hernandez will be canonised based on widespread veneration among the faithful, not a purported miraculous healing.
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Israel launched a wave of deadly strikes and temporarily shut off aid in Gaza on Sunday, as the US-brokered ceasefire came under severe pressure.

The IDF said in a statement that terrorists had fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire that killed two Israeli troops working in Rafah on Sunday.

Retaliatory Israeli strikes killed at least 45 people in Gaza, according to local residents and health authorities.

A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire negotiations said "round-the-clock" contacts were underway to de-escalate the situation. Donald Trumps envoys to Israel, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are reportedly already on their way to Israel to try and shore up the ceasefire.

Hamass armed wing said that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement in all of Gaza, adding that it was unaware of clashes in Rafah and that it had not been in contact with groups there since March.

open image in gallery Displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza ( AP )

An Israeli security official had said that the transfer of aid into Gaza had been halted following what he described as Hamas' blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

But, after US pressure, another Israeli security official said that aid would resume on Monday.

Palestinians in Gaza heard explosions and gunfire in Rafah and witnesses also reported heavy gunfire from Israeli tanks in the eastern town of Abassan near Khan Younis, also in southern Gaza.

Israels hawkish far-right minister of national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called on Netanyahu to order the IDF to fully resume combat in the Gaza Strip with maximum force.

The false illusions that Hamas will change its ways, or even adhere to the agreement it signed, are proving, as expected, to be dangerous to our security, he wrote on X (Twitter). The Nazi terrorist organization must be completely destroyedand the sooner, the better.

Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed: War!

The government media office in Gaza said on Saturday that Israel had committed 47 violations after the ceasefire deal, leaving 38 dead and 143 wounded.

In a separate incident on Friday, operatives were said to have emerged from a tunnel in the Rafah area and opened fire on Israeli forces, according to the IDF. There were no reported injuries.

open image in gallery FILE: Buildings destroyed during Israeli ground and air operations in the northern Gaza Strip ( AP )

Hamas on Sunday rejected a statement from the US state department citing credible reports that the Palestinian group would imminently violate the ceasefire deal with Israel. Hamas said the allegations were false.

The Hamas Movement rejects the allegations mentioned in the statement issued by the US state department and categorically denies the claims directed against it regarding an imminent attack or a violation of the ceasefire agreement, it said.

These false allegations fully align with misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupations organised crimes and aggression against our people.

Hamas accused Israel of forming, arming and funding criminal gangs that it said had carried out killings, kidnappings, theft of aid trucks, and robberies against Palestinian civilians.

The state department assessed in a short statement that Hamas was planning an imminent attack on civilians in Gaza, adding: Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.

Donald Trump has threatened to disarm Hamas if it refused to do so voluntarily, after saying he was unbothered by Hamas killing members of very bad gangs in Gaza earlier in the week.

The ceasefire has been further strained by Hamass delayed return of hostages to Israel and Israels decision to keep the Rafah crossing shut to humanitarian aid.

Israel has threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice. Netanyahus office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfils its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.

Hamas has returned all 20 live hostages and 12 of the deceased, but said the process needs effort and special equipment to recover corpses buried under rubble.

open image in gallery Trucks lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip on 16 October ( Planet Labs PBC via AP )

Israel identified the body of a deceased hostage on Sunday morning, after Hamas handed over two bodies of what the militant group said were deceased hostages to the Red Cross late on Saturday night.

Benjamin Netanyahu said the body was identified as Ronen Engel. The second body is still undergoing identification at Israels National Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Engel, 54, was killed during the October 7 attack on kibbutz Nir Oz on the Gaza border. His wife, Karina, and two of his three children were kidnapped and released in a ceasefire in November 2023.

The IDF said on Sunday that another deceased hostage had been identified as Suntaya Akrasi.

Akrasti, a 30-year-old Thai citizen, was also killed during the October 7 attack, and his body was taken into Gaza. His body was taken from the orchards of kibbutz Beeri, the IDF said.
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In the light of the revelations that keep on coming  and will surely continue, following Tuesdays posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffres memoir  Prince Andrews decision to relinquish his royal titles has to be a case of better late than never. However long it has taken and however heavy a hand may have been applied by the King, it is nonetheless far preferable that this most comprehensive sanction on the prince to date should carry at least the veneer of voluntary acceptance rather than being imposed through parliament.

This government, indeed any government, has enough to do without devoting parliamentary time to issues the royal family should be capable of dealing with itself. If there is any substance, on the other hand, to reports that Andrew asked his close protection officer to investigate Giuffres background  one of the latest accusations to see the light of day  that should be a matter for the authorities. So it is right that the Metropolitan Police is looking into the claim.

As for whether the removal of Andrews titles is sufficient, many say not  given the still mounting evidence that he lied about the extent and duration of his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, and his continuing failure to show any contrition, still less sympathy for the girls and young women, including Giuffre, who were trafficked for the pleasure of Epstein and his associates. Propriety might demand that the prince and the now ex-Duchess of York should leave their palatial accommodations in Royal Lodge for somewhere more modest (and remote from the Windsor orbit). But Andrew has a long lease on the residence, and propriety is not something readily associated with the prince.

Another demand from some is that his status as prince should be added to the extensive list of titles he has lost. But this is a birthright that cannot so easily be taken away. It should rather be noted perhaps that continental Europe is awash with those bearing aristocratic titles by virtue of birth, whose only significance in real life is as relics of a bygone age. With the loss of his titles and his effective banishment from the Kings court, something similar will apply to Andrew, who would be well advised to accelerate his descent into obscurity as other disgraced or dethroned royals before him.

To the extent that he remains in the headlines, however, there needs to be a sense of proportion. Andrew was never, and is very far from being, heir to the throne. In terms of the institution of the monarchy, whatever more may emerge about his relations with Giuffre and Epstein, the scandal is nothing of the order of the abdication crisis, or even the breakdown of the marriage of the then Prince of Wales and Princess Diana.

In the application of her famed discretion, Elizabeth II did much to restore and protect the authority of the institution at home and abroad. How much of an asset this remains should be evident from the enthusiasm expressed by Donald Trump and the way state visits  by the French and US presidents earlier this year and by the German president still to come  enhance the UKs diplomacy.

This does not mean that the fallout from Andrews real and alleged misdeeds does no harm to the monarchy. The latest spate of allegations is already distracting attention from the truly historic event this week that will see the King and the Pope praying together in the Sistine Chapel  the first such coming together since the Reformation. It also has the effect of obscuring the good work done by other senior royals.

Distraction is one thing; the greater risk is that the institution as a whole is contaminated. Support for the monarchy in the UK is not what it was, especially among the younger generation, where a recent poll showed 42 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds favouring an elected head of state. The positive news for royalists, however, must be the heavy hints being dropped by the heir to the throne, Prince William, that he understands, and intends to act on, the need for change.

William is reputed to have been in the forefront of the moves to banish his uncle over the Epstein affair, to the point of suggesting that he will not be invited to his coronation. As someone who may be presumed to have a better grasp of todays sensibilities over sex trafficking and exploitation than many of his elders, William is said to have been impatient with the way accusations against Andrew were handled.

In many other ways  from his student years at St Andrews University, to his marriage to a commoner (how quaint that term now sounds), to the way he and Catherine have tried to give their children something akin to a normal life, as well as their support for such contemporary concerns as mental health, homelessness and the environment  it may be possible to detect the barest glimpses of a more Dutch- or Scandinavian-style monarchy to come.

The Waleses, of course, remain many moons away from the realities facing the average Briton, from their inherited wealth, to their multiple residences, to the choices about their childrens education. It would also be fair to credit Queen Elizabeth with starting to pare back the public face of the monarchy, a process that King Charles has continued, albeit perhaps more slowly than his successor would like. With hindsight, the past week may have shown the monarchy turning its back on an unacceptable face of the past, and rallying to William as the face of the future. It is a choice that for the time being will improve, but not necessarily guarantee, its chances of survival.
We recently published 10 Trending Stocks to Watch as Brad Gerstner Explains Tailwinds for AI Trade  10x Manhattan Project. Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT) is one of the trending stocks to watch.

James Van Geelen, the founder and portfolio manager at Citrini Research, talked about his visit to the Project Stargate facility in Abilene, Texas. Answering a question about companies powering this major facility, Geelen talked about Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT):

That was the first thing we saw in the drone is you fly over it and they just built their own natural gas plant. And the interesting thing is, these arent like the really good natural gas turbines because if you wanted, so natural gas turbines fall along, simple cycle, combined cycle. These are simple cycle. Theyre each 35 megawatts, which is very much on the lower end. Half of GE Vernova, half of em are from Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT). A company the Caterpillar ons called Solar Turbines. And the reason why theyre not, you would think, oh, youre spending half a trillion dollars on these things. You could probably get the best thing ever, but thatll take you seven years.

Photo by Dimitris Chapsoulas on Unsplash

While we acknowledge the potential of CAT as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Government set to sign off on exit package for DAA boss

DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs on track to leave role in January

Kenny Jacobs

John Mulligan Fri 17 Oct 2025 at 18:57

Embattled DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs is set to leave his role in January as the government prepares to sign off on a 1.2m exit package for the former Ryanair executive.
Primeline Group, one of Irelands largest logistics firms, has created over 400 jobs in the last two years helped by a multi-million euro investment in a huge hub in Ashbourne, Co Meath.

The new jobs bounce at Primeline comes as the company reveals pre-tax profits of 4.8m in new accounts for the year ended June 30, 2024, down almost a third from the previous year. The fall in profit was due to 2.9m of commissioning costs with the launch of its new facility.
A&L Goodbody's Kenan Furlong and Kate Harnett and Ryan Fayhee, former national security official with the US Department of Justice. Photo: Damien Eagers/Coalesce

Passing the controversial Occupied Territories Bill could provoke a tariff backlash against Ireland from US President Donald Trump, a former senior prosecutor and national security official with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has warned.
Whiskey plans of Texan oil billionaire and Trump funder come under fire from local residents

Texas oil man worth 7bn said distillery was just for friends

Kelcy Warrens micro-distillery has been cast into doubt. Photo: Getty

Sean Pollock Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

A Texan oil billionaires plan to build a private whiskey distillery at his historic estate in Co Kilkenny has been hit with a formal objection over concerns noise levels would be incompatible with the area.
Sam Rivers, the bassist and founding member of the US nu metal group Limp Bizkit, has died aged 48, the band has announced.

In a social media post, the band described Rivers as pure magic. 

Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat, they wrote.

Sam Rivers wasnt just our bass player  he was pure magic. The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.

From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.

The band said they would carry Rivers memory with them and that his music never ends.

The cause of death was not revealed.

The three-time Grammy-nominated band was formed in Jacksonville in 1994 when Rivers and his childhood friend, the drummer John Otto, met vocalist Fred Durst, who had been working at fast food chain Chick-fil-A with Rivers.

Limp Bizkits full band was formed two years later in 1996 with guitarist Wes Borland and turntablist Leor Dimant, known professionally as DJ Lethal.

They achieved mainstream success with their albums Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000), which topped the charts in the US.

The band have been credited for helping bring heavy music into the mainstream.

The bands most popular song, the raucous 1999 anthem Break Stuff, featured Rivers heavy, roaring basslines as Durst delivered the iconic chorus refrain, Its just one of those days.

DJ Lethal said on Instagram that Rivers helped save lives through his music, charity work and friendship.

Give Sam his flowers and play Sam Rivers' basslines all day! We are in shock. Rest in power my brother! We are heartbroken, he wrote.

Rivers briefly left the group in 2015 due to liver disease developed from excessive drinking.

He subsequently received a liver transplant and rejoined the band three years later, playing with the group until his death.

The group released a new single, Making Love to Morgan Wallen, in September.

The band had toured the UK and Europe earlier this year  with a headline slot at Reading and Leeds festival in August  and is scheduled to play several dates across Latin America in November and December.

It has been four years since their last album, Still Suck.
Boy charged with murder of Ukrainian teenage refugee as embassy prepares to fly victim home

Vadym Davydenko was stabbed at an emergency Tusla residential care unit in Donaghmedenorth Dublin

Gardai at the scene in Donaghmede. Photo: Collins

Tom Tuite Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

A 17-year-old Somalian boy has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of Ukrainian youth Vadym Davydenko at an emergency Tusla residential care unit in north Dublin.
Showjumper asked ruling body for help to challenge ban over sex case

Horse Sport Ireland intervened on behalf of competitor before learning that he was facing charges of defiling a minor

Horse Sport Ireland intervened on behalf of competitor before learning that he was facing charges of defiling a minor

Mark Tighe Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 08:10

A state-funded body intervened on behalf of a showjumper facing a charge of defilement of a minor, after he was blocked from competing at an international event.
Ive never tried to capitalise on somebodys misfortune: Humphreys launches blistering attack on Connollys work for UK banks

Fine Gael candidate hits out at rivals role in repossession cases as she enters final week of campaign trailing rival by 18pc in the polls

Heather Humphreys with Fine Gael TD Emer Currie yesterday. Photo: Tom Honan

Niamh Horan, Conal Thomas and Eavan Murray Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has issued a stinging attack on Catherine Connolly, saying that in contrast to her opponent, she never tried to make money out of peoples misfortune.
Remarks at annual FF Wolfe Tone commemoration at Bodenstown suggest she is not pro-EU

Micheal Martin was speaking at the annual Fianna Fail Wolfe Tone commemoration at Bodenstown, Co. Kildare today, where he criticised people who claim they are pro-EU, but also complain about Ireland losing sovereignty.
Barry OHalloran: Ukraine conflict could hinge on Donald Trumps cat-and-mouse game around Tomahawk missiles

Russia is stepping up its campaign of disruption against Europe, and Ireland could get dragged in

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Photo: AP

Barry O'Halloran Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

For the nine months he has been in office, Donald Trump has courted Vladimir Putin assiduously, to no avail. In a major boost to the Russian president, the pair met in Alaska in August but Vladimir, as the US president likes to call him, didnt budge. Will their planned meeting in Budapest be any different?
Katherine Ryan has given birth to her fourth child.

Katherine Ryan has given birth to a baby daughter

The 42-year-old comedian's husband Bobby Kootstra revealed that the couple have welcomed a baby daughter named Holland Juliette Kootstra as he shared the happy news on Instagram.

He wrote on the social media platform: "Holland Juliette Kootstra has arrived.

"The 'Patrick Mahomes' of child birth pulled out another MVP performance!

"Amazing to witness the greatness of @kathbum #blessed."

Katherine - who has son Fred, four, and daughter Fenna, two, with Bobby as well as daughter Violet, 15, from a previous relationship - recently suggested that she thought she would be welcoming a boy.

The Canadian comic told Heart Radio: "I have to say I can't ever complain post-first trimester.

"I'm quite big, so I think it might be a boy, so I'm feeling dejected about that, because men have just antagonised me all my life, even before they're born."

Katherine added that she never finds out her baby's sex prior to the birth.

She said: "It's always a surprise, and I love that. It's vintage."

The Duchess star has previously explained that parenting young children had impacted on her relationship with Bobby.

Speaking on the Nearly Parents podcast with Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, Katherine said: "It really tests your relationship.

"You used to be the most important person in each other's lives, you cease to be the most important person in each other's lives. There's a shift in, you know, roles and responsibilities and focus.

"You're both tired and you're hungry and you're sleep deprived - that's how they torture prisoners.

"I haven't slept in four years, but I'm kind of fine with it.

"I'm getting to the age where, like, you know, your dad starts waking up at 5am and he's in bed by 7pm, that's me.

"The elderly get up early and that's the phase of life I'm at.

"I don't view myself as the children's mother, I'm their grandma. I'm really fun, I always say yes."

Katherine had suggested earlier this year that she wanted to have a fourth child.

She said in the U+W series At Home With Katherine Ryan: "Its not that surprising that over-40 women have fewer follicles than we once did.

"But we talk a lot about male fertility as well, which is on a steep decline. But I would still like a fourth baby.

"We are so blessed to have the kids that we do have. Having children is not for everyone, but I personally really like making people. I think its a superpower, if you can do it."
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

The race for crypto dominance has entered politics, with U.S. president Donald Trump and Reform U.K.s leader Nigel Farage both pitching bold visions to make their nations the global hub for digital assets.

Farage Pledges to Make Britain a Crypto Powerhouse

Speaking at the Digital Asset Summit in London on Monday, Farage told attendees, "I am your champion," outlining plans to create a state-owned Bitcoin reserve and introduce a new crypto bill to cut capital gains tax and allow taxes to be paid in digital assets.

The proposal would redirect roughly 5 billion ($6.7 billion) worth of seized Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) from criminal cases into a national reserve fund.

Trending: Amazon and NVIDIA Partnered With This Robot Chef  Now Individual Investors Can Too

Farage also vowed to impose a flat 10% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, replacing current income-based rates.

"It's the Trump playbook," said one conference attendee.

The remark referred to Farage's strategy of appealing to digital asset investors ahead of the 2029 election.

Reform is currently the only major British party that accepts crypto donations.

Farage Slams Digital Pound as "Authoritarian Nightmare"

Farage rejected the Bank of England's plan for a central bank digital currency.

Instead, he called it an authoritarian nightmare.

He promised to block the initiative if his party gains power, warning it would give the state "vast control over individuals."

He also criticized the central bank's proposed limits on stablecoin holdings.

"Frankly ridiculous," he said, adding he spoke directly with Governor Andrew Bailey about the policy.

The remarks drew applause from crypto advocates pushing for a more open regulatory approach in Britain.

See Also: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.81/Share Round  10,000+ Investors Are Already In

Trump Positions U.S. as the Global Crypto Capital

Before becoming the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump campaigned on a pro-crypto platform, calling himself the Bitcoin president.

His administration signed the GENIUS Act, the country's first federal framework for regulating stablecoins.

He has also authorized 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrency investments and ordered an end to what he called "discriminatory banking practices" against crypto firms.

The White House has backed the creation of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, while major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Citigroup Inc. are now exploring blockchain-based dollar products under the new law.
David Quinn: I dont want to vote for Heather Humphreys, but Im left with little choice

As president, Catherine Connolly would pave the way for a Sinn Fein-led government

There are many reasons not to vote for Heather Humphreys, but she is still preferable to her rival. Photo: Collins

David Quinn Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

On Friday, Ireland is likely to elect the grown-up equivalent of a student union radical as president, and for the same reason radicals always get elected to students unions: because too many ordinary voters will stay at home and the most motivated will turn out.
Sarah Breen: Lets hope our next female president inspires a new generation of girls the way Mary Robinson did with me

She showed me that there was no stage too big for a woman, no position too powerful, no room too full of men

Mary Robinson in Dublin on the 1990 election campaign trail. Photo: Independent News and Media/Getty

Sarah Breen Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

I was eight in 1990 when Mary Robinson was elected the first female president of Ireland. I remember being told it was important, but I didnt care. Earlier that year my mother had forced me to watch Nelson Mandela being freed from prison, telling me it was a historic moment and making us late to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Showjumping chief asks ministers to remove biased executives from selection panel

Michael Blake raises concerns over Horse Sport Irelands panel to choose a new chef dequipe

Irish showjumping team manager Michael Blake. Photo: Sportsfile

Mark Tighe Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 08:10

The outgoing manager of the Irish showjumping team has asked government ministers to block senior executives in Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) from being on the panel to appoint a new chef dequipe, because of an alleged bias against him.
The media regulator has issued a warning to both WhatsApp Ireland and Pinterest that their services are exposed to terrorist content.

The determinations were made by Comisiun na Mean under the Terrorist Content Online Regulation, where if providers receive two or more final removal orders from EU competent authorities within the last 12 months, they may be determined as being exposed to terrorist content.
My favourite room: When you are training to be a perfumer, you start off memorising 2,000 ingredients  inside Meabh Mc Curtins fragrant Paris apartment

Clare woman Meabh Mc Curtin discovered scent as a child and driven by intuition, tenacity and a sense of adventure, she is now a professional perfumer with a world leader in fragrance. The same qualities helped her to land her stunning apartment in Paris

Perfumer Meabh Mc Curtin in the dining area of her period apartment in Le Marais in the centre of Paris. Photo: Tony Gavin

Mary O'Sullivan Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Meabh Mc Curtins pristine period apartment in the Marais area of Paris is like Meabh herself, extremely stylish in a very subtle way. Only a few books  one entitled Parfums d Orient, another Un Parcours en Parfums  a selection of fragrant candles and some interesting fragrance containers hint at her career as a perfumer. The most telling item in the apartment is the quote on a poster given to Meabh by her aunt, traveller and author Marguerite Mac Curtin. The quote, by American author and activist Helen Keller, says: Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Its certainly been the former for Meabh as she took endless steps in to the unknown in her quest to become a perfumer. And theyve all paid off.
Kerry man amazed to find uncle and Tralee men who died in Spanish Civil War honoured on city monument

The man believes his uncle and other Irish volunteers who fought for General Franco were compelled to to defend their faith and did not understand the political situation in Spain

Tom McCarthy and his wife pictured under the plaque dedicated to Irish volunteers at the Church of Santo Domingo.

Jack Joy Kerryman Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 08:00

A Kerry man was amazed to find that his uncle and other Tralee men who fought for General Franco in the Spanish Civil War are commemorated in the city of Caceres.
Killanne Development Group commissioned the Five-Year Strategic Plan and the recommendations were based on wide ranging public consultation over 2024 / 2025 including: 100 surveys completed by households, interviews with pupils from Rathnure National School in 2024, interviews with local businesses, site visits, and three working groups focusing on Heritage; Tourism and Biodiversity.

According to the group, Killane is full of potential and opportunities to progress across various fields.

"Killanne has a close-knit community which would welcome additional facilities and services including a community centre, cafe and an amenity area to support community events, classes, recreation and play. There are a wide range of under-utilised assets in Killanne that merit enhancement and further development. This includes brownfield sites in the village centre and vacant properties. The repurposing of these sites offers exciting opportunities to extend the range of facilities and amenities that are available in this locality. This would benefit the whole community and strengthen community ties, they outlined.

They added that the history of the village makes it a prime location for investment and development.

"Killanne also has the potential to attract large numbers of domestic and overseas visitors, all year round, due to the scenic mountainous landscape. Additionally, the rich cultural heritage embedded in the community with strong ties to both the 1798 Irish Rebellion and the foundation and success of the hurling tradition in Ireland, offers Killanne a unique opportunity to establish a tourism identity centred around these elements, they stated.

A such, they believe that by capitalising on this areas spectacular location and the wide breath of knowledge acquired by the community surrounding its history and stories intertwined with the natural landscape, a sustainable and thriving tourism industry could grow.

The also state that enhancing the connectivity of the village with the Blackstairs Mountain trails and its neighbouring villages could further increase the footfall into Killanne.

"This would support existing businesses while simultaneously making additional amenities economically viable such as a cafe and a diverse range of accommodation/catering facilities including a hostel, glamping pods and a motorhome park. However, it is important to ensure that following the growth of the tourism industry, the biodiversity and unspoilt beauty of the natural environment is not compromised, they said.

The report has identified seven key objectives to support their vision for the village which includes; increasing the range of community facilities and services that are available locally, exploring the opportunity to create a community amenity area, identifying actions that will protect and promote Killanne's built, natural and cultural heritage, hosting events and cultural activities to celebrate the rich rural traditions of the locality, developing the tourism product: walking trails, festivals, over-night stays and hospitality, increase footfall and dwell time to create economic benefits for businesses and jobs, and collaborating with key stakeholders to promote the tourism offering in the locality.

Killanne Development Group would like to express their sincere appreciation to their committee members and everyone in the community who supported this initiative thus making the compilation of this report possible, as well as Dr Yvonne Byrne who prepared the report.

"This has generated a wide range of ambitious ideas which has the potential to provide a transformative impact on this remote upland community through expanding the range of community facilities and services; developing the recreation tourism offering; and further promotion and protection of this areas unique heritage, they said.

The plan will also be presented publicly at a community meeting in Killane Hall at 7.30 p.m., followed by the groups AGM.
Three former students of FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody were thrilled to return to the school to accept scholarships from two local wind farms to further their education.

There has been an existing history between the school and Ballycadden Wind Farm and Castledockrell Wind Farm in which they gift a number of students 1000 each to help them in university.

The winners for this year were; Mya Hennessy Schmidt, Libby Brownrigg and Tom Kirwan. Tom is now attending DCU studying Accounting and Finance, Mya is studying Primary School Teaching and Libby is studying Home Economics and Business Studies Teaching.

Teacher Justin Kelly emphasised the positive impact these scholarships are having, especially given the number of students struggling to fund both degrees and accommodation in the current economic crisis in Ireland.

It has proven wildly beneficial to the students here. As you can appreciate in a time where college fees are a big issue for many families and not to mention the deepening accommodation expenses in our college towns and cities, any student would be over the moon to receive this help, he explained.

In May of each year, the students apply by way of written statement that is a couple of hundred words presenting their hopes and ambitions for college and then how the scholarship would help them. The Directors of the wind farms then decide on the winners, he added.

At their recent school mass where the scholarships were presented, Principal Mr Daly also wished the students all the best in the next chapter of their lives.
Amy Redmond with some of her students at the launch of Gorey Youth Theatre. Photo: Sabrina Ffrench

A Wexford woman is delighted to have gotten the ball rolling on her youth theatre in Gorey.

Gorey Youth Theatre is in full swing, as it prepares for its first trip to the National Opera House during the Wexford Opera Festival.

The newly established youth theatre is led by Amy Redmond, who is absolutely delighted with the reception it has received so far. The response has been great with a good mix of young people from all the secondary schools around Gorey, she said.

She further said the classes offer a nice way to end off the school week, changing out of your uniform into your own clothes to explore, learn and play using drama.

A number of students attending the youth theatre will be taking their first trip to the National Opera House during the festival to see the full-length Opera, Deidama on Sunday, October 26.

Amy said the tickets were gifted by Opera for All with the Wexford Opera Festival. I'll have to draw names  and the lucky ones I'll take to see perhaps their first ever full-length Opera.

What a buzz to be in the National Opera House when the festival is in full swing. It will be a great experience for our youth theatre members, Amy said.

With multiple talents involved with the new youth theatre, Amy said they wont be short of talent when it comes to creating their own work next year. As well as a room full of budding actors, we have a few musicians and definitely some writers so when it comes to devising our own new work.

Already, they've been working well in smaller groups using their imaginations to create improvised scenes, she added.

Amy has been involved with the arts for several years and spoke of its importance in helping young people step into confidence. Youth theatre empowers young people to find their voice, build confidence, and discover the transformative power of storytelling and collaboration."

Gorey Youth Theatre is supported by Youth Theatre Ireland (YTI) and joins a wider network of youth theatres across the country. Youth Theatre Ireland offers resources and training to support young people to grow - on and off stage.

Its never too late to get involved, as Amy said their doors are always open. Classes take place every Friday from 4pm to 6pm in the Guide Hall on Esmonde Street, until Friday, December 5.

For further details, Amy can be contacted by email at actthemaggot@gmail.com.
Wally O Neill, Carmel Conroy, Mary Kilhanson, Anne Ireton, Veronica Lombart, Anne Colgan and Odhran Somers attending Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Jane Hughes and Anne Ireton at Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Mick O Callaghan with Anne Ireton at Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Liz Lloyd and Margaret Sheriff attending Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Anita Carroll, Anne Ireton and Regina Redmond at Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Wally O Neill with Anne Ireton at Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

A Wexford writer recently held an official launch for the release of her second novel titled, Bohemian Whirlpools.

Anne Ireton from Courtown said the launch was an outstanding success, and said the library was filled with support from the Gorey community. The buzz and sense of enthusiasm from the attendees of the book launch was palpable, and everyone really enjoyed the evening.

Mick O Callaghan with Anne Ireton at Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

An official launch took place on Thursday, October 16 at Gorey Library, where the novel was launched by Jackie Hayden, and Mick OCallaghan, who acted as master of ceremonies.

Bohemian Whirlpools is a follow-up novel which enables fans to follow the beloved characters explored in her debut novel, Kaleidoscopic Times, which was released in 2023. The story follows the colourful music scene of the 1990s, while also clashing with the spirit world, which Anne said will captivate readers.

It enables fans to follow the further adventures of the unconventional cast of characters who enlivened that book, including Fiachra, Flaps, Sinead, Austin, Aisling and Voodoo, as they continue to live their lives out there on the edge, Anne said.

Speaking about the writing process, Anne said it was wonderfully rewarding to put the novel together. It enabled me to explore issues of addiction and to reflect on the theme of secrets and lies within families and society in Ireland.

Wally O Neill, Carmel Conroy, Mary Kilhanson, Anne Ireton, Veronica Lombart, Anne Colgan and Odhran Somers attending Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

She said the atmosphere was filled with support from friends and the wider community the celebrated the growing writing scene in Gorey. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, support and excitement about Bohemian Whirlpools going out into the world.

It was a celebration of Goreys literary world as well and many of the writers around Gorey were in attendance to help celebrate the emergence of Bohemian Whirlpools, she added.

On the evening, readings from by Veronica Lombard, Mary Keogh Hansen and Anne Colgan and Odhran Somers. While the owner of Redbooks Wally ONeill was also in attendance.

It was an evening to be remembered, Anne said.

Anita Carroll, Anne Ireton and Regina Redmond at Anne Ireton's Book Launch of her new book Bohemian Whirlpools at The Gorey Library. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

Bohemian Whirlpools has been published with Redbooks in Wexford town, and has been edited by Wexford author, Alanna Hammel. As publisher, Redbooks held an official launch on Saturday, October 11 to celebrate Annes sophomore novel.

Currently, Anne leads the Wordsmiths writers group at Gorey Library, where local writers meet to support and encourage creative writing in the community. She previously published two collections of poems and short stories and contributed to the Gorey Writers Group anthology Taking Flight.

Bohemian Whirlpools is now available for purchase online and at Redbooks in Wexford town.
A Bitcoin wallet that had been dormant for three years transferred its entire balance of approximately 6,500 BTC, valued at $694 million, on Oct. 17. According to on-chain analysts, the wallet is linked to Alexander Bilyuchenko, a Russian national and alleged co-founder of the defunct cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e.

The transaction, recorded at 16:34 UTC, moved the funds from the primary wallet to two new, unidentified destination addresses, according to blockchain data. The sending address had originally received the Bitcoin on Nov. 23, 2022, from another wallet identified as belonging to Bilyuchenko.

Bilyuchenko, who also used the alias Ivanov, is currently on the US Secret Services most-wanted list for his role in operating the defunct BTC-e exchange. US authorities shut the platform down in 2017, accusing it of facilitating billions of dollars in money laundering for cybercriminals worldwide.

According to a 2023 indictment from the US Department of Justice, Bilyuchenko conspired to launder at least 647,000 Bitcoin stolen during the historic hack of the Mt. Gox exchange. The legal actions culminated in Alexander Vinniks 2017 arrest. Vinnik was Bilyuchenkos partner and the public operator of BTC-e.

The recent fund movement comes just months after Vinnik was released from US custody and returned to Russia in a high-profile prisoner swap in February 2025. This follows a pattern of previous BTC-e wallet activity where large sums of crypto were moved following significant developments involving the exchanges former operators. The specific motivation for moving the funds at this time remains unknown.

Alleged Ties to Russian Intelligence

The case has wider implications due to Bilyuchenkos reported connections to Russian state actors. According to case documents and reports from 2019, Bilyuchenko testified that he was forced to transfer crypto assets worth $450 million from WEX, the successor exchange to BTC-e. Details surrounding Bilyuchenkos alleged FSB transfer claimed the funds were moved to an account for Russias Federal Security Service (FSB).

The $694 million transfer occurs amid weakness in the overall digital asset market. The digital asset market is currently experiencing significant turbulence, with Bitcoin plunging to the $105,000 level. The sharp price drop coincided with a massive deleveraging event, as over $1 billion in Bitcoin and other crypto positions were liquidated in the last 24 hours.

This cascade of liquidations has intensified selling pressure, confirming a prevailing bearish trend across the market. According to technical indicators, the sentiment for Bitcoin is negative on the 1-hour, 4-hour, and 1-day charts, signaling sustained weakness.
The N30 has been the scene of a number of accidents in recent years.

Safety works on the notorious Leeches Bend in Clonroche, Co Wexford have finally begun following a number of serious accidents and near-misses. At the October meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) Councillor John Fleming expressed his delight that works had finally begun but said the entire village required a safety review to eradicate the number of accidents occurring on a regular basis.

Im delighted the works on Leeches Bend have started, but Clonroche as a village, especially with it being on a national road, is constantly having close-run things, were getting phone calls about it all the time. A traffic review of the village is required, he said.

Asking that the council now turn its attention to the bend at Des Kehoes a couple of hundred yards up the road, Cllr Fleming said motorists continued to fall foul of this section of the N30 despite the number of signs warning them of what lies ahead.

In response, director of services Eamonn Hore said a traffic review for the village had been completed but funding, "possibly from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), would be required to complete the works.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Fleming thanked Mr Hore and senior engineer David Murphy for their efforts in making Clonroche safer.

The volume of traffic on this road has increased hugely in the last couple of years, he said. The speed limit was reduced to 80km an hour recently and there is a speed van up the road so hopefully all these actions will help make the road safer and end this black spot for good.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The Jack and Jill charity boutiques in Wicklow town and Arklow are urging locals to help make this Halloween a frightfully sustainable one by donating unwanted costumes, eerie accessories and spooky decor.

From tiny pumpkins to gruesome ghouls, the Jack and Jill teams are asking their communities to put the care into scare this festive season by dropping off pre-loved costumes at their shops, to be resold in support of the charitys work providing in-home nursing care and respite to families across Ireland caring for children with severe learning disabilities.

If dressing up isnt your thing, the boutiques are also looking for donations of autumn home decor, from pumpkin wreaths to glitter skulls and everything in between. Shoppers can also pick up unexpected treasures in-store. Donations will be accepted through Halloween and beyond, helping the shops bank spooktacular stock for next year.

In Wicklow town, Rachel von Metzradt, who manages the Jack and Jill boutique, said her shop is appealing for the same kinds of donations this October.

Keeping it sustainable is what its all about, she said. When people donate pre-loved costumes, theyre not just helping us raise funds  theyre keeping perfectly good items out of landfill and giving another child the chance to enjoy them.

She added that Halloween marks the start of one of the busiest times for the shop, with customers visiting from as far away as Dublin and locals picking up thoughtful gifts ahead of Christmas.

Last years response was fang-tastic, and this year were hoping for even more donations, Arklow store manager Patricia Farrell said.

Costumes often only get one wear before kids and adults grow out of them, or want something new. Instead of letting them gather dust, why not give them a second chance to cause a scare here in Arklow?

As families start pulling out decorations and planning their spooktacular looks, wed love it if they thought of us for any items that are no longer needed.

Donations can be dropped off at the Jack and Jill boutiques during regular opening hours.

In Arklow, the Arklow Community Action Resource Centre has also launched a Halloween appeal, asking for donations of sweets for children on its Food Drop List. Donations can be arranged through the centres Facebook page or by contacting Ann on 087 694 4727, Sheila on 086 076 4150, or Julie on 086 870 2762.
Our expert has the lowdown on the latest must-have beauty gadgets

I may be known as Party McCarthy, but Im staying in a lot right now as I know its going to go craaaaazy in a few weeks. While watching Netflix, Im trying out lots of home devices to prep my skin for the madness ahead, and these are some of the ones that are saving my face.

Lancomes Renergie Nano Resurfacer 400-Booster, 295, lancome.ie

Smooth Surface

Lancomes Renergie Nano Resurfacer 400-Booster (295, lancome.ie) is a next-generation beauty tech device inspired by microneedling  a big hit with all the Hollywood huns. Its designed to improve skin texture, lines, wrinkles, firmness and even skin tone. Clinically tested on all types of wrinkles, it has over 400 ultra-precise nano-tips made of crystallised silicon that help renew skin surface and boost the formula penetration in the outermost layer of the skin.

Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Mask, 349.95, arnotts.ie

Shark Eyes

A great treatment for revitalising the dreaded under-eye circles is the Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Mask (349.95, arnotts.ie). Recently launched in Ireland, every influencer I know has been banging on about it. There are four different treatment modes that help reduce redness, smooth texture and improve acne, and three adjustable chill levels to soothe, depuff and firm under-eyes - which we all need now that the ugly early winter mornings are here again.

The Nurosym, 700, nurosym.com

Neuro Magic

Ive seen a lot of rich b**ches using this neuromodulation device and they say it is very effective around issues like anxiety, poor sleep and pain management. The Nurosym (700, nurosym.com) is a device designed to interact with the nervous system in a targeted way via an ear piece you wear on your left tragus. It delivers precise signals to specific neural pathways through the vagus nerve, and encourages the body to achieve a state of balance and resilience to promote better health and mood. Ive put it on my wish list for Christmas.

Ziip Halo, 399.99, ziipbeauty.ie

Halo There

Supercharge your skincare routine with the Ziip Halo (399.99, ziipbeauty.ie), like Trinny Woodall uses a lot on her Insta Ive noticed.

The facial toning device helps to treat a wide range of skincare concerns through electrical muscle stimulation. It is designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen, even skin tone, clear pigmentation, age spots and breakouts, and calm inflammation. It also helps the absorption of active ingredients in your skincare, helping them to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.

The Mini Great Skin Trio, 45, meritbeauty.com

Treat

Trio of treasure Even if I was rich, Id still want a bit of a discount and where youre gonna get it is in gift sets. Merit is a brand I adore mostly for make-up, but the The Mini Great Skin Trio (45, meritbeauty.com) of moisturiser, serum and cleanser is super for flinging in a bag on nights away, even if the liquid limit at the airport is over!

Treatment

Sleep soundly We are obsessed with sleep nowadays! Tracking it, chatting about it and rarely getting enough of it! Sacred Sound Ritual is a one-hour massage experience at The Spa at The Kingsley in Cork (150, thekingsley.ie) by OTO. It helps reduce inflammation in the bodys soft tissues, combining CBD oils with the scent of mandarin and ylang ylang. Warmed Himalayan salt stones are used to release emotional heaviness and a unique soundscape eases stress.

Trick

Ditch the dupes One thing Ive learned over the years (and clearly need to keep in mind) is to watch out for false economy! Chasing down a bargain dupe for that luxurious hair mask often turns into a twisted game of hide-and-seek. Trust me, those dupes that start to take over your bathroom cabinet pile up! Just shelling out for the high-end foundation once will save my wallet in the long run! Who knew saving money could be so complicated?
Evelyn Cusack: Social media forecasters - stop issuing your own weather warnings. Its an official thing. You dont want someone sitting in their front room doing it

For decades, meteorologists and friends Evelyn Cusack and Seamus Walsh kept the Irish public informed about the forecast at Met Eireann. Now  as they launch a book all about the weather  the pair discuss how climate is changing from a local to a global concern, their despair at fossil-fuel driven policies and their hopes for the future

Meteorologists Evelyn Cusack and Seamus Walsh on new book 'They say it might rain'

Emily Hourican Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

The day I meet Evelyn Cusack and Seamus Walsh is pleasant autumn weather, but a few days later, I find myself writing up the interview in the middle of a Status Orange warning for Storm Amy. Over 200,000 properties are without power, and a man has died in Letterkenny. In the UK, the storm has hit harder and faster than expected.
Latest | Thieves steal priceless jewels from Paris' Louvre in brazen daylight heist

Thieves struck after museum opened its doors to public Raid took just four minutes, culture minister says Crane mounted on truck used to break upstairs window

Louvre museum closed after robbery

Sybille de La Hamaide Reuters Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 16:01

Thieves broke into Paris' Louvre museum by using a crane and smashing an upstairs window on Sunday, stealing priceless jewellery from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, the French government said.
Fall of the House of York: its the end of royal road for Fergie as she goes back to plain old Sarah

It was the late queens biggest gift to them but King Charles tells his brother to surrender his title

Sarah and Andrew at Buckingham Palace on their wedding day in July 1986. Photo: Getty

Gordon Rayner Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

When the late Queen Elizabeth gave her favourite son the title Duke of York on his wedding day in 1986, she was entrusting him with a dukedom that was cherished by her more than any other.
Vladimir Putin wants Nigel Farage to win  so Reform UK can destroy European unity, warns Lammy

New poll puts Reform UK on 32pc, Tories on 17pc, and Labour on 15pc

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Photo: PA

David Maddox Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Britains deputy prime minister David Lammy has claimed that Vladimir Putin wants Nigel Farage and his right-wing populist allies to succeed  in the hope they will they destroy Europe.
Online sadist gang coerced 13-year-old trans boy into live-streaming his suicide

German police have charged 21-year-old who is accused of overseeing international web of online abuse under pseudonym White Tiger

Jay Taylor in a school photo taken in the autumn of 2020

Andrew Buncombe Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

A 13-year-old boy was allegedly coerced into killing himself and live-streaming the act on Instagram by a predatory online gang.
Gaza peace process could follow steps taken in Northern Ireland

Keir Starmer says Britain is ready to play key role in the decommissioning of Hamass weapons

Palestinians walk through a destroyed residential neighbourhood in Gaza following the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Photo: Reuters

Sylvia Hui and Jill Lawless Press Association Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 06:30

As Israelis and Palestinians wait anxiously to see what comes after a ceasefire in the two-year war in Gaza, the experience of the Northern Ireland peace process in the 1990s may offer lessons in the thorny process of moving from seemingly intractable conflict to enduring peace.
Latest | Israel says ceasefire and aid to resume after airstrikes kill 26 in Gaza

Israeli strikes kill 26 people in Gaza after two soldiers killed Gazans report explosions, gunfire, airstrikes and tank shelling Dispute over return of hostages' bodies continues between Israel and Hamas

Members of the Hamas militant group search underground for the bodies of Israeli hostages amid destroyed buildings in Khan Younis Photo: AP/Abdel Kareem Hana

Alexander Cornwell and Nidal al-Mughrabi Reuters Sun 19 Oct 2025 at 23:03

The Israeli military said on Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza had resumed after an attack that killed two of its soldiers and prompted a wave of airstrikes that killed 26 people, in the most serious test yet of this month's U.S.-brokered truce.
Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) is included among the 15 Dividend Stocks that Have Raised Payouts for 20+ Years.

Dover (DOV) Earns JPMorgan Price Target Boost Ahead of Q3 Results

Photo by nathan dumlao on Unsplash

On October 15, JPMorgan raised its price target for Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) from $217 to $220 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock. The update came as part of its Q3 earnings preview for the electrical equipment and multi-industry sector. The firm noted a slightly cautious stance toward the group in the near term but said valuations now appear more appealing. JPMorgan also indicated a preference for value-oriented stocks that currently have negative market positioning going into the quarter.

Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) also appeals to income-focused investors thanks to its impressive dividend history. The company has increased its dividend for 69 consecutive years, making it one of the longest dividend growth streaks in the market. Currently, it offers a quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.25%, as of October 16.

Based in the US, Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) is a diversified industrial manufacturer that produces a wide range of equipment, components, consumables, aftermarket parts, and digital solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of DOV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Must-Buy Dividend Stocks to Invest in and 11 Defensive Healthcare Dividend Stocks To Buy Now.

Disclosure: None.
People sing "YMCA" as demonstrators gather at Portland's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility after a large "No Kings" protest in Portland, Oregon Photo: Reuters/John Rudoff

Large crowds of protesters marched and rallied in cities across the US for No Kings  demonstrations decrying what participants see as the government's swift drift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.

People carrying signs with slogans such as Nothing is more patriotic than protesting or Resist Fascism" packed into New York Citys Times Square and rallied by the thousands in parks in Boston, Atlanta and Chicago.
But organisers claim nationwide protests are building a more unified opposition movement

Protesting the direction of the US under President Donald Trump, people gathered yesterday in the nations capital and communities across the US for No Kings demonstrations  what the Presidents Republican Party is calling Hate America rallies.

This is the third mass mobilisation since Trumps return to the White House and comes against the backdrop of a government shutdown that not only has closed federal programmes and services, but is testing the core balance of power as an aggressive executive confronts Congress and the courts in ways that organisers warn are a slide towards American authoritarianism.
The US leader said the Colombian president was low-rated and very unpopular (Fernando Vergara/AP)

US President Donald Trump has said he would slash US funding to Colombia because the country's leader "does nothing to stop" drug production, in what is the latest sign of friction between Washington and one of its closest allies in Latin America.
( Image credit : Generated via freepik | Lakshmi and Ganesh worshiped during the time of Diwali )

The light of Lakshmi: North Indias Diwali tradition



( Image credit : Generated via freepik | Lakshmi worshiped during the festival of lights )

Why Bengalis celebrate Kali Puja instead

( Image credit : Generated via freepik | Bengal's devotion to Ma Kali )

The myth behind the fierce goddess

Indias diversity often shines brightest during its festivals, and Diwali is a perfect example of that. While homes across North India glow with diyas for Goddess Lakshmi, Bengals night sky fills with chants of Jai Maa Kali. The difference lies not in devotion, but in distinct cultural roots and mythological traditions.For most of the country, Diwali celebrates Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth, peace, and prosperity. Worshippers seek her blessings alongside Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles. Mythology links this day to Lord Ramas return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolizing lights victory over darkness. In other parts like Kerala and Maharashtra, devotees honor Lord Krishna for slaying the demon Narakasura.In Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, held on Dipannita Amavasya. According to legend, Maa Kali appeared in a vision to the Tantric scholar Krishnananda Agamavagisha in the 16th century, instructing him to worship her in this form. By the 19th century, Kali Puja had become a grand festival, popularized by saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Bengals zamindars. For Bengalis, Kali symbolizes strength, protection, and the destruction of evil, an embodiment of divine motherly rage turned into compassion.Hindu texts recount that Kali emerged to defeat the demons Shumbh and Nishumbh, and later, the blood-spawning asura Raktabija. When her fury spiraled beyond control, Lord Shiva lay at her feet to stop her rampage, prompting her to bite her tongue in remorse, the iconic image worshipped today.Though her form is fierce, Bengalis see Kali as a mother, protective, loving, and powerful. Both Lakshmi and Kali, worshipped during the same season, represent light conquering darkness, one through peace and prosperity, the other through courage and destruction of evil.
The Story behind the Diwali curse



Tradition that still continues



The unbroken belief



FAQs



While the entire country shines bright during Diwali, theres one quiet village in Himachal Pradesh that stays in complete darkness. The people of Sammoo village, in the Hamirpur district, have followed a strange and centuries-old tradition  they never celebrate Diwali. Locals believe their village was cursed by a woman who gave up her life on the festival day long ago.According to village elders, the story dates back hundreds of years. On one Diwali night, a pregnant woman was preparing for the celebrations when her husbands dead body was brought home. He was a soldier in the local kings army. Heartbroken, the woman ended her life on her husbands funeral pyre. Before dying, she cursed Sammoo village, saying that no one there would ever celebrate Diwali in peace again.Since that day, villagers believe that any attempt to celebrate Diwali brings bad luck or disaster. They say deaths, fires, or accidents happen whenever they try to light lamps or decorate their homes.Village council member Veena Devi shared that the locals now observe Diwali by keeping their homes dark on purpose. Even though the rest of Himachal Pradesh lights up, Sammoo village remains silent and shadowed.Elderly resident Thakur Bidhi Chand said that many rituals and havan ceremonies have been performed over the years to remove the curse, but nothing has worked. Whenever people tried to break the tradition, something tragic occurred.Another villager, Vijay Kumar, recalled that three years ago the community held a grand yagna hoping to end the curse. But even after that, the villagers continue to live in fear. On Diwali, many people dont even step out of their homes, convinced that the curse of the Sati still protects the silence of their village.This mysterious story from Himachal Pradesh makes Sammoo village one of Indias most unusual places  where darkness, not light, defines Diwali.Sammoo village is in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, around 25 kilometres from the district headquarters.Villagers believe they were cursed by a woman centuries ago who died on Diwali, warning that the village should never celebrate the festival.Yes, locals have organised many religious rituals and yagnas, but they say the curse still affects the village.According to the villagers, whenever someone tries to celebrate, something unfortunate happens  like an illness, accident, or even a death.Most young villagers respect the old tradition and avoid celebrating Diwali, fearing the same fate.
Heartfelt Happy Diwali 2025 Wishes for Your Boss



Wishing you a Happy Diwali, boss! May the lights of Diwali guide you to more success and happiness in 2025.

May this festival fill your professional and personal life with positivity and prosperity. Happy Diwali, boss!

As we light diyas of hope, may your leadership shine brighter than ever. Have a wonderful Diwali 2025!

Wishing our respected boss a year full of new opportunities and continued success. Happy Diwali!

May this festive season bring success, peace, and happiness to you and your family. Happy Diwali, boss!

May the glow of diyas inspire new goals and achievements in your journey. Happy Diwali 2025!

Your leadership is the real light that guides our team. Wishing you joy and prosperity this Diwali.

Wishing our incredible boss a Happy Deepawali filled with positivity, progress, and peace.

May this Diwali bring more success to your career and happiness to your home.

Happy Diwali, boss! May your professional journey shine as bright as the Diwali lamps.

Professional Happy Diwali Messages and WhatsApp Status for Your Boss



Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali 2025! May the coming year bring you prosperity and joy.

May this Festival of Lights brighten your professional journey and lead to greater success.

Sending warm Diwali wishes to our inspiring boss  may your days be filled with peace and positivity.

Your guidance lights up our workplace just like the diyas brighten our homes. Happy Diwali!

May the glow of Diwali fill your life with progress, good fortune, and success.

Wishing our boss a joyful and prosperous Deepavali 2025  thank you for your motivation and support.

As the lamps glow, may your career and business shine even brighter. Happy Diwali!

May this Diwali mark the beginning of endless opportunities and happiness for you.

We are grateful for your leadership and support  wishing you a very Happy Diwali 2025!

May Diwalis brightness fill your heart and workplace with positive energy and enthusiasm.

Inspiring Diwali Quotes for Your Boss



May your leadership shine as bright as the diyas this Diwali. Wishing you success and happiness!

The Festival of Lights reminds us to stay positive and focused  Happy Diwali, boss!

Your guidance lights our way to success every day. Wishing you a sparkling Diwali 2025.

May this Diwali bring endless prosperity and joy to your home and workplace.

Your leadership is the brightest flame that keeps our team inspired. Happy Diwali!

May Diwali fill your days with new ideas, achievements, and peace of mind.

As we celebrate the victory of light over darkness, may your career continue to shine.

Wishing you a Diwali full of progress, positivity, and perfect moments.

May this Diwali strengthen your success and happiness. Wishing you a joyful festival!

Heres to a year of success, inspiration, and light. Happy Diwali 2025, boss!

FAQs

Diwali 2025, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most loved and celebrated Hindu festivals across India and abroad. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During this beautiful festival, people decorate their homes with diyas, lamps, and candles, dress in new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, and spend time with loved ones.This year, Diwali 2025 falls on Monday, 20 October, marking the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartik month. The festival begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, with the main Diwali day celebrated on Amavasya night. The Lakshmi Puja Muhurta this year will be from 7:21 PM to 8:19 PM, which is considered the most auspicious time to pray for wealth and prosperity.As offices go digital, sending Happy Diwali 2025 wishes, quotes, and messages to your boss through WhatsApp or email has become the new tradition. Whether you want to express gratitude or share warm festive vibes, here are some unique and meaningful Diwali wishes for your boss.Celebrate the spirit of Diwali by sending thoughtful and professional wishes to your boss. These greetings express respect, warmth, and positivity while keeping the festive cheer alive.Looking to keep your Diwali messages simple yet professional? Here are some perfect Happy Diwali 2025 messages to send your boss that strike the right tone between respect and warmth.Here are some powerful and meaningful Happy Diwali quotes for your boss  ideal for emails, cards, or WhatsApp greetings.Diwali is not just about lights and sweets; its also about appreciating the people who make our work lives better. Sending Happy Diwali 2025 wishes to your boss is a thoughtful way to express gratitude and positivity. Whether you choose a message, a quote, or a WhatsApp greeting, your small gesture can make a big difference this festive season.Keep it polite, professional, and positive. Mention success, prosperity, and gratitude.Yes, WhatsApp wishes are perfectly fine, especially if you work remotely or have a casual rapport.That depends on your relationship. If youre close, go for a friendly tone; otherwise, stay formal yet warm.Diwali 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October 2025.Use words like joy, prosperity, success, light, peace, and of course, Happy Diwali 2025!
The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed after a robbery on Sunday morning.



Police are investigating, reports say jewellery was stolen. pic.twitter.com/OYDJHdLvV1  Global Index (@TheGlobal_Index) October 19, 2025

Priceless Napoleonic jewels stolen in a 7-minute operation

( Image credit : X/ @kaci_calladetti | Ladder at the back of the Louvre Museum as police respond to a heist or security incident )

Louvre calls it an 'exceptional incident'; minister vows full response

( Image credit : X/@shanghaieye | Louvre calls heist an "attack on French heritage, " vows swift action )

Investigation intensifies as suspects remain on the run

( Image credit : X/@fanofaliens | Three suspects at large; Louvre heist investigation underway )

The Louvre Museum in Paris became the scene of a high-stakes robbery on Sunday morning, sending shockwaves across Frances cultural community. A group of thieves pulled off a daring daylight heist inside one of the worlds most famous museums, prompting an immediate lockdown and a flood of police activity around the site. According to French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, the theft occurred just after the museum opened, leading to its sudden closure for the day.According to the, the robbery took place on, at the Galerie dApollon, the iconic gallery that houses the French Crown Jewels. Investigators say the thieves exploited ongoing construction work by using a basket lift to access the museum from its Seine-facing facade. After breaking a window, they used a disc cutter to slice open reinforced display cases.The entire operation lasted just seven minutes. In that time, the group escaped with nine pieces of jewellery, including treasures believed to have belonged to Napoleon and Empress Eugenie. Among the missing artefacts was Empress Eugenies crown, which was later found broken outside the museum. Police sources described the heist as precise and surgical, indicating careful advance planning.Shortly after the incident, the Louvre Museum issued a statement confirming the closure, saying, The museum is closed today due to an exceptional incident involving our Galerie dApollon. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement to ensure the swift recovery of the stolen artefacts. The security of our collection and the protection of cultural heritage remain our utmost priority.French Culture Ministeralso addressed reporters outside the museum, calling the theft an attack on French heritage. She added, This is not just the theft of jewellery; it is the theft of national history. These pieces carry centuries of significance, and their loss is deeply painful. We will mobilise every necessary resource to recover them and hold those responsible accountable.Dati confirmed that a national task force, including anti-art trafficking units, has been activated. The government is also reviewing security protocols at all national museums following the breach.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the theft as a major robbery carried out by a highly coordinated team. Three suspects are currently at large, with French authorities analysing CCTV footage and other forensic evidence to track their movements. Police have not ruled out the involvement of an international art trafficking network.For the unversed, the Louvre has a history of high-profile thefts, the most famous being the, which was recovered two years later in Florence. This latest incident has reignited questions about the security of national heritage sites, especially during periods of renovation.As the investigation unfolds, the museum remains closed, and law enforcement is racing to recover the stolen jewels and bring the thieves to justice.
What is Typhoon Family about?



A quick recap of episode 3



( Image credit : tvN | Oh Mi Seon helps Kang Tae Poong's company survive during economic crisis )

Typhoon Family episode 4 release date and time



( Image credit : tvn | Typhoon Family episode 4 will premiere on October 19 )

7:20 a.m. ET (United States)

(United States) 12:20 p.m. BST (United Kingdom)

(United Kingdom) 4:50 p.m. IST (India)

(India) 8:20 p.m. PHT (Philippines)

Lee Jun Ho is back with yet another K-drama thats equal parts comedy and a subtle lesson in history. Known for experimenting with genres and taking on unexpected roles, the actor has once again charmed viewers in his new retro avatar.also stars Kim Min Ha, best known for her powerful performance in. Since its premiere last weekend, the tvN drama has quickly emerged as a new weekend favourite among K-drama fans in Korea and overseas.Set during South Koreas 1997 financial crisis,follows(played by Lee Jun Ho), the carefree heir of Typhoon Trading, whos forced to grow up fast when his father dies suddenly and the company faces collapse. Unprepared for the real world, Tae Poong finds himself taking over as CEO, juggling debt, staff pressure, and his own insecurities.Working alongside him is(played by Kim Min Ha), a sharp and determined bookkeeper who supports her family while navigating her struggles. Their contrasting personalities create both tension and unexpected warmth as they fight to rebuild the company and rediscover their sense of purpose during an economic storm.In this pivotal episode, Kang Tae Poong (Lee Jun Ho) faces new challenges as he strives to save his family's company, Typhoon Trading, amidst South Korea's 1997 financial crisis. The episode opens with Tae Poong desperately attempting to halt a shipment of textiles to Daebang Textiles, suspecting a fraudulent deal. Simultaneously, his colleague, Oh Mi Seon (Kim Min Ha), encounters a group of protesters opposing the factory's closure.Despite their efforts, the company is scammed by another business, leading to a dire situation. With no available warehouse space, the fabrics are unloaded in a parking lot, and Tae-poong spends the night guarding them. The next day, they find a dilapidated warehouse offered by a contact, but heavy rain threatens the stored fabric. Employees begin to lose hope, and some decide to cut their losses.However, Mi Seon proposes an unconventional solution: returning the fabrics to the supplier, incurring a 30% return fee but potentially saving the company. Despite this, the company faces further challenges, including the threat of losing inventory due to unpaid warehouse fees. Tensions rise as long-time employees resign, but Mi Seon remains loyal. In a final act of determination, Tae-poong offers Mi-seon a position as a trader, seeking her assistance to rebuild the company from scratch. She accepts, marking a new beginning for both.The highly anticipated episode 4 ofis set to air on. In South Korea, the episode will be broadcast aton MBC.For international viewers, the episode will also be available on major streaming platforms shortly after its television broadcast. Heres the corresponding release time in other regions:International fans can watch the drama on Netflix.
The Dutch government believed chipmaker Nexperia's Chinese owners planned to move its manufacturing operations to China, prompting the unprecedented seizure of the company that has sent shock waves through the global tech world.

Earlier this month, authorities seized control of Nexperia's management and ousted its Chinese CEO, Zhang Xuezheng, citing national security concerns.

In response, China's Ministry of Commerce on October 4 imposed export controls on Nexperia's Chinese subsidiary and its subcontractors, banning the export of domestically made components.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Frans Scheper, CEO of Nexperia until 2020, told Dutch media on Thursday that Wingtech, the parent company, has built a new factory in China, "which can take over production from Nexperia's European factories".

Scheper told Dutch broadcaster RTL that the Ministry of Economic Affairs "feared that Nexperia would move chip production from Europe to China; this would mean the loss of one of Europe's largest chip manufacturers".

The Post can confirm that this fear was the primary motivator behind The Hague's dramatic intervention, which has infuriated Beijing and will almost certainly incur further retaliation.

An employee works with a wafer on the production line of Dutch semiconductor company Nexperia in Hamburg, Germany, in June. Photo: Reuters alt=An employee works with a wafer on the production line of Dutch semiconductor company Nexperia in Hamburg, Germany, in June. Photo: Reuters>

"The shortcomings relate, among other things, to the improper transfer of production capacity, financial resources, and intellectual property rights to a foreign entity owned by the CEO and not connected to Nexperia," Dutch minister for economic affairs Vincent Karremans wrote in a letter to parliament this week.

"This posed risks of knowledge leakage and thus the loss of future production capacity, which is crucial for, among others, the European automotive, consumer electronics, and defence industries," he wrote.

"The shortcomings have also, though to a lesser extent, affected ongoing discussions between my ministry and Nexperia."

The government insists that the decision was not made under duress from any other country, despite the fact that court documents showed clearly that the United States was leaning on The Hague to get rid of the Chinese leadership if Nexperia was to stay off its Entity List.
W Korea event faces backlash over tone-deaf performances and party mood



( Image credit : W Korea | W Korea had earlier shared a video of Jay Park's controversial MOMMAE performance )

W Koreas official apology

( Image credit : W Korea | W Korea's official statement after backlash over Breast Cancer Awareness event )

Fans slam apology as lacklusture

( Image credit : Pannchoa | BTS' V and aespa's Karina at W Korea event )

High fashion magazine W Korea is at the centre of a major controversy after its 20th annualbreast cancer awareness campaign devolved into a star-studded party, prompting backlash over its tone, celebrity focus, and lack of genuine advocacy. The event, held on October 15 at Seouls Four Seasons Hotel, was widely criticised for missing its vital purpose: meaningful awareness and support for breast cancer patients.Criticism centred on how the event appeared more like a lavish celebrity gathering than a meaningful campaign. The presence of numerous K-pop idols and actors in revealing outfits, combined with footage of attendees drinking and participating in party games, was widely seen as inappropriate for a breast cancer event. Particular backlash was aimed at Jay Park's performance of his song Mommae, whose lyrics include the controversial line the twins hanging on your chest, which many deemed insensitive and offensive considering the event's breast cancer focus.Netizens and fans expressed disappointment that the event lacked any serious messaging on breast cancer, instead highlighting celebrity revelry. Jay Park later issued a personal apology on social media, stating he performed in good faith but regretted causing discomfort to cancer patients.Online outrage also erupted as images and videos surfaced showing top K-pop idols and actors, such as BTSs V, Big Bangs Taeyang, aespas Karina, and IVEs Jang Won-young, enjoying drinks, striking revealing poses, and participating in party games at the invite-only affair. Spectators and patients were particularly upset that the event made no mention of breast cancer, omitted universal symbols like pink ribbons, and instead prioritised viral challenges and sponsor promotions.Amid mounting criticism, W Korea issued a formal apology on October 19, directly addressing shortcomings in the events planning and sensitivity. The statement reads:First and foremost, we would like to offer our deepest apologies for any inconvenience or hurt caused by our failure to carefully consider the position of breast cancer patients and their families.We are reflecting on our own shortcomings, thinking of all those who were heartbroken by this event.We also received warm support from those who showed interest in supporting our activities. To ensure that their affectionate sincerity shines through, we will continue to examine our shortcomings based on the various criticisms and suggestions.We will use this incident as an opportunity to more closely re-examine the entire process of event planning and execution.Notably, the official Instagram account of W Korea also removed photos and videos related to the event.Despite the official apology, many netizens and fans remained unsatisfied, denouncing the statement for being general and not fully owning up to the tone-deaf decisions.One person on X wrote, "Issuing an apology days after idols faced the backlash from your ineptitude. This fake-ass apology doesnt even address the real issue or the damage done. Why should artists suffer for your lack of proper organisation? So unprofessional.""They didn't even mention anything about the missing donation or about artists being harassed because of them," another wrote. "Also, theres no way W Korea raised that little money. I dont want to be that person, but what are they doing with the donation money?" a third user questioned.A fourth stated, "K media or magazines will not always be the biggest disappointment, istg; when it comes to apologies, they will do something that is half-baked."Other notable attendees at the 2025 Love Your W event included RM and J-Hope from BTS, Giselle and Winter from aespa, Bang Chan and Seungmin of Stray Kids, Byeon Woo Seok, and a variety of high-profile actors such as Lee Min Ho, Jung Hae In, Lee Jun Ho, and Lee Chae Min. Many fashion influencers and personalities from K-drama and music circles also attended the event, adding to its star-studded atmosphere and celebrity focus.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union's diplomatic arm, the EEAS, is urging member states to back a maritime declaration that would allow EU nations working with flag states to arrange inspections on Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, an EEAS document shows.

Beefing up inspection rights is the latest EU proposal aimed at curbing Russian oil and gas revenue being used by Moscow to finance the Ukraine war. EU foreign ministers are due to meet on Monday to discuss new measures against Russia, among other topics.

In early October, the Group of Seven industrialised economies (G7) agreed to work jointly towards this goal and target countries that help Moscow circumvent sanctions as well as those that have increased Russian oil imports.

"EU Member States increasingly demonstrate a renewed momentum for more robust enforcement actions tackling the shadow fleet (for example, France's action against the Boracay vessel, previous actions by Estonia on Kiwala, Germany on Eventin and Finland on Eagle S)," the EEAS background paper said.

It said the draft declaration proposes "possible bilateral agreements between the flag states and the EU on pre-authorised boardings for inspections," adding that an increase in fake flag registrations also needed tackling.

The EEAS said estimates put the shadow fleet at anywhere between 600 and 1,400, with Brussels sanctioning more than 400 ships as well as entities that enable the fleet to operate.

Once the EU adopts the 19th package of sanctions - likely within the next week - that figure will rise to about 560 vessels and bring forward a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by a year to Jan. 1, 2027. The EEAS said the bloc will also target tanker re-fuelling services, so-called bunkering.

(Reporting by Julia Payne and Jan Strupczewski;Editing by Helen Popper)
The Ambler Theater, nearly a century old, sits among restaurants and stores on Butler Avenue. Read more

Maura Manzo, founder and director of yoga studio Camaraderie in Ambler, previously owned the Yoga Home studio in Conshohocken but stepped away during the pandemic.

When she was looking to get back into the business, she chose Ambler.

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I was looking for a vibrant, walkable downtown, rooted in community, Manzo said.

She was encouraged by the presence of a food co-op, Weavers Way, which signaled to me that this is a community invested in sustainable, healthy living  values that align beautifully with a yoga community, as well as the other businesses around.

Theres a balance of restaurants, arts and culture, and shopping that creates a wonderful, rich community and attracts people, Manzo said.

Centrally located in Montgomery County, the borough of Ambler has become home to an eclectic blend of retailers, restaurants, and services. Its downtown business district includes a spa, tuxedo rentals, a bakery, a tattoo parlor, hair salons, and restaurants from all different culinary genres.

The borough started as a mill town in the 1700s and evolved into a factory town run by the Keasbey & Mattison Co. in the 1800s. Many of the original buildings from that period still exist in the downtown district.

The borough has been consistent in its preservation efforts. Recently an ordinance passed to be sure that any new construction reflects the existing architectural charm, said Ambler Main Street manager Elizabeth Wahl Kunzier.

Still, the area has continued to evolve, recently adding a food hall with 10 vendors, seeing the merger of two established Ambler boutiques into one new storefront, and promoting downtown events on social media. With the holiday season approaching, business owners are looking ahead to their busiest time of year and gearing up for a number of seasonal events.

 READ MORE: A bakers ode to Chile opens in downtown Ambler

We have a pretty good organic social media reach, Wahl Kunzier said. It took a long time to get that where it is today, but given the nature of how the public gets information, it is very important to have a good following.

Building momentum behind the scenes

Wahl Kunzier serves as the marketing lead for Ambler Main Street  the name of the nonprofit that promotes downtown Ambler, even though many of its businesses are on Butler Avenue rather than Main Street. She monitors the businesses social media accounts daily to see what theyre advertising and share the information more broadly.

Her office also organizes special events such as a semiannual restaurant week and a holiday shopping weekend. And the borough hosts a Farmers Market every Saturday from May through the weekend before Thanksgiving at the old Ambler train station.

I work with business owners brainstorming on everything from vacant storefronts to customized events to keep the foot traffic coming, Wahl Kunzier said.

The small business district and the communitys people are what drew Daniel J. DeCastro to Ambler, where he opened Ridge Hall last month.

They were a large family of small businesses that looked out for each other and supported one another while also having patrons who were cheerleaders of their businesses, he said.

Located in a historic warehouse, Ridge Hall has 10 dining spots and a second-floor venue called The Mercantile.

DeCastro is optimistic this food hall and retail concept will do well in Ambler, which he described as on the cusp of breaking through as a destination town.

 READ MORE: Ridge Hall is a food hall and piazza for downtown Ambler

Chestnut Hill, Doylestown, New Hope, and Phoenixville have become towns that you simply go to without a commitment. Unless you live in Ambler, it takes a commitment to drive into town, DeCastro said. With Ridge Hall, I wanted to create a destination that would entice people to stay for the day and return sooner rather than later.

Some of the districts established restaurateurs perhaps would argue that Ambler was already a destination.

At Sorrentino Pasta + Provisions, customers find fresh pasta, house-made focaccia, and imported Italian goods for sale. The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday and dinner Thursday through Saturday, and its a BYOB.

Lunch is steady and a great opportunity to grab a table since its a little more difficult at dinner time, proprietor Rich Sorrentino said. We are extremely lucky to have the customers we do. Most are from the borough, but a surprising amount travel a bit to come join us.

Geronimos Peruvian Cuisine, also a BYOB, offers signature dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, anticucho de corazon, arroz con mariscos, pollo a la brasa, and many other authentic Peruvian dishes, said co-owner Daniel Salazar. Its open Wednesday through Sunday.

Weekends are busy nights for us, we highly recommend calling the restaurant for a reservation, she said. Our goal here is to bring a cultural experience, to share a great cuisine that has history, flavor, and a little bit of mystery.

A tale of two stores

Jeanne Cooke, owner of Main Street Vintage, sold painted furniture, vintage wood furniture, new and vintage home accessories, and artwork at her Butler Avenue shop for years. Just down the street, Barb Asmans XTRA Boutique was selling womens clothing.

In August, they combined their businesses, merging into one larger storefront on Butler.

Barb and I have been looking in windows in Ambler for years. We felt we needed more square footage to take our businesses to the next level, Cooke said. The merge was seamless. I guess because we talked about it for quite some time.

The new experience is like shopping in a beautifully decorated home where you can buy all the furnishings. The two owners design the merchandising collaboratively, and the two businesses are intertwined.

Asman said they are excited for what the future holds.

I sometimes stand in the middle of the store and say: Wow, this feels so good. Its hard to put it into words, Asman said. Its a really good feeling.
Deep in South Philly, Griddle & Rices storefront is a burst of color. The fast-casual, always-crowded cafe  with its checkered tile and pop-art-inspired branding  looks a bit like what youd get if Middle Child went Indonesian.

Just like at Middle Child, Griddle & Rice, which opened in May, serves egg sandwiches on airy bread with arugula and cheddar cheese. Theres no pork bacon here (Indonesias population is majority Muslim), but you can select turkey or beef bacon instead.

A new wave of Indonesian cafes is blending Western and Indonesian snacks and comfort foods with Indonesian-style coffee drinks  sometimes made with beans from literal Java and often mixed with Milo or matcha. These spots arent just evolving Phillys Indonesian food scene; theyre injecting fun into the larger dining culture of the city, expanding upon the cartoon-heavy, youthful aesthetic that Martabak OK  which introduced the city to hefty, stuffed Indonesian pancakes in 2018  helped start.

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Our menu has a whole section for my dads comfort foods, which he learned from his mom, and that we sold as preorders from our home and at Indonesian food festivals, said Amalia Utama, speaking for her father, Mohamad Holil, one of Griddle & Rices owners. When we opened the restaurant, we wanted to make it friendly to other people  we didnt want it to be super traditional, but more up to date and keeping with trends.

 READ MORE: The 76 best restaurants in the Philly area in 2025

Youthful, modern  and distinctly Indonesian

Griddle & Rice is a significant departure from longtime Indonesian stalwarts like Sky Cafe and Hardena  and from the home caterers that dominate Phillys Indonesian food scene. It feels more youthful than the other new but less-coffee focused spots on The 76 and its dissents list, like Indo Spice, Djakarta Cafe, and Niki Echo, which also serves Indonesian coffee but, as one Inquirer colleague put it, has a karaoke auntie vibe.

The bold blue-and-yellow design of Griddle & Rice was conceived by Utama and her parents, then brought to life and implemented by a designer in Indonesia. Its a slick, modern  but adorable  backdrop for the large selection of smoothies, strawberry matcha lattes, Milo dinosaurs, and es kopi susu, or Indonesian iced coffee, which has become wildly popular in recent years. They also serve kopi tubruk, traditional unfiltered Indonesian coffee similar to Turkish style, and coffee with gula aren, or Indonesian palm sugar.

When Utama visited Indonesia last month, she was delighted to find how much Griddle & Rice resembled the cafes she went to there, both aesthetically and on the menu.

The menu at Griddle & Rice marries Indonesian traditions with current Indonesian trends (along with American breakfast foods). The roti bakar, a sweet toast ($9), comes blanketed in chocolate sprinkles held in place by condensed milk and so large and fluffy that it induces giggles of delight. Its a snack that Ariel Tobing, the executive chef at Forin Cafe, who is Indonesian, grew up with. Tobing was surprised to see it on the menu, along with the ayam geprek  smashed, fried chicken topped with sambal matah and served with rice ($14)  another trending dish in Indonesia.

Indonesia has a strong baking culture, as an offshoot of Dutch baking traditions, and there are also fluffy buns, which I feel has more Chinese influence, said Tobing.

Blending tradition and trend

Dont mistake these fusions or their wide appeal as an attempt to assimilate into American culture. If anything, theyre mirroring trends in Indonesia itself, where theres also been a significant increase in coffee consumption. The country has long exported its beans, but domestic consumption has climbed steeply, fueling a wave of stylish new cafes and creative drink menus.

Just off East Passyunks main drag, Omi Kitchen is a yellow-and-pink beacon of light.

Owner Onika Wiriadinata opened Omi  which means grandma in Indonesian  a year ago, enlisting a local Indonesian high school artist to fill the walls with cartoonish drawings of pastries and coffee. The cafes airy breads are stuffed with ayam lemper (herbaceous chicken made with lime leaves, bay leaves, galangal, and lemongrass), kari ayam (chicken curry), spicy tofu, corn and cheese, or cheese and chocolate. There are also bagels and tiramisu on the menu.

My aunt has a bakery in Indonesia  in Rambang, my mothers hometown  and she helped me start up with recipes, styles, and baking tips, said Wiriadinata. Omis best sellers are its chocolate banana and chocolate cheese long johns. There are a lot of similarities between her bakery and ours, and theyre adding more croissants. In Indonesia, there are a lot more Western and international cafe concepts now  theyre always evolving.

Both Griddle & Rice and Omi Kitchens espresso drinks are made with locally roasted Vibrant Coffee beans. One day, they hope to use Indonesian beans, but costs are steep  especially with the recent 19% tariff on Indonesian goods imported into the U.S., imposed by the Trump administration.

The rise of Southeast Asian cafes

This new wave of Southeast Asian cafes dovetails with the broader bakery boom, fueled by the same little treat culture and by the tastes and aesthetics of first-generation immigrants, millennials, and Gen Zers. Cuteness covers the walls, Asian American flavors mingle freely, and matcha abounds on the menus  a drink that, before the current craze, was largely absent from these cafes source cultures.

Matcha is trending, not just in America, but across parts of Asia that were never particularly obsessed with it. It has swept through bubble tea shops and traditional cafes alike, which is why youll now find it everywhere from Babys Kusina, rooted in Filipino cuisine; to Warung Filadelphia, a cozy South Philly cafe run by Kristina Jauwana, whos originally from East Java and began by cooking out of her home; to Griddle & Rice, whose owners hail from Jakarta and Madura but whose college-age daughter, raised in Philly, is the face of the business; and to Hannah K, a Point Breeze cafe serving both American and Vietnamese comfort foods. Even more conventional American coffee shops  like Rival Bros., ReAnimator, and Elixr  have embraced the matcha wave.

The marriage of classic American coffee shop fare  pancakes, French toast, and the like  with reinterpretations of Southeast Asian foods that are normally made at home defines many of these spots. Youll find those bicultural unions at Griddle & Rice, Babys, Hannah K (and its sister restaurant The Breakfast Den), Caphe Roasters, and the forthcoming Manong.

You could write a guide to Phillys Asian-inflected pancakes alone: purple with ube (the Filipino yam), green with pandan (a fragrant leaf with hints of grass, vanilla, and coconut), or stuffed with cheese, peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, and condensed milk, like the ones at Martabak OK.

Eater has just declared that the future of coffee is Filipino. In Philadelphia, the future of coffee (and cafes) is Southeast Asian  its Filipino, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.
Voters will decide whether the Pennsylvania Supreme Court should be transformed for years to come when they are asked next month whether they should retain three justices for another 10-year term or oust them.

The justices  Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht  were each elected as Democrats in 2015 during a transitional period for the court when Democrats took a majority, the first time so many seats were open at one time, in part due to resignations of disgraced former justices. Since then, the three justices have played decisive roles on the 5-2 liberal majority of Pennsylvanias highest court.

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Their decisions have had great impacts on the lives of the states residents, including rulings on whose mail ballots should be counted under the law, whether cities can set their own gun laws, and shoring up the states constitutional rights for gender equality.

Now the justices will appear individually on Pennsylvania ballots, where voters will be asked yes or no on whether each should be retained for another 10-year term.

Retention elections in Pennsylvania traditionally attract little attention and little money. But Republicans view this as an opportunity to overhaul the court, which has become an even more critical battleground in the Donald Trump era as state-level courts hold sway over everything from abortion rights to congressional redistricting.

The GOP has spent millions to try to oust the three justices, while Democrats have spent even more to try to keep them on the bench. As of Friday, Republicans had spent or reserved nearly $2.5 million in ad buys, while Democrats had spent more than $7 million.

The Inquirer spoke with the justices about their last 10 years on the bench, what it has been like to campaign in a hyper-partisan environment for what is intended to be a nonpartisan election, and more.

Kevin Dougherty

A small group of volunteers gathered in a Northeast Philadelphia parking lot on a gloomy Saturday afternoon in early September to knock on doors and urge residents to retain the current members of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Milling among the volunteers was Dougherty. Despite having been on the ballot for local or state office three times, Dougherty, of Philadelphia, never knocked on voters doors until this year.

And he was disgusted by the fact that it was necessary.

Judges shouldnt have to canvass, Dougherty said several times over the course of the afternoon.

He then proceeded to walk a Northeast Philly neighborhood alongside his son, State Rep. Sean Dougherty, a first-term Democrat who represents the area, and a family friend.

Kevin Dougherty, 63, is from South Philadelphia and hails from one of the most well-known families in Philadelphia politics. His brother, John Johnny Doc Dougherty, is the once-powerful former leader of IBEW Local 98. John Dougherty was convicted in 2023 of embezzling funds from the union.

Before running for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Dougherty spent nearly 15 years on the Common Pleas Court bench in Philadelphia, with much of that time spent serving in the family division.

As a Supreme Court justice, Dougherty has highlighted his work on the autism in courts initiative as a key accomplishment. This program works to educate judges about the particular challenges people with autism spectrum disorder may face when dealing with the justice system, and has grown further into sensory-friendly courtrooms in more than a dozen counties.

The program, Dougherty said, was inspired by his own experience on the bench when a child stood in his courtroom for a delinquency case showing all the signs of an incorrigible person. Then, Dougherty said, the childs mother pulled him aside and told him her son was on the autism spectrum.

It was like a punch in my mouth because I had never been exposed, Dougherty said. Youre only ignorant once.

Dougherty said he self-educated and began working in Philadelphia to reform the way the court interacts with individuals with autism and brought those efforts to a statewide focus as a justice.

You need to make the system fair, Dougherty said.

On the court, Dougherty has often sided with the liberal majority. He recently wrote the majority opinion in a case that allowed local governments to use zoning law to limit where gun ranges could be located. In oral arguments, when attorneys get a chance to argue their cases before the Supreme Courts seven justices, Dougherty often presses lawyers to refine their arguments.

Christine Donohue

Donohue is often the first justice to ask questions during oral arguments.

Her quick interjections are because of her 27 years as a trial attorney prior to her career on the bench, she said. She cannot help but be inordinately prepared when she puts on her judicial robes and sits on the states highest court.

Thoroughness is one of my things, she said, with a laugh.

Donohue, 72, would be able to serve for only two years of another 10-year term. But it wasnt even a question to her whether she should step aside sooner. She believes she has fulfilled her duty as a justice, and she is prepared to do so until she hits the voter-set maximum age for a justice, 75.

Donohue authored the courts ruling last year that signaled some members of the court are prepared to find that the Pennsylvania Constitution secures the right to an abortion. But less discussed from that same opinion, Donohue said, she is proud to have shored up the states Equal Rights Amendment.

Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to amend its constitution to enshrine that every person has equal rights that cannot be denied or abridged because of an individuals sex in 1971, and the first state to show support for amending the U.S. Constitution to guarantee the same.

But a 1984 ruling by the state Supreme Court diluted the ERA in Pennsylvania, Donohue said. It wasnt until the justices decided the Allegheny Reproductive Health case 40 years later that the court revisited the states Equal Rights Amendment to make it perfectly clear that a biological difference cannot serve as the basis for a denial or an abridgment of a right, she said.

To me, Im very proud of many of the decisions Ive been able to be involved with, but that one really sort of sets the record straight, Donohue said.

Outside her legal work on the state Supreme Court, she has been an advocate to offer more young lawyers the opportunity to try a case before a jury, which has become less and less frequent in recent years. Ensuring that the next generation of lawyers knows how to try a case before a jury is critical to guaranteeing the right to a fair trial, and would prevent a potential competency gap for future lawyers.

David Wecht

Like many of the justices on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Wecht spends much of his free time thinking about legal questions or ethical dilemmas. Or going on walks and listening to podcasts that deal with the same issues. (He recommends Amaricas Constitution by Yale Law professor Akhil Amar or any of the podcasts by Jeffrey Rosen at the National Constitution Center, among others.)

He works from his chambers in Pittsburgh each day, unless the court is at one of the states many satellite courtrooms for oral arguments. There are times when he is in his chambers reading and writing all day long, which he described as very, very fun, and very, very interesting and exciting.

The work is interesting. It is varied, It is never stagnant. We deal with all areas of the law, Wecht said. Im very grateful that the voters gave me this job 10 years ago, and I hope theyll see fit to provide me an additional term.

Wecht is a true student of the law and said he enjoys probing attorneys arguments and the back-and-forth between justices on the bench.

He sees his role on the court as to decide cases. Nothing grander, and nothing more, he said.

He and the whole court, he said, operate under a philosophy of judicial restraint.

The courts liberal majority has faced criticism from Republicans during the last 10 years  especially during the COVID-19 pandemic  for decisions they claimed were made by an activist court.

But those rulings, Wecht said, were the justices best attempts at deciding what a law passed by the General Assembly means when the lawmakers left it ambiguous, or their best attempt to understand what the framers of the state constitution intended, even if he doesnt agree with it.

Its not our business whether we like them, he said.

Republican groups have attempted to mislead voters in mailers, Wecht has said, about the justices role in a 2018 decision that found Pennsylvanias congressional maps were unconstitutionally gerrymandered. The GOP groups have had similarly misleading ads about the courts actions on abortion and voting rights, even recently invoking the anti-Trump No Kings language to try to sway voters to vote no.

Wecht is a professor at Duquesne School of Law and the University of Pittsburgh, where he has been teaching for years. He is also a visiting professor at Reichman University in Israel each year, and regularly teaches continuing legal education courses for attorneys, which are courses that all lawyers must complete on an annual basis to maintain their active attorneys license in Pennsylvania.
In Texas, Republicans passed new congressional maps that would give their party an advantage in around 30 of the states 38 seats in Congress.

In response, California Democrats are asking their states voters to redraw boundaries to offset those changes. Missouri legislators voted last month to eliminate a Democratic-leaning Kansas City district. Theres been talk of redistricting in a host of other states, too, including Florida, Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, and Indiana.

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This might seem like the usual gamesmanship in our highly polarized politics, but its not. Normally, redistricting takes place once per decade, after the census provides new data on each states population.

Now, Americans face the prospect of extensive mid-decade gerrymandering, as both parties race to the bottom in advance of the 2026 midterms. And if mid-decade gerrymandering becomes the norm, we can expect new maps in advance of 2028 and 2030, too.

We can also expect some states that now use independent commissions to draw boundaries may retreat from doing so, setting back progress to take districting out of the hands of partisan politicians.

Polling currently indicates Democrats are on track to win the popular vote in 2026 by a couple of points. Under the current House maps, this national margin would likely enable them to easily take control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Would the mid-decade redistricting shift this prediction? Maybe, though maybe not.

Some projections indicate that changes to the maps in Texas, California, and other states could net Republicans five to eight seats in the 2026 midterms. These gains would enable Republicans to hold onto the House only if they can keep the nationwide margin fairly close.

Tiny margin could be big

Of course, in an era with tight national margins, it can take just a few seats to shift control of the House.

Republicans won 220 House seats to the Democrats 215 in 2024. So there is a very real possibility that even small biases from gerrymandering could shift control of the chamber in a tight national election, whether in 2026 or down the road in 2028 or 2030.

But Democrats may amend state constitutions to enact their own new maps for 2028 in states they control, including New York and Colorado. So its far from clear that the gerrymandering wars will lead to significant, durable gains for Republicans.

Even if mid-decade redrawings do not lock Republicans into power in the short term, the growth in mid-decade gerrymandering is still worrisome for democracy. It enables whoever is in power to fine-tune maps to account for demographic changes.

One of the factors that normally limits parties ability to draw seats to their own advantage is uncertainty about what the future may bring.

Consider Dallas County, Texas. After the 2011 redistricting, the GOP redrew the Democratic-leaning county so as to advantage themselves in key state House races there. But with the 2018 Democratic wave, they lost five of their House seats in the county, as suburban voters broke for Democrats. Given enough time, gerrymanders can become dummymanders.

That inability to project future demographic change, political swings, or candidates has acted as a curb on the extent to which parties were willing to aggressively gerrymander, one that opponents of restrictions on gerrymandering pointed to explicitly in arguing the 2019 Rucho v. Common Cause case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Even if mid-decade redrawings do not lock Republicans into power in the short term, the growth in mid-decade gerrymandering is still worrisome for democracy.

It was that same uncertainty that seemed to limit Texas Republicans appetite for an especially aggressive gerrymander after the 2020 Census, although the map they adopted then was still the most pro-GOP map in the country, relative to neutral baselines.

If a party sees fit to redistrict in every election cycle whenever it controls the process, it wont need to hedge against demographic changes. Thats especially true today, as American politics has become steadily more nationalized in recent decades.

With split-ticket voting declining and congressional candidates becoming more dependent on their national party brand, those drawing congressional maps can be increasingly confident in their predictions about how districts will go.

The ability of state governments to constantly fine-tune maps is likely to make congressional elections even less competitive. It also could enable Democrats or Republicans to solidify their grip on power if a wave election (such as 2010 for Republicans) gives one party widespread control of state governments.

Nationalizing state offices

Perpetual gerrymandering also raises the stakes for state politics. It means control of Congress is constantly on the line when partisan control of a state government shifts  and could bring a flood of outside campaign dollars to state legislative races.

 READ MORE: Texas redistricting is no routine adjustment. The GOP aims to fracture Latino neighborhoods and dilute votes. | Opinion

In an era when most state legislatures are solidly in one partisan camp, governors and state Supreme Courts become the only checks on endless gerrymanders. These offices are likely to become even more nationalized.

By focusing voters on national issues, such as congressional maps, this nationalization reduces state publics ability to hold their state elected officials accountable for state-level issues, including roads, schools, crime, and the local economy. This could decrease the responsiveness of state governments to their voters, making state-level democracy collateral damage in the battle for national control.

So, with the parties staring down a classic prisoners dilemma, what to do?

We see multimember districts  with the appropriate backstops  as one long-term solution to ensure that the six million Donald Trump voters in California and the almost five million Kamala Harris voters in Texas are more effectively represented in Congress.

Multimember districts would also limit the extent to which political outcomes are dictated by arbitrary geographic factors, such as which parties voters are more spatially concentrated or live within existing jurisdictions like counties.

But in the interim, Congress could act to ban mid-cycle redistricting and place limits on the permissible partisan skew when districts are redrawn at the beginning of each decade.

How to bring conservatives on board? One possibility would be to pair such reforms with a national voter ID law. In research by one of us, weve found that compromises, including a national voter ID, are broadly popular.

In Rucho, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that excessive partisanship in districting leads to results that reasonably seem unjust, a view we share alongside a majority of Americans. But the Supreme Court held that partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts.

The solution to todays race to the bottom will thus need to come from the legislative branch.

Restricting redistricting while also implementing a nationwide voter ID could win broad, bipartisan support, and could be the interim political solution the chief justice invited back in 2019.

Daniel J. Hopkins is a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. Christopher Warshaw is a professor of public policy at Georgetown University.
Outlined against a blue, gray October sky on a perfect fall morning, Carol Otis, in her Obama-Biden T-shirt, joined more than 1,000 people Saturday who lined both sides of the busy Eagle Road thoroughfare in Havertown to yell, wave signs, and provoke an endless cacophony of car horns against an authoritarian Donald Trump regime.

I could probably name 7,000 reasons why, the 77-year-old recent retiree from Drexel Hill told me, because every day there are 18 things that happen that are just what Trump says  and then theres the GOP talking about this hate rally.

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So Otis didnt make a sign and chose instead  like many in this protest in the heart of suburban Delaware County  to wave an American flag, because people who carry the flag do not hate America, and as you can see, there are a lot of flags.

She laughed, then added sarcastically, parrying one of the more absurd GOP talking points: Were all paid protesters! George  Soros, the liberal billionaire  where are you? I dont see you. Im waiting for my handout.

There is a famous quote about mass protest movements  with murky origins (misattributed frequently to Gandhi)  that says, First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Saturdays massive No Kings protest that filled Main Streets and public squares from New York and Washington, D.C., to smaller burgs like Havertown showed that the effort to halt and reverse dictatorship in mid-2020s America has already prompted a half-laughing, half-fighting response from an increasingly unpopular White House and its allies.

Ignored at first, the No Kings protest movement is rapidly accelerating toward the then-you-win phase. Indeed, the over-the-top alarmism from Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called it a hate America rally, or Texas Gov. Greg Abbott  who called up his states National Guard in Austin to pump up a ridiculous narrative about rock-throwing radicals instead of the peaceful, joyous events in 2,700 different locales  proved that No Kings struck a raw nerve.

The day was not only nonviolent but also historic. The estimated nearly seven million who showed up across America marked the second-largest one-day protest in U.S. history, surpassed only by a very different type of event: the first Earth Day in 1970. That was roughly 40% larger than the first No Kings event in June, and in talking to protesters Saturday, it seemed the turnout was only boosted by the right-wing rhetoric that anti-Trump protesters must be some kind of domestic terrorists.

 READ MORE: At No Kings, millions of Americans show the flag is mightier than the tank | Will Bunch

Knowing that theyre feeling threatened makes me know this is what needs to happen, Gary Fishbein  65, from Bala Cynwyd, with his American flag T-shirt and Eagles cap  told me. His words were nearly drowned out by the steady honking of supportive cars passing the undulating sea of signs that were as funny as Does This Ass Make My Country Look Small or as simple as Dogs Against Fascism (held by the canines companion) or just Freedom to Speak.

The official White House reaction, as related to one reporter, was Who cares? But guess what? They clearly cared  a lot. You could see that in the week leading up to the demonstration, with the increasingly insane rhetoric and warnings about antifa  a tiny, unorganized sliver of young rock-throwing radicals who were nowhere in sight Saturday  that aimed to neutralize the reality that millions of everyday Americans are sick of seeing a masked secret police snatch people off the streets.

In a maneuver North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un must have surely applauded, Trumps Pentagon fired some artillery shells over a closed I-5 in the heart of Southern Californias anti-Trump rally as the protests were taking place  ostensibly to mark the 250th anniversary of the armed forces, but also as a reminder of the regimes military might as Trump weighs invoking the Insurrection Act.

Just a short time after the Who cares? comment, Trump himself posted a shocking  to the extent that anything can be truly shocking anymore  AI-created video to Truth Social that showed him piloting a jet fighter wearing a kings crown (!!) and bombing a large U.S. urban protest march with brown, liquid, um, excrement.

I guess that was supposed to be the fascist version of four-dimensional chess, that our 47th and possibly last president could mock, ridicule, and dismiss No Kings by confirming everything the largest protest in 56 years was all about: that our government is hijacked by a monarch who defecates on his own subjects. The reality is that Trumps late-night video reeked more of panic and fear than its crude subject matter.

The biggest American protest doesnt happen in a vacuum. The reason seven million people are in the streets is that Trump long ago squandered any chance for a honeymoon after his narrow reelection in 2024. His approval rating is just 40% in the latest Gallup poll (even lower in some other surveys). And like the protester Otis said, there are about 7,000 reasons  including higher prices in the supermarket, a looming doubling of health insurance premiums for millions of Americans, and a 20-day-and-counting shutdown of the federal government with no end in sight.

But it was Trumps mass deportation crusade, and the brutal tactics by those masked and unbadged goons for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies  grabbing migrants (and, in at least 170 documented cases, U.S. citizens) off the street and lobbing tear gas at anyone who protests  that was cited again and again by the marchers when I asked them why they are in the streets.

Ben Liptock  38, who lives in Havertown and teaches in a North Philadelphia public school, and came with his 9-year-old son, Bobby  explained that we need to continue to show people that youre not alone in todays America  its scary to protest. But he said he felt they had to be there for his many immigrant students  some whove gone home to find their dads deported  who cant safely demonstrate themselves.

If I looked a little different, I wouldnt be able to show my face and protest power, Liptock said. There are people in the shadows right now, and theyre terrified.

It arguably cut both ways that the suburban crowd in Havertown was overwhelmingly white, with most older than the median U.S. age of 38. Others echoed Liptock that this breed of protester can use its privilege to speak for those who cant, and any true mass movement needs the white metro middle class to succeed. But the lack of Black and brown faces, or members of Gen Z (whove powered uprisings in parts of Asia and Africa), remains a significant problem for No Kings.

Someone like Emilio Ovalle  a lanky 19-year-old student from West Chester University waving a sign with a Mark Twain quotation  stood out in the crowd on Saturday. The son of an immigrant from Guatemala, Ovalle also cited the deportations as his No. 1 issue, and while he said many of his friends oppose Trump, he also understands their reluctance to protest.

Part of it has to be the Democrats  theyre not good at getting the young vote, he said. The right is very good at appealing to a lot of the insecurities, especially in younger men.

This would seem to be the next mission for No Kings going forward: to build a bigger network with groups such as Gen Z teens and 20-somethings or African Americans. Those groups also have major issues with the Trump presidency, but feel them in different ways and express them in different venues than the ones like Facebook or MSNBC that are popular with the first wave of protesters.

That said, its impossible to ignore what the No Kings movement has accomplished in a matter of months. By raising their voices, protesters have encouraged Democrats in Washington to at least slightly stiffen their backbones, as shown by the current budget battle. They are winning new converts from the disaffected middle by exposing the depths of Trumps unpopularity.

And they are reassuring their friends and neighbors to keep the faith in a dark moment  that there are far more Americans who want democracy than dictatorship. It makes you feel good that you are not alone, that a lot of people feel the same way, Michael Tempone, a 73-year-old from Upper Darby, waving American flags with his wife, Stephanie, told me.

There were thousands of American flags across the nation Saturday, and no reported violence, and close to no arrests  zero in New York City (where the New York Police Department is not known for its restraint) or San Diego or fearmongered Austin. That is driving the Trump regime bat-guano crazy, because it has not crushed the resistance, and it knows its days are numbered. As I walked back to my car, I heard one protester chuckle to his partner, This is the best hate America rally that Ive ever been to.

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
After President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin during their August meeting in Alaska, the Russian leader responded with a massive increase in drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians, writes Trudy Rubin. Read more

In case anyone thought Donald Trumps overhyped Mideast peace deal proved he had the guts to finally get serious about the war in Ukraine, think again. Once more, the president has bowed to Vladimir Putin.

The day before his scheduled White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when optimists predicted he might let Kyiv buy long-range Tomahawk missiles, Trump turned instead to his old pal Putin.

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After a very productive phone call from the Kremlin czar on Thursday, the president announced he would meet Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks to discuss how to end the war.

What will it take to convince Trump that Putin has no interest in peace? No matter how many times the Russian humiliates him, Trump comes back for more.

After every concession, every phone call, after the failed Alaska summit in which the president literally rolled out the red carpet, Putin responds with a massive increase in drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian civilians.

Yet, unlike the Mideast, where Trump squeezed Israels Benjamin Netanyahu to endorse a ceasefire in Gaza, the president refuses to pressure Putin. He threatens new oil sanctions repeatedly, yet always chickens out.

And at the White House meeting with Zelensky Friday, Trump suddenly backed off the idea of sending Tomahawks to Ukraine. He kept insisting, bizarrely, that Putin wants a peace deal. Clearly, the Russian leader had sold him another bill of goods on the phone.

 READ MORE: Trumps new Middle East depends on leaders who skipped his Egypt summit | Trudy Rubin

Whether he fears Putin or admires him, Trumps constant kowtow to Moscow poses a growing security threat to America and its allies.

As the president makes war on Chicago and blows up Venezuelan boats, Russia is already waging a hybrid war on Europe. This war includes drone attacks over Poland, drone harassment that has shut down Danish and German airports, and dangerous Russian violations of Estonian airspace by Russian warplanes.

Russia stands accused of cutting critical underwater European cables and has carried out sabotage and arson attacks in European countries. The Kremlin has had opponents assassinated in Great Britain, Spain, and Germany. The Germans foiled a Russian plot to murder Armin Papperger, the head of Rheinmetall, the company that supplies tanks and artillery ammunition to Ukraine.

And Russian media campaigns in Europe keep blaring blatant falsehoods about discrimination against Russian speakers in the Baltics that are reminiscent of the arguments Moscow used to justify its 2014 invasion of Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

Putins goal is clear: to test European NATO members response to Russian provocations, but to keep those tests below outright military attacks, so as to make that response more complicated. This is not random harassment, said Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, in a recent speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. It is time to call it by its name. This is hybrid warfare.

The Europeans view Ukraine as holding the line against Putins efforts to weaken and split Europe and NATO, while they increase their military budgets and capabilities -even as Trump makes clear his disinterest in a joint defense of Europe. They feel a sense of urgency about Putins aggression and have urged the White House to take stronger measures against the Kremlin, especially when it comes to Ukraine.

They are willing to pay for increased weapons delivery to Kyiv. But key air defense systems and long-range missiles such as the Tomahawk are only produced in the U.S.

Yet, Trumps response to Putins aggression against Europe has been ho-hum.

I dont love it, he said about the latest Russian incursion into Estonian airspace, but he has yet to carry out his repeated threats to impose new sanctions on Russia. He complains about the continued European purchases of oil from Russia, but those purchases come mainly from Turkey and Hungary, whom he claims as allies. Yet, he refuses to press their leaders.

And now he is running again to meet Putin, who has apparently dissuaded him from selling Tomahawks, and will place the blame for his continuing the war on Ukraine.

For a sobering scenario of where Trumps blindness could lead Europe, I just read If Russia Wins by German political scientist Carlo Masala, a bestseller in Germany and the Netherlands. (It will be published in the U.S. early next year.)

 READ MORE: Trump-endorsed suspension of Kimmel recalls Putins Puppets takedown | Trudy Rubin

The short volume begins with a Russian invasion of Narva, Estonias third-largest city, which sits on the border with Russia. The scenario is set three years after Ukraine is forced to capitulate to Moscow under pressure from the Kremlin and the United States.

Washington has agreed to a deal on the Kremlins terms that surrenders a fifth of Ukraine to Russia, and forces Kyiv to accept neutrality and a weak army, with a toothless international peacekeeping force that includes Chinese troops. Ukraine collapses economically, and Zelensky is defeated in elections (as Russia waits to set up a puppet regime).

To lull the West, Putin resigns, to be replaced by a young economist with whom the West can do business. It is reminiscent of the situation when a youthful Dmitry Medvedev served a presidential term as Putins front man and bedazzled President Barack Obama with promises of a reset (just as Putin now bedazzles Trump).

To test the Wests response to a Russian military advance in the Baltics, Russia decides to imitate Adolf Hitlers remilitarization of the Rhineland, a German region bordering France, from which German troops had been banned after World War I. Germany poured in troops to the Rhineland; Europe didnt react, and the rest is history.

To distract attention from Russias invasion, China stages a diversion in the South China Sea, and also deploys nuclear subs to the Taiwan Strait.

To further confuse the allies, a leading defense industry executive in Germany is assassinated, and there is a mysterious explosion at a British military base. Call it hybrid war.

At the heart of the Russian strategy is a psychological assessment of how to play the West. In order to hide Russias military weakness after its losses in Ukraine and to convince NATO of Russian resolve, Moscow exploits Western fears of nuclear escalation, even though Russia is in no condition to wage nuclear war.

The strategy works. The U.S. president declares, I am not prepared to risk World War III for Narva. The White House vetoes the invocation of NATOs Article 5, which calls on (but doesnt require) all members to help if one is attacked.

Effectively, NATO is over. Thats because, even if European members wanted to fight on their own, the United States still has key intelligence and transport capabilities that Europe lacks.

Although Masala doesnt go further, an extension of his scenario would describe a Russia now free to expand in the Baltics, possibly cutting those three NATO members off from the rest of Europe. An unrestrained Russia would also be free to threaten military control of the Arctic. Use your imagination for more.

Masalas conclusion: The West has fallen for Russias nuclear fearmongering, and underestimates the growing military cooperation between Iran, China, North Korea and Russia. [There] has long been a refusal to acknowledge that Russias war of aggression is much more than just a war to destroy Ukraine.

In a nod to the present, the author laments the pious wish of many parties that Moscow would eventually come to see that this war is not worth fighting.

Some even  believed Putin was just waiting for a suitable offer from the West to come to the negotiating table and agree to a peace treaty. To an extent, some leaders still have their heads in the sand about this.

That would include Donald J. Trump.
Asylum denials in Philadelphias immigration court have spiked through the first seven months of President Donald Trumps administration, according to an Inquirer analysis of the latest available government data.

The court has denied 74% of asylum claims in the first seven months of Trumps second term, compared with a 61% denial rate during the last seven months of the Biden administration, mirroring national trends.

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The data were published by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), a data gathering and research organization that regularly acquires and analyzes such data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the agency responsible for overseeing the nations immigration courts system.

And its not just that denials are up: The volume of cases has risen substantially as well. The Philadelphia court heard twice as many cases over Trumps first seven months, compared with Bidens final seven: 1,059 vs. 513.

Local immigration attorneys say thats no coincidence.

Absolutely. Theyre pushing cases to go forward, said Brennan Gian-Grasso, founding partner of Philadelphias Gian-Grasso & Tomczak Immigration Law Group, when asked whether the two trends may be connected. Additionally  and I think this is probably the big difference  prosecutorial discretion.

Under the Biden administration, Gian-Grasso said, immigration officials often gave asylum seekers who may not have necessarily qualified for asylum the opportunity to remain in the United States by putting a case on hold or otherwise allowing individuals to continue to stay in the United States so long as they did not have a criminal record or other derogatory characteristics.

Thats gone, said Gian-Grasso. Every case is going forward now.

The administration has been open about its efforts to push cases through the system. Last month, EOIR issued a news release trumpeting a shrinking backlog of immigration court cases  claiming a decrease of 450,000 pending cases since Trumps inauguration. TRAC data indicate a slight decrease for Philadelphias backlog since the start of the current fiscal year last October.

Emma Tuohy, a partner at Philadelphias Landau, Hess, Simon, Choi & Doebley and a recent past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Associations Philadelphia chapter, suggested the rising number of decisions and denial rates were connected to another recent trend: surging arrests and detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Denials in detained settings have always been higher, Tuohy said, explaining that attorneys face particular obstacles when representing detained clients.

The Inquirer reported in August that the number of people detained in ICE custody in New Jersey and Pennsylvania was up about 68% in July compared with figures at the start of Trumps administration.

Historically, asylum denial rates are vastly higher for those individuals who were in custody at the time a decision was rendered in their cases. Since the start of the 2000 fiscal year, about 99% of detained individuals in Philadelphias immigration court were denied asylum, compared with 63% of individuals who were detained at some point but later released and 58% of those who were never detained since the start of fiscal 2000. Similar, though smaller, gaps exist nationally.

[Cases] move much, much quicker  within just a couple months  as opposed to non-detained cases which can take a few years. Its a much shorter timeline to put together extensive documentation and its obviously quite a bit harder to work with clients, given they are not as accessible as normal, said Tuohy. Its much harder for individuals in detention to collect documents, to call people they need to speak with, to prepare their statements, to request letters from witnesses. Were relying mostly on families that are outside and they may not have all the information nor access.

Officials at EOIR did not respond to requests for comment.

A flurry of policy changes have made winning cases tougher

The substantial increase in denial rates since Trumps inauguration has been accompanied by a succession of policy changes at EOIR.

The first came in a February memo issued by Sirce Owen, the Trump-appointed acting director of EOIR. Unlike typical federal judges, immigration court judges are not independent judicial branch officials but executive branch employees within EOIR. The directive rescinded a 2023 memo meant to better ensure that individuals in asylum proceedings are provided with adequate interpretation and translation services.

Gian-Grasso explained that access to interpretive services can be critical to an asylum seekers ability to properly plead their case.

Just in my own experience, Ive had clients who could not speak a word of English  and were illiterate even in their own language  but in translation during testimony could very, very effectively and intelligently articulate their fear of return to their country and their asylum case, he said.

Gian-Grasso worried the policy shift would put some asylum seekers at a severe disadvantage.

Limiting that kind of access dooms asylum cases because if you cant tell your story, what does the judge have to go on? he said.

Historically, asylum denial rates are significantly higher for those individuals who dont speak English. In Philadelphias immigration court, about 62% of non-English speakers were denied asylum, compared with 51% of English speakers, since the start of fiscal 2000.

Attorneys have cited a second memo, issued in April, as likely to have an even greater effect on asylees.

That memo essentially encouraged immigration judges to order an asylum seeker removed before providing them with an opportunity for a full hearing of their case  an action known as pretermission  if a judge believes that an applicant has failed to present sufficient corroborating evidence at the outset of their proceedings.

Tuohy described the practical effect of the policy as telling judges to throw out cases over paperwork errors.

These [cases] are not being pretermitted because theres not corroborating evidence or theres not an affidavit or theres a credibility issue where they dont believe a persons story on the merits, Tuohy said. This is just because someone has not fully filled out a form.

Gian-Grasso said the new memo will likely be particularly difficult on individuals navigating the immigration system without an attorney.

Asylum is highly technical. Its very difficult to put together an asylum case, Gian-Grasso said. You can have a valid asylum case, but if you dont know how to put it together legally  now judges are being told to look to pretermit in these situations.

Historically, asylum denial rates are markedly higher for those individuals who dont have access to an attorney. In Philadelphias immigration court, about 82% of asylum applicants without representation were denied asylum, compared with 57% of those who did. An even larger gap exists nationally.

Denial rates vary by president, and, locally, by judge

While recent denial rates are the highest on record, increases and decreases in the rate of asylum denials are nothing new.

While Philadelphias recent denial rate marks the highest since data became available a quarter century ago, rates have fluctuated over time, with notable shifts depending on whos in the White House.

In addition to notable partisan gaps, the data reveal another factor in success for an asylum speaker: the judge assigned to the case.

From the 2019 through 2024 fiscal years, the Philadelphia judge with the lowest denial rate denied asylum in 33% of cases, compared with the judge with the highest denial rate, 85%.

Tuohy expressed frustration over that chasm in case outcomes.

Theres just absolutely no way that those judges are being assigned such fundamentally different cases that their grant rates should be so different so unfortunately yes, it makes a huge difference what judge you get assigned to, Tuohy said.

Gian-Grasso agreed, arguing its one more reason that asylees without an attorney are penalized.

You know as an attorney what youre getting when you go in with these judges and how to structure your case, said Gian-Grasso. But, again, that goes back to our [unrepresented asylum seekers]. They have no idea and theyre similarly disadvantaged for having this lack of knowledge at the end of the day.
The LPG-laden tanker MV Falcon was on fire and adrift on Saturday off the coast of Yemen, after it reported an explosion that forced members of its crew to abandon the vessel, the European Unions naval force Aspides said in a statement.

The cause of the explosion was unclear, Aspides said, adding that 15% of the Cameroon-flagged vessel was on fire, according to initial indications.

Due to the risk of further explosions, since the tanker was fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, Aspides said it had advised vessels in the area to keep a safe distance from the carrier.

The fire onboard is increasing, Aspides said in a statement. MV Falcon represents a navigational hazard. Everyone in the area must exercise caution.

An operation was in progress to rescue its 26 crew members.

So far, 24 seafarers have been recovered by two merchant vessels sailing nearby. One of the ships, the MV Veda, was taking those rescued to Djibouti, escorted by a Greek frigate.

Two crew members are reported missing, Aspides said.

The MV Falcon was traveling from Omans Sohar Port to Djibouti, British security firm Ambrey said earlier. The explosion occurred as it was sailing 113 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden in Yemen.

Maritime security sources said that neither missiles nor unmanned aerial vehicles had been detected in the area.

Ambrey said the tanker was not believed to match the target profile of Yemens Iran-aligned Houthi militants.

A Houthi defense ministry official said the group had no connection to the incident, according to the Houthi-run Saba news agency.

Houthi militants have launched numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, saying they act in solidarity with Palestinians over Israels war on Gaza.

The attacks have disrupted trade flows through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes.

(Reporting by Enas Alashray, Muhammad Al Gebaly, Hatem Maher, Yannis Souliotis and Renee Maltezou; editing by Jan Harvey and Barbara Lewis)
Eircom has been ordered to immediately halt a fibre broadband promotion offering new customers a 50 giftcard over concerns it would favour its retail arm Eir.

The telecoms firm has been issued with an 'Urgent Interim Measures' notice ordering it to cease its promotion with 'immediate effect'.

The Communications Regulator, ComReg, said the promotion was launched last Monday without their prior authorisation and was also to be geographically targeted with Eircom planning to distribute leaflets to 77,464 eircodes. Eircom is viewed as a telecoms operator with Significant Market Power (SMP), and its promotions may not favour Eircom's own retail arm over other access seekers. The promotion was run by Open eir, the company's wholesale arm, and ComReg was concerned that the similar branding could give Eircom's retail business an unfair advantage over independent competing retailers.

Contacted last week by ComReg, Eircom's Chief Regulatory Officer confirmed the promotion but said they did not believe the incentive required notification. However, ComReg moved swiftly to impose the urgent measures after concluding that the promotion would likely have been rejected on anti-competitive grounds anyway.

In their decision, ComReg said: "This is a breach that risks creating serious economic or operational problems for other providers of electronic communications networks and service."

The promotion consisted of a 50 Gift Card (JustEat, Boots or whoopee) to those end-users for whom a connection is activated on the Open Eir network. The Gift Card can be claimed on Open Eirs website when a connection is live.

ComRegs primary concern centred on the promotions structure and reach. The 50 gift card offer was geographically targeted at approximately 77,000 specific premises in so-called low penetration areas.

Geographically specific discounts are strictly prohibited because they are designed to discourage efficient investment by rival operators and reduce competition over time. By heavily incentivising customers in areas where competitors are trying to build their own presence, Eircomthe dominant playercan undermine the financial viability of its rivals.

ComReg also raised governance concerns, noting that the gift card could be claimed directly from the wholesale entity, Open eir, regardless of the retail partner used. This structure, coupled with branding similarities, raised fears that it could potentially favour Eircom's own retail arm over other competing retailers.

As a result of the investigation, Eircom was ordered to deactivate the registration link, stop the distribution of leaflets and ensure all wholesale partners and agents immediately cease advertising the offer. "Eircom has been told to stop registrations for the Promotion on its website, stop delivery of any related leaflets and other marketing activities in connection with the Promotion, and ensure that all its agents and partners stop promoting it," the notice states.

In its decision, ComReg said there was nothing to stop those users who registered for the promotion before it was taken down from receiving the 50 gift card.

A spokesperson for Eir said the company was in the process of complying with the notice and will engage with ComReg in line with the procedures outlined in the notice.

Open eir is Irelands largest wholesale telecommunications provider and has invested 1.7bn in recent years, rolling out fibre broadband to homes and businesses. In June, the company said it had surpassed 1.4 million homes and businesses with its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband network.
The North Sea Transition Authority, a government regulator, discovered the potential oil - Danny Lawson/PA

An extra 1.1 billion barrels of oil and gas have been found in the North Sea, a regulators report has revealed, threatening to stoke a row over Ed Milibands ban on new drilling.

Energy companies have found preliminary evidence to suggest that new areas of the North Sea could yield 15.8 billion barrels of oil and gas, up from earlier estimates of 14.7 billion barrels.

The discovery was revealed in a report published by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the government regulator.

The surveys were carried out under the last round of licences issued by the NSTA in 2022, before Mr Miliband banned exploration for new oil and gas.

However, the findings are likely to inflame a growing row over the future of the UK oil and gas industry, with Labour having come under fire over its decision to retreat from the North Sea.

Oil and gas developers have claimed Labour is fuelling an exodus of investment and jobs from the North Sea.

The NSTA Reserves and Resources Report sets out the amounts of oil and gas extracted from UK waters over the last 50 years  about 48 billion barrels  and how much might be left.

These remaining resources are categorised according to how confident the NSTA is in the data. They suggest there are 2.9 billion barrels of proven reserves plus another 5.3 billion barrels of contingent resources, where the amounts are less certain.

The third and largest category lists prospective resources in areas that need more surveys. It is this category that has grown, from 14.7 billion to 15.8 billion barrels, largely because of data gathered under the new licences issued in 2022.

Overall the data show that if all the resources were proven, there could be another 25 billion barrels in place.

In reality, some might never be produced  for example, because it lies in areas that would be too expensive to access.

However, there are also areas around the UK that have never been fully explored, so there could be yet more oil and gas to be found.

The report from the NSTA  which is overseen by Mr Miliband  said the prospective areas showed a 31pc increase in potential oil and gas resources from the end of 2023.

It said: This is due to the inclusion of the additional prospective resources from the 33rd licencing round.

Martin Copeland, the chief financial officer at Serica Energy, a North Sea oil and gas producer, said: This NSTA report shows that there at least 11 billion barrels of oil and gas which could still be developed in the North Sea.

This almost meets the amount that the Climate Change Committee says we will need before the net zero target year of 2050 of 13 billion to 15 billion barrels.
During lockdown while out on a walk, Deirdre O'Neill noticed metal rings on the wall of a church in Porterstown, County Dublin. She took a photo, posted to her Instagram and didnt give it another thought. The next morning she was surprised by the huge reaction to her post. From then, she started looking out for these artefacts from our history, which we walk past every day without noticing. As lockdown eased and ended she went further afield and the account continued to grow and grow as Deirdre noticed more and more artefacts and researched their history. Today the account has more than 232,000 followers. The book expands on this project, and includes an artefact from nearly every county in the country. Deirdre uses these remnants to explore how people in Ireland ran their households, farmed, fished, entertained themselves, and honoured their dead.

These are extracts from Remnants of our Past (Gill) by Deirdre O'Neill which is out now.

BRIDGES Narrow stone bridges, only as wide as a person, can be found dotted around our landscape. Known as clapper bridges, some could date as far back as the 13th century, built as part of Christian abbey complexes to enable the monks to bring their grain to be ground at their mill. Some were built as recently as the mid-19th century. The name clapper may originate from the Latin claperius, which means a pile of stones. Flat slabs of stone of various sizes, some over two metres long and weighing up to a tonne, were laid across upright stones or piers. They may appear simple, but clapper bridges that cross wider stretches of water in particular demonstrate the ingenuity of their builders. They are curved horizontally based on the principle of the arch, so the stones are pushed tighter by the force of the water, thus strengthening the bridge. In some cases little islands were built alongside to prevent the bridge being eroded by the water. While clapper bridges were invaluable to the local community, enabling people to cross rivers safely, with their donkeys and carts crossing alongside in the water, their humble nature meant that there arent records of them before 19th-century maps, where they are denoted as a foot stick or foot bridge. Clapper bridge in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, which linked the 13th-century Duiske Abbey with its mill. There is also a holy well visible at the top left Locals often call them stepping stones, likely a tradition that has carried down through the years from when they replaced earlier stepping stones. These could be quite restrictive; for example, people wanting to cross the stepping stones (predating the early 19th-century stone road bridge) linking Foaty Island (now Fota Island) to the mainland could not cross at high tide and had to wait for low tide for their horses to be able to cross safely. Another early type of bridge that could be used for walking animals over without entering the water was the packhorse bridge. A packhorse is a horse or donkey used to carry loads across its back, so these bridges were the width needed to fit a horse or donkey loaded with panniers. They traditionally had low or no sides for the same reason.

STONES

Belief in the curative power of stones was part of everyday life in Ireland.

Children who had warts would put as many pebbles as they had warts in a bag and leave it at the crossroads, the place where a passerby was most likely to pick it up, in the belief that the stones would transfer the warts to the person who found them.

Or if a person had a pain in their side, it would disappear if they bent down to lift up a stone, spat under it, and left it down again in the same position.

Stones would be taken from the walls of old church ruins and brought home, in the belief that they could cure aches and pains.

Then there are the sacred stones at special sites, from simple holed stones to stone tables and stone seats. People believed their curative properties derived from their unique origins, whether supernatural events, the coming of Christianity, an Irish legend or just because they had an unusual shape.

The large hole in Cloch an Phoill (meaning the hole stone) gave rise to a tradition of passing infants through it to cure them of rickets. The granite stone is thought to have originally been set in place in the early Bronze Age (up to 3,000 years ago) to mark a burial.

A round stone (said to be agate) called the Bulla or St Gobnaits Bowl, believed to have healing properties.

Some think the purpose of the hole was for people to pass food to their loved one in the other world.

Tradition records that the stone is associated with the High Kings of Ireland; it is where Niall of the Nine Hostages, the 5th-century ancestor of the Ui Neill Kings of Tara, tied up his enemy, Eochu, by running a chain through the hole. Eochu broke free, leaving marks on the stone, killed the nine warriors Niall had sent to kill him, and eventually killed Niall.

In Kerry, it is believed that when St Feaghna caught a dairymaid stealing, he turned her and her dairy to stone (now known as the Petrified Dairy). The five basin-like hollows are supposed to be keelers (bowl-shaped milk coolers) and her butter is the oval stones (the form that butter used to be shaped into).

Her dasher (long-handled paddle) and churn were also turned into stone.

The churns lid was found in the field in later times and placed back onto the stone. (This lid is the quern in the centre of the stone that was found in the 19th century.) The dairymaid herself tried to escape but he turned her into a human-sized standing stone, with a hawthorn growing beside her, about midway up the opposite hillside.

It was believed impossible to remove the stones from the dairy. A young shop boy tried this, but his horse refused to let him ride away.

Due to local superstition the same stones have remained in place for thousands of years. They show signs of wear and it was thought the rock may have been used for domestic purposes (for example grinding) before a sacred use was attached to it, first pagan and then Christian. In more recent centuries, it was one of the stations of the rounds at this site.

Pilgrims would seek a cure for warts by circling the rock seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, reciting a Pater and an Ave at each of the butter rolls, and making the sign of the cross on the warts with the water from the rock. Others believed the stones were turned to put curses on people.

Then there are the stones whose stories tell of special qualities derived from the coming of Christianity. Embedded in the wall in Fenloe Graveyard, County Clare, there is a plague stone said to have been blessed by the 6th century St Luchtigern to cure people with cholera. Those afflicted would rub their legs on the stone and make the sign of the cross. Later, and even to the present day, pilgrims do the same to seek a cure for swollen joints.
A Cork woman who was convicted of possession of illegal drugs in the district court was devious, cunning and self-serving in the way she contested the matter, according to the presiding judge.

Inspector Anthony Harrington told Macroom District Court that Elaine OShea, aged 36 of Cnoc An Luir, Ballymakeera, Co. Cork, was charged with one count of illegal possession of drugs, namely cannabis, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The court heard that a warrant was obtained to search Ms OSheas home and two gardai went to the premises at 10.30am on February 2, 2024. There was nobody present at the time and the gardai gained access through an open conservatory window and searched the property.

A small amount of cannabis valued at 100 was found in a plastic sweet container under a television as well as a weighing scales. The court was told that when she was contacted about the drugs OShea refused to give a statement.

Defence solicitor, Patrick Goold, said his client alleged that the property was ransacked as a result of the search and a note was left for her inside a plastic bag along with a cannabis joint butt asking her to ring Macroom Garda Station.

Elaine OShea said the cannabis was not hers but belonged to her brother who stayed at the house occasionally. She said her brother had repeatedly tried to tell gardai that the cannabis was his but he was ignored.

Under cross-examination OShea said the joint butt was placed in a clean ashtray in her kitchen. Judge Joanne Carroll said OShea had attempted to damage the reputation of a member of An Garda Siochana by suggesting that a joint butt was placed in a bag with the note.

She said OShea had then contradicted herself by saying the butt was in a clean ashtray in the kitchen. The judge said she had no doubt that OShea was guilty of possession of cannabis and regarded her approach to the case as shocking in the extreme, conniving, vicious and self-serving.

OShea then began to use her mobile phone in court to text her mother. The judge added: She seems quite prepared to defame other people and then she is texting in court. She has a serious problem with socialisation.

OShea said she had made a mess of her early adulthood but was now trying to put things right for her two children. She said she had not smoked cannabis for three-and-a-half weeks and was going back to college to study social science.

The court heard OShea had 20 previous convictions including two for possession of drugs, one for cultivation and one for drug driving.

Judge Carroll said a prison sentence could only be imposed on a fourth conviction for possession and as this was OSheas third conviction she imposed a fine of 400. The judge said: Whats much more serious than the offence is the way it was defended.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Fionn Ottos nightmare might have ended very differently were it not for the team who rescued him as he lay trapped in a ravine for seven hours following a horrific fall.

Yet, rather than focus on the trauma of that night, the 19-year-olds family are opting instead to relive its happy ending by paying tribute to the Dingle Coast and Cliff Rescue (DCCR) team who formed part of the mission to save Fionn in November of last year.

Less than a year on from the ordeal, the family, who hail from Glasheen in Cork, are all finding ways to demonstrate their gratitude to the team.

Fionns grandmother Mary Morrissey recently raised a total of 3800 for the DCCR with a book about her life titled The Wanderers Way.

In the meantime his brother Roan, who was with Fionn at the time of the accident, is preparing to participate in a full Ironman in Cozumel, Mexico, next month to mark his 18th birthday.

His hope is to generate a further 10,000 for the same cause. It follows a year of mixed emotions for the family, particularly Fionn who faced a six-month long recovery.

The Dingle Coast Guard and Rescue R115 were dispatched to the scene near Pedlars Lake on November 16, 2024, after being alerted to the dangerous situation in which Fionn found himself.

However, it had to abandon the mission for a period due to what was described at the time as a low cloud base. The helicopter returned later at 9.40pm.

Fionn was eventually rescued and transported to Kerry University Hospital at around 10.50pm. Dingle Coast and Cliff Rescue, who the family raised funds for, assisted with the operation which was one of the most complex missions the volunteers had ever seen.

The teenager had to undergo six-hour emergency surgery after being winched more than 200 metres to safety on a stretcher.

Day of the fall

He recalls how he had been hiking with his brother Roan and their friend Oran Dennehy when he fell while on a path through An Chonair located on Corca Dhuibhne.

We had just been surfing and were driving back. I can just remember spotting this mountain and saying "this looks climbable".

"We stopped the car and I got out. I went up the mountain but not the designated way. Looking back it was a stupid idea. I stepped on what I thought was grass but it had rock underneath.

"I slipped down this mountain, onto this rock ledge. There was a 30-metre drop so I was fairly lucky that I landed there. As soon as I landed I heard my bones break and I was screaming for like a minute.

"I realised, however, that nobody was nearby. I was just looking down at my break. When I lifted my leg up it just flopped down because the two bones were completely broken.

"I must have been lying there for an hour when my brother came and found me. He was trying to ring emergency services but dropped the phone so it cracked and broke.

"Oran had very little battery left but miraculously we managed to make the call to emergency services."

He said it was strange  and he is not sure if it was the shock of what he was going through  but it didnt occur to him the danger that he was in.

"All I could think about was chicken wings. Understandably, thats where my mind went because I was so hungry.

The enormity of what happened only hit me after the operation when I was told that I would be out of action for between six and nine months.

"The experience has definitely grounded me. I used to not think about these things as much. Im still wild, but at the same time Im more grounded. You wont be finding me climbing up a mountain by myself again.

Roan, who was just 16 when the accident happened, reflected on their experiences. I could hear Fionns voice crack as he cried out in desperation so I knew he wasnt messing," he said.

"I kept thinking that I would have to watch him fall to his death. It was quite tough. Even while waiting for him I was wondering if he was still sliding off the cliff. The uncertainty of it was torture."

He said when he realised his older brother was okay, it was a huge relief.

"I could never have imagined something like this ever happening to us but it did," he said. "I couldnt believe that we were the ones this was happening to. The months after really matured me.

Fionn and I have always been super close but this has made me so much more grateful for him. We are the best of friends and I really dont know what I would do without him.

Their mum Jo recalled how Fionn had to undergo surgery to avoid losing his leg to compartment syndrome, a condition that results in the restriction of blood flow and tissue function.

With the compartment syndrome, the muscles start expanding so when he got to the hospital they had to make these footlong incisions on either side of a shin to allow the muscles to be released, Jo recalled.

Their grandmother  Jos mum  Mary Morrissey said she thanks her lucky stars that Fionn survived the ordeal.

Mary Morrissey with her grandson, Fionn. 'We are two of a kind, as they say in poker,' says Mary. Picture: Jim Coughlan

We are two of a kind, as they say in poker, she said of herself and Fionn. But that goes for me and all my grandchildren. I have eight grandchildren and they are all very special to me.

Mary said she remains forever grateful to the team who helped Fionn on the night of his accident. She also believes that faith played a part in his triumph over adversity.

I have very strong faith, she told the Irish Examiner. Its not just God who is looking out for us. The people who came before us are taking care of us too. Prayer is very important too.
The US State Department says it has credible reports that Hamas could violate the ceasefire with an attack on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

If the attack takes place, it would constitute a direct and grave violation of the agreement forged by Donald Trump to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas, the statement said.
Protesters spanning all age groups took to the streets en masse for "No Kings" rallies across the United States on Saturday, denouncing what they view as authoritarian tendencies and unbridled corruption of US President Donald Trump.

Organisers expected millions of people to turn out by day's end at more than 2,600 planned rallies in major cities, small towns and suburbs, challenging a Trump-led agenda that has reshaped the government and upended democratic norms with unprecedented speed since he took office in January.

By all accounts, the demonstrations were largely festive, often featuring inflatable characters and marchers dressed in costumes. The demographically mixed crowds included parents pushing youngsters in strollers alongside retirees and people with pets in tow.

Little, if any, lawlessness was reported.

Demonstrator rally on Pennsylvania Avenue during a No Kings protest in Washington, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Picture: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

DISILLUSIONED WITH TRUMP

There is nothing more American than saying, 'We dont have kings and exercising our right to peacefully protest, said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, a progressive organisation that led planning of Saturday's events.

Demonstrators filled Times Square in New York City, where police said they made "zero protest-related arrests" even as more than 100,000 people rallied peacefully across all five boroughs.

Events in Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago and Seattle also drew crowds that each appeared to encompass thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people.

On the West Coast, more than a dozen rallies occurred around the Los Angeles area, including the primary site downtown. In Seattle, demonstrators filled a parade route that stretched for more than a mile from downtown through the Seattle Centre plaza around the city's landmark Space Needle. More than 25,000 protested peacefully in San Diego, police said.

Protester dressed as the Statue of Liberty holds a "No Kings" sign during a "No Kings" protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in New York. (Picture: AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

The protests reflected growing unease among many Americans, mainly on the ideological left, with developments such as the criminal prosecution of Mr Trump's perceived political enemies, his militarised immigration crackdown and the sending of National Guard troops into US cities  a move Mr Trump has said was aimed at fighting crime and protecting immigration agents.

As his administration has tried to rapidly implement its policies, Mr Trump has installed inexperienced loyalists throughout the ranks of his administration and sought to apply pressure on the news media, law firms and universities.

Saturday's rallies were boisterous but orderly, with police largely keeping a low profile.

Demonstrators filled a street in Washington, D.C., to march toward the US Capitol, chanting and carrying signs, US flags and balloons, as a carnival-like atmosphere prevailed.

People gather during a "No Kings" protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago. Picture: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Aliston Elliot, wearing a Statue of Liberty headpiece and holding a "No Wannabe Dictators" sign, said: "We want to show our support for democracy and fighting for what is right. I'm against the overreach of power."

In downtown Houston, US Marine Corps veteran Daniel Aboyte Gamez, 30, joined a crowd that officials said numbered about 5,000 at city hall.

"I don't understand what's going on in this nation right now," said Mr Gamez, who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

'FORMER REPUBLICAN'

Kevin Brice, 70, a military veteran among thousands of protesters streaming into the riverfront of Portland, Oregon, wore a black sweatshirt emblazoned with the slogan "No Kings since 1776" - referring to the year of the Declaration of Independence.

Everything that I thought that I stood for while I was serving in the military seems to be at risk," Brice said. "So even though Im a lifelong Republican, I dont support the direction the party is going. Steve Klopp, 74, a Houston-based oil industry retiree, expressed similar sentiments as he wore a shirt printed with the words "Former Republican."

"I've been a Republican forever," Mr Klopp said. "My family's been Republican forever and ever. And the idea that one individual could have turned me away from the Republican Party is insane."

People gather during a "No Kings" protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago. Picture: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Kelly Kinsella, 38, standing among several thousand people outside the Colorado statehouse in Denver, was dressed as Lady Liberty with bloody tears dripping down her face.

Everyone comes to work stressed, and it's because of the current conditions," said Ms Kinsella, who said she was motivated to turn out largely because of renewed inflation that she blamed on Mr Trump's tariff policies.

Mr Trump has said little about Saturdays protests. But in an interview with Fox Business aired on Friday, he said that theyre referring to me as a king - Im not a king. While the Democratic Party has coped with internal divisions since Mr Trump won re-election last year, party establishment figures such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and progressive firebrands like US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez both voiced support for the "No Kings" movement.

Saturday's protests were aimed at building on the momentum gained from more than 2,000 "No Kings" protests that were staged on June 14, coinciding with Mr Trump's 79th birthday and a rare military parade in Washington.

Demonstrators rally on Pennsylvania Avenue during a No Kings protest in Washington, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Picture: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

HOUSE SPEAKER CALLS PROTESTS ANTI-AMERICAN

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, on Friday echoed a common refrain among his party, labelling the "No Kings" protests "the hate America rally."

Other Republicans have accused protest organisers of stoking an atmosphere that they said might spur political violence, especially in the wake of the September assassination of right-wing activist and Mr Trump's ally, Charlie Kirk.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking on Saturday to a gathering of Marines at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, made no mention of the protests. But he criticised Democrats over the government shutdown that began early this month in a partisan standoff over federal appropriations.

Dana Fisher, an American University professor in Washington and author of several books on political activism, predicted that Saturday could see one of the largest protest turnouts in modern US history.

She expected that over 3 million people would take part based on registrations and participation in the June events. Overall turnout for the June 14 rallies was estimated at 4 million to 6 million, according to a crowd-sourcing analysis published by prominent data journalist G. Elliott Morris.


Pope Leo will finally canonise Venezuelas beloved doctor of the poor on Sunday, offering the Caribbean nation its first saint and a reason to celebrate amid its years-long economic crisis and new tensions with the United States.

Jose Gregorio Hernandez, revered by millions for his dedication to poor people, will be canonised alongside Mother Carmen Rendiles Martinez, the founder of a Venezuelan religious order, at a Mass in St Peters Square.

Thousands of Venezuelans are expected to attend, and thousands more who could not travel to Rome were marking the occasion in Caracas, where the Vatican service was being livestreamed early on Sunday morning at a city centre plaza.

The Mass will also give Papua New Guinea its first saint: Peter To Rot, a layman killed in prison in 1945 for standing up for monogamous marriage at a time when polygamy was practiced.

Pope Leo was canonising Jose Gregorio Hernandez at a Mass in St Peters Square (Andrew Medichini/AP)

In all, seven people will be canonised in a ceremony that Pope Francis put in motion in some of his final acts as pope.

In fact, Francis approved Dr Hernandezs canonisation from his hospital room on February 24, agreeing to bypass the Vaticans typical miracle confirmation process and pronounce him a saint based on the widespread veneration of the doctor-saint among the faithful, the Vatican said.

Dr Hernandez is beloved among Venezuelans, with his face plastered on street art around Caracas, in portraits in hospitals and in photos on individual home altars.

As a doctor in Caracas during the late 1800s and early 1900s, he refused to take money from poor people for his services and often gave them money for medicine, earning the nickname doctor of the poor.

He was killed in 1919 while crossing a street shortly after picking up some medicine at a pharmacy to bring to a poor elderly woman.

For (Venezuelans), this is indeed a national event of the highest order. Certainly, the canonisation of Jose Gregorio is desired by all the Venezuelan people, and has been waited for by all the people

He became a religious icon after his death, and when Pope John Paul II visited Venezuela in February 1996, he received a petition signed by five million people  almost one in four Venezuelans  asking that he declare Dr Hernandez a saint.

For them, this is indeed a national event of the highest order, Silvia Correale, who spearheaded his sainthood case, said.

Certainly, the canonisation of Jose Gregorio is desired by all the Venezuelan people, and has been waited for by all the people.

The canonisation is a long-awaited celebration and a boost for Venezuela, just weeks after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize. It comes as tensions mount with the US over Washingtons use of military force against suspected drug cartels.

In the past week, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing the execution of land operations in the South American country.

The canonisation of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, second left, and Maria Carmen Rendiles, centre, was being livestreamed in Caracas (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

Venezuelas economy has been in crisis for the past decade, spurring the emigration of millions of Venezuelans, first to other South American nations and then, in more recent years, to the US.

The countrys economic disaster has been compounded by US sanctions.

The government of President Nicolas Maduro  sworn in last year despite credible evidence he lost re-election  has been forced to cut subsidies, making many daily necessities unaffordable to the 80% of residents estimated to live in poverty.

Also being canonised on Sunday are Archbishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, an Armenian Catholic who was killed for refusing to renounce his faith during what the Vatican has said was the Ottoman-era genocide of Armenians; Sister Vincenza Maria Poloni, a 19th century founder of a religious order; Maria Troncatti, an Italian missionary in Ecuador, and Bartolo Longo, who like Dr Hernandez, will be canonised based on widespread veneration among the faithful, rather than a purported miraculous healing.
China has accused the US national security agency of carrying out cyber attacks on its national time centre following an investigation, saying any damage to related facilities could have disrupted network communications, financial systems and power supply.

The ministry of state security alleged in a WeChat post that the US agency had exploited vulnerabilities in the messaging services of a foreign mobile phone brand to steal sensitive information from devices of the National Time Service Centres staff in 2022. It did not specify the brand.
The Israeli military has launched an attack on Gaza, as Israel continued to trade blame with Palestinian militant group Hamas over violations of the US-brokered ceasefire aiming to end the war in the enclave, Israeli media reported on Sunday.

There was no immediate comment from the military or Hamas on the reported attack.
Key Points

Zepp Health transitioned away from partner Xiaomi to focus on its Amazfit brand of wearable technology.

It just reported its first overall revenue growth since 2021.

10 stocks we like better than Zepp Health 

After several years of losses, Zepp Health Corporation (NYSE: ZEPP) took off in 2025. The manufacturer of smart wearable technology is up over 1,900% on the year, as of Oct. 16, and most of that growth came during the last three months. That's much better than Apple, the leader in wearable devices, which has lost about 1%.

What turned around Zepp Health's performance? One strategic shift has made all the difference.

Image source: Getty Images.

Building its own Amazfit brand is driving growth

Zepp Health began as Huami, a spinoff from Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi. Huami sold Xiaomi-branded wearables through a licensing agreement, making it highly reliant on that company.

In 2021, Huami rebranded to Zepp Health and started transitioning away from the Xiaomi brand. It focused on developing its existing Amazfit line of smartwatches and fitness trackers. This was a risky move, and until recently, Zepp Health's share price and revenue were consistently trending downward.

Now, however, it's looking like a smart decision. Zepp Health reported revenue of $59 million in the second quarter of 2025, a 46% year-over-year increase and its first overall revenue growth since 2021. Crucially, it also reported that the growth came entirely from Amazfit products.

In addition, Amazfit has been building a roster of elite athletes to serve as brand ambassadors. One of the latest big names is Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who joined Amazfit in July.

Zepp Health is still a risky company and not profitable yet. If you're just looking for a steady performer, Apple, despite lackluster recent returns, is the better way to go. But if you're looking for smaller tech companies, particularly wearables manufacturers, Zepp Health is one to watch and potentially add to your portfolio.

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Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at:

Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed)
By Gwyn McClelland, University of New England

(The Conversation)  At first, there might not seem to be any immediate similarities between a devastated Nagasaki after the US atomic bombing in 1945 and Gaza today, aside from massive destruction.

But in considering Gazas recovery from war  should the current ceasefire hold  much may be gleaned from Nagasakis experience and how it managed the painful process of starting over and rebuilding from virtually nothing.

Damage and destruction

The estimates of those killed from the atomic bombings in 1945 range widely from 70,000140,000 at Hiroshima and 40,00070,000 at Nagasaki.

In Gaza, the Palestinian health authorities say more than 67,000 Palestinians have died, with many more perhaps buried in the rubble.

In 1945, the US Army dropped an atomic bomb close to the centre of Hiroshima. But in Nagasakis case three days later, the plutonium bomb fell a few kilometres to the north of the city in a suburb called Urakami.

The bombing destroyed an area that was socio-economically less well-off, which had an impact on Nagasakis recovery, compared with Hiroshima.

Many of those who lived there were minorities, including colonised Korean people, Catholics and outcasts known as buraku.

And just as in Gaza, much of the city infrastructure was decimated. An atomic archive estimates that in Nagasaki, around 61% of city structures were damaged in the bombing, compared with 67% in Hiroshima.

In Gaza, the United Nations Satellite Centre estimates 83% of structures have been damaged from Israeli bombing.



Attribution: Palestinian News & Information Agency (Wafa) in contract with APAimages, Via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Recovering bodies in a war zone

The aftermath of the bombing shows just how great the needs of the people were in Nagasaki. I conducted an oral history survey with bombing survivors between 2008 and 2016. Twelve of them  mostly children from Catholic families close to Ground Zero at the time of the bombing  detailed their experiences before and after.

After the bombing, many said the unburied dead was a confronting aspect, both physically and spiritually dangerous. One survivor, Mine Toru, told me:

The dead bodies were piled in carts used for rubbish collection and dumped out in an outer area.

Barrels were placed at intersections for the collection of ashes and bones. Meanwhile, the occupying US Army cleared Urakami with bulldozers.

In Swedish journalist Monica Braus book, a man named Uchida Tsukasa remembered those bulldozers driving over the bones of the dead in the same way as sand or soil. When someone tried to take a photo, a soldier pointed his gun and threatened to confiscate the pictures. Brau argued that US censorship grossly impaired the recovery in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The clean-up and retrieval of human remains took time. Some six months after the bombing, bones were still being pulled out of the river by a Buddhist Ladies Association.

This process is beginning in Gaza today, too. According to news reports, scores of bodies have already been pulled from the rubble since the ceasefire took hold. Estimates suggest there could be as many as 14,000 bodies in the rubble, many of which will never be recovered.

The political challenges of rebuilding

In rehabilitating Gaza, those overseeing the process will also need to ensure the civil liberties of the poor  children and women, in particular  are not infringed upon.

In Nagasaki, some bomb survivors were forced to live in caves that had previously been bomb shelters, including three of those I interviewed.

Fukahori Joji, who was 16 at the time of the bombing, lost his whole family, including three siblings and his mother. He told me that after the bombing, urban revitalisation and road-widening took over part of his familys land.

Nagasaki officials were alleged to have used the reconstruction to clean up an outcast community.



Nagasaki after it was bombed in 1945, San Diego Air and Space Museum. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons

A writer, Domon Minoru, explained how land was acquired compulsorily and cheaply by the council, forcing many residents out: the Urakami burakumin (outcasts) were neutralised.

Their landlords sold the land where they had lived and the Nagasaki Council even did away with the name, Urakami town.

As will likely be the case in Gaza, the people of Nagasaki also had to rebuild under an occupation.

US historian Chad Diehls powerful book about the rebuilding highlighted the disconnect between the American occupiers and Nagasaki residents.

The rebuilding took decades. Diehl explained there are two words for recovery often used in Nagasaki, saiken (reconstruction), which usually refers to the physical rebuilding, and fukko (revival), which refers to wellbeing  psychological, social and physical.

The wellbeing recovery will surely take even longer than the rebuilding of the physical infrastructure in Gaza.

Hope among the rubble

Another important aspect in recovery from war: the people need to have agency over the process. They shouldnt just be thought of as survivors of a tragedy  they are integral to the revival of their communities.

Reiko Miyake, a teacher who was 20 at the time of the Nagasaki bombing, told me she returned to teaching at her elementary school a few months later. Only 100 of the 1,500 students at the school survived, and just 19 showed up on the first day.

As holders of memory, these people took on new roles of service for their communities. They were storytellers and rebuilders seeking hope in the face of unbearable loss and ongoing lament.

May such stories of the past encourage the difficult task of recovery in what is a bereft Gaza today.

Gwyn McClelland, Senior Lecturer, Japanese Studies, University of New England

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  In the 1820s Greece waged a successful war of independence against an authoritarian king, the Ottoman Emperor Mahmoud II. The American public, enthralled with this saga of a quest for liberty, idolized the revolutionaries, who were led for a few years by Demetrios Ypsilantis. They took his name for the name of their town, Ypsilanti. The people here therefore have a very long history of despising tyrants, and they demonstrated it again on Saturday.

Some 3,500 demonstrators came out for a march against Trump policies on No Kings Day, October 18 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, according to Lilly Kujawski. People chanted What does democracy look like? This is what democracy looks like! and Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go.

Ypsilanti is a majority white, predominantly Democratic town of about 20,000 residents in the southeast corner of the state, with several factories (including the Rawsonville Ford plant) and Eastern Michigan University, with its WEMU NPR jazz station.

As a blue collar town, it shows that the slight swing to Trump among working class families nationally did not happen everywhere. Trumps workers often dont have a high school degree or are evangelicals. In 2024, he lost majorities of blue-collar blacks, Latinos, and non-evangelical whites, according to Brookings. The roughly one quarter of the residents in the town who are of African-American heritage suffer from the openly racist discrimination of Trumps minions.

Trump policies favoring the rich fat cats and harming blue collar workers hurt Ypsilanti residents. His tariffs will raise the cost of the things they buy. His attack on their health care will put up their doctor and hospital costs. For those between jobs, the cuts to SNAP, medicaid and other benefits hurt.

Or by check:

Juan Cole

P. O. Box 4218,

Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548

USA

(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed)

When Demetrios Ypsilantis mounted his rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, among his goals were a rule of law and a constitutional order. The Ottoman Empire was an absolute monarchy that in the 1820s had no constitution, no legislature, and the judges in which were Muslim clerics appointed by and paid by the state, so that they had no independence of the sultan.

The French political philosopher Montesquieu (d. 1755) had laid out the problem in his Spirit of the Laws, which deeply influenced the American Founding Fathers. He wrote,

There would be an end of everything, were the same man or the same body, whether of the nobles or of the people, to exercise those three powers, that of enacting laws, that of executing the public resolutions, and of trying the causes of individuals. Most kingdoms in Europe enjoy a moderate government because the prince who is invested with the two first powers leaves the third to his subjects. In Turkey, where these three powers are united in the Sultans person, the subjects groan under the most dreadful oppression.

Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend to let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends.

Of course, Ottoman rule was more complex and nuanced than Montesquieu imagined. There were constraints on the sultans. Some were overthrown and killed by popular uprisings, for which reason Ottoman chroniclers did not seem to think the French Revolution was anything out of the ordinary. The Muslim clerics in the judiciary sometimes made a stand for Islamic ethics against the demands of the nobles. Then, too, Mahmoud II was a reformer who worked in his own way for a more rational bureaucracy.

Moreover, Ypsilantis was from the Phanariot family in Istanbul, who supplied administrators for the Ottoman state and conducted trade under Ottoman auspices. They were an elite, not men of the people. So the conflict was in some ways an intra-Ottoman struggle.

Still and all, Montesquieu was correct to say that the Ottomans did not have a division of powers, and that the sultan was an absolute monarch.

Today, Donald Trump is very like Montesquieus, and Ypsilantis sultan. The MAGA justices on the Supreme Court very seldom tell Trump no, even when he does and asserts things that are blatantly unconstitutional. The Republican-dominated Congress does whatever he instructs them. Trump routinely overrules the judiciary by his unprecedentedly wide use of the presidential pardon. His ICE myrmidons appear to have defied judges injunctions against arbitrary deportations. Trump has widely usurped the powers of the purse of the legislature, declining to spend appropriated funds as the Congress intended, or moving money from one purpose to another, arbitrary one, with no legislative mandate.

Ypsilantis knew what to do about this most dreadful oppression. So does Ypsilanti.

Here are some iPhone pictures I took of the rally. Ill let them speak to the MAGA troglodytes indictment of it as a coven of Communists and a hotbed of anti-American sentiment.
A Goldman Sachs trader, Mike Washington, broke down why he doesn't think AI stocks are a bubble.

He said the valuations of AI stocks are based on strong fundamentals, unlike during the dot-com bubble.

Washington also pointed to a steady flow of funds and an increasingly resilient consumer.

A Goldman Sachs trader has said he hears the word "bubble" now more than any other time in his career, as AI stocks drive huge gains. But he laid out three reasons he thinks this isn't one.

According to Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan, AI-related companies have contributed to 80% of the gains in the S&P 500 this year, bringing the stock index's total gains up nearly 13% since the start of 2025.

Nvidia, which became the first public firm to reach a market capitalization of $4 trillion in July, has surged 35% since the start of the year, with rivals Microsoft and Google's parent company, Alphabet, having jumped about 21% and 32%, respectively.

Mike Washington, an equities sales trader with Goldman's global banking and markets division, told the investment bank's "The Markets" podcast in an episode released Friday that he was hearing the word "bubble" more than at any other point in his 11-year career.

"Do I feel that there's froth in our system right now? Do I feel that a 5 to 8% pullback, something like that, probably makes sense at least in the interim? Do I feel that we're in a bubble with, you know, 30 to 40% market drawdown-type of moves?" Washington asked when host Chris Hussey raised the issue of whether we are in a bubble.

"I don't, and I think that for three reasons," Washington continued.

1. Valuation

It's easy to think that when a market rises, it's because stocks are being valued at irrational levels, but Washington said that's not what's happening.

"The biggest companies on the planet are growing at real numbers and contributing back to some of this price appreciation that we've seen," he said.

Washington cited Goldman research that said the two-year forward P/E ratio of the top seven stocks in the S&P 500 is 27. During the dot-com bubble, it was 52, he said.

2. A steady flow of funds

Washington said that Goldman Sachs expects households to buy about $520 billion in US stocks in 2026, up 19% from the previous year.

He added that in addition to domestic spending, there has been a "staggering amount" of foreign investment in US markets in 2025 because of the dollar's depreciation and exposure to AI stocks.






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - A daring man openly mocked Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over his outfit in front of a large crowd at Kasarani Stadium, during the public viewing of Raila Odingas body.

The unidentified man shouted, A whole minister amevaa tight! sending sections of the crowd into laughter as Murkomen rushed to consult with security officers after chaos ensued during the event.

Not done, the man added mockingly, Hawa Wakale nao kuvaa ni shida! drawing even more laughter from onlookers.

The bold taunt, captured on video, quickly made its way to social media, sparking mixed reactions among Kenyans.

Many netizens said the incident symbolized how much respect the public has lost for the current regime.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Panic has gripped residents of Kitengela after a lone lioness was spotted roaming the neighborhood for days, evading capture and leaving behind terrified families and mauled pets.

According to locals, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers have been camping in the area for over a week, trying to track down the big cat that appears to have mastered the art of hiding in plain sight.

Despite operating within a 500-meter radius, the lioness has become almost invisible, seen only through CCTV footage that captures its nightly escapades: scaling perimeter walls and attacking dogs before vanishing into the darkness.

Locals have been warned to stay indoors at night, as tension grows over the predators next move.

The mysterious lioness remains at large, and residents are now questioning KWS tracking methods as fear continues to grip the area.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Former U.S President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have issued a heartfelt tribute to the late Raila Odinga, following mounting pressure from Kenyans on social media who questioned Obamas silence after Odingas death on October 15th, 2025.

In the days following Railas passing, Kenyans flooded Obamas social media platforms, demanding a public acknowledgment.

One netizens wrote, Obamas lack of response has led many fans to question why he has not honoured his relative.

Another, Vee Aketch, posted in Luo and Swahili, urging Obama to recognize the national mourning: Dont you know RAILA has passed on? Wont you reach out your condolence or rather come join us in the mourning here at home?

Responding on Saturday, October 18th, the Obamas described Raila as a true champion of democracy.

Obama praised Odingas lifelong dedication to justice, noting, Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions.

The tribute was accompanied by a photo of the Obamas with Raila and Ida Odinga at a formal event, symbolizing their longstanding connection.

Obama concluded, Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.

Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19th, 2025.

Revealing details of his burial on Thursday, October 16th, Railas elder brother and Siaya Senator, Oburu Odinga, noted that the former PM will be laid to rest near his fathers mausoleum in Bondo.





The Kenyan DAILY POST




Kenya does not stop when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chooses silence, it listens even more closely. His absence from Babas farewell was not an act of defiance, weakness, or guilt. It was a deliberate show of statesmanship, emotional intelligence, and deep respect for a moment that was bigger than politics.

Gachagua is not just another politician. He is one of the most consequential leaders of our time, a man revered in the mountains and respected across the country, even by those who may not agree with him. He is a voice for ordinary Kenyans, a guardian of their hopes and aspirations, and a leader whose influence shapes the national conversation whether he is present or not.

It is precisely because of that stature that he chose not to attend the public farewell. Gachagua understands power and its weight. He knows that his presence alone would have changed the tone of the day, shifting the focus from Raila Odingas legacy to endless political interpretations and speculation about his every move. The day was not about politics, alliances, or rivalries. It was about Kenya coming together to honour a towering figure in our history.

By choosing to step back, Gachagua ensured that the spotlight remained where it truly belonged, on Babas journey, sacrifice, and contribution. That decision was not avoidance. It was maturity. It was the kind of quiet leadership that puts the nation before the individual, and the moment before the microphone.

And let it be clear, his absence was not indifference. It was reverence. Gachagua has known and worked with Raila Odinga for decades. Their political paths have crossed in moments of partnership and in moments of principled disagreement. When the right time comes, he will honour Raila, not before a sea of cameras, but in a deeply personal and respectful way, by laying a wreath at his resting place in Bondo. That is how true respect is shown, not by rushing for the podium, but by waiting for the right moment to bow with dignity.

The fact that the country spent more time discussing who was not at Nyayo Stadium than who was present is proof of the Deputy Presidents national significance. Gachagua does not need to stand on every stage to be at the centre of the story. His leadership speaks for itself, and even in silence, the nation feels his presence.

Leadership is not measured by how loudly one speaks or how often one appears. It is measured by understanding the weight of the moment and acting with wisdom. And in this defining national moment, Gachagua showed exactly that, not by being loud, but by being thoughtful, not by standing in the crowd, but by allowing the country to grieve without distraction.

Sometimes silence is not absence. Sometimes, it is leadership.

By Senator Karungo Wa Thangwa
San Francisco, California-based Visa Inc. (V) is a payment technology company that operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. Valued at a market cap of $614.7 billion, the company also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products, tap-to-pay, tokenization, and click-to-pay services. It is expected to announce its fiscal Q4 earnings for 2025 after the market closes on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Before this event, analysts expect this payment technology company to report a profit of $2.96 per share, up 9.2% from $2.71 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has a promising trajectory of consistently beating Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. Its earnings of $2.98 per share in the previous quarter outpaced the consensus estimates by 4.2%.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2025, analysts expect V to report a profit of $11.43 per share, representing a 13.7% increase from $10.05 per share in fiscal 2024. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 12.3% year-over-year to $12.84 in fiscal 2026.

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V has gained 17.7% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.8% uptick and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLF) 9.6% rise over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Visa reported better-than-expected Q3 performance on Jul. 29. The companys net revenue improved 14.3% year-over-year to $10.2 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by 3%. Moreover, its adjusted EPS of $2.98 advanced 23.1% from the year-ago quarter and came in 4.2% ahead of Wall Street estimates. However, despite this, its shares plunged marginally in the following trading session.

Wall Street analysts are highly optimistic about Vs stock, with an overall "Strong Buy" rating. Among 36 analysts covering the stock, 25 recommend "Strong Buy," four indicate "Moderate Buy, and seven suggest "Hold. The mean price target for V is $398.16, implying a 16.4% potential upside from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Neharika Jain did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Lengo Karissa, the man who made headlines in 2014 for striking Raila Odinga with a walking stick during a public event, has come forward with a heartfelt apology following the former Prime Ministers death.

Speaking on Friday, October 17th, Karissa expressed deep regret over the incident and revealed that he had long hoped to meet Raila in person to apologize - but never got the chance.

I know he is now deceased, but I still ask for forgiveness. Raila was a great leader who should be emulated.

Even to his family, they should not worry. They are also heroes, he said.

The incident occurred in Kwale County during a cultural event where Raila and then-Governor Salim Mvurya were dancing.

Karissa approached and struck them with a walking stick before being subdued by security.

He was later arrested and charged with causing disturbance and bodily harm, but released on a Ksh2,500 bond.

The case was eventually dropped after Raila personally forgave him, a gesture Karissa says he will never forget.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - The rural home of Rangwe Member of Parliament, Lilian Gogo, has been reduced to ashes after a mysterious fire broke out on Saturday morning in Kotieno Village, Homa Bay County.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred while the MP and her family were away, sparking speculation that the blaze could have been the result of an arson attack.

Villagers who rushed to the scene tried in vain to extinguish the fire, which spread rapidly and engulfed the entire house.

Although no injuries were reported, property of unknown value was destroyed as the inferno consumed household items and furniture.

The area police have since launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire.

Videos and photos circulating online show the once-elegant bungalow completely destroyed - with its rooftop caved in, walls charred, and twisted iron sheets strewn across the compound.

The MP who belongs to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is currently serving her second term as a legislator following her reelection in 2022.

Speculation is rife that the fire may be linked to emerging political tensions within ODM following Raila Odingas death.






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Roots Party leader, George Wajackoyah, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Prime Minister and ODM leader, Raila Odinga, calling him a father figure and mentor.

Speaking during a visit to Railas ancestral home in Bondo on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, Wajackoyah said Railas passing had left him feeling orphaned.

I know we are all going to die. What Im telling the world is, we should know that our final destination is that.

So hes left me as an orphan. I was holding on to him. I was learning from him.

Everything that you see about me is from Raila and Railas father, Wajackoyah said.

Wajackoyah praised Railas legacy of integrity, honesty, and generosity, noting his ability to embrace even those who opposed him.

He loved his enemies. Those who abused him, he laughed with them, embraced them, and even appointed them, he added.

Calling for civility in politics, Wajackoyah urged his supporters to avoid insults and focus on collective solutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ive instructed those who believe in me not to abuse Ruto, Raila, or Gachagua.

We need to tell Kenyans what we can do for them - collectively.

His visit came amid nationwide mourning, as Railas body undergoes public viewing in Kisumu.

The burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, 2025, at his familys home in Bondo.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Kisumu Woman Representative, Ruth Odinga, has expressed sorrow over the treatment her late brother, Raila Odinga, received from some members of the younger generation before his death.

Speaking on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, Ruth said Raila died feeling unloved by Gen Zs, despite the wave of admiration now pouring in.

Raila died knowing that Gen Zs preferred him dead. Gen Zs are now pouring their love for him when he is dead.

He would have loved you people to have more love, she said, adding that the loss is not just personal but national.

Her remarks come amid renewed appreciation for Railas legacy.

However, tensions between Raila and Gen Z had flared during the June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill, when many young Kenyans accused him of betrayal.

After initially opposing the bill, Raila surprised supporters by joining forces with President William Ruto, whom Gen Z demonstrators overwhelmingly wanted out of office.

The move was seen by many as a political compromise that undermined the youth-led movement, sparking widespread criticism and disappointment online.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa has defended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas absence from the State funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17th, 2025.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Karungo dismissed speculation surrounding Gachaguas absence, describing it as a deliberate act of statesmanship.

Kenya does not stop when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chooses silence; it listens even more closely, he said.

Karungo emphasized that Gachaguas decision was not rooted in defiance or guilt, but in a desire to preserve the solemnity of the occasion.

His absence from Babas farewell was not defiance but maturity.

It was quiet leadership that puts the nation before the individual, he added.

While President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, and several dignitaries attended the ceremony, Gachaguas absence drew public attention.

Karungo argued that Gachaguas presence might have shifted focus from Railas legacy to political speculation.

The Senator clarified that Gachaguas absence was an act of respect, not indifference.

He has known and worked with Raila for decades.

When the time is right, he will honour him - not before cameras, but in a personal and respectful way, by laying a wreath at his resting place in Bondo.

Railas funeral drew thousands of mourners and leaders from across Africa.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Every Sunday afternoon, as the rest of Nairobi residents head to church or shopping malls, domestic workers converge in busaa dens tucked behind corrugated iron walls in Githurai.

In these dimly lit dens, laughter, chatter, and music fill the air as househelps unwind after a demanding week of work.

They dance, share stories, and sip the traditional brew, momentarily forgetting the pressures of their daily lives in their employers homes.

For many, this weekly ritual is more than just leisure; its a vital escape from the loneliness and exhaustion that comes with domestic work.

Despite frequent police raids, the Sunday gatherings continue to thrive, offering a sense of belonging and emotional release for Nairobis invisible workforce.

Watch the videos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Former Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria, has called for the renaming of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) to Raila Odinga Technical University.

In a statement released on Friday, October 17th, 2025, Kuria emphasized Railas deep ties to the institution, formerly known as Kenya Polytechnic, and its historical connection to the University of Nairobis engineering faculty, where Raila once taught.

Engineer Raila Odinga was not just a lecturer at UoNs School of Engineering.

He was an ardent believer in technical education since his days at Madelberg College in Germany, Kuria noted.

Kuria revealed that he had formally written to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to propose the renaming.

If I were CS, I would do it straight away, he declared.

This proposal follows previous efforts to honor Raila, including the 2021 renaming of Mbagathi Road to Raila Odinga Way.

While that move sparked mixed reactions online, many acknowledged Railas contributions to infrastructure and democracy.

Kurias latest call adds to the national conversation on how Kenya should immortalize its political icons, especially those who have shaped the countrys educational and democratic landscape.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Controversial Nakuru West MP, Samuel Arama, has once again lit up social media after a viral video captured him shirtless, sipping Johnnie Walker Black Label, while paying tribute to the late Raila Odinga.

In the clip, the outspoken legislator, known for his dramatic public stunts, appears completely relaxed as he raises his glass and toasts to the memory of the fallen opposition icon, hailing him as a true statesman and a great leader.

Arama said he plans to attend Railas burial in Bondo to pay his last respects to him.

The video has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some hailing him for his raw show of emotion, while others criticized the act as disrespectful and attention-seeking during a national mourning period.

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama enjoying Black Label without a shirt in memory of The Late Raila Odinga pic.twitter.com/7M4LxUlIie  Abdulahi Adan (@AbdulahiAdan10) October 18, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Homeowners' insurance has become extremely difficult to secure in the highest climate-risk states, such as California, Florida, and Texas.

And the problem continues to grow, as more than one-fourth of U.S. homes, or 26.1%, with a combined value of $12.7 trillion, are exposed to at least one type of severe or extreme climate risk, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, according to the latest Realtor.com 2025 Housing and Climate Risk Report.

While the Los Angeles wildfires and Texas flash floods are the climate disasters that most people immediately remember, the most at-risk metropolitan areas with the highest insurance costs are mostly in the South, based on premium-to-market value ratio, led by the No. 1 metro, Miami, and No. 2 metro, New Orleans.

Miami homeowners might soon get some welcome relief in the homeowners' insurance market as a new carrier enters Florida.

Stand offers insurance in Florida

Startup homeowners' insurance company Stand Insurance will expand its coverage of catastrophe-exposed properties to Florida, after its December 2024 launch of underwriting insurance for homes in wildfire-exposed California.

The San Francisco-based insurance company, which launched its first product for California homeowners on Dec. 16, 2024, has underwritten $1 billion in insured value in the Golden State since it opened for business, according to an Oct. 16 statement.

Stand uses A.I., physics, proactive mitigation

Stand has an innovative approach to providing homeowners' insurance as it combines physics, artificial intelligence, and proactive mitigation to insure homes that traditional carriers reject, according to its website.

A start-up insurance company is expanding its homeowners' insurance coverage into risky marketsShutterstock

New funds support Stand Insurance expansion

Stand closed a $35 million Series B funding round on Oct. 16, backed by Eclipse, Inspired Capital, Lowercarbon Capital, and Equal Ventures, according to the statement.

The latest funding will support Stand's expansion into Florida, which is one of the largest catastrophe markets in the U.S.

Florida has faced 94 separate billion-dollar disasters since 1980, with the last seven catastrophic events alone resulting in over $1 trillion in losses, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Florida's 94 separate $1 billion disasters 1980-2024

7 droughts

4 floods

5 freeze events

33 severe storms

36 tropical cyclones

4 wildfires

5 winter storms

The state averaged 2.1 events each year between 1980 and 2024, with an average in 2020-2024 of 6.8 events a year.

The company launched in December with the backing of the industry's top-tier reinsurers, an AM Best A- rating, and $30 million in funding from Inspired Capital, Lowercarbon, Equal Ventures, and Convective Capital.
This autumn is the first time I will be able to vote for the President of Ireland.

Growing up in Northern Ireland  despite being an Irish citizen and holding an Irish passport  I have never held the right to choose my Uachtaran na hEireann. It did not matter that my mother was from Wexford or how much time I spent in the South.

This is the first time I will have a say in electing the person who symbolises so much of what it means to be Irish, both at home and abroad.



Senator Patricia Stephenson

It is a privilege to finally have the right to vote, but even more than that it will also be an honour to nominate a candidate that I believe encapsulates the values that the presidency should hold, and Catherine Connolly is just that. Catherine Connolly represents the best of Irish public life.

READ: Surprise count centre choice for Carlow-Kilkenny ahead of Presidential Election 2025

She has spent her career in politics as a voice for those who are too often ignored or forgotten by the State. In her time as a TD and as Leas-Cheann Comhairle of the Dail, Catherine has shown a moral clarity and a principled independence that are all too rare in politics. She does not flinch from difficult truths.

Her advocacy for survivors of mother and baby homes has been tireless. Catherine stood in the Dail chamber and insisted that the State face up to its responsibility for one of the darkest chapters in our history.

She refused to let survivors testimonies be silenced or buried in bureaucracy. She demanded that their dignity and their truth be at the heart of our response. That kind of courage, the willingness to speak uncomfortable truths and to insist that we do better is exactly what we need in an Uachtaran na hEireann.

READ: 'PATIENCE HAS RUN OUT,' SAYS SENATOR PATRICIA STEPHENSON

Catherine has consistently stood with those most marginalised. Whether it is advocating for mental health reform, housing justice, or the rights of people with disabilities, she has been steadfast in her belief that everyone deserves equality and respect. Her work is not performative, it is grounded in compassion and persistence.

That same compassion has guided her advocacy for Palestine. Catherine Connolly has been steadfast and consistent in her advocacy on Palestine, calling for human rights and international law to be upheld. She has always demonstrated solidarity with people facing oppression. In a time when global politics can feel cynical, her moral voice has been unwavering.

READ MORE KILKENNY VIEWS AND OPINION HERE

The presidency is not just about cutting ribbons or delivering warm words. It is about embodying the values of the Irish people. It is about showing moral leadership and Catherine Connolly has spent her career doing just that.

This presidential election is an opportunity to choose someone who will not simply occupy the office but will elevate it. This is why I, alongside my colleagues in the Social Democrats, are nominating and supporting Catherine Connolly for President.

Catherine will be a President who brings empathy and integrity to Aras an Uachtarain, who listens deeply and who never forgets those on the margins.

As someone voting for the first time, my ballot will carry a special weight. It is a privilege I do not take lightly. I want to use it to endorse a vision of Ireland that is compassionate, inclusive, and courageous. For me, Catherine Connolly represents that vision.

*A Fine Gael representative has been invited to contribute a similar column relating to Heather Humphreys